Friday and Saturday highlights:
KAFM (Grand Junction, CO)
- I Can't Hold On-Karla Bonoff (Solidly written and sung lyrics about an inevitable breakup. I've listened to Bonoff's self-titled LP several times and have wondered why, given its consistency, it isn't more acclaimed. Also recommended: "Home" and "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me.")
- Beach Ball-Lemongrass (This is one of the catchier piano and guitar-anchored grooves I've heard. "Acapulco (Sunrise)" by The Explorers Club could be a prelude to this.)
KVMR (Nevada City, CA)
- Photographs And Memories-Jim Croce (Croce's sensitively written lyrics illustrate how important it is to preserve memories of those close to you. I thought of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bookends" as I listened to this.)
- Blessing-Maura O'Connell (A commanding vocals-and-guitar arrangement. I like how O'Connell sings this with the attitude, "Good luck...Really...You're going to need it.")
KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)
- Cookie-James Moody (The peppy big band feel of this reminds me somewhat of various Miles Davis tracks on the "Birth Of The Cool" album.)
- Swing 42-Cafe Accordion Orchestra (The guitar augments the accordion melody compellingly. Various versions of "C Jam Blues" could flow into this.)
WJCU (University Heights, OH)
- Paraiso-Los Reverb (A steady, midtempo surf guitar instrumental.)
WJRH (Easton, PA)
- A Groovy Intro-Flamingosis (This short, dramatic, R&B throwback-sounding track could be a prelude to "Break Up To Make Up" by The Stylistics.)
WQKI (Orangeburg, SC)
- As-Stevie Wonder (A "Songs In The Key Of Life" standout. Powerful lead and backing vocals, and a groove that holds up for a good, long while. I'm surprised it wasn't a bigger hit.)
