One year after live broadcasts ended on KDHX 88.1 FM, a new incarnation of the station is now broadcasting online at crstl.fm. CRSTL caught me off guard this morning by going live before its advertised starting time of 12 p.m. Nevertheless, it's great to have a new station that essentially is KDHX. Most of the programs and DJs on CRSTL originated on KDHX, so it's a pleasure to hear them again on their new home. Here are some of the first day highlights:
Songwriters Showcase
- All The Way Around-Kris Delmhorst (This was the first song I heard this morning on a sans DJ edition of "Songwriters Showcase." Despite its melancholy bent, these are hopeful lyrics about finding your way back to someone.)
- Shotgun Down The Avalanche (Acoustic Edition)-Shawn Colvin (From the first time I heard "Shotgun Down The Avalanche," I was impressed by Colvin's committed vocals.and lyrical metaphor for a rickety relationship that sounds as though it should end. This acoustic version retains the spirit of the original version. I also recommend her acoustic and original versions of "Diamond In The Rough.")
- Peace March-Bruce Cockburn (I remember first hearing this appealingly upbeat guitar instrumental on KDHX's "Backroads" in 2006. I'm glad it made the transition to CRSTL 20 years later.)
The Snappy Lunch
- Time To Get Into The Change-Jeremy Garrett (Impressive bluegrass pickin' and fiddlin', and a lyrically appropriate way of officially kicking off the new station. Kudos to hosts Walter and Willa Volz for choosing many similarly appropriate tracks that capture the KDHX to CRSTL transition metaphorically.)
- California Traveler-California (Fast fiddling requiring considerable dexterity.)
- Phoenix Arise-Becky Buller (As I said about Jimmy Garrett's "Time To Get Into The Change...")
No Time To Tarry Here
- Blarney's Ghost Medley: Rights Of Man/Old French/Battle Of Aughrim-Hank & Shaidri Alrich (At first, I thought I was going to hear "Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella" in a minor key. The transition from somber to spirited to somber is an interesting one. This Celtic medley has a nice blend of violin and guitar.)
- Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor (Live)-Mississippi John Hurt (An appealing guitar hook underscores lyrics about feeling weary and needing a good night's rest. I'd be curious to hear Taj Mahal cover this.)
