Category Archives: Free Form

Americana Roundup

Looking back over the past fifty-or-so years, we find a large gathering assembled under a large, all-inclusive tent, called Americana. There’s hardly a definition that’s been assigned and it’s hardly what we’d term ‘a genre’. It is, rather, a mood of the music and a narrative of the storytelling defines it. Like the dozens of genres that line it’s walls, we’ve come to know what we’re listening to: blues, gospel, folk and tradition, jazz, and everything in between. This week we’ll be stepping into that tent to congregate and celebrate that ‘sound we know’ called Americana. The digital bins will take us only so far back, celebrating the music of Bob Dylan, Buddy Miller, Gillian Welch, Joe Ely, Old Crow Medicine Show and a couple dozen others. Just what’s needed and built on playlists worthy of the very best of the Americana Hours broadcast each morning here on KOWS Community Radio.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Old Crow Medicine Show Wagon Wheel O.C.M.S. Amazon
3Bob Dylan Hard Times Good As I Been To You Amazon
4Keb' Mo' I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute Amazon
5Sheryl Crow No Depression In Heaven The Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage Of The Carter Family Amazon
6Rosanne Cash Motherless Children The List Amazon
7Ray Wylie Hubbard Tell The Devil I'm Gettin' There As Fast As I Can Tell The Devil I'm Getting There As Fast As I Can Amazon
8Buddy Miller & Julie Miller Forever Has Come To An End Buddy & Julie Miller Amazon
9Lyle Lovett If I Had a Boat Anthology, Vol. 1: Cowboy Man Amazon
10Guy Clark Fort Worth Blues Cold Dog Soup Amazon
11Lucinda Williams Lake Charles Car Wheels on a Gravel Road Amazon
12The Texas Tornados The Gardens 4 Aces Amazon
13Buddy Miller That's How I Got To Memphis Your Love And Other Lies Amazon
14The Flatlanders Dallas More a Legend Than a Band Amazon
15Joe Ely If You Were A Bluebird Joe Ely Amazon
16Robert Plant & Alison Krauss Killing The Blues Raising Sand Amazon
17Alison Krauss & Union Station The Lucky One New Favorite Amazon
18Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris All The Roadrunning All The Roadrunning Amazon
19Steve Earle Copperhead Road Copperhead Road Amazon
20Blaze Foley Clay Pigeons Wanted More Dead Than Alive Amazon
21Justin Townes Earle Harlem River Blues Harlem River Blues [Explicit] Amazon
22Gillian Welch Red Clay Halo Time (The Revelator) Amazon
23Gillian Welch Caleb Meyer Hell Among the Yearlings Amazon
24Van Morrison Till I Gain Control Again Pay The Devil Amazon
25First Aid Kit Emmylou The Lion's Roar (Bonus Track Version) Amazon
26John Hiatt Drive South Slow Turning Amazon

Tell Me a Story

Storytelling in song is not new. It’s mankind’s way of conveying, in both accuracy and reflection, the narrative from one perspective. Embellishments and hooks have long been the best way to make the story easy to digest and, if need be, to get a point (likely sociopolitical) across. We’ll be doing just that in this Friday’s episode: stories based in war, natural disasters, national tragedies and personal conflict. We’ll take a hundred year tour of storytelling from Bessie Smith to the Drive-by Truckers, from Memphis Minnie and The Tex-I-An Boys to Calexico, The Staple Singers and Marty Robbins. There are floods, murders, environmental catastrophes, bombings, and some wartime solemnity to be shared today. Tune into KOWS Community Radio every Friday morning for some fresh musical linens, curated by the outdoors and streaming to all of planet Earth on KOWSFM.COM/listen

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Mac Wiseman Wreck Of The Old '97 Sings Old Time Country Favorites Amazon
3Jimmie Driftwood The Battle of New Orleans Six Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles Amazon
4Marty Robbins Ballad Of The Alamo My Rifle, My Pony And Me Amazon
5Johnny Horton Sink The Bismark Classic Country Great Story Songs [Disc 2] Amazon
6Calexico Victor Jara's Hands Carried To Dust Amazon
7Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Ohio So Far Amazon
8Joni Mitchell Woodstock Hits Amazon
9Grateful Dead New, New Minglewood Blues What a Long Strange Trip It's Been Disc 1 Amazon
10Grateful Dead New Speedway Boogie What a Long Strange Trip It's Been Disc 1 Amazon
11Arlo Guthrie with The Dillards Ludlow Massacre Thirty Two Cents Postage Due Amazon
12Tom Petty Jefferson Jericho Blues Mojo (Extra Mojo Version) Amazon
13Randy Newman Burn On Sail Away Amazon
14Charlie Haden Is This America? (Katrina 2005) Charlie Haden Family & Friends – Rambling Boy Amazon
15Johnny Cash Five Feet High And Rising Songs Of Our Soil Amazon
16Kansas Joe And Memphis Minnie When the Levee Breaks People Take Warning [Disc 2] Man Vs. Nature Amazon
17Sin-Killer Griffin Wasn't That A Mighty Storm Field Recordings, Vol. 5: Louisiana, Texas, Bahamas (1933-1940) Amazon
18The Tex-I-An Boys Wasn't That A Mighty Storm? Classic American Ballads From Smithsonian Folkways Amazon
19Bessie Smith Backwater Blues Columbia Records' 125th Anniv. Amazon
20Rory Block Titanic (When That Great Ship Went Down) Confessions of A Blues Singer Amazon
21Chill Pill Dancers Zoot Suit Riot Swing: Next Generation Amazon
22Mimi & Richard Fariqa Birmingham Sunday Troubadours: Folk And The Roots Of American Music 4: 10 The West Coast Amazon
23Archie Shepp Blues for Brother George Jackson Verve Unmixed, Vol. 2 Amazon
24Drive-By Truckers What It Means American Band Amazon
25Will And Jehnean Trail of Tears Song of America Amazon
26Don McLean American Pie Songs For The Open Road [Platinum Legends] Amazon

Freedom Train

Summer’s in full tilt and we’re not ready quite yet for the heat. But that won’t stop us cartwheeling down the musical halls as we take an eclectic ride on a free form Friday. Themes and tradition will rule today’s playlists, making way for some great roots rock favorites from Elvis, Chuck Berry and Roy Orbison. Country music is well represented with a lonesome George Strait train song, some hellbound Billy Strange, and a trip to Texas with Iris DeMent. KOWS Community Radio features Deeper Roots each and every Friday morning at 9 Pacific and this particular morning is no different save for a few snowflakes in the wind. We’ll also dig deeper for some tracks from The Ravens, The Golden Nuggets, The Beach Boys and a little bit of Dr. John. Join us on our free form journey!

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Bing Crosby The Freedom Train [Single Version] Their Complete Recordings Together [Disc 1] Amazon
3Iris DeMent Goin' Down To Sing In Texas Workin' On A World Amazon
4Randy Newman Political Science Sail Away Amazon
5Simon & Garfunkel America Old Friends Disc 2 Amazon
6Louis Armstrong Summer Song This Is Jazz Sampler Amazon
7The Ravens Summertime Old Man River Amazon
8Jim Byrnes Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City Long Hot Summer Nights Amazon
9Roy Orbison Summer Song Crying Amazon
10The Chimes Summer Night Another Banana Split, please Amazon
11The Beach Boys Your Summer Dream Surfer Girl Amazon
12Dr. John Such A Night The Atco/Atlantic Singles 19681974 Amazon
13Elvis Presley Such A Night The Essential 60's Masters I [Disc 1] Amazon
14Chuck Berry Downbound Train The Chess Box Disc 1 Amazon
15Billy Strange Hell Train Hillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974) Amazon
16The Golden Nuggets Gospel Train Oxford American Music Issue #13-Mississippi Amazon
17George Strait Trains Make Me Lonesome Strait Out of the Box [Disc 3] Amazon
18Mudcrutch Shady Grove Mudcrutch Amazon
19Doc Watson Shady Grove Songs From Home Amazon
20The Campbell Brothers Feat John Medeski Amazing Grace Can You Feel It? Amazon
21Cat Power & Dirty Delta Blues Amazing Grace Dark Was The Night: A Red Hot Compilation [Disc 2] Amazon
22Norma Jean Let's Go All the Way 30th Anniversary Collection Disc 1 Amazon
23Ray Charles Let's Go Get Stoned Genius – The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection Amazon
24The Isley Brothers Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go [Remastered 1991] Complete United Artists Sessions Amazon
25Al Greene/Soul's Mate Back up Train Smooth Grooves: The '60s, Vol. 3: Late '60s Amazon
26Johnny Bond Lonesome Train Put Me To Bed Amazon
27Robert Gordon Lonesome Train (On a Lonesome Track) Robert Gordon with Link Wray/Fresh Fish Specials Amazon
28Elvis Presley Mystery Train Lonesome Whistle – An Anthology Of American Railroad Song Amazon
29Robert Gordon Drivin' Wheel [*] Robert Gordon with Link Wray/Fresh Fish Specials Amazon
30Chuck Berry Brown Eyed Handsome Man The Chess Box Disc 1 Amazon

Tex Mex Fest

We took a journey to the south in last week’s show and this week, we head further west where we’ll share a vibrant and dynamic genre that reflects the rich cultural fusion of its geographic origins, combining traditional Mexican folk music with contemporary American influences of country, rhythm and blues, and rock. With the accordion and bajo sexto, drums, bass and guitar punching a hefty rhythm whose lyrics are often filled with catchy hooks and danceable beats, it is prominently featured in festivals, celebrations and public events across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. We’ll share some of the influentials from across the border like Lydia Mendoza as well as the mainstays and popular artists of the past half century including Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm, The Texas Tornados, Flaco Jimenez, The Mavericks and a dozen others in this week’s Deeper Roots fest.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Conjunto Sotavento de Nacho Fierro La Bamba Tex Mex Folk 1920s to 1950s Amazon
3Lydia Mendoza Jurame Lone Star Amazon
4Lydia Mendoza Mal Hombre American Roots Music [Disc 4] Amazon
5Las Hermanas Mendoza Mis pensamientos The Rough Guide to Tex-Mex Amazon
6Little Joe & La Familia Las Nubes American Roots Music [Disc 4] Amazon
7Conjunto Bernal Mi Unico Camino Lone Star Amazon
8Ritchie Valens La Bamba Southern California With Fond Memories Amazon
9Freddy Fender Before The Next Teardrop Falls Before The Next Teardrop Falls Amazon
10Los Super Seven Cupido (ft. Freddy Fender & Rick Trevino) Heard It On The X Amazon
11Freddy Fender Wasted Days And Wasted Nights Country Crossroads Amazon
12The Texas Tornados Who Were You Thinkin' Of Texas Tornados Amazon
13Doug Sahm Nuevo Laredo Best of Sir Douglas 68-75 Amazon
14Sir Douglas Quintet Dynamite Woman Mono Singles '68-'72 Amazon
15Sir Douglas Quintet She's About A Mover Sir Douglas Amazon
16Tejas Brothers (w/ Augie Meyers and Larry Joe Taylor) Rosa Live a Little More Amazon
17Los Lobos Will the Wolf Survive? El Cancionero: Mas y Mas (1 of 4) Amazon
18The Mavericks Volver, Volver Collection [2003] Amazon
19The Mavericks Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me) [Conjunto Version] In Time (10th Anniversary Deluxe) Amazon
20Eddie "Lalo" Torres Y Su Conjunto Arriba San Antonio The Rough Guide to Tex-Mex Amazon
21Santiago Jimenez Jr. Alma de Tejas The Rough Guide to Tex-Mex Amazon
22Flaco Jimenez El Pesudo Flaco Jimenez Amazon
23Flaco Jiminez The Girls From Texas featuring Ry Cooder (Album Version) Partners Amazon
24Flaco Jimenez Por Una Mujer Bonita Flaco Jimenez Amazon
25Linda Ronstadt Mi Ranchito (My Little Ranch) Mas Canciones Amazon
26Ry Cooder w/Sam Samudio No Quiero The Border/Alamo Bay Amazon
27Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs Wooly Bully Memphis Celebrates 50 Years Of Rock 'n' Roll Amazon
28David Lindley & El Rayo-X Texas Tango Very Greasy Amazon
29Charley Pride Is Anybody Goin' To San Antone Country USA 1970 Amazon
30Marty Robbins El Paso All-Time Greatest Hits Amazon

Swamp Pop Fest

Swamp pop. What is it and where does Tex Mex begin and country blues end? Well, just listen for that Louisiana backbeat, a taste of torch song and rocking rhythm. We’ll take on the music of Tex Mex next week but this week we’ll be sampling some of the greats of that splinter genre referred to as ‘swamp pop’; music that was grafted from a number of different root source sounds. Swamp pop remains an important cultural expression of the Acadiana region, celebrated for its heartfelt and nostalgic qualities. While it never achieved the widespread commercial success of other genres, swamp pop has maintained a dedicated following and continues to be performed by contemporary musicians. We’ll share the sounds of some of the genre’s most popular:  Warren Storm, Tommy McLain, Rod Bernard, Clint West and so many others. Drop on by.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Cookie & the Cupcakes Mathilda Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
3Joe Barry I'm A Fool To Care Don't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2] Amazon
4Joe Barry Teardrops in My Heart I'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1 Amazon
5Joe Barry Little Jewel of the Vieux Carre I'm a Fool to Care: The Complete Recordings 1958-1977, Vol. 1 Amazon
6Rockin' Sidney Shirley Jean Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
7John Fred Shirley The History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 3] Amazon
8Rod Bernard This Should Go On Forever Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
9Rod Bernard Diggy Liggy Lo Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
10Rod Bernard Colinda Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
11Warren Storm Prisoner's Song Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
12Warren Storm Hey Ma Ma Boppin' By The Bayou – Made In The Shade Amazon
13Lil' Band Of Gold/Warren Storm Please Mr. Sandman Americana Roots Songbook: Louisiana Amazon
14Little Bob & The Lollipops Nobody But You Oxford American 11th Edition Southern Music 2009 Amazon
15Lil' Bob & the Lollipops I Got Loaded Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
16Johnnie Allan Lonely Days & Lonely Nights Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
17Jivin' Gene Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
18Dale & Grace I'm Leaving It All Up to You Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
19Clint West Our Love Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
20Clint West Big Blue Diamonds Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
21Cookie & His Cupcakes Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Rhythm 'n' Bluesin' By The Bayou – Vocal Groups Amazon
22Cookie And The Cupcakes Until Then Louisiana & The Old New Orleans Sound Amazon
23Cookie & The Cupcakes Got You on My Mind Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
24Shelton Dunaway & The Cupcakes Mary Lou Doing The Popeye The History of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues [Disc 5] Amazon
25Tommy McLain Sweet Dreams Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
26Tommy McLain Before I Grow Too Old The Essential Collection Amazon
27Tommy McLain Before I Grow Too Old I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
28Tommy McLain Somebody (Radio Edit) I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
29The Uniques All These Things Swamp Gold, Vol. 2 Amazon
30Randy & the Rockets Lets Do the Cajun Twist Swamp Gold, Volume 1 Amazon
31Joe Barry Just Because Don't Do It: The Smash Record Story 1961-1962 [Disc 2] Amazon
32Cookie & The Cupcakes I Cried Bob Dylan Presents: Radio Radio, Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 1 Amazon
33Tommy McLain I Ran Down Every Dream (feat. Elvis Costello) I Ran Down Every Dream Amazon
34Rockin' Sidney My Toot-Toot Alligator Stomp: Cajun Zydeco Classics Amazon

White Powder Muse

Cocaine is one of a few substances that have served as a muse, both in word and effect, in various forms of art throughout history, particularly in the 20th century. Its influence can be found repeatedly in the music industry, peaking in use during the 1980s when it was used by performer and listener as the disco and party-going atmosphere exploded, Contributing to this bacchanal were films depicting its use (and abuse) with plot themes embracing the white powder in storytelling. Cocaine’s impact is predominant in the genres of rock, jazz, and hip-hop and many performers have openly discussed their cocaine use, and its influence can be heard in lyrics, musical styles, and even album artwork. This week’s show looks at this muse with sounds from Margo Price, The Reverend Horton Heat, Lucille Bogan, Fred Neil and a host of others from 1929 to the present.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Roy Hogsed Cocaine Blues Swinging Hollywood Hillbilly Cowboys Amazon
3Hank Williams III Cocaine Blues Risin' Outlaw Amazon
4Dick Justice Cocaine Old Time Music From West VI : Old-Time Music From West Virgi Amazon
5Carl Martin That New Kind Of Stuff Carl Martin, Tennessee Chocolate Drops, Louie Bluie & Ted Bogan, Willie "61" Blackwell — Complete Recorded Works Amazon
6Lucille Bogan Baking Powder Blues Cocaine Blues Amazon
7Johnny Cash Cocaine Blues Silver Amazon
8Billy Hughes Cocaine Blues Country & Western Hit Parade 1947 Amazon
9Son Volt Cocaine and Ashes American Central Dust Amazon
10The Reverend Horton Heat Bales of Cocaine Holy Roller Amazon
11Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys Cocaine Blues Dance Ranch Amazon
12Miss Marcy & Her Texas Sugardaddy's Whiskey And Cocaine Deep Ellum Amazon
13Grateful Dead Casey Jones Workingman's Dead Amazon
14The Byrds Take A Whiff On Me Untitled / Unissued [Disc 1] Amazon
15Fred Neil Sweet Cocaine The Many Sides Of Fred Neil [Disc 1] Amazon
16Woody Guthrie Take A Whiff On Me Muleskinner Blues (The Asch Recordings, Vol. 2) Amazon
17Woody Guthrie Bad Lee Brown (Cocaine Blues) (traditional, arr. Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston) Woody at 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
18Jackson Browne Cocaine Running On Empty Amazon
19Dave Van Ronk Cocaine Two Sides of Dave Van Ronk Amazon
20Eric Clapton Cocaine Slowhand Amazon
21Margo Price Cocaine Cowboys All American Made Amazon
22Doc & Merle Watson Let the Cocaine Be Live & Pickin' Amazon
23The Manhattan Transfer That Cat Is High Anthology – Down In Birdland (Disc 2) Amazon
24Chick Webb & His Orchestra Wacky Dust Cocaine Blues Amazon
25Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra Kickin' The Gong Around Cocaine Blues Amazon
26Cab Calloway & His Cotton Club Orchestra Kickin' The Gong Around Chronological Cab Calloway (1932-1934) Amazon
27Mills Blue Rhythm Band Kokey Joe Cocaine Blues Amazon
28The Spirits of Rhythm Junk Man Cocaine Blues Amazon
29Curtis Mayfield Pusherman The Very Best Of Curtis Mayfield Amazon
30The Ink Spots That Cat Is High Cocaine Blues Amazon
31Memphis Jug Band Cocaine Habit Blues Cocaine Blues Amazon

Bad Road To The River

It’s been a while since we went free form so today’s show takes our regular breather from genre-focused explorations, theme, retrospectives and artist-inspired shows. There will be all of that found in the mix this morning. Interspersed between some fresh sounds from the likes of Dylan LeBlanc, Charley Crockett, and a newly revealed Johnny Cash nugget, we’ll be sharing everything from Dave Brubeck to Los Indios Tabajaras, Marvin Rainwater, and Johnny Thunder in our show today. From a pair of Memphis Minnie covers, some country classics from Patsy Cline, swinging rhythm from Louis Jordan, and straight-ahead rock from The Doobie Brothers and The Georgia Satellites…it’s a Friday morning full of Duane Eddy tributes and we’ve even got Slim Whitman…just for you on Sonoma County Community Radio, broadcasting on the FM airwaves out of Occidental, California, and streaming to the whole wide world on kowsfm.com/listen. KOWS-LP 92.5 FM is “Free Speech. No Bull” Community Radio.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Duane Eddy Forty Miles Of Bad Road Dance With The Guitar Man Amazon
3Dylan LeBlanc Sensitive Kind Pastimes Amazon
4Down Like Silver To the River Light That Match – Single Amazon
5Johnny Thunder Loop De Loop The Very Best Of Johnny Thunder Amazon
6The Georgia Satellites Almost Saturday Night / Rockin' All Over the World Rubaiyat Elektra's 40th Anniversary [Disc 2] (1990) Amazon
7The Doobie Brothers Long Train Runnin' The Very Best Of The Doobie Brothers [Disc 1] Amazon
8Patsy Cline Got A Lot Of Rhythm In My Soul Volume 3 Amazon
9Linda Martell I Almost Called Your Name (Remastered 2022) Color Me Country (Sun Records 70th / Remastered 2022) Amazon
10Slim Whitman Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain The Absolutely Essential 3 CD Collection  2013 Amazon
11Willie Nelson Made In Texas The Border Amazon
12Duane Eddy Dance With The Guitar Man Dance With The Guitar Man Amazon
13Johnny Cash Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie Come Along And Ride This Train [Disc 2] Amazon
14T Bone Burnett He Came Down The Other Side Amazon
15Charley Crockett Hard Luck & Circumstances $10 Cowboy Amazon
16Jorma Kaukonen Red River Blues Blue Country Heart Amazon
17Jefferson Airplane Embryonic Journey Surrealistic Pillow [Bonus Tracks] Amazon
18The Dave Brubeck Quartet Unsquare Dance Silver Linings Playbook: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Amazon
19Los Indios Tabajaras Always In My Heart Maria Elena/Always In My Heart Amazon
20Ria Valk Santo Domingo (Fernando, Alfredo En Jose) The Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson) Amazon
21Eileen Barton Fujiyama Mama The Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson) Amazon
22Marvin Rainwater Baby, Don't Go Whole Lotta Woman Amazon
23Clifton Chenier Me And My Chauffeur King Of The Bayous Amazon
24Louis Jordan Caldonia Living The Blues – Jump Blues & Boogie Amazon
25Jim McCracklin Think Living The Blues – 1965 – 1969 Blues Classics Amazon
26Howlin' Wolf 300 Pounds Of Joy Legends of Guitar – Electric Blues (Vol. 1) Amazon
27Sonny Boy Williamson II One Way Out The Real Folk Blues Amazon
28Jimmy Reed Hush, Hush The Very Best of Jimmy Reed Amazon
29John Lee Hooker It Serves You Right To Suffer The Definitive Collection Amazon
30Johnny Cash Well Alright Songwriter Amazon
31Lydia & Her Melody Strings Just A Queen For A Day The Wanda Jackson Connection (30 Roots And Covers Of Wanda Jackson) Amazon
32Duane Eddy Rebel Rouser Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
33Duane Eddy Ramrod Twang Thang: The Duane Eddy Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon

Celebrating Smokey

The songs of Smokey Robinson have stood the test of time, remaining popular and relevant across generations. His compositions have been covered by artists from various genres, further cementing a legend as one of the greatest songwriters of his era. This week, we take a walk through a handful of the many classics he gave us, spanning three decades, focusing primarily on the Motown song machine classics from The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Mary Wells, and, of course, his own group The Miracles. There is no question that his songwriting style and lyrical finesse have influenced generations of musicians and, coupled with his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with catchy melodies, standards were set for songwriters in the R&B and soul genres; not to mention the groundswell of the sixties sound of Berry Gordy’s Motown Records. A morning of pure soul and pop that will include some sweet contemporary covers (if we can squeeze them in). 

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Bonnie Bramlett You've Really Got A Hold On Me Lady's Choice Amazon
3Barrett Strong Misery Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
4The Miracles Bad Girl The 35th Anniversary Collection Amazon
5The Contours Whole Lotta Woman The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
6Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Shop Around Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
7Mary Wells/The Love-Tones You Beat Me to the Punch Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
8Gene Chandler You Threw A Lucky Punch Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD2) Amazon
9Mary Wells The One Who Really Loves You Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
10Mary Wells Two Lovers The Soul of Detroit – Disc 1 Amazon
11The Miracles Going to a Go-Go Motown: The Classic Years Disc 1 Amazon
12Brenda Holloway When I'm Gone Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 2 Amazon
13Carolyn Crawford My Smile Is Just a Frown (Turned Upside Down) Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1 Amazon
14The Miracles Baby Don't You Go [Single Version] The 35th Anniversary Collection [Disc 2] Amazon
15The Temptations The Way You Do The Things You Do The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
16Marvelettes Way Over There Northern Soul – The Early Years – 100 Classic And Rare Tracks (CD3) Amazon
17Marvin Gaye Ain't That Peculiar Marvin Gaye Icon Amazon
18The Contours First I Look at the Purse The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
19The Temptations Get Ready The Best Of The Temptations, Vol. 1: The 60s Amazon
20Marvin Gaye One More Heartache Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
21Marvin Gaye I'll Be Doggone 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Marvin Gaye, Vol. 1 Amazon
22Marvin Gaye Take This Heart Of Mine Anthology [Disc 1] Amazon
23The Contours Determination The Very Best of The Contours Amazon
24Chris Clark From Head To Toe Soul Sounds – Remaster Amazon
25The Marvelettes Don't Mess With Bill 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
26The Marvelettes The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Marvelettes Amazon
27Johnny Rivers The Tracks of My Tears Greatest Hits [Capitol] Amazon
28Smokey Robinson & the Miracles More Love Hitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 3 Amazon
29Tammi Terrell He's The One I Love Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection Amazon
30Diana Ross & The Supremes The Composer The Best Of Diana Ross & The Supremes [Disc 2] Amazon
31The Four Tops Still Water (Love) The Ultimate Collection Amazon
32Smokey Robinson & the Miracles Tears of a Clown Motown: The Classic Years Disc 2 Amazon
33The Supremes Floy Joy Gold Disc 2 Amazon
34Rare Earth Get Ready Soundsavers – Old School No. 6 Amazon
35Rita Coolidge The Way You Do The Things You Do Delta Lady: The Rita Coolidge Anthology [Disc 2] Amazon
36Sylvester Ooo Baby Baby The Original Hits [1989 Fantasy] Amazon

420 Fun

It’s a topical theme…it’s a medicinal thing…it’s a blend of sounds celebrating vipers and jives from the past century.  We will join in the celebration (in spirit anyway) of the date and time that three Marin County teenagers are said to have inaugurated over a half century ago. There is no shortage of material to pull from the well of Americana…whether that be from the 1920s or from the 2010s. We’ll brighten up the playlist with music that will help us kick back. We’ll pour over a selected list of great sounds from the last 100 years that either directly or indirectly find us thinking about (or maybe imbibing in) the herb so many care about. There will be music from John Prine, Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, Ray Charles and some early century jazz nuggets you will find hard to resist. Friday morning sounds from the Cherry Street Historic District of Santa Rosa, California, streaming to West County and the world on KOWS-LP, Occidental 92.5 FM and kowsfm.com/listen. 

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Johnny Price Marijuana, The Devil Flower Hillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974) Amazon
3Cordovas Stone Cold Stoned The Rose of Aces Amazon
4Yonder Mountain String Band Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown Mountain Tracks, Vol. 2 Amazon
5Sam Bush Granny Wontcha Smoke Some Marijuana Radio John: Songs of John Hartford Amazon
6Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen Seeds And Stems (Again) Lost In The Ozone Amazon
7Jesse Dayton Dope Smokin' Song The Alternate Root 420 Sampler Amazon
8Merle Haggard/Willie Nelson It's All Going to Pot Django and Jimmie Amazon
9Willie Nelson/Snoop Dogg/Kris Kristofferson/Jamey Johnson Roll Me Up (Album version) Heroes Amazon
10k.d. lang Smoke Rings Drag Amazon
11Kacey Musgraves High Time Pageant Material Amazon
12Moonalice It's 420 Somewhere Dave's Way Vol 1 Amazon
13Chris Stapleton Might As Well Get Stoned Traveller Amazon
14Asleep At The Wheel Jack I'm Mellow New Routes Amazon
15Ashley Monroe Weed Instead Of Roses Like A Rose Amazon
16Brothers Osborne Weed Whiskey And Willie Port Saint Joe Amazon
17John Prine Illegal Smile Great Days: The John Prine Anthology Disc 1 Amazon
18Kacey Musgraves Burn One With John Prine Demos Amazon
19Tom Petty You Don't Know How It Feels Wildflowers Amazon
20Ben Harper Burn One Down Fight for Your Mind Amazon
21Julia Lee Marijuana Kansas City Star [Disc 4] Amazon
22The Ink Spots That Cat Is High Cocaine Blues Amazon
23Trixie Smith Jack I'm Mellow Trixie Smith Vol. 2 1925-1929 Amazon
24Buck Washington Save the Roach for Me [FCC Warning n word] When Hemp Was Hip Amazon
25Dave Van Ronk You's A Viper Dave Van Ronk And The Ragtime Jug Stompers Amazon
26Wayne Hancock Viper A-Town Blues Amazon
27Harlan Pepper Reefer The Alternate Root 420 Sampler Amazon
28Ray Charles Let's Go Get Stoned Ultimate Hits Collection [2 of 2] Amazon
29The Devil Makes Three Champagne And Reefer Redemption & Ruin Amazon
30Chris Ardoin and Double Clutchin' Stay In or Stay Out – Pass the Dutchie Putomayo Presents Zydeco Amazon

Cuppa Joe

The history of coffee consumption in 20th century America takes hold in the small cafes, truck stops and coffeehouses which became venues and social spaces for the community. Like music, they helped with the congregation of like minds and served as hubs for intellectual exchange, artistic expression and social activism. And it was all because of the caffeine. Instant and decaf coffees were just an aberration; much like disco. This week’s Deeper Roots drives the theme of coffee home with tracks that span the century including Emmett Miller, the King Cole Trio, The Bobs, Ella Mae Morse and Merle Travis (among others) to tell us a cuppa tale or two. It’s one more Friday show ahead of next week’s 420 observation…one more libation to celebrate.

No.
1Artist Title Album Buy
2Warren Barker Caper At The Coffee House (From '77 Sunset Strip') Jazz Noir Amazon
3The Manhattan Transfer Java Jive Anthology – Down in Birdland [Disc 1] Amazon
4King Cole Trio You're The Cream In My Coffee The Cocktail Combos [Disc 1] Amazon
5Ella Mae Morse Coffee Date Singles 3 Amazon
6Patricia Kaas Black Coffee Jazz a Saint Germain Amazon
7Jack Barlow Hot Cup Of Coffee I Live The Country Songs I Sing Amazon
8Merle Travis I Can't Afford The Coffee The Guitar Picker CD4 (1954-56) Amazon
9Tex Ritter 01 – Coffee Pot (2000) High Noon (CD 4) Amazon
10Claude Gray I4ll Have an Other Cup of Coffee Country & Western Nuggets Amazon
11Lefty Frizzell Make That One for the Road a Cup of Coffee 1962-1965 (Warped 6382) Amazon
12Curtis Gordon Caffeine And Nicotine Bob Dylan: Radio Radio [Disc 1] Amazon
13Jon Rauhouse Corn & Coffee Steel Guitar Rodeo Amazon
14Frank Sinatra The Coffee Song Radio Radio Vol.5 [Disc 1] Bob Dylan Amazon
15Enric Madriguera And His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra Let's Have Another Cup of Coffee American Dance Bands – Playing the Music of Irving Berlin Amazon
16Pancho Cantaneo y los Cubaztecas Moliendo Cafe Cuba. Por La Musica Amazon
17Terry Snyder / Earl Palmer Binga Banga Bongo-Percolator Ultra-Lounge, Vol. 8: Cocktail Capers Amazon
18Ella Mae Morse w/Big Dave and His Orchestra Forty Cups of Coffee Barrell House Boogie and the Blues Amazon
19The Modernaires Coffee Five, Doughnuts Five The Very Best of the Modernaires With Paula Kelly Amazon
20The Ink Spots Java Jive The Great Entertainers Amazon
21Atilla Coffee, Coffee Mo 33004 Amazon
22Greg Brown Good Morning Coffee If I Had Known Amazon
23Kim Lenz Percolate Slowly Speeding Amazon
24Julie London Black Coffee 36 All-Time Greatest Hits Disc 1 Amazon
25Ruth Etting You're The Cream In My Coffee Love Me or Leave Me CD1 Amazon
26Brook Benton Another Cup Of Coffee Best Of Brook Benton Amazon
27The Boswell Sisters Coffee In The Morning And Kisses In The Night [Album Version] That's How Rhythm Was Born Amazon
28Emmett Miller You're The Cream In My Coffee Minstrel Man From Georgia Amazon
29The Larks Coffee, Cigarettes And Tears Bob Dylan: Radio Radio [Disc 1] Amazon
30Bellevue Cadillac Cuppa Joe Hipsters, Zoots & Wingtips, Vol. 3 Amazon
31Lefty Frizzell Cigarettes and Coffee Blues Life's Like Poetry (Disc 5) Amazon
32Otis Redding Cigarettes And Coffee Oxford American Southern Music Issue Vol. 25 Amazon
33Neil Young + Promise of the Real A Rock Star Bucks A Coffee Shop The Monsanto Years Amazon