Online radio sampler highlights CLXII

Seven of the better songs I've heard this morning:

KNMO (Nevada, MO)

• A Little Past Little Rock-Lee Ann Womack (This is a lyrically sound way of saying that you can leave a town, but casting aside memories of someone who wronged you is more difficult.  I'd be curious to hear Kacey Musgraves cover this.)

KSLV (Monte Vista, CO)

• Treat Me Right-Pat Benatar (This tune doesn't get a ton of airplay these days, so it was good to hear Benatar's resolved, empowering vocals again.  If I were programming a hits-of-the-'80s station, I'd play Blondie's "Call Me" after this.  The tunes' rhythms are so compatible that if you segue them smoothly enough, it could be difficult for a passive listener to tell when one song ends and the other begins.)
• In The Air Tonight-Phil Collins (The vocals and drum part remain no less haunting all these decades later.  Alas, per the announcement Collins made recently in London, Genesis has played its last concert.  Kudos to all Genesis members for over 50 years of strong, enduring group and solo work.)

WRSI (Turners Falls, MA)

• Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)-Otis Redding (A cool, recurring call-and-response between Redding's vocals and the trumpet and saxophone.)
• Once Twice Melody-Beach House (It's easy to get pulled into this tune's spacey vibe.)

WRUS (Russellville, KY)

• Don't Get Around Much Anymore-Willie Nelson (Nelson's voice suits this Duke Ellington standard well.  Coincidentally, I'd been thinking recently how much I enjoyed playing this piece on the bass during high school jazz ensemble rehearsals 35 years ago.  It's good to hear how well the tune adapts to multiple genres.)
• Never Had It So Good-Mary Chapin Carpenter (Rhythmically, "Between Friends" by The Nields would sound good before this.  Chapin Carpenter shows an easy knack, as usual, on this track for blending rock, country, and folk influences.)
  

The allure of shuffle mode IX

Although they don't dovetail lyrically, I never realized until today how well the Looking Glass oldie, "Brandy," flows rhythmically into "My Back Pages" by The Byrds.

Thanks to iTunes shuffle mode for pairing two songs from my collection that I wouldn't have thought to segue.

Context? CLXI

A radio talk show host said last week, "So, I was at (the gas station), filling up my car.  Then, after my heart stopped..."

Considering the ever-increasing price of gas, I'm sure that's a common reaction.  Fortunately, it's not a literal one.

Persistent earworm alert CCLVIII

I've never gone fishing, so I have no strong opinion about it.  I've never clamored to sit on a dock and cast a line.  I understand, however, how the patience it requires gives one a chance to slow down and think.

Perhaps that's the vibe Chris Rea meant to convey in his underplayed tune, "Gone Fishing."  The subject of his song admits freely that he knows nothing about fishing.  That doesn't stop him, however.

I'm not certain what sparked my memory of the song today, but it's probably a subconscious wish to escape from a barrage of negative news coverage.  I doubt I'll ever go fishing, but I can always appreciate "Gone Fishing" as a catalyst for stopping to breathe.

Persistent earworm alert CCLVII

I'm surprised it has taken 2,765 days for this oldie to elicit a mention on my blog.  John Fred & His Playboy Band's "Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)" is almost impossible to forget after you hear it.  Its foot-stomping quality is nearly involuntary.  Rhythmically, it must be as gratifying to play trumpet on this as it would be on Maxine Nightingale's "Right Back Where We Started From."  The lyrics, in my view, are appropriately goofy for the energy level Fred and company establish.  I hear why this oldie sounded fresh and fun to listeners in late 1967 and early '68. No wonder the tune has been on a recurring mind loop for me these last three days.

I don't remember which optician's ad sparked my memory of the song, but I doubt the tune will leave my mind soon.

FM dial scan highlights CLXXXV

Friday and Saturday highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Please Don't Ruin This For Me (Audiotree Live version)-Tennis (This sincere voice-and-guitars rendition is the best way to hear this tune.  Except for the vocal octave leaps into a higher register, it could pass for a Cowboy Junkies song.)
• Steamboat-Adrianne Lenker (Endearingly honest lyrics about becoming ever so slowly more independent.  Vocally, Lenker reminds me of Jesca Hoop.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Maze-Carolbeth True (True should be better known outside of St. Louis.  Her piano-anchored jazz is consistently strong and welcoming.)
• Boogielastic-Joshua Redman (While the saxophone carries the melody, the keyboard underpinning is the most appealing rhythmic glue in this tune.) 

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• Johann Strauss: Scherz-Polka (Joke Polka), Op. 72 (The Gaudier Ensemble) (Predictably light, mirthful, and suitable merry-go-round accompaniment at a carnival.)
  

Context? CLX

This morning, an AM radio talk show host introduced a reporter as "the Pied Piper of pessimistic perspective."  

I'm not sure how I'd react if someone introduced me that way.  I think I'd own it, though, and welcome it--probably.

Only in college XCV

If you listen to a noncommercial college radio station long enough, you'll hear a break between songs similar to one I heard tonight.  A DJ said, "(So-and-so) and The Birthday Party will perform at...Oh, it's actually (So-and-so's) birthday party, so that's exciting...Let's see...What are we doing next?  Meat Puppets?"  After a bit of giggling, off-mic conferring with another DJ, and what sounded like a stack of CDs being knocked over, the DJ confirmed that she'd be playing a Meat Puppets track after a track by another band and said, "Thank you for listening."

When I was in college radio, it was in a different era and a different city.  It's nice to be reminded, however, that three decades later, the unpolished nature of student-run radio remains the same.

Context? CLIX

It amused me to hear an AM radio talk show host say today that she'd "squared off with a goose."  You don't generally see, let alone imagine, a person and a goose act as though they're in a boxing ring, about to fight.

On one occasion, though, a goose squared off with me in a park.  I was just saying Hello to the goose and his family, but he took it as a threat and started hissing at me.  That's as far as things went, luckily, so we were able to avoid fisticuffs.

Online radio sampler highlights CLXI

Eight of the better tunes I've heard today:

KWNK (Reno, NV)

• Velvet-Tree Theater (A sensation of throbbing, conveyed via guitar in an interestingly chill way.)
• El Despertar-Los Darts (For the first 15 seconds, the piano intro made me think Carole King was about to start singing.  Then, the instrumentation and vocals made me think I was hearing a traditional bossa nova tune.  When the electric guitar made its presence known, I realized I was hearing an intriguing blend of rock and bossa nova.  This is about as cool as lounge music gets.)

WBFY (Belfast, ME)

• Black Orpheus-Dave Giegerich, Marcy Marxer & Ralph Gordon (This appealing guitar interpretation could segue with the Lawson Rollins tune, "Bossa Nova California.")
• Hard Times (Come Again No More)-Kate & Anna McGarrigle (Sincere, earnest vocalists convey Stephen Foster lyrics that are all too appropriate for too many people.)
• The Swift/The Swallow-Crowfoot (I thought of the Celtic band Solas as I listened to this impish yet sorrowful instrumental.)

WCCR (Williamsburg, KY)

• Dueling Banjos-Eric Weissberg & Steve Mandell (It's nice to hear that there's still an outlet for this fun, call-and-response hit from 1973.)

WFSK (Nashville, TN)

• Back To Your Heart-Lindsey Webster (A pleasant, easy groove paired with confident vocals.)
• Church Picnic-Ben Tankard (An inviting smooth jazz keyboard groove.  The marimba and celestial sound effects enhance this steady midtempo melody.)
  

Persistent earworm alert CCLVI

Sometimes, the most basic meaning of a song stays with you, and all of its nuance just floats away.  In the midst of considerable nasal congestion these last few days, Anna Nahlick's "Breathe" has been an all too applicable earworm for me.

"Oh, breathe...Just breathe," indeed.

Context? CLVIII

In honor of Spring's start today, a DJ mentioned two of the season's benefits--the flowering trees and blooming flowers--and the detriment of "people sneezing everywhere."

Today, I'm one of those sneezing people.  Luckily, those of us with allergies can still enjoy Spring's benefits--and take medicine for one of the season's few detriments.

Only in college XCIV

I always enjoyed going home and stepping away from studying during Spring Break each year.  Nevertheless, I felt a slight pang at the thought of anyone else doing my radio shows in my absence.  At least once, I'd think, "I have the show's underwriter copy memorized, and to double check, I can listen to air checks of previous shows.  Before I leave campus, I can write down the copy about upcoming concerts and events that I would read on-air. Maybe I could record my shows on tape using my home music library and reading the appropriate copy at the right times.  Then, as long as I air mail the tapes to the station far enough ahead of time, they could be played on the air during my regular time slot.  Of course, I'd have to call the station and make sure the tapes were received."

I suspect I wasn't the only DJ who entertained this idea.

Context? CLVII

A reminder from the '90s that noncommercial DJs don't always have to be prepared as commercial ones:

"After (the song I'm about to play), I just don't know yet what I'm going to put on.  I'm torn between a few things, so, uh, whatever it will be, it'll be a surprise."

I respected that DJ's honesty.  I knew she chose tasteful singer-songwriter tunes for her show, so I knew whatever she'd segue with the song she was about to play, it would be fairly good, at least--even if she chose it at the last second.

SiriusXM highlights CXXVIII

Laudable tunes heard this morning:

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

• Why Worry-Roberto Dalla Vecchia (This thoughtful guitar piece could segue with Fleetwood Mac's "Caught In The Rain" or Muriel Anderson's "It Never Gets Easier.")

The Coffee House 

• A Word Becomes A Sound-Kate Bollinger (This is one of the most appealing laid-back grooves I've heard in a while.  Early in the tune, I heard elements of Astrud Gilberto and Melody Gardot in the vocals.  Lyrically, this is a refreshingly honest way of of admitting that you have trouble living with--and without--someone.)

Real Jazz

• Blues In Hoss' Flat (Live)-Count Basie (A fun, brassy big band-style arrangement played for an appreciative audience.) 

SiriusXMU Discovery 

• The Dealer-Nilufer Yanya (A new, infectious rhythmic stew of vocals against a club backdrop.)

Soul Town

• Soul Twist-King Curtis and The Noble Knights (A cool, steady sax-and-organ-powered instrumental.  Any number of tunes with good walking bass lines would likely segue well with this.)

Spa

• The Water Is Wide-Tom Caufield (Most vocal renditions of this traditional tune are heartfelt; Mary Black and Niamh Parsons recorded especially strong versions.  Caufield shows how the tune also works in a resonant guitar interpretation.)

St. Paddy's Day Radio

• The Flight-Johnny Cunningham (A brisk, invigorating reel.)
• Banshee-Young Dubliners (This must be a satisfying rhythmic bash for a bassist or percussionist.  As eccentric as it sounds, ABBA's "Waterloo" could segue rhythmically with this.)
• Happy To Meet, Sorry To Part/Old Apples In Winter/Cherish The Ladies-Patrick Street (Sounds like Old Fezziwig's Christmas ball is starting...)
• Sleepy Maggie-Ashley MacIsaac (An interesting blend of vocals and fiddling against a beat that falls somewhere between rock and hip hop.  This reminds me of Natalie MacMaster's "In My Hands.")
• Granny Quinn's/The Lilac Reel/Sporting Pat-Solas (This energetic medley would sound smooth after Solas founder Seamus Egan's "Masons Apron/My Love Is In America.")

Watercolors

• Haute Sauce-Mindi Abair (The suspect's getting away!  Stop him (or her!)  At least, that's the scene this forthright sax-led tune conjures up.)
  

Sorrow and joy wrapped up in one

If you're feeling contemplative this St. Patrick's Day, you might enjoy "Mna na h Eireann," an instrumental by The Chieftains.  Initially sorrowful fiddling gives way to a more hopeful, ethereal-sounding blend of harp and tin whistle.  It's easy to imagine someone seeing Heaven for the first time with this accompaniment.

Only in college XCIII

I once saw an online college radio station schedule with a middle-of-the-night program listed as "Dead Air."  To this day, I still wonder if it was an ironically named music or talk show, a Grateful Dead tribute show, or actual dead air.

Given how independent college stations often operate, each of those possibilities struck me as equally plausible.

Positive perspective III

Initially, I was irked when I had to listen to a commercial before a radio station's stream would start.  I thought, "A thirty-second ad?  By the time the stream kicks in, the song they're playing might be over..."

I thought a little more.  "...And then, even if the song has ended," I reasoned, "I can still check the station's playlist to see what I missed.  There will also be a good chance I can hear the song on YouTube and buy it on iTunes if I like it enough.  Earlier in my life, none of this was possible."

Thirty seconds of advertising isn't too much to ask, after all.

FM dial scan highlights CLXXXIV

Five standout tunes heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Clohinne Winds-Niamh Parsons (Plaintive lyrics about someone who appears to be--but isn't--in reach.  If you prefer a more upbeat Parsons tune, I recommend "Play A Merry Jig.")
• Garden Valley-Cathie Ryan (Lyrically, these could be the sentiments of the many Ukrainian refugees who have had to leave their homes.  The lyrics cover what it feels like to be put in a dreadful situation through no fault of one's own while still having a glimmer of hope.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• Malibu-Benny Carter (This is a captivating late evening mood piece.  Milt Jackson's vibraphone playing sets the scene compellingly until Carter comes in on saxophone.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• W*O*L*D*-Harry Chapin (A sobering look at how the insecurity of the radio business wears a person down; the "WKRP In Cincinnati" theme lyrics encapsulated this outlook later in the '70s.  It was odd for me to realize that Chapin was only 31 when he had a hit with this.  To me, he sounds at least 20 years older.  That suits the song well, however.)
• Time Waits For No One-Ambrosia ((Lyrically, this reminds me somewhat of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis.)
  

The foot-biting default option XVI

The foot-biting antics of my cat, Collette, and her kittens have gotten out of hand.  Just now, they walked by me, singing to the tune of The Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together," "Feet!  Feet will cause us to bite you..."

Now, really...Having feet shouldn't make a person a cat-biting magnet.  Alas, I haven't been able to convince this unruly brood of tabby hooligans.

Online radio sampler highlights CLX

Eight recommended selections heard this morning:

KAFM (Grand Junction, CO)

• Just In Time-Blossom Dearie (Dearie's voice sells heartwarming sentiments against a solid backdrop of piano, bass, and drums.  I could imagine Erin Bode covering this tune.)

KBAQ (Phoenix, AZ)

• Claude Debussy: Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun (Cleveland Orchestra/Pierre Boulez, conductor) (The flutist satisfies the delicacy this piece requires, and the strings pull off the necessary lushness.)

KBLU (Logan, UT)

• What Is It You Long For?-Marching Band (This 2014 indie rock track is especially appealing when it accelerates.  It would be satisfying to play any of the instruments on this track, as each one socks the rhythm home.  Lyrically, the song conveys the considerate message, "You're fine as you are.")

KWNK (Reno, NV)

• The Flower Called Nowhere-Stereolab (I enjoyed hearing the spacey gloss on this 2019 tune that I remembered from playing this band on KCOU in 1992.  Whoever programmed this deserves bonus points for segueing it with a similarly sung station jingle.)

WGCS (Goshen, IN)

• Not Your Little Girl-Abby Bryant & The Echoes (Bryant's powerful, bluesy voice reminds me of Susan Tedeschi.)
• Staple It Together-Jack Johnson (A good pulsating rhythm; the bass part reminds me of the guitar arrangement on Chicago's "Happy 'Cause I'm Going Home.")

WNCU (Durham, NC)

• All Blues-Miles Davis (For jazz aficionados or even casual jazz fans, this is one of the most obvious recommendations. This is one of the most-played, recognizable trumpet melodies in jazz.  To hear it in a different light, check out Ron Carter's rendition; Carter carries the melody on the upright bass in an almost as captivating version.)

WQKI (Orangeburg, SC) 

• Back In Stride-Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (This is from 1985 but could easily pass for a late '70s tune.  Its rhythm would segue well with L.T.D.'s "Back In Love Again.")

Online radio sampler highlights CLIX

Six ear-catching tunes heard this morning:

KFSL (Fossil, OR)

• Tidal Wave-Ozark Mountain Daredevils (This 1974 track deserves more airplay.  "Jackie Blue" was the deservedly big hit from the "It'll Shine When It Shines" album, but "Tidal Wave" was overlooked.  Not every band could pull off the contrasting mid-range and lower-pitched vocals the song requires.  The guitar part also commands the listener's attention right away.)

KORJ (Butte Falls, OR)

• There Was A Time-Kathryn Kaye (An appealingly tender and graceful piano melody.)

KTRU (Houston, TX)

• Tylenol-Bridal Party (These laid-back indie rock/dream pop vocals and instrumentation hold up well to repeated listening.  Apparently, the lyrics are intended as a salve for life's pressures.)

WERA (Arlington, VA)

• Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong-Jane Weaver (Anthems of resolved determination don't always have to be sung at top volume.  If anything, the trance-like vocals here make the singer sound all the more resolved.)

WQSV (Staunton, VA)

• Bluesette-Pete Jolly (Rejoice, 3/4 time signature fans!  Enjoy this crack combo of piano, bass, and drums.  Rhythmically, Wes Montgomery's "Hello, Young Lovers" would sound perfect after this.)
• Unforgettable-Johnny Hartman (Hartman's elegant vocals convey this standard's lyrics movingly.  The orchestral intro made me realize how good multiple versions of "Since I Fell For You" would sound before this.)
  

The foot-biting default option XV

I got some insight into my cat's mindset tonight.  Just before biting my feet, she sang to the tune of Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney's "The Girl Is Mine," "Your feet are mine.  Your doggone feet are mine."

That's not actually correct, nor does it justify Collette's foot-biting.  At least now, however, I know the rationale behind it.

FM dial scan highlights CLXXXIII

Five of the better tunes I've heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• On The Other Side Of Paradise-The Neville Brothers (A persuasive case for escaping to a less hectic way of life.)
• Frog Hop-Earl Hooker (Impressive uptempo blues guitar that brings Albert Collins to mind.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Turn Me Up!-Claudia Hayden featuring Jacob Webb (A new, fast, easy-on-the ears smooth jazz flute melody.)
• Be Strong-Greg Manning (A pleasant, upbeat smooth jazz piano groove.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• I Do-Wild Rivers (A catchy, honest admission about missing--or at least thinking about--someone who's no longer in your life.)
  

The foot-biting default option XIV

Last night's thunderstorm rattled my cat, Collette.  For hours, she was too shaken to eat or even bite my feet.  This afternoon, however, she sauntered by and sang to the tune of Pat Shannon's "Back To Dreamin' Again," "Back to biting your feet, just the same as before..."

My toes bore the brunt of Collette returning to her usual ways.  Nevertheless, I'm glad she feels better.

Context? CLVI

One pitfall of listening to the radio during a thunderstorm: A radio station gets knocked off the air while someone is telling a story.

Tonight, I heard a DJ say, "He heard Al Green's 'Tired Of Being Alone' playing, and..."

...And then, static.  I'd be curious to know what inspired this musician about that Al Green song.  Presumably, it was a positive influence, or the DJ wouldn't have mentioned it.  It wouldn't surprise me, though, if Al Green's voice dissuaded any number of amateur singers from pursuing their dreams professionally.  I can imagine any number of people thinking, "I love to sing, but I'll never sound as smooth or as persuasive as Green."

An overlooked cover tune CXII

Even when it was a hit, I thought radio stations should have played Stevie Wonder's "Love Light In Flight" more often.  Its hook grabs the listener by the ears immediately and sustains its groove throughout the tune.

A cover version of it from last year also deserves more attention.  Carroll V. Dashiell, Jr.'s rendition features classy vocals, an infectious stew of saxophone, piano, and drums, and a strong underpinning of bass.  The integrity of the tune stays firmly intact while being just different enough to intrigue the listener.

Online radio sampler highlights CLVIII

Six noteworthy tunes heard this morning:

KKBB (Bakersfield, CA)

• Clock On The Wall-Double Vision (A fun 1984 R&B groove; the beat is catchy enough that it almost doesn't matter what's sung over it.)

KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)

• A Foggy Day-Art Tatum (With Tatum's deftness on piano and Buddy DeFranco's worthy-of-Benny-Goodman accompaniment on clarinet, this is an excellent take on a Gershwin melody.)

WHYR (Baton Rouge, LA)

• Instant People-Creole String Beans (Goofy--and seemingly fit for Halloween.  It's not much of a stretch to imagine The B-52s covering this.  Conceivably, it could segue with Bob McFadden & Dor's "Mummy.")

WUMB (Boston, MA)

• Shine A Different Way-Patty Griffin (To my ears, this is one of Griffin's most endearing tunes.  Lyrically, this shows an admirable resolve not to rush to judgment about others.)

WXMR (Marengo, IL)

• Here Comes My Baby-The Tremeloes (A strong hook propels this oldie, giving it an appropriate bounce.)
• Voulez Vous-ABBA (It's a testament to the tune's rhythm that even while half asleep, I started tapping my toes in time without realizing it immediately.)
  

The foot-biting default option XIII

I just hurried past a gauntlet of cats singing and dancing to the tune of Irene Cara's "Fame."  As I rushed by, I heard them sing, "We'll gnaw on your feet.  Feet!  We're gonna bite them forever..."

I must admit, lead tabby Collette and her kittens are in tune and in step.  Still, those lyrics don't bode well for me, and I'm getting tired of hiding in this room.  Eventually, I'll need to eat, and I'll have to brave an inevitable foot-biting session.  I could wear shoes, but that won't stop these audacious felines.

Maybe I should just accept my fate and offer to be Collette's business manager.

Persistent earworm alert CCLV

If you enjoy playing your instrument, why not shout about it while demonstrating your proficiency?  Victor Wooten does this effectively on "Me & My Bass Guitar."  The tune has been lodged firmly in my mind for two days, and that's fine with me.

Online radio sampler highlights CLVII

Five Tuesday afternoon standouts:

KGLT (Bozeman, MT)

• I Am The Cosmos-Chris Bell (Lyrically, this has always struck me as a strong combination of acknowledging one's heartache while also giving oneself a pep talk.  Jon Auer of The Posies sang Bell's part during the 1993 Big Star reunion concert in Columbia, Missouri, and I thought it was the highlight of the show...)
• Brief Candles-The Zombies (...and the Posies connection with power pop doesn't stop there.  The Posies wisely chose to cover this Zombies tune.  It's easy to hear why the original version, with its thoughtful, melodic blend of piano and vocals would attract attention.)

KMNO (Wailuku, HI)

• Bee Tee's Minor Plea-Booker Little (Resonant, commanding trumpet from Little with strong rhythmic backing.  Little would likely have had a long, successful jazz career if he hadn't passed away at the far too young age of 23.)
• La Javanaise-Nate Najar (A welcoming guitar piece, fit for an island on a warm, breezy day.  If I were compiling a playlist, I'd segue this with "Pu'olo Point" by Cindy Combs.)

WRUW (Cleveland, OH)

• I Was A Window-Sasami featuring Dustin Payseur (Good lyrics capture how it feels to be an outlet for someone's misguided ire.)