Episodes

22 minutes ago
Episode 515- Paul Pesco
22 minutes ago
22 minutes ago
This week is the great guitarist Paul Pesco! What hasn't Paul done? Even he loses track of it all. He was an "unofficial" member of the System, the Breakfast Club, and C+C Music Factory (he also played on their big songs). He's toured with Madonna, Steve Winwood, Atlantic Starr and many others. He's contributed to everyone from U2 to James Ingram to Mariah Carey. He was in the Hall and Oates stable for a while (and discusses why he left Live From Daryl's House) and he's in several all-star bands currently like Sonic Boom Squad and Supersonic Tortoise. The guy doesn't sit still! He shared all the great stories including how he was almost a Chili Pepper. Enjoy!

Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Episode 514 - Dean Parks
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Our guest this week is guitar virtuoso Dean Parks! Dean was one of the first call session guys in the 70s and 80s that helped make great artists even better. He worked for Motown with legends like Stevie and Marvin, took his turn with Steely Dan and played the iconic solo in "Haitian Divorce" and can be heard on classics like "Laughter in the Rain", "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Here You Come Again". There are also stories with MJ and the Jacksons, Billy Joel, David Lee Roth, Seal and tons more! Dean is an extremely mild mannered guy, but is still in high demand with a full dance card. Enjoy!

Friday Mar 14, 2025
Book Club - Jeff Apter author of Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Author Jeff Apter joins us again to discuss his excellent new book, Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly. In the annals of rock history, Carl often gets overlooked as colleagues like Elvis, Jerry Lee, and Johnny take center stage. He'd probably be fine with that. But his story is fascinating. Writing "Blue Suede Shoes" and being a key influence on the Beatles kept him viable his entire life. Jeff tells a beautiful story of a wonderful man with a fascinating history that many of us may not know that much about. Enjoy!
www.jeffapter.com.au

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Episode 513 - Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
REO Speedwagon have been one of the most reliable American rock bands for over 50 years. Certain members may come and go, but that name, that quality, and the excellent songs of lead singer Kevin Cronin have been a constant for decades. Unfortunately, that recently came to an end with the departure of founding member Bruce Hall. Plus, Bruce took the name with him. The good news is that most of the same players are playing most of the same songs you've grown to love and rely on, they're just called the Kevin Cronin Band now. Kevin joins us this week to explain the new reality before he goes out on tour with Styx and Don Felder where he'll play the entire Hi-Infidelity album as well as the hits. We also discuss his relationship with original guitarist Gary Richrath, the stories behind songs and albums, how they became known for ballads, and much more. Kevin is a genuinely nice man and he's working hard to continue to deliver the goods (and set the record straight). We're lucky he's still at it.

Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Episode 512 - Paul Young
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Paul Young has carried on a deceptively diverse solo career since he first broke out in 1983. He's had many big hits - especially the #1 "Everytime You Go Away - but his work has never fit nicely in one box. Whether it's his work with Pino Palladino or his TexMex band, he does what he wants and his talent carries him through. He's about to embark on a UK tour singing and telling stories about his first two albums. And this summer he's touring the US with Rick Springfield. And he put out a new album in 2023. He's been busy! He joins us this week to discuss all of it including his recent marriage, Band-Aid, his early punk days and a ton more. He's a total pro and one of the great soul singers of the era. Enjoy!

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Episode 511 - John Lodge of the Moody Blues/Solo
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
The Moody Blues have been an institution in our lives for 60 years. 60! Not many other bands can say that. Though the remaining members Justin Heyward and John Lodge are doing their own things now, it hasn't stopped them from bringing the goods. Bassist and songwriter John Lodge joins us this week with two major projects he's excited about - his brand new EP Love Will Conquer All and his current tour that finds him playing hits and their classic album, Days of Future Passed, in its entirety. Did I mention the man is 81 years old! We get into this current spark of creativity, the band's history, especially their 80s period that kept them relevant when many others weren't, and stories behind many of the songs. He's a legend, and a Rock n Roll Hall of Famer. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Bonus - The NewlyPod Game
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Host Pod Eubanks (aka Eric Miller) hosts three couples (Brad Page and Sarah Linnen, Brian Linnen and Alex Alt, and Andy Schaal and Jon Lamoreaux) as they answer questions about each other for prizes and bragging rights. We had a blast!

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Episode 510 - Nigel Dick
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Director Nigel Dick is behind some of the most iconic videos (and images) in rock history. Whether it's Britney Spears, Guns n Roses, Oasis, Tears for Fears, Cher, Def Leppard, or hundreds of others, his visuals are what shapes our impressions of these artists. In this incredibly entertaining conversation, we dive into all the best stories from his nearly 45 years of directing including his time making Hollywood features, how videos are made from the top down, working with temperamental artists, and filming the recording of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas." Chalk this up to an instant classic! Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Episode 509 - Ed Kuepper of the Saints/Solo
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
The Saints were a very important band in the history of Australian rock. Their mixture of melodic but greasy garage rock with a punk spirit was unlike anything else in the 70s. It produced the song they're still best known for, "(I'm) Stranded", one of the greatest punk anthems ever. That debut album of the same name from 1977 was recently given the deluxe treatment - 4 albums of remastered versions, b-sides, live shows, and more. Guitarist Ed Kuepper joins us to discuss his own, and the band's history including how they made that killer debut, why he left the band after three albums for a solo career, the loss of Saints frontman Chris Bailey, and a ton more. Enjoy!
www.feelpresents.com/fp_tour/the-saints-73-78/
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Episode 508 - Charles Fisher
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Australian producer Charles Fisher's resume is all over the place. Two of his earliest producing jobs were with Australian punk legends Radio Birdman followed by Air Supply! That kind of diversity continued for decades working with everyone from Olivia Newton-John to Divinyls to Jimmy Barnes to Hoodoo Gurus to Deep Blue Something (as well as more Australian artists like Moving Pictures and Ol' 55). In the 90s he hit the jackpot when he did Savage Garden's debut album that went on to sell over 15 million copies. We often discuss the effect financial success has on an artist's desire to create, but here we hear it from the producer's perspective which is a fascinating story. Enjoy!

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Episode 507 - Don Gehman
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Thanks mostly to his magical work with John Mellencamp, Don Gehman was one of the biggest producers of the 80s. He was by John's side from the Cougar days through his whole peak period ending with The Lonesome Jubilee. Along the way he also produced REM's best album, Life's Rich Pageant, Bruce Hornsby's A Night on the Town, and many more, but the success started to wane. Then, he took on the job of producing this new band with a funny name called Hootie and the Blowfish and we know how that ended. Don doesn't do a lot of interviews so we're lucky to hear him discuss all of this as well as Chicago, Brian Setzer, Jimmy Barnes, Pat Benatar and a bunch of others. Don figured out what the sound of Heartland rock in the 80s should sound like, and we're all better off for it.

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Episode 506 - Robin Millar
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Robin Millar doesn't let anything hold him back. The man is blind, and yet he became one of the most successful producers in the UK in the 80s. His biggest claim to fame is shepherding a young Sade to two world-beating albums (her first two). Working together to find her unique sound made him the go-to guy for "sophistopop" and brought him a ton of success. He did the first few Everything But the Girl albums, the Fine Young Cannibals' debut, the first Colin Hay album and even scratched his rock itch by doing the third Big Country album. Oh, and he discovered Phoebe Bridgers and Cigarettes After Sex. And he was appointed CBE. And knighted. And, again, he's blind. You won't believe this one!

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Bonus - Chef Rory O'Connell
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Irish chef Rory O'Connell has become a True North for Jon. His cooking shows have become appointment viewing in the Lamoreaux house. Funny enough, it isn't about the food. It's his calming demeanor and relaxing spirit that makes you feel everything will be ok. In this unexpected conversation, we get into his cooking school in Ireland, how he got on television, his favorite foods, his passion for the planet, and much more. It may not be music, but this one means a lot! Enjoy.

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Episode 505 - Mark Plati
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
When David Bowie wanted to update his sound in the 90s to the drum-n-bass that was popular on the streets, he picked producer/musician Mark Plati to get him there. Mark had come up under the mentorship of the great Arthur Baker and was venturing out on his own. He thinks it was producing Babylon Zoo's "Spaceman" that sealed the deal with Bowie. Mark stuck around for a decade producing albums like Earthling, Hours, and Reality. In addition there's work with the Cure, Duncan Sheik, Prince and many others. Mark's still at it producing and performing. Enjoy!

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Episode 504 - Niko Bolas
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
The way producer Niko Bolas tells it, he's never worked a day in his life. He went into a studio about 45 years ago and just never came out. Along the way he's worked with many of the greats like Toto, Kiss, Steve Perry, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstradt, the Jacksons and tons more. One of his strongest bonds has been with Neil Young who he partnered with in the 80s and has never left. They continue to work together on Neil's exhaustive remastering project of his entire archive. "Neeks" tells us about all of this and tons more. Enjoy!

Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Episode 503 - Rob Birch of Stereo MC's
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Stereo MC's are coming back to the states this month for the first time in 24 years. It's a short trip - three shows on the east coast in three nights - but it's a start. Frontman Rob Birch joins us this week to discuss the band's history. They broke big with "Connected" off their third album (that song still sounds just as fresh and groovy today), but they took 9 years to issue a follow up and momentum stalled. They may not be prolific, but the quality has always been there. We also get into the influence of rap and hip-hop on their sound, coming back to the US in May to play Cruel World, touring with Jane's Addiction and Happy Mondays, and much more. These guys have never lost their golden touch. Enjoy!

Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Episode 502 - Dony Wynn on Robert Palmer
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
By the late 70s, drummer Dony Wynn thought his music career might be over. Nothing was really happening and he wasn't holding down gigs. Then the great Robert Palmer heard him and everything changed. Dony joined the fray around the Secrets album in 1979 and stuck around for the next 15 years or so. Dony joins us this week to tell us what it's like working for Robert during his peak (and post peak) period, why they had that magic and his times working with Robert Plant, Steve Winwood, Wang Chung, Dr. John, Josie Cotton and more. These days, Dony is more focused on writing and photography, but he can sure tell a good story! Enjoy!

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Deep Dive - Dave Gregory on XTC's Skylarking (1986)
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
This is epic. XTC guitarist Dave Gregory returns to the podcast to give us all the scoop on the creation of XTC's 1986 masterpiece Skylarking. The album almost can't be listened to without an understanding of the behind the scenes stories - the animosity between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren chief among them. This essential album was recently given the Steven Wilson Dolby Atmos treatment enhancing it even more. Joining us for this conversation is our friend Brad Page of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast for an even richer experience. Dave was extremely gracious with his time, you won't want to miss this.

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Episode 501 - Fonzi Thornton
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Whether you know it or not, you've been listening to Fonzi Thornton for almost 50 years. As teenagers he and Luther Vandross formed a lifelong friendship and devoting their lives to music pays off for both - Luther becomes a giant among giants and Fonzi becomes one of the most sought after backup singers ever. Starting in Listen My Brother with Luther and friends Carlos Alomar and Robin Clark turns into a stint singing with Chic and then a lifelong partnership with Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry. Along the way there's been Bowie, Aretha, Scritti Politti, Candi Staton and tons more. Don't forget to watch him in the excellent new documentary Luther: Never Too Much that will be premiering on CNN on New Year's Day. Enjoy!

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Book Club - Gary Graff editor of 501 Essential Albums of the 90s
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Who doesn't love a good list! Music nerds especially will spend hours debating one topic or another. Author Gary Graff returns to the show to discuss his new book - 501 Essential Albums of the 90s. Gary discusses the process for compiling the book, the writers involved, covering various genres and, most importantly, what was and wasn't included! Be sure to tell us what you would have made your list!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Episode 500 - Ken Stringfellow
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
WARNING: EXTREMELY SENSITIVE CONTENT

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Episode 499 - Steven McDonald of Redd Kross and Director Andrew Reich
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Like it or not, this is the year of Redd Kross! This underappreciated power pop band is coming at you with an assault of good stuff in 2024. They have an incredible new self-titled album, a memoir called Now You're One of Us, and a fantastic new documentary called Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. Jeff and Steven McDonald started out as pre-teens in the hardcore scene in Southern California, but matured into one of the great, if unsung, bands of the 80s and 90s with albums like 1990's Third Eye and 1993's epic Phaseshifter. As is so often the case, mainstream success never came knocking, but the band has carried on for decades consistently releasing great music. Steven joins us this week with the film's director Andrew Reich to discuss the whole career, being kidnapped at 12 (crazy story), how to deal with success not happening, and tons more. If you don't know Redd Kross, now's the time to get involved!

Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Episode 498 - Peter Godwin of Metro/Solo
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
This week is synth pioneer Peter Godwin! In the 70s he was a part of the very arty and European band Metro who are best known for being the originators of the song "Criminal World" that was covered by Bowie for the Let's Dance album. Peter went solo and recorded the worldwide hit "Images of Heaven" that still lives on today as well as an album and some EPs, but the rest of his career has been sort of mysterious. Recently, Cherry Red released a 2-disc set of this fruitful period called The Polydor Years that includes all the songs and remixes you could want. We also discuss other artists he's worked with like Steve Winwood, his songs being placed in TV shows, and how living in France energizes him. Enjoy!

Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Episode 497 - PJ Moore of the Blue Nile
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
The Blue Nile would never be accused of being overly prolific. In 20 years of activity, they only managed four albums, two of which, 1984's A Walk Across the Rooftops and 1989's Hats, are absolute masterpieces. Ask Taylor Swift if you don't believe me. The hallmarks of their unique sound is part Paul Buchanen's soulful voice and part PJ Moore's wholly unique synth work. In 2023 PJ Moore and Co. finally released his first solo album, When a Good Day Comes, that is just what you would want from someone of his caliber. He joins us this week to explain the working habits of the Blue Nile, how technology affected their creativity and where he goes from here. If you don't know them, you're in for a treat. Your life will never be the same.

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Episode 496 - Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
We all miss Prince. It's a hole that will never be filled. Imagine what it would have been like to be a part of the Revolution during his peak 80s period. He can play every instrument better than his band members, but he's reliant on them to put on incredible concerts and keep his musical instincts in check. It's not an accident that he made his best music when he had them as collaborators "Dr." Matt Fink was at Prince's side playing keyboards for over a decade. Who can forget the cool guy in scrubs and shades in all the videos! Matt joins us this week to discuss his time with Prince - how the songwriting worked, life at Paisley Park, the craziness of Purple Rain, where the band members fit in with the overall sound, and more. Enjoy!

Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Author Graeme Thomson returns this week to discuss the updated release of his 2012 book, Under the Ivy: The Life & Music of Kate Bush. He had no idea when he finished that book 12 years ago how Kate's profile would change in the next few years. From induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, to the rediscovery of "Running Up That Hill" by millions of new fans, to her Before the Dawn concert residency at a time you assumed she'd never perform again, it's as if her story was just beginning. We discuss why her career seems almost "critic-proof", why she remains so elusive, and what the music she makes now says about her place in life. She's definitely one of the most interesting artists ever and Under The Ivy captures our fascination incredibly well.
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Ivy-Music-Omnibus-Remastered/dp/1915841356
https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Music writer Chris Charlesworth joins us to discuss his new book, Just Backdated, which depicts his years writing for Melody Maker in the seventies. Every music lover would kill for a job like this and Chris was the lucky guy that had it. He befriends his favorite band (the Who), sleeps with groupies, parties with everyone, lives the high life in NYC, goes to concerts every night, and hangs out with all the rock stars of the decade. The book is so fun you won't believe it or put it down. Enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Backdated-Melody-Maker-Seventies/dp/1915858259
https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Episode 495 - Eric Martin of Mr. Big/Bebel Gilberto
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
We've got a unique twofer for you this week. First up is Mr. Big frontman Eric Martin! Eric had been at it for a decade before Mr. Big happened. He fronted bands in the Bay Area and recorded a solo albums that were as poppy as it gets. Luckily, Mr. Big worked out and they just completed their "last" tour and released the live album, The Big Finish as a memento. They've been extra busy beecause they also released a new album earlier this year. He didn't have much time, but we get into his early days, the post "To Be With You" period, and what his plans are now. Then we hear from Bossa Nova royalty Bebel Gilberto! Her dad was the legendary Joao and her step mom was Astrid, but she's built her own incredible career taking her native music into the future. She chats with us for a bit while making lunch about it all. Enjoy!

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Bonus - Carlos Alomar on Luther: Never Too Much
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
The wonderful Carlos Alomar returns to discuss the new Luther Vandross documentary, Luther: Never Too Much. Carlos and his wife Robin Clark have been friends with Luther since high school and that friendship extends from their first group together, Listen My Brother, to them all being introduced to David Bowie for the Young Americans album and beyond. The film shows his launch as one of the greatest male r&b vocalists in history, his many talents as a writer and arranger, his battles with weight, his untimely death, and his complicated personal life. You only have to hear Luther's voice to recognize he's one of the best there's ever been. This incredible film allows us to get to know the man who was as beautiful as his voice and Carlos fleshes it all out for us.

Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Episode 494 - Paul Clark and Trevor Tanner of The Bolshoi/The Bolshoi Brothers
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024

Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Book Club - Daniel Rachel author of Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Ska Week concludes with author Daniel Rachel and our discussion on his fantastic new book, Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story. This essential document tells the story of one of the most revolutionary record labels created to release some of the most revolutionary music ever made. Created by Jerry Dammers in the late 70s, 2 Tone was meant to be a safe place for interracial bands like the Specials and the Selecter to release the hottest ska music happening at the time. Eventually, the label launched other legends like Madness and the English Beat as well, but only lasted a few years. This discussion gets deep on the issues of race and class and how they play a part in the story. The book is as incredible as the movement and music itself. Enjoy!

Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Episode 493 - Horace Panter of the Specials/General Public
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Bassist Horace Panter has been a valuable and reliable sideman for his entire career. He starts out as a founding member of the Specials, contributing mightily to the magic sound of that revolutionary band. After their demise, he joined forces with Dave and Roger to form General Public and rode that wave for a few years. Since then, he's been around for nearly every version of the Specials including the Neville Staple fronted version in the 90s and the Terry Hall reunion version of the 2000s. These days he's mostly retired and doing what he wants. We hear stories of the ups and downs, his last interactions with Terry Hall, his art career, and much more. Enjoy!

Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
We're kicking off "Ska Week" with a conversation with author Marc Wasserman about his new book, Sole Savation: A Gen X Love Letter to the English Beat. Marc writes beautifully about his tough childhood - specifically a broken family life and poor health - and how the band's last album, Special Beat Service, got him through all of it while also informing his lifelong love of music and ska. These are sentiments we share on the Hustle so Marc and Jon go deep on what the band means to them. It's the first of three episodes this week focusing on the ska revolution of the early 80s. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Episode 492 - Boz Boorer
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
We continue celebrating Morrissey's guitarists this week by hearing from longtime collaborator Boz Boorer! The love of rockabilly runs deep with this group and was central to Boz and Moz hitting it off. Boz stuck around for decades and co-wrote many of Moz's best songs including "The More You Ignore Me", "Maladjusted", and "Jack the Ripper". Right now he's about to release a solo album called Morrissey: Reimagined which is him and a bunch of friends doing wild covers of the classics we know. Boz discusses how the two of them work, his current status in the band, his days in the Polecats, and his love for rare vinyl. Enjoy!

Monday Oct 14, 2024
Deep Dive - Dean Pitchford on Footloose (1984)
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
The wonderful Dean Pitchford returns to the podcast to deep dive the gargantuan soundtrack to 1984's Footloose. After winning the Oscar for "Fane: in 1981, Dean set about creating the entire world of Footloose - the songs, the screenplay, etc. It's gone on to sell millions and millions of copies and never left the zeitgeist. Dean goes track by track giving us all the stories behind the songs. He also catches us up on his induction in the Songwriters Hall of Fame (the same ceremony that included R.E.M.) and tells us the story of the Carrie musical he worked on back in the day that never quite made it to the stage. He's a legend and we're lucky to have him back!

Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Episode 491 - Alain Whyte
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
For the next two weeks we're celebrating the guitarists that make Morrissey the artist he was. First up is the great Alain Whyte! Alain was brought on in 91 to simply mime behind Moz in a video, but once they realized how much they had in common musically, he stuck around for the next several years, not to mention he co-wrote many of his best songs like "Alma Matters", "Glamorous Glue" and "Billy Budd" to name only a few. Though he's been out of the Moz orbit for a while, his impact is still felt today and he's taking this on the road. In addition to focusing more on a solo career now, he's also opening some shows for Modern English starting this week! Alain chooses to keep it positive, but you'll learn a lot about the writing process and his love for music is infectious (there are many tangents). Enjoy!

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Episode 490 - Vicki Peterson of the Bangles/Continental Drifters
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Man, the Bangles had a ton of hits in the 80s. It came to an end by the end of the decade, but what a legacy. From there, guitarist and founding member Vicki Peterson took a break from the spotlight and got involved with a sort of mini supergroup called the Continental Drifters. Originally, the Drifters were made up of LA musicians looking for something to do, but their live shows were hot and their network eventually grew to about 10 members and included people like Vicki, Susan Cowsill, and Peter Holsapple among others. A fantastic book about them called White Noise & Lightning was recently published and an all-star tribute album was released last week. Vicki discusses her attachment to the Drifters and her mental state during that period as well as her history with the Bangles, their current status, and the stories behind many songs and videos. She's a legend! Enjoy!

Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Episode 489 - Omar Hakim
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Drummer Omar Hakim is one of those players you know it's him when you hear him. He's been the go-to guy for dozens of legends for over 40 years. Artists like Miles Davis, Sting, Bowie, Dire Straits, Kate Bush rely on him to make them the best they can be. These days, Omar is excited about a new project called Sonic Boom Squad which is almost a solo project. In a fit of creativity he wrote and recorded several funk rock songs along the lines of the Isley Brothers or Mother's Finest and is releasing them over the next few months. We get into all of this as well as playing with Tracy Chapman, Anita Baker, Bruce Hornsby, Bob Geldof, and even Don Johnson and your favorite Mariah Carey Christmas song! There's a lot here. Enjoy!

Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Episode 488 - Carmine Appice
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Carmine Appice is one of the few drum legends we have left. What's interesting to me about his career is that his name is usually bigger than the bands he's in whether it's Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogart, Appice, King Kobra, Blue Murder or his side work with Rod Stewart and Ozzy. These days he's turning his attention to Cactus, who recently released a new album called Temple of Blues where they redo a bunch of the classic Cactus songs and invite their friends along. Buddies like Dee Snider, Ted Nugent, Joe Bonamassa, Dug Pinnick, and tons more feature prominently on this all-star disc. We also discuss each of these Other projects as well as a few more. Carmine's been at it for 60 years and only gotten better. Enjoy!

Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Episode 487 - Randy Jackson of Zebra
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Zebra were a fascinatingly interesting hard rock band in the early 80s that are hard to categorize. While they toured with Sammy Hagar, REO Speedwagon, Journey and the like, their style is what I call "ambitious rock" where the ideas are flowing, but not to the point of prog. They released three exceptional albums, but didn't quite reach the top and then hair metal came along and overwhelmed them. Leader Randy Jackson joins us this week to discuss how it felt on that tidal wave - working with Jack Douglas on the debut album, finally recording a fourth album 17 years later, touring with the Jefferson Airplane after Zebra were done and more. Zebra is a band that absolutely deserves your rediscovery. Enjoy!

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Bonus - 80s Super Group Fantasy Draft with the Permanent Record Podcast
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Jon was invited on the Permanent Record podcast recently with friends Eric Miller and Heidi Waugaman-Page to do a fantasy-styled draft of an 80s super group. We each picked a singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, producer and a special flex person and you can vote on whose band you like the best!
Go to this link and let us hear your picks!
https://permanentrecordpodcast.com/80s-supergroup-fantasy-draft?fbclid=IwY2xjawFFvc5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQFcYzczbwrr-8B9NwIorW3NevZNz-qp8yyU37oEhCTpbGocqr9J9cPA2g_aem_n7_jiZbtPC9vEuoELCT7Xg

Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Episode 486 - Donita Sparks of L7
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
L7 were pioneers. Yes, there were all female rock bands before, but how many rocked as hard as they did with as much authenticity? Those four girls let it all hang out and walked it like they talked it. Success had to find them, they weren't going to play any games to find it. They finally broke through with 'Pretend We're Dead" off their third album, but it was hard keeping it all together and the band began to fracture soon after. For the last several years, the original members have reformed for a new album (2019's Scatter the Rats), several "victory lap" tours celebrating their legacy. Donita Sparks joins us this week to discuss the whole story including hanging out with Lemmy, Nick Cave and Butch Vig as well as filming Serial Mom with John Waters, the response to their 2016 documentary, and tons more. Enjoy!

Monday Sep 02, 2024
Bonus - John Scott Clough
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Actor John Scott Clough appeared in two of the great 80s movies - one underrated and one super cheesy. His big break came in the Sidney Poitier directed Fast Forward about a dance troupe from Ohio who move to the Big Apple to "make it". After appearances in other movies and TV shows of the era like Family Ties, Empty Nest and the Love Boat, he also had a juicy role in Gross Anatomy with Matthew Modine and Christine Lahti. He gives us juicy tidbits from all of this and more including eventually retiring from acting and spending the last few years battling cancer. If I can't use this platform to connect with people I've always found interesting (music or not) then what's the point? Hope you enjoy it!

Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Episode 485 - Gary Newby of the Railway Children
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Britain's Railway Children were a band stuck between movements. Too late for the post-punk explosion of the early 80s and done just before Britpop conquered the world, they released a handful of albums and songs that deserved more attention. "Every Beat of the Heart" did crackthe UK top 40 and singles like "A Pleasure" and "Brighter" did well on the indie charts, but it wasn't enough and the band called it quits in the early 90s after three albums. Frontman Gary Newby joins us this week to explain how it all went down including their tours of the states, going from Factory Records to Virgin, and releasing more music on the band's name. These guys are ripe for rediscovery. Enjoy!

Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Episode 484 - Candi Staton
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Candi Staton is arguably one of the best, and most underrated, soul singers in history. While Aretha and Gladys and Diana were getting most of the attention, Candi was consistently recording incredible music whether it's deep r&b in Muscle Shoals, disco smashes like "Young Hearts Run Free", or quality gospel music. She remains one of the finest interpreters of music ever and she joins us this week to discuss her storied career including starting out on the chitlin circuit, her approach to making a song her own, and her association with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker back in the day. We're so lucky she's still here, sounding great, and making new music!

Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Episode 483 - Danton Supple
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Producer/Engineer/Mixer Danton Supple has been at the forefront of big music by big artists since he first broke into the business in the 80s. U2, Coldplay, Pet Shop Boys, Morrissey and more are prominently on his CV. In this conversation we cover all of those as well as Elbow, Doves, Starsailor (which included Phil Spector's last project), Spandau Ballet and his work with past guests Clive Langer, Steve Lillywhite, Trevor Horn, Julian Mendelsohn and tons more. His stories are gold and almost as great as his talents. Enjoy!

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Episode 482 - Annie Golden of the Shirts
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Annie Golden's career has hit on almost every creative endeavor there is. She starts out in the 70s fronting the punk/new wave band The Shirts who are making waves in the CBGB scene with Blondie, Television and the rest. The band released three good albums, but none of them really took off. Then, one fateful night, director Milos Foreman goes to their show and immediately decides to cast her in his new movie Hair. This kicks off her acting career (both on the big and small screens as well as Broadway) that has never let up. She might be best known these days for her role as the mute inmate Norma on Orange is the New Black. The Shirts have released a couple more albums in the 2000s with different vocalists, but Annie lends her voice to a new single, "Move On Groove On" that's a tribute to a close friend. Her spirit is infectious. Enjoy!

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Book Club - Gillian Gaar author of Springsteen @ 75
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
This week we continue speaking with some of the authors of the wonderful @ series. Our guest is Gillian Gaar, author of Springsteen@75. Gillian discusses her love of Bruce and how her book contributes to the narrative of one of America's most beloved artists. We discuss many of her other projects as well like books she's written on Nirvana and Queen. AND we have a copy of this book to give away! Enjoy!

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Episode 481 - Mark Gardener of Ride/Ryan Policky of A Shoreline Dream
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
This week's twofer is a fun one. We hear from a major British rock band and then we hear from a newer band heavily influenced by the first band! First up is Mark Gardener of Ride! They, along with bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, were the key figures in the Shoegaze movement of the late 80s. Ride's debut album, Nowhere, is one of the greatest examples of the genre. Eventually the guys changed their style and imploded as they went, but they've been back since 2017 and their new album, Interplay, is their best yet. Mark and I get into all of it, including his recent collaboration with Ryan! A Shoreline Dream are a dream pop/shoegaze band heavily influenced by the likes of Ride and have been doing strong work for almost 20 years. Their new album, Whitelined, features songs with Mark. Ryan discusses the life of an indie artist and his early life in Hollywood. This episode is packed with great music. Gear up!

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Episode 480 - Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Has it really been 25 years since "Everything You Want" took over the airwaves? The 90s are littered with one hit or album wonders, artists that broke out, but were forced to break down thanks to a chaotic music biz, but VH mastermind Matt Scannell has not only survived but thrived. He could have packed it in after the label buried their follow up album to the double platinum breakthrough, or he could have called it quits at any point while scratching to make it as an indie artist. But, instead, he's gone from strength to strength, gaining the admiration of people like Neil Peart and Richard Marx along the way. The band is about to hit the road with Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket to celebrate those glory days. Hear his stories from how he met the legends to his love of watches. Enjoy!