Category: Albums

The Ladies Open and Close the Programming Today; Kristofferson is the Mid. Saturday, January 20, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We essentially turn the lounge over to the ladies today, as ‘Ladies Day Out’ opens the day and the Queen of Soul closes it out later.

Here’s Saturday’s lineup:

9:00 a.m.  Ladies Day Out: Various Artists

We know that no other station plays women’s music like we do. That’s why we do it. You’ll hear five hours uninterrupted with Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Emmylou Harris, Petula Clark, Laura Nyro, Cilla Black, Irma Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Maria Muldaur, Lucinda Williams, Rosanne Cash, Eva Cassidy, Wendy Waldman, Shawn Colvin, The Ronettes, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Norah Jones, Phoebe Snow, Nicollette Larson, Valerie Carter, Sheryl Crow, Susan Tedeschi, Dusty Springfield and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Jesus Was A Capricorn by Kris Kristofferson FINAL AIRING!

We say goodbye to this album today, but we’ll have another tomorrow. Programming Note: Tomorrow we begin a spell of great albums that will turn fifty years old in 2024. Only a few on this list have been aired as an AOW before, but it was quite a long time ago (we’ve been running this feature for five years now), so they will repeat. But I promise they’ll be like new.

8:00 p.m.  In The Spotlight: The Music of Aretha Franklin

The undisputed Queen of Soul was first noticed singing gospel in her father’s church. Over six decades, she would dominate the world of soul and R&B, with Rolling Stone twice calling her the greatest singer ever. She was the very first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tonight we put Aretha In The Spotlight.

Well, weekenders, we’ve made it to Saturday. I have this one final day to go. My weekend is Sunday/Monday. However, fear not. The Music Mermaid is large and in charge here when I’m not around. You’re in safe fins.

Welcome Weekenders!

Our ‘Ode To Morning’ EP, Our AOW, and The Hearbreakers Live in Chicago Are All On Tap For Thursday, January 18, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We are, once again, on the downslide to the weekend and we aim to get you there with some great music at the end of this week.

Here’s your Thursday musical lineup:

9:00 a.m.  Ode To Morning: Various Artists

Yes, yesterday we started with songs about night time. Today, just the opposite with Cat Stevens, Hoyt Axton, The Beatles, Neil Young, The Rascals, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, James Taylor, Gram Parsons, Simon & Garfunkel, Taj Mahal, Dan Fogelberg, Linda Ronstadt, Harry Chapin, Three Dog Night, Ry Cooder, Tim Buckley, Muddy Waters, Jonathan Edwards, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, Pure Prairie League, Badfinger, Chris Hillman and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Jesus Was A Capricorn by Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson is back this afternoon with our Album of The Week.

7:00 p.m.  Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live at The Victoria Theater, Chicago, IL, April 19, 2003

The Heartbreakers rip it up at The Vic in Chicago to close out the night’s programming.

We are out here 24/7 for your listening pleasure. We are anti-capitalists who do not charge monthly fees or track your location. And that’s because we have nothing to sell you. We also do not air commercial advertising. It’s music 24/7.

JUST PUSH PLAY.

It’s ‘The Best of Louisiana Blues’ EP, Our AOW, and ‘Live’ Paul Butterfield Blues Band on Tuesday Bluesday, January 16, 2024

Welcome to Tuesday Bluesday here in The Lounge where we begin our musical journey down in Louisiana and close it out at The Fillmore.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m.  The Best of Louisiana Blues: Various Artists

There are two main reasons to go to Louisiana. One is the food. The other is music. Today you’ll hear Ray Charles, Lillian Glinn, Slim Harpo, Ray Brown, Fats Domino, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Rodney Harris, Roosevelt Sykes, Shirley & Lee, Papa Lightfoot, Guitar Slim, Annie Laurie, Fats Matthews, Big Joe Turner, Big Boy Myles, Little Walter, Mary Butler, Erline Harris, Dave Bartholomew, Marcia Ball, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, The Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas and more.

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Jesus Was A Capricorn by Kris Kristofferson

Kris Kristofferson is back for his second spin with the Album of The Week.

7:00 p.m.  Paul Butterfield Blues Band Live at The Fillmore, San Francisco, October 14, 1966

We’ve got one of the greatest live from the fabled Fillmore West to close out our Tuesday Bluesday programming today.

Tuesday Bluesday is always a big day in The Lounge, and it will not cost you one cent to be part of it. In fact, we’re totally free 24/7 and we never run commercial advertising. What’s not to love?

Tuesday Bluesday!

It’s Simply Sunday With Kris Kristofferson’s New AOW and the ‘Music From Laurel Canyon’ EP, January 14, 2024

Good morning and welcome to yet another simple Sunday here in The Mermaid Lounge as we give you a great new Album of The Week and spin the music from the fabled Laurel Canyon, the birthplace of country-rock.

Here’s your musical lineup:

11:00 a.m. Album of The Week: Jesus Was A Capricorn by Kris Kristofferson NEW!

This was Kristofferson’s fourth studio album released in 1972. Every response to the album was mixed, but his out-of-character religious song Why Me became a number one hit. How the song came about is explained here. Nevertheless, I loved the album and, in spite of the fact that the title song was released then faded, I think it’s one of his best.

3:00 p.m.  Music From Laurel Canyon: Various Artists

We’re back visiting the inhabitants of Laurel Canyon, the birthplace of country-rock, a fertile creative landscape for two generations of musicians (sixties, seventies). You’ll hear The Byrds, The Mamas & The Papas, Buffalo Springfield, The Beach Boys, The Doors, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, CSNY, Manassas, John Mayall, The Eagles, J.D. Souther, Harry Nilsson, Canned Heat, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, James Taylor, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and more. Best of all, this one’s due for an update soon!

Here we are again together on a Simple Sunday of music and relaxation. All you need is a computer and a mouse. The rest is easy.

It’s Simply Sunday

On Saturday We Offer Songs About Color, Loggins & Messina’s AOW, and Some ‘Live’ Poco Later, January 13, 2024

Good morning, weekenders! Saturday has arrived and we have some serious rain here in the Boston area…in January. That, my friends, is not the norm. But neither is our little radio station.

Here’s your musical merriment for today:

9:00 a.m.  Color My World: Various Artists

Color is always a popular topic in music. Just ask The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Donovan, Booker T & The MG’s, Electric Light Orchestra, Procol Harum, Joni Mitchell, The Who, Amy Winehouse, Sam & Dave, Badfinger, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane, The Hollies, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Cream, Marvin Gaye, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, J. D. Souther, Linda Ronstadt and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Sittin’ In by Loggins & Messina FINAL AIRING!

Today will be this fine album’s swan song, but it does reside in our standard rotation, so you will keep hearing the music. Tomorrow we’ll have a brand new album.

8:00 p.m.  Poco Live at Fairleigh-Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ, November 2, 1973

Here’s a fine country-rock band that gets neither the credit nor the attention it deserves, but we aim to change that in 2024. We start tonight.

We are here spinning the tunes (although nothing is really spinning here in The Lounge) all day and all night long at no charge to the general public and with no commercial interruption. What are y’all waiting for?

Color My World

‘M is For Motown’, Loggins & Messina and The McGarrigle Sisters Are All On Tap For Thursday, January 11, 2024

Morning, folks! We are on track for a great day here in The Mermaid Lounge with a trip to Motor City planned, our AOW, and some rare gems from Kate & Anna McGarrigle.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m.  M is For Motown: Various Artists

We’ve got five hours of the music that made America dance with Barrett Strong, Eddie Kendricks, Edwin Starr, Eddie Holland, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Jackson Five, Kim Weston, Jr. Walker & The All Stars, Marvin Gaye, Martha & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, The Contours, Rare Earth, Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross & The Supremes and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Sittin’ In by Kenny Loggins & Jim Messina

Back again for another airing of what was first intended to be a solo album by Loggins, but became Loggins & Messina’s first album together.

7:00 p.m.  Tell My Sister: The Unreleased Recordings of Kate & Anna McGarrigle

We haven’t aired this one for a while, so this is a good time to break it out. This is a rare gem for fans of the McGarrigle sisters, two of the greatest singer-songwriters ever who became fertile ground for the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins and others. Their covers led to Kate & Anna McGarrigle getting their first recording contract.

Get on in here. The Mermaid Lounge is open to all and we’re open all night. What better day to head toward the weekend?

Just Push Play!

Tuesday Bluesday Opens With Music From The Windy City and Closes With Big Mama Thornton, January 9, 2024

Good morning, Bluesologists! Today we open Tuesday Bluesday with our ‘Best of Chicago Blues’ EP and we close with Big Mama Thornton and the Muddy Waters Blues Band in session at Coast Recorders.

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m.  The Best of Chicago Blues: Various Artists

We open the day with music from the Windy City including music from Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, Koko Taylor, Lowell Fulson, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Magic Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, Son Seals, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Otis Spann and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Sittin’ In by Loggins & Messina

What was originally a solo album by Kenny Loggins actually became the first album my Loggins & Messina. And it’s a good one at that.

7:00 p.m.  Big Mama Thornton In Session With The Muddy Waters Blues Band, Coast Recorders, San Francisco, CA, April 25, 1966

There’s nobody quite like Big Mama. In fact, The House of Blues in New Orleans boasts ‘Big Mama’s Lounge.’ Today we’ve got the original Hound Dog singer in session with the Muddy Waters Blues band.

It’s always jumpin’ here on Tuesday Bluesday. Today is no exception. There’s plenty of room here for everyone, so get on board the blues train!

It’s Tuesday Bluesday!

Another Simply Sunday Brings Our AOW by Loggins & Messina and the ‘What’s In a Name’ Multi-Artist EP, January 7, 2024

Yes, I will admit that there are times when I’m still writing ‘2023’ on stuff but, in spite of my encroaching old age, I’m doing better than I was last year at this time! (And that’s a good sign.)

Here’s your Sunday funday lineup:

11:00 a.m. Album of The Week: Sittin’ In by Kenny Loggins & Jim Messina NEW!

I have a lot of fond musical memories of these guys; put simply, they just made some great music. This was originally intended as a Loggins solo album, but Jim Messina was brought in as the producer and started writing some songs, playing instruments and singing background. The original (correct) title is Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In, by the way. However, after that? They became Loggins & Messina and put out a string of great albums. We’ve got one today.

3:00 p.m.  What’s In a Name: Various Artists

An EP with names in songs. You know, like Ode to Billie Joe. Or Alison. Or Gloria. There are many, and we’ve got a bunch from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Them, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Donovan, Steve Winwood, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Carly Simon, Warren Zevon, Laura Nyro, Bobbie Gentry, The Kinks, Three Dog Night and many more!

The snow continues to fall outside The Mermaid Lounge, but we can’t get no respect here. Winters are not what they used to be, even in the Boston area. But it’s cozy and filled with good music here. Best of all, I don’t have to move an inch until Tuesday. Join us.

Simply Sunday!

We Celebrate the Weekend With Our ‘Travelin’ Fever’ EP, Our AOW, and Kris Kristofferson, Saturday, January 6, 2024

Good morning, weekenders! Our time has arrived and we have the J. Geils Band’s final spin with our AOW, Kris Kristofferson as our featured singer-songwriter and the ‘Travelin’ Fever’ multi-artist EP!

Here’s your Saturday lineup:

9:00 a.m.  Album of The Week: Bloodshot by The J. Geils Band FINAL AIRING!

The final airing of Bloodshot has arrived. By the time you roll your butt out of bed on Sunday morning, there’ll be a brand new album.

11:00 a.m. Travelin’ Fever: Various Artists

Life on the road is a popular topic for the troubadour. You’ll hear Canned Heat, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Steve Miller Band, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Dan Fogelberg, Bruce Springsteen, Linda Ronstadt, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney & Wings, The Doors, The Eagles, Little Feat, The Band, Willie Nelson, Edwin Starr, Janis Joplin, Guy Clark, The Byrds, Joan Baez, Asleep At The Wheel, The Traveling Wilburys, Mudcrutch, Loggins & Messina, Buffalo Springfield, Tom Rush, The Guess Who, Ray Charles, Marshall Tucker Band, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Del Shannon and more!

8:00 p.m.  Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Kris Kristofferson NEW!

Kris Kristofferson retired from the music business in 2020, but along the way he wrote some amazing songs and helped put some great singers on the map, like Me & Bobby McGee, Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down, and For The Good Times, all hits for other artists. He also had a successful solo recording career, releasing more than 20 albums and reaching number one in 1972 with the brilliant Jesus Was A Capricorn. Kristofferson was also a member of The Highwaymen with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, a supergroup that was instrumental in the success of the ‘outlaw’ country music movement of the seventies. This week Kristofferson is our featured singer-songwriter.

We keep rolling along here in The Mermaid Lounge, playing the music without commercial interruption and the obnoxious chatty DJ’s. We don’t charge you either. We’re completely anti-capitalist. It’s all about the music.

Greetings Weekenders!

Today Brings Our ‘Water, Water Everywhere’ EP, the J. Geils Band, and The Allman Brothers at Woodstock ’94, Thursday, January 4, 2024

Good morning, musicologists! We head toward the weekend. It’s all downhill now and we’ve got a bunch of good music to help us get there!

Here are your musical details:

9:00 a.m.  Water, Water Everywhere: Various Artists

Yes, the earth is composed of 71% water. Perhaps that’s why there are so many songs about water in all its forms. You’ll hear Paul McCartney, Deep Purple, Joe Cocker, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Otis Redding, The Doobie Brothers, Valerie Carter, Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Al Green, Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Linda Ronstadt, Spirit, The Grass Roots, The Beach Boys, Lindisfarne, Van Morrison, Tom Rush, Bonnie Raitt, Donovan, America, Johnny Rivers and more!

4:00 p.m.  Album of The Week: Bloodshot by The J. Geils Band

Boston’s original bad boys are back with our Album of The Week.

7:00 p.m.  The Allman Brothers Band, Live at Woodstock ’94, Winston Farm, Saugerties, NY, August 14, 1994

The Brothers in a great performance at a not-so-great Woodstock ’94 event.

Blah. Blah. Blah. I could go on and on about why you should tune us in. But I won’t today. We wish you a wonderful day here from The Mermaid Lounge.

The Weekend is In Sight!