Friday and Saturday standouts:
Alt Country-Americana
- Somebody New-Michaela Anne (Well-sung lyrics about the ripple effects of pursuing someone when it wasn't your plan.)
Canadian Indie
- Higher-Alejandra Ribera (Compelling energy, quiet vocals, and trumpet backing.)
Cocktail Lounge
- Champagne And Quail-Henry Mancini (Pleasant, lush orchestration and appropriate backing vocals; this is the classier side of easy listening.)
Everything '80s
- Watching The Wheels-John Lennon (When you've already enjoyed stratospheric fame, it makes sense that you'd want to step back and enjoy a quieter life. I've always liked these lyrics.)
Folk Roots
- Lord, Won't You Help Me?-Sara Watkins (Moving lyrics about seeking help from a higher power when your resolve is crumbling.)
Holiday Hits
- Werewolves Of London-Warren Zevon (This is the kind of swagger one needs to pull off a hit like this; the piano and vocals coalesce perfectly.)
Jazz Now
- Barbarie-Lo'Jo (A somewhat sinister-sounding waltz.)
- A Forest Bird-Grant Mackay (Family cats Sammy and Sylvia would have enthusiastically endorsed these birdcalls that mimic a flute.)
- Cast Adrift-Steve Hackett (A thoughtful piece with seemingly Baroque influences from the '70s Genesis guitarist.)
Retro R&B
- I Can't Get Next To You-The Temptations (Tunes about knowing you won't get to be with someone you seek are seldom catchier than this.)
Swinging Standards
- Who Can I Turn To?-Nancy Wilson (This could segue with multiple versions of "Good Morning Heartache.")
- Mali Cuba-Afrocubism (This could segue with David Sanborn's "Bang Bang.")
