Rain within reason?

After listening to Brook Benton's "Rainy Night In Georgia," it occurred to me how often rain is romanticized in lyrics.  St. Louis has had more than twice its normal average monthly rainfall this April, however, so, the lyrical appeal of rain is compromised.  The lyrics, vocals, and instrumentation on "...Georgia" are excellent, but a lot of locals are probably in more of a Beatles, "Good Day Sunshine" mood--even those of us, like me, who generally prefer cloudy days to sunny ones.

Context? CCCLXXXII

An ominous question heard during a radio station's commercial break in March 2004: "Have you been noticing subtle or maybe not so subtle changes to your face lately?"

Was the announcer's follow-up about a serious medical condition or just an easily fixed cosmetic issue?  I switched stations immediately after hearing the question, so I still wonder.

Persistent earworm alert CCCLXX

Boston's "More Than A Feeling" has been in my music library forever, but iTunes shuffle mode had never landed on it until today.  As I wrote in a recent post, it's easy to overlook classic rock tunes that have been overexposed on the radio.  When you haven't heard a particular song in a while, however, it sometimes makes you appreciate its merits all the more.

Hearing "More Than A Feeling" for the first time in years made me remember why it was one of my favorite songs as a kid.  It captures the feel of losing yourself in music with sincere, foot-stomping vocals and a guitar rhythm that stays with you long after you've heard it.  Most aspiring rock guitarists or vocalists have undoubtedly taken a stab at it.  It's no wonder that album rock stations have been playing it since 1976.

An overlooked cover tune CLXVII

From the first time I heard Shawn Colvin's "Shotgun Down The Avalanche," I was impressed by Colvin's committed vocals.and lyrical metaphor for a rickety relationship that sounds as though it should end.  

After rediscovering Maura O'Connell's version recently, I was struck by how well O'Connell captures the song's essence.  It's interesting hearing "...Avalanche" sung in a lower register with some degree of Mary Fahl-like gravity.

That's a successfully sung cover--one in which the vocalist gives the song some of her own personality while remaining true to its melody and mood.

Context? CCCLXXXI

Not every lending company would be so candid in a radio commercial.  Many such commercials would include a rapidly spoken disclaimer about the unpredictability of the market at the end.  In 2004, however, one lender went against the grain admirably.  

"Sure, the low rates you've been hearing about won't last forever," the announcer admitted.  "When will they go up?  Even the professionals at Bridge Lending don't know." 

Listeners should admire such front-and-center honesty.

The allure of shuffle mode LXXV

I was pleased that iTunes shuffle mode paired two tunes with acoustic instruments yesterday.  James Taylor's version of "Oh, Susannah," in which he takes liberties with the melody without compromising it, flowed into Alison Brown's "Wind The Clock."

It's fitting that Taylor's cover of the classic folk song about someone arriving "with a banjo on (his) knee" would segue with a pleasant, well-played banjo melody.

SiriusXM highlights CLIV

Recommended tunes heard this afternoon:

Alt 2K 

• That's What You Get-Paramore (A forthright acknowledgment of the risks that come with relationships.)

Holiday Traditions  

• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-The Brothers Four (Stately strings underscore a well-sung version of this carol.  The vocals sound particularly effective in a round.)
• Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!-The London Sound 70 Orchestra and Chorus (Generally, I tend to prefer instrumental versions of "Let It Snow...," as some vocal renditions sound overly precious to me.  This 1970 easy listening version, however, sounds warm and upbeat without crossing into precociousness.)

Lo-Fi Study 

• White Trees-Smuv (This steady piano-centered beat could last on a fairly long loop without wearing out its welcome.)

Real Jazz 

• Back Home-Rachel Therrien (Strong, simmering Latin trumpet jazz, released last month.)

SiriusXM 105 

• Baby Baby-Amy Grant (Sometimes, it's alright for everything to be right on the surface.  This 1991 hit holds up well, as it's an endearing way to say, "I'm glad we're together.")

Spectrum Discovery 

• Nothing I Need-Lord Huron (This March release's roots rock underscoring punctuates honest admissions about not being able to pinpoint exactly what you want out of life.)

Watercolors 

• Late Night Mood-Regina Carter (I'm not used to hearing Carter's playing in this context, but it works.  Her violin stylings blend well with these smooth jazz/R&B vocals and instrumentation.)

Persistent earworm alert CCCLXIX

Since the passing of Pope Francis, a hymn I last heard in church about 40 years ago has stayed in my mind.  "Blessed Are They Who Are Poor In Spirit" has a downcast, droning melody but assures listeners that those who are meek, humble, strive for justice, and show mercy toward others will inherit the earth.  Those admirable qualities exemplified Pope Francis, who, by papal standards, was compassionate and made comforting the marginalized more of a priority than others would.

Here's hoping that his successor upholds--and builds upon--those priorities.

Context? CCCLXXX

A mid '80s memory: A DJ led into Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" with, "...The color of the day (is) barf green.  Match it up with any other color green...Whitney, you ready?  Go ahead."

I'll give the announcer credit for his energetic delivery, but it would have been better to just talk about the song, the weather, or an upcoming contest or concert.

FM dial scan highlights CCLXXVI

Six standout selections heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM 

• Tennessee-Arrested Development (It's perfectly reasonable to ask why God allows glaring inequalities to occur in society.  "Tennessee" got a lot of airplay around this time in 1992 and still holds up today.)

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Summer Song-Paula Atherton featuring Nathan Mitchell (A warm, uptempo sax-and-keyboard smooth jazz groove.)
• Good Vibrations-Maurice Brown (Catchy interplay between trumpet and piano.)

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Picture Window-Japanese Breakfast (Considering life's uncertainty and fragility, how could everyone not be anxious, at least occasionally?)

KLOU 103.3 FM 

• Carry On Wayward Son-Kansas (It's easy for me to overlook classic rock songs on this blog.  After all, radio stations have played them constantly for decades.  Now and then, however, it's right to acknowledge strong musicianship, even in a frequently played tune.  From the a cappella opening to the Classical-infused piano underscoring, this 1977 hit is well-sung, well-played, and well-structured.)

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

• Antonin Dvorak: Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66 (Czech Philharmonic/Sir Charles Mackerras, conductor) (Interesting contrasts between a fanciful waltz and a-march-fit-for-a-parade styles.) 

Online radio sampler highlights CCLXVIII (Easter edition)

Six noteworthy selections heard today that have a direct or indirect connection to Easter:

KBAQ (Phoenix, AZ) 

• This Is The Day-Benedictines Of Mary, Queen Of Apostles (A short, reverential choral work, played appropriately at midnight to acknowledge Easter.  As the title suggests, it's based on the theme of the most memorable responsorial psalm I remember from attending Mass during the '80s: "This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad.")
• Josef Rheinberger: Easter Hymn, Op. 134 (Phoenix Bach Choir and Kansas City Chorale/Charles Bruffy, conductor) (A solemn choral work, which all voice ranges bring to life compellingly.)

KDNK (Glenwood Springs, CO) 

• Amazing Grace-Caribbean Session Musicians (A spirited instrumental rendition with steel drums.)

KWVA (Eugene, OR) 

• You Could Be Born Again-The Free Design (Pleasant vocals in the style of The Mamas & The Papas.  Also recommended: "Ivy On A Windy Day.")

WSPX (Orangeburg, SC) 

• I'm Gonna Be Ready-Yolanda Adams (Lyrically, this is the essence of faith.  Adams's voice suits sacred and secular lyrics equally well.)

WZBC (Boston, MA) 

• Come To Jesus Moment-Donna Ulisse (Soundly conveyed regrets.  Ulisse's plaintive delivery via vocals and guitar is effective here.  It's reassuring to know that the metaphorical door is always open.)

An overlooked cover tune CLXVI

For a classy, understated reading of "The Old Rugged Cross," listen to the tasteful bass-and-piano rendition by Charlie Haden and Hank Jones.  It's appropriately reverential and near the end, the melody resembles "Home On The Range."

SiriusXM highlights CLIII

Standout selections heard today:

'40s Junction 

• On The Sunny Side Of The Street-Tommy Dorsey & The Sentimentalists (A classy midtempo big band-with-vocals rendition.)

'60s Gold 

• Go Where You Wanna Go-The 5th Dimension (As solid as the vocals are on the version by The Mamas & The Papas, the tune works slightly better at this faster tempo.)

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals 

• Words At Dusk-Realizer/Open Palm (This pleasant melody could be a prelude to "A Love Song" by Loggins & Messina.)
• Up Of Stairs-James Elkington/Nathan Salsburg ("Up Of Stairs" contains one of the stronger uptempo guitar hooks I've heard in a while.) 

Bluegrass Junction

• Bitter Green-Tony Rice (Even with bluegrass instrumentation, it's immediately apparent when Rice starts singing that this is a Gordon Lightfoot song.  That's a definite plus.)

Coffee House Classics 

• Over My Head-Martin Sexton (The person who called my attention to the "Black Sheep" CD years ago was on the mark here.  This is one of Sexton's best tracks; it's a well-structured voice-and-guitar tune with effective crescendos in the chorus.  Also recommended: "Diner.")

B.B. King's Bluesville 

• I'm Walkin'-Robert Cray (Clearly, the breakup about which Cray sings here was warranted.)

Luna 

• Cuando Despiertes-Celia Cruz (The vocals suggest a festival while the brassy instrumentation is fit for a stakeout.)

Real Jazz 

• I Want To Talk About You-John Coltrane (A smooth, elegant ballad for sax, piano, bass, and drums.)

Siriusly Sinatra 

• Love Is Here To Stay-Ella Fitzgerald (There's an elegance to the sentimentality here that's harder to find in today's music.  I also recommend Ray Charles's version.)

Soothe 

• Purple Rose Minuet-Susumu Yokota (A compelling blend of new age, Classical, and electronica styles.  A small piece of the melody reminds me of one of Andreas Vollenweider's best tracks, "Hirzel.")

Symphony Hall 

• Franz Joseph Haydn: Piano Sonata No. 38 in F major, Hob. 16, No. 23 (John O'Conor, piano) (The first and third movements remind me of various nimbly performed Chopin piano melodies.  The second movement has a Beethoven-like, contemplative feel.)

Context? CCCLXXIX

In recent weeks, I've heard radio commercials urging travelers to "enjoy tropical Costa Rica with (travel company) Collette."  This amuses me, as I can imagine my cat, Collette, waiting to greet passengers as they step off a plane into Costa Rica by biting their feet, as she often does with me.  I can just imagine the passengers being taken aback and muttering to each other, "The cat says it's a Costa Rican custom to welcome people by biting their feet, but I strongly doubt that."

Context? CCCLXXVIII

I was intrigued to turn on an AM station this afternoon and hear a talk show host joke, "You open it up, and there's a single serving leech."

After listening a little longer, I learned he suggested it kiddingly as a remedy for allergies.

As someone who endured vexing late Summer allergies for over 20 years, I might not have ruled out leeches.  After all, when your swollen nasal membranes need shrinking and medicine doesn't do the trick...

The long-awaited Easter Beagle's arrival

Finally!  It took 51 years, but the soundtrack of "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" is finally available.  Released last month, it contains some of Vince Guaraldi's best work.  Guaraldi had a great knack for crafting catchy piano hooks on his "Peanuts" soundtracks and jazz combo releases.  Many listeners who wouldn't seek out jazz otherwise would likely admit how much they enjoy "Linus And Lucy" or "Cast Your Fate To The Wind," among other gems.  The entire soundtrack of the 1974 Easter special is excellent, but in my opinion, these are six of the best tracks:

• Easter Theme/Easter Theme (Reprise) (Even if you're the most jaded, cynical listener who ever lived, how can you not smile when Snoopy dances with the bunnies during this number?)
• Music Box Dance (J.S. Bach: Minuet in G major) (Similarly, how could anyone's cynicism not thaw at least a little upon watching Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie dance to this lighthearted Baroque excerpt?)
• Peppermint Patty (I wonder how many people's walks have turned into more confident struts or skips upon hearing this keyboard melody.)
• Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: I. Poco Sostenuto-Vivace (How fitting to use this joyous Beethoven movement for the Easter Beagle's carefree distribution of the eggs.  It's a nice reminder, as well, of how well woodwinds and keyboard interact in the right context.)
• Woodstock's Dream (Yes!  This is possibly the coolest keyboard hook Guaraldi ever composed for a "Peanuts" special.  Of all the tracks I was anticipating, this is my favorite.  The title is misleading, as this is actually the underscoring for Snoopy and the kids shopping in the department store for Easter eggs and Sally's shoes while encountering Christmas displays eight months early.  A YouTube poster titled this track "Tisn't The Season.")
• Woodstock's Pad (In just 44 seconds, this instrumental incorporates a cross-section of lounge, jazz, and R&B styles to underscore how comfortably Woodstock furnished the birdhouse Snoopy gave him.) 

Here's hoping all listeners who looked forward to this soundtrack as much as I have get to revel in it on or before Easter Sunday.

Context? CCCLXXVII

This morning, a radio personality questioned why he was so invested in seeing a particular golfer win the Masters Tournament.

He admitted, "My life doesn't change one iota because (a particular golfer) won."

He's right.  That's the case more often than not with sports fans--unless they've bet on the outcome. 

FM dial scan highlights CCLXXV

Six noteworthy tunes heard today:

KDHX 88.1 FM 

• De Camino a la Vereda-Buena Vista Social Club (Upbeat, festive vocals with spirited trumpet, guitar, and percussion accompaniment.)

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Sunny-Wes Montgomery (Bobby Hebb's hit, which some oldies stations still play, works just as effectively as a guitar instrumental.)

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Charity Ball-Fanny (Uptempo, assertive blues-rock vocals and guitar.  The feel of this 1971 track reminds me of Big Star's "Don't Lie To Me.")

KWUR 90.3 FM 

• Nostalgia's Lie-Sam Fender (Sometimes, it's hard to admit that you're looking at the past through rose-colored glasses.  This well-structured February release cops to that lyrically.)
• Looks Like The End Of The Road-Alison Krauss & Union Station (This release from last month is on par lyrically and vocally with Krauss's other sorrowful tracks.  Krauss is one of the most consistent artists I've heard from album to album and has a way with melancholy sentiments.) 

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Bitterblue-Cat Stevens (Lyrically, this is a sound way of acknowledging that life can make you less idealistic.  "Calling All Friends" by Low Stars would sound appropriate before this.)

A function of age XXXIX

This morning, I listened to Ellis Paul's "Live" CD.  While it was enjoyable to get reacquainted with thoughtfully written singer-songwriter tracks that I hadn't heard in a while, I'd forgotten that the CD included a survey that listeners could fill out and mail to Rounder Records.  I thought, "I remember hearing this when it was released in 2000.  I can't believe 25 years have flown by that fast."  However, certain aspects of the survey remind me that 2000 wasn't just yesterday:

• The survey asks, "What three magazines do you read regularly?"  While I still enjoy reading articles in print form, I can't remember the last time I saw someone purchase or even peruse a magazine from a store's newsstand.
• The questionnaire also asks, "What influenced you to buy this recording?"  Ad in newspaper/magazine is the first option listed.
• Another survey question is, "Where do you buy music?"  The Internet is the eighth of nine options listed, after record store, stereo/electronics store, book store, department store, mail order catalog, CD/record club, and TV offer. 
• Upon completing the survey, respondents are asked to "please place (this survey) in (an) envelope and mail" it to the record label.

I don't consider myself ancient, but realizing how much time has passed since record stores, magazines, and mail-in surveys were default options reminds that I'm not all that young.

A graceful score for a heartwarming film

It's an odd compliment to call a film score so unobtrusive that you only notice it when it's necessary.  That's the case, however, with the animated movie, Flow.  The new age accompaniment resembles a lullaby during some of its most moving moments and takes dramatic turns during tense scenes.  The subtle underscoring conveys appropriate warmth for a film about a cat persevering during a flood and different species of animals knowing instinctively when to help each other.

During these turbulent times, it's reassuring to see a film that promotes compassion and generosity of spirit and gratifying to hear a score that punctuates those qualities.

The allure of shuffle mode LXXIV

Although I don't agree with the passive acceptance of someone's betrayal in the lyrics of Bread's "It Don't Matter To Me," I've always liked how well the song is structured and sung.  I like that iTunes shuffle mode segued it with another lyrically compatible tune in my library, Everything But The Girl's "Meet Me In The Morning."  I can imagine someone in "It Don't Matter To Me" who isn't ready to commit to someone deciding to commit firmly during "Meet Me In The Morning."

It's nice to hear the not necessarily happy ending in one song resolve itself more hopefully in another tune.

Online radio sampler highlights CCLXVII

Six of the better tunes I've heard today:

KVSF (Santa Fe, NM) 

• Recorda Me-Joe Henderson (Uptempo Latin-flavored jazz with excellent saxophone playing by Henderson and a stellar rhythm section to match.)
• My Old Flame-Barney Kessel (Pleasant jazz guitar that reminds me stylistically of Wes Montgomery.)

WDIF (Marion, OH) 

• I Shiver-Robert Cray (I'd be concerned, too, if I had these symptoms.  Lyrically and instrumentally, the vibe Cray and company establish here segues well with...)
• Sedative-Dana Fuchs (...this track, so WDIF was wise to pair them up.  Fuchs's vocals are appropriately gritty and committed.  If I programmed a multi-genre station, I'd play Shivaree's "Goodnight Moon" before this.)

WFIV (Knoxville, TN) 

• Nick Of Time-Bonnie Raitt (This title track from Raitt's 1989 album is still one of her best songs, in my opinion.  Its welcoming upbeat rhythm stands up easily to repeated listening, and the lyrics are thoughtful reflections on how quickly time passes.)
• Queen Of Hearts-Juice Newton (Dave Edmunds doesn't get his due in America for having recorded this first.  That said, Newton's version is more palatable, thanks to her more accessible vocals and the way she nails the tune's hook.  It's still one of 1981's catchiest hits.)

Context? CCCLXXVI

It was refreshing to hear one radio personality compliment another radio personality for his optimism today.

"When you get to be (our ages), it's easy to be cynical," the person giving the compliment said.

Indeed, it is.  Given the fractured, disturbing political climate of the moment, one can't help but be cynical.

However, watching footage of recent protests reminds me that compassionate, like-minded souls exist all over the world.  I have to maintain at least a sliver of optimism when I remember that.

Only in college CX

Sometimes, at the end of a public service announcement, a DJ will say, "For more information, call us..." This doesn't always make sense because sometimes, all the information the announcer has is in the copy (s)he just read.  In May 1992, I noted this on the air.  

I said, "For more information on recycling your aluminum, call us here at KCOU."  I added, "That's according to the copy.  However, if you call us, we will just tell you to recycle it yourself..."

To be clear, recycling aluminum is a good idea.  However, there was no list of recycling centers included with the copy, so there was no further information to provide.

KCOU memories: Credit for musical taste

This is a companion piece, in a sense, to a post I wrote in 2014.  Regardless of how well-versed in music anyone is, no one discovers every piece of music they like on their own.  While I complimented some of my fellow KCOU DJs for their musical acumen when I worked there, I wasn't always consistent about letting them know it in the moment.  Thus, I thank the following DJs with whom I worked in the early '90s.  Thanks to...

...Amy, for endorsing "Now Dig This," a strong power pop release by The Elvis Brothers.  That band name is misleading, as the group has clear Beatles and Squeeze influences, with jangly guitar playing and strong vocal harmonies.  "Strangelove," "Valentine," and "It Coulda Been Me" are standout tracks.

...Christina, for starting one of her shifts after mine with Johnny Nash's underplayed version of "Groovin'," best known to most listeners as a hit by The Rascals. 

...Dan, for playing P.M. Dawn's "To Serenade A Rainbow" on the air.  At the time I heard it, I was only familiar with the group's hits, especially "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss."  When I walked by the studio and heard the opening, "I think I want to fly away," I thought, "How have I missed this?  This is the intersection of jazz and rap, and it works especially well here."

...Greg, for playing Single Gun Theory's "From A Million Miles" on a day when I happened to be at the station.  The tune's spoken intro, "Pray for me, Pray for me," got my attention immediately.  This is still one of my favorite songs from my time at KCOU; Jacqui Hunt gives processed vocals a good name here.  It's an interesting blend of techno and rock, with a chorus that's nearly impossible to forget.

...Jeff, for bringing Antenna's song, "Rust," to my attention.  Its propulsive rhythm warrants repeated listening, and the lyrics remind listeners not to fritter away their time and to make the most of their lives.

...Jenni, for inviting me to listen to "Spooky Room" by 9353.  An indie rock tune this catchy shouldn't be so obscure.  I play it every year on or before Halloween, and I maintain that it ought to be better known than "Monster Mash."

...Jenny, for recommending that I listen to the entire self-titled CD by The Scofflaws and suggesting that some of its ska-based tracks could fit into my "Jazz Odyssey" shows.  She was right.  The group's version of "Night Train," with its spoken salutes to reggae and ska greats, fits into a jazz playlist, and "The Man With The Golden Arm" is another highlight.

...Karen, for touting the trance-inducing, exotic rhythm of Outback's instrumental, "Dance The Devil Away."

...Katy, for sharing how much she likes Nilsson's soundtrack for "The Point!" with me, especially the song, "Me And My Arrow."  It's a heartwarming reminder of the bond we have with our pets.

...Miranda, for playing tunes by Dr. Corn's Bluegrass Remedy at least twice on the air.  It was a good reminder that bluegrass instrumentals, with the right pickers, make fun segues on the radio.

...Neil, for playing "Delaware" by Drop Nineteens on KCOU, which reminded me that there's a time and a place for heavy guitar passages.  They're generally appropriate on cold, rainy days.

...Paris, who played Herb Alpert's "Jump Street" on-air, prompting me to react, "Arrrrgh!  There are  many trumpet instrumentals of Alpert's that I like.  How have I not thought to play 'Jump Street' yet?"  That 1991 track still, in my view, contains one of Alpert's catchiest uptempo rhythms. 

...Paul, for playing another KCOU favorite of mine, "Positively Lost Me" by The Rave-Ups.  Rhythmically, vocally, and instrumentally on this track, the band sounds like a quirkier version of Mumford & Sons.

...Roberta, who wrote in her review of the 45, "...And I'm Thinking," that The Sneeches "can do no wrong."  I agree.  Their brand of radio-friendly power pop deserves a much wider audience.  It still puzzles me that I've never heard even another college station play "Only For A Moment," "Stranger Things," "I Need Someone," or their cover with Shoes of "I Wanna Be With You" by The Raspberries.

...Theo, who played XTC's "The Mayor Of Simpleton" on the air, prompting me to react as I did upon hearing Herb Alpert's "Jump Street."  I thought, "I've been listening to a ton of this band and playing their music on the air since last year.  How have I not thought to play 'The Mayor Of Simpleton,' which checks all the boxes I want lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally?  It's a different way of conveying the sentiments Sam Cooke sings about in 'Wonderful World.'"  Fortunately, I rectified this oversight before graduating from college.

An overlooked cover tune CLXV

In addition to Chicago's "Happy 'Cause I'm Going Home," KOPN played another strong Charles Earland cover Thursday night.  Multiple artists have covered the Gerry Goffin and Carole King-penned tune, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?"  (Some versions are titled "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?")  The Shirelles recorded the most well-known version.

Earland recasts it as a jazz organ shuffle with ample room to expand on the theme and improvise.  It's a respectful way of honoring the original melody while filtering it through Earland's sensibilities.  It's similar to the way Richard "Groove" Holmes covers "Misty" on the organ.

An overlooked cover tune CLXIV

I've praised Chicago's "Happy 'Cause I'm Going Home" previously.  While listening to KOPN last night, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a jazz instrumental cover of it.  Organist Charles Earland released it in 1972, with the organ tackling what were the sung "La, la, la, la, la"s in Chicago's version. Earland's command of the melody, Hubert Laws fluttering over the melody on flute, and the solid brass accompaniment do the tune justice in a well-sustained 11-minute groove.

SiriusXM highlights CLII

Standout tunes heard yesterday:

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals 

• Silhouette-Realizer/Recalibration Machine (This would be a smooth prelude to Bibio's "Lovers' Carvings.")

Carolina Shag Radio 

• Canadian Sunset-The Mills Brothers (I've heard different instrumental versions of this that I've liked and had almost forgotten that vocal renditions of it exist, as well.  These are some classy doo-wop vocals, which is no surprise, coming from the Mills Brothers.  Also recommended: "Cab Driver.")

Classic Folk 

• Who Knows Where The Time Goes?-Sandy Denny & Strawbs (I can't imagine ever tiring of these poignant lyrics about the passage of time or of Sandy Denny's soaring vocals.)

Lo-Fi Cafe 

• Puzzles-Kupla (Compelling, downcast yet uptempo piano playing.) 

Luna

• Favela-Clare Fischer (Infectious percolating interplay between piano and percussion.)

Music For Cats 

• Epiphany-The Piano Guys (I trust that my cat, Collette, agrees that this pleasant piano-and-cello melody is reminiscent of Pachelbel's Canon in D.)

Piano Instrumentals 

• Mountain Laurel-Kathryn Kaye (Kaye's playing here reminds me of Hagood Hardy's easy listening piano work.  It segued smoothly into...)
• Prayer For The Planet-Greg Maroney (...this warm, hopeful melody.)
  

Real Jazz Just Music 

• Worldwide-Amina Figarova (Impressive, exploratory glazes of saxophone and brass glide over an engaging piano part.)

Record Store 

• Sound And Vision-David Bowie (I haven't given this Bowie track its due.  It's rhythmically strong enough to be an instrumental.)

SiriusXM Chill 

• Hamburg-Nora Van Elken (This instrumental's Celtic touches blend interestingly with its house beats.)

Smokey's Soul Town

• I Heard It Through The Grapevine-Gladys Knight & The Pips (Over time, this has become my favorite rendition due to the kick Knight puts in its rhythm, making it sound like Aretha Franklin's "Respect.")
• Too Late To Turn Back Now-Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose (One of the classiest ways to say that you've fallen for someone.  I remember this being one of the most frequently played oldies on KYKY in 1985.) 

Soothe

• Strong Feelings-Robohands (This is from 2022 but sounds like a '70s Shuggie Otis R&B instrumental for rainy days.)

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts 

• St. George And The Dragon-Toto (This 1979 track has the epic grandeur of an early '70s prog rock track.  I'm pleased but surprised that WSIE plays it sometimes.)

Persistent earworm alert CCCLXVIII

I know exactly what triggered my mental loop's repeated melody this morning.  "Windy & Warm" by Doc & Merle Watson is a good but tense guitar instrumental.  To me, it captures the feeling of ambling down a road or trail by yourself while staying alert for unwelcome surprises.  While giving today's ominous weather forecast, a talk radio host said that when he stepped outside this morning, it felt windy and warm, but the air was heavy, and it was a weird kind of warmth.

Hopefully, that presages just a mild rain or a storm that doesn't cause any damage.  However, given that a tornado watch is in effect...

Context? CCCLXXV

Although I was listening passively, I could have sworn that a radio commercial I heard recently implored listeners to "enjoy the benefits of certainty."

I thought, "Certainty?  From a psychic reading service?"