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.)

Fingers crossed for official releases

After attending Erin Bode's concert at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center this morning, I'm hoping she'll eventually release these four cover tunes she sang today:

• No Moon At All (KPAC's house band of keyboardist, bassist, and drummer accompanied Bode throughout the concert smoothly, but it would have been interesting to hear "No Moon At All" with Spanish guitar backing.  I've come to look forward to this rendition at Bode's concerts, as her voice suits it well, and rhythmically, I think it could segue with Swing DeVille's "Only Fools Are Positive.")
• Pick Yourself Up (Who doesn't feel better after hearing this standard's bouncy, encouraging lyrics?  I enjoy hearing Bode sing it in her lower register.  I last saw her perform this outdoors in 2019, where her band and she had to compete with police car and fire engine sirens for the audience's attention.  It was better this time to see a respectful audience at KPAC's indoor venue give her rendition its due.)
• Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (If you like the feel of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl From Ipanema," you'll probably like this similar-sounding tune of his, as well.  Its subtle, heartfelt elegance is why I've never heard a subpar rendition of it.  Just by selecting this tune, a vocalist is already halfway home with an audience.)
• You're Driving Me Crazy (This was a fun, unexpected way for Bode to close today's concert.  Not having a sore throat, as she did at last December's concert, allowed her to belt this out, and the song's cold, declarative ending was a satisfying way of conveying, "See?  What did I tell you?  You're driving me crazy!  So there!"  I understand why Bode said this song comes to mind when she's in traffic.)

It was gratifying to see a full house turn out for an enjoyable, confidently performed set list of nearly all covers and standards.  Here's hoping Bode chooses to release these four tunes on CD and/or digitally.

Segue suggestion XIV

While listening to an early Seals & Crofts tune, "Tin Town," last night, I had an epiphany.  A noncommercial station worth its salt ought to segue it with "Fortune Teller" by Troubadours Of Divine Bliss.  In addition to sporting compatible vocals and guitar parts, both songs appeal to the consciences of  sensitive souls.  To prevent a city from falling into the decay described in "Tin Town," it's wise for people to put their hands to good use by building structures that need to be built, planting trees, and simply being the good citizens that "Fortune Teller" encourages.

There's nothing like a good cause-and-effect segue--especially when it inspires people to improve things in their own backyard. 

SiriusXM highlights CLXXI

Sunday afternoon standouts:

Lo-Fi Cafe

• Valencia Street-Lofi Coffee (Well-placed keyboard notes sustain this riff.)

Outlaw Country

• The Wheel-Patty Griffin (Good lyrics about justifiable angst that an unjust world causes.)

Real Jazz

• Take The L Train (To Brooklyn)-Brooklyn Funk Essentials (I knew I was in good hands upon hearing the opening interplay between between bass and trumpet.)

Record Store

• Alone Again Or-Love (This is still one of the best heart-on-sleeve tunes I've ever heard.  Calexico recorded an equally strong cover of it.) 

The Village

• Sweet Sixteenths-Alison Brown/Sierra Hull (This instrumental would segue seamlessly with Willie Nelson's version of Bach's Minuet In G.  Yes, really.)

Willie's Roadhouse

• I'll Do It All Over Again-Crystal Gayle (I like that these lyrics have the resolve of the attitude in Gerry Rafferty's "Get It Right Next Time.")

Yacht Rock Deep Cuts

• World Leave Me Alone-Ambrosia (There's a confident swagger in the lyrics, vocals, and instrumentation here.)

Yacht Soul

• I Can't Help It-Michael Jackson (This track, among others, shows why Jackson's "Off The Wall" album holds up better than "Thriller," in my opinion.  You can tell right away that these are Stevie Wonder's lyrics.)

What are the odds...?

In 1996, I brought in Herbie Mann's version of "The Peanut Vendor" to play on WEW.  Less than 10 minutes after playing it, someone called the station and requested that song.  He didn't specify any particular version, but I was stunned.  I was sorry to tell him I'd just played it recently, so I couldn't play it again that day.

After I hung up, I thought, "It's refreshing that in 1996, anyone is still thinking about that whimsical melody, let alone calling a radio station and requesting it."

I still wonder if that caller was related to the listener in this first memorable conversation.

Persistent earworm alert CDXXX

As I searched for a cat photo to post on my other blog, generallyrandommusings.blogspot.com, today, the lyric, "I seem to lean on old familiar ways," from Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" ran through my mind.  It applies, at least subconsciously sometimes, when I'm choosing photos I've taken for my Watchcat protocol posts.  During a pleasant season, such as Fall or Spring, I'm often inclined to seek out photos from previous Autumns or Springs.  Similarly, during the Christmas season, I often search for cat photos that tie in with the holiday.

Consequently, I sometimes return to the same photo files for inspiration more than I realize.  I'll think, "Ah ha!  This photo would make a good post, so I'll use it today.  Wait...No, I won't.  I've used it already."  Other times, I'll think, "This is a good photo of (this particular cat or these particular cats), but surely, I must have posted it already.  Wait...I haven't?   There's today's post, then."

That second reaction led to today's posted photo of Sammy the cat from May 2010, striking a dignified pose in front of a bookcase.  Sometimes, "old familiar ways" yield a result you didn't anticipate.

A murky verdict X

How did Lily feel about one member of a choir leading the singing during the replay of an Easter Mass on April 5, 2026?  I'm still not sure:

Actually, I'm still not sure how I feel about it, either.  I'll just say diplomatically that the lead vocalist's singing was...adequate and leave it at that.  I understand why Lily maintained an ambivalent poker face during the hymns.

Context? CDXXXIV

Taking a cue from the unusual Carpenters cover tune I've written about, my cat, Collette, has instructed me to tell visitors, "Collette, she no home."

I don't feel right phrasing it that way.  Besides, who's in charge of this residence anyway?

I'm not going to answer that.

Context? CDXXXIII

A radio talk show host chided himself for drawing a blank this morning.  After mentioning that listeners could call in, he asked, "What's the phone number here?  I've only worked here for 30 years."

Although my memory of phone numbers is generally strong, I understand why the host was flummoxed temporarily.  When part of your work routine becomes so rote that you don't have to think about it, it's easy for it to slip your mind occasionally.

At work, I frequently have to refer callers to certain phone numbers that I've read off hundreds of times.  Despite committing them to memory, I always read the phone numbers off of a form.  While it's unlikely that I'll forget them, it's wise to always have that reference sheet handy--just in case.

Feeling down? II

Today, I'm remembering a post I wrote in 2014.  After Peter Magyar's defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungay's parliamentary election Sunday, I'm thinking once again of Pete Seeger's reminders to those who think there's no hope for the human race.  In Larry Long's rendition of Seeger's "Well May The World Go," Seeger asks pessimists if they would have predicted the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, the way in which President Richard Nixon had to resign, or South African President Nelson Mandela's release from prison.  Seeger then reminds them that if they couldn't predict those things not to be confident they can predict there's no hope.

Congratulations to all Hungarian residents yearning for a true democracy.  Here's hoping the anti-authoritarian ripples spread sufficiently to America.

Context? CDXXXII

I've written previously about how "B'wana She No Home" doesn't sound like the type of song listeners would expect The Carpenters to cover.  A WSIE DJ reinforced yesterday how atypical it is of their sound when he back announced, "The Carpenters.  Yes, those Carpenters."

It's an infectious version of the Michael Franks tune, to be clear.  It isn't, however, for those who expect to hear something similar to "Top Of The World," "Yesterday Once More," or "Close To You."

FM dial scan highlights CCCII

Friday and Saturday highlights:

WSIE 88.7 FM 

• Crisis-Freddie Hubbard (An immediately ear-catching, expansive melody that swings with soaring trumpet.) 

KCLC 89.1 FM 

• Train In Vain-The Clash (One of the best melodies to result from a betrayal.  I never tire of this track, regardless of how often I hear it.)

KWUR 90.3 FM 

• Window-Free The Birds (Rhythmically catchy indie rock with lyrics acknowledging that much of life is beyond our control.)

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

• One Note Samba-Janet Evra (Evra conquers the lyrics of this much-covered Antonio Carlos Jobim tune with graceful aplomb.)
• Lady Day And John Coltrane-Gil Scott-Heron (I was pleasantly surprised to hear this tune on any radio station.  I've listened to it off and on since the early '90s and have always liked its tribute to the healing power of jazz greats.)  

Context? CDXXXI

Given the recent spate of calls I've received that show up on caller ID as "SPAM RISK," I'm tempted to install an answering machine and use the chorus of Zebra's "Tell Me What You Want" as the outgoing announcement.  These spammers deserve to hear, "Tell me what you waaaaaaant!  Tell me what you want!" blaring in their ears, at a minimum.

Sidebar: Does any radio station still play this Zebra tune?  I've almost never heard it since 1983.

The allure of shuffle mode XCV

I've had these three CDs in my library for years but had never thought to segue these three tunes.  iTunes shuffle mode did, however, resulting in an elegant late night jazz set:

• Nocturne-Toots Thielemans
• Waltz For Monk-Mulgrew Miller
• Twilight Mist-Lee Morgan

I especially like that a different lead instrument takes command on each track, from harmonica to piano to trumpet, while maintaining a compatible flow with the track before or after it.  If I programmed a jazz station, I'd play these three instrumentals in a row.

FM dial scan highlights CCCI

Five of the better tunes I've heard today:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• The Gift-Roy Hargrove (An appealing energy and great synergy between the trumpet, piano, bass, and drums.)
• Sunset Glow-Lawson Rollins (A pleasant smooth jazz guitar groove.)

KCFV 89.5 FM

• Fool's Gold-Sofia Carson (A direct way to ask, "Is this relationship worth pursuing?")

KWUR 90.3 FM

• Pendulum Swing-Courtney Marie Andrews (Lyrically, this January release captures the inevitability of life careening from one extreme to another.)
• Heavy Foot-Mon Rovia (An engaging folky vibe paired with timely lyrics for Americans about resisting corrupt authoritarian regimes.)

An overlooked cover tune CXCI

Usually, when I hear my favorite hymn, "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today," a large choir is singing it, an organist is playing it, or an instrumental ensemble is performing it, often with prominent trumpet fanfares.

On Easter Sunday, however, I heard an unusually modest version of it on KFUO AM.  Bob Singleton & New Covenant Collective played a tasteful, subtle acoustic guitar rendition with shades of John Fahey's style.  As I listened, I thought, "News intended to elicit rejoicing doesn't always have to be sung or played with wild embellishments, as our national anthem sometimes is."

Sometimes, less is more, and an understated approach is as valid as any flourish of trumpets. 

Community Radio St. Louis highlights VIII

Monday morning standouts:

In The Middle Of The Night

• Ocaso-Melissa Aldana (Aldana's warm saxophone tone on this February release reminds me of Ben Webster.)
• My Funny Valentine (Live At Newport)-McCoy Tyner (Sublime piano playing from Tyner and trumpet playing from Clark Terry.)
• Our Old Street-Pat Metheny (Another thoughtful atmospheric guitar piece from Metheny.  If you like the feel of his "One Quiet Night" CD, you'll likely enjoy this February release.)

Early Morning Mix

• El 4-5-6-Los Brito (Fun bossa nova vocals and brassy instrumentation.)
• Blues Rhapsody-James Booker (Expertly blended blues and boogie-woogie piano styles.)
• Joan Ambrosio Dalza: Saltarello and Piva (Christopher Wilson, lute, and Shirley Rumsey, lute) (Pleasant, accessible pre-Baroque lute stylings.)

Why not sing?

Sometimes, when people break into song in a sitcom, drama, or stage production, I'm inclined to follow comedian Neal Brennan's lead and say, "Just tell me."

While watching the Good Friday Mass on Catholic TV Network, I thought, "These extended portions of the Mass don't need to be sung, but why not sing them anyway?"  While watching the Easter Sunday Mass, I thought,  "The gospel is usually read instead of sung, but again, why not sing it?  After all, these Masses are centered around the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are central to this faith, so why shouldn't the celebrants sing about them?  After all, if ever there are times when it's appropriate to ask the congregation to lean in and pay close attention, it's when recounting these momentous events."

That said, if you're relying on closed captioning, it might be wise to have a hymnal and missal handy when the captioning descends into linguistic and grammatical garble.  During the Easter Sunday opening hymn, "The Strife Is O'er, The Battle Done," closed captioning turned the verse, "The powers of death have done their worst," into "Dust mite your spouse have done their work." 

I'm not sure the accomplishments of dust mite spouses warrant breaking into song, but if you're so moved, that's your prerogative.

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it.

Context? CDXXX

During a 1984 Kansas City Royals baseball game, I heard a radio announcer say, "The problem for the catcher and the knuckleball--Look at the size of the glove that (one player) is using...You don't know where the knuckleball's gonna go, and if the runner breaks, as (another player) did that time and you get the ball in the glove...the catcher has to go fishing around in that big glove to find the ball, ...get a grip on it, and get it down to second base.  That all takes time."

According to the proverb, "A poor workman blames his tools."  I don't know if any player affected by that scenario has ever blamed it on a large glove, but nothing says a baseball announcer can't point it out.

To date, that's the only time I've heard a play-by-play broadcaster call such attention to the connection between a particular pitch and the size of a player's glove. 

The foot-biting default option XXXII

Storms left my cat, Collette, somewhat rattled yesterday.  I was concerned that she spent much of yesterday morning sitting on a grocery bag by the refrigerator, looking subdued.

I was relieved when she started acting like herself again by walking over to me and biting my feet repeatedly.  I imagined a band covering "Back On My Feet Again" by The Babys with the revised lyrics, "She's biting my feet again!"

Having your cat bite your feet is an odd occasion for rejoicing, admittedly, but I was glad to see Collette bounce back after the menacing clatter of thunder.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXCV

Today's standout selections:

KPRS-HD2 (Kansas City, MO)

• Stop To Love-Luther Vandross (To me, this ranks second only to "Never Too Much" as an uptempo Vandross tune.)

KWVA (Eugene, OR)

• Skyline Rocking-Kelissa (This endearing new reggae release shines with warm, sunny lyrics about appreciating one's home.) 

KXLU (Los Angeles, CA)

• Fear Of Flying-Bowery Electric (This instrumental's heavy, steady beat fails to wear out its welcome, even after five and a half minutes.)

WAAI (Cambridge, MD)

• Daydream Believer-Anne Murray (Murray's voice suits this cover of the much-played Monkees hit well, striking the right balance between confidence and starry-eyed idealism.)

WCNR (Charlottesville, VA)

• Don't Save Me-Haim (In early 2013, I heard an interview with the band Haim, along with impressive tracks from their debut album, on WXPN.  At the end of the interview, I thought, "Wow...There's real talent there.  'Forever,' in particular, really made me take notice.  Everything these songs require--solid vocals, energy, and confidence--is there.  I hope they have a successful career."  And, so they have.  This track from that first release is an example of how this band hit the ground running.) 

WXXI (Rochester, NY)

• Kenji Bunch: Broken Music For Cello And Piano (Clancy Newman, cello; Natalie Zhu, piano) (I have to respect a piece that encompasses such divergent themes that it reminded me of a waterfall, a spy thriller, and a dirge.)

WZUM (Pittsburgh, PA)

• Close Your Eyes-Warren Vache (This is some cool, cookin', self-assured trumpet and rhythm section playing.)
• Night Train-Teddy Edwards & Houston Person (Two saxophonists sock this jazz standard home.)

Context? CDXXIX

A radio personality joked Monday that he'll likely be "eating Graham crackers for the next month" after spending a princely sum at an American Girl doll store.  He stressed that it was worth it, though, to make his daughter happy.  

I've had similar feelings at times about the expenses associated with cat ownership.  I've always wanted my current cat, Collette, and my previous cat, Sylvia, to be happy and healthy, however, so there's no question for me about priorities.