Zero Hour

This here very cool photo spread inspired me to start with a film noir/crime- themed set. I just might one day soon revisit this idea for perhaps the first hour of my show. New music this week from Paul Westerberg and Lou Barlow, an all-female 7-inch Six-Pack, two Sweet covers and a ton of tunes from vinyl.

I can't stop listening to one of WFMU's new web streams, Ichiban Rock & Soul, which is described thusly: "the best in obscure 50's and 60's Rock 'n' Soul as selected by Debbie D., Dave the Spazz, Rex and Mr. Finewine." It's a mix of individual songs and excerpts from archived shows of the aforementioned DJ's. The names of the songs appear at the top of iTunes to aid in any music hunting. A blog with assorted pics and videos that fit with the music is here.

Download or stream Zero Hour right here.

Cold Dark Night - Charlie Feathers – Uh Huh Honey (Norton)
Murderess in a Purple Dress – The Scientists – Absolute (Sub Pop)
Vengeance is Mine - J…

Feeling Minnesota after our trip to the Twin Cities - and still high on Surly (or so my bumbling and occasional brain deadness would indicate) - so I began this week’s show with a set of old and new bands from in and around those fine burgs. New music from Gordon Gano & the Ryans, Greg Cartwright live in Riverwest and a double shot of Harlow Wilcox & the Oakies. Can you smell the fun?

Stream or download the show right here.

If Only You Were Lonely - Replacements - Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out the Trash (reissue) (Twin/Tone/Rykodisc/Rhino)
Backstreet Girl - Golden Smog – On Golden Smog (Rykodisc)
You're Not Her - Loose Rails - Red Turns Green (Crackpot)
Shirley McClaine - The 757's - Freeway Surrender (Electone)
Airport Bar - Chooglin' - Sweet Time (Big Legal Mess)
Nashville - Gospel Gossip - Dreamland (Guilt Ridden Pop)

Always Wrong - Jail - There's No Sky (Oh My, May) (Self-released)
Two Runaways - Reckless Hearts - Get Up & Run (Off the Hip)
Under the Sun- Gordon G…

It was all instrumental for the first hour this week. Why? Why the hell not? New music this week from Yo La Tengo, the Box Elders and the other new release (in addition to In the Music) from the Trashcan Sinatras. I also did a set in tribute to my North Carolina friend Rick Cornell, the host of the twangin’ and soulful Dirty Laundry who is no longer a DJ at Duke University’s WXDU after 12 years due to a scheduling conflict. His show was previously called Border Radio/Soul City, N.C. and he did a power pop show under the moniker Starry Eyes. Rick’s playlists and suggestions have always provided me with tons of great music to check out and his show will no doubt be missed by many. Here’s hoping he gets back on the air soon.

Download or stream the show right here.

Taking of Pelham 123 - David Shire - The Score (Mojo insert)
The Sound of Soul - Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds - Love-Itis (Soul-Tay-Shus)
Shake Your Po Po - Earl Carter & The Fantastic 6 – Ol’ Virginia Soul, Vol. 2 (Arc…

photo by Vivian Johnson

2008 was a mean year for several music magazines that had at one time or another been kind enough to publish my articles and reviews. No Depression, Country Standard Time, Harp and Pop Culture Press all bid adieu to the paper versions of their publications. No Depression and Country Standard Time live on through the interwebs and Harp has been reborn anew in print as Blurt. Pop Culture Press, meanwhile, I suppose you would say is on indefinite hiatus and could come back as a blog, according to editor Luke Torn.

I completed two articles and a dozen or so reviews for the fall/winter issue of PCP that never was. With the Baseball Project-Minus 5-Steve Wynn tour currently on the road, I figured it would be my last chance to post the Q&A I did with Wynn and Scott McCaughey last summer. The interview doesn’t appear to be ridiculously outdated, and Wynn and McCaughey are indeed blessed with timeless wits, so hopefully you’ll find something to enjoy. Here’s a recen…

School is back in session for many (including teacher me), so I went with the obvious. New music this week from the Rainy Day Saints, Apples in Stereo and the Clean. Next week I think I’ll begin with an hour of all instrumental music – or not. Favorite WMSE library finds were The Turbines’ Last Dance Before the Highway (the nutty “Wah-Hey”) and the excellently rocking “Royal” 7-inch from the Mercy Rule.

Stream or download the show right here.

Going Back to School - the Fleshtones - Take a Good Look (Yep Roc)
Little School Girl - Wild Jimmy Spruill (with Jim and Bob Harrison) - Scratch 'N Twist: Rare and Unreissued New York Rhythm and Blues 1956-1962 (Night Train)
College Man - Billy Lee Riley & the Little Green Men - Red Hot Riley (Sun/Charly)
College Girls - Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass Kickin' Team -When the OAKTEAM Comes to Town (Doublenaught)
Still in School - NRBQ - Peek-a-Boo: The Best of NRBQ 1969-1989 (Rhino)

If I Can't Come Back - Reigning Sound - Love &…