Category Archives: Free Form

Killer Diller Blues

Join Dave Stroud for another encore edition of Deeper Roots: A Century of America’s Music. With vacation from the show in full swing, he’s taken the time to fill the airwaves with a free form blend of blues, hot rod rock, early century pop, gospel, soul and more. There will be some killer diller Memphis Minnie blues, some pop melodies from Annette Hanshaw and Mae West, gospel from the Blind Boys of Alabama and Sam Cooke…and some sweet soul vocals from The Ravens and Barbara Lewis. You won’t go wrong on a Friday morning in West County. Tune in on your favorite streaming service or the Radio Rethink app…all free for your ears. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Barbara LewisMake Me Your BabyHello Stranger: The Best of Barbara LewisAmazon
2The RavensMy Baby's GoneOKeh Rhythm & BluesAmazon
3Smiley LewisI Hear You KnockingI Hear You Knocking: 1947-1962 Disc 3Amazon
4Kay StarrKay's LamentVoodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties FemalesAmazon
5Kay StarrNight TrainVoodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties FemalesAmazon
6The Blind Boys Of AlabamaFree At LastDown In New OrleansAmazon
7The Edwin Hawkins SingersOh Happy DayOh Happy Day: The Best Of The Edwin Hawkins SingersAmazon
8Sam CookeMean Old WorldNight BeatAmazon
9The Golden Gate QuartetDipsy DoodleNegro Spirituals, Vol. 1Amazon
10Alabama ShakesKiller Diller BluesAmerican Epic: The Sessions [Disc 1]Amazon
11Jimmy LigginsCadillac BoogieJump, Jive & SwingAmazon
12TrailerHot Rods to HellSo-Cal Speed Shop's Hot Rod Classics Disc 3Amazon
13Eddie CochranC'mon EverybodyEddie Cochran: 2 Classic Albums Plus Singles And Session Tracks [Disc 1]Amazon
14Bea Baker & Maurice King & His WolverinesI Want a Lavender CadillacSo-Cal Speed Shop's Hot Rod Classics Disc 4Amazon
15Mink DevilleSpanish StrollThe Mink De Ville CollectionAmazon
16Dave Alvin & the Guilty MenWhat Does the Deep Sea Say?Public Domain: Songs from the Wild LandAmazon
17Mae WestMister Deep Blue SeaThe Mae West CollectionAmazon
18Annette HanshawMoanin' LowAnnette Hanshaw, Volume 6, 1929 (1999)Amazon
19David JohansenDeep Blue SeaShakerAmazon
20Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet LickersBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue SeaOne Hour MamaAmazon
21Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley BoysCryin' In The Deep Blue SeaVintage CollectionsAmazon
22Reckless Kelly & Joe ElyRider in the RainSail Away: The Songs Of Randy NewmanAmazon
23Barbara LewisHello StrangerMaltShop Memories Save the Last Dance for MAmazon
24John PrineCome Back to Us Barbara Lewis Hare Krishna BeauregardGreat Days: The John Prine Anthology Disc 1Amazon
25Bob Hope, Bing CrosbyNothing in CommonBest of Bob Hope – Capitol RecordsAmazon
26The Boswell SistersThat's How Rhythm Was BornMusic From The Motion Picture – The Curious Case Of Benjamin ButtonAmazon
27Tommy And Jimmy DorseyRhythm Saved The WorldThe Gems Of JazzAmazon
28Louis ArmstrongRhythm Saved The WorldRhythm Saved The WorldAmazon
29Ethel SmithTico TicoTico Tico – 28 Original Mono Recordings 1944-1952Amazon
30The HappeningsI Got RhythmThe Best Of The HappeningsAmazon
31The AmericansSail Away LadiesAmerican Epic: The Sessions [Disc 2]Amazon
32The Louvin BrothersYou'll Meet Him In The CloudsClose Harmony [Disc 6]Amazon
33Polly Possum And Joe Wolverton With The Dog Patch BoysDon't Talk To Me About MenThe World Is A MonsterAmazon

Back on the Farm 2025

The farmer, the farm, and songs of farming are at the core of this week’s theme show, an encore presentation from 2017. Whether the songs’ focus is that of the hard-working folk of the farm, the raw materials, or the nostalgic reminders of life on the farm, we’ll push forward the playlist plough and take you to the barn for an early morning celebration with performers including bluegrass from James King, gritty Americana from Levon Helm and Bill Neely, core country from Bobby Bare and Porter Wagoner, or maybe some field recordings from the 20s featuring the likes of the Carolina Tar Heels…all of this music going Back On The Farm.
No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Marty Stuart/Merle HaggardFarmer's BluesCountry MusicAmazon
2Freeman StowersSunrise On The FarmSinners and Saints: Complete Recorded Works 1926-1931Amazon
3Bill FrisellFarmerDisfarmerAmazon
4Levon HelmPoor Old Dirt FarmerDirt FarmerAmazon
5Bill NeelyBlack Land Farmer16 Down Home Country ClassicsAmazon
6James KingThirty Years of FarmingBluegrass Number 1's: A Collection of Chart-Topping SongsAmazon
7Junior Sisk with Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs YearyThe Wheat CropMac Wiseman – I Sang The SongAmazon
8Lemuel JonesPo' Farmer (Poor Farmers)Field Recordings, Vol. 1: Virginia (1936-1941)Amazon
9Peter RowanLet the Harvest Go To SeedBluegrass BoyAmazon
10Carolina Tar HeelsGot The Farm Land BluesAnthology Of American Folk Music, Vol. 1B: BalladsAmazon
11Cisco HoustonFarmer's LamentThe Folkways Years: 1944-1961Amazon
12J.E. Mainer & The Mountaineers (With Morris Herbert)Living On The FarmThe Legendry J.E. Mainer, Volume 4Amazon
13Walter BrennanOld RiversOld RiversAmazon
14The Bently BoysDown On Penny's FarmAnthology Of American Folk Music, Vol. 1B: BalladsAmazon
15Jim Kweskin & Geoff MuldaurDown on Penny's FarmPenny's FarmAmazon
16The Four WanderersFarmer's Life For MeBlack Vocal Groups Vol. 9 (1929-1942)Amazon
17Ben & Ellen HarperFarmer's DaughterChildhood HomeAmazon
18Bobby BareThe Farmer Feeds Us AllHard Time HungrysAmazon
19Porter WagonerThe Farmer and the Lord20 All-Time Greatest HitsAmazon
20Paula BrownFarm HollersHollerin'Amazon
21Warren Caplinger's Cumberland Mountain EntertainersMcDonald's Farm (1928)Work Hard, Play Hard, Pray Hard: Hard Time, Good Time, And End Time Music, 1923-1936Amazon
22Bubby BishopI Want To Go Back To The FarmThe Great Vintage CountryAmazon
23Wilf Carter (Montana Slim)On A Little Two Acre FarmDynamite Trail-The Decca Years, 1954-58Amazon
24Goose Island RamblersI Worked For a FarmerPolkabillyAmazon
25Buster Carter & Preston YoungA Lazy Farmer BoyBefore The Blues Vol. 3Amazon
26Rosetta HowardPlow Hand Blues [Album Version]Roots 'N' Blues/The Retrospective 1925-1950Amazon
27Roy Acuff & His Smoky Mountain BoysI'll Reap My Harvest In HeavenKing of Country Music [Disc 3] : Fireball MailAmazon
28Fiddlin' John CarsonTaxes On The Farmer Feeds Them All [Remastered 2003]Poor Man's Heaven – Blues And Tales Of The Great Depression – When The Sun Goes Down SeriesAmazon
29Ray Wylie HubbardAfter the HarvestCrusades of the Restless NightsAmazon
30Dry Branch Fire SquadDevil, Take The Farmer481 Bluegrass Class of 1990Amazon
31Glen CampbellArkansas FarmboyAdiosAmazon
32Milton Brown & His Musical BrowniesWhen It's Harvest Time, Sweet AngelineDaddy of Western Swing, Vol. 4 : Keep a Knockin'Amazon
33Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs With Mother Maybelle CarterThe Homestead On The Farm [Album Version]Songs Of The Famous Carter FamilyAmazon
34Walter BrennanBack To The FarmOld ShepAmazon

Juke Box Blues

Jukeboxes were not only cultural touchstones and vital engines for the music industry in the forties and fifties, but they also contributed to the democratization of music consumption in a way that radio could not: by allowing people to pay a nickel and choose the exact song they wanted to hear. Radio’s best effort was to feed the listener versus allow the listener to make their own choice. Over a half century later, streaming has become juggernaut replacing the jukebox. Like streaming of today, the jukebox once helped with music discovery driving regional hits and elevating lesser-known artists, turning local favorites into national stars. This week’s show will be a thematic one and, yes, we’re picking the music. But it’s a fun and mixed bag of country, early rock and pop all with the jukebox as centerpiece. Drop into Deeper Roots this morning for some classic Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison and Little Richard from the edgy side of the aisle and be ready for upbeat and swinging country from Ernest Tubb, Buck Owens, and Mel Tillis. Tune in for a show that recognizes this cultural phenomenon and proves the old saw “what is old is new again”. 

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Bob KingRockin' The JukeboxRockin' The JukeboxAmazon
2Jimmy DonleyRadio, Jukebox And T.V.The Precious YearsAmazon
3The MarigoldsJuke Box Rock & RollThe Johnny Bragg StoryAmazon
4Shirley & LeeSomebody Put A Jukebox In The Study HallShirley & Lee RockAmazon
5Katy MoffattStoned At The JukeboxA Collection Of Drinking SongsAmazon
6Gale StormLove By The Jukebox LightDark Moon * The Best Of Gale StormAmazon
7Roy OrbisonHere Comes That Song AgainThree Classic Albums+Singles and Sessions 1956-1962 [Disc 2]Amazon
8Teresa BrewerMusic! Music! Music!Magic Moments: Best Of 50's Pop (Disc 2)Amazon
9Perry ComoJuke Box BabyKuties And KroonersAmazon
10The Mills BrothersI Gotta Have My Baby Back(E. Fitzgerald)The Mills Brothers Golden G'ts(3)Amazon
11Jerry Lee LewisHigh School ConfidentialThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
12Little RichardAll Around The WorldThe Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
13Bill Haley(We're Gonna) Rock Around the ClockFrom Western Swing to R-O-C-K (3): Rock Around the ClockAmazon
14Chuck BerryRoll Over BeethovenJohnny B. Goode-His Complete 50's Chess RecordingsAmazon
15Chuck BerrySchool DaysThe Chess Box Disc 1Amazon
16James Mask & His ImpalasLet The Juke Box DieBandera Rockabilly And Country RootsAmazon
17BR5-49A1 On The JukeboxDog DaysAmazon
18Buck OwensPut A Quarter In The JukeboxHot DogAmazon
19Buck OwensA-11The Buck Owens Collection (1959-1990) [Disc 1]Amazon
20Joshua HedleyMr. JukeboxMr. JukeboxAmazon
21Ernest TubbMr. JukeboxLast Sessions: All Time Greatest Hits Disc 2Amazon
22James HandIn the Corner, at the Table, By the JukeboxThe Truth Will Set You FreeAmazon
23George KentHello, I'm A JukeboxThe Beginning Of The End – The Existential Psychodrama In Country Music (1956-1972)Amazon
24Mel TillisJukebox Man (Single Version)The Best of Mel TillisAmazon
25Tammy WynetteYour Good Girl's Gonna Go BadClassic Country Vol. 15 The Sixties Legends Disc 1Amazon
26Becky HobbsJones On the JukeboxBest of the Beckaroo – Part OneAmazon
27June Carter CashJuke Box BluesKeep on the Sunny Side: Her Life in Music Disc 1Amazon
28Emmylou HarrisAmarilloElite Hotel [Bonus Tracks]Amazon
29Charley CrockettJukebox CharleyLil G.L. Presents: Jukebox CharleyAmazon
30Pee Wee KingJuke Box BluesRompin' Stompin' Singin' Swingin'Amazon
31Anita CarterThat's What Makes the Juke Box Play1950-1955 (Warped 5051)Amazon
32Glenn Miller & His OrchestraJuke Box Saturday NightThe Centennial Collection Disc 1Amazon
33Bill Haley with the SaddlemenJukebox CannonballFrom Western Swing to R-O-C-K (2): Rock the JointAmazon
34Luke Wills Rhythm BustersA Nickel In The JukeboxSwinging Hollywood Hillbilly CowboysAmazon

Crime Does Not Pay

Tune in this week for crimes, misdemeanors and general lawlessness as we lean on a theme that explores music that explores one hundred years of crime in different form. We’ll also ask law enforcement to step in as needed with pursuits, chain gangs, and K9 units. From Elmer Bernstein to The Crickets, Mel Tillis to The Byrds, and Bo Diddley, Red River Dave, and blues from Robert Wilkins as our show reminds listeners that Crime Doesn’t Pay…unless you’ve already got the cheese or you’re on the grift with the government behind you. Join our listening audience for the best roots radio show you’ll find here in the North Bay. We’ll make sure this week’s show covers the theme with tracks and treasures, classic influences and much more. So, whether you’re tuning in from a big city street or a quiet back road, settle in, turn it up, and let the stories music take you there. It’s another week of Deeper Roots on KOWS Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Tex MortonCrime Does Not PayThe Great Vintage CountryAmazon
2Delmore BrothersFugitive's LamentBrown's Ferry BluesAmazon
3Robert WilkinsPolice Sergeant BluesMemphis Blues, 1928-1935Amazon
4Joe SmithKidnapping is a Terrible CrimeLead Kindly LightAmazon
5Jimmie DriftwoodJesse JamesAmericana, Vol. 2Amazon
6The ByrdsPretty Boy FloydSweetheart of the RodeoAmazon
7Merle Haggard And The StrangersThe Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde (2006 Digital Remaster)Hag: The Best of Merle HaggardAmazon
8Sons of the PioneersOutlaw (1952)Wagons West (CD4)Amazon
9Andy GriffithPolice Department BluesRocks, Blues & Old Timey SongsAmazon
10James TalleyAre They Gonna Make Us Outlaws Again?Tryin' Like The DevilAmazon
11Merle HaggardI'm A Lonesome FugitiveCapitol Collector's SeriesAmazon
12Tom T. HallA Week In A Country JailClassic Country Vol. 15 The Sixties Legends Disc 1Amazon
13Peter Rowan & Nashville Bluegrass BandJailer JailerLegacyAmazon
14Ray LlewelynHighway PatrolTelevision's Greatest Hits Volume 4Amazon
15Junior BrownHighway PatrolJunior HighAmazon
16The CricketsI Fought the LawRockin' Originals: Original Versions of Famous SongsAmazon
17Helen GraycoLilly's Lament (Cell 29)Destination Jail: 31 Prison Songs From Behind The BarsAmazon
18Tom EdwardsCook County JailTwisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Volume 2Amazon
19Red River DaveCalifornia Hippie MurdersHillbillies In Hell (Country Music's Tormented Testament 1952-1974)Amazon
20Johnny Rebb And His RebelsHey SheriffDestination Jail: 31 Prison Songs From Behind The BarsAmazon
21Jimmy YoungChain GangDestination Jail: 31 Prison Songs From Behind The BarsAmazon
22Bo DiddleyCops And RobbersHave Guitar Will TravelAmazon
23Ray Anthony & His OrchestraDragnetTV Land presents Favorite TV Theme SongsAmazon
24Elmer BernsteinStaccato's ThemeUltra-Lounge, Vol. 7: The Crime SceneAmazon
25Russ Tamblin & The JetsGee, Officer KrupkeWest Side StoryAmazon
26Freddie 'Bama Boy' Hall & His Gadsden BandThis Crooked WorldBob Dylan – Radio Radio – Theme Time Radio Hour Volume Four [Disc 3]Amazon
27Eddie Cole & The Three PeppersPoliceKatanga! Ahbe Casabe: Exotic Blues & Rhythm VOL. 1 & 2Amazon
28Jimmie Lunceford & His OrchestraCall The PoliceJumpin' With the Big Swing BandsAmazon
29Fats Waller & His RhythmTwenty-Four Robbers100 Ans De JazzAmazon
30Wayne HancockJohnny LawSwing TimeAmazon
31Randy NewmanJolly Coppers on ParadeLonely at the Top: The Best of Randy NewmanAmazon

Sweet Temptation

This week’s show will feature another journey celebrating the soundtrack of the past century. From the pounding rhythms of gospel revelations to the neon-lit evening sounds of Basin Street and Nashville, we’ll be sharing the music of George Strait, Etta James, The Temptations, Little Sugar and The Hightower Brothers among over two dozen others…all in an exciting and varietal run of Americana on a Friday morning. It’s where the hidden gems appear and echo each week as we dig deep across decades and genres. Dave’s got iconic tracks and overlooked treasures, classic influences and modern echoes for you in a free form eclectic celebration. So, whether you’re tuning in from a big city street or a quiet back road, settle in, turn it up, and let the music take you there. It’s another week of Deeper Roots on KOWS Community Radio.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Merle TravisSweet TemptationSweet Temptation '46-'53 – Best OfAmazon
2Louis PrimaBasin Street BluesNew OrleansAmazon
3Dr. JohnGood Night, IreneGoin' Back To New OrleansAmazon
4The TemptationsThe Way You Do the Things You DoHitsville USA: The Motown Singles Collection 1959-1971 Disc 1Amazon
5Bobby "Blue" BlandYield Not To TemptationThe Definitive CollectionAmazon
6The Everly BrothersTemptationHeartaches & Harmonies [Disc 2]Amazon
7Jean ShepardSweet TemptationLonesome LoveAmazon
8Don Reno and Red SmileyDon't Let Temptation Turn You 'Round1962-1963 (Warped 6274)Amazon
9Red Ingle and the Natural Seven (Vocal 'Cinderella G. Stump' (Jo Stafford) & Red Ingle)Temptation (Tim-Tayshun) (1947)Your Hit Parade..Golden Goofers [Time-Life]Amazon
10The Grass RootsTemptation Eyes (Original)20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Grass RootsAmazon
11The Knight BrothersTemptation 'bout To Get MeSouthern SoulAmazon
12The Harmonizing FourWade In The WaterJesus Rocked The Jukebox: Small Group Black Gospel (1951-1965)Amazon
13Ruthie FosterDeath Came A-knockin' (Travelin' Shoes)Runaway SoulAmazon
14Little Sugar And The Hightower BrothersCome By HereNuggets Of The Golden Age Of Gospel, 1945-1958Amazon
15The Ink SpotsAddress UnknownBetter Call Saul: Season 1 (Original Television Soundtrack)Amazon
16The Sunshine BoysI'm Crooning A Tune About June1929-1931 – The Complete SetAmazon
17Frankie LaineThat Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls around Heaven All Day)Your Hit Parade: 1949Amazon
18Etta JamesCome What MayThe Complete Modern & Kent Recordings 1Amazon
19Clyde McPhatter & the DriftersHoney LoveAtlantic Rock & RollAmazon
20The DriftersBip BamThe Definitive Drifters [Disc 1]Amazon
21Waylon JenningsI Ain't Living Long Like ThisNashville Rebel (1974-1980)Amazon
22George StraitAll My Ex's Live In Texas50 Number Ones [Disc 1]Amazon
23Lyle LovettThat's Right (You're Not From Texas)The Road To EnsenadaAmazon
24Grandpa JonesT For TexasMakes The Rafters RingAmazon
25Billy BriggsAmarillo RoseStompin' Singers & Western Swingers ([Disc 4] Saturday Night Rag)Amazon
26Asleep at the WheelAm I Right (Or Amarillo)Reinventing the WheelAmazon
27Emmylou Harris & The Nash Ramblers05 AmarilloRamble in Music City: The Lost Concert (Live)Amazon
28Charley CrockettAmarillo By MorningLonesome DrifterAmazon
29Willie NelsonTexas In My SoulOne Hell Of A RideAmazon
30Harmonizing FourAll Things Are PossibleTestify! The Gospel BoxAmazon
31Michael NesmithI Fall To PiecesListen To The Band [UK]Amazon
32Willie NelsonSend Me the Pillow You Dream OnWillie and the Boys: Willie's Stash vol. 2Amazon

Country Heartaches

Someone once suggested that country songs about heartache and lost love sound the same as country songs about good times and happy days. Is it just the wailing fiddle intro often referred to as the “fiddle kickoff” that neutralizes the emotional jar of joy or grief that causes a reaction like that? Or is it just country songwriting is geared towards the simple task of expressing emotions in the terms of everyday life? No matter the reason, we’ll be taking on a country-themed collection of songs about heartaches this week in the show. We’ll do this by walking through some of the golden greats from the Golden Age of Country Music where the ways of the heart were a common theme and, thus, the heartache was an easy rhythmic mark for the country songwriter. We’ll share the Walkers’ Charlie and Billy, Jimmie Skinner, Buck Owens, Lefty Frizzell, Patsy, George and Stonewall among a couple dozen others, all with a message that speaks to country heartaches; and may we also say that there was plenty of fodder to draw from. Drop in…and don’t forget the hankies.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Lefty FrizzellI Never Go Around Mirrors (I've Got a Heartache to Hide)Life's Like Poetry (Disc 9)Amazon
2Buck OwensExcuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache)Classic Country Vol. 15 The Sixties Legends Disc 2Amazon
3Dwight YoakamThe Heartaches Are FreeTomorrow's Sounds TodayAmazon
4Wynn StewartHeartaches For A DimeCome On – Gonna Shake This ShackAmazon
5Rose MaddoxSing A Little Song Of HeartacheSwing West 1: BakersfieldAmazon
6Leon RussellHeartaches By The NumberBest Of Hank WilsonAmazon
7Little Jimmy DickensHappy HeartachesFour Classic Albums Plus Singles 1954-1962Amazon
8Buddy MillerLooking For A Heartache Like YouCruel MoonAmazon
9Patty LovelessLooking For A Heartache Like YouOn Your Way HomeAmazon
10Jimmie Skinner100 Proof HeartachesOne Dead Man AgoAmazon
11Carl ButlerIf I Could Spend My HeartachesThe Chronogical Classics 1954-1958 (Warped 5592)Amazon
12Hawkshaw HawkinsA Heartache to Recall22 Greatest HitsAmazon
13Billy WalkerHeadin' For HeartachesWhirlpool – Gonna Shake This Shack TonightAmazon
14Charlie WalkerWho's Giving You Heartaches Now1952-1958 (Warped 5230)Amazon
15The Everly BrothersA Brand New HeartacheBob Dylan: Radio Radio – Theme Time Radio Hour, Vol. 5 [Disc 4]Amazon
16Elvis PresleyThat's When Your Heartaches BeginElvis Presley (8 Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles)Amazon
17Guy MitchellHeartaches By The NumberThe Sweetest Memories (Newsound)Amazon
18Patsy ClineHeartaches20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection – Classic Patsy ClineAmazon
19Bobby LewisDoggone This Heartache30th Anniversary Collection Disc 2Amazon
20Stonewall JacksonIf Heartaches Were Wine (I'd Be Drunk All the Time)Warped 6742 – Stonewall Jackson – 1966-1967Amazon
21George Jones & Melba MontgomeryMultiply The HeartachesVintage CollectionsAmazon
22Sonny JamesSomebody Else's HeartacheSinglesAmazon
23Mason DixonQueen of My HeartachesCountry & Western NuggetsAmazon
24The MavericksExcuse Me (I Think I've Got a Heartache)From Hell to ParadiseAmazon
25The Time JumpersThis HeartacheKid SisterAmazon
26Rosie Flores & Ray CampiA Little Bit Of HeartacheA Little Bit Of HeartacheAmazon
27Jesse Dayton & Brennen LeighBrand New HeartacheHolidin' Our OwnAmazon
28Jimmie Dale GilmoreDon't Look For A HeartacheDon't Look For HeartacheAmazon
29Patsy ClineThat's How A Heartache BeginsThe Patsy Cline CollectionAmazon
30BR5-49Heartaches By The NumberOne Long Saturday Night, PlusAmazon
31Nicki Bluhm & The GramblersHeartacheLoved Wild LostAmazon
32Johnny TillotsonSuff'rin' from a HeartacheThe Tillotson TouchAmazon
33Cyndi LauperHeartaches By the NumberDetourAmazon
34Dane StinitHeartache Catches Up with Me [Take 15]Original Sun RecordingsAmazon

Good Questions

A curious theme, indeed! We’re talking ‘questions’, naturally. And don’t you think it’s time we got around to this theme? There was no shortage of ammunition…songs that end with that curly-que that has been the topic of many theories. One such theory suggests that it originate from the Latin word “quaestio” which, shortened to “qo”, would evolve into the symbol we recognize today. Each and every track in the show today delivers that terminating mark in search of an answer. We’ve heard of answer songs, but what about these question songs and most demand good answers because, well, they’re good questions. Jazz, country, rock ‘n roll, and everything in between with selections from The Lovin’ Spoonful, Dan Hicks, The Robins, Joe Liggins and Bo Diddley are just a sampling of the nearly three dozen songs with “good questions” theme. Where would we be without music? Don’ have that answer but I’m guessing I don’t want to know.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Harlem HamfatsWhat's On Your Mind?Harlem Hamfats Vol. 3 1937-1938Amazon
2B.B. KingIs You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby?Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis JordanAmazon
3Louis Jordan And His Tympany FiveIs You Is Or Is You Ain't My BabyLouis Jordan And His Tympany Five / 1941 – 1944Amazon
4Ella FitzgeraldHow Long Has This Been Going On?Pure EllaAmazon
5The King Cole TrioGee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You?Jazz Noire (Darktown Sleaze of 1940s L.A.)Amazon
6The RobinsWhadaya Want?50 Coastin' Classics [Disc 1]Amazon
7Joe LigginsDo You Love Me Pretty Baby?Joe Liggins & The HoneydrippersAmazon
8Varetta DillardWhat'll I Do?Got You On My MindAmazon
9Ruth BrownWhy Don't You Write Me?Along Comes RuthAmazon
10Bo DiddleyWho Do You Love?Loud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 3Amazon
11Bette MidlerDo You Want to Dance?Experience the Divine [1993]Amazon
12The Isley BrothersWho's That Lady?Something's Got A Hold On MeAmazon
13Barry WhiteWhat Am I Gonna Do With You?All Time Greatest HitsAmazon
14The Amazing Rhythm AcesWho Will The Next Fool Be?Two Classic Albums From The Amazing Rhythm Aces: Stacked Deck/Too Stuffed To JumpAmazon
15Peggy LeeIs That All There Is?Peggy Lee – The Marvelous Miss LeeAmazon
16Los LobosIs This All There Is?By the Light of the MoonAmazon
17Buck OwensWould You Be Ready?Dust On Mother's BibleAmazon
18The Texas TornadosWho Were You Thinkin' OfThe Best Of Texas TornadosAmazon
19Wanda JacksonWho Shot Sam?Queen Of RockabillyAmazon
20Eddy Arnold & Jaye P. MorganDo You Love Me?Crossroads In CowtownAmazon
21Frankie MillerHey! Where Ya Goin?The World Is A MonsterAmazon
22Jim LauderdaleWhat Kinda Guy?An American Troubadour: The Songs of Steve ForbertAmazon
23The Lovin' SpoonfulDo You Believe In Magic?Do You Believe In Magic?Amazon
24The Lovin' SpoonfulDid You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?Do You Believe In Magic?Amazon
25Dan Hicks & His Hot LicksHow Can I Miss You When You Won't Go AwayLove Is the Song We Sing: San Francisco Nuggets 1965-1970 Disc 4Amazon
26The Grass RootsWhere Were You When I Needed YouAll Time Greatest HitsAmazon
27Creedence Clearwater RevivalHave You Ever Seen Rain?All Time Greatest Hits Disc 1Amazon
28ChicagoDoes Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?The Heart Of Chicago 1967-1997Amazon
29RamonesDo You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?Modern Rock: Lost Hits Of The 70sAmazon
30The Five Royales$64,000 Question (Do You Love Me)Bob Dylan – Radio Radio – Theme Time Radio Hour Volume Four [Disc 3]Amazon
31Lemon NashAnybody Seen My Kitty?Papa Lemon: New Orleans Ukulele Maestro & Tent Show TroubadourAmazon
32Tom PaxtonWhat Did You Learn In School Today?Best Of Tom Paxton: I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm BoundAmazon
33Ella Mae MorseHow Can You Leave A Man Like This?Voodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties FemalesAmazon
34Elvis PresleyAre You Lonesome Tonight?The Essential 60's Masters I [Disc 1]Amazon
35Clyde McPhatterA Lovers QuestionThe Forgotten 45s 1957-1959 (CD2)Amazon

Havin’ a Blast!

It’s finger poppin’ time…time to have a blast with some breakout party rockers from the mid-century.  All for a good time with soul and roll and rhythm as the main course in today’s show. It’s all about those percussive rocking beats. Call it a party full of boogie, mojo, twistin’ and shaking. We’ve lit the fuse for a dynamite celebration of rebellious rock and cool upbeat soul rhythms with the music of Freddy Cannon, The Swingin’ Medallions, The Showstoppers and Ann Cole with an out of control party mix…just in time for our first show of May. KOWS Community Radio brings the fresh sounds of today, yesterday and tomorrow 24/7, with the very best of political and community discourse. You can tune us in on 92.5 FM in West Sonoma County or just drop by our stream on your Radio Rethink app, Alexa, Radio Garden, Tunein, or Radio Box. We’re here for you and Deeper Roots will be pitching a wang dang doodle this coming Friday morning here on member-supported radio for planet Earth.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1The Isley BrothersShout (Part One)Motor City SoulAmazon
2Wanda JacksonLet's Have a PartyLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 2Amazon
3Ray CharlesMess AroundAtlantic Rock & RollAmazon
4The Swingin' MedallionsDouble Shot (Of My Baby's Love)Nuggets Sampler 1965-1968Amazon
5The StrangelovesI Want CandyDick Van Dyke's Dance PartyAmazon
6Claudine ClarkParty LightsThe Best Of The Girl Groups, Vol. 1Amazon
7Martha & The VandellasMickey's MonkeyDance PartyAmazon
8Hank Ballard & the MidnightersFinger Poppin' TimeLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1Amazon
9Johnnie MorisetteMeet Me At The Twistin' PlaceThe Forgotten 45's 1960-1962Amazon
10Chubby CheckerDancin' PartyChubby Checker (Mr Twister)Amazon
11Chubby CheckerThe TwistBillboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1960Amazon
12Sam CookeTwistin' the Night AwayThe Man Who Invented Soul [Box Set] (2 of 4)Amazon
13Dave EdmundsDo You Wanna DancePorky's Revenge! [Expanded]Amazon
14The ContoursDo You Love MeDick Van Dyke's Dance PartyAmazon
15Jerry Lee LewisWhole Lotta Shakin' Goin' OnLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 1Amazon
16MatchboxRockabilly RebelRockabilly RebelAmazon
17Freddy CannonBuzz Buzz A Diddle ItHis Latest And GreatestAmazon
18Tommy James & the ShondellsMony MonyThe Very Best of Tommy James & the ShondellsAmazon
19Louis JordanChoo Choo Ch'BoogieNumber OnesAmazon
20The ShowstoppersAin't Nothing But A House PartyUltimate Northern Soul – The ClassicsAmazon
21Ann ColeGot My Mojo Workin' (But It Just Won't Work On You)Blues Masters Vol. 6 – Blues OriginalsAmazon
22Koko TaylorWang Dang DoodleBlues Classics '27_'69 [Disc 3]Amazon
23The ChampsTequillaDick Van Dyke's Dance PartyAmazon
24Tarheel SlimNumber Nine TrainLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 4Amazon
25Chan RomeroThe Hippy Hippy ShakeLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 2Amazon
26Sam The Sham & The PharaohsWooly BullyMemphis Celebrates 50 Years Of Rock 'n' RollAmazon
27Arthur ConleySweet Soul MusicBillboard Top Pop Hits: 1967Amazon
28Link Wray/Robert GordonSummertime BluesRobert Gordon with Link Wray/Fresh Fish SpecialsAmazon
29Johnny KiddShakin' All OverLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 2Amazon
30The KingsmenLouie LouieIn Person ('64)Amazon
31Nick ToddAt The HopChills & Fever: The Dot Records Story 1955-1962Amazon
32The Isley BrothersTwist And ShoutDick Van Dyke's Dance PartyAmazon
33Little RichardGood Golly Miss MollyLoud, Fast & Out of Control: The Wild Sounds of the '50s [Box] Disc 4Amazon
34Gene Vincent & His Blue CapsCruisin'Destination FreewayAmazon
35Elvis PresleyParty50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong: Elvis' Gold Records – Volume 2Amazon
36Wanda JacksonMan, We Had A PartyQueen Of RockabillyAmazon
37Tommy Tutone867-5309/JennyParty Starter: 80s MixAmazon
38The MarcelsBlue MoonDoo Wop Love SongsAmazon

Bound To Lose

This week‘s show brings us echoes of resistance from the past because there’s a storm brewing, stirring from the louder voices of people recognizing that fascism has settled in. People in this country are getting organized around a common anger that democracy and freedom is being taken from them. The political fortification led by Republican leadership co-opted by white nationalism and support for the gestapo tactics must be held in check and the voices of the ballot box will be the final determination; that is, if there is time. Music this week features Roy Zimmerman, Billy Bragg, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and a whole host of sounds from the past century whose musical voices raged when fascism and autocracy attempted to take hold. Money is the root of this evil, make no mistake. There is always hope, however, and we need to be here for each other while practicing self-care with family and friends. The storm clouds are now above us and it’s up to all of us. Now. Not later.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Gene "Mighty Flea" Conners & McCrarysWe Shall OvercomeGospel CaravanAmazon
2Allen ToussaintYes We Can CanOur New Orleans: A Benefit AlbumAmazon
3Pete SeegerWhich Side Are You OnPete Seeger's Greatest HitsAmazon
4John Lennon & The Plastic Ono BandPower To The PeopleGimme Some Truth [Disc 1]Amazon
5Buffalo SpringfieldFor What It's WorthBuffalo SpringfieldAmazon
6Molly BrandtRevolution on the HorizonAmerican SagaAmazon
7Tracy ChapmanTalkin' Bout a RevolutionTracy ChapmanAmazon
8Woody GuthrieTear the Fascists DownMy Dusty RoadAmazon
9Alan LomaxAll Of You Fascists Bound To LoseBallad Operas-Martins & The CoAmazon
10The TillersAll You Fascists Bound to LoseThe TillersAmazon
11Marc RibotBella Ciao (Goodbye Beautiful) (feat. Tom Waits)Songs of Resistance 1942 – 2018Amazon
12Garland JeffreysWild in the StreetsGhost Writer/One-Eyed Jack/American Boy & Girl [[Disc 1]]Amazon
13Jefferson AirplaneVolunteersVolunteersAmazon
14Public EnemyFight The PowerCapturing Sound: How Technology Has Changed MusicAmazon
15Perla BatallaThe PartisanA Letter to Leonard CohenAmazon
16Isley BrothersFight the Power EDITFunkGASMAmazon
17Sharon Jones & The Dap-KingsThis Land is Your Land (Digital Album Exclusive)Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Rendition Is In)Amazon
18Rosanne Cash with John LeventhalCrawl into the Promised LandCrawl Into the Promised Land (Single)Amazon
19Nanci GriffithHell No (I'm Not Alright)Occupy This AlbumAmazon
20Bruce SpringsteenBorn in the U.S.A.Chapter & VerseAmazon
21Nina SimoneRevolutionAnthology Disc 2Amazon
22R.B. MorrisThat's How Every Empire FallsSinging Through the Wall. Songs for Western SaharaAmazon
23Woody GuthrieThis Land Is Your Land (Alternate Version)Woody At 100: The Woody Guthrie Centennial CollectionAmazon
24Dropkick MurphysAll You FoniesThis Machine Still Kills FascistsAmazon
25Gil Scott-HeronWhitey On The MoonThe Revolution Will Not Be TelevisedAmazon
26Lou ChristieSelf Expression (The Kids on the Street Will Never Give In)Enlightnin'ment: The Best of Lou ChristieAmazon
27John FogertyFortunate SonThe Long Road Home: Ultimate John Fogerty Creedence CollectionAmazon
28Billy Bragg & WilcoAll You FascistsMermaid Avenue, Vol. 2Amazon
29Marvin GayeWhat's Going OnSingers And Songwriters 1970-1971 [Disc 1]Amazon
30Marc RibotHow To Walk In Freedom (feat. Sam Amidon & Fay Victor)Songs of Resistance 1942 – 2018Amazon

Get On Board

From a song about dirty little religions to a song about Joanie the Jehovah Witness Stripper, we’ll be going all out from up and down with genre celebrations from the past century where music reflects the inspiration from church on Sunday mornings following the barroom sinners of Saturday night. This week’s Deeper Roots takes a bit of a free form shuffle featuring Bo Diddley, The Ramones, Johnny Mercer, and a whole host of rhythm makers. Performances this morning will span some covers from Chris Smither, David Lindley and an answer song from Barbara Lewis. KOWS radio wants to thank all of you who came out to the Comedy fundraiser at Barrel Proof Lounge last week. It was a great success for us and also a validation of community radio here in the North Bay. KOWS is free form, free speech, no bull community radio; just the kind of thing we need in a country gone mad with lies, deceit and hate. There is always hope. Tune into your radio voice, any time of the day or night. We’ll always welcome you.

No.ArtistTitleAlbumBuy
1Martha and the VandellasQuicksandThe Motown Sound Vol. 1Amazon
2Faye AdamsWitness To The Crime (Herald 470)R&B Humdingers Volume 11Amazon
3Warren ZevonDirty Little ReligionLife'll Kill YaAmazon
4Paul ThornJoanie The Jehovah Witness StripperHammer & Nail LiveAmazon
5Marvin GayeCan I Get A WitnessI'll Take You ThereAmazon
6Alphabetical FourGet On Board, Little ChildrenComplete Recorded Works 1938-1943Amazon
7Tiny MayberryOh That Nasty Man (Take A)Vol. 2-Vocal Blues & JazzAmazon
8Johnny MercerSmall Fry With Victor Young's Small FryersBing Crosby And FriendsAmazon
9The Golden Gate QuartetDipsy DoodleTravelin' ShoesAmazon
10Louis Jordan And His Tympany FiveKeep A Knockin' But You Can't Come InLouis Jordan And His Tympany Five / 1938 – 1940Amazon
11Little RichardKeep A Knockin'The Absolutely Essential 3 CD CollectionAmazon
12Chris SmitherMaybelleneCall Me LuckyAmazon
13Chuck BerryMaybelleneRoots Of Rock & Roll – Rough And Rowdy [Disc 10]Amazon
14David LindleyMercury BluesEl Rayo-XAmazon
15K.C. DouglasMercury BluesClassic Blues From Smithsonian FolkwaysAmazon
16Violet HallSix Foot Papa (I'm A Whole Lot Of Woman)The Mercury Blues Story (1945-1955) – Southwest Blues, Vol. 2Amazon
17Big MaybelleSo Good To My BabyThe Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-'55Amazon
18George ThorogoodBo Diddley2120 South Michigan AvenueAmazon
19Bo DiddleyDon't Let It Go (Hold On To What You Got)The Chess Box [Disc 1]Amazon
20Sam & DaveHold On! I'm a Comin'The Very Best of Sam & DaveAmazon
21Sam CookeBring It On Home To MePortrait Of A Legend 1951-1964Amazon
22Barbara LewisI'll Bring It Back Home To YouDon't Forget About Me: The Atlantic & Reprise RecordingsAmazon
23Jack NitzscheThe Lonely SurferTeen Beat 5Amazon
24Mink DevilleJust Your FriendsThe Mink De Ville CollectionAmazon
25The RamonesNeedles & Pins [Single Version][Version]Ramones ManiaAmazon
26The Books Feat. Jose GonzalezCello SongDark Was The Night: A Red Hot Compilation [Disc 1]Amazon
27T-Bone BurnettHouse Of MirrorsTwenty Twenty: The Esssential T-Bone Burnett Disc 2Amazon
28Lorne GreeneRingoNipper's Greatest Hits: The 60's. Vol. 2Amazon
29Marty RobbinsThe Hanging TreeThe Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982Amazon
30Dickson HallCowboyMy Rifle, My Pony And MeAmazon
31Johnny CashThe Rebel – Johnny YumaThe Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 Disc 2Amazon
32Louis PrimaBanana Split for My BabyBanana Split for My BabyAmazon
33The Allman Brothers BandJessica [Single Edit]Stand Back: The Anthology Disc 2Amazon