The allure of shuffle mode XIX

iTunes crafted an impressive segue from my music library Wednesday.  Pairing James Taylor's "Fire And Rain" with Crowded House's "Better Be Home Soon" made me realize how compatible the guitar parts are and how well each song dovetails with the other.  Lyrically, it's a smart pairing, as well.  "Fire And Rain" acknowledges the suicide of someone the protagonist wishes he cold have saved, while "Better Be Home Soon" acknowledges a connection with "the one" that the protagonist wants to preserve.  Both songs convey the messages, "I care," and "You matter."

That's a thoughtful, sensitive mindset to have on the cusp of a new year.

Savoring Christmas II

While grocery shopping last night, I was pleased to hear an orchestral version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" playing in the store.

"Good," I thought. "I'm glad to still hear evidence of the Christmas spirit.  This makes me want to shop here all the more."

Long live the lingering Christmas!

An exotic profession?

Earlier this month, I spoke with a friend who, like me, has been a DJ.  He said when people see that on his resume, they're usually intrigued, "more than they should be."

I knew what he meant.  I've gotten that reaction before, too.  One co-worker, upon hearing I'd been a DJ, exclaimed, "Very cool!"

I appreciated that reaction.  Most jobs don't involve communicating with an audience over the airwaves, so I suppose some people see the profession as somewhat exotic.  

To me, however, I was just sitting in a room talking and playing music.

Unexpected common ground

Last Thursday, I wrote about Lily the cat's reaction to a particular Christmas medley by The Osmonds.  Since then, I'd kept thinking, "What well-known song does 'Pine Cones And Holly Berries' remind me of?"  Then, it hit me--"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."  The subject matter in those sets of lyrics and level of gravitas is miles apart, but melodically, there's a similarity.

Just when you think two worlds couldn't be further apart...

A reimagined Christmas favorite

As much as I've always liked every version of "On Christmas Night All Christians Sing (Sussex Carol)" I've heard, I never imagined it the way Erin Bode and Lawson White perform it on their newly released EP, "How Long (Songs For Waiting.)"  Hearing Bode's voice accompanied by guitar gives the carol an appealing contemporary folk music troubadour vibe.  It's well worth hearing, even after Christmas.

Savoring Christmas

Thursday night, a radio talk show host shared his Christmas present-opening routine as a kid.  He said his siblings and he were like "a pack of wild hyenas" tearing through wrapping paper as quickly as possible.

After he got married, the host had to adjust to the gift-opening habits of his wife's family.  They had a more orderly routine, opening gifts one at a time.

I'm all for not rushing Christmas and savoring every positive moment of it, so I favor his wife's gift-opening approach.

Similarly, I still enjoy hearing Christmas music in the days after Christmas.  I'm pleased that WSIE is still playing all Christmas music through 4 p.m. today.  The station understands that a lot of us want to prolong the warmth and happiness that Christmas gives us--and music is a large part of that savoring.

FM dial scan highlights CCVI (Christmas edition II)

Merry Christmas!  Here are noteworthy Christmas selections I've heard this morning:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Do You Hear What I Hear?-The Persuasions (This is one of this group's best Christmas recordings.  The a cappella arrangement and baritone punctuation suit the tune well.  Also recommended: "Joy To The World.") 
• Poor Little Jesus-Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band (Captivating vocal harmonizing.)
• In Dulci Jubilo (Choir Of Clare College, Cambridge/John Rutter, conductor) (Powerful, resonant vocals.  Generally, I gravitate toward faster renditions, but this tempo is ideal for this arrangement.)
• What Child Is This?-Raison D'Etre (Appropriately solemn vocals. Kudos to "Lotsa A Cappella" host Marjie for packing such a strong assortment of carols and diverse genres into a one-hour program. )
  

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Winter Wonderland-Bobby Timmons (Cool jazz piano, a walking bass line, and percussion blend compellingly here.)
• I Saw Three Ships-Carolbeth True (I've heard many good versions of "I Saw Three Ships."  This is the first one I've heard that cooks and swings.  At times, I forgot I was listening to a Christmas carol; that isn't always a compliment, but in this case, it is.  True leads her combo on piano in this rendition that should be better known.)
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town-Dave Valentin (In my opinion, this is the best track on the first GRP Christmas compilation.  It's an energetic flute instrumental that kicks into an infectious mambo-flavored gear.)
• The Christmas Waltz-Doug Webb (An appealingly peppy saxophone-driven rendition.)
  

KEZK 102.5 FM

• What Christmas Means To Me-Stevie Wonder (Even if I'd never heard of Christmas, Wonder's energy level and list of some of the holiday's best attributes would make me want to celebrate.)
• Winter Wonderland-Jewel (Jewel's voice strikes the right balance of confidence and idealism the lyrics require.  Instrumentally, it's a compelling blend of soft rock, jazz, and country styles.  Also recommended: "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," which KDHX had the good taste to play this morning.)
  

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

• Shepherd's Pipe Carol (James Galway, flute) (The singers don't skimp on emoting here.  I wouldn't doubt their conviction to follow the piper to Bethlehem.)

Minimal Christmas music? Horrors!

A former co-worker once told me that she was largely indifferent to Christmas music and would only listen to it "for an hour or so on Christmas Eve."

I respect her opinion. I don't share it, though.  Since late November, I've listened to over 1,000 Christmas selections--and there are more carols to come, I'm sure.

Whether you prefer to hear a lot, a moderate amount, a little, or no Christmas music, I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays.

Online radio sampler highlights CLXXXIX (Christmas edition)

Festive Christmas selections heard Thursday:

KPTZ (Port Townsend, WA)

• White Christmas-The Waikikis (A Hawaiian-style instrumental, as the group's name suggests.  This is for fans of bent notes on the guitar.)
• Sleigh Ride-Squirrel Nut Zippers (Brassy and fit for a Mardi Gras parade.)

KWMU-3 (St. Louis, MO)

• Here We Come A-Wassailing (Clare College Singers And Orchestra/John Rutter, conductor) (Crisply enunciated vocals that crescendo effectively.  If you prefer another proper yet somewhat less stately rendition, I recommend The King's Singers.)
• Frosty The Snowman (Hampton String Quartet) (When this version ended, the announcer said, "You feel smarter already, I'll bet."  Why, yes...Hearing one of the holiday's lighter tunes played in the style of Mozart has that effect on many listeners, I imagine.  Also recommended: "Do You Hear What I Hear?")

WCRB Ultimate Holiday Classical Mix (Boston, MA)

• The First Noel (Arturo Delmoni & Friends) (Ringing, reverential violin, viola, and cello.  For excellent renderings of familiar and obscure carols, all three discs of Delmoni's "A String Quartet Christmas" should be heard in their entirety.)
• O Come, All Ye Faithful (Stephen Siktberg, guitar) (This is one of the most tasteful guitar arrangements of this carol I've heard.)

WDCB (Chicago, IL)

• Christmas Time Is Here-Monika Herzig (Vince Guaraldi's version is definitive, but Herzig's piano rendition is also pleasant and contemplative.)
• The First Noel-Cyrus Chestnut (A different tempo and interpretation of this carol.  Chestnut gives the carol a warm reading on the piano.  The unexpected minor chord in the chorus gives this version a unique flavor.)
  

WXPN (Philadelphia, PA)

• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town-Sy Mann (A fun romp for synthesizer.)
• Frosty The Snowman-Cocteau Twins (I had just listened to this less than 24 hours earlier, but I had no objection to hearing it again.  The instrumentation and Elizabeth Fraser's vocals give this an otherworldly feel.)

A murky verdict VI

While listening to SiriusXM last Thursday night, I suspect my brother's cat, Lily, was amused--or not turned off, at least, by the vibe of "Pine Cones And Holly Berries" interspersed with "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas."  The Osmonds combined those two happy-go-lucky melodies, making them plausible to sing while jumping rope or skipping.  I'm not positive, but I think Lily smiled:

I'll admit it's difficult to dislike that medley.  Even out of season, those melodies are fit for times when you don't have any woes.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" twists and turns

Thanks to YouTube, I've heard the generous assortment of alternate takes on the newly expanded "A Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack.  Although I think the renditions on the original edition are still the best ones, these are some interesting different versions:

• Christmas Is Coming (#5, Take 1) (September 17, 1965) (At the 1:54 mark, there's more prominent bass and more freewheeling piano improvisation from Guaraldi.  As a result, the middle section has a slower, slyer walk of a melody than usual.)
• Christmas Is Coming (#1, Take 2 and #1, Take 7) (September 21, 1965) (It's interesting hearing a different middle section that continues the already established theme in a different key.  When Guaraldi made that transition, I envisioned a plane taking off.)
• Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal) (#1, Take 4 and #1, Take 5) (It's endearing hearing this familiar piano backdrop with guide vocals instead of finished lyrics.)
• Greensleeves (Take 6, Take 7) (October 28, 1965) (I was startled to hear "What Child Is This?" as a mambo, but it works.)
• Skating (#3, Take 3) (September 17, 1965) (If you're a drummer who thinks brushes are underused, this version is for you.)
• Skating (#7, Take 1) (September 22, 1965) (A faster tempo and a punchier arrangement.)

Knowing that there were so many versions from which to choose, it makes the choices on the original soundtrack all the more impressive.  What discerning ears Guaraldi and company had--and what an outstanding blend of styles for a soundtrack that has most deservedly stood the test of time.

All about the buildup

The majestic orchestral strings suggest that a mountain-climbing team is about to scale its tallest, toughest obstacle yet.  And then, the smooth jazz guitar comes in and brings the volume down.

Sometimes, Christmas music gets your attention with epic grandeur in its intro before inviting you to settle in.  Peter White and company achieve this on "The First Noel."

The warm glow of nostalgia II

I knew the YouTube algorithm had caught onto my nostalgic ways earlier this month.  My viewing choices triggered multiple videos of shopping mall and department store Christmas music rotations.

The music loops ranged from 1964 to 1977, which didn't surprise me.  I doubt it shocks regular readers of this blog.

Reconsidered (Christmas) merit IX

I've written previously about my general dislike for "Blue Christmas" as a song.  Its melody doesn't do much for me, and the lyrics elicit more of a shrug than sympathy from me.

About a week ago, however, I saw Norah Jones and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kevin Nealon sing an impromptu version of it on Nealon's "Hiking With Kevin" YouTube series.  For the duration of their rendition, I forgot that I disliked the song.  In large part, that was due to Jones's voice, which is always pleasant and multifaceted.  It's also due, however, to Jones and Nealon making the lyrics sound more wistful than self-pitying.  That's the trick, I think, to pulling off a successful version of "Blue Christmas."

I've been sitting on this post for several days, and until last night's "Saturday Night Live," that's where it was going to end.  I softened a little on the tune once again when I saw it used as a sendoff for Cecily Strong, one of the most versatile performers the show has had.  Having that positive association of "Blue Christmas" as a tribute to such a talented cast member still doesn't make me like Elvis Presley's version--but it reminds me why the song strikes a chord with so many listeners.

A murky verdict V

When it snows, why shouldn't we be able to enjoy it with the mouse, kangaroo, and monster who live with us?  That's the commendable attitude Laurie Berkner and her band take in the fun romp of a tune, "I Live Inside A Snowglobe (Shake It Up.)"  I wasn't sure how my brother's cat, Lily, thought about that while listening to SiriusXM Thursday night, though:

At one point, I thought I saw a wry smile on her face, though, so I gather that she at least respects Berkner's whimsical take on snow.

A murky verdict IV

In sales jobs, as well as life, you might not always meet your quotas.  Often, this may be due to factors beyond your control.  That same unfair, bitter reality applies to self-imposed quotas, as well.  When you become accustomed to hearing Jim Nabors sing a Christmas carol on SiriusXM every time you visit your brother's cat, Lily, you expect the streak to continue.  Luckily, it did last night.  With just minutes to go before Thursday turned to Friday, Nabors sang "O Come, All Ye Faithful."  Lily maintained a convincing poker face throughout the tune:

This was a sound approach.  Each version of a song should be evaluated on its own merits.  In fact, Nabors belted out "...Faithful" with such conviction that I think it's the best rendition of a Christmas carol I've heard him sing so far.  I suspect Lily agrees, but she hasn't confirmed that for me yet.

Context? CCXIV

A radio talk show host said today it amuses him that his wife still refers to the refrigerator as the icebox.  He said, "My generation is showing."

Mine, too, I guess.  A refrigerator is called a refrigerator, as far as I'm concerned.

Online radio sampler highlights CLXXXVIII (Christmas instrumentals edition)

Seven seasonal instrumentals heard early this morning:

KORJ (Butte Falls, OR)

• Greensleeves-Stevan Pasero (This impressively played guitar rendition of "What Child Is This?" is one of the longer versions I've heard.  Pasero's prelude and embellishments respect and enhance the melody.)
• Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring-Georgia Kelly featuring Marcia Miget (A well-balanced, angelic version for harp and flute.)
  

WCRB Ultimate Holiday Classical Mix (Boston, MA)

• Percy Grainger: The Sussex Mummers' Carol (Jeffrey Biegel, piano) (This is such a warm reading of a carol that I'd overlooked.  To me, this sounds like a Brahms interpretation of a Beethoven sonata.  I listened to it three times, as a result, and also sought out equally inviting vocal renditions.  I look forward to hearing more of this WCRB stream before Christmas.)

WDCB (Chicago, IL)

• We Three Kings-Dave Stryker (Stefon Harris's vibraphone playing gives this guitar-anchored interpretation mystery and depth.)
• Silent Night-Stanley Jordan (Reverential, somewhat bluesy piano.  Jordan lets the notes resonate, making this carol breathe effectively.  His approach reminds me of how Hank Jones played piano on gospel tunes with bassist Charlie Haden.)

WQXR Holiday Channel (Newark, NJ)

• Angels We Have Heard On High (Ayako Shinozaki, harp) (If ever a carol demanded such delicacy from a harp...)
• Silent Night (Ensemble Galilei) (A beautiful, tender viola-and-harp rendition.)
  

Context? CCXIII

A Classical station announcer, while back announcing a piece yesterday, asked the audience, "Did you hear the similarity to Bruckner?"

I hadn't heard the similarity because I'd just tuned in.  Nevertheless, in an increasingly customized world, I like that there's an art form that asks listeners to reach up to it instead of pandering to them.

FM dial scan highlights CCV (Christmas edition)

Sunday and Monday highlights:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-Dawn Weber (It's interesting hearing this carol played as an assertive, expansive waltz for trumpet and rhythm section.)
• Winter Wonderland-Chet Baker & Stan Getz (A fast, impressive romp for trumpet and saxophone.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• The Wexford Carol-Yo-Yo Ma & Alison Krauss (I've listened to this version many times, but until yesterday afternoon, I'd never heard it on the radio.  It made my Sunday to hear this while driving.  Krauss's soaring vocals and Ma's gripping cello accompaniment make me appreciate the solemnity of this carol in ways that other renditions haven't.  Or, as one of KCLC's announcers succinctly put it, "Beautiful.")

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Winter Wonderland-Darlene Love (There's an infectious joyfulness in Love's vocals that invites listeners to sing along.  If this doesn't perk you up, I don't know what else to suggest.  I'm already primed to like this version because when I hear the intro, I expect "Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations to start.)

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

• In Dulci Jubilo-Chanticleer (The airy acoustics complement these tasteful vocals.  The slower tempo helps the listener appreciate the melody's beauty all the more.)
  

Sad curtailing of a Christmas classic

Surprisingly, I haven't heard "Merry Christmas, Darling" by The Carpenters on the radio yet this year.  I can't remember the last year I hadn't heard it at least once by December 11.  If radio stations are phasing it out due to the song's age or a decline in popularity, that's a shame.  Karen Carpenter sings it with such convincing warmth and longing.  It's no accident that the public took to it and that radio stations have played it frequently at this time of year since 1970.

Hopefully, radio stations with appropriate formats for it will play it on Christmas Eve, at least.  That's when the song takes place, so it would be considerate to let the audience hear it at least once that night.

A murky verdict III

This has been an unexpected new routine this holiday season.  Whenever I visit my brother's cat, Lily, Jim Nabors has to be singing at least one Christmas carol on SiriusXM.  On Thursday, it was "O Little Town Of Bethlehem."  This was Lily's reaction:

She might not have been reacting to the vocals; after all, Nabors sings a perfectly credible rendition.  It might have just been the odd coincidence of a Nabors Christmas carol playing whenever I visit.  One concept that psychology instructors teach college students is that correlation does not imply causation.  Now, however, I'm wondering.

Dialed up Christmas cheer

I made my annual call to a dial-a-carol service last night.  The caroler who sang my request, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," deserves credit for not skimping on the verses.  She prefaced her rendition by mentioning that she had just sung that carol with a friend, and it was a fun one to sing.  With gusto, she then launched into four verses of "God Rest Ye..."

Sometimes, in previous years, carolers have stopped after singing just one verse of my request.  That's perfectly fine, as their caroling is a free service, and there could be many other callers on hold.  It always impresses me, though, when the carolers sing more than one verse.  That demonstrates, even though their pitch might not be perfect, their dedication to the task at hand is.  Bravo to them for their commitment and courage in singing for strangers.

Context? CCXII

Actually, the context in this situation wasn't particularly vague.  When I worked at KBIA in the early '90s, a sign posted on the the studio door said, "This door is to be shut, closed, not open, not ajar when microphone is in use."

I understood why the sign's author was so emphatic.  When you're on the air, you aren't supposed to  broadcast profanity, confidential information, or inappropriate chatter.

Getting a point across sometimes necessitates synonyms.

A petty (Christmas) fixation XX

In the '80s, Al Jarreau's version of "The Christmas Song" wasn't as easy to buy as it is now.  Initially, the song was released only to radio stations and wasn't available commercially.  Upon hearing it, it quickly became my favorite rendition.  I still have yet to hear a warmer, more welcoming version.  In the late '80s, I called a radio station and asked if they'd be playing it soon.  The DJ said it wasn't scheduled soon, but "our 36 hours of Christmas music will start fairly soon, so it maybe it'll be played at some point then."

I thought but didn't say, "Actually, it isn't part of that rotation.  It's the same Christmas music in the same order each year.  I know because I've heard all of it in pieces over the last several years."

I didn't want to be a wet blanket, so I replied, "Oh, maybe so.  Thank you."

Presumably, the DJ finished his shift and went on to do trivial things like enjoying Christmas Eve and spending time with his family.  Honestly...Where were his priorities?  How could anyone not know offhand that Al Jarreau's "The Christmas Song" wasn't part of a 36-hour music rotation?  :-)

FM dial scan highlights CCIV

Five standout songs heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Your Side-The Beths (The lyrics convey emotionally honest longing for someone, and this is catchy power pop, as well.  If I'd heard this song before today, it would have placed in my favorite-music-of-2022 countdown.)
• I Don't Want To Discuss It-Delaney & Bonnie (There's an infectious Ike & Tina Turner-style energy in this track.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Winter Wonderland-Jack McDuff (A pleasant, unhurried version for organ and guitar.)
• Frosty The Snowman-Marcus Roberts Trio (This might be the best jazz version of this I've heard; Roberts strikes just the right light touch on the piano.  In fact, "Celebrating Christmas" is one of the most consistent Christmas jazz CDs I've heard.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas-Bing Crosby (If a voice this authoritative says it looks a lot like Christmas, I'm not questioning that it does.  Besides, I've seen no shortage of evidence around town.)
  

Sharing the stereo II

Despite what I wrote two days ago, it's gratifying when your cat reacts reverentially to the music you're playing.  It amused me Saturday when my cat, Collette, started tapping her tail against a box in time to the end of "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" by Boots Randolph and Tommy Newsom's Jazztet.

Later, I was just as impressed when Collette sat perfectly still on my lap, seemingly transfixed by side one of a Paul Mauriat Christmas LP.

The next night, it was heartwarming to see her close her eyes and smile as I petted the sides of her face in time to Edward Gerhard's guitar rendition of "Silent Night."  

In case anyone doubts that cats have strong senses of rhythm, reverence, or taste...

Favorite music of 2022

There have been stronger years for music than 2022, but every year has its thought-provoking singer-songwriter gems, melodic jazz and R&B, intriguing indie rock, and clever, cross-categorical oddities.  Here are 25 of my favorite tunes from this year:

25.  Virtue Is (Mostly) Boring-Spunkshine (If you're going to compose a song with just one lyric, it ought to be a captivating one.  Spunkshine achieved that in this May release.  The recurring lyric, "Why am I doing this?," somehow just works in the context of an otherwise throbbing electronica tune.  Who says electronica and existentialism can't coexist?)

24.  Fine Feathered Dinosaur-Levity Beet (If They Might Be Giants recorded a children's tune over a melody much like Head East's crunchy rocker, "Since You Been Gone," what would be the end result?  Most likely, it would be similar to this May release.  Bouncy piano, bouncy vocals, silly lyrics...Even a curmudgeon like me can't resist that combination.)

23.  Song For Slowdancing-Someone & Tessa Rose Jackson (This May release sports a waltz-like tempo, guitar, and wafting vocals that are particularly effective in their upper register.  This could segue with Hem's "Gently Down The Stream" or Crowded House's "Pineapple Head.")

22.  Valley Eyes-Hellcat Bloom (Sultry vocals in an indie tune fit for a Quiet Storm format.)

21.  Pierced Arrows-Hurray For The Riff Raff (This energetic January release is suitable for strengthening one's resolve or powering through an irritating task.  Rhythmically, "Slipping Away" by Dave Edmunds would sound good before this.)

20.  Eastern Standard Time-The Accidentals (This refreshing January release has thoughtful lyrics about what a beautiful world this is--and how we'll compromise it irreparably if we're not careful.  Rhythmically, it sounds like a faster version of Eliza Gilkyson's "Easy Rider."  I also recommend the song's scenic video.)

19.  Lonely Nights-Cecilia Castleman (This June release has honest, endearingly sung lyrics about common mistakes that lead people to be without partners, at least temporarily.)

18.  Samba Cat-Bill Heid (This May release chugs along with an appealing synergy between the organ and guitar.)

17.  Tin Man-J.S. Floyd (This June release is a pleasant smooth jazz, guitar-dominated cover of the soft rock hit by America.  Hearing it in this context makes me realize how well the Seals & Crofts hit, "Summer Breeze," segues with America's "Tin Man" and how smoothly J.S. Floyd's rendition of "Tin Man" segues with Bobby Broom's "Summer Breeze" cover.)  

16.  Yardbird Suite-Alan Broadbent Trio (Tal Farlow's brisk guitar take has always been my default version of this Charlie Parker-penned tune.  In this rendition, Broadbent shows how well the melody transfers to the piano at a somewhat slower tempo.)

15.  Hidden Valley-Alexis Normand (Normand's pleasant voice blends well with the instrumentation in this thoughtfully crafted tune.  Lyrically, this shows an appreciation for nature and the world's vastness.)

14.  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.) 

13.  Why Not?-Kiefer (A cool jazz/funk instrumental with a steady keyboard melody and prominent bass.  This groove sounds extracted from the '70s; there's an appealing blend of George Duke and Chick Corea styles.  On a related note...)

12.  WHATUP-DOMi & JD BECK (...This fast keyboard-and-drums instrumental also reminds me of Chick Corea & Return To Forever.  This is an appropriate soundtrack for a meteor hurtling to Earth.)

11.  Days Ahead-Bruce Hornsby featuring Danielle Haim (These two voices blend well in an appealing tune with instrumentation that conjures up a floating sensation.)

10.  Leave You With A Smile-Willie Nelson (A sincere way of conveying that you still think the world of your beloved and regret the mistakes you've made.  If you can't look back at your life and convey these sentiments at age 89, then when can you?)

  9.  Call Me Home-Sasami (A vocally and lyrically impressive release from February.  Lyrically, it's a good reminder that no matter how strong and constant one's desire for wanderlust is, it's reassuring to have a home base and a support system.  The production gloss serves the tune well.)

  8.  Easier Said Than Done-Thee Sacred Souls (To my ears, this is one of 2022's most pleasant releases.  Its throwback R&B sound in the vocals and instrumentation would make Young-Holt Unlimited's "Soulful Strut" flow well after it.)

  7.  Broken Record-Alexa Givens (A well-sung-from-the-heart ballad.  It was released in May but could pass for a '70s R&B throwback.)

  6.  (Remember Me) I'm The One Who Loves You-Watkins Family Hour featuring Fiona Apple (There's an appealing Grand Ole Opry feel in the vocals and guitar.  It's a shame Chris Thile's show, "Live From Here," is no longer around, as it would have been a perfect venue for this tune.  Also recommended: "The Late Show," featuring Jackson Browne.)  

  5.  Talkin' To Myself-Sarah Shook & The Disarmers (This was the song I listened to most for the first four months of 2022.  The guitar hook is irresistible, and as my brother put it, Shook sounds like Fiona Apple fronting a rock band.)

  4.  The Dealer-Nilufer Yanya (A powerfully infectious rhythmic stew of vocals against a club backdrop.)

  3.  State Lines-Kristiane (There's being attached to someone, and there's this level of being attached.  This August release sports some of 2022's catchiest driving guitar and vocals.  It's one of the year's best indie rock tracks.)

  2.  I'd Rather Be Lonely With You-Janet Evra (A warm blanket of a tune with honest, endearing lyrics about missing someone.  The song's animated video on YouTube warrants viewing, as well.  This is from my favorite CD of the year, "Hello Indie Bossa."  Also recommended: "Tenderly.")

  1.  I Was Neon-Julia Jacklin (Lyrically, this is a compelling reminder not to compromise who you are, set to a beat that reminds me of the Genesis tune, "Abacab."  In my opinion, "I Was Neon" has 2022's strongest chorus, and thus, it's my favorite song of the year.  Also recommended: "Love, Try Not To Let Go.")

Sharing the stereo

Thursday night, Linda Ronstadt's "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was playing as my cat, Collette, lunged wildly for the Cat Dancer toy and showed her scratching post who was the boss.  Her manic leaps were completely incongruous with the music.  This scene repeated itself last night while Oscar Peterson's "Away In A Manger" played...

...And that's fine.  Music spurs people and animals to life, but it's worth remembering that we all have our own internal music that manifests itself in ways unique to us.  I've kept that in mind since I adopted Collette three years ago.  I've also remembered that I share the stereo with her, as she reminded me in December 2020:

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CXX

After hearing it Wednesday night, I was impressed by how respectfully Denny Lloyd covers Greg Lake's "I Believe In Father Christmas."  My brother pointed out that it isn't a frequently covered song, and I think that's for good reason.  When you compose an original song about learning a truism you might rather not know yet wishing everyone an enjoyable Christmas and new year nevertheless, that tune should be covered only sparingly, if at all.

Lake's version remains the definitive one, but Lloyd also captures the tempered, melancholy tone in his vocals appropriately.

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CXIX

Yesterday, for a few seconds, I thought I was about to hear an instrumental cover of America's "A Horse With No Name."  Instead, it was Dan Crary's acoustic guitar take on "Masters In This Hall."  My brother's cat, Lily, seemingly agreed with me that Crary stays faithful to the melody without overdoing the carol's authoritarian bent: