I've heard a compelling mix of serious and sunny tunes this morning. Among the highlights:
KRVB (Boise, ID)
- Harshest Critic-Allison Ponthier (Sincerely sung, honest lyrics about the bravery of baring your soul as a musician; this is one of 2021's more endearing songs.)
KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)
- Star Eyes-Frank Wess (It's no wonder there have been so many covers of this engaging uptempo tune. Charlie Parker's version is still my default one, but Wess shines on flute here, and the combo maintains the melody's bounce commendably.)
- Three And One-Toots Thielemans (Another appealing bouncy, uptempo melody, thanks to Thielemans on harmonica and his rhythm section.)
WCVU (Solana, FL)
- Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again-The Fortunes (Despite its downcast lyrics, this oldie feels like a pick-me-up.)
- It's Just A Matter Of Time-Brook Benton (Lyrically and rhythmically, this smooth ballad would segue well with Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home To Me.")
- Hurting Each Other-The Carpenters (The Carpenters were adept at crafting hits that hold up. Karen Carpenter's vocal intro on this tune is one of her most captivating ones, and she sings each lyric and the chorus with equally effective heart and gravity.)
WERS (Boston, MA)
- "Fraggle Rock" Theme-The Muppets (It's difficult not to feel better about life after hearing this carefree theme.)
- Dream A Little Dream Of Me-The Cat's Pajamas (Throwback vocals, whistling, and instrumental accompaniment; this version of the 1931 tune was released in 2005 but sounds much older. I used to play the Mama Cass version of the tune on WEW; if this rendition had existed in 1996, I would have played it, as well.)
