Today's highlights:
1st Wave Deep Cuts
- Flexible-Depeche Mode (When I think of Depeche Mode, "Enjoy The Silence" or "Policy Of Truth" typically come to mind. This type of beat doesn't, but it's effective, of-its-time underscoring for lyrics that ponder how rich one is allowed to be while still being an idealist. If I played this on a college or community station, I'd segue it with "The Life Of Riley" by The Lightning Seeds.)
'50s Gold
- I Only Have Eyes For You-The Flamingos (Sentiments fit for any era. Also, the phrase, "sha bop, sha bop," has never been used more effectively. I never got tired of playing this on WEW.)
'80s To Now Alt Rock
- Caroline-Mumford & Sons (Lyrically, this March release is an interesting blend of Fleetwood Mac's "Silver Springs" and "Go Your Own Way.")
The Bridge Deep Cuts
- Make You-Break You-Gerry Rafferty (These aren't the glossy pop stylings of "Baker Street" or "Right Down The Line." Instead, "Make You-Break You" is a lyrically direct way of saying, "Ease up on the vanity.")
Lithium Deep Cuts
- For All The Cows-Foo Fighters (This caught my ear for how restrained it is, prior to the chorus, and for how its rhythm reminds me of "People Are Strange" by The Doors. Lyrically, it's a frank way to call out those who try to pigeonhole you.)
Luna
- Yesterdays-Poncho Sanchez (Prominent, festive trumpet, piano, and percussion.)
North Americana
- Boom-Sierra Hull (This March release is a lyrically sound way of processing rejection--and rebounding from it.)
Real Jazz Just Music
- Prelude For George-Cyrus Chestnut (Pensive, melancholy piano playing that crosses into new age territory at times.)
Spa
- Crimson Bands-Jill Haley (Moving, elegant, reflective piano and cello.)
Velvet
- My Anarchy-Meaghan Farrell (A loud and clear way to let everyone know where you draw the line.)
The Village
- Across The Great Divide-Nanci Griffith (A strong cover of Kate Wolf's song. It's a lyrical reminder that the past slips away from us--which is sad in some respects but a relief in other ways.)
Yacht Rock Deep Cuts
- I Got The News-Steely Dan (This tune is frequently overlooked, as it's from the "Aja" album, which contains such standouts as "Peg," "Josie," "Deacon Blues," and "Black Cow." The way its rhythm hops and skips around on the piano and bass deserves more acclaim.)
