Booyakisha! This week’s mix is about a season that seems to get very little love in the world of song. And before you run to the comment section and say: “Hey Ted, don’t you know that autumn started last month?” I should remind you that yours truly lives in the Golden State of California, and we get days that top out in the 90-100 degree range right up until the end of October. But sometimes the weather turns to autumn early (like it did last week) where the leaves fall, the air feels a bit different (in California it’s a very subtle difference), and the smell of fires burning in the fireplace is prevalent. Okay, are you in an autumn mood? Then let’s get going with this week’s mix!
“September in Seattle,” Shawn Mullins (Download)
Full disclosure: I have a tough time warming up to artists whose songs I used to play over and over when I was working in radio. Mullins’ “Lullaby” was one of those songs that never went away where I worked, and when I started hunting for autumn-themed songs, I was a bit leery about including this song — ’cause, you know, I’m kind of allergic to Shawn Mullins’ music. However, I got over my prejudices (and allergy) pretty quickly, and found that this tune to be quite the charmer.
“Sweet Season,” Carole King (Download)
Like a warm comforter, a fire in the fireplace, and something hot to drink (with a dash of bourbon), Carole King’s music, at times, really does have a homey quality.
“Autumn Song,” Van Morrison (Download)
Van Morrison is another artist whose velvety tunes have an “I can just lost in this” feel. This song is long enough that you certainly can get lost in it – but in a good way.
“Fall in Philadelphia,” Hall & Oates (Download)
Back in the old Jefitoblog days, this song surfaced in an Idiot’s Guide (I think). And even though I have the same prejudice surrounding Hall & Oates as I do Shawn Mullins (i.e., radio strangled whatever joy I could ring out of their songs), I do like this tune because it’s nothing like the ‘80s pop-crap brilliance Hall & Oates created back in the day.
“Forever Autumn,” Moody Blues (Download)
The Moody Blues’ music is a perennial part of the soundtrack of my life – mostly because my oldest brother and mother were big fans. One day in 1978, I noticed the Jeff Wayne musical version of War of the Worlds in our family record collection, and was riveted by what was coming out of the speakers. Richard Burton narrated the drama, and Justin Hayward contributed this beautiful song to the soundtrack. However, for this mix, I’ve included a live version performed by the Moody Blues, and it’s every bit as good as the studio version. Also of interest is this “Trance” version of “Forever Autumn.” (Download)
“November Rain,” Guns N’ Roses (Download)
Sometimes when closing out a themed set, it’s important to include an epic song that builds and builds to sound the keynote. I’m not the biggest Guns N’ Roses fan, but for this mix, I think I found the “Stairway to Heaven” of autumn.
