The Ledge #703: New Releases Pt. 1
One of the few “rules” of the monthly new release series is that reissues aren’t generally considered for inclusion in these shows. But this is rock and roll, and there’s no real rules…especially when a former member of The Replacements is concerned. This story actually begins a few weeks ago when I saw a notice in Record Collector that there would be some sort of Slim Dunlap compilation coming out in February. A few days later, another UK music mag reported that this package would include remastered versions of his two albums PLUS bonus tracks! Then came the official announcement. Every Little Word indeed consists of both of his wonderful solo albums, plus another 80 minutes of bonus material! Yes, this is a set worth breaking my rules, so we start the show off with five of these rarities. After that it’s a typical new release episode. There’s plenty of “friends of the show”, including Numb Surprise, The Ex-Bombers, Rob Moss, and a double shot of Vista Blue. Speaking of double shots, there are previews of new albums by The Darts (US) and UltraBomb, along with great new albums by Sweet Reaper and Music City. What tracks did you dig […]
The Ledge #680: Inside The Hudson Compound
If you happen to follow me on social media (and why wouldn’t you?) you have probably noticed that every week I post a collage of some of the albums I’ve listened to over the course of the week that I note as from “the Hudson Compound”. Well, tonight’s show is an audio version of one of those collages. Every track I played tonight comes from a record that has either been on my turntable, in my earbuds during walks, or blasting in my car as I run errands. These 32 songs represent almost 60 years of great rock and roll, but there are a couple of somewhat new tunes. First off, earlier this week Rhino Records announced an upcoming box set version of my third favorite album of all time, Let It Be. The 3 CD/4 LP box, which comes out on October 24, includes an entire disc of rarities and outtakes and a full show from The Cubby Bear in Chicago. This announcement was accompanied by one of the outtakes – an alternate version of “Androgynous” that kicks off the show. The other new tunes (at least to me) comes right after that track. A few weeks ago our […]
The Ledge #606: New Releases Pt. 2
This may be the second part of this month’s new release series, but there is no letdown in quality. Once again, there’s an intriguing mix of styles, ages, and even home locations. There are brand new acclaimed artists such as Liquid Mike and Sprints. There’s the returns of veterans such as Paul Collins Beat, J. Robbins, and Sham 69. There’s also the usual trademark of quality from our friends at Slovenly Records and Rum Bar Records. Most intriguing to me, is the story behind “Get the Experience” by The Ex-Bombers. Band members Keri Cousins and Scott Walus are “rasslin’” fans, just as I am. Many of their late night drives after gigs have found them listening to legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette’s podcast, Jim Cornette Experience. Hearing that he was looking for a new theme song, the band quickly put together “Get the Experience”, and just this week they were informed that the song is now the official theme song of the show! Thanks to the band for not only sending me a copy of the song to air, but including a little interview segment telling the story. And once again, even thought the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” series […]
The Ledge #495: Halloween
Just like almost every episode, the annual Halloween edition of The Ledge would never exist without the friends of the show who provide us with fresh material every year. In the weeks leading up to the ultimate rock and roll holiday, bands and/or labels send us all kinds of material perfect for this ghoulish show. This year is no exception, and thanks must go to Big Stir Records, The Ex-Bombers, Red on Red Records, Mr. Fang and the Dark Tones, The Cutthroat Brothers, and quite a few others for sharing with us a large percentage of the material you hear tonight. Along wtih those donations are a ton of relatively new music that fits the format. It’s the perfect Halloween soundtrack! I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful songs. And if you buy these records directly from the artist or label, please let them know you heard these tunes on The Ledge! Let them know who is giving them promotion! […]
