Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The 117 Best Recordings of 2017
(Part 1 of 4)

Wednesday MidDay Medley presents part-one, of our four-week special: The 117 Best Recordings of 2017. Based on playlists of this little ole radio show, we’ve compiled representative tracks from our favorite full-length and EP recordings of the year. We realize that these “Best of” lists can seem very subjective, however we ask that you please accept our list as a celebration of the year of music.

In 2017 we’ve played nearly 1000 different songs on the show, and from over 360 New & MidCoastal Releases. More than 200 of these releases were New MidCoastal Releases. Over 35 of the bands and artists in our “Best of” list have joined us live in our 90.1 FM studios. This past year we’ve interviewed nearly 200 guests. 70 of the representative recordings in our “Best of” list were MidCoastal Releases, produced by artists from here. It’s all good!

Tune into 90.1 FM, Wednesdays in December, on the 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. We’ll be packing 8-hours of radio with music that represent: The 117 of Best Recordings of 2017!

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM’s theme]

2. (117.) The Coathangers – “Wipe Out”
from: Parasite – EP / Suicide Squeeze Records / May 5, 20172011
[All female punk quartet from Atlanta, Georgia, includes: lead vocalist – Julia Kugel, drummer – Stephanie Luke, keyboardist – Candice Jones and bassist – Meredith Franco. The band formed in 2006 as a joke. After playing a house show, they were asked to open for The Hiss on the strength of their performance. The name “Coathangers” refers to a method of self-induced abortion and was chosen for its irreverent vulgarity; all of the band’s members are pro-choice]

3. (116.) Ani DiFranco – “Deferred Gratification”
from: Binary / Righteous Babe / June 9, 2017
[20th studio album from Ani DiFranco, who was born Angela Maria DiFranco on September 23, 1970. She is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, poet, songwriter and businesswoman. She is a feminist icon. Although DiFranco’s music has been classified as folk rock and alternative rock she has added punk, funk, hip hop and jazz influences. DiFranco created her own record label, Righteous Babe, giving her significant creative freedom. DiFranco supports many social and political movements by performing benefit concerts, appearing on benefit albums and speaking at rallies. Through the Righteous Babe Foundation DiFranco has backed grassroots cultural and political organizations supporting causes including abortion rights to gay visibility. She counts famed American folk singer and songwriter Pete Seeger among her mentors.] [Ani DiFranco attended Folk Alliance International’s 2017 conference to deliver a special presentation on Friday, February 17.]

[Ani DiFranco plays The Madrid Theatre, Tues, Feb 20, 2018 at 8:00 PM, at The Madrid Theatre, 3810 Main St, Kansas City, Missouri 64111]

4. (115.) Ramy Essam – “El Gahsh Wel Homar (The Donkey Song)”
from: Letter to the Unsecurity Council / Ramy Essam / 2016
[Ramy Essam was born in 1987, in Mansoura, Egypt. He is an Egyptian musician, best known for his appearances in Tahrir Square in Cairo during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. His song Irhal, in which then Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was urged to resign, gained great popularity among the demonstrators. It became internationally known through YouTube, and is referred to as the anthem of the revolution. In 2011, it was selected by Time Out as the third-most world-changing song of all time. He currently sings hard rock songs, one of the few singers in Egypt to sing rock. Ramy also expressed his mourning of the revolution’s martyrs on Facebook. On 9 March 2011, when the Egyptian Army forcibly cleared the square, he was arrested and tortured. In October 2014, Essam was offered safe city residence for two years by the Malmö Municipality of Sweden. He is the first musician who has been offered this by Malmö but two writers have been offered it before. In addition to the residence permit, he also gets accommodation. He describes his situation as an artist in Egypt as “terrible” and is happy he can come to Sweden to study. Essam says it will be the first time he has the chance to study music, that he will keep make music and be an ambassador of the Egyptian revolution. Essam was featured on the 2014 compilation Songs from a Stolen Spring that paired Western musicians with artists from the Arab Spring, Essam’s “Bread, Freedom” was meshed with Mighty Sam McClain’s performance of “If I Can Dream”. This year Ramy Essam released the single “The Camp” with PJ Harvey.][Ramy Essam played Folk Alliance International conference where he received the 2017 Spirt of Folk Award.]

5. (114.) The Ovaries-eez – “Sand”
from: Moon Birth / Whatever Forever / January 6, 2017
[Lawrence band’s 2nd full length. Recorded, mixed, & mastered by Dual Diamonds on Whatever Forever. Guitar & vocals by Monica George & Johni Lacore & Amber Hansen on vocals, Jim Martin on Instrumentation, Brett Grady on viola. Songs by The Ovaries-eez: Johni Lacore, Amber Hansen, Monica George.]

[The Ovaries-eez play Forever Fest! with CS Luxem, HighWesthus, Wendy Moira, Mazfield, and Invisible Public Library, Sat, Dec 9 at 10 PM at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS.]

6. (113.) Combo Los Yogas – “Que No Muera el Son”
from: Cañabrava Música / Vampisoul – Discos Fuentes / February 10, 2017 Reissue
[Vampi Soul re-issue of an obscure 1968 Discos Fuentes gem Cañabrava by Combo Los Yogas, a short-lived early Colombian salsa band from Medellín directed and arranged by Aníbal José Ángel Echeverri, the famous antioqueño keyboardist known as Aníbal Ángel or simply Anán. Employing Barranquilla native Johnny Moré as his lead vocalist and a full combo with trumpet, trombone, congas and timbales, Los Yogas recorded a fantastic collection of cover tunes in the guaguancó, son, guajira, descarga, and cha-cha-chá rhythms. The sound is very raw and hard, something that makes this obscure 1968 Discos Fuentes record a sought-after collector’s item. Thanks to the inherent quality and execution of its repertoire, “Cañabrava” provides a wonderful snapshot of the influences and early development of the genre of salsa in 1960s Colombia.]

7. (112.) JohnnySuperColossal – “She Culture”
from: Doors in the Wall / HearYou Music / October 27, 2017
[JohnnySuperColossal is the musical project of KC based Shawn Stewart who is originally from Chicago.]

8. (111.) Golden Groves – “Dinosaurs”
from: Recess [EP] / Golden Groves / July 7, 2017
[Second EP from KC based 4-piece band: Isaac Hodges on vocals & guitar, Dylan Nelson on lead guitar, Max Kmeck on bass, Andrew Lewis on drums. All songs written & recorded by Golden Groves, Produced & mixed by Jim Barnes. Mastering by PNW Mastering. More info at: http://www.goldengrovesmusic.com][Golden Groves played an EP Release show on Friday, July 7, at 8:00 PM, at The Riot Room, 4048 Broadway St, KCMO, with Westside Royal, Shadow Rabbits, and Sleeptalk from L.A.]

9. (110.) Bobby Sauder – “If Only In My Dreams”
from: Dark Empire Fairgrounds / Whatever Forever / February 24, 2017
[Debut solo release from Bobby Sauder of the Lawrence Kansas based band Karma Vision and cofounder of Whatever Forever Records. After the birth of his first child, Sauder found himself putting on a lot of folk and country records to help keep the volume down around the house. The influence of musicians like Townes Van Zant, Emmylou Harris, and The Band influenced his songwriting. All the songs were written on a guitar that only had 5 strings. Music and lyrics by Bobby Sauder (except “Josie Darner” written by Carey Scott and “Will You Bury Me?” written by Jamie Lacore). Produced by Bobby Sauder and Ross Williams. Engineered by Ross Williams. Mixed by Ross Williams and Bobby Sauder. Mastered by Brian Miller. Drums on tracks 1,3,5,6 played by Mark Osman Organ on track 7 played by Ben Sauder. Lyrics Collaborator on tracks 3 and 4 is Carey Scott. Track 2 co-engineered by Brad Girard. Recorded in Lawrence, Kansas.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10. (109.) Westerners – “Wasn’t In My Right Mind”
from: Reoccurring Dream Theme / The Record Machine / July 14, 2017
[Debut full length album from Lawrence / Kansas City based band formed in August of 2013. The band includes: Mitch Hewlett, Josh Hartranft, Matthew Pesma and Gerardo Rojas. Westerners signed to Kansas City independent label The Record Machine in 2015.] [Westerners played an album release at Mills Record Co, Fri, July 7, w/ Shortsweather and at Love Garden Records, Lawrence, July 8, w/ No Magic, and CS Luxem.]

11. (108.) Violent Bear – “Bayou Love”
from: Post Everything / Violent Bear / March 24, 2017
[KC based garage folk band with hints of Southern Gothic and nods to old country roots, formed by husband and wife musicians: Stephen & Danger Herzig, who rotate on a variety of instruments. The band also includes: Noah Cassidy on lead guitar, Jonas Cassidy on bass, and Jake Rogers on synthesizers. Violent Bear also released multiple single tracks this year.] [Violent Bear played PorchFest KC on Saturday, October 14.]

12. (107.) The Dear Misses – “Let Go”
from: Just Let Go / The Dear Misses / February 28, 2017
[This is The Dear Misses first full length album. “Just Let Go” was written over the course of 4 years. TDM started as a side project for lead singer Todd Anderson and Guitarist Cody Stapleton and caught full sail upon the addition of Drummer Bret Collins in 2014 and Bassist Shane Berggren in Late 2015. This Lawrence Kansas based 4-piece band made up of: Todd Anderson on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Cody Stapleton on lead guitar & backing vocals, Bret Collins on drums, and Shane Berggren on bass. The band is currently in the studio recording songs for their upcoming release. More info at: http://www.reverbnation.com/thedearmisses%5D

13. (106.) Ivy – “All The Above”
from: Bad Intuition / Ivy / April 14, 2016
[Debut recording from Kansas City native singer songwriter, who plays piano and guitar, and produces beats. Her style ranges from R & B, Neo Soul, Hip Hop, Acoustic, and Pop. She has performed on stage at Lincoln Center in NYC, regional Festivals, Los Angeles, and collaborates with film and performance. Written and produced by Ivy. More info at http://www.itsjustivy.com] [Ivy played Crossroads Music Fest, Sat, Sept 9.]

14. (105.) Looming – “Leaves (Radio Edit)“
from: Seed / No Sleep Records / September 29, 2017
[Springfield, Illinois based band formed in 2013. The band consists of: Jessica Knight on bass & lead vocals, Brandon Carnes on drums & backing vocals, Mitch Baker on guitar & backing vocals, Nick Demarco on guitar, Cassie Staub on guitar & synthesizer. (Original member Jordan Fein left the band after their debut release.) “The band originally came together over a shared common vision and passion for songwriting. After years performing in various Springfield bands (Mother Leopard, Lovecow, Our Lady, Big Storm) the group fell into a natural groove with one another and became known for their unique emo-pop that’s led by the inimitable vocal stylings of Knight that pair perfectly with the band’s bright, airy sound.” “Three guitars work together to perform thick, overlapping lines that lead to satisfying breakdowns. Front-woman Jessica Knight’s curious, chewy singing style and a thumping rhythm section give Looming a potent edge above their peers. ” This album is a follow up to their debut full-length album, Nailbiter that came out in August 14, 2015.]

15. (104.) Mene Mene – “Stone Steel, and Spark”
from: Stone, Steel, and Spark – EP / Mene Mene / September 9, 2017
[Their Bandcamp page described the band as: “Kansas City based Indie Alt Rock with some piano, some drums, and a whole lot of repressed feelings.” Written & performed by Brad Feagen & Alec Stockman.]

[Mene Mene plays The Rino, Sat, Dec 9, at 7:00 PM with Nick Siegel and Instant Karma.]

16. (103.) Cindy Wilson – “Brother”
from: Change / Kill Rock Stars / December 1, 2017
[Cindy Wilson’s solo debut arrives in time to celebrate the singer’s 40th anniversary in the musical spotlight. CHANGE began for Wilson nearly a decade ago upon her part-time return to her hometown of Athens, GA. She first encountered local musician Ryan Monahan when his Beatles tribute band was hired to play her son’s birthday party – “One of the best parties ever,” says Wilson. The veteran vocalist and talented young musician began teaming up for gigs, beginning with R.E.M.’s star-studded 30th anniversary event. “Ryan and drummer Lemuel Hayes and I put together a few songs and it was fantastic,” Wilson says. “That started our own musical relationship.” Wilson and her new bandmates continued performing together, first playing classic garage and psychedelic covers but ultimately deciding to create new music all their own. They hit the studio in 2014, with local producer-musician Suny Lyons manning the board. The songs and sonic concepts flowed like the Broad River, leading Wilson to invite Lyons to join her fast developing combo. “We went to Suny’s studio to kick around ideas and see if we can do anything interesting,” Wilson says. “We wanted to see how our styles would blend. He comes from a totally different place than I do but I was great. It also became immediately clear we had to bring Suny in to be part of the band, he also had wonderful ideas. I had a really great team.” Backed by her gifted collaborators, Wilson developed a distinctive sound rooted in her long history of kaleidoscopic pop reinvention. Earlier this year Cindy released a pair of EPs, SUNRISE and SUPERNATURAL with both acclaimed by PopMatters for possessing “an undeniable sense of adventure.” Produced by Lyons at The Space Station in Athens, melding future pop, disco drama, American standards, electronica, and more into her own distinctive creative vision. “Our sound is both consistent and still evolving,” Wilson says. “These ingredients come together from left field to create something really interesting.” Further album highlights include a pair of unexpected covers: a widescreen orchestral rendition of New Colony Six’s soft rock classic, “Things I’d Like to Say,” and “Brother,” written and originally performed by Athens’ own beloved Oh-OK. “We played a show, Athens musicians playing songs by other Athens bands,” Wilson says. “We did an R.E.M. song, a Pylon song, and ‘Brother’ by Oh-OK, which turned out so great we decided it had to be on record. It hits you over the head; it’s an interesting texture. It brings the album home I think.A veteran of one of pop’s most consistently entertaining live acts, Wilson is heralding CHANGE with an unprecedented multimedia concert tour. Merging conceptual structure, unique visuals, and kicked off in March with SXSW, Wilson and her bandmates are touring the US (in a van, it should be mentioned). “The show is totally different from anything I’ve done before,” Wilson says. “It has an incredible flow, from beginning to end. The great thing about touring a show like this is you can solve problems and tweak things as you go along.” “Everyone has other bands, other jobs,” Wilson says. “I’ve got the B-52s’ fortieth anniversary, there’s a lot going on with that. At the same time, I’m very committed to this record and continuing to perform with these guys. We’re trying to go into the studio at least once a month, to continue working creatively and keep the songs coming. We’re still experimenting, still growing, but it retains a certain sound. I feel very comfortable in this band. I’m loving it.” Cynthia “Cindy” Leigh Wilson was born February 28, 1957. She is a singer, and is one of the lead vocalists, songwriter and a founding member of new wave rock band The B-52s. The B-52’s were formed when Wilson (who was born in Athens, Georgia), alongside her older brother and guitarist Ricky, organist and vocalist Kate Pierson, drummer and percussionist Keith Strickland, and vocalist Fred Schneider played an impromptu musical jam session after sharing a tropical Flaming Volcano drink at a local Chinese restaurant. They later played their first concert in 1977 at a Valentine’s Day party for their friends. Wilson and the others broke into the music world with their campy, ’60s retro band. Their 1979 debut album The B-52’s, yielded the hit singles “Rock Lobster” and “Planet Claire” and launched the band into stardom. On April 21, 1985, Wilson married Keith Bennett, a successful advertiser who was a longtime friend of the band and Ricky’s guitar tech on tour. Ricky died later that year, leaving her devastated. Wilson took a sabbatical from the band in 1990 to concentrate on raising a family, during which time The B-52’s recorded and released the album Good Stuff as a trio of Pierson, Schneider and Strickland. During the live tour to promote the Good Stuff album in 1992 and 1993, Julee Cruise sang as a replacement for Wilson. Wilson rejoined The B-52’s in 1994. In 1998 she took part in recordings from which two new songs were selected to be included along with the band’s hit singles on the album Time Capsule: Songs for a Future Generation. Wilson then took maternity leave in 1999 (being replaced on tour by Gail Ann Dorsey), later rejoining the band in 2001 for regular touring of their greatest hits. The B-52’s completed the album Funplex in 2007 and it was released in March 2008. Wilson co-wrote every song on the album with the three other band members. In all, she has co-written much of the band’s back catalogue, including “Dance This Mess Around”, “Private Idaho” and all of the Cosmic Thing album including hit singles “Love Shack” and “Roam”. Wilson’s vocal efforts include the typical B-52’s “call-and-response” vocals with Schneider and/or Pierson, as well as her harmonies with Pierson on the band’s all-female songs such as “Roam”, “52 Girls”, “Cake”, “Legal Tender”, “Summer of Love” and “Juliet of the Spirits”. One of the band’s signature elements is the setup between the three vocalists. However, Wilson sings the greatest number of solo performances in the band, especially on their earlier albums. Examples of Cindy’s solo vocal performances in The B-52’s include “Hero Worship”, “Loveland”, “Nip It in the Bud”, “Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland”, “Ain’t It a Shame”, “She Brakes for Rainbows” and the live favorite “Give Me Back My Man”. Wilson is the band’s bongosero, playing the bongos in regular live favorites “Planet Claire”, “Mesopotamia”, “Pump” and “Party Out of Bounds” as well as other songs such as “6060-842” and “Big Bird”.] [The B-52s played The Uptown, Oct 22. Cindy Wilson played Riot Room, Nov. 17.]

17. (102.) Nancy and Beth – “Please Mr Jailer”
from: Nancy and Beth / Herpursef / April 7, 2017
[“Please Mr, Jailer’ was written by Wynona Carr (August 23, 1923 – May 11, 1976) an African-American gospel, R&B and rock and roll singer-songwriter, who recorded as Sister Wynona Carr when performing gospel material. Carr’s contralto vocals have a sensual, husky quality which made her eventual switch to R&B and rock & roll seem a logical choice in retrospect. Carr’s gospel recordings are very much influenced by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, incorporating blues and jazz stylings and R&.B. Her early R&B material (for which she is probably best remembered now) was often uptempo, rock & roll-styled and similar in sound to fellow R&B/rock & roll artists on the Specialty roster like Little Richard, Lloyd Price and Larry Williams, with a strong New Orleans-style backbeat and a rich, warm production. Her final Specialty sessions, conducted by Sonny Bono in 1959, cut down on the rock & roll influences. Both Carr’s gospel and R&B recordings went largely unappreciated during the time they were released, but found a new audience when Specialty Records released two CDs, covering Carr’s entire output on the label.Megan Mullally and Stephanie Hunt met in Austin Texas while filming the independent movie Somebody Up There Likes Me. The minute the two started singing together they realized they had something special. They formed the band Nancy and Beth in 2012. formed the band Nancy and Beth in 2012. They went on tour in March 2013. They are set to release their debut album just before a North American tour. Actress, singer, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards winner, MEGAN MULLALLY (Karen on NBC’s Will & Grace, Children’s Hospital, Party Down) . STEPHANIE HUNT (Friday Night Lights, Californication and How To Live With Your Parents For the Rest of Your Life). [Nancy and Beth played an Official Showcase at tFolk Alliance International Conference, February 15.] [Megan Mullally presented awards for the Best of 2016 Album, Song, and Artist of the Year, at the International Folk Music Awards, February 15, 2017 at the Westin Hotel in KC.]

11:00 – Station ID

18. (101.) Sudan Archives – “Oatmeal”
from: Sudan Archives / Stones Throw Records / July 14, 2017
[Self titled debut EP from LA based violinist Sudan Archives, combines elements of the modern and ancient. The 23 year-old self-taught violinist draws inspiration from Sudanese fiddlers, R&B, West African rhythms, and experimental electronic music. Building records around rhythms and melodies from the strings of her violin and raw vocals, Sudan effortlessly draws the link between traditional African music and contemporary electronic production.]

19. (100.) HighWesthus – “Burn (Radio Edit)”
from: HighWesthus – The Trilogy (Part I, II, III) / Datura Records / August 26, 2017
[Written, produced, performed by HighWesthus, and mixed & mastered by Leyone Tracks. HighWesthus was born Shaun Teamer, in Chicago, Illinose. Now based in Kansas City, in October 2016 HighWesthus released Part III. The ILLU as the last official album of the Trilogy Set that began with the May 2015 release, Part I. The Dead, and continued with the November 2015 release, Part II. The Wise. Recently Lawrence based Datura Records in co-release with Whatever Forever, released all 3 parts as one 29 song collection. HighWesthus is a freelance multimedia artist. He graduated from the KC Art Institute in 2012 with a BFA in Animation. He is one of four owners of Strange Paper Studio, based in Kansas City. HighWesthus specializes in illistration, animation, graphic design, dideo editing, sound editing, music producing, writng and storytelling.]

[HighWesthus plays Forever Fest! with CS Luxem, Wendy Moira, Mazfield, Ovaries-eez, and Invisible Public Library, Saturday, Dec 9 at 10:00 PM at Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS.]

20. (99.) Judith Owen – “Somebody’s Child”
from: Somebody’s Child / Twanky Records / March 3, 2017
[11th studio album from Welsh born singer songwriter and co-founder of Twanky Records with her husband, Harry Shearer. This albums follows her 10th release “Ebb & Flow.” It features three of the four members of “The Section”: Leland Sklar on bass, Russell Kunkel on drums and Waddy Wachtel on guitar.] [Judith Owen played The Uptown Theatre, Friday, March 24, at 8:00 PM with legendary bassist Leland Sklar, in her band, opening for Bryan Ferry.]

21. (98.) Ariel Pink – “Feels Like Heaven”
from: Dedicated To Bobby Jameson / Kemado Records / September 15, 2017
[11th studio album LA’s prodigal songwriting son Ariel Pink. The album’s title makes a direct and heartfelt reference to a real-life L.A. musician, long presumed dead, who resurfaced online in 2007 after 35 reclusive years to pen his autobiography and tragic life story in a series of blogs and YouTube tirades. “His book and life resonated with me to such a degree,” Pink states, “that I felt a need to dedicate my latest record to him.” Dedicated to Bobby Jameson begins at the end and ends at the beginning. “We follow the protagonist through a battery of tests and milestones, the first of which sees him reborn into life out of death,” Pink explains, referencing the opening track “Time To Meet Your God.” “From there, he seesaws his way between the innocent love and the rock-solid edifice of childhood-worn trauma that together constitute his lifelong initiation into the realm of artifice and theatrical disposability.” Ariel Pink started as a visual artist before becoming a recording artist in the late ‘90s while attending Cal Arts. Drawing on iconoclasts and trailblazers like the Shaggs, the Cure, the Velvet Underground, Destroy All Monsters, Cabaret Voltaire, and R. Stevie Moore, Pink set himself to redefining the musical lexicon for himself and others. “This mission,” he says, “remains mine to this day.” More info at: http://www.ariel-pink.com.]

22. (97.) Aimee Mann – “Patient Zero”
from: Mental Illness / Aimee Mann – SuperEgo Records / March 31, 2017
[9th solo studio release from Aimee Mann who was born September 8, 1960 and is a rock singer, singer-songwriter, bassist & guitarist. She was the bassist and a vocalist for the band ‘Til Tuesday during the 1980s and since then has primarily performed as a solo musician. She is married to Michael Penn. In 1999, Mann recorded original material for the soundtrack to the Paul Thomas Anderson film Magnolia, which earned both Academy Award and Grammy Award nominations for the song “Save Me”. She negotiated a contract release from David Geffen and founded her own label, SuperEgo Records.]

23. (96.) The Life and Times – “dark mavis”
from: The Life and Times / Slimstyle Records / April 28, 2017
[5th full length studio album, and 10th release from Chicago based indie band formed in 2002. Current members include: Allen Epley, Eric Abert, and Chris Metcalf. Past members include: Rob Smith, John Meredith, and Mike Meyers. Band has toured with: The Appleseed Cast, Murder by Death, Pelican, Mono, Sparta, Pinback, Engine Down, and William Elliott Whitmore.]

24. (95.) The Hearers – “Five Seasons”
from: Five Seasons / The Hearers / September 6, 2017
[Third full length release from KC/Seattle/San Diego/Lawrence based band, made up of Darren Welch on bass, vocals, 12-string, keys; Marc Tweed on guitar, vocals, synth; David Moore on guitar, vocals, Hammond; Chris Braun on piano, cello, Hammond, ukulele, flute, vocals; Jay Kakert on harmonica, glockenspiel; Jeff Doom on electric guitar; Eric Mardis on pedal steel, banjo; Rob Veitch on drums, percussion, concert bass drum; Michael Walker on trombone, monotron, horn arrangements. With Additional horns from: Rich Wheeler on tenor sax, C melody sax; Brett Jackson on baritone sax; Nick Howell on trumpet. Recorded, mixed and mastered by David Moore at Merriam Shoals. Additional recording by Marc Tweed at SexDungeon Studio.][The Hearers played Outer Reaches Fest, at recordBar, Sat, September 30]

25. (94.) The Ants – “Calling In”
from: Golden Submarine / Beyond Records / October 13, 2017
[The Ants 10th release and their 8th full length album. Band member Chad Bryan says that “It is safe to say they have been under the radar for the past 17 years. We’ve long been a band other bands enjoy, but haven’t really gotten past that and into a larger audience. We’ve been releasing music independently for the past ten years and were on a small label out of Chicago called Sickroom Records prior to that. We’ve been relegated to local and regional work the past several years due to real life obligations. We did quite a bit of touring 2003-2010. The nucleus of the band is a four piece that has been together since 2006. Half of the band lives in Lawrence, the other half in Kansas City.” Band members include: David Randall, Sean McEniry, Brad Nichols, Chad Bryan. http://www.killtheants.com] [The Ants played a KC Release show at Holy Cow, Nov 12.]

26. (93.) Approach – “The Luv (Radio Edit)”
from: Elegant Knock / Datura Records / January 20, 2017
[Lawrence based Sean Hunt is Approach. Sequenced, Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By: Aikido Bray at Prosidio Gardens in Lawrence. Sean Hunt writes: “Elegant Knock” started out as a beat album named after a production night I throw in Lawrence. It turned into a 10 track album that pays respect to a sound and vibe that I loved in High School. It isn’t a throwback project on some I wish it was 96′ ish, it’s a “why aren’t we still freaking these sounds now” thang. My original concept was flipped when I dug out my old Ensoniq EPS 16+ and started funking around. The next thing I knew I was making an album I wanted to rap on. I did all of the production on the EPS (everything and it’s was headache) and made a few mixing edits on the Ensoniq ASR-10 (mainly stereo pans). I pushed myself to use the tools of yesteryear to capture the feeling I was seeking out (it was a pain in the ass and I lost a ton of beats in the process). I loved every second of it though. I feel like it’s the perfect bridge between my Lincoln Marshall project with Milkdrop and my album “Antique Mall” (coming out soon).]

[Approach plays The Night Punk Stole Xmas the 3rd annual Hope House Toy Drive, Saturday December 9, at 7:00 PM at Revolution Records Kansas City 1830 Locust St, KCMO, with Hipshot Killer, Red Kate, Black Market Translation (Denver), Warm Bodies, and Nature Boys.]

27. (92.) Arc Flash – “Divination”
from: Carbon Copy/ High Dive Records / March 31, 2017
[Debut full length from Arc Flash. James Thomblison on lead vocals & guitar, and Mark Osman on drums & percussion. Music by Arc Flash. Mixed by Joel Martin & Arc Flash. Mastered by Mike Nolte. Album art by Tanner Spreer. Carbon Copy on CD & vinyl on High Dive Records and cassette on Whatever Forever. http://www.highdiverecords.com]

[Arc Flash play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS, Friday, December 15, at 10:00 PM]

28. (91.) Sauce – “Venus & Serena feat. Gee Watts”
from: Summer Sauce / Sauce / July 28, 2017
[Kansas City native Hip-Hop artist Sauce is also known as Royce Handy. “Summer Sauce” is his 3rd original release, it features Kendrick Lamar and Tech N9NE collaborator, Gee Watts, along with producer/rapper Duncan Burnett. Duncan Burnett produced all the songs except Childhood Crush, produced by M. Fasol. This concept EP sets the tone of love and greatness via future soul, live instruments, and summer vibes. Sauce’s earlier releases charted on Billboard, iTunes and Amazon Hip-Hop charts. He has released over 9 professional projects including a collaboration EP. He sold out his 2013 release party at 7th Heaven, landed on a billboard chart, has featured on various hip-hop blogs, and his anti- violence hit “Gunshots” has been featured on Hot 103 Jamz, 95.3 FM, 90.1 FM. Recently, he organized his first regional tour that included St. Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Salina, Kansas and many other Kansas City metro venues.]

[Sauce plays live at the KC Streetcar Holiday Jam w/Sauce, Friday December 8, at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at KC Power & Light District KC Streetcar Stop (14th & Main). It’s Downtown Dazzle time and the KC Streetcar is a great way to enjoy all things festive in downtown Kansas City.]

[Sauce and Gee Watts play THE GIVE BACK: A Harvesters FOOD drive at miniBar Saturday, December 9, at 8 PM, at miniBar, 3810 Broadway Rd, Free Entry with Three Non Perishible Food Items, Hosted by Reach, with LIVE performances by: Heartfelt Anarchy, Terence Tyrone, Shawn Majors, and Clark Roosevellte.]

29. (90.) Deerhoof – “I Will Spite Survive (ft. Jenn Wasner)”
from: Mountain Moves / Joyful Noise / September 8, 2017
[itchfork went so far as to label Deerhoof as “the best band in the world.” From their humble beginnings as an obscure San Francisco noise act, they’ve become one of indie music’s most influential bands with their ecstatic and unruly take on pop. Formed in San Francisco in 1994. Deerhoof currently consists of founding drummer Greg Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez. Initially performing improvised noise punk, Deerhoof became widely renowned and influential in the 2000s through prodigious and self-produced creative output combining “noise, sugary [pop] melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music”. They have released 14 studio albums since 1997. Their live shows are characterized by minimal gear, maximal volume, and surrealist banter.][Deerhoof played Outer Reaches Fest, at recordBar, Friday, September 29.]

30. (89.) The War On Drugs – “Knocked Down”
from: A Deeper Understanding / Atlantic Recording / August 25, 2017
[The 4th studio album from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, band formed in 2005. The band consists of Adam Granduciel (vocals, guitar), David Hartley (bass), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar). Founded by close collaborators Granduciel and Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008. Vile departed shortly after its release to focus on his solo career. The band’s second studio album Slave Ambient was released in 2011 to favorable reviews and extensive touring. Written and recorded following extensive touring and a period of loneliness and depression for primary songwriter Granduciel, the band’s third album, Lost in the Dream, was released in 2014 to widespread critical acclaim and increased exposure. Previous collaborator Charlie Hall joined the band as its full-time drummer during the recording process, with saxophonist Jon Natchez and additional guitarist Anthony LaMarca accompanying the band for its world tour.]

31. (88.) Salty – “Hello Paradise”
from: Preservation Blues / Independent / February 8, 2017
[Salty is formerly know as Lil Toughies. Formed in early 2016 with Jonathan “JB” Brokaw on guitar & vocals, Zach Turner on synthesizers & sound terror, Andy Erdrich on bass, Ethan “macho man” Savage on drums. Recorded by Jonathan Brokaw. Mixed by Tim Harte and Jonathan Brokaw. Mastered by Tim Harte. all lyrics by Jonathan Brokaw. The current line up includes: Jonathan “JB” Brokaw on guitar & vocals, Zach Turner on synth & sound terror, Ethan “macho man” Savage on drums, Jesslay Huh on bass & texture. More info at http://www.saltykcmo.bandcamp.com ] [Salty played two Preservation Blues, Album Release Shows: Friday, April 28, at Mills Record Company, and Saturday, April 29, at Blind Tiger]

31. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
[WMM Closing Theme]

Please tune into Wednesday MidDay Medley throughout December as we present our 4-week special: The 117 Best Recordings of 2017 on December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. Next week, we continue with part 2 of our 4 week series, we’ll hear representative tracks from: Hembree, Black Stacey, Claire Adams, Via Luna, Salar Rajabnik, Sky Smeed, The MGDs, Pink Royal, Soul Revival, Nick Siegel, Wick & The Tricks, Pageant Boys, Keaton Conrad, Truck Stop Love, The Good Hearts, Pieta Brown, Joon Moon, Mount Eerie, The Souljazz Orchestra, This Is the Kit, Mavis Staples, The Safes, The Weather Station, Dirty Projectors, The Como Mamas, Las Cafeteras, Laura Marling, Big Thief, and Adult Mom.

Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information.
Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM

Show #711