Sunday and Monday highlights:
KDHX 88.1 FM
- Rosewood-Bonobo (The intensity of the vocals and electronica backing convince me that the singer means it when she declares she won't leave someone.)
- The Sound-Foals (It's interesting that the vocals are submerged under a prominent beat; admittedly, it works.)
WSIE 88.7 FM
- I Can't Help It-Esperanza Spalding (While many listeners might be most familiar with Michael Jackson's version of this Stevie Wonder-Susaye Greene-penned tune, Spalding's version deserves its due. Her singing and bass playing give the tune as much conviction as I've heard in any version.)
- Help Me-Joni Mitchell (Some of the most honest, forthright lyrics from the perspective of someone who fears she's smitten. This hit also contains one of Mitchell's most appealing hooks. If you like the general feel of the tune, you'll probably also like "Free Man In Paris" and "In France They Kiss On Main Street.")
KWMU 90.7 FM
- Warm Blue Stream-Billy Taylor (Taylor plays piano here with the warmth and depth of Bill Evans.)
- Misty-Wes Montgomery (A standard fit for Montgomery's ringing guitar tone and expanded melody.)
KSHE 94.7 FM
- Alive Again-Chicago (The immediately ear-catching guitar-and-horn opening draws me in every time. In 1978, the band was grappling with the immense loss of irreplaceable bandmate Terry Kath. This tune shows the band putting on a brave face, cranking up the energy level, and doing what it does best.)
- Fool's Overture-Supertramp (I reviewed this song, indirectly, yesterday.)
