Nine Friday morning highlights:
KHDX (Conway, AR)
- Caracasbaai-Cookin Soul (A laid-back neo-soul/orchestral piece; I wish I'd known about this instrumental interlude when it was released last year.)
KTWV (Los Angeles, CA)
- Shining Star-The Manhattans (I'm glad this 1980 hit still gets airplay today. Lyrically, it's a thoughtful without being overblown way of saying, "I'm glad we're together." Rhythmically, it's a comfortable midtempo groove. Also recommended: "Crazy.")
- And The Beat Goes On-The Whispers (I don't hear this 1980 hit on the radio as often as "Shining Star," most likely because its beat is firmly of its time. Its catchy rhythm would segue well with The S.O.S. Band's "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" or Bluey's "Life Between The Notes.")
WESM (Princess Anne, MD)
- Don't Get Around Much Anymore-Mose Allison (Smartly, Allison doesn't oversell the vocals on this Duke Ellington standard, giving them a casual ease.)
- Chelsea Bridge (Live)-Chicago Jazz Orchestra (A primer in how to blend a warm saxophone tone with an orchestra.)
WNRN (Charlottesville, VA)
- Tried And True-Alexa Rose (Sensitive singing and guitar playing make good lyrics about appreciating your significant other fully sink in.)
- Speak-Nickel Creek (All three vocalists--Sean Watkins, Sara Watkins, and Chris Thile--sing this with the perfect amount of sensitivity and commitment. Lyrically, this is a brave way of admitting that words might fail you with a potential significant other. The band's "This Side" CD is still one of my favorites by any group.)
WXPN-2 (Philadelphia, PA)
- Bad Luck-Neko Case (A smart way to acknowledge and then shrug off life's irritants.)
- Popcorn-Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet (Instrumental underscoring fit for a convoluted caper.)
