Welcome to Mel’s Diner Jukebox – a place where stories and songs build community and connections. My name is Matthew Merson, and each guest at Mel’s Diner heads over to the jukebox, selects really important, sentimental, and valuable songs to them, and then shares the story of how each song gained that personal and powerful meaning in their life. So let’s order some food, a cup of coffee, and grab a seat at the counter as we listen to some amazing stories and songs. I am so glad you are here.

JUKEBOX SELECTIONS ← Listen to all the songs that Matthew Merson Sr. selected here. These songs make take on new meaning for you, too.

Below is a track list of the songs selected by today’s guest. I hope these songs take on new meaning for you as you listen to them in light of our guests amazing stories.

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* Turn It On, Turn It On, Turn It On | Tom T. Hall | Tom T. Hall - Storyteller, Poet, Philosopher

* How Great Thou Art | Elvis Presley | How Great Thou Art

* I’m Just A Country Boy | Don Williams | Country Boy

* Good Ole Boys Lile Me | Don Williams | Portrait

* What A Friend We Have In Jesus | Alan Jackson | Precious Memories

* You And I | Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle | Radio Romance

* Love, Me | Collin Raye | All I Can Be

* Convoy | C.W. McCall | C.W. McCall’s Greatest Hits

* When God Ran | Phillips, Craig & Dean | Restoration

* Barabbas | Greenbrier | The Back of the Book

* Far Side Bank of Jordan | Allison Krauss, The Cox Family | I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Want to be on the show? Know someone who should be on the show? Email me: [email protected]

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← Spotify Music

This is going to be the final Mel’s Diner Jukebox in this format (although let’s be real, I am definitely going to revisit this format again).

Mel’s Diner Jukebox is transitioning from a curated playlist of ten amazing songs, to a podcast of personal interviews and conversations with anyone willing to share 5 to 10 very important songs and the stories behind why those songs are so important to them. These conversations, and a link to a playlist of the important songs, will be posted every other week on all major podcast platforms as well as this substack.

Mel’s Diner Jukebox is a place where stories and songs build community and connections.

There is still quite a bit happening behind the scenes but until then, here is a curated playlist of songs put together by dear friend BonaSong. BonaSong has been my friend for 20+ years, and he has been a regular at Mel’s Diner since the beginning. So, as a fitting way to end this menu item at Mel’s Diner, BonaSong is going to take us out. Thanks BonaSong, and I can’t wait to interview you.

Peace.

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* Coyulde - Live | Mongo Santamaria | Live At Yankee Stadium

* See Her Out (Thats Just Life) | Francis and the Lights | Farewell, Starlite!

* Morning | Noble Oak | Horizon

* The Dawn | Osibisa | Osibisa

* Pressure Machine | The Killers | Pressure Machine

* Emere Pa Beba | Daddy Lumba, Pat Thomas | Ahenfo Kyiniye

* [Rainbow] | Coldplay | Moon Music (Full Moon Edition)

* Age of Anxiety I | Arcade Fire | WE

* Glass Eyes | Radiohead | A Moon Shaped Pool

* Wait | M83 | Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free so you will never miss an episode from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

A short introduction to the changes coming Mel’s Diner Jukebox. Subscribe to the new podcast, invite your friends, and if you would like to be on the show, email me:

[email protected]

Full launch coming in a few weeks.

Peace.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music.

If you have been a previous visitor to Mel’s Diner, you know that there is an amazing curated playlist that is shared every week. Up until now, each jukebox playlist has been curated by me, but soon I would like to change that. I would love it if YOU came to Mel’s Diner and picked up to 10 important songs to you on the jukebox, and then you and I sit down and talk about why they are important. I would love to hear those stories then hear those songs through your story. If you would like to join me, reach out to me at [email protected] and we can save you a seat at the counter.

Also, spring break starts this week, so Mel is taking next week off. But have no fear, there is a 25 song playlist today (with one bonus track) that is curated specifically for a long drive (about an hour forty-eight drive to be exact). So start the car, get a coffee to go, turn up the volume, and enjoy the ride! See you all soon.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← Spotify link

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* Will The Circle Be Unbroken | John Lee Hooker | In Person

Load the car, strap the luggage down, adjust the mirrors, seatbelt, let’s go.

* The Swimming Song | Loudon Wainwright III | Attempted Mustache

Pulling out of the driveway and leaving town for a few days.

* Over You Again | The Dig | Tired Hearts EP

Made it to the highway, we are crusin’ now.

* Things Will Change |Treetop Flyers | The Mountain Moves

Where are the snacks?

* Mount Airy Hill (Way Gone) | Kurt Vile | (watch my moves)

Windows rolled down. No one is talking. Turn it up.

* I Like The Way You Walk | The Donkeys | Born With Stripes

In the groove now.

* Love Lives Here | Faces | 1970-1975: You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything

Rod Stewarts voice can take us anywhere.

* Summer | Skinshape | Oracolo

Any signs for a Buc-ee’s?

* Biloxi | Hiss Golden Messenger | Heart Like a Levee

Fresh cup of coffee and arms like ocean waves out the window.

* Charley’s Girl | Lou Reed | Coney Island Baby

This song can soundtrack any scenery.

* Gimme Some Lovin’ | The Spencer Davis Group | The Best of Spencer Davis Group

This classic banger. Everyone must sing along.

* Storm Boy | Xavier Rudd | Storm Boy

Bringing the vibe down a bit but turning up the beauty of travel.

* You Got Me Runnin’ | Calvin Love | Highway Dancer

Sun set drive? Turn this up.

* Pacific Theme | Broken Social Scene | You Forgot It In People

Take me to the California coast.

* Dirt Road Blues | Bob Dylan | Time Out Of Mind

Pull into that cool looking diner up ahead.

* Where Dirt and Water Collide | The White Buffalo | The White Buffalo EP

May you see mountains out your window or at least in your mind.

* Electric Indigo | The Paper Kites | twelvefour

May this song and this road never end.

* Oh I Wept | Free | Fire And Water (Deluxe Edition)

A vintage Cadillac is all this song needs.

* The Way We Move - Romero Thrasher Version | Langhorne Slim | The Way We Move - Romero Thrasher Version

Party in the van now.

* Rolling Rolling Rolling | Daniel Norgren | Wooh Dang

Perfect fit for this drive.

* I’m in Love | Junior Kimbrough | Most Things Haven’t Worked Out

We are on a long country road deep in the south.

* Wicked Game | Chris Isaak | Heart Shaped World

The first note and everyone is here for it.

* Hey Carolina | The Horse Traders | I Don’t Mind

Picking up the groove and elevation.

* Grazing In The Grass | Hugh Masekela | The Promise Of A Future

Words are not necessary.

* You Can’t Always Get What You Want | The Rolling Stones | Let It Bleed

All together now.

* BONUS TRACK - CRANK IT UP, ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN, AND SING ALONG

You can not help it. It is out of your control. You and everyone around will have no choice but to scream out every single word. Cherish these moments. It is where the magic lives.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

PLAY BUTTON ← JUMP TO THE MUSIC [SPOTIFY LINK]

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* The Truth | Orgone, Kelly Finnigan | Connection

Great neo-soul music.

* Midnight Train | David Rawlings | Poor David’s Almanack

David Rawlings’s music is incredible.

* Freaks | Surf Curse | Freaks

Thanks to my kids for introducing me to this track.

* To Keep Sane in the Dark | Mo Lowda & the Humble | Tailing the Ghost

Super cool indie track I discovered last week.

* Wish I Had Not Said That | Elizabeth Moen, Matt Gold | Wish I Had Not Said That

Elizabeth Moen covering J.J. Cale. Two of my favorites combined into one amazing track.

* Cosmic Salami | Favourite People | Favourite People

One of the coolest songs you will hear today.

* Over The Hill | John Martyn | Solid Air

This track will be a perfect addition to any early morning drive you find yourself on.

* The Only One | Roy Orbison | Mystery Girl

This track has been one of my all-time favorites since I first heard it about 10 years ago.

* Chiri Hari | Samba Toure | Gandadiko

I love Saharan music.

* Love On My Brain | Jim Ford | Harlan County

Amazing Muscle Shoals style country R&B.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← SPOTIFY LINK

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* A Friend Ain’t a Friend | Spunk, Gold Coast | Tighten It Up

Funk. For. Days.

* Call Your Mom | Delvon Lamar Organ Trio | I Told You So

Not just great advice, an amazing track, too.

* Spanish Moon | Little Feat | Feats Don’t Fail Me Now

Groovy southern rhythms that will knock you off your feet.

* Fruits Of My Labor | Lucinda Williams | World Without Tears\

There is so much lived life in her voice you can not help but believe every words she sings.

* Zezura Theme II | Ahmoundo Madassane |Zezura (Original Soundtrack Recording)

Sahara Acid Music. I am on the hunt for this film.

* L.A. Freeway - Live in New York, 1972 | Jerry Jeff Walker | Jerry Jeff Walker (Live)

I love this track. Jerry Jeff Walker is one of the greatest.

* That’s All You Got | Night Beats, Robert Levon Been | That’s All You Got

Amazing new \ vintage sounds.

* Wade In The Water | Ramsey Lewis | Wade In The Water

Jazz piano never sounded this good.

* Touch of Grey | The War On Drugs | Day of the Dead

The War on Drugs covering a Grateful Dead Song, a track chosen for my friend Chad. Three of my favorite things.

* Reconsider Baby | Freddie King | Texas Cannonball

One of the three kings of the blues playing explosive Texas blues.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← Spotify link

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* Sunday Sermon | Booker T. & the M.G.’s | Time Is Tight

Memphis soul and groove for days.

* In My Own Dream | Daren Dalton | In My Own Time

Country Blues with an incredible voice.

* 16.88 | Hayden Thompson | 16.88 b/w Here We Go Again

1966 cowboy songs. Only Charley Crockett writes like this now.

* I’m Gone | Sundown Songs | Like a Jazz Band in Nashville

I LOVE this song and this sound. Perfect soundtrack for any drive you are taking today [or tomorrow].

* T.I.B.W.F. | The Budos Band | The Budos Band

20+ years of the coolest neo-funk / soul you have ever heard.

* Balance | Future Islands | On the Water

A Baltimore band that just celebrated 20 years of recording music. Congratulations Future Islands. Here’s to 20 more years of synth-pop perfection.

* Gamble for a Rose | King Charles | Gamble for a Rose

This song was on heavy rotation for me while in grad school.

* Loving You | Jonathan Wilson | Rare Birds

A serious cosmic trip of a song. Feels like you are wandering around in someone’s dream. Hang on for this one.

* Sale el Sol | Pachyman | Switched-On

Puerto Rican dub. Say no more.

* Feelin’ Alright [Feat. Dave Mason & Anders Osborne] - Live at LOCKN’/2015 | Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, Dave Mason, Anders Osborne | Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell Present: Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisted Live at LOCKN’

If the first 4 notes of this track don’t shake your soul and put a smile on your face, then check your pulse. Epic track.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← SPOTIFY LINK

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* I Wanna Thank You | Robert Finley | Hallelujah! Don’t Let The Devil Fool Ya

Kicking it off with thankfulness and a driving beat.

* Count Your Blessings | The Como Mamas, The Glorifiers Band | Move Upstairs

This song will get you moving. Greasy rhythms and powerhouse voices.

* Will The Circle Be Unbroken | Marion Williams | The New Message

Marion Williams’ voice will grab you and hold on to you for every note. You will be changed.

* Gather by the River | Davell Crawford | Our New Orleans

Beautiful piano, lyrics, and song.

* If You Believe Your God Is Dead, Try Mine | The Swan Silvertones | Gloryland Revisited

The first note of the electric guitar will stop you in your tracks. Then you will have excuse not to dance along.

* I’ll Take the Long Road | Naomi Shelton, the Gospel Queens | What Have You Done, My Brother?

Some country gospel blues sung with pain, honesty, and hope.

* It’s Me O Lord | Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Your for Christ Choir | Like a Ship (Without a Sail)

I always think about the power in the room when this track was recorded. Unmatched.

* Farther Along | Ellen McIlwaine | We The People

Amazing song. Makes me think of a country church in the summer. Preferably a gravel road near by and a picnic under a tree after the service.

* My Jesus Is All | The Staple Singers | Amen!

No gospel themed playlist would be complete with The Staple Singers.

* The Way Up The Hill | The Highway Q.C.’s | Jesus Is Waiting

Classic soul sound, harmonies, and rhythm.

* What a Friend We Have in Jesus - Live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA, 01/13/72 | Aretha Franklin | Amazing Grace (Live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA, 01/13/72)

She won a Grammy for this album, and it is no surprise. Aretha truly is the greatest to have every done it.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← Spotify Link

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* On Your Way Down | Allen Toussaint | Life, Love and Faith

A very cool New Orleans R&B / Soul / Funk track.

* Kodama | Kikagaku Moyo | Forest of Lost Children

“Music that is about freedom of mind and body and building a bridge between the supernatural and the present.”

— Kikagaku Moyo —

* Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs | Charlie Rich | The Fabulous Charlie Rich

Charlie Rich will always be found on the jukebox at Mel’s Diner.

* Faraway Skies | Dean Johnson | Nothing for Me, Please

Amazing opening line. Very cool laid back track. Close your eyes and feel the world open up around you.

* Black Vultures | Daniel Norgen | Buck

The best vibe driven by an accordion you may ever hear.

* It’s Okay | Luna and the Mountain Jets | Telling Stories

Kentucky Rockabilly at its finest.

* Sleeping Without You Is a Dragg | Swamp Dogg, Justin Vernon, Jenny Lewis | Sorry You Couldn’t Make It

Swamp Dogg proves that the “Muscle Shoals Sound” is alive and well

* White Noise, White Lines | Kelsey Waldon | White Noise/White Lines

More amazing music from Kentucky. Kelsey Waldon can save country music.

* Take Me Home Jesus | Link Wray | Link Wray

If you are ever searching for what to listen too, Link Wray will always be a right choice. This song is fantastic.

* Hurry Home | The Deslondes, Dan Cutler, Riley Downing | Hurry Home

Great track with that good ole’ gospel sound.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Welcome to Mel’s Diner. My name is Matthew Merson and I am so glad you are here. You found a very special place that welcomes all who enter while serving up only the best vibes to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music. The jukebox at Mel’s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure that awaits you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.

JUMP TO THE MUSIC ← Spotify Link

SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM

* Trying to Live My Life Without You | Otis Clay | Trying to Live My Life Wiothout You

Chicago soul / R&B. Lyrics may seem extreme, but are very likely true.

* Down On The Bottom | The New Basement Tapes | Lost On The River (Deluxe)

Super group singing unsung or discarded Bob Dylan lyrics.

* Canola Fields | James McMurtry | The Horses and The Hounds

James McMurtry is a Texas Americana legend

* Nothing Touches Me | Sam Burton | I Can Go With You

L.A. based indie music. Somewhat sad, somewhat folky, all the way great.

* In the Middle of It | Hiss Golden Messenger | In the Middle of It

NEW MUSIC FROM HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER!!! This is what we all need right now.

* I’m a Ram | Al Green | Gets Next to You

Memphis soul and attitude for days.

* Rabbit One | Masters of Reality | Sunrise On The Sufferbus

Some songs are just plain cool. This is one of them.

* Wede Harer Guzo | Hailu Mergia, Dahlak Band | Wade Harer Guzo

Tezeta = Ethiopian Nostalgic Afro-Jazz, and this is one of the best introductions to this genre I can think of.

* Gallup, NM | The Shouting Matches | Grownass Man

Justin Vernon, Phil Cook, and Brian Moen playing music for the absolute joy of it. The friendship and good vibes of the recording sessions come through on this track.

* Viva Tirado - Live At The Robert Clemente Coliseum / San Juan, PR / November, 1973 | Fania All Stars, Jan Hammer | Latin-Soul-Rock

Bad Bunny showed the world that salsa and the music of Puerto Rico is beautiful, powerful, and important. There is so much amazing music that has come from that island - and this song ranks at the top of my list.

Thanks for visiting Mel’s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.

Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel’s Diner? Share the love.

Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say “hello”. [email protected]