Priorities in the right place X

June 30 is a special day in my family's history of cat adoption.  My parents adopted a great sister/brother cat duo, Rosie and Sammy, on June 30, 2001, and I adopted my previous great cat, Sylvia, on June 30, 2008.

All three cats contributed immeasurably to our family's happiness, and the memories they gave us made us eternally grateful to have had them as our pets.

It's telling, I think, that my top six most-played tracks on iTunes are excerpts of Rosie, Sammy, and Sylvia making their presence known.  My most frequently played track features Sylvia meowing three times in 2012.  I don't anticipate that first place status changing soon, as it's up to 1,727 plays.  Ever since Sylvia's passing in 2019, I've started every iTunes random play session the same way.  Before I turn on shuffle mode, I listen to one of my recordings of Sylvia meowing or purring.  I figure that if I'm about to hear some great music, why not always start with some of the best music to my ears?

Persistent earworm alert CCCXXXVII

I've been in a sour mood since watching Thursday's presidential debate and trying to process what could happen as a result.  I needed a diversion, so while driving this morning, I looked for one.  I found it when spotting sunflowers planted near the side of a building.  

For the next 10 minutes, the opening of Glen Campbell's "Sunflower" ran through my mind on a loop.

Since then, when reading or watching sobering editorials regarding the debate, I've been trying to summon "Sunflower" back to my mind.  That tactic works for me--but only in fits and starts.

A function of age XXVII

Broadcaster and former St. Louis Cardinals football player Dan Dierdorf turns 75 tomorrow.  After hearing two radio interviews with him in recent days, I've thought, "By all accounts, he's a class act as a person.  I'm impressed that he resists writing a book so he doesn't have to violate anyone's confidence and do an apology tour."

It shouldn't surprise me that he's turning 75, but didn't my dad and I just see him on the field, playing for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium?  That was just the other day in, um, well, 1980; I mean, only 44 years have passed since then.  Besides, didn't I just hear him hosting KMOX's Sports Open Line, opining on the Cardinal baseball team's season so far?  That was just--well, in 1985, so a mere 39 years ago.

Apparently, it isn't just 2024 that feels like it's zooming past to me.

FM dial scan highlights CCXLVII

Thursday standouts:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Chasing Shadows-Kandace Springs (This was released in April but could pass for a '70s track, particularly in the flute and keyboard parts underscoring Springs's vocals.)
• Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You-George Benson (If you listened to soft rock radio for more than 20 minutes in Spring 1987, you probably heard Glenn Medeiros's hit version of this.  Benson's rendition from 1985, however, deserves equal attention.  It's refreshing to finally hear a radio station play it.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Know That I Know-Lake Street Dive (Talk about going after someone who interests you.  The cheeky horn arrangement underscores Rachael Price's vocals appropriately.)

WFUN 96.3 FM

• Footsteps In The Dark-The Isley Brothers (How was this pleasant 1977 slow jam not a top 40 hit?)

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

• Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel: Departure From Rome (Sarah Rothenberg, piano) (Solemn and meditative.  Also, for anyone who was wondering, the composer is Felix Mendelssohn's sister.)
  

Wise to be your best self

The owner walked into the studio of a radio station where I worked.  One DJ remarked good-naturedly, "Well, look what the wind blew in."  The salesperson asked the owner to listen to a commercial he'd recorded.  The owner then sat down across the console and listened as I did the next half hour of my shift.  I'm sure I didn't sound radically different than usual, but to my ears, I turned into the friendliest, least threatening DJ who ever lived.  My tone of voice was probably only 10 or 15% sunnier than usual, but I felt like a life coach talking a maniac with dashed plans of world domination down from a ledge.

Apparently, the owner approved of my sunny-as-can-be delivery.

"That Drew has a nice voice," he said in his Texas twang.  "(It) melts your ear."

As independent-minded as we might like to think we are, the presence of your radio station's owner changes the vibe of a room.

Context? CCCXXVI

I was uncomfortable this weekend when I heard a radio personality talking with a caller about how rabbits are an alternative to chicken on some menus.  I didn't like the direction the discussion was going, so I switched away from the station.  When I returned about a minute later, the caller said, "They're ready for butchering."

I hate to think that she was referring to rabbits.  Rabbits are pets, not food!

No need to follow up

Once, during a song intro on KOOL, my radio station of the '80s that only existed on cassettes, I ad-libbed, "KOOL 105 FM, giving you a free music weekend..."  It just sounded like the right thing to say over the intro of "Takin' It To The Streets" by The Doobie Brothers.

I never followed up on that premise, though.  I didn't pretend to award any free albums or announce any fictitious contest winners.  My radio show that day was only 45 minutes long because that was the length of one cassette side.  I reasoned that the contest took place during the remainder of the hour that wasn't on tape.  In my mind, the show kept going, even after I finished taping it.

That's the beauty of creating your own radio station that no one can actually hear.  You don't have to follow up on any contests you create.

FM dial scan highlights CCXLVI

Friday through Sunday highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Home Sweet Home-Cathie Ryan (Sensitive, delicate vocals and piano, appropriate for conveying the timeless sentiment, "There's no place like home.")
• Don't Drink And Dance-The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc (This trio of fiddlers recorded a fun piece fit for a barn dance.  DJ Harriet didn't segue "Home Sweet Home" with this, but she could have, as part of the melody is similar.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• As Time Goes By-Ron Carter (This is a lighthearted reading of this standard, thanks to Stephan Scott carrying the melody on piano and Carter anchoring the tune on bass.)
• Time After Time-Erin Bode (Bode's voice is ideal for this cover of Cyndi Lauper's most enduring hit.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Rosewood Bitters-Michael Stanley (Immediately ear-catching.  Lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally, this is Stanley's best tune, in my opinion.  Also recommended: "Nothing's Gonna Change My Mind" and "Strike Up The Band.")
• Goodbye, I Love You-Firefall (This feels similar to the band's hit, "Just Remember I Love You.")

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Lessons In Love-Level 42 (With a hook nearly as strong as its predecessor hit, "Something About You," it's not surprising that was almost as big of a hit.  I was glad to hear it on this week's 1987 rerun of "American Top 40. " I'm still baffled that the "Forever Now" CD, which is full of radio-friendly gems such as "Play Me," "Talking In Your Sleep," "Romance," "Billy's Gone," "Don't Bother Me," and the title track, didn't produce any American hits.)

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

• Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 3 in C major, Op. 52: I. Allegro moderato (Boston Symphony Orchestra/Sir Colin Davis, conductor) (How could I not like a symphony that begins with an explosion of unfettered joy in the strings and unfettered power in the brass?)
  

A petty fixation XXX

Late last night, I realized I'd forgotten to play Grover Washington, Jr.'s "Strawberry Moon," as planned, to coincide with the strawberry moon.

Granted, if I hadn't known the instrumental's title or if it was titled "Pleasant Uptempo Smooth Jazz Saxophone Melody," I wouldn't have thought to play it last night.

Still, this missed opportunity irks me slightly.

Persistent earworm alert CCCXXXVI

While sleeping this morning, the lyric, "Dreamer, you know you are a dreamer," from Supertramp's "Dreamer" kept running through my mind.

This lyric stopped, however, when my cat, Collette, started meowing incessantly for food.  I fed her, but the lyric didn't come to mind again after going back to sleep.

There's nothing like a hungry cat to snap a person out of a dream and into reality.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXXIX

Today's highlights:

KCOH (Houston, TX)

• Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer-Stevie Wonder (Lyrically, Wonder's sorrow over someone's departure reminds me of Elton John's "Come Down In Time.")

KKFI (Kansas City, MO) 

• Judgment Day Blues-Carolyn Wonderland (Hard-charging guitar, harmonica, and vocals that fall somewhere between Janis Joplin and Stone The Crows.  This is some impressive blues-rock.)

KUVO (Denver, CO)

• Restoration-Monty Alexander (This March release has a captivating skipping melody for piano, bass, and percussion.)
• Passion-Lynne Arriale Trio (Arriale deserves more acclaim for her piano playing.  "Passion" is one of the energetic highlights of her March release, "Being Human."  Also recommended: "Joy.")

WCUW (Worcester, MA)

• Since I Fell For You-Bonnie Raitt (I've written previously about how much I like multiple versions of this tune.  This 1971 rendition is on Raitt's first album.  She sings it compellingly in a higher register than she would use later.  Also recommended: "Thank You.")
• Sugarfoot Rag-Junior Brown (Fierce, fast guitar pickin'.  Brown sounds like an electrified Chet Atkins here.)

WLUW (Chicago, IL)

• About Leaving-Maggie Gently (Indie rock with appealing, driving energy and an effective way of saying that sometimes, bad things just...happen, and no one's at fault.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXXVIII

Wednesday standouts:

KFOK (Georgetown, CA)

• The Crossanova-Tommy Castro (This uptempo instrumental fuses jazz, rock, and blues compellingly, with effective interplay between the flute and the guitar.  This was released in 2005 but sounds straight out of the '70s.)

KYGT (Idaho Springs, CO)

• My World Is Empty Without You-Mary McCaslin (Hearing this vocals-and-guitar folk take on the 1966 Supremes hit made me see the tune in a new light.  This bare bones version of it makes the lyrics sound all the more sorrowful.  Sidebar: I'm glad to finally include KYGT, "The Goat," in a blog post.  How could I not root for a low power station whose mascot is a goat wearing headphones?)

WBGO (Newark, NJ)

• God Bless The Child-Sonny Rollins (It doesn't surprise me that there are so many versions of this tune.  Its strong, thoughtful melody works equally well when sung or played on the guitar, piano, or, in this case, tenor sax.  This expansive rendition gives the listener ample time to hear Rollins's smooth, ringing tone.)
• Kiss Of Life-Rachel Z (I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever hear Rachel Z on the radio.  Her "Everlasting" CD contains many strong piano covers of pop hits, so I'm surprised it isn't a staple of smooth jazz stations.  Her approach to "Kiss Of Life" made me appreciate the melody of Sade's original version in a way I hadn't, despite playing it frequently on KNJZ.  Also recommended: Rachel Z's cover of Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne" and her take on Sting's "Fields Of Gold.")

WDIA (Memphis, TN)

• I Just Wanna Hang Around You-George Benson (This is one of Benson's sunniest radio-friendly vocal tracks, so it still puzzles me that it barely charted in 1985.)

WOUB (Athens, OH)

• Heartbroken Tomorrow-Stacy Antonel (I'd expect most songs with a title like this to sound mournful, i.e. somewhere in the ballpark of Nilsson's "Without You."  That's not the case here, however.  Antonel's powerful vocals blend well with the propulsive guitar, giving this tune momentum that songs about loss don't often have.  I also recommend Antonel's cover of "Wichita Lineman," in which she elongates the word line in the "...still on the liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine" chorus impressively.)
• Simple Twist Of Fate-Sarah Jarosz (As with "Ring Them Bells," Jarosz sings another Bob Dylan tune effectively.  Her approach to the lyrics captures the chagrin that accompanies a missed opportunity.)
  

Context? CCCXXV

On one college station's website, a short ad for prospective students plays before the station's stream starts.  "You don't have to know what you want to be," the plug begins.

That's a sensible way to advertise a college.  I smiled ruefully, though, the first time I heard that, remembering when that illusion of wide open possibilities was true for me--over 30 years ago.

Persistent earworm alert CCCXXXV

Admittedly, this earworm grates on me.  I'm not sure why it's on my mind today, as I don't think I've heard it on the radio since 1981.  If you've never heard the 1958 hit, "Short Shorts," by Royal Teens, you're fortunate.  The tune is as simple and straightforward lyrically as you might expect.  In fairness, however, this type of pop hit doesn't require depth.

If I have to say something positive about it, I'll just admit it's concise and leave it at that.

Inexplicably mundane nostalgia II

I'm still not entirely sure of my own blood type.  For some reason, though, I still recall a conversation I heard on a Chicago radio station in 1986.  This is how I remember it:

Listener: Hi.  Where would I be able to buy Dennis DeYoung's new album?

DJ: I would assume at a record store.

Listener: Well, I've tried a few.

DJ: What?  You mean you went to buy Dennis DeYoung's new album, and it was not there?  He'll take steps to rectify this; that's for sure.  He's promoting this album big time, and it's no good to promote if the product isn't in the racks, as we say in the jobber biz...

Presumably, the listener eventually found a store that stocked DeYoung's album.  It's puzzling, though, what stays in your mind 38 years later.

Context? CCCXXIV

This morning, a radio personality said he thinks he might have reached the age where he'll "never be cool again--or maybe, I'm just 15 years behind the trends."

As long as your interests don't harm anyone, why not just consider yourself endearingly retro?

FM dial scan highlights CCXLV

Friday morning standouts:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Happiness-The Heavy Heavy (My internal monologue upon hearing this new track: "Whenever the drums set the stage like this, it's promising.  Solid power pop-style guitar...That's another plus.  Solid vocal harmonies, as well, sell this tune.  A lyrical acknowledgment that things could be better?  When done the right way, as it is here, it's a pick-me-up.  All the bases are covered.")

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Time Won't Wait-Lisella Martin (This smooth jazz saxophone track has an engaging uptempo hook.)
• Blame It On My Youth-Freddy Cole (The warmth and accessibility of Cole's voice is ideal for standards such as this.  Houston Person's tenor sax playing and John Di Martino's piano underscoring are also key elements of this rendition's elegance.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Fake Flowers-Maggie Rose (Rose's powerful voice conveys the frustration of dealing with poseurs.)
• Hold On Tight-Amos Lee (Lyrically, this new tune is a good reminder of what is--or should be--most important in one's life.)
  

Context? CCCXXIII

This morning, a talk radio host said, "It has to be one of the most ________________ jobs to run an election in 2024."

What was the missing word?  I was listening passively, so I'm not 100% sure.  There's a good chance it was dangerous.  However, it might also have been thankless or undesirable.

Unfortunately, in today's climate, all three words describe that job accurately.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXXVII

Wednesday highlights:

KBGA (Missoula, MT)

• Impossible-Clairo (A commendably honest way of reaching out to someone with whom you've lost touch.)

KSLO (Opelousas, LA)

• Rumors-Lil' Nathan & The Zydeco Big Timers (When Timex Social Club had a hit with this in Summer 1986, I never imagined that one day, I'd hear it recast with zydeco accordion and vocals.  This unlikely blend works better than I would have expected.)

KVSV (Beloit, KS)

• It's Too Late-Amy Grant (Grant's voice is well-suited for this cover of Carole King's hit.)
• I'm Easy-Keith Carradine (This is yet another reason why I think the '70s were the best decade for soft rock.  The combination of frank lyrics and subtle vocals serves this 1976 hit effectively.)

WERN (Madison, WI)

• Isaac Albinez: Mallorca, Opus 202 (Sharon Isbin, guitar) (Appropriately pensive--and just as moving on guitar as it is on the piano.)

WNCU (Durham, NC)

• Days Of Wine And Roses-Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer (Until today, I'd never heard two acoustic bassists carry this entire tune.  I also grinned upon learning that this duo's album, released in March, is titled "But Who's Gonna Play The Melody?")
• Pick A Rib-Lionel Hampton (Swingin' vibraphone playing, as usual, from Hampton.)

WXRD (Crown Point, IN)

• Dust In The Wind-Kansas (Disturbingly grim and existential?  Yes, but the vocals and violin sell it convincingly.  I've liked the tune ever since it was a hit in '78.)
  

On second thought... II

I smile when remembering that in the late '80s, Joe Jackson's song, "On Your Radio," was my idea of cutting-edge broadcasting.  About 35 years ago, I heard it on KDHX and thought, "Hmmm...Interesting.  This song wasn't a hit, and KDHX is playing it.  Lyrically, it's a satisfying way to say that once you become an adult, you get to decide with whom you associate more often, and you can leave a lot of irritating people from your past in the past."

Actually, "On Your Radio" is still pretty satisfying.  Its cathartic tone isn't that far removed from a particular Ben Folds song.

Jazz, when you least expect it

Sometimes, during my college days, listeners asked me when "Jazz Odyssey" aired on KCOU.  I'd respond, "From 11 to 1."  Often, they'd ask, "11 p.m. until 1 a.m.?"

Actually, "Jazz Odyssey" aired Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  This surprised some listeners who listened to indie rock on the station for most of the day and didn't expect to hear jazz in the middle of the day.

I didn't blame them.  For a station that concentrates primarily on indie bands and modern rock, it would be more logical to expect a jazz show to be on at night.  I'm glad "Jazz Odyssey" aired at lunchtime, though.  I liked that one of the best underappreciated genres of music got a prime time slot on the station.

Postscript: A DJ who was on before I hosted "Jazz Odyssey" one day told me a listener had called in an indie rock request.  The DJ told her that his shift was almost over and that she'd have to wait until at least 1 p.m. to hear it because "we have two hours of jazz coming up next."  The listener responded, "Ohhhhhh," in a disgusted tone.  I hope that she stayed around for at least a little of "Jazz Odyssey" and realized what tasteful music she'd been missing.

Context? CCCXXII

At this time of year, it's unusual to hear a local weather forecaster describe multiple days in a row as comfortable.  A radio weather forecaster did that multiple times this morning but then said, "Watch out on Wednesday, though, because here comes the heat."

There was the back-to-reality prediction of typical St. Louis weather in June.

A "Never the twain shall meet" moment II

It amused me to hear Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" used as bumper music for a particular talk show years ago.  The song is catchy, accessible, and concise.  It also had nothing to do with the show itself, which was a platform for callers to posit conspiracy theories and discuss UFO sightings.

If you're the host of a show and really want to spotlight a particular song, however, there are times when you might be resolved to shoehorn it in--despite its lack of relevance.

On familiar ground--eventually

Earlier this week, I put on an LP containing two Mozart symphonies.  Usually when I've played it, I've listened to Symphony No. 36.  I'd largely forgotten what the B side sounded like, though, so I played Symphony No. 38 instead.  At first, I was surprised.  Initially, during the first movement, I thought, "Where's the predictable lightheartedness I've come to expect from Mozart?  This sounds somewhat grim for a piece that isn't a requiem."

But then, at 3 minutes and 45 seconds into the piece, there it was--the brisk scales that made me think, "Now, that's Mozart."

That's how you know a composer's signature.  You might not be able to predict what notes the orchestra will play, but you have a general sense of what the piece will sound like--even if you haven't heard it in years.

The artist's intent

I smiled when I read a '90s indie rock group's listening suggestion in its CD liner notes.  The group recommended listening to the last five tracks first, followed by the first six tracks, because it "flows better that way."

After hearing it that way, I think they're right.  I thought that was an amusingly passive-aggressive way, though, of hinting, "The record label (or our producer) wanted us to sequence the songs in this order, but left to our own devices, we would have ordered them this way."

FM dial scan highlights CCXLIV

One Sunday evening and four Wednesday morning standouts:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Last Train To London-ELO (This pleasant surprise made my morning.  Despite being ELO's best hit, in my opinion, this track barely grazed the charts in 1980.  The memorable opening hook and siren caught my ears immediately, as did the sing-along chorus when I first heard it.  Rhythmically, the tune is of its time in the best way, and yet, this is only the second time I've ever heard it on the radio.  I liked it immediately upon first hearing WMRY play it in the late '80s and wondered if any station would ever play it again.  I'm pleased that the drought finally came to an end today.)
• Deep Blue Sea-Art Lown (This singer-songwriter track should be better known.  It's pure 1976 in its guitar styling and lyrics.  I'd be curious to hear Pure Prairie League or Loggins & Messina cover this.)
  

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Door Prize-Chris Hazelton Trio (A slick, self-assured walking groove, which the organ, guitar, and drums all sustain.)
• Alkibo-Kait Dunton (A forthright piano-anchored rhythm with an appealing hook.)

KWMU 90.7 FM 

• Lagos-Zachary Breaux (Pleasant interplay between the piano and guitar in this laid-back instrumental.  I hear George Benson's influence on Breaux's playing here.)

Persistent earworm alert CCCXXXIV

I haven't heard it on the radio in decades, so I'm puzzled that Frank Stallone's "Far From Over" has run through my mind in recent weeks.  Lyrically, it's about refusing to feel defeated after being rejected.  Lately, though, I've thought of the chorus out of context during the first two days of a workweek.  During the first two days, there's often the feeling of being in the early stages of a marathon.  Even when you have a good job, a psychological lift still comes from getting more than halfway through any workweek.  In the early days, however, it's a little daunting to feel far from over.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXXVI

Five standout tunes heard this morning:

KEBF (Morro Bay, CA)

• Morning Song-Joy Harjo (Melancholy saxophone, alto vocals, and a lyrical reminder that each day, whether it's positive or negative, is part of our history.)

KFFP (Portland, OR)

• I'm So Excited-The Pointer Sisters (As much as I like "American Music" and "Automatic," this might be the group's hit that holds up best.  The tune's energy is still infectious after multiple listens 40 years later.)

WGMC (Rochester, NY)

• Another Star-Cedar Walton (Walton makes this vibrant Stevie Wonder tune his own on the piano, giving it a bit of a mambo tinge.)
• The Dolphin-Philippe Saisse Trio (Impressive uptempo piano pyrotechnics and an inviting hook.)

WMXM (Lake Forest, IL)

• Round And Down-The Bats (Somehow, this 1987 indie rock track escaped my notice until today.  Most songs about destined-to-fail relationships aren't this catchy or concise.  The guitar hook got my attention immediately and kept it.)
  

Subtle intro, subtle tune

Now, this is how you do your first song intro of the hour.  In 1984, a WZEN DJ waited several seconds into Lionel Richie's "Love Will Find A Way" to start speaking.  Then, when he opened the mic, he said, "Z100...It's not raining for a change on an early Sunday.  I'm (the DJ.)  So very nice to be with you today..."

The DJ's intro fit the laid-back, somewhat subdued vibe of Richie's song.  It's wise for a DJ to remember that on-air.  It would be jarring to the ear to hear an obituary over the intro to Vanity Fare's "Hitchin' A Ride" or a manic contest promo before "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers.

The announcer nailed the proper tone that morning, and I still remember it 40 years later--and still think that Richie's "Love Will Find A Way" should have been a hit.

Still a vital source

Considering that radio has been one of my biggest interests for over 40 years, I was pleased to see the results of a Microsoft poll I took yesterday.  The survey asked, Do you still listen to AM/FM radio?  The response options were Often, Sometimes, Rarely, and Never.  Often was my answer, and I was pleased to see that it was the most frequent response.  With over 72,000 votes cast, 48% of respondents said they listen often, while 27% said they tune in sometimes.

In an age of streaming, podcasts, and customized playlists, I'm glad that the radio is still a source of music, news, and (hopefully) civil discourse for a clear majority of listeners.