Can't take all the credit

Sometimes, I felt slightly awkward accepting compliments after playing in an orchestra concert.  Although I'd practiced the music and performed it well, I would sometimes think, "I'm just one of 70 people in this ensemble.  I only account for about 1.4% of the orchestra's sound."

Then, I'd think, "Well, I contributed what I was supposed to contribute.  My 1.4% of the sound turned out fine, so I guess I can relax."

In retrospect, maybe I should have been more relaxed at every concert, knowing that 98.6% of the end result was out of my control.

0 for 3

I enjoyed the jazz mix I heard on a radio station Thursday.  Unfortunately, that station didn't appear in Thursday's Online radio sampler highlights post because the station didn't identify any of the songs or artists.  No DJ back announced any of the music, no playlist was posted online, and no one answered the station phone when I called.

Radio stations who don't already do this, identify the music you play, using at least one of those options.  A basic function of any radio station is telling listeners what they've heard.  Thank you.

The allure of shuffle mode XLIV

One strong, fast guitar hook deserves another.  That must have been why iTunes paired Heartsfield's "As I Look Into The Fire" with Leo Kottke's "Hear The Wind Howl" in my library yesterday.

Online radio sampler highlights CCXXIII

Thursday standouts:

KUNV (Las Vegas, NV) 

• It Seems To Hang On-Ashford & Simpson (An inviting groove from start to finish.  This tune was right in touch with the general pop sound of 1978, so I'm surprised it wasn't a top 40 hit.)
  

KYBY (Magnolia, TX)

• Time To Move On (Live)-Tom Petty (An honest lyrical acknowledgment that although the future is always uncertain, there are times when the future you face is bound to better--or not any worse, at least--than the present.  "A Higher Place" is still my favorite track from the "Wildflowers" CD, and the title track is still my second favorite.  It was good to be reminded, however, that I should pay more attention to this tune.)

WFBS (Salem, SC)

• Automatic-The Pointer Sisters (I've always liked the compelling low-pitched buildup to the chorus and this song's strong hook.  This was one of 1984's catchier hits.)

WGVU (Grand Rapids, MI)

• As I Travel-Donald Vega (An energetic, forceful piano piece.)
  

WMUD (Moriah, NY)

• These Wings-Alex Mabey (This tune got off to a strong immediate start with me by sporting guitar parts reminiscent of "Rumours"-era Fleetwood Mac.  Mabey's vocals blend well with the guitars, making me want to hear more of her work.  I know Ebba Forsberg doesn't sing in a bluegrass style, but I'd be curious to hear her cover this.)

Only in college CIV

Every now and then, a campus cop would stop by KCOU and walk around the station.  The first time I saw him in the studio, I said, "Hi.  May I help you?"

"Sure," he responded.  "You could play my favorite song."

"What's your favorite song?" I asked.

"I don't know," he replied.

In retrospect, I wish he'd named his favorite song.  If we'd had it in our library, I would have played it.  After all, it's just common sense to want the police to be on your side.

Context? CCXCV

Shortly before Christmas, a talk show host, touting a moving company's professionalism on-air, said, "They can even move (a fellow talk show host's) ego--and you know how big that is."

"Wow," I thought.  "Regardless of whether that characterization is accurate, that's not exactly the Christmas spirit--and it's a risky thing to say about a co-worker at your own radio station."

Persistent earworm alert CCCXV

I'm not sure how well this bodes for the new year, but since yesterday, Elton John's "Empty Garden" has run through my mind frequently.  Writing about Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" yesterday apparently sparked my memory of another wistful song about loss.

Although "Empty Garden" is a thoughtful tribute to John Lennon, it isn't a song I seek out.  Its somber, dreary nature is perfectly appropriate for its subject matter, but it doesn't make for cheerful, easy listening.  Perhaps that's why it hasn't gotten a ton of airplay in St. Louis despite being a fairly big hit in 1982.