Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of WYEP’s trusted music experts joins me (Cindy Howes) on The Morning Mix to play a couple favorite new songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Jess Phaneuf from WUMB in Boston!

In case you missed it, here's what Jess played:

Rufus Wainwright, "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" - Sometimes hearing a unique cover of a familiar song will breathe a whole new life into it. I love the way Rufus Wainwright makes this tune completely his own. This was a single he did to contribute to a Stevie Wonder tribute earlier this year.

Ron Sexsmith, "Radio" - Here's an artist who I think is often overlooked ...he's a very talented songwriter and quite frequently he creates such contagiously fun music. Like this song for example! Off his new record - The Last Rider.

Below are the 5 key tracks that you need to know from Elliot Smith.

Elliott Smith was an indie folk and rock musician. There was a recent reiussue of his record Either/or to commemorate it's 20th anniversary. Elliott Smith passed away in 2003.

• Song: "I Figured You Out"

• Album: Either/Or reissue
• Year: 2017
• Comment: recorded in 1995 and just released for the first time on 20th Anniversary of Either/Or release

• Song: "Baby Britain"

• Album: XO
• Year: 1998
• Comment: Well constructed Beatlesque pop song

• Song: "Miss Misery"

• Album: Sound Track to Good Will Hunting
• Year: 1997
• Comment: From closing credits of 'Good Will Hunting'

• Song: "Son Of Sam"

• Album: Figure 8
• Year: 2000
• Comment: The song was not about the real life "Son of Sam"

• Song: "Walt #2 (X/O)"

• Album: XO
• Year: 1998
• Comment: This was the first single from his fourth studio album

Catch Key Tracks every weekday during the Midday Mix at 1 PM on 91.3 WYEP.

 
Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of our most trusted music aficionados joins me (Cindy Howes) on the Morning Mix to play a couple favorite new songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Justin Jacobs! 

In case you missed it, here's what Justin played (commentary by JJ):

Alex G, "Proud" - We all know Pittsburgh's got some incredible music, but boy-o is Philly killing it! Alex G is a former Temple University student who's been quietly releasing beautifully noisy lo-fi indie rock for the past few years. But after he released Beach Music last year, then got drafted to work on Frank Ocean's Blonde, his profile rose quickly. This new tune is from his upcoming album Rocket, a gorgeous collection of country-folk he recorded, amazingly, on his laptop.

Eric Slick, "You Are Not Your Mind" - Philly strikes again! This song is the new single from the drummer of Dr. Dog, one of that city's finest rock bands. It's a decidedly dreamy tune from his debut solo album Palisades. The record isn't as quirky and clever as Dr. Dog, but Slick's solo music is almost meditative in it's melodic simplicity. If you're a true Pennsylvanian, you're going to love it. 

Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of WYEP’s trusted music experts joins me (Cindy Howes) on The Morning Mix to play a couple favorite new songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Sarah Wardrop from WFUV in New York!

In case you missed, it here’s what she played:

PWR BTTM, "LOL" - This Brooklyn-based duo is set to release its sophomore album, Pageant, on May 12. Queer, punk, glitter and humor are only part of the story, as the band takes a musical step up from lo-fi to include French horn, backing vocals and more in the arrangements. They also step forward in speaking out, conveying the challenges of being an "other" in the world but also the power in it. In this song, Ben Hopkins owns the angst, and it's beautiful.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band, "Santiago" - Led by Ben Jaffe, collaboration and community always come together with New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and in the case of the band's new album, So It Is, inspiration also came from a trip to Cuba. From those musical connections to the work of producer Dave Sitek, there is an incredible energy and groove in this new tune. So with the album just out and Jazz Fest starting this weekend, feel free to celebrate and start your own personal second line parade.

Every Wednesday at 9:13 am, one of Pittsburgh’s finest music writers joins me (Cindy Howes) on the Morning Mix to play a couple favorite new songs and share some insight. Today we welcome Scott Tady!

In case you missed it here’s what he played with commentary by Scott:

Matthew Ryan, "(I Just Died) Like an Aviator" - With his Blue Collar rasp and razor-sharp lyrical focus, Beaver County transplant Matthew Ryan has long been a poetic voice for the downtrodden but persevering. The ex-Nashville singer-songwriter is on top of his game here on "Hustle Up Starlings," his new national release arriving May 12, and certain to rack up accolades. Produced by The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon who also provides guest guitar, with Brad Pemberton (Ryan Adams & The Cardinals) on drums, the album attains a cinematic quality. This is the tone-setting lead-off track. I love the line "our guts are born in that fiery trench between hurt and hope." Later, in the last-call-before-closing time lament, "All I Wanted," Ryan drops a cool "we're both creeping around like Nosferatu" reference.

Sunshine & The Rain, "Let's Go" - A stampede of drums comes first, followed by slashes of distorted guitar and then the sugary pop chorus. An exhilarating album opener, indeed, from the Jersey City hubby-wife duo of Ashley and Justin Morey, previously of psychedelic-rock band The Black Hollies. They sound leaner and more immediate on this new project's debut album "In The Darkness of My Night" (out May 12) influenced by The Ramones , '60s girl-groups, and Jesus & Mary Chain feedback and fuzz.   

Friday mornings on WYEP, Chef Bill Fuller (Corporate Chef for big Burrito) joins Cindy Howes at 7:30am for Pairings! Bill & Cindy challenge each other to pair up your favorite music with matching menus. Let’s see what they came up with this week. Listen to the audio: