Some of the best selections I've heard today:
KISN (Portland, OR)
- Guitar Boogie Shuffle-The Virtues (If you like the guitar stylings of The Ventures, you'll probably also enjoy how The Virtues let the notes reverberate in this 1959 guitar instrumental.)
- Time Won't Let Me-The Outsiders (The upbeat rhythm of this 1966 oldie holds up, and the lyrics work in any era.)
KTRU (Houston, TX)
- Houston Special-The Rooftop Singers (I reflexively like any guitar part that mimics a train, and this folk trio, best known for the hit, "Walk Right In," carries off the guitar playing and vocals compellingly.)
- Today-Jennifer O'Connor (Sensitive vocals and acoustic guitar convey honest lyrics about how weighty it is to commit to someone.)
WCLK (Atlanta, GA)
- La Costa-Vanessa Williams (Williams sings some of the most immediately appealing vocals of 2024 in this strong cover of a Natalie Cole tune. This August release could easily paint an inviting picture of a vacation destination in tourism commercials. The "Ah, yi, yi, yi, yi, yi, yi" hook is just as captivating in both versions.)
- The Breaks-Golden Mean (This is approximately how a guitar shredder such as Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, or Joe Satriani might sound over a smooth jazz backdrop.)
WQAQ (Hamden, CT)
- Turn That Heartbeat Over Again-Steely Dan (This unusual call-and-response among three vocalists builds to a memorable chorus. It's one of many examples of how Steely Dan hit the ground running on its debut album, "Can't Buy A Thrill.")
WSCS (New London, NH)
- Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartet in D minor, Op. 76, No.2: IV. Finale: Vivace assai (Tatrai Quartet) (A spirited frenzy of a conclusion to this quartet.)
