Episodes
Tuesday Jul 25, 2017
Episode 116 - Froilan Sosa of Nuclear Valdez
Tuesday Jul 25, 2017
Tuesday Jul 25, 2017
Nuclear Valdez were an excellent and highly buzzed about alternative rock band out of Miami in the late 80s. A lot of the hype centered around what shouldn't be that unique of a thing, but is, the fact that they were all Hispanic. Their debut album, 1989's I Am I with it's debut single "Summer" made a splash and the band was invited to perform on one of the very first MTV Unplugged episodes. Unfortunately, the label never put their full muscle behind the band (even though similar artists like the Alarm and Jane's Addiction were seeing big success) and after a second album, 1991's Dream Another Dream, the guys called it quits. Lead singer Froilan Sosa reflects on this time in his life and how he processed it all. The good news is that they released a new album on Record Store Day called Present From the Past, which is a collection of songs they were working on back in the 90s. And, they are playing a reunion gig in Miami this Saturday (7/29)! Great band - deserved more.
Sunday Jul 23, 2017
Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground: 4 Songs That Shoulda Been Hits
Sunday Jul 23, 2017
Sunday Jul 23, 2017
Jon was invited on Suburban Underground this week, one of his favorite radio programs (Bedford 105 in New Hampshire). Hosts Drew and Steve challenged all of us to bring a song from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s that should have been a hit and then defend our choices. We need you to tell us who you think has the best taste!
Suburban Underground is a weekly show that plays excellent alternative rock that's under the radar or hasn't been heard in a while. It's also a podcast! Please subscribe for your weekly slab of great music that doesn't get heard as often.
https://suburbanunderground.podbean.com/
Tuesday Jul 18, 2017
Episode 115 - Dave Gregory of XTC/Big Big Train
Tuesday Jul 18, 2017
Tuesday Jul 18, 2017
XTC were one of the most beloved bands of the burgeoning alternative rock era. Armed with catchy and witty songs that leaned to the quirkier side of pop music, they produced a steady stream of excellent records from the late 70s until their demise in the 90s. Guitarist Dave Gregory shares with us some refreshingly honest stories about the challenges of being in the band such as not being able to tour and clashes with famous producers, but also the highs of recording such great music. Today, Dave's main gig is as a member of progressive rock band Big Big Train who released a new album, Grimspound, this year. Such a lovely guy and conversation!
Wednesday Jul 12, 2017
Episode 114 - Gilson Lavis of Squeeze
Wednesday Jul 12, 2017
Wednesday Jul 12, 2017
Squeeze were one of the most beloved bands of the modern rock era and sitting at the center of the band was drummer Gilson Lavis. Always looking like a man out of time, looking smart and gentlemanly in the alternative UK underground, Gilson contributed to some of the best and most revered pop songs of the last 40 years like "Tempted", "Cool For Cats", and "Pulling Mussels From a Shell". He's been out of the band for 25 years now, but today he's employed by former bandmate Jools Holland in his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, so the music carries on. He's also begun a successful second life as a sketch artist and has a big show coming up at a gallery in NYC in September. If you're a Squeeze fanatic, you'll love this because we cover it all!
Saturday Jul 08, 2017
Bonus - Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull
Saturday Jul 08, 2017
Saturday Jul 08, 2017
This is a busy year for Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. For starters, there's a new String Quartet album of JT classics performed by the Carducci Quartet. In addition, this year marks the 40th anniversary of maybe the most formative album in my life, Songs From The Wood. He only had 20 mins to chat, so we discussed where Songs From the Wood fits in their canon and how the String Quartet album came to be, as well as a few nerdy things I've always wondered about. I could have kept him for hours!
http://jethrotull.com/
Tuesday Jul 04, 2017
Episode 113 - Lee Greenwood
Tuesday Jul 04, 2017
Tuesday Jul 04, 2017
Today is Independence Day in America and who better to celebrate with than Lee Greenwood! By now, his "God Bless the USA" has basically become another unofficial national anthem. He's performed the song for several Presidents, including at Donald Trump's inauguration in January. This is a unique opportunity to get to know the man behind the song. He had been a successful country singer in the early 80s before his signature tune took over his life. He talks candidly about how it's blessed his life as well as what gets him excited creatively today. We talk about the state of the country without making it about politics, which I'm particularly proud of. He's a really good man and a devout patriot. Enjoy!