Thursday morning standouts:
KPFA (Berkeley, CA)
- A Change Is Gonna Come-Otis Redding (There are multiple versions of this, but Redding's version is the most emotively gripping one. Playing it on vinyl, as this station did, added to the tune's authenticity.
- I Can't Turn You Loose-The Chambers Brothers (If this guitar riff doesn't prompt you to start your day and keep your energy up, I'm not sure what other tune I could recommend.)
KRSM (Minneapolis, MN)
- Hazy Jane II-Nick Drake (Drake exhibits impressive pacing in rattling off rapid-fire syntax. Lyrically, this is a thoughtful look at how it feels to be a recluse.)
- Extraordinary Machine-Fiona Apple (Apple showcases her full vocal range effectively in this well-written tribute to individualism and thick skin.)
WICK (Scranton, PA)
- Sweet Caroline-Neil Diamond (Of Diamond's many hits, it's not surprising that the sing-along quality of this one has held up for decades.)
- Ain't That Peculiar-Marvin Gaye (Rhythmically and vocally, this 1965 oldie never wears out its welcome. This is an excellent example of how to build to a chorus in a fast tune.)
