Episodes
Monday Apr 11, 2022
2022 Recap vol.1
Monday Apr 11, 2022
Monday Apr 11, 2022
This time Jon is joined by Hustle CMO Any Schaal to recap the last three month's of episodes. Lots of behind the scenes stories, what's working and what isn't, some parenting experiences, Jan's new podcast (!), recent concerts and more. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Episode 361 - Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins/Solo
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Wednesday Apr 06, 2022
Is Robin Guthrie one of the most influential guitarists ever? Going back to his days with the Cocteau Twins, up to his stellar solo work the last 25 years, his shimmering, reverb-heavy style pretty much kicked off the Shoegaze and Dream Pop movements. Not to mention, it inspired every bedroom player to mess with the pedals and knobs to find that perfect sound. Robin has spent the last couple decades adding to his legacy by consistenly releasing stellar albums (mostly ambient, many with others including frequent collaborator Harold Budd). This embarrassment of riches continues as he's put out three beautiful EPs as well as the wonderful full length, Pearldiving, just in the last year! Robin joins us to discuss his approach to music making, some of his production work with artists like Lush and Ian McCulloch, and stories from the old Cocteau Twins days. Enjoy!
Sunday Apr 03, 2022
Book Club - Ben Wardle author of Mark Hollis: A Perfect Silence
Sunday Apr 03, 2022
Sunday Apr 03, 2022
Author Ben Wardle has pulled off what, until a few years ago, would have been impossible. He's written a brand new book detailing the life of the late great, and intensely private, Mark Hollis of Talk Talk. A Perfect Silence includes interviews with many people who worked closely with Mark and helps us get as close as possible to understanding the man who walked away from music (and public life) almost 25 years ago and never resurfaced. We learn Mark was into golf and motorcycles, but never strayed from that fiercely independent streak. Enjoy!
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Episode 360 - Dave Wakeling of the English Beat/General Public
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Good ol' Dave Wakeling. Still out there keeping the flame of English Beat and General Public alive. Sadly, after the passing of his old buddy Ranking Roger three years ago, the mantle sits squarely on his shoulders. In this conversation (that's the best word for it) Dave and I discuss the ups and downs of his relationship with Roger, his approach to songwriting, his non-starting solo album, their early 90s comeback, whether Mick Jones was meant to be a member of General Public, growing old, John Hughes, and about a dozen other topics. Dave and the English Beat are one of the most impactful bands of my life and it was an honor to chat with the legend himself.
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Episode 359 - Dale Bozzio of Missing Persons
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Tuesday Mar 22, 2022
Would Lady Gaga, Madonna and New Wave music in general be what they became without the stylistic influence of Dale Bozzio and the guys in Missing Persons? Not only did the band establish a template for the new wave sound with their debut album Spring Session M in 1982, but Dale otherworldly look married substance and style in a way that hadn't been done before. Dale writes about her wild life in her new book Life Is So Strange, which details her being discovered by Frank Zappa, marrying Terry Bozzio, working with Prince, and much more. Believe it or not, in this conversation Dale gives us in detail her list of lovers from back in the day! Buckle up for a wild ride!
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Episode 358 - Curtis Stigers
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Wednesday Mar 16, 2022
Almost exactly 30 years ago, Curtis Stigers had it all going for him. His first album is hitting big thanks to the song "I Wonder Why" climbing the charts, his cover of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" is included on The Bodyguard soundtrack (famously making Nick Lowe a rich man) and he's working with legends like Carole King. But, after a few more years, Curtis makes the bold choice to switch to jazz and he's been among the best of the genre since. He recently released the fantastic This Life album and shares with us what brought on the switch, his love for the artists he's covered like Crowded House and the Blue Nile, run-ins with Clive Davis, and growing up in Boise. Curtis is an extremely cool guy and This Life might be his best album yet.
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Episode 357 - Tim Finn of Split Enz/Solo
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
This week we're welcomed by rock royalty. Tim Finn is one of the most consequential artists of the last 50 years, especially for music lovers Down Under. As one of the founding members of Split Enz, he brought New Wave closer to the mainstream and pushed boundaries for others. Then his wonderful solo career, dalliances with Crowded House and collaborations with brother Neil as well as Phil Manzanera, Eddie Rayner and many more have maintained an unparalleled level of quality. He and Eddie are at it again as Forenzics and have just released a new album called Shades and Echoes that is one of the best things either of them has done. Tim and I discuss this fantastic new project, his other incredible more recent work, and we hear stories from the past as well. He's a legend and better now than ever before, we're lucky to hear from him.
Sunday Mar 06, 2022
Sunday Mar 06, 2022
Australia's Hoodoo Gurus are releasing their first new album in 12 years, Chariot of the Gods on March 11th. Lead singer Dave Faulkner returns to the pod to discuss the state of the world that inspired a lot of these songs. the idea that it might be the band's final statement, and the status of their world tour. Also, the band will be performing the whole album on a livestream the day before the release. Tickets to the show are available on their website below. We're so lucky to have this band still with us and still at the top of their game.
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Episode 356 - Gina Schock of the Go-Go’s
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Wednesday Mar 02, 2022
Thanks to the effective and entertaining documentary from 2020, the Go-Go's are enjoying a much-deserved resurgence. The revolutionary group of gals even made it into the Rock Hall last year, finally! Drummer Gina Schock released the beautiful coffee table picture book/memoir called Made In Hollywood last year. With all that's going on, it's time for Gina to tell her story. In this chat we expand on stories from the book, get a feel for the band dynamic, and go deep on her musical contribution to the band, as well as her solo career and singer like Miley and Selena who have sung her songs. She's a straight shooter, it's what we love about her!
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Episode 355 - Ivan Doroschuk of Men Without Hats
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
If all you know about Men Without Hats is their eternal hit "Safety Dance" you're missing out. The Canadian synthpop outfit tried other styles and broadened their sound (1987's Pop Goes The Worldbeing a high point), including a grunge album few have heard, but it's been "Safety Dance '' that has never gone away and for good reason, it's still as fresh as it was in '82. Frontman Ivan Doroschuk has been at the helm the whole time and talks candidly about some of his struggles, but, ultimately, his gratitude for what has turned out to be a wonderful career. We also get into his punk and prog roots and his new music including last year's covers EP Again, Pt.1 (Again, Pt. 2 comes out next month and includes all new songs). Ivan deserves all the success he gets!
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
Sunday Feb 20, 2022
First time author Bradley Morgan felt compelled to compare the political world that encircled U2's creation of the iconic Joshua Tree album with the state of the country today. Bradley dissects the album track by track, retelling the inspiration behind each song, and paints a vivid picture of what inspired four Irish punks to make a definitive statement of Reagan's America. Additionally, how does it stand up today and have "the two Americas" become more unified? We're joined this week by co-host Karli Anderson to hear what inspired Bradley to write the book, his own personal story of discovery, and how the world has changed and not for the better. It's great book about a legendary moment in time.
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
Episode 354 - Mick Wall
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
Wednesday Feb 16, 2022
No Rock Doc is complete without an appearance from esteemed British rock writer Mick Wall. Mick's career goes way back to the 70s working promotion and PR for many of the great New Wave bands, but he quickly realized the real action was in Heavy Metal. This led to gigs writing for Kerrang! and Classic Rock magazines (among many others) and penning books on Zeppelin, GnR, Meat Loaf, Ozzy, Maiden, Sabbath, Lemmy and many more. Mick recently started the Mick Wall Podcast which is a load of fun. Mick shares stories about life in the trenches, fellow writers, and his encounters with everyone from Zeppelin to Bowie, to Iggy to Queen. This is a blast and Mick's seen it all!
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Bonus - Howie Klein
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Sunday Feb 13, 2022
Here's my conversation with label honcho, political blogger, gay activist and more Howie Klein. In the 70s Howie was a DJ and concert promoter in San Francisco when he started 415 Records. That story was told brilliantly in Bill Kopp's new book Disturbing the Peace that we showcased last week. When 415 was sold to Columbia, it kicked off Howie's long career as a mover and shaker in the music biz. In here we talk a lot about his time at Sire and Warner Bros. where he worked closely with Depeche Mode, Lou Reed, Eric Clapton, Ice T, Morrissey, the Ocean Blue, Seal, Barenaked Ladies and Wilco (he was featured in their documentary). He's now involved in politics and blogs about it on his website Down With Tyranny (he tells a great story about the Clintons in here). Hear his recollections on it all!
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Episode 353 - Beau Hill
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
One could argue that producer Beau Hill is the architect of the sound of 80s Hair Metal. Just as his nascent producing career is getting started, Ratt hit the jackpot with Out of the Cellar and "Round and Round" and from there he (along with Bob Rock and Ron Nevison) becomes THE go-to-guy for that sound. That leads to huge commercial success with bands like Warrant, Winger, Twisted Sister, Europe and Alice Cooper (not to mention fantastic bands that didn't take off like Airrace, Sandy Stewart, Streets, Fiona, and Fast Forward). We hear about all of it including the stories behind "Cherry Pie" and "Seventeen" and how they affected Jani and Kip, his early career bands like Shanghai and Airborne, and what he does today. It's a huge honor to hear from one of the biggest producers of all time!
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Monday Feb 07, 2022
Author Bill Kopp has gifted music lovers with a fantastic piece of history. In his new book, Disturbing The Peace, Bill tells the story of San Francisco's influential 415 Record label started by Howie Klein and Chris Knabb. The story recounts how this upstart label even got off the ground, the key venues that built the scene, and, of course, the many excellent bands, many of which have been lost to history. Eventually, when 415 artists like Romeo Void, Translator, Wire Train and Red Rockers started having success, Klein sold the label to Columbia, which turned out to be the deathell. This fantastic history book includes loads of rare pictures, flyers, and stories that deserve to be told, but haven't been till now.
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Episode 352 - Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors/Solo
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Wednesday Feb 02, 2022
Rocker Mark Seymour is one of Australia's greatest gifts to music. From his many years fronting the mighty Hunters & Collectors to his last couple decades putting out quality solo work, Mark has fought the good fight and inspired millions of others to do the same. In our conversation we discuss the difficulty of being the main songwriter for a large band with strong opinions as well as their change in sound over time, why they never quite took off in the States while compadres like Midnight Oil, INXS and Crowded House (featuring his little brother Nick) did, why H&C's album Under One Roof might be the greatest live album of all time, his latest album Slow Dawn from 2020, and the stories behind several of his classic tunes like the immortal "Throw Your Arms Around Me". And, of course, we get hear more "Only in Utah" stores. Rediscover Australian royalty!
Monday Jan 31, 2022
2021 Year in Review
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Jon and Jan look back at 2021, discuss life without their dads, the state of the world and more. We also recap the last three month's worth of episodes with any behind the scenes stories, and countdown our Top 10 eps of the year, as well as the listener picks. And lastly, we answer some listener questions (hope we got most of them). Thanks for sticking with us!
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Episode 351 - Jacknife Lee
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Where to start with Jacknife Lee? He's been one of the most successful and in demand producers of the last 20 years for a start. A short list of people he's worked with include the Killers, Weezer, Modest Mouse, James, Neil DIamond, One Direction, Taylor Swift, REM, Snow Patrol, the Hives, Bloc Party and the Cars, and he won a Grammy for U2's Atomic Bomb album. Then there's his solo work, which always includes incredible artists like Beth Ditto, Sneaks, and Open Mike Eagle to create forward-thinking dance music. And then there are his many collaborations like his current one, Telefis with fellow Irishman Cathal Coughlan. This one's a doozy as Jacknife explains these pairings as well as many many others, how he got sick of himself and changed his way of producing, and the music that inspires him every day. There's a lot here, sit back and enjoy!
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Episode 350 - Doug MacMillian of The Connells
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Wednesday Jan 19, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina's Connells have had a unique career. Jangly, college rock mainstays in America/HUGE one-hit-wonders in Europe. Throughout the 80s and 90s the band was able to make a career in Indie rock with songs like "Stone Cold Yesterday" and albums like the MItch Easter produced Boylan Heights. But, in 1993 they had a giant hit across the Atlantic with "74-75" which seemed to come out of nowhere. The band called it quits 20 years ago, but in 2021 they released their first album since then called Steadman's Wake and it's easily among their best. Lead singer Doug MacMillian joins us to recount this wild road, share stories of recording at the same studio as Shane MacGowan and Joe Strummer, and almost going to jail in Salt Lake City. If you haven't thought about the Connells in a while, now's the time to reconnect!
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Episode 349 - Dee C. Lee of the Style Council/Solo
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Wednesday Jan 12, 2022
Singer Dee C. Lee's vocal talents are undeniable. She was already making strides in the London music scene when she was pegged by Wham! to sing back up on their first album which featured hits like "Club Tropicana" and "Young Guns (Go For It)". This led to the life-changing gig with the Style Council. Hits like "Walls Come Tumbling Down", "Shout to the Top", and "Wanted" wouldn't be what they are without her. She proved to be so valuable she became a full member and a writer, not to mention she married and had two kids with Modfather Paul Weller. Along the way she managed a couple of her own solo hits like the huge "See The Day". Eventually, when the band and the marriage broke up, Dee focused more on that solo career, but when it wasn't happening she pretty much retired. Today she's working on her first solo material in decades and ready to get back into the biz! We get to hear stories about all of it, including Live Aid, working with the late great Guru of Gang Starr, and Dr. Robert of the Blow Monkeys. Enjoy!
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Episode 348 - Stephen Hague
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Wednesday Jan 05, 2022
Would you ever guess that one of the key producers for the radical synth-styled music coming out of the UK in the 80s was an American former LA session musician? Thanks to artists like New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, OMD and many others, Stephen Hague shaped what we think of when we think of the best music artists like that had to offer in the 80s. He's been a key figure in music ever since. Since his 80s career was recently covered fantastically on the 80sography podcast, we dig into other areas like the 90s and beyond that included Robbie Robertson, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Peter Gabriel, James, Robert Palmer, a-ha, Dubstar, and Blow Monkeys (with New Order and PSB also being discussed), as well as his early days with Jules Shear and Walter Egan. When you combine this with the series on 80sography you get the complete picture of this genius. Enjoy!
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Episode 347 - Rocky Burnette
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
In 1980, Rocky Burnette hit #8 on the pop charts with "Tired of Toein' The Line", an excellent song that still holds up today. That may have been the peak of his solo career, but his musical history stretches much further. His dad was Johnny Burnette, the Godfather of Rockabilly. Rocky shares stories of growing up in old Hollywood and hanging out with Elvis. His cousin is Billy Burnette, who replaced Lindsey in Fleetwood Mac in the late 80s, and has had a solid career of his own. After Rocky's solo career stalled, he spent the next 30 years playing his dad's music and carrying the torch for Rockabilly. Unfortunately, he's been suffering from emphysema for a while and doesn't get out there much, but we were lucky to have him share some stories with us. Enjoy!
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Episode 346 - Colin Campsie of The Quick/Giant Steps
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Wednesday Dec 22, 2021
Colin Campsie is one of those artists that consistently made quality music whether everyone was paying attention or not. He and his partner George McFarlane finally started having success in the early 80s as The Quick, an excellent dance group that had a #1 Dance chart hit with "Zulu". After three albums they changed their name to Giant Steps, took on a more r&b style, and scored a #13 hit in 1988 with "Another Lover". However, both before and since, Colin has written and produced for other people consistently racking up a diverse resume in the process. Along the way he even befriended former guest Phil Thornalley and the two have worked together on various projects (Natalie Imbruglia, Kasim Sulton, etc) ever since. Here's his whole story and you're likely to hear a lot of new songs that you're sure to love. Enjoy!
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Episode 345 - Jerry Casale of DEVO
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
DEVO are the template for New Wave. Mixing the DIY aggression of punk with the new technology of the late 70s is what they did better than anyone else. Over the years, the music could be up and down, but their vision of de-evolution has proven to be accurate. Co-founder Jerry Casale has also had a successful career as a director and has recently created one of his best videos yet to his new single "I'm Gonna Pay You Back". It's amazing. Here we discuss his entire career as well as a heavy dose of politics (of course). the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the mysterious death of his brother, Bob 2, his wine business, 80s movie soundtracks, and a bunch more. He's a legend!
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
Podcaster Panel: The Rookies
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
Sunday Dec 12, 2021
This week I had a chat with four of our newer podcasting friends, all of which have started their own pods fairly recently. There's Alex Alt of the Sly Dog Music-Cast, Mike Wiles of Retro Rock Roundup, Patrick Dupuis of EETF and Nick Bambach of Rock in Retrospect. Each host brings with them stories about what it takes to start and maintain a podcast, what have we learned, what were expectations going in and how have they changed, monetization, work vs reward, and where we see this going. If anyone is thinking of starting a podcast, here's everything you need to know! Special thanks for the work these guys do, give them all a listen if you haven't already! And, like the others, this was recorded live and immediately posted with no edits. Enjoy!
Saturday Dec 11, 2021
Bonus - Sequence One: Glass Jar with Brent Zius
Saturday Dec 11, 2021
Saturday Dec 11, 2021
Our good friend Brent Zius (Podcast Rock City) has a unique and ambitious music project we wanted to tell you about. With the help of musician Zoog Von Rock of Angelspit, they've created an epic vinyl sci-fi concept album called Sequence One: Glass Jar. It's a space fantasy audio journey unlike anything you've seen before. The project is in the kickstarter stage, so if you like what you hear, please consider contributing. Either before or after this interview, be sure to watch the video at the link below. It explains it all. Enjoy!
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Episode 344 - Tony Kaye of Yes
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tony Kaye does what he wants. As a founding member of Yes, he helped build the band into legends, but left after three albums when it stopped being fun. After spurts in bands like Detective and Badfinger and touring with Bowie, he came back to Yes for their 80s heyday, but eventually left again, when it stopped being fun. In fact, he's been known to leave music altogether to play tennis, sell t-shirts, whatever got him excited. Now, largely retired in Florida, he's created a totally unique work for his first solo album. End of Innocence is an album he composed about 9/11 illustrating the devastation of that day and its aftermath. Here we get into all of it and more. Emjoy!
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Podcaster Panel: Get Back and Music Wormholes
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
Sunday Dec 05, 2021
This week we welcome back more of our best buddies - Joy Royland of Sit and Spin with Joe, Ben Montgomery of Records Revisited and, the Podfather himself, Ken Mills to discuss again our impressions of the Get Back documentary. What did we learn, what would we change, etc. This leads to a second discussion on musical wormholes we went on this year. Again, this was recorded live and then released - no edits! Enjoy!
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Episode 343 - Pete Byrne of Naked Eyes
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
When you think about all the classic synth pop duos of the 80s (Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, OMD, etc) Naked Eyes are right up there too. Rob Fisher and Pete Byrne only managed two albums in their heyday, but scored four top 40 hits like "Always Something There to Remind Me" and "Promises Promises" that have remained evergreen. After Rob's death, Pete IS Naked Eyes these days and put out a brand new album this year called Disguise The Limit, their first album of all new material in over 35 years. Pete tells us about singing with Stevie Wonder, writing for the Olsen Twins, and a lot more. Enjoy!
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Podcaster Panel: 2021 TV Shows
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Monday Nov 29, 2021
Today we recorded a live round table with some of our best friends - Brad Page of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast, BJ Kramp from Rock and/or Roll, and Eric Miller of the Pods & Sods Network. The point of the discussion was to countdown our top three TV shows of the year, which we do, but before that we spend a lot of time discussing Get Back, whether BJ and Eric are even still in podcasting, Thanksgiving, turning friendly chats into content, and a bunch of other stuff. Once again, we just hit record and started talking, no edits, songs etc. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Episode 342 - Jude Cole
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
Wednesday Nov 24, 2021
When singer/songwriter Jude Cole was on the scene from the mid 80s to the mid 90s you knew you were listening to someone special. His ability to marry hooks and harmonies in a rock, bordering on Americana, tradition (think of someone like Aimee Mann) put him above the rest. But, after four strong albums and some moderate hits, he decided to change his focus to artist management, even discovering successful acts like Lifehouse. After 20 years of being on that side of the business, Jude is back this year with two (!) excellent new albums, Coup De Main and Coolerator. Here we talk about his various experiences, brushes with McCartney, 80s movie soundtracks, and more. Rediscover this hugely talented artist!
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Episode 341 - Susan Rogers
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021
Noted audio engineer/producer Susan Rogers began her unique career in the late 70s, but she really earned her bona fides when she moved to Minneapolis to assist Prince. She was right by his side during those peak Purple Rain to Sign O the Times years, helping him create, record, log, and document his every creative impulse (she created his famous "Vault"). She shares stories of her experiences that add invaluable color to who Prince was and what he was like to work with. After leaving Prince, she worked with rising indie rock acts like Michael Penn, Edie Brickel and New Bohemians, Public Image Ltd., Paul Westerberg, Geggy Tah, and Barenaked Ladies. For the last 20 years she's been teaching at the Berklee School of Music. Her encyclopedic memory of it all makes for one of the most fascinating conversations we've ever had on the show. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Episode 340 - Donnie Iris
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Wednesday Nov 10, 2021
Unless you live in Ohio or Pennsylvania, you may not have heard from the great Donnie Iris for a while. Many of us fans probably even carry some regret that he wasn't a bigger star when he was active back in the 80s. Well, there's no need to worry! Donnie has been living the life for many years now, playing a few shows a year along the Rust Belt, putting out an album or two here and there, and enjoying the spoils of his labor. This was a light-hearted, funny conversation and I think you'll agree it's good to hear from Donnie again!
Monday Nov 08, 2021
2021 Recap vol.3
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Jon and Jan recap the last three months of episodes, including a few behind the scenes stories. While they're at it they get into death, work, travel, and life in general. Join us!
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Episode 339 - Alan Parsons/Mike Thorne
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
Wednesday Nov 03, 2021
This week is a special two-fer, two legendary producers in one shot! First up is the legend himself, Alan Parsons! If you think about it, even with all the iconic albums he's worked on like Dark Side and Abbey Road, his main focus has largely been his Alan Parsons Project. In fact, they are releasing a brand new live CD/DVD called The Neverending Show: Live in the Netherlands on Nov. 5th. We discuss the Project's history and hits as well. Then we talk to producer Mike Thorne. This is the man who produced eternal hits like "Tainted Love", "Smalltown Boy", and "Voices Carry". Not to mention that while he worked A&R, he encouraged EMI to sign the Sex Pistols! Lots to cover!
www.alanparsons.com
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Episode 338 - Midge Ure
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Wednesday Oct 27, 2021
Midge Ure has done so many amazing things, been in so many amazing bands, and recorded so much amazing music that you could fill several books! From Slik to the Rich Kids to Thin Lizzy to Visage and finally Ultavox, he was a pioneer in the sound that synths and guitars could make together, creating some of the most enduring music ever. We touch on just about all of this, as well as his solo career and working with luminaries like Phil Lynott, Paddy Maloney, and Kate Bush as well as many others. This week he embarks on the US leg of the Unzoomed and Face to Face tour before kicking off the Voice and Visions tour in Europe in early 2022. He's one of the greats!
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Episode 337 - Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls/Solo
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Oct 20, 2021
This week we are honored to welcome Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls! Any conversation with a citizen as solid as Amy is going to include the current state of the world, but her empathetic and wise view of it all may surprise you. She's seen it all and knows firsthand that positive change happens slowly. We also discuss fun stuff like her excellent solo career, her memories of Lilith Fair (they've evolved over the years), her love for Salt Lake City, her memories of the recently departed Nanci Griffith, and what it's like making new music now, like last year's excellent IG album Look Long. The world is a better place thanks to the Indigo Girls and we're lucky to have them!
Sunday Oct 17, 2021
Book Club: Mike Evans author of The Who: Much Too Much
Sunday Oct 17, 2021
Sunday Oct 17, 2021
In this edition of Book Club we welcome seasoned rock writer Mike Evans to discuss his new book, The Who: Much Too Much. Mike's book tells us the whole Who story, from beginning to end, while also reviewing every Who album and song. Plus, it features scores of never before seen photos. It's the perfect starter guide for the band. Jon and Dave discuss Mike's history with the band, his feelings are the band's dynamics, favorite songs, and more. Enjoy!
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Episode 336 - Jon ”Bermuda” Schwartz of ”Weird” Al Yankovic
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Wednesday Oct 13, 2021
Drummer Bermuda Schwartz has been by "Weird" Al's side since that fateful day when they recorded "Another One Rides the Bus" for Dr. Demento. In all these years, he's watched as new generations discover Al at just the right time and remain devoted fans over the decades (bringing their kids and grandkids along for the ride). While helping Al fulfill his comedic and creative vision, Bermuda has also served as archivist, collecting every speck of swag/recording/photo there's ever been. This has resulted in the glorious book, Black & White & Weird All Over: The Lost Photographs of "Weird Al" Yankovic '83 - '86 which came out last year. Every "Weird" Al fan should have a copy! We talk about all of it and more!
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Episode 335 - Chris Frantz of Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Wednesday Oct 06, 2021
Last year, drummer Chris Frantz released his excellent memoir "Remain in Love", a sincerely wonderful and unique rock bio. This week he joins us to discuss his life before, during and after Talking Heads, but also the central relationship in his life, his marriage with the great Tina Weymouth. He also share stories how the band's sound evolved over time, his production work with Happy Mondays and Ziggy Marley, and how Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" has provided a very nice living thanks to Mariah Carey. Hopefully this conversation makes you want to read the entire book, because it's well worth it!
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Episode 334 - Martin Briley
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Singer/Songwriter Martin Briley's solo career may have been brief, but he isn't bothered about it. Best known for the 1983 hit "The Salt in My Tears", Martin has always been way more comfortable working behind the scenes. He has been a session guy for artists like Ellen Foley, Ian Hunter, Julian Lennon and Bonnie Tyler (he even plays on "Total Eclipse of the Heart"), but his focus has always been on writing, preferably for anyone but himself. This has led to everyone from Celine Dion to N'Sync to Kenny Loggins to Greg Allman and even Patrick Swayze recording his tunes.Martin, in his own very dry and self-deprecating way, explains his feelings and motivations about his unique career, the stories behind some of his songs, and the new music he's making now. He downplays his talent, but Martin is an amazing songwriter ripe for rediscovery!
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Episode 333 - Tessa Niles
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Wednesday Sep 22, 2021
Whether you're aware of it or not, you've heard Tessa Niles' voice on dozens of beloved songs. She was one of Britain's most in demand backup singers for more than 20 years appearing with artists like ABC, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Steve Winwood, Tears For Fears. In addition she toured with Eric Clapton, the Police, Robbie Williams and performed at Live Aid with David Bowie. She's written her entire story in the endlessly entertaining memoir Backtrack which is highly recommended. In our conversation, we cover all of these people as well as unbelievable interactions with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mick Jagger, George Harrison and more. She's a wonderful lady with so much to say. Enjoy!
Sunday Sep 19, 2021
Book Club - John Aizlewood author of Joy Division + New Order: Decades
Sunday Sep 19, 2021
Sunday Sep 19, 2021
Esteemed music writer John Aizlewood returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Joy Division + New Order: Decades. The book is a fantastic distillation of the band's story along with beautiful never before seen photos and reviews of every album, written in that intelligent and entertaining way that only John can do. We also discuss the band's place in history, it's current dysfunction and favorite songs. And, since we're lucky to have John back, we discuss some other artists too. Enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Episode 332 - Gary Langan
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Wednesday Sep 15, 2021
Can you imagine what it must have been like to actually work with Queen on "Bohemian Rhapsody"? Producer Gary Langan can say he was there! Gary's done a lot, but his career really started to take off in the early 80s when he was a member of Trevor Horn's production team. That connection had him working on landmark albums by Yes, ABC and Malcolm McLaren. He went on to do his own work with artists like Spandau Ballet, Public Image Ltd, Then Jerico, Scritti Politti, The Dream Academy and Billy Idol. We cover all of this as well as how he handled Trevor's working style, what he does now, and his continual work with the Art of Noise. So much great music, enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Episode 331 - Kasim Sulton of Utopia/Todd Rundgren/Meat Loaf/Blue Oyster Cult/Solo
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
Wednesday Sep 08, 2021
This week is one of the best sidemen in the business, Kasim Sulton! Kasim hit the big leagues when he joined Utopia in the mid-70s where he stayed for about a decade. Of course this formed the bond with Todd Rundgren that has remained to this day. In addition there have been stints with Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, Hall and Oates, Blue Oyster Cult, the Indigo Girls and many more. When he has the time, he releases solo albums, including his latest, Kasim 2021 (produced by former guest Phil Thornalley), which comes out on Sept. 17th. Here we go deep on the new album, how he's managed to be a Robin to so many "difficult" Batmen, collaborating with other former guests like Cherry Vanilla and Glen Burtnik, and much more. Enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Episode 330 - Ian McNabb of the Icicle Works/Solo
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
Wednesday Sep 01, 2021
As great as the Icicle Works were, they will forever be remembered for one perfect moment, the still gorgeous "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)". After that one hit in the States (and a few more in the UK), the band called it quits in the 90s and lead singer Ian McNabb has been going strong ever since. He's been on an especially epic hot streak the last few years with several exceptional albums in a row, capped off with his latest, Utopian. Ian discusses very openly the history of Icicle Works, how "Birds Fly" even came to be, working with Neil Young's band Crazy Horse, and how he manages his independent solo career. Ian is funny and honest, the two best qualities in a guest, making this one of the best episodes of the year!
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
Episode 329 - Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze/Solo
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
The duo of Difford and Tillbrook are up there with Jagger/Richards, Lennon/McCartney, John/Taupin and Holland/Dozier/Holland as one of history's greatest songwriting teams. Glenn's knack for a melody has always provided the perfect space for Chris's intelligent lyrics. Today, Squeeze is as busy as ever. They're currently on tour (some dates as openers for Hall & Oates), and Glenn continues to release strong albums, both with Squeeze and solo. Glenn and I discuss the history of the band, the stories behind some of his deeper tracks, and how he views where Squeeze is now. He's simply one of the best there's ever been. Enjoy!
Monday Aug 23, 2021
Deep Dive - Ellen Foley on Nightout (1979)
Monday Aug 23, 2021
Monday Aug 23, 2021
From out of nowhere, former guest Ellen Foley has released one of the best rock albums of 2021. Her latest work (and only her second in 40 years), Fighting Words hearkens back to her glam rock beginnings when she was a beautiful instrument in the hands of legends like Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson. This is why, in addition to discussing the new album, we deep dive her debut album Nightout that features those two greats and, in some ways, feels like an extension of the music she had been making with Meat Loaf a couple years prior. Do yourself a favor and check out both albums. You'll be blown away.
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Episode 328 - Guy Pratt
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
Wednesday Aug 18, 2021
These days Guy Pratt might be best known as the co-host of the second best (😉) music podcast in the world: Rockonteurs, which he does with his buddy Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet. They bring so many years of experience and music love to every conversation, it's just about the best thing out there. Guy's experience includes some of everything. He started out with Icehouse in the early 80s, toured with Pink Floyd in the late 80s and played with everyone from Bryan Ferry to Madonna to Michael Jackson to Whitesnake in between. We talked for a couple hours and still barely scratched the surface, but the funny stories came nonstop. These days he and Gary tour with Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets so be sure to catch them when you can. I don't know that I've ever laughed more than I did during this one. Enjoy!
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Episode 327 - Steve Smith of the Vapors/Tony Marsico of the Cruzados
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
Tuesday Aug 10, 2021
This week is a special two-fer: two great bass players from two great 80s bands that are releasing new music this weekend. We start with Vapors bassist Steve Smith. Everyone knows the Vapors from their enduring hit "Turning Japanese", but the fantastic band only managed two great albums in the early 80s before calling it quits. Finally, a couple years ago they came back "together" for a long-awaited third album called Together that has been welcomed warmly. Now they're enjoying playing 80s festivals and releasing a new box set on Cherry Red Records this weekend. Then we hear from the lively Tony Marsico of the Cruzados. The band managed two albums in the mid 80s, before drugs and disarray did them in. Tony went on to play with artists like Matthew Sweet, John Doe and Neil Young. During COVID, Tony relaunched the Cruzados name and recorded an album of new material called She's Automatic which keeps the spirit alive. Both guys have a fascinating story to tell. Please make it a point to check out what these great bands have to offer. Enjoy!
www.thevapors.co.uk