Standout songs heard today:
KFLO (Jonesboro, AR)
- I Just Wanna Stop-Gino Vannelli (Another example of how the '70s were soft rock's best decade: More often than not, expressions of longing were sung effectively and tastefully.)
- Sweet Freedom-Michael McDonald (One of the Summer of '86's most appealing uptempo hits; the energy level is there from the first note and stays for the duration. McDonald sings with his usual conviction.)
KHBL (Hannibal, MO)
- Poems, Prayers, And Promises-John Denver (This overlooked, should-have-been-a-hit track will be in my Thanksgiving music rotation from now on. The lyrics illustrate moving appreciation for one's life and those in it. I enjoy James Taylor's "Secret O' Life" for similar reasons.)
WDPS (Dayton, OH)
- Backyard Groove-Kenny Garrett Quintet (A well-sustained B-flat minor groove, with Garrett carrying the melody on alto sax and Vernell Brown, Jr. providing forceful piano underpinning.)
- Lucy From Afar-Renee Rosnes (An expansive, energetic performance from Rosnes on piano and Steve Nelson on vibraphone. The tune is in B major but features attention-getting juts into a minor key.)
WJZP (Portland, ME)
- Love's Theme-Love Unlimited Orchestra (I never tire of these of-their-time strings and piano. This instrumental is so joyous that it was deservedly one of 1974's biggest hits.)
WVEW (Brattleboro, VT)
- Khaabon Ke Parindau-Alyssa Mendonsa & Mohit Chauhan (This Indian track features pleasant vocals and instrumentation conjuring up images of a carefree day when nothing can bother you; it's not unlike many Brazilian tunes in that way.)
