Category: Episodes

398. Kris Kristofferson

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(April 2022) Episode 398 is KRIS KRISTOFFERSON. An O.G. of outlaw country, he became a crossover superstar in music and movies (favorite: Lone Star).  As good as his songwriting was, his voice was a weak spot, especially in the slicker mid-career albums. But it turned into an asset when he reverted to spare, soulful recordings later in his career, much as Johnny and Willie did. 

Favorite album: The Silver Tongued Devil and I

Favorite song: Sunday Morning Coming Down

Favorite collaboration album: Full Moon (with Rita Coolidge)

Worst album: A Star is Born (soundtrack)

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: worth a listen as a solid 2nd-tier among country voices, but as a 1st tier for songwriting

396. Crowded House

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(April 2022) Episode 396 is CROWDED HOUSE.  It’s generally more soft rock than my taste, but I’ve always admired Neil Finn’s songwriting skill (kinda the kiwi Difford/Tilbrook).  There are some pop gems in here.

Favourite album: Woodface

Favourite song: It’s Only Natural

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: their greatest hits album (Recurring Dream) is worth having

395. Alice in Chains

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(March 2022) Episode 395 is ALICE IN CHAINS.  I’m shocked I didn’t listen to them more back in the day, as arguably the heavy metal-est of the grunge bands. Maybe because they were ubiquitous on the radio (an amazing number of these songs gave me 90s flashbacks).  Or because I never took to the dual low-range vocals, which is distinctive. But it has aged well, and it is heavy and enjoyed at volume.

Favorite album: Dirt

Favorite song: Grind

Compared to expectations: ↑

Recommendation: don’t exclude from your 90s mix

394. Reverend Gary Davis

~ ernopepper ~ 1 Comment

(March 2022) Episode 394 is REVEREND GARY DAVIS. Also known as Blind Gary Davis, he was one of the great finger-picking blues guitarists from the Piedmont tradition, as well as in a ragtime style. He became a minister and moved to New York City, so much of his songs have gospel themes.     

Favorite album: Harlem Street Singer, Trying to Get Home

Favorite instrumental album: The Guitar & Banjo of Reverend Gary Davis

Favorite song: Samson and Delilah (If I Had My Way)

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: a quality way to listen to the blues

393. The Beta Band

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(March 2022) Episode 393 is THE BETA BAND. Like me, you may know them from that iconic head-bobbing scene in the movie High Fidelity.  It’s hard to describe their esoteric mix of folk, electronica, loops, beats and experimental sounds, but it is generally enjoyable. I don’t know if it was intentional, but the “beta” in the name implies it’s not a finished project, and it sounds like it.

Favourite album: Hot Shots II

Favourite song: Dry the Rain

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: if you’re looking for something unconventional

392. Tang Dynasty

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(March 2022) Episode 392 is TANG DYNASTY, considered China’s first heavy metal band. While it’s generally not my kind of metal, it is better than I expected, especially the guitarists’ shredding and grooving. I also like how they incorporate Chinese ideas and myths, akin to the traditions of Nordic metal. Each album has its own distinct sound.

Favorite album: Epic

Favorite song: Zebra Crossing

Compared to expectations: ↑

Recommendation: try it, because you’ve probably never heard Chinese metal before

391. Isaac Hayes

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(March 2022) Episode 391 of the “opus project” is ISAAC HAYES.  You can’t top his early 70s albums for sensuous soul and hot funk. Man I love that stuff. Not to mention his contributions to southern soul at Stax, development of disco, soundtracks (Shaft!) and as an actor, and a Chef.

Favorite album: Black Moses

Favorite song: Good Love

Best enjoyed: Making sweet love by the fire, with Chocolate Salty Balls

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: essential funk and sexy soul

390. The Charlatans

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(March 2022) Episode 390 is THE CHARLATANS (UK).  A band out of Madchester scene (dream pop with funky beats) that survived its demise (where did you go Stone Roses?). They impressively transitioned through Britpop, with some good albums in the 90s, and kept evolving their sound with melodic rock and lush pop.

Favourite album: Us and Us Only

Favourite song: Forever

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: they should be in your 90s Britrock rotation

389. Grave

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(March 2022) Episode 389 is GRAVE, another of the ‘big four’ Swedish death metal bands. All the speed, thrash, growl, scream, doom and death goodness.

Favorite album: Dominion VIII

Favorite song: A World in Darkness

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: yes for both the death metal curious and committed

388. Jackie Wilson

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(February 2022) Episode 388 is JACKIE WILSON. This was a disappointment. He had a strong voice with a big range, and he was a hitmaker and showman. But his version of R&B and soul comes off as milquetoast, laden with sappy strings and chrome and lacking in emotional depth.

Favorite album: Jackie Sings the Blues

Favorite song: (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

Compared to expectations: ↓

Recommendation: look elsewhere for your soul