Monday is Back and We’ve Got Some Reggae and Ska, Tedeschi Trucks In the Spotlight, and ‘Live’ Jefferson Airplane, June 5, 2023

Good morning to the working class! Monday has reared its ugly head, but we’ve got some great music up ahead to get you through the day. Read on for the details!

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Best of Reggae, Rocksteady and Ska: Various Artists

It’s not an EP, but it is a few hours of great world music from Prince Buster, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, Jimmy Cliff, Basil Gabbidon, The Rhythm Aces, Derrick Morgan, Laurel Aitken, Count Lasher, The Jiving Juniors, Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, Desmond Decker, The I-Threes, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Tedeschi Trucks Band

The biggest, baddest blues-rock band with the biggest-baddest blues guitar player led by the great Susan Tedeschi. What else could you possibly ask for? They are coming through my town in the fall and tickets are already gone.

8:00 p.m. Jefferson Airplane Live at The Matrix Club, San Francisco, CA, February 1, 1968

Another great band closes out our programming tonight as we go into the wayback machine for this live performance, vintage 1968.

Yes, it’s another week of work and, for some of us, serving the entitled masses in the wonderful land of retail. But for me, that doesn’t start until tomorrow. We’re on 24/7 with no commercial advertising and at no cost to you, folks. Get on it.

We’re at Midweek With ‘The British Are Coming’ EP, Guy Clark, and The Traveling Wilburys In the Spotlight, Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Good morning, musicologists! We close out the month in style with music from the British Invasion and beyond, this week’s singer-songwriter, and the Wilburys bringing up the rear!

Here’s your midweek lineup:

9:00 a.m. The British Are Coming: Various Artists

We celebrate the end of the month with music from across the pond. You’ll hear The Beatles (of course), The Who, Dave Mason, Electric Light Orchestra, Petula Clark, The Zombies, The Hollies, Dusty Springfield, Small Faces, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Kinks, the Dave Clark Five, The Bee Gees, The Moody Blues, Rod Stewart, George Harrison, Them, Herman’s Hermits, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Badfinger, The Yardbirds, Traffic, Elton John, Lulu, Pink Floyd, Yes, The Animals, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, The Spencer Davis Group, Cream, Donovan, The Rolling Stones and more!

4:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Guy Clark

The late, great Guy Clark takes his second spin as our featured singer-songwriter for the week. I have a hard time picking a favorite from this guy but Texas1947 is pretty spectacular.

8:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of The Traveling Wilburys

They were the greatest supergroup ever. There may never be another like them. They were just five guys who became friends, hung out, and played music together. That’s how the legend of the Wilburys began. Tonight we put them In the Spotlight where they belong.

We are on 24/7. Before, in between and after our programs, The Music Mermaid treats you to our wide Open Stream of 27,000 songs. We’re totally free of charge and we do not run any commercial advertising. Ever. Give us a whirl.

Today Gives You Buddy Holly In the Spotlight, Features Bob Dylan’s Final Turn as Our Singer-Songwriter, and The Beatles Give Us a Change in Time, Friday, May 26 2023

Happy Friday, musicologists! You know, our House Bands had their influencers, just as our House Bands have influenced others. Today we put one of the Beatles’ biggest influencers In the Spotlight as we work on some new summer playlists featuring the founding fathers and mothers of rock and roll.

Here’s today’s musical lineup:

11:00 a.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly was an American singer and songwriter who played a central and pioneering role in the development of rock and roll. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Holly learned to sing and play guitar along side his siblings. The Beatles cite Holly and his Crickets as a major influence in their early style. They studied his music and his delivery, and chose the name The Beatles in tribute to his band, The Crickets. Although Lennon wore his patented round wire-rimmed glasses later in his life, his first set of eyeglasses were Buddy Holly style. Today we put him In the Spotlight.

4:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Bob Dylan FINAL AIRING!

Mr. Dylan takes his final spin as this week’s featured singer-songwriter. Bob Dylan is also an artist who has claimed Buddy Holly as a major influence. He saw Holly for the first time when he was just 17-years-old in Duluth, and cited his infuence as he received his 1998 Grammy for his album Time Out Of Mind.

8:00 p.m. The Beatles: A Change In Time NEW!

Speaking of The Fab Four, they too have influenced many, and they changed just about everything musically- and culturally-related in their seven years together. Unhappy with touring (they felt like nobody was actually listening to what they were singing), they decided to give up the road and focus on their art. Once they took this step, their creativity took a leap to a whole other level. Tonight we intro a new playlist of Beatle songs that feature mixes of different time signatures. We think you’ll like it.

We’re at the end of the work week, except for those who continue to toil through the weekend in retail hell. Personally, I think the blue laws should make a comeback. Sunday should be a day off for everyone. The greedy capitalists don’t quite see it that way. But here in The Mermaid Lounge, we’re on 24/7 at absolutely no charge to the public. And we accept no commercial advertising either. It’s all about the music.

We’re at Midweek With the ‘Are You Ready for The Country’ EP, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr, Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Good morning, music lovers. As I prepare to head out I’m giving you the lowdown. We’ve got our big-ass country and country-rock EP up today, Aretha’s second turn as our featured singer-songwriter, and an updated Spotlight featuring Ringo Starr.

Here’s your midweek musical landscape:

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

We start off the day with our playlist of great country music, from the masters to the generation that created the country-rock sound starting in Laurel Canyon. You will hear Guy Clark, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, The Byrds, Gram Parsons, Pure Prairie League, Asleep at The Wheel, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, The Marshall Tucker Band, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mudcrutch, The Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Rosanne Cash, Dolly Parton, Dan Fogelberg, New Riders of The Purple Sage, John Prine, The Desert Rose Band and more!

4:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Aretha Franklin

From country to the Queen of Soul as Aretha Franklin takes her second turn as this week’s featured singer-songwriter.

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

Perhaps not as prolific as McCartney (but who is?), but Ringo Starr has made over 39 albums since The Beatles split. His All Starr Band tours continue to pack them in and, in his 80’s, he’s got his 2023 tour on track. Tonight we put him In the Spotlight where he belongs.

It’s midweek. From here on out, we’re on the downslide to the weekend. It gets better from here, people. And it will be a pleasant slide if you simply tune us in. We’re totally free 24/7 with no commercial advertising. What are you waiting for?

We Head for the Weekend With the ‘Color My World’ EP, Lucinda Williams’ AOW, and Jeff Lynne In the Spotlight on Thursday, May 4, 2023

Good morning, musicologists! We begin the downslide to the weekend in style today with our ‘Color My World’ EP…songs with colors in the titles, lyrics or both. And that’s just the beginning!

Here’s today’s musical landscape:

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

Pictured above are some of the artists you’ll hear, including 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 & The Heartbreakers, Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, The Hollies, Jefferson Airplane, 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: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams

Lucinda takes another turn with this great Album of The Week. Final airing coming up on Saturday, so get one in!

7:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Jeff Lynne

Jeff Lynne is a musical legend, a member of three successful bands and an extraordinary producer (he produced several Heartbreakers’ albums). Tonight we give you his music as a member of The Move, the leader of Electric Light Orchestra, and a founding member of The Traveling Wilburys, the best damned supergroup on the planet.

Tune us in. Join a worldwide musical community with a love of music and disdain for commercialization. We don’t cost a penny. We run no commercial advertising. We’re all about the music.

We’re at Midweek With the ‘M is For Motown’ EP, Dolly Parton, and a Tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Good morning, music lovers! We have a full slate today with our big, bad Motown EP, Dolly Parton as our featured singer-songwriter and a tribute to the late, great Gordon Lightfoot.

Here’s your midweek lineup:

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

We visit motor city and listen to Barrett Strong, Eddie Kendricks, Eddie Holland, Edwin Starr, 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, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Rare Earth, Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell and more!

4:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton gets her second airing as this week’s featured singer-songwriter.

8:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Gordon Lightfoot NEW!

One of the great singer-songwriters of his time passed away just a few days ago in Gordon Lightfoot. He’s a man who Bob Dylan called a “mentor.” Tonight we feature his musical legend in a Spotlight.

We’re at midweek. Everything from here is the downslide to the weekend. We’re on 24/7 at no charge to you. And there’s no commercial advertising or D.J.’s who like the sound of their own voices.

We Debut Our New ‘What’s In A Name’ EP, Give You Lukas Nelson & POTR, and Some ‘Live’ Joni Mitchell Later on Monday, May 1, 2023

Welcome to a brand new month! Today we debut a new EP we didn’t even realize we had, give you Willie’s boy at mid-afternoon, and close out with Joni Mitchell later.

Here’s your Monday, Monday music:

9:00 a.m. What’s In a Name: Various Artists NEW!

We’ve played this song before, but we didn’t realize how many hours of music this amounted to, so it becomes an official EP this morning! You’ll hear Them, The Velvet Underground, Neil Diamond, The Band, Linda Ronstadt, The Kinks, Steely Dan, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, Donovan, Carly Simon, Shawn Colvin, Warren Zevon, Emmylou Harris, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Beatles, Jonathan Edwards, John Lennon, Chuck Berry and more!

3:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: Lukas Nelson & Promise of The Real

It’s been a spell since we’ve heard from these guys and this playlist is probably in need of an updating, which we shall undertake soon. But in the meantime, we’ve got them In the Spotlight at mid-afternoon today.

8:00 p.m. Joni Mitchell Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, February 3, 1973

We close out the programming on Monday with some great live Joni Mitchell from Carnegie Hall at the beginning of her illustrious career. She is a musical treasure who refuses to be defined by any one genre. Enjoy.

Hey, it’s Monday and by all measures, all Mondays are tough. Why not improve your situation with some great music? We’ve got it here for you courtesy of The Music Mermaid, your constant companion.

We’re Back to Monday and We’ve Got Our ‘Travelin’ Fever’ EP and Fats Domino In the Spotlight Later, April 24, 2023

Yes, the work week returns and even I am stuck working on what would normally be my day off, but I digress. We’ve got a great EP of traveling music today and Fats Domino, a true rock and roll pioneer, In the Spotlight later.

Here’s your Monday musical landscape:

10:00 a.m. Travelin’ Fever: Various Artists

Traveling is a popular music topic, just ask Canned Heat, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Creedence Clearwater Revival, 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 and Buffalo Springfield. You’ll hear all of them and more in this EP, which is just about five hours of uninterrupted traveling music.

8:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Fats Domino

I’m not sure anyone was actually playing rock and roll before Fats Domino. He certainly was in the forefront of the entire musical movement and is considered one of its founding fathers. We’ve got him In the Spotlight tonight. He’s a Mermaid Lounge favorite.

Before, in between and after we’ve got our wide Open Stream courtesy of The Music Mermaid. We’re playing music 24/7 with no commercial interruption. All you need is an open tab and a mouse, and musical mecca is at your fingertips.

We’ve Got Mudcrutch Monday Madness, Maria Muldaur, and Volume One of ‘Repeat After Me’ on April 10, 2023

Good morning, Mudcrutch maniacs! Today we’ve got the full Mudcrutch slate of music (we’ll tell you why below) along with Maria Muldaur In the Spotlight and volume one of ‘Repeat After Me’ a playlist of covers by our favorite bands.

Here are today’s musical details:

10:00 a.m. Mudcrutch Monday Madness!

Tom Leadon, who was Tom Petty’s childhood friend and founding member and lead guitarist of Mudcrutch, passed away on March 22 from natural causes at the age of 70. He was also, at various times the bass player in Linda Ronstadt’s band. He was brother to Bernie Leadon, a founding member of The Eagles. This seems like a good time to break out the entire Mudcrutch catalogue in memory of Tom.

3:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of Maria Muldaur

Maria Muldaur began her illustrious career as part of the great folk revival of the sixties, playing the Greenwich Village clubs with Bob Dylan and John Sebastian. She then joined the Jim Kweskin Jug Band. When they disbanded, she embarked on her solo career recording albums in the folk, blues, early jazz, gospel, country, and R&B traditions. She also provided backup and harmony vocals on several Linda Ronstadt albums. We love Maria here in The Mermaid Lounge and today we put her in the spotlight.

7:00 p.m. Repeat After Me: Various Artists

We haven’t heard this one in a while. We have two volumes of this one. You’ll hear the second one later in the week. We are also working on volume three for later this month. These are great fun because we get to hear different versions of the same song by different artists. In this one, we have The Heartbreakers covering The Byrds, Tracy Nelson covering Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris covering Simon & Garfunkel, Linda Ronstadt covering Little Feat, Three Dog Night covering Laura Nyro, The Beatles covering Barrett Strong, Joan Baez covering The Band…you get the idea.

A great rock and roll pioneer once sang that he hated blue Monday. Why not make yours better by tuning us in? We’re on 24/7 totally free and without commercial advertising. It’s nothing but wall-to-wall music here.

We Head for The Weekend with Joan Baez, Carly Simon, and the Drumming of Ringo Starr, Friday, April 7, 2023

Good morning, music lovers! We are one day away from the weekend and we’ve got Joan Baez In the Spotlight, Carly Simon’s final turn as our featured singer-songwriter and the best of Ringo’s drumming while a Beatle.

Here’s your musical landscape:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Joan Baez

Joan Baez is a legend in these here parts. Through sixty years of performing, she has consistently remained a voice for social justice. During that time, she has released more than thirty albums. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she has released songs in at least six other languages. Although she’s regarded mostly as a folk singer, her musical style over the years has expanded to include pop, folk rock, country and gospel. Although a songwriter herself, she prefers to interpret the music of others, including Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, Jackson Browne, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, among others. Today she’s in the spotlight where she belongs.

3:00 p.m. Singer-Songwriter Series: The Music of Carly Simon FINAL AIRING!

Carly Simon takes her final spin this afternoon as this week’s featured singer-songwriter. Tomorrow we will have another artist to unveil. Don’t miss it.

8:00 p.m. The Best of Ringo Starr, Drummer NEW!

We spent some time on this one because we think it’s important in a musical sense. Long before the Beatles employed Ringo, he was already respected in musical circles as a drummer for Rory Storm & The Hurricanes. The Beatles, in fact, lured him away and did so for a reason. Drummers around the globe respect Ringo. He has his own style, his own swing and his own sound, and he’s not concerned with drawing attention to himself with long, protracted drumming solos. Rather, Ringo gives the song what it needs. He’s part of its fabric, and that’s what talented drummers do. We combed through articles to put this playlist together, amassing the list from other drummers and musical artists. It includes Beatle songs from the start to The End, the only drum solo Ringo ever played as a Beatle.

Here we are on the brink of another weekend and, for those who celebrate, Happy Easter, Happy Passover or Happy Ramadan, as they all converge. We’re here with some great music 24/7 at no cost to the listening world. There is also no commercial advertising. We’re in it for the music.