SiriusXM highlights CLXXVII

Standout songs heard today:

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

• Renaca-Nicola Cipriani/Brad Myrick (A somewhat bittersweet midtempo melody.) 

The Big Easy

• Right On-The Dirty Dozen Brass Band ("Use Your Brain" is my go-to track from this band, but this could be effective underscoring for a turbulent scene.)

The Coffee House

• I Thought I Saw Your Face Today-She & Him (Lyrically and structurally, this sounds like a Carpenters song to me.)

North Americana

• The Returner-Allison Russell (I don't always agree with the expression, "That which does not kill us makes stronger," but Russell's lyrics make a solid argument in its defense.)

Piano Instrumentals

• Between Raindrops-Joshua Zimmerman ("After Hours" by Rickie Lee Jones could segue with this, as there's a compatible delicacy between both tracks.)

Real Jazz

• Baby Elephant Walk-Ted Nash (It impresses me that this version of a distinctive Henry Mancini tune sounds like it might swerve into Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" at any moment.)

The Village

• Hymn For The Unholy (Live)-Emily Scott Robinson (A well-written, sincerely sung acknowledgment that much of life is uncertain and a certain resilience comes with surviving the curves it throws you.)

Watercolors Instrumental

• Lifted-Phil Denny (A steady, easy-on-the-ears smooth jazz saxophone groove.  I would segue this with Freddie Ravel's "Sunny Side Up.")

Community Radio St. Louis highlights XII

Seven recommended tunes heard today:

The Mix-Up 

• Any Old Fool-Thee Sacred Souls (This April release has appealing throwback R&B stylings in its vocals and instrumentation.)
• You're Never Around-Lake Street Dive (This tale of a dysfunctional relationship is set to a great driving beat.  Rachael Price's vocals pack an effective punch here, and this July release makes its point forcefully in just two and a half minutes.)

Memphis To Manchester 

• Sweet Sixteen Bars-Ray Charles (This classy piano instrumental could stand in for "Saturday Night Live"'s closing theme.)
• These Days-Glen Campbell (When covering this Jackson Browne song in concert, Erin Bode praised Browne for penning such grown-up sentiments at a young age.  Campbell's version, recorded late in his career, shows the gravity these lyrics carry with age.  Thematically, "These Days" pairs well with...)
• Reminder-Margaret Glaspy (...this new lyrically brave release, which acknowledges that some of our decisions will be missteps, but that shouldn't stop us from making the effort.  Sometimes, we have more agency to make people's lives better than we think.)

The Now Sound

• Universal Heart-Beat-Juliana Hatfield (There's an appealing energy in this tune about the inevitability of heartache in everyone's life.  If I'd been at KCOU in 1995, I would have played this on the air.)
• Lifetimeline-The Spongetones (If you're going to remind listeners that a lot of life involves just holding on and riding the waves, it's refreshing to sing about it as The Spongetones do here--in a way that's truthful without being heavy-handed.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCCVII (International edition)

Today, I decided, "Why limit the radio stations I sample for this blog to just American ones?"  Hence, my first international edition of Online radio sampler highlights.  These are seven standout tunes I've heard today:

CJRT-FM (Toronto, Canada) 

• Follow You, Follow Me-Chester Thompson Trio (Thompson's drumming underscores this pleasant jazz piano-led version of one of the best Genesis hits.)

Connemara Community Radio (Connemara, Ireland)

• The Wedding Jig-Gerry O'Connor (I'm always up for this type of spirited, uptempo fiddling.)

FIP (Paris, France)

• I Can't Turn You Loose-Otis Redding (Rhythmically and lyrically, this would segue easily with "I Can't Help Myself" by The Four Tops.)
• Confusion Song-Luna Li (Swirling, celestial instrumentation augments the endearing dream pop vocals compellingly.)
• Melanie-Gary Burton (Warm vibraphone jazz with just enough dissonance to keep things interesting.)

Tilos Radio (Budapest, Hungary)

• New Day (Quentin Harris Remix)-Atelewo (Sometimes, with techno music, less is more.  When you have a beat that works, why not stay with it and keep it relatively undistracted?)
• Relics-Studio Pressure (This track illustrates how critical percussion is in underscoring certain techno arrangements.)

Context? CDXLIX

As I drove to my polling place this morning, a newspaper reporter said on the radio, "You can't be too cynical when it comes to politics."

That's generally true, unfortunately.  A vote for someone is a leap of faith that the candidate is seeking office for noble reasons and aims to make people's lives better.  That's why I always look forward to voting in every election.  When my preferred candidates and propositions prevail, I'm proud of helping to make that happen.

As contradictory as it sounds, I'm an idealistic, jaded cynic.  I'll continue to cast my ballot every chance I get.

A studio fit for a polar bear

In retrospect, I'm surprised that the DJs were allowed to control the thermostat in one particular studio.  I was one of at least two DJs who liked the studio freezing cold, so in the later months of my employment there, I set the temperature to near David Letterman studio levels.  While I still like a cool residence or office on a hot day, I've never set the thermostat anywhere near that low in my own home.

It's interesting how your definition of a comfortable temperature changes when you know you'll have to pay the electric bill.

FM dial scan highlights CCCIX

Sunday morning standouts:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• South Of The Border-Lou Donaldson (To me, this uptempo sax number's joyous spirit reminds me of the standard, "Cheek To Cheek," performed at a faster-than-usual tempo.) 
• Magic In Your Eyes-Earl Klugh (The pace and mood of this upbeat guitar track make it segue well with Al Jarreau's "Rainbow In Your Eyes.")

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Different Kind-Kathleen Hoye (Hoye's vocals really sell these lyrics about a relationship falling apart.  "Different Kind" isn't far removed from the blues, actually.) 

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Peace Of Mind-Loggins & Messina (Not all friendships are built to last, as these lyrics acknowledge.)
• People Of The South Wind-Kansas (This somewhat overlooked Kansas track doesn't get a lot of radio airplay these days, unfortunately.  It's a measure of how well-structured the song is that the guitar, keyboard, and vocals are equally integral to the melody.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Alibis-Sergio Mendes (I was pleased to finally hear "Alibis" on the radio again, thanks to an "American Top 40" rerun from 1984.  I've listened to this tune fairly often over the years, and I've always thought it deserved to be a bigger hit.  Joe Pizzulo nails the vocals, which make the lyrics about suspecting that your significant other is cheating on you sink in effectively.) 
• I'm Free (Heaven Helps The Man)-Kenny Loggins (I have nothing against Loggins's "Footloose" title track, but I've always found "I'm Free..." more compelling due to its urgency and sense of risk in the lyrics.  Another "Footloose" soundtrack highlight, Karla Bonoff's "Somebody's Eyes," deserves attention, as well; it always puzzled me that it wasn't a hit.)

Context? CDXLVIII

Yesterday, a radio announcer admitted not knowing a particular R.E.M. song that another staffer referenced.  His explanation: "I'm a hits kind of guy, and that's a deep cut."

Most of us, if we're honest, are in that same boat when it comes to certain artists and bands.  Sometimes, surface level appeal is enough when a particular genre isn't one of your favorites.  Also, there's only so much time, even for music fans like me, to hear all the music you want to hear.  Inevitably, there will be artists whose familiarity to you doesn't extend past the hits--and that's understandable.

The foot-biting default option XXXIII

If I've learned one thing over the past several years, it's not to be late when feeding my cat, Collette.  If I wait too long, she'll sing, "If I scratch you and I bite you, I'm more than just a little justified."

I didn't realize that Collette had internalized her own meaning of the Kacey Musgraves song, "Justified," but my feet have suffered the brunt of her wrath.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLVII

A 1981 album title track I haven't thought about in decades has been on my mind for the past week.  The Allman Brothers Band's "Brothers Of The Road" obviously wasn't intended to be a hit.  As the album's leadoff track, it essentially conveys, "Listeners, this band has been through a lot over the years, but we're back with this new song and this new album.  We've had some challenges thrown our way, but we're not giving up."

That's a reasonable way to start an album, and it reminds me of the spirit Chicago exhibited in the song, "Alive Again." 

Online radio sampler highlights CCCVI

Standout tunes heard today on six radio stations that haven't been featured in Online radio sampler highlights posts before:

KALA (Davenport, IA)

• Butterfly Lullaby-Swing Out Sister (A chill instrumental reprise of "Butterfly," which I'm surprised isn't a smooth jazz radio staple.  Its encouraging lyrics and vocal hook should have guaranteed that.)
• Reaching Out-Kim Waters (This uptempo smooth jazz saxophone melody is fit for a brisk run--or possibly a stakeout.)

KNMC (Havre, MT)

• I Want You Back-Hoodoo Gurus (I played a bit of this band on KCOU in the early '90s, but I wish I'd thought to play this 1984 melodic power pop track.  It's worth learning to play guitar so one can master this song.)

KSCU (Santa Clara, CA)

• Quand Vas Tu Rentrer?-Melody's Echo Chamber (The vocals float compellingly over a hypnotic, festive-sounding keyboard hook.)

WJCT-HD4 (Jacksonville, FL)

• Pick Yourself Up-Oscar Peterson (Wow...I thought the Carolbeth True Trio zipped through "The Way You Look Tonight" at a breakneck pace.  This, hands down, is the fastest version I've ever heard of this standard.  Peterson zooms through it adroitly on the piano.)
• I've Got You Under My Skin-Charlie Parker Quintet (Parker carries the melody of this standard prominently on the saxophone.)

WSPJ (Syracuse, NY)

• Caught In A Dream-Alice Cooper (I haven't listened to Alice Cooper's music that often, so I forget sometimes that it goes beyond "School's Out."  This is pretty accessible, actually, and fit for a road trip playlist.  Rhythmically, it could segue with Lynyrd Skynyrd's "What's Your Name?")

WTTH (Atlantic City, NJ)

• Tell Me If You Still Care-The S.O.S. Band (This is how to stay on point when requesting a relationship status update.)
• Sir Duke-Stevie Wonder (Whose day doesn't "Sir Duke" brighten, considering its appreciation for how music appeals to our common humanity?)

Shameful, shameless, or neither?

In Sunday's SiriusXM highlights post, I considered writing this entry--just for a moment:

Happy Oldies 

• Play That Funky Music-Wild Cherry (Does this tune move me the way heartfelt lyrics about social justice do?  Is it thought-provoking and deeply contemplative?  If I could only hear one song for the rest of my life, would it be this one?  No, in all three cases.  For what it is, though, it's catchy--and that's all that's really required of it.)

I chose to leave it out.  This morning, however, I heard an AM talk station use KC & The Sunshine Band's "Boogie Shoes" as bumper music.  As I listened, I thought, "After hearing 'Boogie Shoes,' which I would never seek out, any shame I have about including 'Play That Funky Music' as a highlight has vanished."

So be it.  Not every song I recommend has to be cerebral.  Sometimes, an ear-catching hook is enough. 

Didn't seek this out, but...

To my surprise, an out-of-town radio station recently played "Don't Say You Don't Remember" by Beverly Bremers.  Upon hearing it, I thought, "That's interesting.  Aside from replays of 1972 'American Top 40' shows, I've never heard any radio station play that song.  Granted, I'm largely indifferent to the tune and wasn't clamoring to hear it, but since this station plays that, they must play other forgotten songs that appeal to me more."

That's one benefit of a station with an expansive playlist.  You won't love every song you hear, but if you listen long enough, you'll likely hear gems that have been largely lost to time. 

SiriusXM highlights CLXXVI

Sunday morning standouts:

1st Wave

• Middle Of The Road-The Pretenders (Starting a road trip or leaping into some other unpredictable adventure?  Let this be your leadoff track.) 

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

• Tree Circle-Isato Nakagawa (A bittersweet, contemplative melody.)

The Blend

• Shining Star-The Manhattans (I'm glad this 1980 hit still gets airplay today.  Lyrically, it's a thoughtful without being overblown way of saying, "I'm glad we're together."  Rhythmically, it's a comfortable midtempo groove.  Also recommended: "Crazy.") 

Carolina Shag Radio

• You Keep Telling Me Yes-Cannonball (Musically, this has a "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" feel, but lyrically, its outlook is much more tempered.)

The Coffee House

• Galileo-Indigo Girls (A well-written acknowledgment of delayed justice, with a strong chorus.)   

Deep Tracks Just Music

• 5D (Fifth Dimension)-The Byrds (Rhythmically, this segues well with Donovan's "Catch The Wind.")

Indie 1.0

• I Am A Scientist-Guided By Voices (What better way is there to find out who you really are than trying on different personalities?) 

Indie Sleep

• No One Noticed-The Marias (A quiet, subtle way of admitting that a relationship isn't meant to last.)
• Sonora-Hermanos Gutierrez (This short, downcast guitar interlude would work as a prelude to "Because It's There" by Michael Hedges.)

Lo-Fi Cafe

• Tropical-jjobenn (An aptly titled lighthearted instrumental.) 

Siriusly Sinatra

• A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square-Nat King Cole (With Cole's elegant vocals and strings for added gravitas, how could there be a batter version of this tune?) 

Smokey's Soul Town

• Flowers-The Emotions (How was this inviting groove not a top 40 pop hit in 1976?) 

Dibs II

Feel like hearing an LP, 45, or CD in Watchcat Collette's assigned sector?  Watchcat and music coordinator Collette will play it for you--as long as it's a selection she also wants to hear:

Watchcat Collette, guarding the music library on February 20, 2026.

Only so much space II

Due to the limited number of characters permitted in a playlist's song title column, Vince Guaraldi's "Cast Your Fate To The Wind" became "Cast Your Fate To The Win" on one radio stations's website recently.

The loss of one letter changes the song title's implied attitude considerably.  To me, "Cast Your Fate To Win" suggests, "Be prepared to cope with the loss of anonymity if you win the lottery." 

Online radio sampler highlights CCCV

Thursday morning highlights:

KDVS (Davis, CA)

• How It Started-Holly Palmer (Interesting, spacey vocal wizardry and a solemn piano backdrop.)
• Jardim-The Echocentrics (A captivating echo obscures the vocals against a turbulent beat.) 

KONA (Kailua-Kona, HI)

• King's Serenade-Keola Beamer (This pleasant guitar instrumental could segue with Nashville Mandolin Ensemble's "Frangenti" or Ken Bonfield's "The Passing.") 

KOTO (Telluride, CO)

• Rainy Day-America (The melancholy feel of this early vocals-and-acoustic-guitar America track would make it flow well into Bernie Leadon's "Glass Off.")

KRTU (San Antonio, TX)

• Sugar-Stanley Turrentine (Ron Carter's cool walking bass line underscores this expansive groove.  Freddie Hubbard has ample room to soar on trumpet, George Benson has plenty of space to stretch out on guitar, and Turrentine has 10 minutes to do the same on tenor sax.)

WMST (Mount Sterling, KY)

• Perfidia-Linda Ronstadt (What listener of taste could resist this emotive, skillfully played and sung middle-of-the-night bolero?)

WZLY (Wellesley, MA)

• Lagoon-Dora Jar (An admirably frank way of being at peace with knowing that no one understands you completely.)

An atypical standout XVI

When I think of the classic Beatles album, "Rubber Soul," I usually think first of my three favorite songs from it that fall right in a row--"I'm Looking Through You," "In My Life," and "Wait."  In recent years, however, I've gained more of an appreciation for "What Goes On."  While Lennon & McCartney compositions were the group's default setting, "What Goes On" is a Lennon, McCartney & Starr-composed tune with Ringo Starr singing lead.  Starr's influence gives the tune a lighthearted bounce despite the lyrics accusing a woman of telling lies.  My favorite part of the song is during the last chorus, however, when Paul McCartney underscores the lyrics assertively on the bass, making me want to have that portion on a loop.  I nearly always turn that final chorus up and think, "That's how you finish strong--and walk the line of being assertive without being aggressive."

Once cutting edge, now common

When it was released in 1980, Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" impressed me by sounding both catchy and edgy for its time.  It amuses me now to think that back then, it was relatively edgy and would only be heard regularly on St. Louis's two album rock stations, KSHE and KWK.

A few mornings ago, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" was played on three stations here, including one generally described as a hot adult contemporary station.

These days, so-called adult contemporary stations have room in their playlists for Pat Benatar, Prince, and even certain Aerosmith ballads.  That would have been unthinkable in the '80s.  Hearing "...Best Shot" so frequently decades later is a reminder that what was once edgy eventually becomes mainstream.

Context? CDXLVII

A radio announcer who accidentally gave the wrong time and said it was May instead of July admitted that he was in "a different temporal space today."

That's a classy, honest way of saying, "I goofed." 

Once a DJ, always a DJ? III

When most people see that the current temperature is 77 degrees, they probably think, "It's feeling kind of warm."  When I see a temperature of 77, however, I immediately think or sometimes say, "The first voice in St. Louis, 77 WEW."

That slogan I used to say on the air is still a strangely entrenched habit with me 30 years later.  I don't know if I expect the station's former studio to appear or a Nat King Cole song to start playing when the slogan comes to mind, but 77 will always be associated with that radio station for me.

FM dial scan highlights CCCVIII

Five recommended tunes heard this morning:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Sooner Or Later-Nyah Grace (Easy-on-the-ears vocals and instrumentation suitable for late nights--and equally at home in a smooth jazz or R&B playlist.)
• Summer Cruise-Dee Brown (A sunny, uptempo smooth jazz guitar groove with saxophone enhancement.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• I Feel Hope Coming-Alabama Shakes (A lyrically sound wish for a fairer world, set to a relaxed dream pop backdrop.)
• Time Is A Bomb-Metric (An honest admission that a relationship is one-sided.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Dreams-The Cranberries (Dolores O'Riordan's lyrics and vocals from 1993 still hold up.  This is still a great song for driving, and it's one of the highlights of the CD, "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?"  Also recommended: "Linger" and "Wanted.")

Context? CDXLVI

This morning, an interviewer on a news/talk radio station asked his guest, "So, the moon is hollow.  Have you given any more thought to that?"

Before switching stations, I thought, "That's a question I haven't heard anyone ask before.  It's the middle of the night, though, so why not ask that if you think your guest has a reasonably thought out answer?" 

A function of age LII

I was glad to hear KTRS play "W*O*L*D*" as bumper music this morning in memory of Harry Chapin.  Chapin passed away on this day 45 years ago, and it was refreshing to hear announcer Carl and listeners on the text line praise Chapin's insightful singer-songwriter abilities.  I wasn't surprised that Carl cited "Cat's In The Cradle," as it's Chapin's biggest hit and one of his best songs, but I was startled that he mentioned "Flowers Are Red" as a favorite song.  Lyrically, "Flowers Are Red" is a clever reminder not to be too rigid in one's thinking, so I was pleased to hear it referenced unexpectedly.

Now, let's also give "Sunday Morning Sunshine" and "Tangled Up Puppet" their due.

Context? CDXLV

Kudos to the reporter on the radio yesterday who follows a relative's advice to "never trust a man who says, 'Trust me.'"

The reporter's response when someone says that is correct, as well; whenever he hears that, he thinks, "What was my other option?"

Persistent earworm alert CDXLVI

You know it's a long, challenging month at work when the earworm in your mind paraphrases Emerson, Lake & Palmer's "Karn Evil 9" as "Welcome back, my friends, to the month that never ends..."

Summer is often our workplace's most difficult season, and July is typically the most difficult month.  I know it'll end eventually--but it doesn't feel that way, at the moment. 

A function of age LI

Tonight, I gave up on listening to an AM station when a loud hum on the radio blocked the station's frequency.

Yes, that happened, and yes, it's not a sentence many people under age 55 say these days. 

Persistent earworm alert CDXLV

This morning, I thought about how much work I'd done throughout the long, draining night and how long the rest of the week and month feel.  While contemplating this, the circus music opening of Three Dog Night's "The Show Must Go On" ran through my mind.

That goofy carnival-like theme is still there now.  I'm glad my mind, at least, feels subconsciously whimsical even when I don't.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLIV

Talk about having to be on my game this weekend.  Between Friday night and Sunday morning, I'm scheduled to work 22 hours in a 34-hour span.  Financially, this is a plus, and fortunately, the first big chunk of working hours is already over.  By Sunday morning, however, I expect I'll be delirious.  I've been keeping things in perspective, though, with a mental soundtrack of "People Make The World Go Round" by The Stylistics.

So far, this has been an effective tactic.  We'll see how I feel Sunday morning, however.

Separating the theme from the show

Many reviewers regard season six as the worst or one of the worst seasons of "Saturday Night Live."  While listening to the "Not Ready For Season 6" podcast recently, I thought, "The show wasn't great that season, but the theme song SNL used that season isn't bad.  It's sunny, bouncy, and saxophone-driven, setting the audience up for the comedy to follow."

It's a shame such a well-composed theme has to be tied to a season in which laughs were mostly few and far between.

Online radio sampler highlights CCCIV

Five standout selections heard today:

KUNV (Las Vegas, NV)

• Everything Is Fine-Nicole Henry (An easy, relaxed bounce supports Henry's strong vocals.  Rhythmically and lyrically, Al Jarreau's "We're In This Love Together" could segue with this.)

KWAX (Eugene, OR)

• Frederic Chopin: Mazurka in C minor, Op. 56, No. 3 (Emanuel Ax, piano) (This graceful, melancholy melody had me leaning in to ingest it.)

KXCI (Tucson, AZ)

• Follow Your Heart-The Paladins (With a guitar intro this intense, I don't doubt the conviction of the lyrics that follow it.)

WKYN (Mount Sterling, KY)

• Seven Year Ache-Rosanne Cash (Cash has always been adept at crafting cross-categorical tunes that fit just as easily in the singer-songwriter genre.  "Seven Year Ache" chronicles someone's inability to grapple with a relationship that's falling apart.  The synthesizer part has 1981 stamped all over it, appealingly.)

WSCA (Portsmouth, NH)

• Swingin' At Newport (Live)-Count Basie (Basie sets the template with a "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie"-style rhythm on the piano, and his band maintains its swing for eight minutes.  I'm glad that in 2026, there's a place on the air where you can still hear a vinyl recording of this.)

Segue suggestion XVIII

For a smooth jazz station seeking two compatibly bouncy tunes, I recommend pairing Kenny G's "The Shuffle" with Tom Grant's "Eye Of The Hurricane."  I played "The Shuffle" many times on KNJZ, but surprisingly, I have yet to hear "...Hurricane" on any station or stream.  This pairing offers a graceful way of gliding from an upbeat saxophone instrumental into rhythmically compatible vocals.

Retro FM dial scan highlights VI: 7/7/97

During my FM dial scan 29 years ago, one radio station after another was testing the Emergency Broadcast System.  Despite encountering that repetitive tone on station after station, I still managed to hear some music along the way.  Among the highlights:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Poinciana-Gary Burton (This is a pleasant, expansive take on this standard, with Fred Hersch's piano playing and Burton's vibraphone stylings maintaining a mellow mood.) 

KCFV 89.5 FM

• Down By The Water-PJ Harvey (This of-its-time earworm's whispered refrain, "Big fish, little fish, swimming in the water...," still creeps me out decades later.)

WFUN 95.5 FM

• On The Wings Of Love-Jeffrey Osborne (Considering how radio-friendly this well-sung 1982 staple ballad of dedication shows is, I was surprised to learn that it wasn't a bigger hit.) 

KFAV 99.9 FM

• How Was I To Know?-John Michael Montgomery (Jann Arden's "Insensitive" could segue with this.)

KEZK 102.5 FM

• Someone Saved My Life Tonight-Elton John (This holds up, in my opinion, as one of John's best hits.  The piano underscoring, vocals, and lyrics check all the boxes that need to be checked.)

A function of age L

"Now, there's a tape I haven't played in a while," I thought recently.  "I should get out the Walkman and listen to it."

I looked upward after thinking that, half-expecting a neon sign to start flashing above me that said, "FOSSIL ALERT!  55 YEARS OLD!" 

Well...I'm fine with being a 55-year-old fossil.  The Walkman still works, and I got to hear my cassette.

Context? CDXLIV

This afternoon, the host of a pet advice radio show tactfully tried to discourage people from buying costumes for their pets.  He said it's best to save your money instead of spending it on something your dog will just tear apart.

I would add, "...and something that will compromise your dog's dignity."  In my view, pets aren't meant to wear bonnets, ties, vests, or any other human clothing.  They're pets, not dolls. 

A minimal frills 4th

It was refreshing to watch the Boston Pops Orchestra's July 4, 1978 concert this morning.  As I watched, I kept thinking, "In 1978, the powers that be didn't feel the need to have a celebrity host or pop stars singing with the orchestra.  The Boston Pops just put on an enjoyable light Classical concert with an off-screen announcer, and the audience responded enthusiastically."  Offenbach's "Overture to Orpheus In Hades," Copland's 'Hoedown' from "Rodeo," and "Pop Goes The Weasel," among other selections, received particularly boisterous cheers.  About the only musical concession the orchestra made to then-recent times was performing Walter Murphy's "A Fifth Of Beethoven."  Conductor Arthur Fiedler was restrained, as well, only introducing pieces occasionally and keeping his remarks brief.

Current conductor Keith Lockhart has done a fine job for decades with the annual July 4 concerts, and Craig Ferguson and Lockhart's 2009 impromptu "lords of the dance" commercial break interlude during the orchestra's performance of "Shipping Up To Boston" is the most amusing thing I've seen during any Boston Pops performance.

It's also nice, however, to remember a time when people just appreciated a full concert for the music itself and the fireworks--and that was enough.

Community Radio St. Louis highlights XI

Seven of the best songs I've heard today:

Sweet Inspiration

• The Ballad Of El Goodo-Big Star (Since first playing this on KCOU in the early '90s, I've always liked these lyrics about staying true to yourself.)
• Everyday Singing-Tift Merritt (This June release's lyrics illustrate how not everyone's efforts to make life fairer or better for others are acknowledged sufficiently.)
• When The Saints Go Marching In-Jimmy Smith (Many renditions of this treat the melody as a joyous free-for-all.  Smith's version, however, conveys the impression, "Let's not rush this; we'll get there in good time."  I'd expect no less when Smith is playing the organ.) 

Beyon' Cray

• Ponteio-Astrud Gilberto with Stanley Turrentine (I've glad crstl.fm played this, as it was a good reminder for me to pull out this CD and listen to it again.  These are appealing uptempo vocals, keyboard, and saxophone rhythms, with the immediately identifiable harmonica playing of Toots Thielemans.)
• Spiral-The Crusaders (This is one of many examples of why The Crusaders are my favorite jazz instrumentalists.  Every instrument contributes mightily to this jam, and Larry Carlton's blistering guitar playing is prominent.  Even after hearing this ensemble's stellar '70s releases for decades, I still want to hear them just as often today.  Also recommended: "Keep That Same Old Feeling.")

Dangerous Curves

• Golden-Jill Scott (These lyrics about making the most of one's freedom are empowering--and appropriate for Independence Day.)
• The Hump-Patrice Rushen (This strong 1977 funk groove acknowledges that life comes with obstacles--but resilience and this soundtrack should make overcoming them a bit easier.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCCIII

Today's standout tunes:

KHEN (Salida, CO)

• 8000 Days-West Texas Exiles (I was on the fence about this track initially, but its chorus and fit-for-a-road-trip feel won me over.)

KKJZ (Long Beach, CA)

• Maintenance Phase-Audrey Ochoa (There's considerable pep in this trombone-led combo-with-a-big-band-feel March release. Speaking of a big band feel...)  
• Moon River-Alexis Cole (...This cover has an appealingly assured swing in its vocals and instrumentation.) 

KRNN (Juneau, AK)

• Meeting Is Over-Moira Smiley (I can easily imagine Sarah Jarosz covering this.)

WNJR (Washington, PA)

• My Sunshine-The Rosie Varela Project (This guitar-heavy indie rock track with compelling vocals builds tension effectively. "Mont Blanc Massif" by We Met In Paris would sound right before this.)

WOMR (Provincetown, MA)

• We The People-Ben Sidran (A nice jazzy reminder of our common humanity.)
• Funky Fanfare-Keith Mansfield (It has to be gratifying to play a horn part or the piano on this track, knowing that you're part of a melody with a cool late '60s strut.)

WOOL (Bellows Falls, VT)

• American Tune-Allen Toussaint (Sadly, the lyrics of this excellent Paul Simon tune are disturbingly appropriate now.  There can't be too many sincerely sung covers of it, as far as I'm concerned. The piano adds appealing gravitas to this rendition.) 

WYXR (Memphis, TN)

• Banana Juice-The Mar-Keys (A hip-for-its-time, i.e. 1965, instrumental.)

Unlikely grocery store background music II

I know I'm not the only person who has heard "Trouble Me" by 10,000 Maniacs.  There's a good chance, however, that I was the only one singing along softly with it as it played over a grocery store's speakers today.

I'd add "Trouble Me" to the list of songs I've heard in grocery stores that I wasn't expecting.  Jesse Colin Young's "Song For Juli," "Since You Asked" by Judy Collins, and Fleetwood Mac's "Sunny Side Of Heaven" have been some of the other biggest surprises.

I'd like to think that whoever programmed "Trouble Me" is a gentle soul.  You'd have to be to choose a softly sung, sensitively written non-hit track with lyrics about helping people in need while you're still relatively young and strong.  "Trouble Me" was the first song I heard by 10,000 Maniacs, and back in 1989, I thought, "If this is typical of Natalie Merchant and company's efforts, this group must have a respectable following among introverts and kind people."

I'd never have guessed that I'd hear "Trouble Me" 37 years later while grocery shopping, but apparently, at least one other kind soul in the world hears what I hear in it.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLIII

I'm not sure what triggered Richard Marx's 1987 hit, "Don't Mean Nothing," to lodge itself in my mind tonight.  Soft rock stations played it frequently when it was a hit, but I don't hear it often today.  I'm not sure if I'm responding to the lyrics subconsciously about thinking in bottom line terms and not trusting anyone too easily.  Most likely, I'm just trying to stay alert by thinking of the tune's assertive rhythm.

An appealing directive

Dr. E., who administers botox injections in my vocal cords, told me recently that he'd spoken with a singer from the band The 11th Commandment.  He said that according to that singer, the 11th commandment is, "Thou shalt rock out."

I replied, "Considering that the actual 10 commandments are matters of common decency or common sense, it's refreshing to have one commandment that promotes self-expression."  

Context? CDXLIII

I did a double take after hearing a radio talk show host say recently, "Getting away from the topics of cheerleading and peaches..."

I suppose that's not unusual on a talk show, however.  With so much time to fill, hosts can easily drift from carpet cleaning to increased grocery prices to what it was like attending a baseball game.  Talk show topics are often derived from what's going on in the hosts' lives, after all, so you can't expect all topics to be related. 

A function of age XLIX

Twice in recent days, I've had the unpleasant experience of realizing that two cassettes are in precarious condition.  As the tape in one of them started wobbling recently, I thought, "Why is this happening?  This is a type IV metal bias cassette, which was the highest quality cassette one could buy--in 1991, just a mere 35 years ago."  Then, on a different tape recorder, it took forever to rewind a different cassette just so I could hear one song.  Eventually, I had to rewind the cogs by hand to get back to the song's intro.  I thought in jest, "Why is this tape so sluggish in its rewinding?  This album was just released on cassette in 1993.  Granted, that was 33 years ago, but it's more recent than 1991.  Oh, well.  It'll take about three days to rewind the tape if I ever want to hear this song again, but the sound quality has held up, at least." 

Not surprisingly, no one has accused me of recency bias lately.

Insufficiently enthused?

At a radio station where I worked, a person formerly connected with the station entered the studio and asked if the DJ on the air after me would run one of his commercials.

The DJ replied, "OK."

The visitor said dejectedly, "Well, if you don't want to run it, then...," and left the studio.

The DJ and I looked at each other, perplexed.

The DJ asked me, "Did I say I didn't want to run the commercial?"

I replied, "I'm not sure why (the visitor) reacted that way, either.  Maybe he expected you to do cartwheels or backflips." 

You'd think saying, "OK," would be an affirmative way of agreeing to run a commercial. 

In memory of David Clayton-Thomas

Since reading this afternoon about David Clayton-Thomas's passing, I've thought about how well his vocals sell various Blood, Sweat & Tears songs.  These are my favorites, three of which were big hits in 1969:

• And When I Die (Although I think Laura Nyro's original version deserves more acclaim than it often gets, Clayton-Thomas really commits to the inevitability of life ending for everyone.  He cuts loose particularly effectively during the "Here comes the devil..." passage.)  
• God Bless The Child (Over time, this has become my favorite Blood, Sweat & Tears track from the Clayton-Thomas era.  Many artists have covered "God Bless The Child," but this is one of the best versions I'll likely ever hear, due in part to how the vocals segue into an uptempo romp for the piano and horns.) 
• Spinning Wheel (This oldie still gets played today.  That doesn't surprise me, as it doesn't leave a listener's mind easily.  Lyrically, it's a good, eccentric reminder that bleak situations can change for the better.)
• You've Made Me So Very Happy (The effective, suspenseful instrumental opening leads compellingly into lead vocals that, by Clayton-Thomas's standards, are semi-subtle at first before becoming more assertive.  That buildup serves the song well and demonstrates convincing showmanship.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCCII

Today's recommended selections:

KBLU (Logan, UT)

• Letting Go-Angie McMahon (Admirable lyrics about figuring out how to end relationships gracefully and learn from one's errors.)

KRVM (Eugene, OR)

• All Those Years Ago-George Harrison (This wasn't usually played on the radio after it was a hit, given how of its time it sounded.  Lyrically and melodically, this 1981 tribute to John Lennon was one of Harrison's best solo efforts, however, and was deservedly one of his biggest hits.)

WAJH (Birmingham, AL)

• Canadian Sunset-Richie Cole & Tony Monaco (I always enjoyed playing Hugo Winterhalter's version of this on WEW.  Cole and Monaco jazz it up with an appealing bounce on saxophone and organ, respectively.)
• Impressions (Live)-Wes Montgomery & Wynton Kelly Trio (A steeplechase in the best sense, with brisk, energetic guitar work from Montgomery and piano playing from Kelly.) 

WHDD (Sharon, CT)

• William Bolcom: Tabby Cat Walk (John Murphy, piano) (A self-assured ragtime melody.  I can imagine my tabby cat, Collette, washing her fur in time to this.) 

WMWV (Conway, NH)

• Yes To You-Susan Werner (Empowering lyrics against a backdrop of upbeat, bluesy instrumentation acknowledge that some relationships are best left dissolved.) 

Segue suggestion XVII

While listening to Downy Mildew's "Left Foot Down" yesterday, I had an epiphany.  I don't know how I didn't think of it earlier, but "Left Foot Down" would flow well into "Anywhere" by Ratboys.  The songs have compatible lyrics about pursuing someone rather insistently, set to catchy, uptempo rhythms.

One could argue that both sets of lyrics aren't far removed from stalking, but I'm choosing to overlook that and just enjoy the tunes. 

A function of age XLVIII

Although it doesn't affect the sound of the record, I was puzzled to see that the cover of my LP containing two Mendelssohn symphonies looked more worn and scuffed than I remembered.

I thought, "How can this be?  I just bought this album in--um, well, 1986--a 'mere' 40 years ago.  Actually, that's only recent geologically speaking." 

Context? CDXLII

I find it amusing and refreshingly honest that there's a radio retirement planning program called "Keep What's Yours."

It would amuse me even more if the show used "I Me Mine" by The Beatles as its theme song.

FM dial scan highlights CCCVII

Today's standouts:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Snake Bone-Lou Donaldson (This is one of the hippest late '60s instrumentals I've heard, and not just because of Donaldson's saxophone playing.  Charles Earland's organ playing is also essential in maintaining the groove, and every instrumentalist contributes something noteworthy to this tune's mood.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Don't Get Me Wrong-The Pretenders (Still one of the classier ways to say that someone has caught your eye.  The Pretenders have had a consistently impressive track record, which is why I've recommended them many times.)

KCFV 89.5 FM

• AA Is For Quitters-From Mars To Venus (I paid less attention to the lyrics and more attention to this tune's general vibe as I listened.  This is indie rock with an ear-catching Celtic swing.)

KWUR 90.3 FM

• Freda Swain: Concertino For Clarinet and String Orchestra. "Lumine naturi:" III. Allegro assai (London Mozart Players/John Andrews, conductor; Peter Cigleris, clarinet) (Impish, fluttering clarinet trills give way to gripping drama.  This is a compelling blend of clarinet and strings.)
• Alexander Scriabin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp minor, Op. 19: I. Andante (Daria Vasileva, piano) (Lush and lyrical.  This movement is subtle initially but demands the listener's attention during its forceful passages.  Sidebar: I was disappointed to see that I was the only person listening online during this portion of "Musica esoterica."  The announcer said he was about to play some requested selections for another listener, though, so I trust that she was listening to the radio.) 

SiriusXM highlights CLXXV

Today's standout tunes:

'60s/'70s R&B Hits

• It Only Takes A Minute-Tavares (The subject matter of "...Minute" differs considerably from "Back Stabbers" by The O'Jays, but those songs are rhythmically compatible.) 

Country Coffee House

• Conversations With The Moon-Kitty Coen (Modern-sounding low-pitched vocals against a backdrop not unlike many '50s doo-wop songs.)  

B.B. King's Bluesville

• Mind Your Step-Laura Chavez (Electric guitar stylings with considerable grit, fit for hitting the open road.) 

Luna 

• Teach Me Tonight-Tito Puente (This instrumental's cha-cha rhythm makes it easy to segue with Les Brown's bossa nova version of "Begin The Beguine.") 

Real Jazz Just Music

• The Song Is You-Pat Bianchi (Bianchi's lightning fast organ playing serves this standard well.)

SiriusXM Love

• (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher-Rita Coolidge (Jackie Wilson had a big hit with this in 1967.  Ten years later, Coolidge had an even bigger hit with it.  Coolidge's vocals, and a slower yet still energetic tempo, made this an especially strong remake.) 

Watercolors

• Carmel-Joe Sample (This has a bit more bite than I'm used to in Sample's solo piano recordings.)

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts

• Little Darling (I Need You)-The Doobie Brothers (A perfect cover; Michael McDonald handles lead vocals with his customary force.  The instrumental interlude from 1:40 until 2:08 is one of the most infectious I've heard, as it builds upon the momentum of McDonald's preceding vocals.  How was this not a hit?)

The challenge of being in the background

Recently, I listened to Porcupine's self-titled CD, which I hadn't heard in a while.  As I listened, I thought, "There's a pleasant consistency to these tracks--appealing smooth jazz with easy-to-digest keyboard parts, sunny saxophone, and a good undercurrent of bass.  I wonder why I've never heard this group's music on the radio."

I knew the answer, though.  When your music is consistent but consumed largely as background accompaniment, it's easy for it to get lost in the shuffle of similar-sounding artists.

Such is the challenge smooth jazz and new age artists face.

Persistent earworm alert CDXLII

The electricity has gone out five times today.  The first four times, the power outages only lasted, at most, about as long as Chopin's "Minute Waltz."  The fifth power outage, however, lasted over 20 minutes.

It's interesting to ride out a power outage with "Minute Waltz" playing on a back-of-the-mind mental loop 20 times.  Who knew that such a fast piece could have such a calming effect?

Online radio sampler highlights CCCI

These are six of the more interesting tunes I've heard today:

KBZR (Baker City, OR)

• 'Til You Know-Slippers (This new release's catchy jangly guitar power pop underpinning takes the edge off of lyrics about a relationship that probably can't be salvaged.)

KVSF (Santa Fe, NM)

• Come Rain Or Come Shine-Milt Jackson Quintet (Jackson's mellifluous vibraphone and the piano playing on this rendition conjures up the feel of many Bill Evans piano recordings, which I always consider a plus...)
• Too Blue-Victor Feldman (...Feldman, on the other hand, captures a different mood on the vibraphone here throughout this sly walk of a melody.) 

WSUM (Madison, WI)

• Why Try To Change Me Now?-Fiona Apple (Apple's low-pitched vocals and sublime piano playing fit this Cy Coleman-penned standard perfectly.  I'm not sure how this version escaped my notice until now.)

WTIP (Grand Marais, MN)

• Mandarin Moon-Pearl & The Oysters (The '70s-style flute and keyboard stylings. in conjunction with endearing vocals, give this May release a surprisingly sunny vibe.  That's not what I'd expect from a song about the harrowing subject of surviving a fire.  Rhythmically, this could segue with EchoWave's "Sad Dream.")
• Red Sun-Big Wild (The captivating midtempo dance beat serves the vocals well.  If this tune had existed in the early '90s, I would have played it on KCOU.)

Reassuring continuity

I graduated from college over 30 years ago, so it's not surprising that most of the music department instructors during my time there have retired.  It's nice to see that a few of them still teach there, though.  

I know that the passage of time is inevitable, but I'll take all the links to my years there that I can get.

Underscoring the thrill of the chase

While listening to Sammy Nestico's "Dark Orchid" yesterday, I wondered if the tune had ever underscored a chase scene in a TV drama or movie.  It should, as that instrumental conveys a tense, suspenseful vibe while falling somewhere between a Chuck Mangione track and the Isaac Hayes classic, "Theme From 'Shaft.'"

Context? CDXLI

An AM radio caller said this morning, "Of the Three Stooges, my favorite is..."

...And, that was my cue to change stations.  Although it has been about 45 years since I last saw anything they did, I'm certain their comedy isn't for me.  I know they had a long career and people still watch them today.  The appeal of their humor just eludes me, though.  Even as a 10-year-old, I thought, "This is a form of entertainment?  Really?"

No law requires every form of humor has to be cerebral, but...

Persistent earworm alert CDXLI

Although it was a relatively big hit in 1978, I've almost never heard Atlanta Rhythm Section's "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight" on the radio.  Until today, about the only part of the song I'd remembered was the title being sung in the chorus.  After looking up the lyrics, they're a lot darker than I realized.  I'm choosing to ignore that, however, and focus on the bounce in the rhythm that reminds me of one of the band's best earlier songs, "Angel."

FM dial scan highlights CCCVI

Five of the better songs I've heard this morning:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Hey, Western Union Man-Grant Green (A cool, expansive instrumental take on the Jerry Butler hit.  There's great interplay between the guitar, organ, and tenor sax.  Even after seven minutes and change, I wouldn't have minded hearing this continue.)
• What Is Meant To Be-Lindsey Webster (There's a general consistency in Webster's emotive vocals that I like.  This pleasant blend of R&B and jazz is ideal for a late night playlist.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Same Stars-The Vindys (This March release has a compelling vibe, a solid hook, and good synergy between the vocals and keyboard.  Makar's "I Can't Tell You To Stay" wound sound right to me before this, and "Domino" by Nicole Atkins could follow it.)

KCFV 89.5 FM

• I'd Like That-XTC (Just when you think you've heard every possible way of saying, "You're the one for me," along comes "I'd Like That."  These are typically unique XTC-style lyrics with compelling acoustic guitar backing.)
• Spyz-The Urge (Loud, energetic ska-rock.  This has to be cathartic to sing and play.  Also recommended: "Strangers" and "Just Don't Know.") 

Online radio sampler highlights CCC

Six standout tunes heard today:

KDLR (Devils Lake, ND) 

•  Letting Go-Suzy Bogguss (A heartfelt way of acknowledging that kids grow up so fast.)

KMHD (Portland, OR)

• Waves-Charles Lloyd (A very 1972 jazz-meets-prog-rock groove, with Lloyd's flute playing fluttering over a melody that sounds somewhat like Todd Rundgren's "I Saw The Light.")

KRML (Carmel, CA)

• Just The Once-Metric (This 2023 track pairs lyrics about being morally precarious with a catchy dance beat.) 

WDIF (Marion, OH)

• Evil Hearted-Joyann Parker (A sly keyboard part and walking bass line underscore bluesy, forthright vocals.) 

WFHB (Bloomington, IN)

• Someone To Watch The Band With Me-Tift Merritt (This April release is a direct way of asking someone, "Why aren't you here with me?"  I'm inclined to like tunes with this type of loping rhythm.)

WJVX (Chicago, IL)

• Selfish One-Jackie Ross (The lyrics start out conveying a message similar to that of Tift Merritt's "Someone To Watch The Band With Me."  Happily, the situation resolves itself pleasingly for both parties involved.  There's a bright bounce in this tune's step, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was a fairly big hit in 1964.)

Context? CDXL

I agree with the radio personality who said recently that just because a TV show has a sad or off-putting ending, it doesn't ruin the entire series.  He's correct that viewers should still be able to enjoy the journey.

I didn't like all of the main characters except for Ted Baxter being fired from the WJM newsroom on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," but I still treasure that show for its first class writing and acting.

"Seinfeld" ended on too much of a sour note for my taste, but the episodes I enjoyed most, such as "The Chinese Restaurant," "The Jacket," and "The Phone Message," are still as humorous to me as they were originally.

I also wasn't crazy about the way "How I Met Your Mother" ended, but that hasn't stopped me from appreciating the friendships between the core characters and revisiting the show via podcasts.

There's more to a sitcom than its last episode.

SiriusXM highlights CLXXIV

This morning's noteworthy tunes:

'40s Junction

• Idaho-Ray Anthony (All brass and wind players on this recording should be proud of how effectively they swing the rhythm here.)

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

• Sunshine Falling-Lance Allen (A happy-go-lucky rhythm fit for skipping.)

Carolina Shag Radio

• The Entertainer-Tony Clarke (With its engaging rhythm and lyrics that sound like a prototype of "The Tears Of A Clown" by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, this should have been a bigger hit in 1965.  Lyrically, this has a readily apparent "show must go on, regardless of how you feel" vibe.)

Chucho's Cuba & Beyond

• Solar-Chucho Valdes (This piano-anchored version of a tune best known in its Miles Davis incarnation allows for plenty of dazzling piano and saxophone improvisation.)

Lo-Fi Sleep

• Twilight-Kupla (An interesting blend of new age piano with a hip-hop backbeat.)

North Americana

• Devil That You Know-Emma Elena Grace (Lyrically and rhythmically, this vocals-and-acoustic-guitar tune could segue with Michael Penn's "Me Around.") 

Watercolors

• Desafinado (Slightly Out Of Tune)-Karrin Allyson (Scores of artists have covered this Antonio Carlos Jobim-Newton Mendonca tune.  Allyson's version is a commendable one, with inviting vibraphone and vocals.)

Yacht Country

• Jackie Blue-Ozark Mountain Daredevils (This is actually soft rock, not yacht country, to be clear.  I've always thought this 1975 hit, with its appealing rhythm and interesting structure, is an interesting way to tell the story of a risk-averse person.  "Castle On The Hill" by Ten Hands presents a comparable narrative in more blunt terms.)

Persistent earworm alert CDXL

Since the passing of actor Anthony Stewart Head, I'm sure I'm not the only "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" fan who has had his performance of The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" in mind.  After watching the episode in which he sings it again, I realized that he belts the tune more forcefully than I remember.  Head proves that a strong voice and an acoustic guitar are all one needs to make Pete Townshend's lyrics in "...Eyes" sink in.

Context? CDXXXIX

I knew I was in a sour mood a couple of weeks ago when I woke up and sang, "Things had better go my way," to the tune of Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way?"

Context? CDXXXVIII

Props to the Community Radio St. Louis DJ last night for an update you wouldn't typically hear on a stodgy, by-the-book commercial station.  After back announcing a music set last night, she mentioned that a moth was flying around the studio and distracting her.  While playing her last song of the night, she broke in to let everyone know that the moth had left the studio safely.

Credit for humanity there. 

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCIX

Six standout tunes heard today:

KDRP (Dripping Springs, TX) 

• Operator-Jim Croce (One of the most thoughtful, tuneful examples of talking through what you're feeling and reconsidering your original plan.  "Operator" isn't played on the radio nearly as often as it used to be, and I've missed hearing it regularly.)
• Little Too Late-Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers (Rhythmically, this reminds me of The Band's "Up On Cripple Creek."  I like the confidence with which Bluhm sings this.  The more of her music I hear, the more convinced I am that her band and she should be household names.  Also recommended: "Only Always," "Waiting On Love," "Love Your Loved Ones," and really, the entire "Loved Wild Lost" CD.) 

KUWL (Laramie, WY)

• If Someone Had Told Me-Thad Jones (This movingly elegant trumpet-and-piano ballad could segue with multiple Blue Mitchell tracks.)
• Once In A While-Art Tatum (A warm piano-and-clarinet melody that swings gently.)

WITT (Indianapolis, IN)

• Courtoise musette-Sandra J. (There's nothing like a cheery accordion instrumental to take the edge off of one's day.)
• Silver Wheel-Andreas Vollenweider (There's an appealing determination in this melody, which isn't always apparent in new age instrumentals.  Vollenweider's "Hirzel" would flow well into this, which I consider a plus.  Sidebar: WITT certainly lived up to its billing as "unpredictable radio" today.  Within a 15-minute span, listeners were treated to accordion player Sandra J., Andreas Vollenweider, Philip Glass, and Kenny Rogers.) 

Welcome, familiar ground

I was always pleased when I learned that an ensemble in which I played was going to play a piece I'd already played with another orchestra.  The best example of this was Franz Schubert's eighth symphony, "Unfinished."  During one rehearsal, I was playing it with fierce confidence, going to town as if I'd played it several hundred times by memory.  When the conductor stopped the orchestra to go over a particular passage, he looked over at me and said, "Very good!"  The seriousness with which I replied, "Thank you," elicited a few giggles from the first violinists.

It didn't bug me at the time, but later, I thought, "I wonder if I was approaching a 'Be Not Afraid' level, instrumentally." 

FM dial scan highlights CCCV

This morning's recommended gems:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Butterfly-Jeff Bradshaw & Christian McBride (I remember playing Herbie Hancock's 1995 "Dis Is Da Drum" version of this on KNJZ.  This is an impressive cover of the tune, giving it a spacier, late night feel.)
• Feelin' Free-Andrea Lisa & Rebecca Jade (Pleasant smooth jazz guitar underscores these lyrics about being selfless without turning into a doormat.  This January release is one of the most soothing tunes I've heard so far this year.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• Long Way To Fall-Bedouine (When is it appropriate to help someone who's struggling?  Bedouine's graceful vocals fit these sensitive lyrics well.)

WARH 106.5 FM

• Don't Dream It's Over-Crowded House (Still one of the best opening guitar licks; as good as this hit is, there's so much more to this band, especially on its treasure trove of great harmonies and lyrics, the "Woodface" album.)

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

• Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis: In The Forest-Symphonic Poem (Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/Juozas Domarkas, conductor) (The strings, winds, and brass convey effective initial tentativeness of wandering in a forest.  Through lush, expressive playing and forceful crescendos, they also capture the beauty of a forest equally well.)

Proof of fandom

Whenever a musical artist I like retires or passes away, I often think, "How much of their music have I bought?"  Even if it was just two of their albums or a handful of scattered songs, I feel a little better knowing that I contributed, at least on a modest scale, to their being able to make a living doing what they love.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXIX

Although Paul Simon wrote "Can't Run But" long before artificial intelligence, the tune's general vibe about a loss of humanity comes to my mind every few days lately.  It's rare these days for me to go more than a few days without reading about an AI glitch or people relying on it instead of thinking for themselves.

The song also comes to mind on a day like today, when I've gotten a decent amount of sleep but still feel sluggish.  It's strangely motivational while also acknowledging that some days are inevitably worse than others.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXVIII

My mind is craving a break between one long worknight and another.  Thus, the recurring mental loop of "Guantanamera," as played soothingly by The 50 Guitars...

...I'm not sure why it took so many years for my mind to conjure up such a familiar, much-covered melody as an earworm, but now that it's here, I'm fine with it not leaving soon. 

SiriusXM highlights CLXXIII

Friday morning standouts:

1st Wave Deep Cuts

• Leave In Silence-Depeche Mode (A clear sign that a relationship has ended.)

Acoustic Guitar Instrumentals

• Some Forgotten Color-Spencer Elliott (Music for cloudy day contemplation.  I pictured a wheel turning continuously as I listened.) 

The Bridge

• Your Smiling Face-James Taylor (Too often, how-lucky-I-am-to-be-with-you songs err in being too overwrought.  Taylor's song escapes this trap, thanks to an unusually uptempo arrangement, resulting in one of his best hits.)  

Classic Folk

• Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall-Simon & Garfunkel (Eloquent lyrics about staying true to one's convictions in the face of opposing forces.)
• America The Beautiful-Keb' Mo' (Keb' Mo''s bluesy approach to this should-be-national-anthem on the guitar and vocals serves it well.)

Country Coffee House

• Deeper Well-Kacey Musgraves (A flashing sign about when it's wise to cut ties with people or habits that are too destructive.) 

Deep Tracks Just Music

• Up The 'Pool-Jethro Tull (An interesting song about a quirky town.  I have the impression that while it might not be everyone's cup of tea, those who live there are proud to call it home.) 

The Loft

• Till Your Mind Is Shining-Peter Gabriel (How does one's mind process its thoughts?  For that matter, how does artificial intelligence process the information it gathers?  Gabriel's new release raises these questions.) 

Mom Jeans

• Orinoco Flow-Enya (Many listeners who don't know any other new age vocal tracks offhand likely know this tune, thanks to its frequent airplay when it was released and its "Sail away, Sail away, Sail away," hook.)

North Americana

• Diggin' In The Coal-Leah Blevins (This endearing January release has heartwarming lyrics about holding onto the people who mean the most to you.  Rhythmically and vocally, it falls somewhere between the Dixie Chicks and Fleetwood Mac.) 

Real Jazz

• Time-Lafayette Harris, Jr. (This elegant, melancholy piano-and-trumpet number could segue with multiple versions of "I Can't Get Started.")

Yacht Rock Radio

• Never Be The Same-Christopher Cross (Even after a relationship ends, the impression a person has made usually lingers.  The tune's upbeat, poppy arrangement takes the edge off of the rejection, so it's not surprising that this was a relatively big hit for Cross in 1980-'81.) 

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCVIII

Thursday morning highlights:

KEPC (Colorado Springs, CO)

• Starlight-Cannons (This January release is familiar yet fresh dream pop.  Its endearing lyrics are about finding "the one" despite putting up barriers.)
• Planting Tomatoes-Lucy Dacus (This track, released in April, is a sobering reminder to appreciate the people in our lives and what's around us, with a dash of "Pleasant Valley Sunday"-style observations.) 

KRCL (Salt Lake City, UT)

• If I Called You-Kendra Morris (This is from 2025, but the vocals and guitar underpinning could pass for '70s throwbacks.  It's one of the catchier earworms I've heard recently.)

KKYX (San Antonio, TX)

• Smoky Mountain Rain-Ronnie Milsap (Glen Campbell could have recorded a solid cover of this.)
• Angel Of The Morning-Juice Newton (Newton's cover version captures the spirit of the 1968 hit by Merrillee Rush & The Turnabouts.  Both versions deserve more airplay these days.) 

WSLR (Sarasota, FL)

• Last Train To Skaville-Jackie Mittoo And The Soul Brothers (Impressive saxophone playing in conjunction with train sound effects.)
• Bacoa-Martin Denny (A sinister-sounding yet intriguing instrumental.  This is jazzy easy listening with an edge.  Conceivably, it could underscore footage of a lunatic steering a gondola into a cave.)

WVSS (Menomonie, WI)

• Libby Larsen: Deep Summer Music (Colorado Symphony Orchestra/Marin Alsop, conductor) (Learning that this piece was harvest-inspired primed me to like it, as that means pastoral-sounding strings, winds, and brass.)

WWOZ (New Orleans, LA)

• Paradox-Sonny Rollins (I'm glad that WWOZ's tribute to jazz saxophone giant Rollins included this skillful blend of straight ahead jazz and Latin influences.  I was also pleased that the station honored his memory with my favorite melody of his, "St. Thomas.")

2025 retcon

I've written previously about how much Wolf Alice's song, "White Horses," appeals to me.  After going back to the band's "Saturday Night Live UK" performance and studio version many times over the past two months, I'm retroactively declaring it my favorite song of 2025.  In addition to the reasons I cited in my previous post, I also admire the central point of the lyrics.  I'm extremely fortunate to have a great family.  Not everyone is that lucky, however, and in those cases, it should be their "choice to choose who (they) embrace as family," as the lyrics decree.  That subject matter isn't typical of driving indie rock, but it works to great effect in "White Horses."

In memory of Sonny Rollins

Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins had a long stretch of noteworthy recordings during his 95 years of life.  In his memory, these are 10 tunes I recommend:

• Best Wishes (Live) (Rollins's saxophone playing is joyful in this expansive uptempo tune.  I'm glad the audience was so appreciative.) 
• God Bless The Child (It doesn't surprise me that there are so many versions of this tune.  Its strong, thoughtful melody works equally well when sung or played on the guitar, piano, or, in this case, tenor sax.  This expansive rendition gives the listener ample time to hear Rollins's smooth, ringing tone.)
• How Are Things In Glocca Morra? (Rollins carries the melody on tenor sax perfectly, and Wynton Kelly's piano playing adds considerably to the song's atmosphere.)
• I Can't Get Started (with Roy Hargrove) (Rollins and Hargrove show that this often-sung standard works just as well as a saxophone-and-trumpet duet.  The tune's heart shines through in any context.)  
• Isn't She Lovely? (Thanks to the 45 my dad gave me when I was in grade school, this was the first Rollins recording I ever heard.  I was impressed by how skillfully Rollins converted this Stevie Wonder song into a saxophone instrumental.) 
• Lust For Life (The stairstep-style trumpet intro, and the way it sets the stage for Rollins's saxophone, made me hear, at an early age, what sets jazz apart from all other forms of music.) 
• Mambo Bounce (A hip tenor sax melody that would serve traditional jazz and easy listening playlists well; although it might be a stretch for some listeners, it could segue with Percy Faith and his orchestra's "Go-Go-Po-Go.")
• St. Thomas (Rollins composed this infectious Latin jazz rhythm and carried it off on saxophone, making it my favorite track of his.  Also recommended: Ron Carter's rendition, which shows how well the melody also works on the bass.) 
• There Are Such Things (One of several sax-based gems from the album, "Worktime."  For more uptempo fare, check out "It's All Right With Me.")
• Til There Was You (I've always liked the smooth sensitivity with which The Beatles covered this, but Rollins conveys a similar carefree outlook on the saxophone.)

Community Radio St. Louis highlights X

Five standout tunes heard yesterday:

Songwriters Showcase

• If Heaven-Gretchen Peters (These lyrics confront the uncomfortable reality that we can't all be on Earth with everyone we'd like to have with us at the same time.  They also, however, offer listeners comfort that there's a place where that reality is possible.) 

Folks Of The World

• Tata Dios-Linda Ronstadt (Ronstadt's captivating vocals convey lyrics about accepting one's fate--or at least not questioning it.)
• Paidushka-Basork (Every instrumentalist in this ensemble creates tension convincingly here.)

R.S.V.P.

• It Never Entered My Mind-Miles Davis Quintet (A warm, captivating rendition of this standard, due in large part to Davis's resonance on trumpet and the ambience of Red Garland's piano playing.  This could have segued easily with...)
• My Funny Valentine (Live At Newport)-McCoy Tyner (...Tyner's contemplative piano version of this standard.  Clark Terry's trumpet playing is key to the melancholy bent of this melody.)

FM dial scan highlights CCCIV

Five standout tunes heard this morning:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• All Blues-Nicholas Payton & Butcher Brown (An interesting rendition of the Miles Davis tune, released in February, with just enough of a contemporary sheen.)
• Hot Sauce-Randy Brecker (This appealing uptempo trumpet melody, released in February, should appeal to any rhythm section player with even a modicum of energy.)

KSHE 94.7 FM

• Using The Power-Climax Blues Band (Energetic idealism that isn't preachy.)
• Cruel To Be Kind-Nick Lowe (Lyrically, the tune expresses a philosophy that's questionable, at best.  It's extremely catchy power pop, though.  Sidebar: Bravo to KSHE for a unique spin on what would ordinarily be the station's annual Rock And Roll 500 countdown.  Letting 50-year KSHE veteran John Ulett play his 500 favorite album rock tunes is resulting in a fresher countdown with more surprises than usual.  When you've been with a station for five decades and have the depth of musical knowledge to pull this off, why shouldn't you be allowed to do this?)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Head Over Heels-The Go-Gos ("Head Over Heels" and "Turn To You" are the band's two catchiest hits, in my opinion.  It's no coincidence that both tunes share a similar energy.)

Post-show music to enjoy

To cope with the withdrawal I'm feeling after the end of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," I've watched various performances by Louis Cato & The Great Big Joy Machine.  "Gratitude" is the song I think I'll miss most as bumper music.  It's sunny, brassy, accessible jazz and a welcoming way to wake up.  If "Gratitude" was playing on the clock radio, I'd think, "Well, that's one positive thing that has happened so far today."

Context? CDXXXVII

Although I enjoyed the festive atmosphere that Paul McCartney created for everyone with "Hello, Goodbye" on the final episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," I also enjoyed the appropriate lyrics in the Elvis Costello song before it, "Jump Up."  Considering the political climate in which Colbert's show ended, it was fitting that Jon Batiste, Louis Cato, Costello, and Colbert sing a song about the empty promises some politicians make.

Years ago, I wrote a poem.  In the center of the page, I wrote, "A promise is just a plan of the moment." In a circle around it, I wrote a series of promises that people make but often don't fulfill, such as, "I'll give you a call," "I'll make you a tape," and "We'll have lunch sometime."  I thought back to writing that poem as the quartet sang about being careful not to trust a supposed guarantee someone gives you. 

Quite often, people just say what they think works to their advantage in the moment or allows them a graceful exit from a conversation or a situation.  When people throw caution to the wind by taking the bait, the consequences are sometimes dire.  That's the situation this country is in now--and the one in which Colbert's show concluded last night.

An appropriate algorithmic tie-in

This morning, I called up the Aragorn Ballroom Orchestra's version of "Theme From 'The Lord Of The Rings'" on YouTube.  My father passed that 45 on to me in the late '70s, and it has remained a favorite instrumental of mine since then.  Despite what the ensemble's name suggests, this isn't your standard tepid, strings-sweetened easy listening version of a familiar tune.  The players really commit to it and give it every ounce of energy they have.  If you liked "American Top 40"'s mid '70s to early '80s closing theme, "Shuckatoom," you'll likely enjoy this, as well.

Fittingly, that selection triggered the YouTube algorithm to suggest a People interview with Stephen Colbert about "The Late Show" ending tonight and his plans for the future, which include co-writing a "Lord Of The Rings" script.

Here's wishing Colbert success with that script and all of his future projects.  Bravo to him for speaking searing truths to those in power.  Clearly, they have deserved to hear them via "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" since 2015.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXVII

I've written multiple posts about my ongoing battle with dysphonia, which sometimes compromises my ability to speak.  After a recent setback with a botox injection in a vocal cord and cold and allergy issues, the song, "If I Only Had A Brain," which I've renamed "If I Only Had A Voice," has been on my mind.  At the moment, it has to stay in my mind, since I can't exactly sing it.  My regular voice has popped in here and there today, however, so I'll latch onto all the glimmers of hope I can.

Even when my voice comes back fully, however, I still don't think I'll sing it.  Even without dysphonia, my signing range has always been rather limited.

A function of age XLVII

Following up on yesterday's yacht-rock-as-comfort-music theme, you know your comfort music is rooted firmly in the past when you play a stack of 45s, as I did recently, realize that the most recent song is from 1982,...

...and it doesn't bother you a bit.

A function of age XLVI

As often as I've plugged new or obscure music on this blog, there's something comforting about a yacht rock station or program to me.  After all, soft rock was the first format I latched onto as a kid.  Looking back, that doesn't surprise me.  The '70s and '80s were the best decades for hook-laden, radio-friendly soft rock tunes, in my opinion.  When former KDHX DJ Dr. Jeff hosted "The Big Bang," I looked forward to his twice-a-year yacht rock programs.  It was comforting to listen to three hours of yacht rock, knowing that I already knew the title and artist of every--or almost every--song and owned or liked the lion's share of them.

As adventurous as I am in seeking out music, I, like virtually every other listener, sometimes crave familiarity--and yacht rock offers that. 

The greatest of backup roles

I've written before about how repetitive it is for a bassist to play the "Peter Gunn" riff repeatedly.  As Paul McCartney's closing credits performance on "Saturday Night Live" showed last night, however, that riff fits in very well with his 1980 hit, "Coming Up."

It was great to see the SNL cast and audience responding to that tune's appealing energy.  I wish oldies stations would play "Coming Up" more frequently, along with "Take It Away," which is unjustly overlooked today.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXVI

Since this morning, Chicago's "Thunder And Lightning" has been on my mind.  It surprises me that it never cracked the top 40 in 1980, as it's rhythmically, lyrically, and vocally solid.  The horns announce their presence right away, establishing the tune's mood.  The band maintains a driving energy throughout the song that serves it well, and the vocals between Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm contrast effectively.

Granted, the opening lyric, "I thought that you thought that we thought...," is phrased unusually, but it doesn't detract from the song's overall vibe. 

Alas, plenty of quality songs don't get the recognition they deserve.  Despite the band's multitude of hits, this is a rare time that happened to Chicago. 

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXV

Although it was a hit in other countries, it puzzles me that "Carnival" by The Cardigans didn't have similar success in America.  The song's intro grabs listeners by making them envision someone watching a scary movie before the power goes out and segues effectively into hook-laden, radio-friendly vocals.  Starting with the chorus was a smart move, as well.

It's a shame when a song so well-crafted and well-structured falls through the cracks.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXIV

I've been working a lot of extra hours lately.  While I'm pleased about the increased income that accompanies those hours, there's a hamster-on-a-wheel feeling that goes with an increased workload.  Consequently, "Pulstar," an instrumental by Vangelis, has been on my mind.  Its tense, race-against-time melody makes me imagine pedaling a bike increasingly quickly and facing a tight window in which to reach a destination.

That feeling is inevitable with most forms of work, I think.

Well, if it worked once...

Following up on yesterday's post about hearing Weird Al Yankovic's "Ricky" on KHTR, the same DJ back announced that song exactly the same way on at least two different days.  Both times, as it ended, he said, "Playing all the hits and sometimes the weird ones..."

I wonder how many more times he referred to "Ricky" that way.  After all, it isn't often in commercial radio that you can merge your opinion of a song with the artist's stage name.

When cutting someone slack is appropriate II

In 1983, I heard a parody song on KHTR.  When the DJ back announced it, I thought,"What did he say?  'Ricky," which spoofs Toni Basil's 'Mickey,' is by Weird Alley Ankles?  That can't be right."

A few weeks later, I learned it was by Weird Al Yankovic,  Alas, in pre-Internet times, before you saw a reference to an artist in a newspaper or magazine, saw it in a record store, or called a radio station and found out who it was, you had to live with your uncertainty.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXIII

I must be feeling especially idealistic because my earworm today is "Dreams Of Harmony," a lullaby by Freyda.  Its lyrics paint a reassuring view of us all being part of humanity and having value.  When you're about to drift off to sleep, that's a comforting image to have--even though it describes a utopia and not, unfortunately, reality.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXII

During a somewhat draining week, my subconscious mind tries to lighten the mood.  That's the case right now, as "Peg Ryan's Polka," which the Buckhannon Brothers play on banjo, guitar, and bass, occupies my mind.  It strikes the right balance of being lighthearted but not over-the-top.  If you think reflexively that polkas are a frivolous musical genre, be advised that there's solid musicianship in this performance.

Only in college CXIX

In 1993, near the end of my time at KCOU, another DJ mused, "What will Kruzin' Music (i.e. the oldies show I hosted) be like in the future?  What will (oldies) be?  (The band) Arcwelder?"

Over three decades later, based on what I've heard, oldies now include The Cranberries, Nirvana, Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car," "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" by The Charlie Daniels Band, and "I Can't Go For That" by Hall & Oates.

The '70s, '80s, and '90s don't usually take center stage on college radio stations these days, which isn't surprising.  They aren't forgotten, however, and that reassures me.

Context? CDXXXVI

I agree with the radio talk show host who said yesterday that she doesn't like blind taste tests; it often seems, as she said, that the taste testers are trying to trip people up and make them look silly.

Once, after noticing how often I put slices of yellow bell peppers in salads, I bought a yellow pepper.  This was a mistake, as I only ended up eating a small amount of it.  I realized then that I only ate small bits of yellow peppers as one ingredient among many in a salad.  It didn't mean I craved an entire bell pepper.   

That principle sometimes applies to taste tests.  Enjoying a small sample of a soda or other beverage doesn't necessarily mean you'll want to drink 20 ounces or two liters of it.  Sometimes, people just crave a bit of caffeine, sweetness, or bitterness.

Lost in translation

In grade school, Mrs. S., the vocal music teacher, showed our class a production of The Music Man--as a series of slides.  As the class sat in silence, I thought, "I'm sure this is no one's fault, but wouldn't this be more effective if we saw it as a film or a video?  A soundtrack playing under stills of a performance isn't nearly as captivating as seeing the actual performance."

I didn't hate what I saw, but I kept thinking, "This is basically a View-Master presentation with audio."

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCVII

Today's standout tunes:

KOPN (Columbia, MO)

• (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding-The Holmes Brothers (A good version of the Nick Lowe-penned tune, sung with the necessary sincerity.  Rhythmically, George Harrison's or Olivia Newton-John's versions of "If Not For You" would flow well into this.)

KVNF (Paonia, CO)

• Me Skotose Giati Tin Agapousa-Elif Sanchez (A sorrowful folk tune, sung compellingly by this Turkish vocalist.)

WGDR (Plainfield, VT)

• Out Of Nowhere-Django Reinhardt (It sounds like Leon Redbone should be singing over this 1937 instrumental.  Rhythmically, this reminds me somewhat of "Begin The Beguine."  Also recommended: "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea.")

WJCU (University Heights, OH)

• Here's That Rainy Day-Nancy Wilson (A captivating performance, due in equal measure to Wilson's vocals and the gravity of orchestral strings.)
• Have You Ever Seen The Rain?-Karen Souza (Vocally and instrumentally, this is an interesting blues-meets-lounge-music take on this Creedence Clearwater Revival hit.)

WXYG (Sauk Rapids, MN)

• You're Gonna Get What's Coming-Bonnie Raitt (A strong version of the Robert Palmer song, with appropriate energy and bite.  Before tonight, I'd never heard any radio station play this 1979 cover, so kudos to WXYG, "The Goat.")

Dibs

I was going to listen to Acoustic Alchemy's "The Beautiful Game" CD today, but my cat, Collette, wanted to hear it first:

I don't blame her.  "Trail Blazer," in particular, has a welcoming, upbeat melody, and the group turns U2's "Big Sky Country" into a credible jazz instrumental.

"Tonight's interminable baseball game, sponsored by..."

I think I was in second grade when my dad gave me a book listing the official rules of baseball.  As I read it, I thought, "I wonder if someone reads these rules aloud to the spectators before each game.  It would take a long time, but it's good for everyone to know what is and isn't allowed on the field."  I started listening to KMOX baseball broadcasts sporadically, making sure to catch the pregame features, thinking that there might be a reading of the rules before the game started.  I thought an umpire or perhaps the home team's president would announce to the crowd, "These are the rules of this official game!"

Alas, that never happened.  

"Oh, well," I thought.  "Baseball games are already pretty long, so it probably isn't realistic to expect someone to recite the rules.  I guess everyone just has to read the rules on their own time."

I have no desire to be a kid again, but it makes me smile to remember how endearingly naive we all are to some extent when we're young. 

SiriusXM highlights CLXXII

Eight standout tracks heard today:

Bakersfield Beat

• I've Got My Fingers Crossed-John Jorgenson Quintet (Instrumentally, this is an appealing blend of Dixieland and Grand Ole Opry styles.  Vocally, John Pizzarelli wound sound right covering this.)

Classic Folk

• Down By The Riverside-Joe & Eddie (A vocally spirited rendition.)

Escape

• One On One-Ronnie Aldrich (This Hall & Oates hit translates easily to a piano-and-strings easy listening instrumental.)

Hawaiian Vacation

• Kaliponi Slack Key-Keola and Kapono Beamer (A pleasant, upbeat slack key guitar melody, suitable for driving or traveling by train.)

Holiday Traditions

• Silver Bells-Margaret Whiting/Jimmy Wakely (The stronger vocal renditions of "Silver Bells" are often unhurried and capture a nostalgic feeling about Christmas.  This is one such version.)

Real Jazz Just Music

• Prime Time-Joe Farnsworth (This propulsive, drum-powered instrumental could segue into "Compared To What" by Eddie Harris and Les McCann.)

RockBar

• Take Me Down-The Pretty Reckless (Committed vocals over a rhythmically solid foundation.  Lyrically, "Take Me Down" confronts the question, "How much are you willing to do to become a rock star?") 

SiriusXM Chill

• Behind Her Eyes-Sultan & Shepard (A steady beat without the underlying turbulence that underscores a lot of Chill genre tracks.) 

One cool cat

Earlier this week, I was pleased to see my cat, Collette, get on board right away with Joe Henderson's "So Near, So Far" album.  She picked right up on the rhythm of the opening track, "Miles Ahead," and started washing her fur in time to it. 

I'm proud to have a cat who appreciates Henderson's masterful tenor sax playing--and a strong Miles Davis tune, as well.

A petty fixation LI

I was irritated with myself once when I finished an air break on KCOU.  "'Sit back and relax?'  Did I really just say that on the air?" I thought.  "That's such a cliche.  From now on, I'm resolving not to tell listeners to sit back and relax, even when I'm about to play relaxing music.  For good measure, I won't tell them to be tense and uptight, either--not that I was planning to say that anyway."  

Segue suggestion XVI

As I listened to Sarah McLachlan's "Drawn To The Rhythm" last night, I thought about how well Fairport Convention's version of Joni Mitchell's "Eastern Rain" would flow into it.  "Eastern Rain" fades in slowly, and "Drawn To The Rhythm" continues along a comparably subtle path.

With such quality contemplative material, it's reasonable to ask listeners to lean in, as these songs do.

FM dial scan highlights CCCIII

Five standout tunes heard today:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• If That's True-Esperanza Spalding (This jazz combo cooks, to say the least, and Spalding's bass playing provides the foundation.)
• Scenes From An Italian Restaurant-Billy Joel (Joel's best song, in my opinion; the way the song comes full circle, the well-told coming together and estrangement of Brenda and Eddie, an impressive piano part...There's a lot to like here.)

KCLC 89.1 FM

• 'Til My Heart Stops-The Beths (There's an endearingly honest vulnerability in the lyrics and vocals.  The more I hear of The Beths, the more their consistency impresses me.)

KWUR 90.3 FM

• Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?-Grant Green (A hip jazz guitar cover of the Chicago hit.  Green plays the theme upfront and then expands upon it compellingly for the duration.)
• Anna-The Menzingers (A high energy, appealingly guitar-heavy way of conveying how much you miss someone.)  

The allure of shuffle mode XCVI

I was intrigued this afternoon when iTunes shuffle mode segued Erin Bode's "Out Of Time" with "A Darker Kind Of Blue" by Brooks Williams.  After listening to those songs separately for years, I hadn't thought to pair them.  Lyrically, it's a compatible twosome; whether it's a relationship or a problem-plagued life, possible solutions come with expiration dates.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXXI

Since enduring a storm with loud hail this morning, "Popcorn" by Hot Butter, a synthesizer instrumental, has been on my mind.  Popcorn, to me, mimics the sound of hail, and Hot Butter's 1972 hit conveys the turbulence of a storm.  With an ominous forecast for more stormy weather later today, "Popcorn" will likely park itself in my mind again for hours.

Incidentally, I don't think I've ever heard anyone play "Popcorn" outside of "American Top 40."  It's one of those set-firmly-in-its-time instrumentals that didn't make the jump to oldies radio rotations.

Segue suggestion XV

While listening to Bruce Cockburn's "Deer Dancing Around A Broken Mirror" recently, I realized how well it would segue with a comparable guitar instrumental, Leo Kottke's "The Fisherman."  The tunes could follow each other in either order, as both of them show how it's possible to be placid and uptempo.

Steering into the skid X

I'm not 100% sure, but I think I first heard Maura O'Connell's "Feet Of A Dancer" on the former KDHX show, "Blue Highways."  I've rarely heard it since then, but a few times over the years, I've thought of it when I've tripped and had to grasp onto a sofa or chair.  I've adjusted the opening lyric for those incidents by thinking, "I do not have the feet of a dancer..."

I've reminded myself that as long as I'm coordinated enough not to break any bones, an occasional fall is tolerable--provided there's a sofa, chair, or other soft landing option within my grasp. 

Community Radio St. Louis highlights IX

Five of the stronger tunes played today on crstl.fm:

Sweet Inspiration 

• Mental Revenge-Linda Ronstadt (It's interesting hearing Ronstadt in this 1970 context, with prominent fiddle backing, tempo shifts, and more of a country bent.  Lyrically, this is an honest way of saying, "I can't stand you," and it could be a companion piece with "You're No Good.")

Beyon' Cray

• Please Pardon Me (You Remind Me Of A Friend)-Rufus featuring Chaka Khan (With vocals and instrumental backing this strong and heartfelt, how was this 1974 track not a hit?)
• Cosmic Ray-Ray Charles & Milt Jackson (An enjoyably energetic piano-and-vibraharp instrumental.)

Dangerous Curves

• Drink The Ocean-Gabi Hartmann featuring Oracle Sisters (There's a relaxed, fanciful, floating vibe in the vocals and instrumentation.)
• No-Mina (Whether translating this from Italian to English or just listening to it in Italian, this is a pretty direct rejection of someone.)

Context? CDXXXV

A morning radio personality recently opined that "Todd Rundgren doesn't get enough credit."  I didn't hear what he said beyond that, but I agree.  When Rundgren crafts an excellent tune, it holds up decades later.  Five examples:

• Couldn't I Just Tell You? (This is one of many well-produced, well-played, and well-sung Rundgren tracks.  It sports a great sing-along hook and a guitar part that could make potentially great players resume taking lessons.  The perfect intro draws listeners then and keeps them there as the song picks up steam.)
• Hello, It's Me (It's not surprising that this was Rundgren's biggest hit.  It's a well-structured tune that builds to its chorus effectively with a hook that's not forgotten easily.  Seek out the full album version for its extended refrain, "Think of me...")
• I Saw The Light (In my view, "I Saw The Light" ranks up with "What A Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers as a perfectly constructed song.  Right from the intro, it stands out vocally and instrumentally among pop songs, and it's still one the best ways I've heard of saying, "You're the one for me.") 
• Property (The tune's robotic rhythm is hard to forget, which makes it good driving music.  Regarding the lyrics: If you're unmarried and nod in agreement with the viewpoint Rundgren espouses, marriage might not be for you.  Or, at least, you'd be wise to choose your spouse carefully.)
• Something To Fall Back On (Rundgren's layering of his own voice makes this overlooked tune stand out.  Since first hearing it, I've always thought it would make a strong theme for a quirky, underappreciated sitcom.)

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCVI

Eight of the better tunes I've heard today:

KMNO (Wailuku, HI)

• Rhythm Of The Rain (Live)-Dan Fogelberg (Fogelberg was in strong voice when this was recorded, and his slowed down cover of this oldie by The Cascades is appropriate for lamenting a breakup.)
• It's A Lovely Day Today-Jo Stafford (A pleasant, on-the-surface way of encouraging someone to make the most of a positive day.  If I'd thought to play it on WEW, I wonder what similarly sunny segue I'd have used.  Peggy Lee's "It's A Good Day," perhaps?)

KMRE (Bellingham, WA)

• Blues On A Sunday-Ronnie Earl (A long, unhurried guitar-and-organ blues instrumental--fitting for Sunday contemplation, as its title implies.)

KPUP (Patagonia, AZ)

• Gotta Get Back-Shelby Lynne (Lynne's catchiest track, vocally and rhythmically.  It's equally at home in an uptempo adult contemporary playlist or an AAA station's rotation.  The opening note grabbed my ears years ago and still does years later.)
• Falling-Mindy Smith (It was a pleasant surprise to hear this after not hearing it on the radio since its year of release, 2004.  Smith sings this with endearing sincerity.  Lyrically, it's an honest admission that even the best partners drive each other crazy at least occasionally but are always glad they come back to each other.)

WESM (Princess Anne, MD)

• Soul Serenade-King Curtis (Resonant saxophone and a melody that sounds poised to launch into "King Of The Road" at any moment.)

WFIV (Knoxville, TN)

• You Can Do Magic-America (Sometimes, constant radio airplay can prevent listeners from appreciating a well-crafted pop tune.  In 1982, I remember hearing "You Can Do Magic" frequently on St. Louis's plethora of soft rock stations.  I never disliked it, but I appreciate its sing-along quality more today, now that it isn't played so often.  Santana's "Hold On" also falls into this category for me.) 

WZBT (Gettysburg, PA)

• Other People's Bands-Kathleen Edwards (A lyrically sound way of nudging someone to show gratitude.)