<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Mel’s Diner Jukebox]]></title><description><![CDATA[A weekly playlist of music curated by the jukebox in the corner of your favorite greasy diner.]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!fkQW!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7e522c7d-4f08-4759-959f-4ea7e5123b69_1280x1280.png</url><title>Mel’s Diner Jukebox</title><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:56:01 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Mels Diner Jukebox]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox | Heather McCoy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Episode 3]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:59:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/199095050/e0e35ed7bb8e97f194a459ad171680c4.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PXR5UCBUhLLtS0QTaZmK6?si=01533b0a8a2a4cdf">Heather's Jukebox Selections</a> &#8592; SPOTIFY LINK</p><p><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy/pl.u-XkD0vDkhY626Lb">Heather's Jukebox Selections</a> &#8592; APPLE MUSIC LINK</p><div><hr></div><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4BPBGYGI6SoaMWI32vsv6b?si=e4e572043bdc47cc">Mel's Picks</a> &#8592; SPOTIFY LINK</p><p><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mels-picks-episode-3/pl.u-06oxp9ysLlYl53">Mel's Picks</a> &#8592; APPLE MUSIC LINK</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Welcome to Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox</strong> &#8211; a place where stories and songs build community and connections. My name is Matthew Merson, and each guest at Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p>Want to be on the show? Know someone who should be on the show? Email me: <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Heather&#8217;s Jukebox Playlist</strong></p><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p><strong>I Second That Emotion</strong> | Smokey Robinson &amp; The Miracles | The 35th Anniversary Collection</p></li><li><p><strong>Hysteria</strong> | Def Leppard | Hysteria</p></li><li><p><strong>Could You Be Loved</strong> | Bob Marley &amp; The Wailers | Uprising</p></li><li><p><strong>These Days</strong> | Nico | Chelsea Girl</p></li><li><p><strong>Lover</strong> | Taylor Swift | Lover</p></li><li><p><strong>Glory Strums (Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner) </strong>| Hiss Golden Messenger | Quietly Blowing It</p></li><li><p><strong>Just As Long As We&#8217;re Together</strong> | Jalen Ngonda | Just As Long As We&#8217;re Together</p></li><li><p><strong>An Ocean In Between The Waves</strong> | The War On Drugs | Lost In The Dream</p></li><li><p><strong>Better Things</strong> | Sharon Jones &amp; The Dap-Kings | I Learned the Hard Way</p></li><li><p><strong>I Ain&#8217;t The Same</strong> | Alabama Shakes | Boys &amp; Girls </p></li></ol><div><hr></div><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84fdd4b51e7269bcb34c8487b9&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; Episode 3&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2PXR5UCBUhLLtS0QTaZmK6&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2PXR5UCBUhLLtS0QTaZmK6" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-heather-mccoy?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox | Episode 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cathy Merson]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 11:02:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/198212509/b54832d2ef9b75f9786ce10e41ff1f77.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6h8HepexPhKvF4RaEGs2y5?si=d4446769a0ec43d5">LISTEN TO THE SONGS</a> &#8592; SPOTIFY LINK</p><p><a href="https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2/pl.u-EdAVkl3T1pDpeR">LISTEN TO THE SONGS</a> &#8592; APPLE MUSIC LINK</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Welcome to Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox</strong> &#8211; a place where stories and songs build community and connections. My name is Matthew Merson, and each guest at Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p>Want to be on the show? Know someone who should be on the show? Email me: <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p>Why Me | Kris Kristofferson | The Essential Kris Kristofferson</p></li><li><p>You and I | Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle | Radio Romance</p></li><li><p>A Groovy Kind of Love - 2016 Remaster | Phil Collins | The Singles (Expanded)</p></li><li><p>Then They Do - With String Into | Trace Adkins | Greatest Hits Collection, Volume 1</p></li><li><p>I Can Only Imagine | MercyMe | Almost There</p></li><li><p>In Christ Alone - Radio Mix | Brian Littrell | In Christ Alone (Radio Mix)</p></li><li><p>Here I Go Again | Casting Crowns | Casting Crowns</p></li><li><p>The Song Remembers When | Trisha Yearwood | The Song Remembers When</p></li><li><p>Your Song | Elton John | Elton John</p></li><li><p>In The Air Tonight - 2015 Remastered | Phil Collins | Face Value (Deluxe Edition)</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da840df32fcde808cece1f9d334f&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; Episode 2&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6h8HepexPhKvF4RaEGs2y5&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6h8HepexPhKvF4RaEGs2y5" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-2?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox | Episode 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[Matthew Merson Sr.]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-1</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/196332248/5dbd2d54141c6a2610a3a86bfbbb9254.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p><strong>Welcome to Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox</strong> &#8211; a place where stories and songs build community and connections. My name is Matthew Merson, and each guest at Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KGGh61v47PpUBB5CGsssm?si=59a4172f7eee4338">JUKEBOX SELECTIONS</a> &#8592; <strong>Listen to all the songs that Matthew Merson Sr. selected here.</strong> These songs make take on new meaning for you, too.</p><div><hr></div><p>Below is a track list of the songs selected by today&#8217;s guest.  I hope these songs take on new meaning for you as you listen to them in light of our guests amazing stories.</p><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Turn It On, Turn It On, Turn It On | Tom T. Hall | Tom T. Hall - Storyteller, Poet, Philosopher</p></li><li><p>How Great Thou Art | Elvis Presley | How Great Thou Art</p></li><li><p>I&#8217;m Just A Country Boy | Don Williams | Country Boy</p></li><li><p>Good Ole Boys Lile Me | Don Williams | Portrait</p></li><li><p>What A Friend We Have In Jesus | Alan Jackson | Precious Memories</p></li><li><p>You And I | Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal Gayle | Radio Romance</p></li><li><p>Love, Me | Collin Raye | All I Can Be</p></li><li><p>Convoy | C.W. McCall | C.W. McCall&#8217;s Greatest Hits</p></li><li><p>When God Ran | Phillips, Craig &amp; Dean | Restoration</p></li><li><p>Barabbas | Greenbrier | The Back of the Book</p></li><li><p>Far Side Bank of Jordan | Allison Krauss, The Cox Family | I Know Who Holds Tomorrow</p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8438b1501e29d430e9d8673c58&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; Episode 1&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5KGGh61v47PpUBB5CGsssm&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5KGGh61v47PpUBB5CGsssm" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div><hr></div><p>Want to be on the show? Know someone who should be on the show? Email me: <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new episodes from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-1?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-1?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-episode-1?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.36]]></title><description><![CDATA[Getting ready to turn the page with BonaSong]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v36</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v36</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:01:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/195169075/aec27937a8acc6c8a1974eaee07fbe1a.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39Tqnt5DgNjME4gi5PSiiM?si=f3ed5311e9b34dbf">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; Spotify Music</p><div><hr></div><p>This is going to be the final Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox in this format (although let&#8217;s be real, I am definitely going to revisit this format again).</p><p>Mel&#8217;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.  </p><blockquote><p><strong>Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox is a place where stories and songs build community and connections.</strong></p></blockquote><p>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&#8217;s Diner since the beginning.  So, as a fitting way to end this menu item at Mel&#8217;s Diner, BonaSong is going to take us out.  Thanks BonaSong, and I can&#8217;t wait to interview you.</p><p>Peace.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Coyulde - Live | Mongo Santamaria | Live At Yankee Stadium</p></li><li><p>See Her Out (Thats Just Life) | Francis and the Lights | Farewell, Starlite!</p></li><li><p>Morning | Noble Oak | Horizon</p></li><li><p>The Dawn | Osibisa | Osibisa</p></li><li><p>Pressure Machine | The Killers | Pressure Machine</p></li><li><p>Emere Pa Beba | Daddy Lumba, Pat Thomas | Ahenfo Kyiniye</p></li><li><p>[Rainbow] | Coldplay | Moon Music (Full Moon Edition)</p></li><li><p>Age of Anxiety I | Arcade Fire | WE</p></li><li><p>Glass Eyes | Radiohead | A Moon Shaped Pool</p></li><li><p>Wait | M83 | Hurry Up, We&#8217;re Dreaming</p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84b334bc3cecfe59cefefc5e61&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.36&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39Tqnt5DgNjME4gi5PSiiM&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/39Tqnt5DgNjME4gi5PSiiM" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free so you will never miss an episode from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v36?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v36?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v36?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | Podcast Introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[Welcome In]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-podcast-introduction</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-podcast-introduction</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:47:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194968661/e9e367626dd33fc3e2a79863f2a77745.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A short introduction to the changes coming Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox.  Subscribe to the new podcast, invite your friends, and if you would like to be on the show, email me:</p><p>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</p><p>Full launch coming in a few weeks.</p><p>Peace.</p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.35]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bungalow Bill's Pop-Up Menu and Some Changes at Mel's]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v35</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v35</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:03:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/194284256/e4f7dbb84a15f8c66546229a694592f4.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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. </p><div><hr></div><p>If you have been a listener to Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox for some time now, you know that this Jukebox plays a curated 10-song playlist each week of songs selected by me.  <strong>Well, that is all about to change.</strong></p><p>Mel&#8217;s Diner is all about discovering, appreciating, and building a community around great music, and that will never change.  What will change within the next few weeks is how those songs are chosen.  I do not want Mel&#8217;s Diner to be a place where only I get to pick the music, and I do not want Mel&#8217;s Diner to be a place where I am the only one with a voice.  I truly want to be a part of a growing community of amazing people that share in the love of music that is not just good but also important.</p><p>It is without a doubt that there is a spectrum on which people care about music.  I believe it is also true that we all carry certain songs that are important to us.  Certain songs become important to us when the magic of music perfectly accompanies the magic of life in profound and impactful ways.  You may have a song that evokes the feeling you felt when you first fell in love with a partner, or a song that will always remind you of a grandparent, or a song that was playing when your child was born, or a loved one passed, or you have a song that takes you to a very specific time and place in your life that will always remain sacred no matter how simple the moment. </p><p>Music affects us all in profound ways.  I want to be a part of greater conversation where other people tell the stories of why certain songs are important, and when the story is told, we get to hear the song through the lens of the other person&#8217;s story, and then the songs takes on new importance for all of us.  Music is powerful, and when a song becomes a representation of some life experience, good or bad, tragic or beautiful, the song then rises to the level of sacred in our hearts and that is where all the magic lies.</p><p>So, in a few weeks, Mel&#8217;s Diner will shift to a podcast where I interview anyone willing to share 5 to 10 really important songs, tell the stories of why those songs are important, and allow me to build and share a jukebox playlist so we can all enjoy those songs with new stories in our ears.  The podcast will (hopefully) be available on most major streaming platforms as well as here on this substack.</p><p>I have decided on a new tag line that I want Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox to represent:</p><div class="pullquote"><p><strong>Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox is a place where stories and songs build community and connections.</strong></p></div><p>So, if you are reading this, and you want to continue on this change with me, I would love to interview you soon.  More details to come about the logistics, but for now, know there is always great music being played on Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox.</p><p>This weeks jukebox pop-up menu was curated by my close friend <strong>Bungalow Bill</strong>.  Bungalow Bill has chosen some amazing tracks for this weeks jukebox, and I am so excited for you to hear them.  If you like some of the tracks that Mr. Bungalow has chosen, he will definitely be one of the first to be be interviewed.  So thanks for the great songs Bungalow Bill, and I look forward to having you at Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox again.</p><p>I look forward to changes to come to Mel&#8217;s Diner, and I look forward to hearing all of your stories about your really important songs.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Either Way | Wilco | Sky Blue Sky</p></li><li><p>Breathing | LAKE | Let&#8217;s Build a Roof (DELUXE EDITION)</p></li><li><p>Leealeh | Karl Hector &amp; The Malcouns | Ka Rica-Tar</p></li><li><p>Rushin&#8217; River Valley | Fruit Bats | A River Running to Your Heart</p></li><li><p>Yesterday&#8217;s Coffee | Shawn Hess | Wild Onion</p></li><li><p>Calling Paul the Suffering | Amen Dunes | Freedom</p></li><li><p>Lost My Mind | Will Van Horn | Pedal Steel Guitar</p></li><li><p>Go Back | Tony Allen, Damon Albarn | Film of Life</p></li><li><p>Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) | Marvin Gaye | What&#8217;s Going On</p></li><li><p>Cataract Time | Destroyer | Dan&#8217;s Boogie</p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da849b5fc2e44785a22378b44781&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.35&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47LyX9IxMm3A3yQEKfLvxD&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/47LyX9IxMm3A3yQEKfLvxD" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner Jukebox! Subscribe for free to ensure you never miss all the new changes coming to Mels.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v35?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v35?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v35?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.34]]></title><description><![CDATA[04.02.2026 | Spring break, long drives, and some changes coming to Mel's Diner.]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v34</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v34</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:03:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/192658124/ae3bec61b2ab176ed0fbbacc6c3efd3c.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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. </p><p>If you have been a previous visitor to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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 <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong> and we can save you a seat at the counter.  </p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ybZkUv7E22msqBqvrJpkA?si=d7c127ba1058407f">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; Spotify link </p><div><hr></div><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p>Will The Circle Be Unbroken | John Lee Hooker | In Person</p><p><strong>Load the car, strap the luggage down, adjust the mirrors, seatbelt,  let&#8217;s go.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>The Swimming Song | Loudon Wainwright III | Attempted Mustache</p><p><strong>Pulling out of the driveway and leaving town for a few days.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Over You Again | The Dig | Tired Hearts EP</p><p><strong>Made it to the highway, we are crusin&#8217; now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Things Will Change |Treetop Flyers | The Mountain Moves</p><p><strong>Where are the snacks?  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Mount Airy Hill (Way Gone) | Kurt Vile | (watch my moves)</p><p><strong>Windows rolled down.  No one is talking.  Turn it up.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I Like The Way You Walk | The Donkeys | Born With Stripes</p><p><strong>In the groove now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Love Lives Here | Faces | 1970-1975: You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything</p><p><strong>Rod Stewarts voice can take us anywhere.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Summer | Skinshape | Oracolo</p><p><strong>Any signs for a Buc-ee&#8217;s? </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Biloxi | Hiss Golden Messenger | Heart Like a Levee</p><p><strong>Fresh cup of coffee and arms like ocean waves out the window.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Charley&#8217;s Girl | Lou Reed | Coney Island Baby</p><p><strong>This song can soundtrack any scenery.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Gimme Some Lovin&#8217; | The Spencer Davis Group | The Best of Spencer Davis Group</p><p><strong>This classic banger.  Everyone must sing along.  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Storm Boy | Xavier Rudd | Storm Boy</p><p><strong>Bringing the vibe down a bit but turning up the beauty of travel.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>You Got Me Runnin&#8217; | Calvin Love | Highway Dancer</p><p><strong>Sun set drive?  Turn this up.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Pacific Theme | Broken Social Scene | You Forgot It In People</p><p><strong>Take me to the California coast.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Dirt Road Blues | Bob Dylan | Time Out Of Mind</p><p><strong>Pull into that cool looking diner up ahead.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Where Dirt and Water Collide | The White Buffalo | The White Buffalo EP</p><p><strong>May you see mountains out your window or at least in your mind.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Electric Indigo | The Paper Kites | twelvefour</p><p><strong>May this song and this road never end.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Oh I Wept | Free | Fire And Water (Deluxe Edition)</p><p><strong>A vintage Cadillac is all this song needs.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>The Way We Move - Romero Thrasher Version | Langhorne Slim | The Way We Move - Romero Thrasher Version</p><p><strong>Party in the van now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Rolling Rolling Rolling | Daniel Norgren | Wooh Dang</p><p><strong>Perfect fit for this drive.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I&#8217;m in Love | Junior Kimbrough | Most Things Haven&#8217;t Worked Out </p><p><strong>We are on a long country road deep in the south.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Wicked Game | Chris Isaak | Heart Shaped World</p><p><strong>The first note and everyone is here for it.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Hey Carolina | The Horse Traders | I Don&#8217;t Mind</p><p><strong>Picking up the groove and elevation.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Grazing In The Grass | Hugh Masekela | The Promise Of A Future</p><p><strong>Words are not necessary.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>You Can&#8217;t Always Get What You Want | The Rolling Stones | Let It Bleed</p><p><strong>All together now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>BONUS TRACK - CRANK IT UP, ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN, AND SING ALONG</p><p><strong>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.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84e68acc167ec9f30ae6e23c41&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.34&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ybZkUv7E22msqBqvrJpkA&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7ybZkUv7E22msqBqvrJpkA" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v34?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v34?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v34?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.33]]></title><description><![CDATA[03.26.2026 | Stay Groovy Y'all]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v33</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v33</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:03:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/191790055/1a03f24220272fae9f66c2460623e098.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ymDpNzE6Q5HPXhvSkRF4w?si=771c8b64a04c447c">PLAY BUTTON</a> &#8592; JUMP TO THE MUSIC [SPOTIFY LINK]</p><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p>The Truth | Orgone, Kelly Finnigan | Connection</p><p><strong>Great neo-soul music.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Midnight Train | David Rawlings | Poor David&#8217;s Almanack</p><p><strong>David Rawlings&#8217;s music is incredible.  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Freaks | Surf Curse | Freaks</p><p><strong>Thanks to my kids for introducing me to this track.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>To Keep Sane in the Dark | Mo Lowda &amp; the Humble | Tailing the Ghost</p><p><strong>Super cool indie track I discovered last week.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Wish I Had Not Said That | Elizabeth Moen, Matt Gold | Wish I Had Not Said That</p><p><strong>Elizabeth Moen covering J.J. Cale.  Two of my favorites combined into one amazing track.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Cosmic Salami | Favourite People | Favourite People</p><p><strong>One of the coolest songs you will hear today.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Over The Hill | John Martyn | Solid Air</p><p><strong>This track will be a perfect addition to any early morning drive you find yourself on.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>The Only One | Roy Orbison | Mystery Girl</p><p><strong>This track has been one of my all-time favorites since I first heard it about 10 years ago.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Chiri Hari | Samba Toure | Gandadiko</p><p><strong>I love Saharan music.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Love On My Brain | Jim Ford | Harlan County</p><p><strong>Amazing Muscle Shoals style country R&amp;B.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da846b1357aacba9731c21da69c9&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671;V.33&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ymDpNzE6Q5HPXhvSkRF4w&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/4ymDpNzE6Q5HPXhvSkRF4w" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v33?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v33?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v33?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.32]]></title><description><![CDATA[03.19.2026 | A Friend Aint A Friend Unless They Share Great Music]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v32</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v32</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:01:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/191317417/0ec997510b6e93c64aaf07c175c5b6b6.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IOB8AELrqjThvDxytgkVx?si=a841228892e54a0e">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; SPOTIFY LINK</p><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p>A Friend Ain&#8217;t a Friend | Spunk, Gold Coast | Tighten It Up</p><p><strong>Funk. For. Days.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Call Your Mom | Delvon Lamar Organ Trio | I Told You So</p><p><strong>Not just great advice, an amazing track, too.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Spanish Moon | Little Feat | Feats Don&#8217;t Fail Me Now</p><p><strong>Groovy southern rhythms that will knock you off your feet.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Fruits Of My Labor | Lucinda Williams | World Without Tears\</p><p><strong>There is so much lived life in her voice you can not help but believe every words she sings.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Zezura Theme II | Ahmoundo Madassane |Zezura (Original Soundtrack Recording)</p><p><strong>Sahara Acid Music.  I am on the hunt for this film.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>L.A. Freeway - Live in New York, 1972 | Jerry Jeff Walker | Jerry Jeff Walker (Live)</p><p><strong>I love this track.  Jerry Jeff Walker is one of the greatest.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>That&#8217;s All You Got | Night Beats, Robert Levon Been | That&#8217;s All You Got</p><p><strong>Amazing new \ vintage sounds.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Wade In The Water | Ramsey Lewis | Wade In The Water</p><p><strong>Jazz piano never sounded this good.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Touch of Grey | The War On Drugs | Day of the Dead</p><p><strong>The War on Drugs covering a Grateful Dead Song, a track chosen for my friend Chad.  Three of my favorite things.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Reconsider Baby | Freddie King | Texas Cannonball</p><p><strong>One of the three kings of the blues playing explosive Texas blues.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8413681acf4775e422caedee82&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.32&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IOB8AELrqjThvDxytgkVx&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5IOB8AELrqjThvDxytgkVx" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v32?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v32?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v32?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.31]]></title><description><![CDATA[03.12.2026 | Feelin' Pretty Alright]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v31</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v31</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:02:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/190314677/966d787a4885e44ceb3d6ffd30dfa8b7.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BiXYCYaHhKRMKZfQ0vO8k?si=6757f71349774c0c">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; <strong>Spotify link</strong></p><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</p><ol><li><p>Sunday Sermon | Booker T. &amp; the M.G.&#8217;s | Time Is Tight</p><p><strong>Memphis soul and groove for days.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>In My Own Dream | Daren Dalton | In My Own Time</p><p><strong>Country Blues with an incredible voice.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>16.88 | Hayden Thompson | 16.88 b/w Here We Go Again</p><p><strong>1966 cowboy songs.  Only Charley Crockett writes like this now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I&#8217;m Gone | Sundown Songs | Like a Jazz Band in Nashville</p><p><strong>I LOVE this song and this sound.  Perfect soundtrack for any drive you are taking today [or tomorrow].</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>T.I.B.W.F. | The Budos Band | The Budos Band</p><p><strong>20+ years of the coolest neo-funk / soul you have ever heard.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Balance | Future Islands | On the Water</p><p><strong>A Baltimore band that just celebrated 20 years of recording music.  Congratulations Future Islands.  Here&#8217;s to 20 more years of synth-pop perfection.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Gamble for a Rose | King Charles | Gamble for a Rose</p><p><strong>This song was on heavy rotation for me while in grad school.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Loving You | Jonathan Wilson | Rare Birds</p><p><strong>A serious cosmic trip of a song.  Feels like you are wandering around in someone&#8217;s dream.  Hang on for this one.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Sale el Sol | Pachyman | Switched-On</p><p><strong>Puerto Rican dub.  Say no more.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Feelin&#8217; Alright [Feat. Dave Mason &amp; Anders Osborne] - Live at LOCKN&#8217;/2015 | Tedeschi Trucks Band, Leon Russell, Dave Mason, Anders Osborne | Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell Present: Mad Dogs &amp; Englishmen Revisted Live at LOCKN&#8217;</p><p><strong>If the first 4 notes of this track don&#8217;t shake your soul and put a smile on your face, then check your pulse.  Epic track.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li></ol><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84110aaf73b773736c0e53c1a8&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.31&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BiXYCYaHhKRMKZfQ0vO8k&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/7BiXYCYaHhKRMKZfQ0vO8k" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v31?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v31?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v31?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.30]]></title><description><![CDATA[03.05.26 | We are going to church, y'all.]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v30</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v30</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:03:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/189578187/21cb912b8086ef02b979bff104f5d27e.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kF8pzfHGN7TGbfWpYevzi?si=3d605d0391214129">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; SPOTIFY LINK</p><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>I Wanna Thank You | Robert Finley | Hallelujah! Don&#8217;t Let The Devil Fool Ya</p><p><strong>Kicking it off with thankfulness and a driving beat.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Count Your Blessings | The Como Mamas, The Glorifiers Band | Move Upstairs</p><p><strong>This song will get you moving.  Greasy rhythms and powerhouse voices.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Will The Circle Be Unbroken | Marion Williams | The New Message</p><p><strong>Marion Williams&#8217; voice will grab you and hold on to you for every note.  You will be changed.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Gather by the River | Davell Crawford | Our New Orleans</p><p><strong>Beautiful piano, lyrics, and song.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>If You Believe Your God Is Dead, Try Mine | The Swan Silvertones | Gloryland Revisited</p><p><strong>The first note of the electric guitar will stop you in your tracks.  Then you will have excuse not to dance along.  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I&#8217;ll Take the Long Road | Naomi Shelton, the Gospel Queens | What Have You Done, My Brother?</p><p><strong>Some country gospel blues sung with pain, honesty, and hope.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>It&#8217;s Me O Lord | Pastor T.L. Barrett and the Your for Christ Choir | Like a Ship (Without a Sail)</p><p><strong>I always think about the power in the room when this track was recorded.  Unmatched.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Farther Along | Ellen McIlwaine | We The People</p><p><strong>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.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>My Jesus Is All | The Staple Singers | Amen!</p><p><strong>No gospel themed playlist would be complete with The Staple Singers.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>The Way Up The Hill | The Highway Q.C.&#8217;s | Jesus Is Waiting</p><p><strong>Classic soul sound, harmonies, and rhythm.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>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)</p><p><strong>She won a Grammy for this album, and it is no surprise.  Aretha truly is the greatest to have every done it.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84ff62b32e33bb513c464712ed&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.30&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0kF8pzfHGN7TGbfWpYevzi&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/0kF8pzfHGN7TGbfWpYevzi" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v30?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v30?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v30?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.29]]></title><description><![CDATA[02.26.26 | The World Is A Little Brighter With You In It]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v29</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v29</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:02:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/188822408/845a3cc145aad2c638f99e5df162a758.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ABb9AvKtkNo5Di6CnDSnj?si=385caaac0da4454f">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; Spotify Link</p><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>On Your Way Down | Allen Toussaint | Life, Love and Faith</p><p><strong>A very cool New Orleans R&amp;B / Soul / Funk track.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Kodama | Kikagaku Moyo | Forest of Lost Children</p><p><strong>&#8220;Music that is about freedom of mind and body and building a bridge between the supernatural and the present.&#8221;  </strong></p><p><strong>&#8212; Kikagaku Moyo &#8212;</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs | Charlie Rich | The Fabulous Charlie Rich</p><p><strong>Charlie Rich will always be found on the jukebox at Mel&#8217;s Diner.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Faraway Skies | Dean Johnson | Nothing for Me, Please</p><p><strong>Amazing opening line.  Very cool laid back track. Close your eyes and feel the world open up around you.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Black Vultures | Daniel Norgen | Buck</p><p><strong>The best vibe driven by an accordion you may ever hear.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>It&#8217;s Okay | Luna and the Mountain Jets | Telling Stories</p><p><strong>Kentucky Rockabilly at its finest.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Sleeping Without You Is a Dragg | Swamp Dogg, Justin Vernon, Jenny Lewis | Sorry You Couldn&#8217;t Make It</p><p><strong>Swamp Dogg proves that the &#8220;Muscle Shoals Sound&#8221; is alive and well</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>White Noise, White Lines | Kelsey Waldon | White Noise/White Lines</p><p><strong>More amazing music from Kentucky.  Kelsey Waldon can save country music.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Take Me Home Jesus | Link Wray | Link Wray</p><p><strong>If you are ever searching for what to listen too, Link Wray will always be a right choice.  This song is fantastic.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Hurry Home | The Deslondes, Dan Cutler, Riley Downing | Hurry Home</p><p><strong>Great track with that good ole&#8217; gospel sound.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da841135832ca20cec6dd2eec8e0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.29&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ABb9AvKtkNo5Di6CnDSnj&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/3ABb9AvKtkNo5Di6CnDSnj" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v29?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v29?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v29?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.28]]></title><description><![CDATA[02.19.26 |]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v28</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v28</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:01:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/187327003/92c66a97d00954f9e6a1eed09663f02c.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5gyWFKsh2hPx5W9lKazbaO?si=acb0ee97ce6646d6">JUMP TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592; Spotify Link</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Trying to Live My Life Without You | Otis Clay | Trying to Live My Life Wiothout You</p><p><strong>Chicago soul / R&amp;B.  Lyrics may seem extreme, but are very likely true.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Down On The Bottom | The New Basement Tapes | Lost On The River (Deluxe)</p><p><strong>Super group singing unsung or discarded Bob Dylan lyrics.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Canola Fields | James McMurtry | The Horses and The Hounds</p><p><strong>James McMurtry is a Texas Americana legend</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Nothing Touches Me | Sam Burton | I Can Go With You</p><p><strong>L.A. based indie music.  Somewhat sad, somewhat folky, all the way great.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>In the Middle of It | Hiss Golden Messenger | In the Middle of It</p><p><strong>NEW MUSIC FROM HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER!!!  This is what we all need right now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I&#8217;m a Ram | Al Green | Gets Next to You</p><p><strong>Memphis soul and attitude for days.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Rabbit One | Masters of Reality | Sunrise On The Sufferbus</p><p><strong>Some songs are just plain cool.  This is one of them.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Wede Harer Guzo | Hailu Mergia, Dahlak Band | Wade Harer Guzo</p><p><strong>Tezeta = Ethiopian Nostalgic Afro-Jazz, and this is one of the best introductions to this genre I can think of.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Gallup, NM | The Shouting Matches | Grownass Man</p><p><strong>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.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Viva Tirado - Live At The Robert Clemente Coliseum / San Juan, PR / November, 1973 | Fania All Stars, Jan Hammer | Latin-Soul-Rock</p><p><strong>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.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8402442b6798c2dfcbec5c96b2&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.28&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5gyWFKsh2hPx5W9lKazbaO&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5gyWFKsh2hPx5W9lKazbaO" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v28?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v28?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v28?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.27]]></title><description><![CDATA[02/12/26 - Cupid's Got A Cool Soundtrack This Year]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v27</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v27</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:01:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/187311765/66129d222e6eb6ce83f8e01d07f20bb7.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;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.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1H3h0qaL4npuBBapjmPtJF?si=687f386a2b5545d8">LISTEN TO THE MUSIC</a> &#8592;SPOTIFY LINK</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Lobbo | Vieux Farka Toure, Khruangbin | Ali</p><p><strong>Beautiful song with amazing choral singers.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Live/ Die | Nellie Pearl | Lonesome No More!</p><p><strong>Appalachian Alt-Country.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Alabama Highway | Steve Young | Heartworn Highways (Original Motion Pictuire Soundtrack)</p><p><strong>Do not overlook or forget about Steve Young.  Amazing influence on outlaw country music.  This track is from the 1976 film </strong><em><strong>Heartworn Highways</strong></em><strong>.  Fantastic film by the way.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>You Got To Lose | The Black Keys | You Got To Lose</p><p><strong>The Black Keys doing what The Black Keys do best - taking hill country blues and turning every knob up!</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Let&#8217;s Work Together | Wilbert Harrison | Let&#8217;s Work Together</p><p><strong>A message to remember.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>So Long Chicago | Pokey LaFarge | Rhumba Country</p><p><strong>Neo-soul, neo-vintage pool-side music.  Seems like a nice place to be right about now.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>54-46 Was My Number | Toots &amp; The Maytals | In The Dark</p><p><strong>Reggae classic keeping the poolside vibes going.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>1 Mile From Heaven | Calvin Love | 1 Mile From Heaven</p><p><strong>New single.  Dark indie.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Firebird | Common Saints | Firebird</p><p><strong>Synth-pop perfect for any drive during or after sunset.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Stranded in Your Love | Sharon Jones &amp; The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields | Naturally</p><p><strong>For all you love birds out there.  Happy Valentines Day.</strong></p><p></p></li></ol><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8451878f9eb7da05c30add6219&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.27&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1H3h0qaL4npuBBapjmPtJF&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/1H3h0qaL4npuBBapjmPtJF" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v27?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner? Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v27?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v27?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.26]]></title><description><![CDATA[02.05.26 | Soulful Protest]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v26</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v26</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:03:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/186519637/dadc6441fa1ca56be0b559391c16c2dd.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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&#8217;s curates a weekly playlist of new, vintage, and deep-cut music that can soundtrack any adventure awaiting you. Just sit anywhere, my friend, I will get us some pie and a cup of coffee.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM</strong></p><ol><li><p>Penwick | Harlem Pop Trotters | Harlem Pop Trotters</p><p><strong>Music to stroll to.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Woke Up This Morning | Paul Pena | Paul Pena</p><p><strong>Amazing track by an amazing artist.  Be sure to check out the entire album.  Also </strong><em><strong>Genghis Blues </strong></em><strong>is a 1998 documentary about Paul Pena and part of his life journey.  Highly recommend.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Most Things Haven&#8217;t Worked Out | Junior Kimbrough | Most Things Haven&#8217;t Worked Out</p><p><strong>Junior Kimbrough is the standard when it comes to hill country blues, and this track is an example of why.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>La Malanga Brava | Joe Cuba Sextet |Wanted Dead Or Alive (Bang Bang Push Push Push)</p><p><strong>The sound of salsa can move mountains.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Didn&#8217;t I  | Darondo | Let My People Go</p><p><strong>Funk and soul never sounded so sweet.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>What&#8217;s on Your Mind | Greyhounds | Accumulator</p><p><strong>Slow Texas R&amp;B that I can not get enough of.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Ohio | John Batiste, Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr. | Ohio</p><p><strong>A powerful take on a powerful protest song.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Way Back in the Way Back | Hiss Golden Messenger | Quietly Blowing It</p><p><strong>&#8220;Up with the mountains. Down with the system.&#8221; - Always</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Your Flag Decal Won&#8217;t Get You into Heaven Anymore | John Prine | John Prine</p><p><strong>No one can say it like John Prine.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>A Change Is Going To Come | Baby Huey | The Baby Huey Story: The Living Legend</p><p><strong>A mind-blowing trip through a classic song of longing through pain.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-fa.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84068b635f36caae9c48cdb571&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.26&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2dYDv2Zaj5MqS48dBBpXoN&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2dYDv2Zaj5MqS48dBBpXoN" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner.  Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week from your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v26?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Know someone who would love the vibes at Mel&#8217;s Diner?  Share the love.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v26?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v26?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p>Got a request for the jukebox or just want to say &#8220;hello&#8221;. <strong>melsdinerjukebox@gmail.com</strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.25]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now | 01.29.26 | Originals + Covers = Amazing Music]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v25</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v25</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:01:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/185669849/03fe700eb1877516bbeb633841320213.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to Mel&#8217;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 in order to build a community of amazing people who love discovering great music.  Whether these songs are old, new, funky, sad, or hidden gems that blow your mind, I hope you find each one to be just what you need to soundtrack whatever adventures await you.  Saddle up anywhere, my friend.  I will get us some coffee and pie.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Song | Artist | Album</strong></p><ol><li><p>Big Boss Man | Jimmy Reed | Found Love</p></li><li><p>Big Boss Man | Charlie Rich | Boss Man</p><p><strong>Charlie Rich blends classic country and soul better than no one else.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Take Me Home, Country Roads | John Denver | Poems, Prayers and Promises</p></li><li><p>Country Road | Toots &amp; The Maytals | Funky Kingston</p><p><strong>Taking this track to new heights.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Give Me One Reason | Tracy Chapman | New Beginning</p></li><li><p>Give Me One Reason | JD Clayton | Bule Sky Sundays</p><p><strong>A classic done with the Blues cranked up.  Listen for the Hammond solos!</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Steal Away | Jimmy Hughes | From The Halls Of Fame: The Jimmy Hughes Masters Volume 1</p></li><li><p>Steal Away | Etta James | Tell Mama</p><p><strong>Very few can do what Miss James can do.  Even fewer have ever done it better.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>You Gotta Move | Mississippi Fred McDowell | You Gotta Move</p></li><li><p>You Got to Move | The Blind Boys of Alabama | The Original Blind Boys</p><p><strong>Slide guitars and gospel go hand-in-hand.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Come On Up To The House | Tom Waits | Mule Variations</p></li><li><p>Come On Up To The House | JOSEPH | Come On Up To The House: Women Sing Waits</p><p><strong>There can only be one Tome Waits, and his songs will always belong him, but JOSEPH takes this track and transforms it into something entirely different.  Something soft and with wings.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Hey Joe | The Leaves | Hey Joe (Expanded)</p></li><li><p>Hey Joe | Lee Moses | Time and Place</p><p><strong>You will always remember the first time you hear Moses&#8217; version of &#8220;Hey Joe&#8221; </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Cold, Cold Heart | Hank Williams | Memorial Album</p></li><li><p>Cold, Cold Heart | Aretha Franklin | Unforgettable: A Tribute To Dinah Washington</p><p><strong>Aretha can do no wrong.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I Shall Be Released - Studio Outtake - 1971 | Bob Dylan | Bob Dylan&#8217;s Greatest Hits Volume III</p></li><li><p>I Shall Be Released - The Brothers and Sisters, Gloria Jones | Dylan&#8217;s Gospel</p><p><strong>The hope and longing buried in this song come through on the voices of a choir.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>I Pity The Fool | Bobby &#8220;Blue&#8221; Bland | I Pity The Fool: The Duke Recordings, Vol. One</p></li><li><p>I Pity the Fool | Ann Peebles | Straight from the Heart</p><p><strong>Both tracks are solid gold.  Each different enough to allow the artists to shine in spectacular ways.</strong></p></li></ol><p></p><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84ab55fefc98f3bf9cbff147c1&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.25&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6h8afRSgxCUGsj3G7HcMVw&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6h8afRSgxCUGsj3G7HcMVw" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner! Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week curated by your favorite jukebox at your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v25?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">If you know someone else who would like the vibe at Mel&#8217;s Diner, feel free to invite them.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v25?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v25?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.24]]></title><description><![CDATA[01.22.26 | From the Hill Country to the Ocean]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v24</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v24</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:02:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8472aa6e4fa3da5fd0b8a1ae56" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>SONG | ARTIST | ALBUM </strong></p><p>My personal thoughts on this amazing song and why I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Weather its old, new, funky, or sad, may it be one you remember and come back to often.  Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner. I&#8217;ll get us some coffee and pie.</p><div><hr></div><ol><li><p>Don&#8217;t Let The Devil Ride | Leo &#8220; Bud&#8221; Welch | The Angels In Heaven Done Signed My Name</p><p></p><p><strong>This is hill country blues at some of it&#8217;s finest</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Black Iris | Sven Wunder | Eastern Flowers</p><p></p><p><strong>This track should ABSOLUTELY be in a surf film.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Pharaoh | Modern Nature | The Heat Warps</p><p></p><p><strong>I love the vibe on this track.  Slow drives at sunset.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Nighthawk - Reprise | Re:um | Nighthawk (Reprise)</p><p></p><p><strong>This song will grab you at the first note then squeeze you harder and harder for the next 3 minutes.  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Oowee Baby (Baby I Love You) | Alton Ellis, The Flames | Mr. Soul of Jamaica</p><p></p><p><strong>A classic sound of reggae and golden era soul.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Benny&#8217;s Here | Natural Child | Okey Dokey</p><p></p><p><strong>Funky groove that will alter your strut mid-stride.  Hang on for the whole ride.  The lyrics come in towards the end and funk it up even more.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Buzz Fledderjohn | Tom Waits | Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers &amp; Bastards</p><p></p><p><strong>Tom Waits doing what only he can.  I love this track.  The opening acoustic guitar with dog barks gets me every time.  Stand in your backyard at night, look up at the stars, and play this song.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>Bone | Map of Africa | Late Night Tales: Django Django</p><p></p><p><strong>Some attitude and keys.  </strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>To The Grain | Junip | Fields (Deluxe Edition)</p><p></p><p><strong>Let this song take you somewhere.  Preferably in a wide open landscape with road or trail leading somewhere that looks desolate, wild, and beautiful.</strong></p><div><hr></div></li><li><p>You Can&#8217;t Always Get What You Want | Maxayn | Reloaded</p><p></p><p><strong>Let this amazing cover introduce you to the magic that is Maxayn.  The Stones weren&#8217;t even this funky.  </strong></p><div><hr></div><p></p></li></ol><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8472aa6e4fa3da5fd0b8a1ae56&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.24&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gJu9LptA8w0oAz7NTt48A&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6gJu9LptA8w0oAz7NTt48A" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner.  Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week curated by your favorite jukebox in the corner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v24?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v24?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.23]]></title><description><![CDATA[1.15.26 | Down Home City Music]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v23</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v23</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:03:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84cf1a3d6b2c3c7a280a2c6b23" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Song | Artist | Album</strong></p><ol><li><p>Down Home Girl | Alvin Robinson | I Wanna Love Him So Bad: &#8216;60s Pop Hits &amp; Rarities</p></li><li><p>Isn&#8217;t Ever A Day | Ten Fe | Future Perfect, Present Tense</p></li><li><p>Projections | Jose Junior | Spanish Leather</p></li><li><p>Belo Horizonte | Cari Cari | Welcome To Kookoo Island</p></li><li><p>Hessa | El Rego | El Rego</p></li><li><p>Baby Blue | The Chocolate Watchband | Inner Mystique</p></li><li><p>Candle | Buck Meek | Two Saviors</p></li><li><p>City Music | Kevin Morby | City Music</p></li><li><p>Hard Times | Mavis Staples | Sad and Beautiful World</p></li><li><p>That&#8217;s How I Got To Memphis | Solomon Burke | Nashville</p></li></ol><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da84cf1a3d6b2c3c7a280a2c6b23&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX &#9671; V.23&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2u5UWh3YllAgo1Nm30DKQN&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2u5UWh3YllAgo1Nm30DKQN" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner! Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week curated by your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v23?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v23?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[GRATEFUL]]></title><description><![CDATA[1.11.26 | May the music never stop]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/grateful</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/grateful</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:29:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8436a75cfbf4c20b2aab663a00" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I did not grow up with Bob Weir and the Grateful Dead.  I came to the Dead &#8220;late&#8221;, but for the past 10 years, they have played a major role in the soundtrack of my life.  The music of Bob Weir has filled my kitchen too many times to count, has been on every single family road trip we have taken, and has graced the top of my Spotify wrapped every single year.</p><p>When my son was 7 years old (he is a teenager now), he would tell anyone who asked that his favorite band was the Grateful Dead and his favorite song was (and still is) <em>Friend of the Devil</em>.  He even searched three record stores this past Christmas for a new Grateful Dead vinyl to gift to me.  </p><div class="pullquote"><p>There must be a cricket named Zagreus</p><p>in the granary tucked under a roof beam,</p><p>under which my three-year-old daughter</p><p>boogies madly,</p><p>her first taste of the Grateful Dead;</p><p>she is well out of her mind.</p><p><strong>&#8212;Jim Harrison: Returning to Earth&#8212;</strong></p></div><p>When I hear a band cover a Grateful Dead song live, I can not help but smile, sing along, and dance with everyone else in the room.  Every time my family and I are driving home from the beach, sun setting and windows down, we turn up <em>Ripple</em> and I pray that the song and the moment will never end.  </p><p>Bob was a part of something bigger than anyone can imagine.  His art and music changed not just the musical landscape but the lives of all those who listened.  To me, his music is incredibly important not only because of his unmatched musicianship, but because of the irreplaceable memories I cherish with my friends and family - almost all of which have the Grateful Dead playing in the background.  I am eternally grateful.</p><p>Here you will find 10 of my favorite songs that Bob was a part of. May you also find joy in this short selection of songs and may you take them with you on your very own long, strange trip.    </p><p>Peace.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Song | Artist | Album</strong></p><ol><li><p><strong>Bertha</strong> - Live at Lakeland Civic Center Arena, Lakeland, FL, May 21, 1977 |Grateful Dead | Dick&#8217;s Picks Vol. 29: Fox Theater, Atlanta, GA 5/19/77 / Lakeland Civic Center Arena, Lakeland FL 5/21/77 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>Althea</strong> - Live at Nassau Coliseum, May 15-16, 1980 | Grateful Dead | Go to Nassau: May 15 &amp; 16, 1980 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>Little Red Rooster</strong> - Live in Springfield, MA, September 3, 1980 | Grateful Dead |Download Series Vol. 7: Springfield Civic Center, Springfield, MA 9/3/80 / Providence Civic Center, Providence, RI 9/4/80 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>Truckin&#8217;</strong>- Live at the Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 12/10/71 | Grateful Dead | Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO (12/10/71) [Live]</p></li><li><p><strong>Franklin&#8217;s Tower</strong> - Live at Oakland Coliseum Stadium, Oakland, CA, October 9, 1976 | Grateful Dead | Dick&#8217;s Picks Vol. 33: Oakland Coliseum Stadium, Oakland, CA 10/9/76 &amp; 10/10/76 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>I Know You Rider</strong> - Live at Philadelphia Civic Center, Philadelphia, PA, August 4-5, 1974 | Grateful Dead | Dick&#8217;s Picks Vol. 31: Philadelphia Civic Center, Philadelphia, PA 8/4/74 - 8/5/74 Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, NJ 8/6/74 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>Ripple</strong> - 2013 Remaster | Grateful Dead | American Beauty</p></li><li><p><strong>Friend of the Devil</strong> - Live in Englishtown, NJ, September 3, 1977 | Grateful Dead | Dick&#8217;s Picks Vol. 15: Raceway Park, Englishtown, NJ 9/3/77 (Live)</p></li><li><p><strong>Only a River</strong> | Bob Weir | Blue Mountain</p></li><li><p><strong>When Will I Be Changed (feat. Bob Weir)</strong> | Josh Ritter, Bob Weir | Gathering</p></li></ol><div><hr></div><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8436a75cfbf4c20b2aab663a00&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Grateful&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5vkJWWlApIsoEHVIQrvpVy&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/5vkJWWlApIsoEHVIQrvpVy" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" loading="lazy" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner.  Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week curated by your favorite jukebox in the corner of your favorite diner.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/grateful?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/grateful?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX | V.22]]></title><description><![CDATA[01.08.26 | Find those simple joys]]></description><link>https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v22</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v22</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mel's Diner Jukebox]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:03:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8403d9dee2a2757295868f6fdd" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Find those simple joys - and then hold on to &#8216;em.</p><div><hr></div><p><strong>Song | Artist | Album</strong></p><ol><li><p>Pretty Woman Pass On By | Richard Marks | Never Satisfied: The Complete Works 1968-1976</p></li><li><p>Progress | Booker T. Jones, Yim Yames | The Road From Memphis (Deluxe Edition)</p></li><li><p>1984 | NIGHT TRAVELER | 1984</p></li><li><p>Gitano | Santana | Amigos</p></li><li><p>You Goin&#8217; Miss Your Candyman | Terry Callier | What Color Is Love</p></li><li><p>The Simple Joy | Ryan Davis &amp; the Roadhouse Band | New Threats from The Soul</p></li><li><p>Depreston | Courtney Barnett | Sometime I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit</p></li><li><p>Fade Away Blue | Pete Droge | Fade Away Blue</p></li><li><p>September Fields | Frazey Ford | Indian Ocean</p></li><li><p>Wanna Do My Thing | Matata | Feelin&#8217; Funky</p><p></p></li></ol><iframe class="spotify-wrap playlist" data-attrs="{&quot;image&quot;:&quot;https://image-cdn-ak.spotifycdn.com/image/ab67706c0000da8403d9dee2a2757295868f6fdd&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;MEL'S DINER JUKEBOX  &#9671; V.22&quot;,&quot;subtitle&quot;:&quot;By Matthew Merson&quot;,&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Playlist&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4jkCAk9iyQz3mmK4rm7w9C&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;noScroll&quot;:false}" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/4jkCAk9iyQz3mmK4rm7w9C" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen="true" allow="encrypted-media" data-component-name="Spotify2ToDOM"></iframe><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption"><em>Thanks for visiting Mel&#8217;s Diner.  Subscribe for free to receive new playlists each week curated by your favorite jukebox at your favorite diner.</em></p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v22?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://melsdinerjukebox.substack.com/p/mels-diner-jukebox-v22?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>