Standout tunes heard this morning:
The Blues
- Five Long Years-Bernard Allison (Appealing blues-rock guitar and vocals, with a seeming John Mellencamp influence in its recurring hook.)
Canadian Indie
- Beat The Heart-Tallies (The echo enhances the vocals compellingly. I hear a Cocteau Twins influence in this track. Film School's "Sunny Day" would sound good after this.)
- Parasite-Bibi Club (This track, released in August, is a bouncy breath of fresh indie pop air. This duo has a sunny, infectious "Seize the day" ethos in its vocals and instrumentation.)
Cool Jazz
- Walk Between The Raindrops-Mel Torme (Torme's voice gives the tune its requisite swing. I also recommend Donald Fagen's version strongly.)
Folk Roots
- I'm Alright-Kim Richey (A lyrically honest way of acknowledging that a breakup was justified. Also recommended: "I Know.")
- Losing Track Of Time-The Bombadils (Endearingly sensitive vocals and acoustic instrumentation. I'd be curious to hear Shawn Colvin, Sierra Hull, or Maura Kennedy sing this.)
- Wading Through-Terence Blanchard (Gripping intensity in the piano and strings. This is a deservedly acclaimed tribute to victims of Hurricane Katrina.)
The Spa
- I'm Gonna Be There-Bireli Snow (This tastefully played guitar piece could be a postscript to a waltz.)
- Hidden Beneath-Rikard From (Movingly played solemn piano. This could be a prelude to "Longing/Love" by George Winston.)
World Carnival
- Pide Piso-Bajofondo (This upbeat instrumental is part tango, part Aragorn Ballroom Orchestra, and part Talking Heads. Not just any ensemble can blend those ingredients this successfully.)
