Editor’s Note: Best of NH’s Greatest Hits, Deep Tracks
From the desk of New Hampshire Magazine editor, Mike Cote
When my wife and I jump in the car, a tug of war begins for control of the radio — even for a short trip across town.
Jeannie likes the hits, especially the pop songs of our youth, stretching back to the early 1970s, when Top 40 stations like WKBR ruled the airwaves in Manchester.
I like the classics, too, but I also yearn for pretty much anything I don’t already know by heart, including music hitting my ears for the very first time. (No, not that Madonna song!)
Our cease fire usually leads to The Bridge, a channel on SiriusXM that features “mellow classic rock” by Van Morrison, Carole King, the Eagles, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. (Bob Dylan makes an occasional appearance.)
When I’m driving by myself, I dial up The Loft, an eclectic mix of music only available on the SiriusXM streaming app. It’s where Miles Davis meets the Ramones, Phoebe Bridgers, Jack White and Nina Simone. (Bob Dylan makes more frequent visits here.)
Our annual Best of NH feature (page 54) splits the difference. The Readers’ Poll is jam-packed with both familiar favorites and new upstarts chosen by our readers throughout New Hampshire. Sure, you’ll find the perennial winner for the best chicken tenders (no spoilers here!), but a variety of picks old and new for dining, adventure and entertainment.
Our Editor’s Pick selections are a decidedly more eclectic mix chosen by our editing team, which includes Emily Heidt, Elisa Gonzales Verdi, Emily Reily and yours truly.
Some are long-time favorites, such as Mica’s Groove Train, a soul and R&B band led by Yamica “Mica” Peterson, who were recruited to entertain guests at our Best of NH Party at Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee on June 26.
Others are brand-new: The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is primed to become a major tourism destination when the luxury resort opens in August. (Some of us had a sneak peek of the Tilton property earlier this year as construction was under way, which we’ll share in the August issue.)
Best of NH will always hold a special place for me. Two years ago, I joined Yankee Publishing a few days before the party, which had moved to Flag Hill for the first time.
The day before, during prep work in Lee, I got to know my new colleagues as we stuffed goodie bags with magazines, gift cards, vendor coupons and other schwag for the hundreds of people who would be joining us the next day, when they would mingle, sample food and drink, listen to live music and enjoy a perfect New Hampshire night.
It doesn’t get any better than that. Summer’s here. Get it while you can.
Just don’t touch my radio. Dylan’s in The Loft again.
