Liner Notes: A Wintery Mix 2019

This collection, which represents my favorite music discovered during the past year, helped me muster through 2019. I would like to say it was a magnificent year, but that would not be authentic on my part. Sure, there were golden, endearing moments in 2019…but those bright spots were sprinkled amongst the proverbial mud that mired our planet’s collective & ongoing struggle to unite in its mission to become sustainable. Hopefully you’ll find several tracks you like, and perhaps some artists you might not otherwise hear. Please check out their other work; this sampling is only a small taste of their respective talents.

This year’s compilation, the 16th annual, is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Suzanne, who succumbed to cancer after a brave 9-year fight. Suzanne was a fierce, loving, & compassionate soul who read & cooked voraciously. She lived brightly with her progressive values on her sleeve and inspired me to have more faith in my fellow man. I will do my best to help carry that mantle forward. Rest in peace, Suzanne.

Sit back and enjoy this year’s collection. Thanks for listening, and here’s hoping 2020 (& the forthcoming decade in general) is full of kindness, laughter, & peace.
xo, jr

A WINTERY MIX 2019

1. Hurricanes – Dido
2. If I Can’t Have You – Sara Bareilles
3. Candlelight – Jack Savoretti

4. Crown – Stormzy
5. Wouldn’t Want to be Like You – Sheryl Crow featuring St. Vincent
6. Brothers & Sisters – Mavis Staples

7. Die Waiting – Beck featuring Sky Ferreira
8. Fall on Me – Louis Futon featuring BXRBR
9. All Some Kind of Dream – Josh Ritter

10. Put my Heart on You – Lighthouse Family
11. Hello Happiness – Chaka Khan
12. New – Ben Platt

13. Walk me Home – P!nk
14. Shine – Emeli Sandé
15. Platform Ballerinas – MIKA

16. Shadows – Alphabeat
17. Moderation – Florence + the Machine

Somethin’ I Can Dance To: Sheryl Crow

Soak up the Sun (Victor Calderone & Mac Quayle Sunsweep Radio Mix) – Sheryl Crow (2002)
This American singer, songwriter, musician & producer wrote commercial jingles and taught music before landing some back-up vocalist gigs with popular artists. Since Crow broke out with her solo debut in 1993, she’s consistently landed near the top of worldwide charts. Her work has diversified to include blues and – more recently – country music. And this summer anthem is her only hit to-date to top the dance charts. Enjoy!

Whatever Happened To… David & David?

Welcome to the Boomtown – David & David (1986)
This American duo, comprised of David Baerwald and David Ricketts, only released one album before calling it quits. Their individual careers thereafter followed similar paths, sometimes intersecting. Both composed scores for film & television and wrote songs for other artists. They both collaborated with Sheryl Crow on her breakthrough album in 1993. Ricketts wrote and produced Toni Childs’ noteworthy debut album. Meanwhile, Baerwald launched a solo career, and his most recent effort came out in 2002.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Sheryl Crow

100 Miles from Memphis – Sheryl Crow (US release: 20 Jul 2010)
Sheryl Crow is baaaack! And based on what I’ve heard from the new album 100 Miles from Memphis, she’s better than ever. And just in time for summer. You may not blast this one at the beach in the heat of the sun — this album is more suited to enjoying in a hammock in the shade — but it’s still brighter and more soulful than her last effort. Like a fine wine, Ms. Crow seems to get better with age. Enjoy!