Noteworthy tunes heard today:
1st Wave
- (Nothing But) Flowers-Talking Heads (A tongue-in-cheek way of conveying that people don't appreciate nature as much as they should. This song's video is still the only one I've seen that conveys ecological facts without being ham-handed.)
'50s On 5
- My Foolish Heart-The Excels (Classy vocal harmony on this much-covered standard. "Earth Angel" by The Penguins flows well after this.)
- I'm A Fool To Care-Les Paul & Mary Ford (Ford's smooth, self-assured vocals complement Paul's ringing guitar. Norah Jones would sound great covering this.)
'60s On 6
- Blessed Is The Rain-Brooklyn Bridge (The DJ was correct in wondering why this wasn't a hit. This is from 1969, but these confident vocals have a partial '50s throwback feel.)
The Coffee House
- Fire For You (Exclusive)-Cannons (The spacey gloss suits the vocals well. "Domino" by Nicole Atkins would sound right after this.)
The Coffee House Discovery
- Happy Anniversary, Stranger-Matilda Mann (This is how to admire someone from afar--respectfully with a no-pressure attitude of, "Hey, maybe we should get to know each other, if you want." These are some of the catchier vocals I've heard recently.)
Luna
- Anabis-Chucho Valdes (A great fast showcase for piano and percussion.)
Real Jazz
- Harbor No Illusions-Peter Bernstein (An accessible romp for guitar, piano, bass, and drums.)
- Let's Call This-Thelonious Monk Quartet +2 (An engaging dialogue between piano and horns.)
- The Fishin' Pond-Onaje Allan Gumbs (I never imagined the theme from "The Andy Griffith Show" as a cookin' piano melody or springboard for a jazz combo's improvisation, but this incarnation soars.)
SiriusXMU
- Pristine-Snail Mail (The lyrics and feel of this indie rock track could segue into Real Estate's "Darling." If I'd been at KCOU when this was released, I would have played it.)
Soul Town
- Not On The Outside-The Moments (The feeling of loneliness in the vocals reminds me of Billy Stewart's "Sitting In The Park.")
Spa
- To The Sky-Todd Mosby (A guitar melody with vocal punctuation that suggests hopefulness.)
Underground Garage
- Chance To Get Away-Dwight Twilley Band (Considering its tuneful vocal harmony and guitar, I'm surprised this wasn't a hit upon being released in 1977.)
- Nobody Knows-The Raspberries (Impressive Beatles-influenced vocals, especially in the chorus.)
