Vox

TUNES - 77

Swinging Sondheim

I happened upon an old favorite as I was moving my CD collection today, and decided to share it here on the Radio.Blog.

Couldn't put up music that I know my niece will love without including Sinatra (that girl has great taste)

I love Mel Torme's version of "Live Alone and Like It" as well as Tony Bennett's assurance that "You'll Never Get Away From Me" - and let's face it, "Maria" was never so swinging as when Oscar Peterson serenades her

Les Paul - R.I.P.

Les Paul
1915 -2009

The contributions Les Paul made to music are well documented...and little known. I doubt most who are not in the industry realize what huge leaps were made based on his innovations.

I'm sorry that the only Les Paul album I can find in my collection is a greatest hits collection of his work with Mary Ford. Even on those somewhat cheesy songs, though, his nibble guitar work is evident. I was just listening to "World is Waiting" last week, you can't go wrong with "How High The Moon", and just try to keep up with his "Tiger Rag". I did find a couple of stragglers from compilation albums that I've included, as well. Enjoy

TUNES - 75

I finally got the Radio.Blog files transfered, and I was wondering what music to feature next. After my Doris Day post, where I mentioned Julie London, I got a comment on Facebook about a schoolboy crush on Nurse Dixie from "Emergency"*. So, for you and your little boy crush, here is some Julie London.

I love how spare the arrangements are on the "Her Name is Julie" albums, it really allows her voice to shine. The last two songs are from separate compilation albums.

* BTW: Did you know that Dr Early was her real-life husband, Bobby Troup? And that he wrote the Nat King Cole hit "Route 66"? Just thought I'd share.

P.S. The difference in her appearance between Volume 1 and Volume 2 of this album is one of the strongest anti-smoking arguments to be made.

Music On Hold

Bummer, I can't change the Radio.Blog until I figure out how to get some files off my old computer :-P

Hope you guys don't mind The Waifs a little longer. . .

TUNES - 74

Time to change up the Radio.Blog and feeling The Waifs today.

A lot of their stuff sounds like country road music, which is good for me, but there are also some odd little gems like:

Highway One

The Waitress - Ha

London Still (reminds me of Kirsty MacColl)

When I Die

Nothing New

Rescue

Three Down

Guess that's most of 'em - see I am in a Waifs mood today.

TUNES - 73

American Idol seems even more contrived & fixed this year than ever. The way the judges gush over Adam Lambert no matter what is a big clue (though Simon was forced to admit he was "horrendous" after his vomit inducing rendition of "Ring of Fire") I mention him specifically because D figured out who Adam reminds me of - Chris Gaines! (physically, anyway)

So, for all you folks on Twitter gushing about how fresh & new he is, I want to point out that he is simply chanelling the crazy that came out during a country star's midlife crisis...in the '90s.

In honor of Chris Gaines' return to the spotlight, I will feature his album on the RadioBlog.

Of course, being Garth, he managed to get a hit even in his detour - Lost in You (Actually, the whole album holds up pretty well musically, considering)

Tunes - 72

I was bluesing out with a little Candye Kane last night & realized it has been awhile since I updated the old RadioBlog.

The two albums featured here are "White Trash Girl" and "Diva la Grande" - that should give you an idea of what you are in for ;-)

She sings about love and loss, she sings about fornication? and masturbation, & she sings about being a "Great Big Woman" She even makes "Daydream" just plain funky - Hammond organ & great solos.

Unfortunately, she is a bit inconsistent. Some of these songs are throw-aways, but tucked in there are some real gems. You'll see. Enjoy :-)

TUNES - 70

It was time to change up the RadioBlog and, while enjoying Lori's playlist, I was reminded of how much I enjoy Kate Bush - so that's what y'all get.

I'll probably write more later, really stressful couple of days. I think the playlist is random currently, I may change it if I decide to comment on the songs.

TUNES - 68

Lori is getting into the spirit of the season, so I thought I would, too.

Time for a Monster Mix on the RadioBlog

More on the songs later, time for sleep now :-)

Tunes - 66

This update of the Radio.Blog features (completely) random songs about kissing. No particular reason, just thought it might be fun. No particular threshold for quality, either, so you may not care for what's there. Take a chance.

(Lori, I know how much you appreciate Dino.)

Tunes - 65

We lost one of our great, caring entertainers last week, Jo Stafford. I haven't changed the RadioBlog in a while, and this has nudged me to give you an update. Some of the recordings are not the best quality, as they were lifted off old V-Disc recordings, but I think you will enjoy them just the same. Some of the songs are her novelty numbers, hopefully they will bring a smile to your face.

Tunes - 63

It has been a while since I updated the old RadioBlog - and what better way to catch up than treating you to an early Christmas present from my sister, Josh Groban ~ Noel.

Loved this kid since I saw him on Ally McBeal; love Christmas music - perfect combination.

Here is the full track list:

1. Silent Night ~ Nice way to start.
   
2. Little Drummer Boy ~ One of my least favorite seasonal songs. I still don't like it, but he makes it slightly more tolerable than normal.
   
3. I'll Be Home for Christmas ~ One of my favorite seasonal tunes. Nice recovery, Josh.
   
4. Ave Maria ~ One of my favorite tunes in general, since I was young...simple and complex and calm and soaring.
   
5. Angels We Have Heard On High
   
6. Thankful ~ Good advice, gratitude.
   
7. The Christmas Song ~ it really is THE Christmas Song
   
8. What Child Is This
   
9. The First Noel ~ Pure Christmas, but I could've done without Faith Hill on the track.
   
10. Petit Papa Noel ~ This one reminds me a lot of his early recordings.
    
11. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear ~ Odd instrumentation/arrangement...still, that voice works.
    
12. Panis Angelicus
    
13. O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Nice finish.

TUNES - 57

Finally getting around to changing the RadioBlog and I thought I would change it up a bit. The Plain White T's are a bit out of my envelope, but I heard them on The Tonight Show and thought they were fun. When I saw the CD on sale at Best Buy, I figured it was worth a try. Not at the top of my rotation, but I have been enjoying them.

The first song, Our Time Now, starts with a little boy-band riff that continues to pop up through the song.

Come Back To Me is a sweet, we-can-make-it love song.

I have a soft spot for Hate (I Really Don't Like You), it is kind of uplifting in a bitter and angry sort of way.

"You and Me like the same kind of music...."

You have to chuckle at a song called Friends Don't Let Friends Dial Drunk.

Well, I guess I don't need to do all the songs - you get the idea. Fun CD. Enjoy.

TUNES - 56

Just in time for St Patrick's Day, my latest obsession (to be featured on the Radio.Blog) has a Celtic edge. OK, OK, I think she is actually from Scotland, but St Pat himself wasn't Irish....

So many great songs here, but if I have to pick some standouts I will go with these which are all hitting me just right this week:

• Daisy - words of advise for a wee one, or anyone
  
• Hole In The Heart - "I found a great big hole in the middle of my life, shaped just like my heart"
  
• Four Strong Walls - "When everything else in this world, flickers and falters and falls, and the thunder is under our feet, you feel like four strong walls"
  
• Faultlines - "for every breath that leaves me now, another comes to fill me"
  
• The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill - OK, this one has the sweet line "Oh the nights are long, but the sun's comin' over the hill" but you've got to love this lyric as well, "He kissed me each evening and told me he'd die for me, and then he ran off the road, full of whiskey and irony. He always meant what he said." Great turn of a phrase.
  
• The Light On The Shore - written for/about the Hospice experience; the workers, the patients, the families. "I'm not so old and not so bold that I don't need you more"
  
• Waterlily
  
• Holy Moses - Very simple, very pretty... lullaby-ish
  
• I'm Gonna Do It All - "I'm gonna bring those stars back down, so I can spread celestial light around" (love the way she says "Atlantic" and "gigantic")
  
• Azalea Flower - creepy song about, as far as I can figure, a murder. Really.
  

Guess that doesn't narrow it down much. Did I mention my obsession....?

Tunes - 55

I have been seriously digging this guy lately, so I decided to put him on the RadioBlog so you could enjoy him, too.

Long time readers know that I am not a religious person, but I do enjoy good spiritual tunes - this guys got the stuff. Some of his stuff is secular(ish), and those songs have really been getting my toes tapping (yeah, it's Pop-y). The whole album, though, has been in heavy rotation on my playlist.

I can't pick a favorite, but I always seem to repeat these three:

• Upside Down
  
• Fall Down
  
• Welcome To You

Would someone please tell me who he sounds like? That is driving me nuts, too.

TUNES - 54

Time to update the Radio.Blog again. Fortunately, I got this over the weekend.

I am seriously digging on her voice, and her lyrics are clever. The song I heard that caught my attention was Amnesia, I certainly have known that feeling ("I wanna go back to the day before I met ya, things would be better, if I could forget ya").

Haven't we all been Going Home ("Give me a reason to love you, give me a reason not to go home") at some point?

What To Say strikes a definite chord with me ("So why don't you come home, so we can talk about the things that I did wrong....again") and it has a fun rhythm.

Christmas Tunes - more

I added a few more albums to the Christmas Radio.Blog - enjoy.

Tunes - 51

I picked up a couple of new CDs a few weeks ago that I have to share with you. They both feature the incredible talent of a local prodigy, Jake Koller.

I first heard this kid when he was 15 or 16 years old. He was phenomenal at the time, and he has only gotten better through the years. I think he is all of 26 years old now, and I would say he is one of the best jazz pianists in the Southwest region.

The first songs on the RadioBlog are from a self-titled solo album he did in 2005. Very mellow.

The second set of songs are from a CD recorded by The Phoenix Jazz Quartet in 2006, Bridges. This group of older, established area musicians is the cream of the Arizona crop; Todd Chuba - drums, Chris Champion - guitar, Warren Jones - bass, and Jacob Koller - piano. Somehow, and as you listen to this you will hear it, he takes over and dominates the session - in a good way. It sounds as if he is leaving them all in the dust, and I think he may very well have.

TUNES - 50

Since I talked about what a great customer service experience I had buying this CD, I thought I would share it with all of you here on the RadioBlog.

It's a great album if you are into that country/pop music thing. Among my favorites; Whatever Comes First - love the lyrics, Leaving October - very sad, Hand of Fate - sweet.

TUNES - 49

It does make me crazy. I went ahead and picked up this Gnarls Barkley CD, based on hearing two songs - Crazy and Smiley Faces. I should have taken my own advice and previewed the CD first through RadioBlogClub - because the other songs on the disc sounded like they were from several completely different groups. Completely schizophrenic. See for yourself, click through them all and then tell me what genre this group should be in.

TUNES - 48

The last CD I received in the exchange was The Fab 80's from Jenn. This was another one where the theme was just sort of a genre, but there is a bit of variety here...and it's the 80's, man, I lived it ;-) This one is really fun and I like the flow she created in it.

The full song list:

 
1) Rio - Oh yeah, I danced to this quite a few times...of course I was just a baby when it first came out ;-)
2) Vacation - My niece bought me this album on vinyl a few years ago because she thought it was so funny that this was the music of my youth childhood
3) I Want Candy - Love those early videos - lol
4) Jungle Love - Never really got into this group, but it is definitely a foot tapper.
5) In Your Eyes - Yeah, love it.
6) Blue Monday - Not familiar with this one, but New Order wouldn't have been on my playlist back then.
7) Friday I'm In Love - Ditto this one, never really listened to the Cure...the kids who did just wore a bunch of black (even their lips) and seemed really unhappy all the time. Or maybe that was just my perception ;-)
8) Lips Like Sugar - Another in that vein, but I have heard this one a time or ten. I'm diggin' it now.
9) Flame Thrower - My friend JJ loved the J Geils Band so I heard their stuff a LOT back then.
10) Billie Jean - Back when MJ was just starting to get freaky, but was still talented. This song always bugged me though; the lyrics, the melody, the beat, none of it worked for me but I don't know why.
11) Into The Groove - Madonna when she was just a goofy pop singer. When I was just a youngun I worked at the Celebrity theatre and the sound crew played this album as walk in music more often than not.
12) One Thing Leads To Another - I always really liked The Fixx, not sure why. I am glad to have this since everything else I have by them is either on vinyl or cassette.
13) Man In Motion - Never really liked this one, but then I didn't really care for the movie, either. So sue me.

TUNES - 47

The next CD I received in the exchange was Covering The 80's from A Boy and His Bike. I think this was my favorite theme right out of the box, before I even listened to it. I loved the 80's and I am intrigued by cover tunes.

The full song list:

1)The Boys of Summer: The Ataris - This is a bit too much like the original for me - I am generally wary of covers, but if you are going to do it, make it your own. Give me something new and interesting. It is a fine song and quite listen-able, just not different enough from the original to set it apart in my mind.
2)Major Tom: Dump - Melodically and rhythmically very similar to the original, the foreign lyrics definitely change it up, though.
3)Smooth Criminal: Alien Ant Farm - I am not familiar with Alien Ant Farm, but I think they improved this one considerably - I like this version much better.
4)Wouldn't it be Good: Cascada - I really liked the original version of this (what ever happened to Nik Kershaw?). I like what Cascada did with it, I like that it strikes me in a different way, maybe because her voice is so sweetish and I get less a sense of longing.
5)Manic Monday: Relient K - Nicely done, shows some originality - gotta stick with The Bangles, though, just 'cause Susanna Hoffs is so cute ;-)
6)99 Red Balloons: Goldfinger - Rockin'!
7)I'll Melt With You: Nouvelle Vogue - Very different, well done.
8)Word Up!: Korn - Pretty much like the original, but more gravely. Eh. I'll stick with Cameo.
9)Hungry Like the Wolf: Reel Big Fish - Classic. Bizarre. Fun. Rockin'
10)Mexican Radio: Authority Zero - A bit peppier than the original.
11)In the Air Tonight: Nonpoint - Deviates from the original, kinda cool. Hmmmm, the jury is still out on this one.
12)Down Under: Selena Cross - This one seems to be going for a sexy vibe. I like her sound and will look for some more of her stuff, but I am not sure I dig the treatment of this particular song. Actually, I like it, I just like the original better - it's more "fun".
13)Rock Me Amadeus: Megaherz - Not that big of a fan of the original, really not a fan of this one.
14)Time After Time: Sugar Ray - Sweet Cyndi Lauper song, OK version.
15)In a Big Country: Dashboard Confessional - Pretty similar to the original, but with even better production.
16)How Soon Is Now: T.A.T.u - I had no idea this was an 80's song, only knew it as the theme from Charmed - lol. I like this version, though. BTW: When I hear this song come on the TV (4 pm) I know it is time to start wrapping up my work and go home.
17)Land of Confusion: Disturbed - Very angry song - heh.
18)Dear God: Sarah McLachlan - Love her voice.
19)In Your Eyes: SR71 - I'm a pretty big Gabriel fan so I was prepared to cringe at this one. It isn't bad, though, and, like most of these songs, it will go into rotation on the MP3 player.
20)Hotel California: Ahmet Koç - This was a "hidden" track, easy to guess the tune, tougher to guess the artist - so I asked :-) One of the two required songs (Stairway to Heaven)when taking up guitar.....

TUNES - 46

The third CD I received in Lori's CD Exchange was from Scott Gentzen, with the theme of Electric Mayhem. This is a tough one for me, as the whole theme of the CD revolves around a genre I don't particularly like. I have given it a couple of listens, though. I have to say to start with, I find electronica, techno and the like very, very repetitive - I want some melody to go with that beat. Scott did do something, though, that I wish I had the talent or the ear for - created a flow for his playlist. I tried with mine but had no clue so I just gave up - and simply grouped the vices together - lol.
(still working on getting notes on the songs together, bear with me)

The complete songlist:

1) The Weekend Starts - Fatboy Slim
2) Wings of Steel - Collide
3) The Summer Pump - Cagey House
4) Gospel According to Mant - Salmonella Dub
5) Native Sloghter - MetalBoxProducts
6) 1979 (New Originals 1799 Remix)- The Crystal Method
7) Emily - Alice in Videoland - This one has an 80's feel to it, reminds me of The Missing Persons.
8) Water to the Dead - Ego Likeness
9) Sparkle and Shine - Econoline Crush - OK, this reminds me of someting, too, but I can't place it. I know I've probably danced to a very similar tune in my life - and I imagine I got all hot sweaty doing it. ;-)
10) Circles - Lunarclick
11) Devil Thumbs a Ride - The Hunger
12) Below the Soul(E) - 51 Peg
13) Rock Club - Telephone
14) You've Got A Way - Strawberry
15) Ode to My Family - Modwheelmood
16) Staring at the Sun - TV on the Radio
17) Broken in All the Right Places - I am Jen

TUNES - 45

The next CD I received for Lori's CD exchange was from the lady herself, and I should have guessed the theme. Mermaids! With a gorgeous mermaid gracing the cover, Lori gave us songs that fit A Mermaid's Life.

Here is the complete song list:

TUNES - 44

The first CD I received from Lori's CD exchange came from Shephard. His theme was Anywhere But Here and featured artists from outside the US. It ended up in heavy rotation on my MP3 player. Great cover graphics, too, BTW - full j-card and CD label, like something you would find in a retail store.

Here is the complete song list:

jacked this list right off of Lori's site so I wouldn't have to type it - I have no shame

Anywhere But Here by K.D. Lang(Canada) -I love her voice and even chose one of her songs for my mix. A great tune and a perfect way to set up the whole theme.
Year 3000 by Busted (England) - Fun and silly. The chorus definitely sticks in your head, and the lyrics are clever. Like it.
Tripping by Robbie Williams (England) - Never been a Robbie Williams fan, and this one is in the same category. Eh..take it or leave it.
Dragostea Din Tei by Ozone (Romania) - OK, I know I have heard this song a thousand times, but I don't know where. Was it an internet thing? A commercial? Anyway, I was dancing around the house - this one is great for working out...or doing house work, that thumping beat keeps you going.
Stop, Look, Listen by DaBuzz (Sweden) - This has a very familiar feel to it, but I know I've never heard it before. It definitely got that hook working.
Have a Nice Day by Stereophonics (England) - Another really good one (that I didn't expect to like, BTW). It took 2 listens, but now it is near the top of the list.
Leave Right Now by Will Young (England) - My favorite song in the mix, it has such a great hook lyrically and musically. The song gets in your brain and won't let go. (BTW, this guy is a winner of Britain's Pop Idol)
Humdrum by The Corrs (Ireland) - I have never liked the Corrs and I don't know why, they should be perfect for my tastes, all Irish and cute and stuff. This song has a nice feel and I like what (I think) the lyrics are trying to say, looking for an ordinary love.
Somethin' Stupid by Robbie Williams / Nicole Kidman (England / Australia) - Another Robbie Williams. A Bossa Nova - Pop number to get you swaying.
A Little More Time by Bosson (Sweden) - Could picture the dance floor with this one, but not really my style. Not a skipper, though, just not a fave.
I Bend & Break by Keane (England) - Nice vibe, very English sounding (to me), very catchy.
Good Mother by Jann Arden (Canada) - Love Jann Arden, and this is one of my faves of hers..'cause I have a good mother (well, actually, she's a great mother, but close enough).
I Promised Myself by Nick Kamen (England) - The name and the voice are familiar, what was his big hit? This one is catchy and disco-y.
You Promised Me by InGrid (France) - I'm not a big Electronica fan but this one is fun. Maybe it hits close to home ;-)
Chori Chori by Udit Narayan (India) - Definitely recognized this one. I'm glad to have it in my collection, though it probably won't get a great deal of play.
Hide & Seek by Imogen Heap (England) - I was worried about this one, having seen her on one of the late night shows and thinking she was awful and scary. Apparently that is just how she came across live, though, because here she is quite palatable. An ethereal cross between renaissance singers and Sarah McLachlan. I am inclined to give her another try. Checked out some of her stuff at RadioBlogClub.com - I like it.
This is How We Do It by Solid Base (Sweden) - Yeah, could do without this one.
Absolutely (mine) by Gareth Gates (England) - Love the hook on the chorus, and the song is very Michael Jackson when he was talented and not creepy. Anther pop idol winner (well, second place)
I Cried For You by Katie Melua (Georgia) - I have seen quite a few ads for her CD but hadn't heard her stuff. Another ethereal voice, kind of Kate Bush mellowed by Jewel.
I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free by Sharlene Hector (England) - Upbeat Gospel, the way it should be. A bit of unnecessary modulation, but a very enjoyable voice.
Should I Call You Jesus by Billie Myers (England) - Eh...not for me.
Silicon World by Eiffel 65 (Italy) - More Electronica, with silly lyrics. I would dance to this in a club but wouldn't bring it home.
?? by ?? (??) - Don't know what this track is, sounds like Austin Powers goes Portuguese in Japan to me...but what do I know. Shephard, what is this track?

TUNES - 43

Lori had the fun idea recently of a CD exchange - how could I resist participating in that? I want to feature all the CD's here on my RadioBlog along with my comments on them. So I figured, to be fair, I would start by critiquing my contribution - the theme I chose was Vices.

The Songs:

 
Money (That's What I Want): The Babys - I love the Babys, especially this album, and the song couldn't have been more perfect.
Easy Money: Rickie Lee Jones - Something from her early-ish days. She is a fruit loop, but I dig the vibe of her records.
Money: Pink Floyd - Classic, what can you say.
Cash In: Phoebe Snow - I have always loved her voice for it's distinctiveness and cool delivery. This is a love song that manages to use two vices in it's metaphor, gambling and greed.
The Money Song: Mel Torme - The Velvet Fog. Even on a novelty number like this you see how he got the nickname.
Cigarettes: The Wreckers - One of my favorite new groups, Michelle Branch and her girlfriend/backup singer Jessica Harp. This is one of my faves from the CD, only a small reference to cigarettes, but I figure the title made it a fit. (Shephard, you can hear more of their stuff here)
I'm Down to My Last Cigarette: k.d. lang - One of the greatest voices ever, especially when she sings standards - WOW. This is classic torch song, done when she was still a bit country so it has a lot of a twang to it.
Black Coffee: Peggy Lee - Another classic torch song done by a master. I have several versions, but the only one I like as much as hers is kd lang, and I just gave you one of her songs :-)
Bring Another Drink: Nat King Cole - Love Nat, but this isn't one of his favorites of his. Certainly fit the theme, though.
Little Ole Wine Drinker, Me: Dean Martin - Dino doing a bit of a country turn here, yet still staying true to his delivery.
I Got Drunk: Montgomery Gentry - Perfect for the theme, but a bit if a jolt right here in the mix. Almost my least favorite song on the Montgomery Gentry CD, almost my least favorite here.
Drinking Again: Dinah Washington - I love her intimate delivery, like it's just the two of you in an empty club. Here you want to join her in drowning your sorrows.
Rum and Coca-Cola: The Andrews Sisters - A definite change of pace from the previous song and the next, not sure I should have included it. It was right in there with the theme, though, with the rum..and the added bonus of my personal vice, Coca-Cola.
Liar: The Cranberries - Hmmmmm, catchy....?
Well I Lied: Robert Cray Band - Grind 'em out blues. Kicky - I dare you not to tap your toes.
Before He Cheats: Carrie Underwood - Yes, this is the American Idol winner who gave us "Jesus Take The Wheel" and "Don't Forget To Remember Me"...this song is quite a departure from that. It always makes me giggle, some great lines.
Your Cheatin' Heart: Patsy Cline - The Billie Holiday of country music, she could sing the phone book and break your heart.
Drug State: Vincent & Mr. Green - My least favorite song in my mix, I wish I had left it off. I got this from the soundtrack to The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, which I had hoped would contain more Zydeco. I was disappointed. This song is completely out there and I think it brings the quality of the mix CD down. In fact, I worried that it would keep people from hearing the tracks that follow.
Strong Chemistry: David Wilcox - You know he's my favorite folkie singer/songwriter. This is a love/lust song that delves into some intense passion - "our bodies fit desperately together, like a needle against a vein"
Wonderdrug: Jann Arden - Another voice that I would love even if her music wasn't so good, it is powerful and distinctive. Another song that barely fits the theme, but the title gets it in...and I like her stuff.
An Occasional Man: Anita O'Day - Possibly my favorite of the jazz chick singers, her manager once described her as having "buckets of talent and not an ounce of class". I'm not sure I agree with that, but she definitely never gives you a good girl vibe on any of her songs. This isn't one of her best, but it is cute & funny and is a nice wrap up making lust the final vice.

Tunes - 40

This is the kind of thing you love to find in the bargain bin at WalMart -

TUNES - 39

Way past time for a change to the tunes here, so I'm giving you some country. These are very recent aquisitions and have been in heavy rotation on my MP3 player.

• Wronged woman - "Before He Cheats"
  
• Getting it together - "Lessons Learned"
  
• Moving on - "Starts With Goodbye" or "Good As Gone" or "Live With The Lonesome" or "Stay"
  
• Good love - "Some Hearts" or "That's Where It Is" or "Fine With Me"
  
• Longing - "Bring It On Home to Me" or "Lost"

Christmas Music

Way busy (major database/user interface project at work) and way not in the Christmas spirit this year - apparently I am not the only one.

BTW: Anybody care to guess who that line drawing is - and where he is from?

TUNES - Christmas 2005 - II

I changed the way the Christmas tunes were listed to make, I think, a more cohesive listening experience. They are now alphabetical by album which will keep you from having too much of a jolt in genre/feel from one song to the next. I also took out a couple (Crash Test Dummies version of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen could make your ears bleed it is so bad).

I will get more tunes up as time permits, and when I do, these links will take you to the wrong songs. For now, I recommend:

• Ave Maria
  
• Christmas Medley ~ by Steve Wariner
  
• Linus and Lucy
  
• Skating
  
• Santa Baby
  
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas ~ of course

TUNES - Christmas 2005

It's time again for the Christmas Radio.Blog. I had all my Christmas music ripped to MP3 last year then, to save space, I put it onto CDs and deleted it from my computer - and I lost the CD somewhere. So now I have to rip it all again....

I was gonna try to let it slide, but my sister doesn't intend to let me. So, just for her, one of the first CDs I ripped is A Charlie Brown Christmas. Also up now; Croon & Swoon: A Classic Christmas (Volume 1 & 2), 30 Christmas Stars, & A Christmas Collection.

Enjoy these for now, I will add more when I get the chance to rip them.

TUNES - 37

Time for a change to the RadioBlog - and I am in the mood for some PDM. Barry White it is

TUNES - 36

Sorry, I have been remiss in updating the RadioBlog, in a bit of a funk you know.

It is ready to go now, and in honor of our cool new local station, STAR 97.5, I am in a crooner mood. I have just two of Michael Buble's albums, It's Time and Totally Buble. He has a great voice but a producer with no sense of cool. There are certainly some gems to be found:

• Home - sultry
  
• Feeling Good - I've been there
  
• You Don't Know Me - a song that always gets me
  
• Can't Buy Me Love - pretty swingin'
  
• Quando, Quando, Quando - not a real hip version, but I like Nelly Furtado's voice and they blend well. And the beat on this one is.... mmmmmm...sensual

TUNES - 35

This weeks Radio.Blog features Bernadette Peters, who recently suffered a tragic loss. The bulk of these songs are from her 1997 Carnegie Hall concert to benefit the Gay Men's Health Crisis, Sondheim, Etc.

TUNES - 34

In honor of one of America's beautiful old cities, full of a rich heritage born from a mix of cultures, this weeks RadioBlog is a New Orleans mix.

I have a couple of New Orleans singers, Harry Connick Jr and Dr John, and some soundtrack songs from Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood and The Waterboy.

Here is Harry Connick doing Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans, and the Rosemary Clooney version. There's Zydeco and Blues - enjoy.

BTW: The American Red Cross

TUNES - 33

I mentioned earlier about a gift I received from my friend, A, Maria Callas - La Divina. I have been enjoying it quite a bit this week, so I decided to share it with you via the RadioBlog

Just for fun, here is Maria Callas performing Habanera from Carmen and here is my step-sister performing the same piece. You can hear some more from Piper here

TUNES - 31

I definitely need to change my playlist, the RadioBlog selections from my birthday are killing my bandwidth. Apparently, the tunes I rated highly are the tunes people wanted to hear. But they are gone now, sorry.

This week, in honor of the birth of MTV on August 1, 1981 (remember when they really were music television?), and since I don't have The Buggles, I am featuring the only music I have that I know came out that year: Billy Squier Don't Say No.

Enjoy

BTW: I wouldn't even have this music if I hadn't stolen it off of SG's computer. Shhhh - don't tell him ;-)

UPDATE: You can find the Buggles here

Tunes

Radio.Blog has a search feature that allows you to find music posted by anyone using their application. I love that functionality since I have been able to preview a lot of new music that way. I get a lot of hits directly to my Radio.Blog, and I assume this search is where they are coming from.

After my latest change of playlist my direct hits skyrocketed - about 6 times the normal rate. Apparently I picked songs people are looking for - wish I could tell which ones specifically are bringing them.

TUNES - 30

Couldn't think of a theme for the Radio.Blog this week, so decided to just go with songs I like. These are all songs I rated as 4 or 5 stars. Bear in mind, I still have 7,600 songs that I haven't rated at all so this is in no way a comprehensive list.

They are grouped by artist, so you shouldn't get too many jarring changes of genre. There are many different reasons for getting high marks from me; some are just great songs, some are mediocre songs done really well, some have really clever lyrics, some have a great back story.....

There is Bette Midler doing one of my favorite songs and, though it isn't my favorite version, it is a good one. ("I remember you/you're the one who made my dreams come true/a few kisses ago") Remember, this is only songs I have already rated, I didn't go looking for songs I like.

Billie Holiday singing Strange Fruit, one of the most heart wrenching songs ever from one of the most haunting voices ever.

Such a sweet love song and another in the same vein.

Blossom Dearie, namesake of the Mayim Bialik character.

A couple by Charlie Parker, a bunch from David Wilcox.

Eva Cassidy is well represented - love her version of What a Wonderful World

Etta James - At Last. What else is there to say?

Holly Cole appears to regularly get high marks from me, but listen to a few and you'll see why. Try Calling You as a starter.

Pete Pancrazi's version of Little Wing. This is a song he does great live - I always requested it and convinced him it would be great on the CD. Unfortunately, when he recorded the CD he did a different arrangement, much more "lounge-y" than the live version. But, even though I am not crazy about this particular recording, it got a high rating because I know what it can sound like. Yeah, I am weird.

It Ain't Necessarily So by Paul Robeson - a great song, an even better voice.

Lots of other great ones - some duplicates if they appear on more than one album and I didn't catch them - enjoy.

TUNES - 29

In honor of Bastille Day, this weeks RadioBlog features French music. Well, the French music I have anyway; Charles Trenet, Edith Piaf, and Elaine Page singing English versions of Edith Piaf songs.

You will probably recognize Edith Piaf from Saving Private Ryan; as the soldiers wait in the town for the final battle, their translator relates the story in a Piaf song (I think this one).

Viva la Revolution.....it seemed like such a good idea at the time.

TUNES - 28

I didn't really have a theme in mind when I realized it was time to change the RadioBlog - so I set my MP3 player on random (well, that is how I usually have it) and made a playlist for you. You get a really broad range of selections from my 8000+ files.

For instance:

• Some fun Louis Prima
• A couple of versions of Beatles songs
  • Revolution from the I Am Sam soundtrack
  • Things We Said Today from jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli
• A couple of versions of As Time Goes By
  • Frank Sinatra
  • Jimmy Durante
• Poetry read by the poet, from Poetry Speaks - such a cool book
• Speaking of guitar players:
  • George Benson (not one of my favorite cuts - but I didn't pick it)
  • Mark Knopfler (from a soundtrack)
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Pete Pancrazi
  • Eddie Duran - very spare treatment
  • Eric Clapton (his guitar playing pales compared to the others in this group)
• Speaking of jazz
  • Novo Mundo - a local group
  • Frank Sinatra (he showed up twice)
  • Nancy Wilson (not one of her jazzier cuts)
  • Diana Krall
  • Johnny Hartman
  • Charlie Parker
  • Billie Holiday
  • Louis Armstrong
  • Annie Ross
• Speaking of esoteric
  • Tuvan throat music - one voice singing multiple notes at a time
  • A Broadway show tune
  • or two (really can't stand this one...)
• Folk singers, rockers, classical.....

TUNES - 27

I changed the RadioBlog a few days ago but haven't gotten around to explaining the choice. This week I am featuring Eva Cassidy, an amazing talent who died too young. I chose her because, with the start of warmer weather, people need to be reminded of the dangers of skin cancer. I have heard too many people (girls especially) say that it is not big deal or that it is always recognizable and easily removed. Eva is a stunningly tragic example of how wrong that is.

A recently released report listed the benefits of sun exposure - which I agree with and support. Bear in mind, however, that the recommendation was for about 15 minutes 2-4 times a week. Most people will get that in normal everyday activities. Slathering yourself with oil and laying out to roast will not only put your health at risk, but leads to premature aging. You may like the look of a tan today but is it worth looking like a saddle when you are 40? I intend to follow the example set by my mother; lots of sunscreen and a hat when out for long periods. She looks 20 years younger than she is (and has a fabulous husband 12 years her junior to boot). Please people - don't risk your life for a temporary glow. Especially when you can get it from a bottle.

TUNES - 26

In honor of SG's recent winning streak, this week's RadioBlog features The Rat Pack Live at The Sands - Vegas cool at it's best. Back in the day the shows on the strip weren't Celine Dion and Penn & Teller, they were Frank & Dino & Sammy. I think this was the height of their careers, Frank was at the top of his game in 1963-64, Dean & Sammy as well.

You've got to love Frank crooning Call Me Irresponsible, Dean singing Via Veneto (a silly little song that is sexy 'cause he is singing it), Sammy presents All The Way, complete with impressions. I suggest you start at the beginning and enjoy the whole show. Banter and laughs are interspersed throughout - makes me wish I coulda been there. In Vegas. In the '60s. When cool was really cool.

TUNES - 25

Mindy McCready had a rough time of it last weekend, on Friday she was charged with drunk driving and on Sunday her ex-boyfriend broke into her house and beat her up. It must have been pretty severe since they have charged him with attempted murder. I remember when she broke onto the scene, I thought she had such a sweet voice and a face to match. A friend bought me this CD because he thought I would relate to the songs - he was right. It is sad that she has gone from a country singer to a country song. This weeks Radio.Blog is her first CD, Ten Thousand Angels.

TUNES - 24

I have been a bit heavy on the chick singers lately and, though I just gave you something a bit odd a couple of weeks ago, I am in the mood for something fun and a bit....different.

This weeks Radio.Blog features Cliff "Ukulele Ike" Edwards.

You may know him as the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio, but his When You Wish Upon a Star isn't here. Sorry. I found him because he was the first one to sing Singing In The Rain in a movie and I was curious to hear an older version (1929) since I love that film.

In order to augment his performances he started imitating horn sounds, then branched out to other sounds, creating an early version of scatting that would be perfected by later jazz singers. Yes Sir, That's My Baby gives you a good taste of it.

He does a couple of my other favorites like I Can't Give You Anything But Love and If I Had You. He does a take of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a song that I generally hate to hear cover versions of (you aren't Judy Garland - don't even try it). Fortunately, his presentation is quite different than hers and he captures the hope in the lyric where most singers make it sound like a dirge.

TUNES - 23

Lori is going to see Chris Isaak this summer, again. I am sooo jealous but just can't justify the cost of the tickets right now - 'cause I am cheap. I went with her last year and had a great time, and remembered enjoying the opening act, Aslyn, as well. So, I picked up her CD this week and decided to share it with you all as this weeks Radio.Blog.

TUNES - 22

No real reason for this weeks RadioBlog selection, Janis Joplin, it just struck my fancy - deal with it.

TUNES - 21

In honor of Ben Franklin's death on April 17th, 1790, this week the Radio.Blog will feature tunes played on the Glass Armonica, an instrument he invented. Yeah, I like to give you esoteric stuff.

TUNES - 20

I am feeling a bit mellow - and a bit dramatic - tonight. Or maybe just a bit melodramatic..... (I'm sure SG would agree with that)

In any case, the Radio.Blog this week will be featuring Randy Graff singing Cy Coleman.

TUNES - 19

Sorry I have been slackin' with the tunes, been otherwise occupied. Here we go.

I have recently seen, yet again, the infomercial for Esteban - Ugh!! I actually know people who say, "oh, he is so wonderful" Please, his crap is mediocre at best. You could go to a junior college in most major cities and find that 3 out of 5 students probably play better than him ~ and they can probably play the entire piece, not just the easy, recognizable parts. Yet, some guy named Steve can change his name to Esteban, make up a story (that was refuted in the local press when he started out - yeah, he lives(lived?) in Phoenix) about being a protege of Segovia, wear your ponytail and black hat, and sell a million records. What is up with that?

So what is the point? When I hear him play, it just makes me long for some quality Spanish guitar. I only have one CD of that and the production quality isn't the best, but it is top notch performance wise - Malaguena is a great example.. This week's RadioBlog features Segovia and Montoya, "Spanish Guitar Gold" - enjoy.

TUNES - 18

I am in the mood for a chick singer on the Radio.Blog this week, so I am going with one of my favorite, under-rated singers - Doris Day. Why do I say she was/is under-rated, despite her obvious success? Because I think she has been regarded as a light weight or, sometimes, as just a novelty singer. But I believe the girl had major chops - though many of the songs she recorded (especially later) were indeed light weight. Her life, however, was anything but.

The songs featured here are from the 2 CD set Golden Girl: Columbia Recordings 1944-1966, Blue Skies and a couple off of Legendary Big Band Vocalists.

The list starts out with one of my mother's favorite tunes, Stardust.
You will, of course, find her classics - Sentimental Journey, Que Sera, Sera.
One of my favorite of her 'novelty' numbers, My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time

TUNES -17

One of the great things about my new MP3 player is the shuffle play function, I have rediscovered some wonderful music from my collection. Some I've never even heard before. Yep, CD's I own that I never listened to. This week on the Radio.Blog I'll give you three CD's of Folk music that were given to me over a year ago - and I never got around to listening to them. So I'll listen to them along with you.

They are:

• Greg Brown - Dream Cafe
  
• Martin Sexton - Black Sheep
  
• Richard Shindell - Somewhere Near Paterson

UPDATE: Not too crazy about Greg Brown, not melodic enough vocally. Martin Sexton is OK, but that's all. Richard Shindell is my favorite of the bunch. Not really nuts about any of them, though.

TUNES - 16

I have had never seen Fatal Attraction. Now I have - I can see why people called it the anti-infidelity movie. Though I imagine it scared those type of men into keeping their zippers up for only a matter of days.

As we watched, I was taken by the beautiful music, which I thought I had. I checked my MP3 player and, sure enough, I had it in a couple of versions. (Did I mention I love my MP3 player?)

In honor of the beautiful classical music that has been featured in the movies, this weeks Radio.Blog features four CDs from my collection - Hollywood Film Classics, Volumes 1 - 3, and Classics at the Movies. Amazon doesn't seem to have these particular collections, but they do have some other similar compilations that look quite good.

It takes a while to upload them all so I am going to bed while that happens - I will link to some personal picks tomorrow later today. It is a crazy week and I am still working on stuff for my day job (it's 11:00 pm) so I may not be linking to my fav songs on this list. Sorry to leave you on your own...

UPDATE: Well that naming convention didn't work out. Tried to give you more information but need to try a different way next time so you can actually see what the songs are - duh. Sorry.

Review and TUNES - 15

This week I rented De-Lovely, which I have been curious to see since I heard it was in the works. Kevin Kline is always fun to watch, and Ashley Judd (as much of a dip as she may be) is ridiculously beautiful. The story of Cole Porter's life is one that lends itself to movie making.

Unfortunately, the story has never been well told. This telling was a bit too "All That Jazz" in it's presentation. I enjoyed the technique in that movie, don't get me wrong, but it's already been done - and much more effectively. I did enjoy Jonathan Pryce in the role of 'host', but he is no Ben Vereen (the host in All That Jazz).

I enjoyed De-Lovely, and I am glad I watched it, but it was not the movie it could have (or should have) been. The only two people in my life that I would recommend it to watched it with me, so on the Word of Mouth Scale it only rates two.

I think perhaps my disappointment may have been fueled by the songs, made over by contemporary artists. Singers who are not up to the task. Alanis Morrisette's version of "Let's Do It" is particularly painful. Sheryl Crow has nowhere near the vocal talent required for "Begin The Beguine". Whether it was the performers or the arrangers, the wink and a smile that Porter wrote into his songs is sadly absent on most of the film tracks. The interpretations feature affectations that would not have been heard in that era. So....

This weeks Radio.Blog features some older recordings of Cole Porters songs. There are two versions of Let's Fall In Love - Billie Holiday and Eartha Kitt - with two distinctly different feelings...but they both make the Morisette version look like a poor attempt at Karaoke. You'll find Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire (who many of these songs were written specifically for). I didn't go through and listen to all of these tracks yet, so one or two muzak versions may have made it in - if I find them in the next few days I'll delete 'em

TUNES - 14

This week has some interesting holidays: February 8th is "Dump Your Significant Jerk Day" and February 11th is "Satisfied Staying Single Day" - both would lend themselves to a great song list for the Radio.Blog.

But I'm too lazy to put it together tonight, so instead you get some fun novelty music. The music of Raymond Scott, who died on February 8th 1994, will probably be instantly familiar to you, it has been used extensively for animated soundtracks. Although he never intended it, his music provides the background for Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Ren & Stimpy, The Simpsons....

And you've gotta love a song called Dinner Music for a Pack of Hungry Cannibals

TUNES - 13

There are two major Holidays this week. Since I don't have any Groundhog Day music, we will go with St Bridget's Day (February 1st) and feature Celtic music on the Radio.blog. Bridget and Patrick are the big two of Irish Saints, and I always like an excuse to celebrate.

Three CDs for your listening pleasure:

• Riverdance
  
• The Clancy Brothers: Home To Ireland
  
• Clannad: Celtic Collection (which includes this song from Harry's Game, and this one from Robin of Sherwood)

TUNES - 12

In honor of my new purchase, this weeks Radio.Blog features Sugarland

I am loving the CD, glad I finally got it.
Their current single is my favorite on the album at this point: Baby Girl

TUNES - 11

In honor of this weeks inaugural festivities I decided to go with the 40's era swing for the Radio.Blog. Specifically the recordings that Jo Stafford made for VDisc.

Why those recordings? Because they were made at a time when the musicians union had put in place a ban on recording. The ban would go on for 2 years. However, in order to show support for the troops and in hopes of improving moral of the servicemen, the union allowed recordings to be made and sent to units around the world. That's right boys and girls, the entertainment industry put their greed and petty squabbles aside in the names of patriotism. Hmmm - novel concept these days.

Not the greatest fidelity on these discs, but a lot of heart. I love the WWII songs, especially I'll Be Seeing You - one of my favorite songs of all time. This version is not my favorite, but it is still nice.

And I Remember You which is very nicely done here.

UPDATE: You should definitely check out Lori's tuneage - she has the ultimate W Inauguration mix.

Music Ideas

I wanted to put up some music this week to celebrate the inauguration
but I am not sure which way to go.

I was thinking of the weepy war ballads and swing songs from 40's - back when America was so patriotic, when entertainers supported the troops and the cause.

Or, maybe I should just go with Country music to honor the Texan in the White House.

Or...? Any suggestions?

Or, maybe I should just leave it to Lori - she always comes up with great theme lists for her Radio.

TUNES - 10

In honor of the birth of my nephew's second child, this weeks Radio.Blog yes, I know I am late changing the tunes features jazzed up lullabies.

This makes two boys each for he and his brother, all four born on the 12th of a month.

TUNES - 9

Time once again to change up the weekly Radio.blog - this time I am in the mood for Marillion. This is the band Lori and I saw on our trip to LA and I wanted to feature some of their older music. They will probably remind you of early Genesis. Enjoy

Albums featured are:

• Clutching at Straws
  
• Holidays in Eden
  
• Made Again Live
  
• The Thieving Magpie

Hard to pick my favorites, but try

• White Russian
  
• Torch Song
  
• A Collection - which tells this story
  
• Dry Land
  
• Waiting to Happen - one of my favorite love songs ever
  
• Cover My Eyes
  
• Splintering Heart
  
• Easter - about the sad situation in Northern Ireland
  
• No One Can Take You Away From Me Now - another sweet love song
  
• Hooks in You
  
• And one I am particularly fond of, but it is the one you are most likely to have heard before - their only hit here - Kayleigh

Special Music

Due to recent developments in my personal life, I decided to put together a special "Love Gone Wrong" Radio.Blog. I figure if I stop moving I am just gonna start sobbing, so thought I should do something. Now I can listen to it and wallow in self-pity at the office, too.

I have been trying to get through ripping my whole CD collection (about 25% done so far) so I had a lot to choose from. I pulled the best break-up songs, men-are-pigs songs, I-miss-you songs, please-come-back songs and I-don't-need-you songs I could find on my hard drive.

You already know my taste tends to be fairly eclectic, so there are 10 or so different genres represented. My feelings are all over the map, so you may go from an angry song to a begging song - the only rhyme or reason to the order is that I tried to keep all the songs from each artist together (to keep you from getting too random of a sampling). I may add more as I continue ripping from my collection.

Right now I am feeling this as the SG song of the Day - but it may change later. I find myself going to this one a lot. Then there's this one. And this. And this.

TUNES - 8

Because Payola lives, this weeks Radio.Blog features another local group. They were also chosen because I like their stuff...and in this weather I thought a little Brazilian music would warm us right up.

Espirito do Brasil
and
Se Queres Saber

I don't really have any favorites to feature, they are all great, but you may recognize The Girl From Ipanema and Summertime (done here in Portuguese)

BTW: Christmas Radio.Blog stays up for another week - my family celebrates next Sunday.

TUNES- 7

SG and I caught a bit of the Roy Orbison Black & White Night concert on PBS last week. Roy Orbison is great, but I don't have any of his stuff. Why bother with this story? Because one of his back-up singers was k.d.lang - well, the whole stage was filled with performers who are big names in their own right.

I have a few k.d.lang CD's, I love her voice, so she is gonna be on this weeks Radio.Blog.

Featured albums are:

• Shadowland
  
• Ingenue
  
• All You Can Eat ~ my favorite of the three

As usual, I took out a few songs that I am really not in the mood for - but left most, even the ones I am on the fence about.

Some of my faves (or maybe it's just my mood):

• Maybe
  
• You're OK
  
• This
  
• Outside Myself
  
• World of Love
  
• Busy Being Blue

oh, there's a bunch, just play the whole shebang

CHRISTMAS TUNES - 5

Added the rest of the Christmas Albums I intend to include in the Radio.Blog - should keep anyone satisfied. There should be about 30 CDs in there (minus a few songs I can't stand) I set the playlist to shuffle so I can't send you to any specific tunes - but there are some great ones in there.

New additions:

• Holiday Classics ~ from Border's
  
• Big Band Christmas
  
• That Christmas Swing
  
• In the Christmas Mood ~ Glenn Miller Orchestra
  
• The Christmas Song ~ Nat King Cole
  
• Favorite Holiday Songs
  
• The Little Drummer Boy
  
• Christmas With Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole
  
• Sounds of the Season ~ the Country Collection
  
• Now That's What I call Christmas
  
• Christmas Divas
  
• A Jolly Christmas ~ Frank Sinatra
  
• Christmas in Blues
  
• Star Bright ~ Vanessa Williams

Enjoy!

TUNES - 6

Time for another change to the Radio.Blog, and since I am feeling a bit nostalgic I am giving you The Babys Anthology

(that link is to the expanded version, not the one I have, so there are songs I am missing)

There are a lot of love songs on that album, but let's call this the SG Song of the Day.

Play the whole thing

TUNES - 5

UPDATE: changed songs

I promised something other than Jazz Chicks this week, so I am giving you a twofer on the Radio.Blog - two other genres I really enjoy.

Rock Crass and Bluegrass

Nickelback and Nickel Creek

Play Nickel Creek
Play Nickelback

Play the SG song of the day (even though he is more Nickelback - I am more Nickel Creek)

Warning: both albums are on the radio.blog so when one finishes you'll hear the other - be prepared for an abrupt change of mood :-)

TUNES - 4

UPDATE: Changed music - these are gone.

Picked up a new CD I have been wanting (I know, "don't buy stuff for yourself so close to Christmas") so I am going to feature it for this weeks Radio.Blog. Yep, another jazz chick - I'll give you something else next week.

Renee Olstead

Here is the SG song of the day.

Here is the whole thing.

BTW: she is all of 15 years old...

REVIEW: Her voice has a bit of the sweetness of Ella Fitzgerald, with an edge of cute like Blossom Dearie. It is still a young voice, which you can occasionally hear as she goes into her nose in certain ranges, but it is spectacular. Can't wait to hear how it sounds as she matures - especially if she finds a new producer.

This album, unfortunately, suffers from the David Foster effect - he has stripped almost all the cool out of the songs..and her voice. She will benefit from the increased exposure, but the resulting recording is less than it should be. His production and arrangements here are just so much pablum, just like on most of his songs.

There are a few standouts: A Love That Will Last surpasses his talents, Renee manages to keep Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby? hip despite some pedestrian kicks he's thrown in, her voice is perfect for Midnight At The Oasis - though it is an awfully sultry song for a 15 year old.

The duet version of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do that is on the album is so bad I removed it from the Radio.Blog, but I will give you the option to download it for a day if you are interested. (removed)

On the word of mouth scale:
her voice ~
the album ~

Christmas TUNES - 2

UPDATE: added new ones - some of these links won't work

Added a couple more CD's: Christmas Cocktails Part 2 and By Golly Get Jolly! (which apparently doesn't exist since I can't find any mention of it online - though I am looking right at it! It isn't that old either, 2002. hmph!)

The beauty part is I can delete the songs I don't like - such as Christmas Island - and add an extra - in this case Please Come Home For Christmas from Pat Benetar's True Love album.

oh, BTW - today's song pick: That's What I Want For Christmas

Is that too obvious?

TUNES - Christmas

UPDATE: Added more songs - broke the song links here.
In case anyone missed it, I love Christmas music.

To that end, I have set up a separate Radio.Blog to feature the plethora of Christmas Music I have collected through the years. I will add new stuff each week, but to start with (payola lives) here is the Pete Pancrazi Quartet's A Christmas Collection.

Listen to the whole thing or skip to my favorites on this album, Joy to the World and What Child is This

TUNES - 3 b

Added more Lea DeLaria songs to this weeks radio.blog - from her album Play It Cool - very hip interpretations of Broadway tunes. Love it!

Play it

Tunes - 3

I am doing this change a little early due to my Sedona trip, but wanted to get the music up.

The pick this week is a jazz chick - Lea DeLaria.
This album, Double Standards, is covers of more contemporary stuff. It is a great album - some of the highlights:

Just A Girl - For Lisa, who is Just A Girl In The World, and Rachel, who has posted the original version a couple of times.

People Are Strange - For Lori, because we discussed the original on our LA trip.

Black Hole Sun - Because I like it.

Just play the whole darn thing.....

UPDATE: added another of her albums, Play It Cool

Tunes - 2

UPDATE: Tunes are changed, these links to specific tunes won't work.

Time to change my Radio.Blog selection so, in honor of my Divorce-iversary, I am posting the album When Love Goes Wrong

None of the songs on that album quite captured the story of our demise, so I included three songs from Eva Cassidy's Eva By Heart which, when taken in order, spell it out.
Blues In The Night ("a man is a two-faced, worrisome thing who'll leave ya t' sing the blues in the night").
Say Goodbye ("sometimes you walk away and sometimes you run" "some things change and some never will")
Time Is A Healer (says it all)

Tunes

UPDATE: Changed the radio line-up (which I will try to do weekly) so these links won't work for ya'. I recommend all of his albums, though - you really can't go wrong.

I love the Radio Blog that Lori has on her site, so I had to get one for myself.

Of course, I didn't have time to create the mp3's needed for it, so I grabbed a bunch of older ones I had. They are all David Wilcox, folkie/pop guitar/vocalist. Unfortunately, they were all ripped at low kbps (32 or 64) sorry. It is worth suffering through, though, his lyrics are really amazing. He is not for everybody, I guess, but I am a big fan of the singer/songwriter genre so I really dig him. BTW: He will be here in February - the 18th in Prescott (Elks Opera House) and the 19th in Queen Creek (Queen Creek Performing Arts Center) Anybody wanna go?

Some of his songs are funny, like Start With The Ending and Rule Number 1

Some are spiritual, like Show The Way

Many are about relationships like Please Don't Call and Good Together

He is methaphor man, as you'll see on the relationship song Farther To Fall

I didn't listen to all of these after I converted them so if any of them are really bad quality, let me know.