Radio in Dog Years

5 months gone

2006-11-12T19:00:00.000-06:00

The new Willowz album came out this past Tuesday so I thought I'd finally post these photos I took of them at their November 2006 performance at Springwater. You can check out some of their music here: www.myspace.com/thewillowz. Hoping to check out Times New Viking and Clockcleaner this evening. If so, I'll have my camera in tow and may even write a bit about the show.

Another One out of Athens

2006-10-04T11:20:00.000-05:00

My girlfriend likes to joke that my overwhelming passion for music completely stifled her's. Lucky for me, she introduced me to the Whigs prior to her interminable silence.

Tuesday night's was the second Whigs show I've been to, both at the Basement. First off, fuck what you heard: as the recipients of a mountain of hype, the Whigs have to fight for jerks like me who react so negatively to that sort of thing. Yeah, they were listed as one of the top ten acts to watch for by Rolling Stone; yes, they just inked a deal with Dave Matthews' ATO records (home to My Morning Jacket and, er, David Gray); and yes, their name has engendered a fair amount of debate as to whether it improperly approximates that of the Afghan Whigs.

Considering all of this hype, the Whigs, of Athens, GA, are endearingly unassuming and straight-forward. Their songs are taut and raw, their performance energetic and honed by exhaustive touring, and their presence sincere and terse. This is a touring band in the best sense of the term; they show up, set up, and throw down. Drawing mainly from their recently re-released debut Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip, the band brought a weight to their material not present on record. The band plans to begin recording new material for their ATO debut in early 2007, and the new tunes played ("There's Blood in the Bathroom Sink" and another untitled one with "Looking Down the Barrel of a Loaded Gun"-drums and a verse that stubbornly refuses to change chords) promise great things.

A quick word on openers Shirock. In short, everything great about the Whigs is cast oppositely, and unsuccessfully, in their melodrama. The lead dude looked beautifully strung out, like heroin chic had passed him by while at boarding school. At odds with this look and finely coifed mohawk/mullet is the dude's carefully constructed Bono/Chris Martin amalgam (yeah, 80's Bono did have a mullet, but not like this one). This is the sort of guy who would call a rock show something ridiculous like "a communion of like minds," the sort of guy that doesn't drink but is totally cool if that's "your thing." I kid you not, he introduced the third song of the set thusly: "We played this song at my dad's 50th birthday. It's about how we all deal with life's changes. It's called . . . 'No Regrets.'" There's no doubt in my mind that this band will get a record deal. They're pretty, competent, and the lead dude's voice is admittedly Jeff Buckley-esque, but do we really need another non-offensive band to line the soundtracks of Sandra Bullock movies? I say no. I also say that if you're wearing tight black jeans tucked into designer brown boots, you better come like David Johansen or not come at all.

MP3s
The Whigs - Technology

Take Two Bones and Call Me in the Morning

2006-10-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

The stars have really been alligning lately. I got a job offer back in L.A., got two hits in tonight's softball game, have a girlfriend that cooks incredible beef tenderloin, and finally had a chance to catch one of America's best new bands: Dr. Dog. Dr. Dog's most recent full length effort, Easy Beat, was my runaway #1 record of 2005. It combines the lo-fi charm of mid-90's standard-bearers GBV with the pocket and unabashedly soulful vocals of Motown's best. Well, at least the bassist, Toby Leaman, belts with the best of them. Scott McMicken, the diminutive, bespectacled/hatted other vocalist, approximates McCartney in a way that everyone would love if Band on the Run and McCartney got the love they rightfully deserve. Fans like me could live all day on the Dog's power-pop gold, but Easy Beat also plays hard to get on some tracks, rewarding those who listen on repeat. I've been meaning to see them forever (last time I tried to see them, I paid the cover, left before they came on, and totaled my car) so I was mad primed, son.

Toby Leaman's bass and stomp anchored the live performance. His relentless energy propulsed the songs beyond their lo-fi origins to, at times, cacophonous heights (come to think of it, once again much like the difference between recorded and live GBV). The band rushed through album opener "The World May Never Know," which sounded more like "Monkberry Moon Delight," if not your favorite Bee Gees song. The only cuts off the new Takers and Leavers ep - "California" and "Die, Die, Die" - favored slower tempos, tempered percussion, and lush harmonies. The former was sublime, almost perfect for a drive up Ventura Highway (at least for this California boy). On the latter, however, the band invited a friend on stage to play a simple drum pattern; unfortunately, the poor guy couldn't cut it - at all - and the band soldiered on, declining to so publicly embarrass their buddy.

Dr. Dog's next release is a full length scheduled for early 2007 release. New label Park the Van records, based in the band's hometown of Philadelphia, PA, is doing it's best to chronicle a bonafide scene. The excellent recent Capitol Years' release, Dance Away the Terror, as well as upcoming albums by The Teeth and other Philly bands not only draw from a specific locale, but a specific sound: good ol' guitar pop. Don't call it derivative; call it direct.

Oh, and one of Dr. Dog's guitarists looks just like Frenchie.

MP3s
Dr. Dog - Ain't It Strange
Capitol Years - Mirage People
The Teeth - Oh Bessie

2006-09-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

L.L. Cool J. Barrera

2006-08-20T23:10:00.000-05:00

I may be wrong, but I think this past Friday was my first real d.j. gig. Sure, I've manned the stereo at house parties, as well as the decks at KMBU, but I don't think I've ever really rocked a party. With kegs. And attractive girls (more importantly, girl). To my surprise, though, law school has afforded me that opportunity. Perhaps it felt bad for the suffering and guilt it caused me last year and was looking to even the score. Further on this tangent: if law school was a heavenly being, who would be its head deity? The ethnocentric part of me wants to think a Supreme Court justice like Brandeis or Marshall, but who's to say it's not some other culture's top legal mind, like Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal.

Nevertheless, I was asked to d.j. last Friday's inaugral Blackacre and I gladly obliged. Of course, I kept the set in a populist vein but I don't think I played any songs that I abhorred (or even disliked, although the Bob Sinclair request was a stretch). And as always, when in doubt, I played Kylie. Below is my setlist. Let's be honest: this is an exercise in futility, but I'm loving it. Requests and karaoke numbers are indicated where applicable. Most importantly, props to my Indian friend (gotta get his name) for rocking two karaoke numbers. And for getting an LLM degree. It's a great degree.

Crazy - Gnarls Barkley (best single of the first half of the year)
We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder
Tha Crossroads - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Get Myself Into It - The Rapture (best single of the second half of the year)
Your Love - The Outfield (shout out to Chris Mabunga)
Working Nine To Five - Dolly Parton
Love At First Sight - Kylie Minogue
Stay Fly - Eightball & M.J.G., Three 6 Mafia & Young Buck
World Hold On - Bob Sinclar Featuring Steve Edwards (request)
Daft Punk Is Playing At My House - LCD Soundsystem
Lucky Star - Madonna
Promiscuous - Nelly Furtado
Ridin' - Chamillionaire & Krayzie Bone (request)
What You Know - T.I.
Hey Ma - Cam'ron (request)
Frontin' - Pharrell
Here I Am (Come and Take Me) - Al Green
I Need Love - LL Cool J
Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson
Hips Don't Lie - Shakira (request)
Groove Is in the Heart - Deee-Lite
Consolation Prizes - Phoenix (Kevin on the Mix)
Concerto Of The Desperado - The Roots (Kevin on the Mix)
Girls and Boys - Blur
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield (request)
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
Desperado - Eagles (karaoke)
Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty
Strangers in the Night - Mel Tormé (karaoke)
Physical - Olivia Newton-John
Ain't No Other Man - Christina Aguilera
Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) - Doris Day (karaoke)
Juicy - The Notorious B.I.G. (karaoke)
Slow Motion - Juvenile & Soulja Slim
Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby) - Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz
I Fought the Law - The Clash
Under Control - The Strokes
You Never Even Called Me by My Name - David Allan Coe (karaoke)
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) - The Four Tops
Houses Of The Holy - Led Zeppelin
Blame It On Your Heart - Patty Loveless (karaoke)
No Matter What - Badfinger
You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates
Into The Groove - Madonna
I Gotcha - Lupe Fiasco
Crazy In Love - Kidz Bop Kidz

Jetpack

2006-02-12T20:15:00.000-06:00

Met up w/ Amanda D. (friendstress to all the sub-stratospheric stars in town) at The End on Friday night to see Nashville Scene award winners ("best unsigned band") Jetpack. Too say she had talked them up would be an understatement so I had pretty high expectations for an entertaining show, even if the songs weren't my cup of tea. On the former account, the jpack delivered, and on the latter, I left the show pleasantly surprised.

It seems as if the band has been around in one formation or another since 2001, but in the last year they've added a new bassist (of underknowns The Foxymorons) who is incredibly nice and lives in one of the coolest houses I've been to since being in Cashville. The easy, and unfortunate, initial comparison has to be Nashville's own The Features for two reasons: 1) late 90's alterna-pop arrangements augmented by keyboard and 2) surprisingly charismatic, yet dorky lead dude. Nothing wrong w/ the latter: dorky lead dudes have had a place in rock and roll since Buddy Holly donned heavy rims and fronted the Crickets. Their best songs sound like Sloan or Elvis Costello (check out "Peasants and Queens" in the downloads section of their web-site) and their worst like Weezer or something else you've been trying to forget. I'm sure they'll be playing around, though, and are well worth your $5 (probably even worth your ten, especially if your parents are paying [my case]). Oh, and their first song, which I think was new, evidenced some danceable polyrhythms that will certainly enhance any future recordings.

I didn't take any pics this time around so this press shot will have to suffice.

R.I.P. Jay Dee

2006-02-11T13:23:00.000-06:00

From pitchforkmedia.com:

Jay Dee Dead at 32
James Yancey, the man known to the hip-hop world as Jay Dee and J Dilla, passed away this morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 32 years old.

While the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, Yancey had recently suffered from kidney problems. His latest album, Donuts, released on Tuesday, was partially recorded in the hospital using a portable studio.

Jay Dee began his career as a member of the Ummah, A Tribe Called Quest's production team. He would go on to make beats for Common, Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Pharcyde, and many others. He was a member of Slum Village, collaborated with Madlib as Jaylib, and put out several acclaimed solo albums, mixes, and singles. Pharrell Williams once called Jay Dee his favorite hip-hop producer.

Peter Adarkwah, the founder of BBE Records, which released Jay Dee’s 2001 solo album Welcome 2 Detroit, gave the following statement: "Jay was one of my favorite Hip-Hop producers of all time. His passion for music was a rare thing amongst people in the music industry. His music and presence will be sorely missed for many years to come."

I just picked up Jay Dee's newest joint "Donuts" the other day. What a terrible, terrible coincidence. Best wishes to his family; here's to hopes that he gets his due posthumously.

Early to Man, Early to Rise

2006-02-09T13:25:00.000-06:00

Went to the End on Tuesday night to check out Early Man, Priestess and The Sword. Actually, I was expecting to miss both openers by arriving around 11:15pm, but to my surprise, Priestess had just begun. Their name and album art impart an inaccurate goth motif. In actuality, they have kind of a Hellacopters/Motorhead thing going on - swaggering and riff heavy. The lead singer's got all the trad rock moves down pat. Oddly, his chubbiness doesn't really ruin the illusion of stardom, but lends itself to real patrician charm. Best part of the show was the mid-set drum solo. I can't think of the last time I saw a real, in-the-flesh drum solo since Phil Hanson went on for about 10 minutes in H-W's 9th grade talent show ("Paranoid," maybe?). What was initially ironic became increasingly awe-inspiring. The drummer knew it, too. Cool that real metalheads were there to give their deferential devilhorns in appreciation of the rawk.

Early Man wheeled their stunning Orange stacks onto the stage in short time. In fact, part of Early Man's appeal was the simplicity of their set-up. Drums, Orange Stacks, Two Guitars, Two Tuning Pedals, Bass Stack, and Bass. As pointed out by Tinobeat on the MBB, it's cool that they relied solely on the overdrive of the Orange Amps to get that incredible sound. Incredibly charismatic they were not, but enough to make it a memorable experience. Upon first hearing their recorded output, I thought E.M. was merely a joke by some N.Y. hipsters, albeit one that I found pretty funny. The joke was on me, though; listening to the record, I've realized how much metal I really do like. I mean, it wasn't so long ago that I was checking out Kill 'Em All from the Santa Monica Library. The show was split between your died-in-the-tatoo-ink metal heads (pressed against the right-side of the stage not reluctantly expressing their approval for everything awesomely done) and button-wearing hipsters. Musis was enjoyed by all types, though, and not smirkingly appreciated. Arrangement-wise, all songs were pretty straight adaptations from the album, but what would you expect? That was more than enough. Also, the lead dude really held his own vocally on "Death is the Answer" and "Four Walls."

I think I'm going to Supergrass next Wednesday, but pictures may be impractical. Until the next report . . .

- RIDY

2006-01-27T11:04:00.000-06:00

So, I think I'm going to revitalize this blog as a source for Nashville concert listings, the odd musical musing, etc . . . I joined the digital revolution and recently procured a digi camera, so I hope to share some concert pictures, as well. If any Cashvillians are reading this, I invite you to add your thoughts to this blog. It'd be great to create an online hub for Nashville concertgoers who want to learn about noteworthy upcoming shows and read/see reviews of past ones.

When I get a bit more time, I'm gonna learn how to list shows in the right or left column, but until then, here's a list of upcoming shows that I'm hoping to go to. In the words of Travis Morrison, "You are invited." In the words of Paul Bost, "Is it lame to quote Travis Morrison?" Yes.

February

Wednesday, 1 - Jeff Hanson @ the Muse
Friday, 3 - Feist @ the Belcourt
Saturday, 4 - Reigning Sound and Detroit Cobras (!!!!!!) @ the Exit/In

Gotta get back to studying, but I'll be adding more shortly. February and March are already full of great shows, so keep it locked on here. Hopefully, I'll get out to the J. Hanson show on Wednesday to really get the ball rolling on this thing.

Pictures from last show

2005-06-16T13:55:00.000-05:00

The horsemen are drawing nearer. On leather steed they ride.

Ray Mysterio identifies how exactly you are hearing his voice.

Pistons in 7

2005-06-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

On the occasion of the NBA Finals, I thought I would copy and paste a letter I wrote to ABC Sports about two years ago. I had forgotten about it but recently found it saved while I was doing some spring cleaning (summer-style). Maybe you'll identify with my sentiments.

May 19, 2003

ABC, Inc.
Re: Sports
500 S. Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521-4551

To Whom It May Concern:

As someone who immensely enjoys televised sports, especially the polished product that is the ABC/ESPN trademark, I must write to make my lone complaint. Please discontinue using Jim Gray as a commentator/interviewer. His personality is annoying and his questions lack tact. When Mr. Gray approaches provocative topics, he tends to seem more adversarial than inquisitive, which I guess wouldn’t be so bad if he was more likable. Unfortunately, he’s not. Not that you would, but please do not forward this letter to Mr. Gray. I have no desire to insult him to his face. I simply would like you to know how to make this consumer, and many others as I’ve discovered through conversation, happier with your sports coverage.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Paul Bost

In other news, it was great to have Ryan and Adam visit me in the studio last Friday, especially since they brought along Brent and Erica, married friends of theirs currently living in Frisco (a suburb of Dallas methinks). It was great to hang out with them. That very night we all ventured to the Vanguard Theatre (a glorified warehouse) to see Of Montreal. Too bad the cavernous venue swallowed up the sound, but for someone who loves Of Montreal, I still had a great time. Two of my musical worlds collided when they covered "Alright" by Supergrass during their encore. Ryan and I just about lost it.

Enjoy the show (which is inexplicably divided into three parts). Part 1 is the theme song and an aborted Tripping Daisy tune, so you may want to avoid that particular download.

Download Part 1
Download Part 2
Download Part 3

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Sonic Bloom - Tripping Daisy (cut-off due to human error and frailty)
(under backcasting) Soulful Strut - Young Holt Unlimited
Sky High - Jigsaw
30 Days in the Hole - Humble Pie
Stout-Hearted Men - Shooby Taylor, the Human Horn
(under backcasting) Spanish Flea - Herb Alpert
The Greatest Dancer - Sister Sledge
Patches - Clarence Carter
Amos Moses - Jerry Reed
(under backcasting) Syncopated Clock - Leroy Anderson
Sign of the Times - The Belle Stars
Country Bumpkin - Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn
Things Are What You Make of Them - Bishop Allen
Backcasting
Emmaline - Hot Chocolate
Dog Eat Dog - Adam and the Ants
Only You - Yaz
(under backcasting) South American Getaway - Burt Bacharach
Sonic Bloom - Tripping Daisy

More Than a Feeling

2005-06-01T18:00:00.000-05:00

Katie catching air in Boston Common - Peninsula side.

Me and the Green Monster

Red Hots For Sale!

2005-05-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

Today, I mistakenly labeled Wham! an American pop band. I cringed when I heard that on the re-broadcast, but at least I can clarify things here. Also, I'm from now going to refer to George Michael as the Lioness. I think it fits and hope it catches on like Jacko or Macca. He possesses that rare visage where facial and scalpal hair create utter follicular unity.

The Lioness

Others in this dignified class:

Becks

Blitzey

Tim "The Toolman" Taylor

Hope you enjoy today's show. It was actually one of my favorites thus far - I hope my excitement for the material is contagious. Don't hesitate to make a request or two in the comments section. Also, props to http://theoblogia.typepad.com for spreading not only The Gospel, but my gospel. Same goes to http://www.j-wild.blogspot.com.

Download Me

May 27, 2005

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Tears are not Enough - ABC
Everything She Wants - Wham!
One and Only - King Britt feat. Martin Fry (of ABC)
Birthday - Junior Boys
(under backcasting) Ballad of a Paralyzed Citizen - The Faint
Let's Do the Slop - Little Joe Cook and the Thrillers
Jimmy Mack - Martha and the Vandellas
(You make me feel like) A Natural Woman - Laura Nyro
(My baby does) Good Sculptures - The Rezillos
(under backcasting) You Art the Light (by which I travel into) - Jens Lekman
They Don't Know - Kristy MacColl
So it Goes - Nick Lowe
I Think We're Alone Now - Lene Lovich
Whole Wide World - Wreckless Eric
(under backcasting) Broken Bicycles/Junk - Anne Sofie Von Otter and Elvis Costello
Mama - Stephen Malkmus
Maybe You Can Owe Me - Architecture in Helsinki
Hussy - Crystal Skulls

Hold Tight

2005-05-26T10:47:00.000-05:00

I'm broadcasting tomorrow. I've been out of town and pumping iron, but I'm not over the show, yet. I'll try and post it tomorrow afternoon but may not be able to do so until after the long weekend. Hold tight. Music's on its way.

So Long, Farewell

2005-05-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

I'm not averse to daily routines. In a sense, a routine can serve as a rhythm for your life, allowing you to anticipate and look forward to quotidian pleasures - your morning bagel and paper, a news segment you particularly enjoy on your drive to work, etc . . . One such simple pleasure used to be my daily online perusal of all things music. Sadly, this routine of checking web-sites, receiving emails, posting on bulletin boards, etc . . . has crossed the line. Instead of seeking out this information with a sense of expentancy, it can sometimes feel like drudgery, as if it has become my unfortunate task to monitor pop music. I can't put my finger on why things have changed. Is it a growing apathy towards music, in general? Probably not. Is the vast information one can find on the internet overwhelming, thus crushing the reality of any quasi-normal individual having his/her finger on the pulse of this ever expanding culture? Partly. Am I finally realizing the vapidity of pop music, even (*shudder*) indie rock? I don't know. It's weird that I have to come to peace with this, but I feel like I do. I feel like I'm breaking up with my ambition to know everything about rock and roll. It's too hard and it's not fun anymore. I wish you well.

At least my guilty pleasures can now be less guilty, more innocent. Speaking of which, that new Coldplay song is killer.

Dload Part 1 (Beginning to The Easybeats)
Dload Part 2 (Diplo to the end)

5/9/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Since You Stole My Heart - Saturday Looks Good to Me
Unighted - Lo-fi-FNK
I'm With You - The Ponys
Sorry - The Easybeats
(under backcasting) Favela on Blast - Diplo
Bucky Done Gun - M.I.A.
Sailin' On - Bad Brains
How Long Do I Have to Wait for You? - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Chips and Dip - Spoon
(under backcasting) Favela on Blast - Diplo
Days - Television
Tomorrow Night - Shoes
Boisa-bis-o-boisa - Jens Lekman
Poodle Rockin' - Gorky's Zygotic Mynci
Go All the Way - The Raspberries

Sistaz

2005-05-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

I had planned to post my top ten Coachella performances of all time this week but I'm lacking the initiative. Hopefully, I'll muster up some creative juices and do so in the near future.

Instead, I'd like to briefly write about how nice it was to have my sister and mom in the studio this week. In this interview, I talk with Amy about her ministerial work at the Manhattan Church of Christ. It's not overstating the issue to say that this church has experienced its disproportionate share of tragedies, especially relating to the congregation's children. Still, there are few communities like the church, and this church, in particular, that are as ready to provide aid and comfort whenever and however needed. It's not only an admirable trait, but one that should be essential to any body of faith.

Check out my sister preaching.

Switching gears - what's everyone up to on Sunday, May 15? Diplo, of M.I.A. and Hollertronix fame, is dj'ing at the Standard Hotel in downtown L.A. I saw that fool at Coachella this past weekend and his set tore the club (tent) up. He hit up everything, from his trademark favela music, to David Banner, to M.I.A., to Outkast, to the Cure, etc . . . He's like a cooler Z-Trip, who, by the way, invited Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on stage with him this weekend in the desert. I've always thought C.B. was the cool dude in Linkin Park, like the one who wears Joy Division t-shirts and references Suicide as an influence. I think he smokes and drinks, too. Funny how that makes him my least favorite. Give me that guitarist who wears headphones while he plays. Now that's integrity.

Here I was talking about the church and stuff, and I've regressed to sounding like a cynical hipster. Prescription: less Pitchfork, more Campus Life. Sufjan Stevens? Maybe the perfect medium.

Get Right Church (right click to "Save Target As . . .")

5/2/05 - All Coachella Artists

The Late Greats (Live) - Wilco
Single Again - The Fiery Furnaces
Man Ray - The Futureheads
Does He Love You? - Rilo Kiley
(during backcasting) You Still Believe in Me - M. Ward
Interview with Amy Bost Henegar and Sheila Bost
Oleanna - Laurie Berkner
Rats and Rats and Rats for Candy - The Blood Brothers
Please Stand Up - British Sea Power
Money City Maniacs - Sloan
The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine - Spoon
Victor Vito - Laurie Berkner

2005-04-29T10:30:00.000-05:00

Inviting Gesture

2005-04-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

Smile Council

(Perfect Monday)

2005-04-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

I contend that the best feeling in the world, outside of the obvious carnal pleasures, is the discovery of a new great song. Whether the listener is captivated from the moment the intro begins or is swept away later during a rousing chorus, there's a brief moment where one cherishes the thought that he/she will have this song for the rest of his/her life. Whenever I encounter such a song, I almost immediately, and innately, begin to think of where I will need this song. Perhaps I'll need it driving home one day, while drumming on the steering wheel ("The Laws Have Changed"), a catharsis from the stress or boredom of the working day. Maybe I'll need it at a friend's house party at the exact, rare moment when everybody's primed to dance ("Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger"). If my sentimentality isn't thick enough already, this last simile will certainly put it over the top: discovering a new song is like making a new friend. For the rest of your life, you'll never be without that wonderful companion.

Monday's show was full of such songs, specifically, "Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat)," as my guests Ryan, Adam, and Blake brought the best from their collection to share with the RIDY audience. It really was a pleasure to be a part of their perfect Monday experiment. Later in the day, I was thinking about what would constitute my perfect Monday. I'm pretty sure that any day bookended by a leisurely breakfast, coffee, and newspaper, and a Dodgers game, would qualify. What say you? What's your perfect Monday?

Comment below, and make requests. Next week, I'll most likely recap Coachella and interview my preaching sister (not the healing sister) who's in town for the Pepperdine Lectures. Stay tuned.

Downlow the Show

4/25/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats
I Was Never Young - of montreal
C'Est la Mort - Stereo Total
Heartbeat (It's a Love Beat) - DeFranco Family
Oh My Dear (Falling in Love) - Ween
I Got You - Split Enz
I am an Astronaut - Ricki Wilde
Hey Ma - Cam'ron
When Will I See You Again - The 3 Degrees
If We Can Land a Man on the Moon - Beulah
Busted Afternoon - Old 97's
More Pretty Girls Than One - Lyle Lovett
Pure - Lightning Seeds
Duchess - The Stranglers
Shout to the Top - The Style Council

With Friends Like These . . .

2005-04-19T14:12:00.000-05:00

who needs anime?

Thanks to everyone who came up to the studio yesterday to share their musical treasures with Radio in Dog Years's fans and followers. It was a fun time, as evidenced by the recording (available for download below). Not to be sappy, but as my time at Pepperdine ends and I move on towards other endeavors, I've come to a better appreciation of how unique my employment situation is. Specifically, it is great to work with so many people that I consider not only friends, but people who are consistently encouraging and compassionate. I can only hope that I have been a fraction of the positive influence on my colleagues that they have been on me. You know this.

DOWNLOAD THIS, FOOL

4/18/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Every Heartbeat - Amy Grant
Gone - Doug Martsch (listener request)
Justin's Set
Adore - Prince
Nappy Heads - The Fugees
Michelle's Set
Heartbeat - Annie
A Good Horse - The Cardigans
Katie E.'s Set
You Don't Know - Kierra "Kiki" Sheard
Pick up the Pieces - Average White Band
Rob's Set
Close to Modern - French Kicks
The Girl from Back Then - Kings of Convenience (Riton remix)
Kristy's Pick
Wanderlust - The Delays
Katie B.'s Pick
A Little Respect - Reverse Osmosis
How Great Thou Art - Shooby Taylor

Milton Bradley, MVP

2005-04-14T15:51:00.000-05:00

Another frustrating week due to the cd burner malfunctioning. Still, I should point out that I played my boy J-wild's request (Scratch Track). I'm now 2 for 2 with requests, so keep 'em coming. Anything but Yorn, baby . . . anything but Yorn.

If you want some good reading, check out All Music's bio of Quintron. It's such a hagiography, especially considering how obscure he is. Apparently, he's done some stuff with the Reigning Sound but I've not yet heard it.

Dodgers and, specifically, Jeff Kent are blowing up. Here's to $ball.

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Dog It - Digable Planets
No Strings Attached - The Mad Lads
Curls - Madvillain
Fresh Mode - Ugly Duckling
1972 - Scratch Track
(under backcasting) A Little Soul - Pete Rock
Wet Work - Q and not U
Dungeon Master - Quintron
Confidence - Scritti Politti
Treat the New Guy Right - Silkworm
(under backcasting) C'mon 'n Ride It (The Train) - Quad City DJ's
The Rest of the Day - Bedhead
Bombs - The Impossible Shapes
Calvary Cross - Richard and Linda Thompson
Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Fairport Convention

Ecumenical Liberation Army

2005-04-04T17:09:00.000-05:00

Saw a great movie last night: Network, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, and my boy Bobby Duvall. To say that it's a bit prescient is understating that fact. I would've never guessed that a movie about television that came out in 1976 would hold up almost thirty years later. While renting this particular movie in Blockbuster, I had a realization: that store is terrible. I know this may seem like the grumblings of some lame hipster, but honestly, the selection is so sparse. I went in ready to rent the first of those Julie Delpy/Ethan Hawke movies, checked all permutations of the title words - Before, After, Sunrise, and Sunset - but came up utterly empty. Despite the fact that I couldn't remember its name, is that not a relatively popular movie? Also, everything was alphabetized all wacky. I don't think that numbers should be filed at the beginning of section just because they are numbers. It's confusing. For example: 1984 is filed at the beginning of the drama section, but Eight Men Out is under E in the same section.

This is beginning to look way too similar to a normal blog (not that there's anything wrong with that). Time to cut it off.

Lots of Japanese music this week. Hopefully, you'll dig it (mp3).

4/04/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Earthquake Weather - Beck
Fall Down 7 - All Night Radio
Nomarinho de Portao - Tom Ze
Rollins Power Sauce - Beck?
You Were Good - Mitch Hedberg
(under backcasting) Camaro - Couch
Jet Generation - Guitar Wolf
Happy Birthday - Pizzicato 5
Drop - Cornelius
After a Song - Nagisa Ni Te
Plus Chicker - Polysics
(under backcasting) Harajuku Girls - Gwen Stefani
Fake Palindromes - Andrew Bird
Milk Man - Deerhoof
Fist Fight - Gran Ronde
Blood and Thunder - Mastodon
(underbackcasting) Electric Company vs. Lexaunculpt
54 - 46, That's My Number - The Maytals

Working Title

2005-03-29T11:32:00.000-06:00

My dad visited the studio, today, and offered up a birthday dedication to Lisa Dunn during the first air break. It's probably about 15 minutes into the broadcast, so check it out if you're so inclined. Although my dad has been a valedictorian, in-demand attorney, elder, father, etc . . ., I'm pretty sure that this was his first ever radio appearance. I feel honored and touched - a Bost family first.

Other birthday wishes go out to Adam Willis, Alexis Vance, and my sister, Amy Bost Henegar.

Remember, feel free to post requests for the show in the comments section. I'm more than happy to accomodate, if possible.

Download and Enjoy the Show

3/28/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Get it Together - Brendan Benson
Anything Could Happen - The Clean
Autumn Sweater (Kevin Shields remix) - Yo La Tengo
City Girl - Kevin Shields
(under backcasting) Alone in Kyoto - Air
California - Low
I Love . . . - Low (Tom T. Hall cover)
Sneaky Snake - Tom T. Hall
Such Unlikely Lovers - Elvic Costello and Burt Bacharach
Anyone Who had a Heart - Dionne Warwick
(under backcasting) Blue Milk - Stereolab
Hey Goodbye - Macha Loved Bedhead
Truth Flies Out - Centro-matic
Buick City Complex - The Old 97's
Everytime - The Gris Gris
(under backcasting) Everything You Do is a Balloon - Boards of Canada
Walking the Cow - Daniel Johnston

More Than Free

2005-03-21T18:40:00.000-06:00

I felt like Chef Raekwon in the studio, today. The beats were cooking - it seemed like it had been a while since I had played something danceable, so I decided to get busy. That said, the album that I'm most looking forward to this week, Picaresque by the Decemberists, is of a different ilk. You could probably do a waltz or foxtrot to some of the tracks, but I'm pretty sure it will be one of those albums that I'll set aside a good hour to listen to in its totality, sitting utterly still - zendie rock (anyone? anyone?).

Here's to Illinois and N. Carolina winning out, probably the only way I can salvage some prize money in the two bracket tournaments I entered. Did anyone catch Bobby Knight prompting one of his players to call him a "latter-day Santa Claus" at the press conference after the Gonzaga defeat? When basketball meets funny, nothing in the world is better (click here and go to news, for instance).

DOWNLOAD THIS, DUN!

3/21/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Robot Rock - Daft Punk
Open Your Heart - The Human League
Not Great Men - Gang of Four
Banquet - Bloc Party
(under backcasting) Rollin' and Scratchin' - Daft Punk
By Your Side - CocoRosie
Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect - The Decemberists
I Will Dare - The Replacements
Juicers - The Capitol Years
(under backcasting) Hello? Is This Thing On? - !!!
One Life to Leave - Out Hud (Requiem for a Requiem remix)
Cholly (Funk Getting Ready to Roll) - Funkadelic
Just the Thought - Prefuse 73 (feat. Masta Killa and the GZA)
(under backcasting) High Fidelity - Daft Punk
I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend - The Ramones

They've Got a Man on the Job

2005-03-16T13:51:00.000-06:00

At least that's the word from the radio station tech. people. Yes, the cd burner was down again this week, so I have no complete show to share. Below the next paragraph, though, you'll notice that I've provided some mp3's of songs I played for download. Hopefully, you'll dig them.

My band, Spanish Archer, is playing the M Bar tomorrow night, so if you can make it out, you should (see the links section for the band's website and further information). Other news . . . I witnessed the genius that is Pizza Party on Saturday night and can't wait to make that a reality. As of now, it's just a perfect ideal captured in the brilliant mind of I-ball, but McNeill and I will do our best to translate it to the masses. Speaking in tongues, baby . . .

MP3'S
I'maman - Jobriath
Do I Have Your Attention? - The Blood Arm

More to be added later . . .

3/14/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
I'maman - Jobriath
Do I Have Your Attention? - The Blood Arm
A to B - The Futureheads
(under backcasting) C'mon 'n Ride It (The Train) - Quad City DJ's
No Good Time - Graham Coxon
Peel it Away - The Bigger Lovers
I Wanna Destroy You - The Soft Boys
I Feel Beautiful - Robyn Hitchcock
(under backcasting) You Beautiful Bastard - The Sea and Cake
Ding Dong - Nellie McKay
Breathless - Todd Rundgren
One by One All Day - The Shins
Concrete Seconds - Pinback
(under backcasting) Turnstile Blues - Autolux
Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton

Ghost in the Machine

2005-03-08T11:57:00.000-06:00

We're all on a Reggatta de Blanc and Sting's our captain.

Unfortunately, this week's broadcast was exclusive and elusive, since the cd burner failed and didn't allow me to record the show. Never you mind, though . . . things were weird this week, so if you didn't tune in, you didn't miss much. The studio machinery was doing wacky things, and I've been told by one who listened that there were "repetitive computer noises" sounding throughout the broadcast. Maybe it was the ghost of George Pepperdine trying to tell me something, like, "Play some Third Day."

Here's the setlist. In lieu of the show, I've posted mp3's of some of the songs that were perhaps not as well known. By the way, make sure to the check out the Brian Jonestown Massacre web-site. D. Jacobs got me hip to it - you can download all of their music legally and freely.

3/7/05

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
Cars and Parties - Edith Frost - click here for an mp3
It's the Nighttime - Josh Rouse
That's What I Know - Josh Rouse and Kurt Wagner (of Lambchop)
Up with People - Lambchop
(under backcasting) I Think I'm in Love - Spiritualized
Fuel for Fire - M. Ward
One More Night - Bob Dylan
In Christ, There is No East or West - John Fahey - click here for an mp3
A Minor Place - Bonnie Prince Billy
At Least the Dark Don't Hide It - Magnolia Electric Co.
(under backcasting) Desperate Man Blues - John Fahey
Let's Jump In - Dead Meadow
Druganaut - Black Mountain - click here for an mp3
Out of Focus - Blue Cheer
(under backcasting) Fauxhemians - Sonic Youth
Maybe Tomorrow - The Brian Jonestown Massacre

Rainy Days and Mondays

2005-02-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

So, as I mentioned on the show today, I had the pleasure of seeing Ted Leo/RX last night at the El Rey. Pretty unbelievable, especially considering that I only had a passing knowledge of his work but felt compelled to do my best jitterbug (is that a mod dance?) - maybe I should say "pogo." Pogo. Nevertheless, you can visit this web-site to see his recent performance on Conan. Killer, and his rhythm section is tight in too many ways to count. What's their story?

Good show, today. Only one slight tech. mishap in the first set. Hope you enjoy it. Feel free to make comments and requests in the comment section, or just tell me personally. Lastly, I'll be in Dallas next Monday, so we'll resume the madness in early March.

Talking to myself and feeling old (right-click and save target as) - this is a smaller file than the one posted yesterday, and it should be playable on all media players.

2/21/05
Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats
What's the #? - The Apples in Stereo
Kissing in the Grass - Of Montreal
Streets of Your Town - The Go-Betweens
Back to the Future - The Joggers
(under backcasting) Lovefingers - Silver Apples
Umbrella of Love - U.S.E.
Pillow - Capitol K
Disco Infiltrator - LCD Soundsystem
Alabama Sunshine - The Rapture
Hell Yes (Ghettochip Malfunction) - Beck (8-bit remix)
(under backcasting) Albatross - Public Image Ltd.
The Sprout and the Bean - Joanna Newsom
Bridges and Balloons - The Decemberists (Joanna Newsom cover)
Oh, How Your Love is Strong - Bert Jansch
Needle of Death - Yo La Tengo (Bert Jansch cover)
(under backcasting) Hunted by a Freak (Boom Bip remix) - Mogwai
Maple Leaves - Jens Lekman

Valentine's Day Show Download

2005-02-18T17:27:00.000-06:00

Here is the show from this past Monday. Enjoy it, technical difficulties, awkwardness, and all. Sorry for the jacked up beginning . . . the Reigning Sound track will start from the beginning about 20 seconds in.

Big Willie Style - right click and "save target as"

Inaugural/Valentine's Day Show

2005-02-14T18:15:00.000-06:00

What's done is done.

Well, the show was a blast, although it was not without its difficulties, most notably the madness that occurred during The Rubettes track, which was considerably sad since that was the song I was most looking forward to playing (the download starts in the midst of this - I'd explain how I even screwed up the cd burning process but I can't). C'est la vie. Oh, and on the Coltrane track, I accidentally began with "Giant Steps" but quickly scanned to the correct track. You won't have Paul Bost to kick around for long, though - soon enough, I'll be a bonafide professional.

Couple more things: anyone else think my voice sounds weird? Kind of low? Lame? Also, my apologies for making a Julia Childs-related comment. She's been in my consciousness ever since that night at the M Bar. I'll have to exorcise that demon somehow, especially since it makes for such weak comedy.

Next week should be theme-free. Contact me or post a comment if you have any song/artist requests. And maybe I'll play the Rubettes track again, so you can finally have a listen to it. It's solid gold.

Shouldn't Happen to a Dog - Thee Headcoats (the Radio in Dog Years theme-song)
Sugar Baby Love - The Rubettes
If You Can't Give Me Everything - Reigning Sound
Girls - Iggy Pop
Dirty Work - Steely Dan
(under backcasting) Contusion - Stevie Wonder
Come Crash - A.C. Newman
Sparky's Dream - Teenage Fanclub
I Call Your Name - The Mamas and Papas
Anything You Want - Spoon
Le Premier Bonheur du Jour- Os Mutantes
(under backcasting) Il Maestro E Margherita - Ennio Morricone
Naima - John Coltrane
Love is the Drug - Roxy Music
Tim, Wish You Were Born a Girl - of Montreal
Friends of Mine - The Zombies
I Need Love - LL Cool J
(under backcasting) Kill the DJ Part II - Optimo
Nothin' But a Heartache - The Flirtations
I'd Die Babe - Badfinger
Honk If You're Lonely - The Silver Jews

Translation to Le Premier Bonheur du Jour (The First Joy of the Day)

The first joy of the day /Is a ribbon of sunshine /Unwinding in your hands / Caressing my shoulder

It’s the ocean sighing / And the beach that stretches before me / It’s the bird that sings / From a frozen tree

The first sorrow of the day / Is the front door closing / The car driving away / The silence that visits me

But soon you come home / And life comes back to me / The last joy of the day / Is the lamp lighting your way

Edit: Looks as if I may have to switch servers to host mp3s. I'll be working on that. Hopefully, I'll have the show posted by the end of the week.

Inaugural Post

2005-02-11T13:52:00.000-06:00

Radio in Dog Years is the name of my weekly, one-hour radio show on Pepperdine University's low-power radio frequency, KWVS 101.5 FM. The signal is relatively weak, but the signal's there, as is the state of the art studio, real time cd burner, and outlet for this very real passion of mine. My first broadcast will be this coming Monday, February 14, at noon. Keeping in mind the significance of the date, I will focus on songs of love lost and gained, unrequited and consummated, buried and raised.

Thanks to the powers that be for allowing me this opportunity.

Point of the blog: I'll be posting my setlists here, as well as any other things of interest. Most importantly, I will be uploading my shows for download. Just because you can't tune in during the workday doesn't mean you have to miss my awkward ramblings and mispronunciations.

Thanks for listening,

P. Bost