Category: In The Spotlight

It’s All About Country With Our EP, Then the Marshall Tucker Band, and Live Townes Van Zandt on Saturday, July 5, 2025

When we say ‘country’ here in The Mermaid Lounge we mean real country (Cash, Nelson, Walker, Williams, Parton, Cline et al.) and the legends of country-rock. So, that’s where we are today.

Here’s your Saturday musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. Are You Ready for The Country: Various Artists

You’ll hear The Eagles, Asleep At the Wheel, Hank Williams, The Byrds, Patsy Cline, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Dolly Parton, Poco, Linda Ronstadt, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Jerry Jeff Walker, New Riders of The Purple Sage, Carlene Carter, Rosanne Cash, The Desert Rose Band, Kris Kristofferson, Gram Parsons, Tom Rush, John Prine, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Townes Van Zandt, The Highwaymen and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of The Marshall Tucker Band

I liked these guys from the very first time I ever heard them, and I saw them live a few times over the years. We’ll hear from them this afternoon.

8:00 p.m. Townes Van Zandt Live at The Jester Lounge, Houston, TX, Sometime in 1966

Another of those events where we can’t find a definite date, but it is believe that this is one of the first times Townes Van Zandt was recorded live at a commercial establishment. The man was a mess of a human being (not in a bad way, but in an unfortunate way), but that didn’t stop him from being a songwriting genius who inspired those who came after him (just ask Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, and Nanci Griffith).

And that’s where we are today on July 5. We hope you’ll give us a listen. There’s no need to sign up for anything or provide any information. Just use the button below.

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On Thursday, It’s ‘The Female Species,’ Peter Tosh Live in Cambridge, and a Ringo Starr ‘Spotlight,’ On July 3, 2025

Good morning, musicologists! Today we start with songs about women (not necessarily proper names), live Peter Tosh, and an expanded Ringo Starr ‘Spotlight.’

Here’s your Thursday musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Female Species: Various Artists

We start off with songs about girls, women, chicks, dames…you get the picture…from The Grass Roots, Aretha Franklin, America, The Beatles, The Box Tops, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Hollies, Peter & Gordon, Bob Dylan, The Tempations, The Beach Boys, Linda Ronstadt, The Rascals, The Smithereens, Leon Russell, Hot Tuna, John Mayall, Talking Heads, Joe Cocker, Marcia Ball, Electric Light Orchestra, The Turtles, and more!

4:00 p.m. Peter Tosh Live at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge, MA, November 26, 1976 NEW!

This afternoon we have live Peter Tosh from the great city of Cambridge, Massachusetts on his very first American tour.

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Ringo Starr UPDATED!

We close out the evening with a couple of hours of Ringo stuff with the Beatles, with his All Starr Bands (some of the greatest musicians on the planet line up to be part of his road bands), and as a soloist. It has been updated to include new music from his number one country album, Look Up.

We’re on the cusp of July 4 and, I daresay, celebrating this holiday in these times would be an affront to America. We are no longer independent. We are under the dictatorship of a petty and evil man who should never have occupied the White House. So, on July 4, this radio station will play our newest EP, ‘We Dissent’ for starters. See you then. In the meantime, the button is below.

The Button.

We’re at Midweek With Our House EP, a New Country Joe McDonald ‘Spotlight,’ and The Kinks Live in NY, July 2, 2025

We’re at midweek and we’re cooking (figuratively and literally as it’s hot as the blazes again here). We kick it off with our House EP, then it’s some new music with Country Joe, and The Kinks live in New York!

Here’s your midweek lineup:

9:00 a.m. The #BecomeUngovernable House Playlist: Various Artists

We’re chock full of great artists that inspired the station including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Linda Ronstadt, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Who, Cream, Simon & Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Animals, The Hollies, The Doors, The Mamas & Papas, The Eagles, Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, CSNY, Donovan, Johnny Rivers, Carly Simon, Neil Young, and many more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Country Joe McDonald NEW!

This afternoon it’s the legendary Country Joe McDonald, best known as the leader of the 60’s psychedelic band, Country Joe & The Fish. He also had a solo career and during his sixty years in the business he made 33 albums and wrote hundreds of songs. We get to experience his magic today.

8:00 p.m. The Kinks Live at The Palladium,New York, NY, December 31, 1980

The Kinks and the battling Davies brothers bring the programming to a close tonight at 8:00 p.m. with a New Year’s Eve concert from New York’s Palladium.

I’m on the run this morning, but The Music Mermaid will get you through! Suffice it to say, I’m not going to be long winded about this. You simply have to tune us in so that you can see for yourself what amazing radio sounds like! The button is below.

The Button!

On Tuesday Bluesday It’s Our Biggest Blues EP of All, a Taj Mahal ‘Spotlight’ & Peter Green’s Spliter Group Live, On July 1, 2025

Good morning, bluesologists! We open a brand new month on a Tuesday Bluesday with our all-encompassing blues EP, then it’s on to Taj Mahal and Peter Green’s Splinter Group!

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blues: Various Artists

This is our biggest blues EP of all with Delbert McClinton, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Little Walter, Slim Harpo, Ry Cooder, Canned Heat, John Lee Hooker, The Animals, Albert King, Johnny Winter, Muddy Waters, Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, The Yardbirds, Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bobby “Blue” Bland, The Allman Brothers Band, Elmore James, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Robert Cray Band, J. J. Cale, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Marcia Ball, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Susan Tedeschi, Roomful of Blues, Howlin’ Wolf and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Taj Mahal

This afternoon we hear from a guy who has pushed the boundaries of da blues, incorporating world music to expand the scope of the blues over the years. Taj Mahal is a real innovator on all levels.

8:00 p.m. Peter Green’s Splinter Group Live at Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, April 5, 1998

We close out Tuesday Bluesday with a great live performance from Peter Green’s Splinter Group from the legendary Ronny Scott’s.

The Blues starts off the month. Remember that before, in between, and after we give you our big, versatile wide Open Stream. The button is below!

It’s Tuesday Bluesday!

We End the Month With America ‘In the Spotlight,’ Our ‘Great Beginnings’ EP, and Emmylou Harris & Mark Knopfler Live in Verona, Italy, On June 30, 2025

Good morning, workers! We’re back in the shops, stores, offices and streets on this fine Monday as we end the month with ‘Great Beginnings’ sandwiched in between America and the duo of Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler.

Here’s your Monday, Monday lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of America

Ah, yes, America. One of those great folk-rock bands who could push the limits of their musical genre focus. They had their hits, of course, but their absolute best and most creative music was buried on their albums. A lot of people were surprised that I liked this band when I was young, but what the hell do they know. A great listen here.

1:00 p.m. Great Beginnings: Various Artists

One of our newer playlists with featuring songs with great openings from The Beatles, Elton John, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Yes, Chicago, The Who, Johnny Rivers, Electric Light Orchestra, The Kinks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers Band, The Temptations, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, ZZ Top, Badfinger, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steely Dan, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Paul Simon, The Chambers Brothers, and more.

8:00 p.m. Emmylou Harris & Mark Knopfler Live at Arena Di Verona, Verona, Venito, Italy, June 3, 2006

Emmylou Harris always has a way to team up with people you’d never expect her to team up with, and the result is always mind blowing. Here’s another one, and it’s a great performance.

We’re back on the work week, but it doesn’t have to suck. No sir. We’ll get you through to the weekend with great music, no commercials, and no DJs who talk to damned much. Give us a try. The button is below.

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On Sunday It’s ‘Ladies Day Out,’ Live Mudcrutch, and a Pink Floyd ‘Spotlight’ Feature to Close, June 29, 2025

Good morning, weekenders! It’s another eclectic music day in The Mermaid Lounge and we kick it off with the ladies large and in charge, followed by live Mudcrutch and then Pink Floyd to close out the programming!

Here’s your Sunday Funday lineup:

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

There’s no other Internet or airwave station that plays the ladies like us. Most give begrudgingly give them a venue once in a while, and then only a select few. Not here. We give you five solid hours from Linda Ronstadt, Norah Jones, Dolly Parton, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Valerie Carter, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Irma Thomas, Ann Peebles, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Petula Clark, Etta James, Carla Thomas, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Shirelles, Nina Simone, Phoebe Snow, Maria Muldaur, and more!

4:00 p.m. Mudcrutch Live at The Fonda Theater, Los Angeles, CA, June 20, 2016

Tom Petty’s “other” band. This is the band that he left Gainesville with, and the band which eventually morphed into The Heartbreakers. In 2008, he would revive the original band and they went on to become part of his legend. Today they’re live from The Fonda Theater.

8:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Pink Floyd

Tonight we close the programming with a little bit of the avante-garde, as Pink Floyd combines psychedelic and progressive rock to close out the evening.

We’re here 24/7 and we’re totally free. I know. In a capitalist-driven world that’s hard to believe, but it’s absolutely true. No. You cannot build custom lists, but I take the position that Spotify et al. are not actually ‘radio stations.’ Radio is not knowing what’s coming next. That’s what we’re all about, but we take that to the extreme. We don’t play the same 100 or even 1,000 songs over and over and over. We have a 27,000+ catalogue playing all day and all night. Check us out. The button is below.

Ladies Day Out!

On Friday, It’s Live Neil Young & Crazy Horse, the ‘Color My World’ EP, and a Desmond Dekker ‘Spotlight’, June 27, 2025

Here we are on the cusp of the weekend once again, and we’ve got a great lineup for you today that starts with some live music from Neil Young. Check out the blog for details.

Here’s your Friday musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. Neil Young & Crazy Horse Live at Shorline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA, October 1, 1994

We open it up with some live Neil Young with his absolute favorite back-up band, Crazy Horse (ours too). This is an excellent show at the iconic Shorline.

1:00 p.m. Color My World: Various Artists

We move into songs that talk about colors up and down the spectrum. Spend the afternoon with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, James Taylor, Donovan, Booker T & The MGs, Electric Light Orchestra, Procol Harum, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, John Hiatt, J.D. Souther, The Who, Sam & Dave, Bob Dylan, Amy Winehouse, Badfinger, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane, The Hollies, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Cream, Marvin Gaye, Lucinda Williams, and more!

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Desmond Dekker & The Aces

In truth, there are probably several Dekker songs without the Aces, but the song that hooked me was Israelites. There have been many great Reggae artists, although none as popular as the late, great Bob Marley. Dekker is another of those greats, and he is often referred to as The King of Ska.

We head to the weekend in fine style. We’re on 24/7, we’re totally free, and we’re also commercial free. We’re about more than our programming. Before, in between, and after you’re treated to our big, wide Open Stream! The button is below.

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On Tuesday Bluesday We Head to Chicago, Then It’s Koko Taylor, and Rick Danko & Paul Butterfield, On June 24, 2025

We’ve got another Tuesday Bluesday on our hands today, and some great music on tap for the day. If you live in the northeast, stay cool, my friends. This one’s going to be ugly.

Here’s your Windy City lineup:

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

We hear the windy city blues artists today: 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. In The Spotlight: The Music of Koko Taylor

This afternoon we’ve got the Queen of The Blues, Koko Taylor, ‘In the Spotlight.’

8:00 p.m. Rick Danko & Paul Butterfield Live at The Blue Note, Boulder, CO, December 13, 1979

We close it out with Rick Danko of The Band performing live with the great Paul Butterfield at The Blue Note.

Nothing but the blues today for our programming, but before, in between and after, we give you our big, wide Open Stream of 27,000 songs. We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free with no commercial interruption. The button is below.

Windy City Blues!

On Monday, Monday It’s The Roches, the ‘A Little Bit O’ Soul’ EP, and Dr. John Live at Ronnie Scott’s, June 23, 2025

Good morning, workers! We’re back to the work week once again. We’ve got an eclectic program today encompassing folk-rock, soul and R & B, and the N’Awlins style of Dr. John!

Here’s your Monday, Monday lineup:

9:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Roches

The Roches were the quintesenntial female folk-rock band. Their star should have shone much brighter than it did. Today we make sure it shines bright as we start off with The Roches ‘In The Spotlight.’

1:00 p.m. A Little Bit O’ Soul: Various Artists

The soul and R & B greats get us through the afternoon, including Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Ronettes, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, The Drifters, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, Carla Thomas, James Brown, Etta James, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke, Edwin Starr, Sam & Dave, The Staple Singers, Nina Simone, Irma Thomas, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Ann Peebles, Al Green, Fontella Bass, and more!

8:00 p.m. Dr. John at Ronnie Scott’s, London, UK, January 7-14, 1996

We close out with the unique sound of Dr. John during a residency at Ronnie Scott’s in London!

There’s nobody quite like Dr. John, the Nitecrawler with the unique Louisiana sound and vibe that spanned six decades. He is certainly a Mermaid Lounge favorite.

We’re on 24/7 and all that stuff. We’re free. We don’t run commercial advertising, and we have not one thing to sell you. We’re all about the music. The button is below.

Monday, Monday.

We’re Folksy Today With Our Big EP, a Judy Collins ‘Spotlight,’ and Live Joni Mitchell and JT Tonight, Sunday, June 22, 2025

Good morning, folk music lovers! We’ve got a great lineup today that gives you hours of great folk music starting right off at 9:00 a.m. Read on for details!

Here’s your Sunday Funday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Folk Music From A-To-Z: Various Artists

From old to new to those who keep the genre alive, including Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, John Prine, Dave Van Ronk, Odetta, Yusuf/Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, The Band, Eric Andersen, Tom Rush, Judy Collins, Nanci Griffith, Jesse Winchester, Lead Belly, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Tim Hardin, The Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Richie Havens, Phil Ochs, Harry Chapin, Townes Van Zandt, The Carter Family, and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Judy Collins

This afternoon we hear from the folk maven whose career has spanned seven decades, including 36 studio albums and nine live albums.

8:00 p.m. Joni Mitchell & James Taylor Live at The Paris Theatre, London, UK, October 29, 1970

We close out the days programming with two musical greats when they were ‘a thing’ in a live performance from London.

We’re all about folk today, and we’re all about the music every day on a 24/7 basis at no charge and with no commercial interruption. See for yourselves. The button is below.

Folk Music Rules!