music

The Ledge #570: Holiday Playlist

“Shambolic” maybe an overused word when it comes to my favorite band, The Replacements, but it’s an apt term for tonight’s show. Or at least the first ten minutes. Yes, it’s a mini-disaster. After airing this week’s selection for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” series by The Vibrators, I talked about the fact that you can now purchase the version I world premiered last week by Jeremy Porter at his bandcamp. (http://jeremyporter.bandcamp.com).  In fact, please go purchase it now, as all proceeds go to the Hater Kitty Army. But after introducing a re-airing the tune, my broadcast program decided to completely rearrange my playlist and a completely different tune aired for a few seconds. I quickly fixed the issue, though, and everything was fine after that. Tonight’s show is a collecton of tunes that I’ve been listening to in my spare time. There’s a set devoted to my favorite rock and roll couple, Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric, inspired by “Do You Remember This”, a clever little tale of their relationship that may or may not be true. There’s a set that sort of centers around Johnny Thunders, beginning with a couple of Kinks songs before heading into a […]

The Ledge #528: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The Ledge #528: New Releases (Pt. 2)

After last week’s special Record Store Day edition of the monthly “new release” show, we’re back this week with the more traditional type of broadcast devoted to brand new tunes. And, like usual, we’re all over the place when it comes to genres. There’s some great power pop. There’s a little bit of punk. A tad here and there of garage rock. And, yes, there’s some Americana.  But it’s not just the varied genres of the show. It’s the fact that this music comes from all over the world. From Australia to Germany to Canada to even my little city of Sioux Falls, SD. Yes, the first set of the show is devoted to a trio of great local bands – The Rose Quarter, Thought Patrol, and Off Contact – all of whom have wonderful records that are eithier already out or about to be released. As for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”, I have a cover that’s almost 40 years old but is still technically a new release. The version by Dawn Chorus & The Blue Tits initially came out on Stiff Records in 1985, but it has also now been included in a brand new collection of […]

The Ledge #567: New Releases, Pt. 1 (RSD Edition)

The Ledge #567: New Releases, Pt. 1 (RSD Edition)

Thanks to last week’s unseasonably chilly weather, I found myself hooking up a turntable to my podcast mixer. Over the course of the next few hours I dgitized the pile of records I had picked up on Record Store Day a few weeks ago. (Why do they no longer include download codes?) Once finished, I decided that this wonderful pile of music deserved it’s own show, and since the start of every month commences with a “new release” episode (or two), why not spotlight this music? Technically, these are all new releases as they came out on the same day, even if some of the music dates back sixty years. So that’s what we have tonight. Two hours of Record Store Day highlights. From garage rock compilations to long out print albums to live recordings to specially recorded rarities, tonight’s show is varied in not only years but genres. There should be something for everybody. But true new music fans should not worry, as next week’s second part will be a more traditional “new release”, and I have a ton of great material set aside for the show. Of course, the one non-RSD track is this week’s edition of the […]

the record party Episode 014

the record party Episode 014

Bringing in another 2.5 hours of the good stuff with brand newness from The Darts plus a mix of all of the greatest in garage punk, dirty sloppy punk rock, hillbilly music, and more
Get on it now and spread it to everyone you know.

Crazy & The Brain…

The Ledge #566: Twofers

The Ledge #566: Twofers

Tonight unveils a new sort of theme for a Ledge episode – Twofers! Everybody loves a twofer deal at the bar, so why not transfer the idea to rock and roll. (Yeah yeah yeah, I know radio stations have done this for decades. But it’s new to The Ledge!) The inspiration was a handful of great records that I’ve been paying a lot of attention to in the last few days. Last Saturday, for Record Store Day Sioux Falls (soon to be) legends Off Contact put out a few advance copies of their upcoming debut album, Pearls Before Swine. Of course I had to air some tracks off it! And then two days ago I received what may be my second-favorite power pop album of the year. Paint Fumes new record, Real Romancer, is chock full of great hooks accompanied by the sort of noisy guitars that everyone knows I love so much. Of course, I couldn’t resist airing tracks from the brand new albums of original punkers The Damned and former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock. But it’s not all twofers on the show. There’s a “four-fer” of selections from the Record Store Day release of previously unreleased live Husker Du […]

The Ledge #564: 1988

The Ledge #564: 1988

The Ledge #562: First Quarter Report

The Ledge #562: First Quarter Report

As this is the last show of the first quarter of 2023, and even airing on the last day of the month, it’s only natural that we take a look back at some of the stunning new records released so far thsi year. It has been quite a year, especialy if you are a fan of guitar-driven music. Power pop, in particular, has made a great comeback this year, highlighted by the likes of The Whiffs, Local Drags, and Ryan Allen And His Extra Arms. But it’s also a great year for returning legends. Yo La Tengo, The Long Ryders, The Church, and Iggy Pop released their best albums in years. Billy Childish reunited the legendary Thee Headcoats for their first album in 22 years, and it’s a smoker! For this show, obviously, the main highlight comes from the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” subtheme, and we received thrilling news earlier this week. The very first person I contacted when I came up with this idea was Malibu Lou from Rum Bar Records. Obviously, I was hoping that he could convince some of his bands to participate (and I still hope they do). What I wasn’t expecting was for Lou […]

the record party Episode 013

the record party Episode 013

Lucky number 013 hitting with two hot pantloads of the greatest rocknroll on the planet.
Get on it and do it as hard as you can.
AJ Gaither OMB | Half-Lit & Whole-Hearted | Ain’t Enough Whiskey(Little Class Records)2012

Blitz | Voice Of A Generation…

The Ledge #561: More Home Plays

The Ledge #561: More Home Plays

Just like last week, this episode is primarily based around what I’ve been listening to in the Ledge home base over the last few days. Some of it is brand new material. Much of it has been old faves that span almost 60 years of great rock and roll. Overall, though, this show is primarily a showcase for old and new power pop. In the new category, there are fabulous new tracks by The Whiffs, Sharp Pins, Uni Boys, and The Trouble Seekers, along with “excavated” recordings by The Bings and Popsicko.  As for old faves, it’s a history lesson of sorts. There’s The Monkees and The Kinks from the 60s. The Jam, The Flamin’ Groovies, Nick Lowe, Graham Parker, and The Rubinoos from the 70s. The 80s are represented by the likes of The Barracudas,  Dwight Twilley, The Bongos, and Camper Van Beethoven. Maybe the 90s aren’t as highly represented, but there is “Tayter Country” by The Cavedogs, quite possibly my favorite song of 1980. As for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”, this week’s version comes from The Mahones, the legendary Canadian/Irish punk band that always features a quality cover or two on each of their albums. Their […]

The Ledge #560: Home Plays

The Ledge #560: Home Plays

This is another of those shows that really has no format. It’s pretty much a rundown of the music I’ve been listening to around the house the last couple of weeks. There’s some great reissued vinyl by Thee Headcoats, Beat Happening, Bottle Rockets, and others. There’s old faves pulled out of the stacks by the likes of Jason and the Scorchers, Hypstrz, Curtiss A, and (shockingly) The Replacements. But I also made room for some new tunes, highlighted by the return of Minneapolis faves High on Stress with their new single, “Over/Thru”. I have no word as of this point whether it’s a sneak preview of a new full-length album, but I’m obviously hoping that’s the case. Other new tracks include tunes by Huck 2, The Downhauls, Lone Wolf, and The Tearaways. As for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”series, I aired one of the more interesting remakes that I’ve found of this fabulous song. The story goes that at some point many years ago, former Young Ones star Adriam Edmondson “accidentally” bought a mandolin. After learning a few chords he began to play a few old punk rock faves. This led to him forming a Celtic-leaning band, The Bad […]

The Ledge #559: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The Ledge #559: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The second part of this month’s new release series sees no drop off from last week’s extravaganza. In fact, it makes the case that 2023 is shaping up to be yet another great year of music. There are long-awaited returns by The Reverend Hor…

The Ledge #558: New Release (Pt. 1)

The Ledge #558: New Release (Pt. 1)

Once again, there is so much great new music coming out that this month’s new release show is forced to be split into two separate episodes. Tonight’s first part not only features the usual great tunes from labels such as Rum Bar Records and Big Stir Records, but is highlighted by an extended set from a record that will undoubtedly end up towards the top of my best records list at  the end of the year. That record is the latest by The Whiffs, Scrach ‘n’ Sniff. Simply put, this is everything that I love about power pop. The pop hooks are certainly there, but it’s the “power” portion of their sound that sets them apart from almost everyboyd else in that subgenre.  They aren’t just a power pop band. They’re a solid rock and roll band. I hope you love them as much as I do. I’m also pleased to have a set of local music this month. Yes, Sioux Falls, South Dakota does have a music scene, and tonight’s show features new music by Winter Hell, Thought Patrol, and Merry Martial. Please check out their bandcamp sites! And, of course, there’s also this week’s edition of “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”. I have a great […]

The Ledge #557: 1998

The Ledge #557: 1998

It’s always shocking when you stumble upon tweets or articles noting the anniversary of beloved albums. You can’t help but wonder how something that seems like it came out yesterday is actually…well, old! That’s the case with tonight’s show. Every single song you hear is 25 years old. It’s just insane to me that some of my favorite Americana (Son Volt, Golden Smog, Drive-By Truckers), power pop (Sloan, Tommy Keene, Nada Surf), singer/songwriter (Elliott Smith, Silver Jews), and punk (Fugazi, Screeching Weasel, Bad Religion) records have hit this milestone. It just doesn’t feel like nostalgia As for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” entry, I’ve got a fabulous rarity. 1998 saw the release of Scandal Controvery and Romance, the classic debut record by The Prissteens. To celebrate the 45th birthday of their A&R rep, Howard Thompson, the pressed up 45 copies of a tribute song called “Oh Howard!”. The b-side of this single was their Undertones cover that featured a few lyrical changes and retitled “Teenage Dicks”. (Both of these tracks were eventually reissued on 2020’s The Hound collection of rarities and demos.) Once again, I’m always actively looking for new covers of “Teenage Kicks”. Please don’t hesitate to create your own personal […]

The Ledge #556: More Miscellany

The Ledge #556: More Miscellany

This week’s show is once again a mix of old and new. There’s quite a few brand new releases highlighted, accompanied by quite a few records that I’ve found myself playing in my free time.  Which leads me to a question to my lovely listeners. For as long as I’ve done the show, the presence of “themes” has been a constant. Honestly, that’s how my brain works best for picking music. It gives me a reason to air a tune. Even the monthly new release episode is basically a theme that’s just like shows based on certain years or terms. Lately, I have sort of abandoned the theme and played these kinds of old/new mixes. Part of this is that due to the fact that I now report a top ten playlist every week to the Radio Indie Alliance. I know I can submit any ten tracks I play but I’ve been paying even more attention to new music than usual. So this is what I want to find out from you guys. Do you like these freeform type of broadcasts or should I revert back to having a weekly theme? The themes aren’t going away entirely, no matter what […]

the record party Episode 012

the record party Episode 012

Last month I had a record party and waited almost a whole ass month to post it up.
It’s this one right here. Come get the record party number twelve.
Lazy bastard.

Bombshell Rocks | City Rats And Alley Cats | Unstoppable(Burning Heart Records)2000

The Ledge #554: New Releases

The Ledge #554: New Releases

Everybody knows the drill by now. The first Friday of the month means it’s new release night at The Ledge headquarters (aka my bedroom). Somewhat weirdly, though, is that this February episode is technically the first new release show of the year. But that’s due to the Teenage Kicks subtheme necessitating a December 30 airing of the January new release show. Make sense? Speaking of “Teenage Kicks”, I’m so happy that this week’s submission is by Sixgun Republic leader Christopher Chancey! He’s got sort of a rockabilly vibe going through his little version, and I love the use of a piano! Chancey also submitted an old cover of “Sonic Reducer” his band put out back in 2007. Thanks Christopher!!! Do you have a version of this seminal tune to submit? Do you have a little bit of time you can set aside to record a track to air? Please submit it to me! I’m so blown away by the reaction to “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”! A few bands have already promised to forward a submission in the near future, but the more versions the better! If you have any questions, please contact me at paulisded@gmail.com  For more information, including […]

The Ledge #553: Miscellany

The Ledge #553: Miscellany

Every now and then it’s nice to have a show without any real theme, and that’s what we have tonight. Instead, it’s really just a collection of records I’ve been listening to over the last few weeks, and interesting collection of various genres that represent over 50 years of great rock and roll. There’s a handful of recent releases side by side with all time classics. There are veteran bands that are brand new to me, and relatively new artists that I’ve been obsessed with over the last few months. Of course, there’s also this week’s selection for the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” subtheme. I’ve got a homegrown talent by the name of Link West, and his mainly acoustic version is a really nice change of pace. He also contributed a little piece of spoken word audio where he talks of his love of the song and his history of playing it in his original band in Columbus, Ohio. He describes the tune as “50% bubblegum, 50% booty call”. I can’t argue with that. Link West’s version marks a run of (at least) three straight weeks of listener contributions, but of course I always want more. Nothing would make […]

The Ledge #552: Covers

The Ledge #552: Covers

With my brain focused on “Teenage Kicks” covers these days, it seems natural for me to put together another show of nothing but covers of classics tunes from the past. And tonight’s show could not have been timed better, as today Kepi Ghoulie of the Groovie Ghoulies put our a fabulous covers record, Full Moon Forever. Plus I’ve uncovered a number of other great new remakes the last few days, including Juniper’s lofi redo of “James” by The Bangles, Devil Love’s lovely tribute to Big Star’s “Thirteen”, and a trip back to my childhood with Jenny Dee & The Deelingquent’s rousing “Fox On the Run”. But, of course, the main focus is on the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” series, and tonight features the very first submission! It may be a bit fitting that said cover is by the one and only Malibu Lou at Rum Bar Records!!! Yes! He’s a huge fan, as you can tell by the accompanying email: “It’s one of my top 5 personal favorite songs ever. I covered it many years in many bands!! Here’s a demo version of Malibu Lou & The Attackers performing it circa 96 in NYC!!” I couldn’t be more thrilled, and […]

The Ledge #551: 1993

The Ledge #551: 1993

I have to admit that tonight’s show made me feel like an old man. Sure, I’ve done shows devoted to individual years on a regular basis, but I’ve fully understood that the songs featured on a broadcast like last week’s 1978 tribute were nostalgic looks at the past. But tonight’s show featuring (almost) nothing but tunes from 1993 didn’t feel like a nostalgia trip. These songs don’t feel like they are 30 years old. I swear they were released just a few years ago. Maybe it’s because I still have such a connection to records like Archers of Loaf’s Icky Mettle. Or the fact that Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl” still packs the same punch it did back when it was released. Plus, I’ve obviously spent plenty of time with all of the solo albums released by former members of The Replacements. Even this week’s second edition of my “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” dates back to 1993, and in a weird sort of twist was the reason I came up with this idea. As I said last week, I had earlier realized that I owned quite a few versions of the song. But I had read on Facebook that a great […]

The Ledge #550: 1978

The Ledge #550: 1978

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been hinting that I’ll be starting 2023 with a big announcement. Well, tonight’s the night!In my eyes, “Teenage Kicks” is a perfect pop song; the greatest punk-inspired single of all time. Two minutes and 27 seconds of rock and roll at its finest. The sentiments are the same youthful expressions of the original rock and roll explosion of the 1950s. Instead of Little Richard or Jerry Lee Lewis boogie woogie piano, it’s buzzsaw guitars that accompany Undertones vocalist Fergal Sharkey’s desire for that “girl in the neighborhood” that he wishes “was mine she looks so good”. It’s the musical template later utilized by Husker Du, Pixies, Green Day, and hundreds of other pop-punkers for decades to come (for better or worse).Since I love the song so much, I have found myself collecting all kinds of versions over the years. In fact, a little glance at my master iTunes library a few months ago showed that I owned over 30 covers of this tune. Just two weeks ago, I discovered that a Minneapolis band I loved in the 90s had released a remake as a now rare b-side (more on that next week). With […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 415 – January 2, 2023 [Part 1 of 2, “Jack Rabid’s Top 50 LPs of 2022 Countdown Shows!” Plus 10 Best Singles/EPs and 10 Best Retrospective Old Releases, Too! This Week: His picks for 2022’s Best LPs 50 through 26

The Big Takeover Show – Number 415 – January 2, 2023 [Part 1 of 2, “Jack Rabid’s Top 50 LPs of 2022 Countdown Shows!” Plus 10 Best Singles/EPs and 10 Best Retrospective Old Releases, Too! This Week: His picks for 2022’s Best LPs 50 through 26

This week’s show, after another 1788 Robert Burns homage: Part 1 of 2, Jack Rabid’s Top 50 LPs of 2022 Countdown Shows! [Plus:10 Best Singles/EPs and 10 Best Retrospective Old Releases, Too!] This Week: His Picks for 2022’s Best LPs 50 through 26 (and …

The Ledge #549: New Releases

The Ledge #549: New Releases

 I’m sure plenty of veteran Ledge listeners are confused right now. A new release episode at the end of the month? Aren’t those shows scheduled for the first Friday of the month? What’s going on here? Well, here’s the deal. I’ve come up with a sub-theme for 2023. This will be a yearlong theme that will affect every single show, and I have a main theme set up to introduce this next week. So 30 hours before 2023 begins, I started broadcasting the first 2023 new release episode as my final episode of 2022. Make sense? There’s really not much difference between airing it now and in seven days. Yes, there would inevitably be a few new tunes worthy of inclusions, but I’ll make sure the February episode is jam-packed. And, honestly, I was really excited to present to everybody a bunch of tracks from a brand new Replacements tribute album. Graduate Unskilled – Un Tributo ai Replacements, which can be found at this bandcamp site , is an intriguing nineteen track collection of Replacements cover tunes that I’m sure my Ledge listeners will love. Along side those tunes, there’s the usual mix of new power pop, garage, punk and indie rock tunes. […]

down in the basement Episode 011

down in the basement Episode 011

Let’s do it hard.
A holiday gift from me to you, 2+ hours the greatest rocknroll on the planet. Strap on your drinking pants. Pour yourself a drink. Burn the house down.
Git it now.

Hellbound Glory | Old High And New Lows | Hank Williams Records(Rus…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 414 – December 26, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 414 – December 26, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1947 Frank Loesser warble: brand new The Beths, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, House of Love, John Cale with Weyes Blood, Iggy Pop, and Annie Hamilton; plus Byrds, Eddie Cochran, Shocking Blue, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Hollies,…

The Ledge #548: Annual Rock and Roll Christmas Party!

The Ledge #548: Annual Rock and Roll Christmas Party!

The annual Ledge holiday special is probably the easiest show of the year to put together…but not for the reasons you probably assume. Yes, it would be a breeze to just cull tracks from the same favorite Christmas albums year after year. Nobody would even notice if I ever repeated a song or two. But I’m thrilled that year after year there is a plethora of new holiday tunes to check out. More and more artists put out Christmas albums. More and more labels put out new compilations. And, most importantly, more and more artists are using their bandcamp pages to put out surprise individual tracks that are quite often free! So this year’s show is, with a handful of exceptions, brand new tunes! If you enjoy great punk, indie, Americana, and power pop there should be something here for you. There’s also no silly novelty songs (well, maybe one). There’s no maudlin weepers. Musically, each and every song would fit at home on a “normal” episode of The Ledge. So crank this at your family gathering! I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 413 – December 19, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 413 – December 19, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after little Lemonheads-1996 trill: Andy Bell, Alvvays, Linda Lindas, Surf Rock is Dead, Tubs, and Motörhead; plus Procol Harum, Tom T Hall, Dennis Wilson, Dovers, Tom Lerher, Betty Everett, and Art Carney

The Big Takeover Show – Number 413 – December 19, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 413 – December 19, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after little Lemonheads-1996 trill: Andy Bell, Alvvays, Linda Lindas, Surf Rock is Dead, Tubs, and Motörhead; plus Procol Harum, Tom T Hall, Dennis Wilson, Dovers, Tom Lerher, Betty Everett, and Art Carney

The Ledge #547: Best Albums of 2022

The Ledge #547: Best Albums of 2022

Once again, this obsessive mind spent weeks and weeks overthinking this year’s list. Notes were taken. Records were spread out all over the living room. iTunes searches revealed some forgotten gems. But I can once again say that this was a fabul…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 412 – December 12, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 412 – December 12, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after little Caroline plays a Beths song on piano: TV Smith & the Bored Teenagers, Nils, DIIV, Mercvrial, Love Burns, and Downstrokes; plus Little Richard, Mar-Keys, Beatles, Lulu, Smiley Lewis, Keith & Tex, and Bobby Bare (Sr.); and …

The Ledge #546: Runners Up

The Ledge #546: Runners Up

The process of compiling my annual list of the year’s best albums rarely varies. It usually begins in mid-November with a combination of notetaking and mental obsessing. Then over Thanksgiving weekend I begin putting ideas into various categories that I couldn’t even try to explain. Finally, the first couple of weeks of December sees this list finally coming together. As you may expect, that initial list is much longer than the official post of the best of the year. There can be anywhere between 60 and 100 records vying for inclusion. This week’s show comprises the 31 records that were in consideration before that final cut. But that’s not to say that these records are not as good as my “chart toppers”. No, these days there’s a fine line between a what makes the top ten and what makes the lower rungs. All of these records are fabulous albums that deserve to be heard by everybody. This is why the first time ever I’ve put together this “runners up” episode.  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, […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 411 – December 5, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 411 – December 5, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1989 Stone Roses butcher: brand new Iggy Pop, Dot Dash, I Was a King, Bitter Defeat, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Well Wishers, and Jack Skuller; plus Moody Blues, Belairs, John Holt, Webb Pierce, Curtis Mayfield, Monkees, The Smoke, a…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 410 – November 28, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 410 – November 28, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1979 Wire trill: brand new Lauds, Carina Messier, Alvvays, Black Nite Crash, Guest Directors, Beths, and Weyes Blood; plus Esquerita, Pete Townshend, Howlin’ Wolf, Creation, West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Del Shannon, a…

The Ledge #544: Power Pop, Pt. 2 (The Present)

The Ledge #544: Power Pop, Pt. 2 (The Present)

Last week’s show featured classic power pop tracks from the past. This week, we take a look a the current state of the genre with 40 tracks of fabulous guitar-driven pop music. In fact, the vast majority of these tracks are from 2022, with a handful of tunes from 2021 and 2020. The oldest song of the bunch dates back to 2014, and that tune from The Cry! was selected to be paired with the brand new single by lead singer Tommy Ray. It should be to nobody’s surprise that a good portion of the show compiles highlights from Big Stir Records as they are the without a doubt the gold standard of new music of this type. Author S. W. Lauden’s influence also extends beyond the books he compiled with co-author Paul Myers. Not only does he appear on a couple of the Big Stir tunes broadcast in this episode, his suggestions resulted in quite possibly the most exciting set of the show. 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 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 409 – November 21, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 409 – November 21, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1990 Chills trill: brand new The Nils, Sloan, Startographers, Jack Skuller, I Was a King, Buzzcocks, and Brian Eno (with Darla Eno); plus Pretty Things, Barrett Strong, Neil Young, Culture, Hank Locklin, Astrud Gilberto, and D…

down in the basement Episode 010

down in the basement Episode 010

Here we go again
Bringing in another dose of the good stuff with almost 3 hours of punk rock, thrash, rockabilly, psychobilly, and more.
Git it now.

Motorhead | Hammered | Brave New World(Steamhammer)2002

Sham 69 | Borstal Breakout | Borstal Breako…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 408 – November 14, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 408 – November 14, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a new Beths warble: brand new Primitives, Bird Streets, Dazy, Alvvays, Beths, Laughing Chimes, and The Damned; plus Marvin Gaye, Poppy Family, Kiki Dee, Melodians, Pee Wee King, Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald, and Shirley Col…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 407 – November 7, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!; Special “Happy Birthday Caroline” Edition]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 407 – November 7, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!; Special “Happy Birthday Caroline” Edition]

This week’s show, after a 1968 Bee Gees weeper: brand new The House of Love, Wedding Present (with Amelia Fletcher), Sadies, Sansyou, Valery Trails, I Was a King, and Death Cab For Cutie; plus Arthur Alexander, Small Faces, Kitty Wells, Roscoe Holcomb,…

The Ledge #542: New Releases

The Ledge #542: New Releases

As always, first Friday means nothing but new releases, and tonight it’s an extended show featuring almost 2 1/2 hours of fabulous new rock and roll. And like always, it’s a wide mix of styles. There are bands that were formed just a few m…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 406 – October 31, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 406 – October 31, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1958 Chuck Willis/Jerry Lee Lewis melody: brand new Altin Gün, Party Battleship, Jack Skuller, Sloan, Robyn Hitchcock, Alvvays, and Beths; plus Wilson Pickett, Dusty Springfield, Tomorrow, The Choir, Buck Owens, Phil Ochs, and…

The Ledge #541: Halloween Spooktacular

The Ledge #541: Halloween Spooktacular

I may say this every year but it is worth repeating. Halloween is the ultimate rock and roll holiday. Like truly great rock and roll, Halloween is dangerous, controversial, and noisy. Religious idiots for decades have claimed both are associated with …

The Big Takeover Show – Number 405 – October 24, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 405 – October 24, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1982 Descendents refrain: brand new Beatles, Sloan, I Was a King, Wet Leg, Black Nite Crash, Robert Forster, and Sadies; plus Pete Ham, Little Willie John, Hank Snow, Fats Domino, Electric Light Orchestra, Guy Lombardo & His R…

The Ledge #540: Archival Releases

The Ledge #540: Archival Releases

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for box sets and other repackages of previously released material. I may be new release oriented, but I love a good set of odds and ends. Give me those unheard demos. Let me hear those old concerts.  Tonight’s show compiles those types of records. There’s unreleased material by a forgotten band that were contemporaries of the New York Dolls. There’s a new mixes of classic Dead Kennedys songs. There’s numerous outtakes by the likes of Wilco and Joe Strummer. And there’s also the recently discovered early recordings of future Velvet Underground tunes by Lou Reed. Plus, a ton of live releases from Todd Snider, Pixies, Soul Asylum, and others. 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!  For more information, including setlists, […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 404 – October 17, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 404 – October 17, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1989 House of Love warble: brand new The Nils, Astrid Williamson, Alvvays, Beths, Donovan’s Brain, Downstrokes, and Underbites; plus The Hollies, Ennio Morricone, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Jan & Dean, John Lennon, Willi Williams,…

The Ledge #539: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The Ledge #539: New Releases (Pt. 2)

As I said last week. this is another month where there is so much great new music that it couldn’t be contained to one new release episode. So this is part two of this month’s series, and it’s dominated by veteran artists. Pixies, Of…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 403 – October 10, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 403 – October 10, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a brief 1979 Dickies revisit: brand new Weyes Blood, Ron Sexsmith, Damned, Black Watch, Daniel Wylie, I Was a King, and Reds, Pinks and Purples; plus The Beatles, Easybeats, John Phillips, “Little” Jimmy Dickens, Merseys, Derric…

down in the basement Episode 009

down in the basement Episode 009

Once again…
Over three damn hours of the good stuff going strong. All over the rocknroll roadmap with the best punk, rockabilly, ska, and more going long and hard.
Git it now.

War On Women | War On Women | Second Wave Goodbye(Bridge Nine Records)2…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 402 – October 3, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a brief 1978 Clash homage: brand new Alvvays, Beths, Wedding Present, Salim Nourallah, Fontaines D.C., Blue Herons, John Doe, and Martin Courtney; plus Shangri-Las, Joe Higgs, Cilla Black, Buckinghams, Smokey Robinson, Jimmie Ro…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 401 – September 25, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 401 – September 25, 2022 [Half Usual/Half a Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show, after a 1965 Beatles outtake trill: brand new Alvvays, Sloan, Death Cab For Cutie, I Was a King, Jack Skuller, Bird Streets, Black Nite Crash, and The Underbites; plus Pretty Things, Dennis Brown, Bee Gees, Chuck Berry, Doug Dillard &…

The Ledge #537: Twin\Tone Records

The Ledge #537: Twin\Tone Records

After the success of last month’s series on SST Records, it was only natural that I took a look at doing a similar series featuring another of my favorite record labels of the 80s. I’d actually been thinking about a Twin\Tone Records episode for a long, long time, so why not do it now? Many people think of only bands such as The Replacements, The Suburbs, and Soul Asylum when thinking about this label. Oh no, there is so much more. There is such a wealth that even this two hour episode misses out on some great, great releases. But I did what I could. Just like with the first SST episode, the initial 45 minutes or so are a chronological look at the label’s early releases. Singles by not only The Suburbs but Fingerprints, Curtiss A, and The Pistons. Later in the show I’ve got some favorite tracks by The Phones, The Magnolias, and The Feelies, along with an early release by The Jayhawks. I did refrain from including material from the many sub-labels that were in the Twin\Tone empire. Maybe that could be a future show? I would love it if every listener bought at least one record […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 400 – September 19, 2022 [Special Lookback Show!]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 400 – September 19, 2022 [Special Lookback Show!]

This week’s show: a special “Show #400 Lookback”! with Swervedriver, Jet Black, Muffs, Idlewild, New Model Army, The Saints, Bevis Frond, Larry Williams, The Kinks, Prince Buster, George Jones, Mose Allison, Leonard Nimoy, Woody Guthrie, and more!

The Ledge #536: Covers

The Ledge #536: Covers

As I have stated quite often during these cover tune broadcasts, I have a special folder where I place remakes as I come across them. Once that folder is full, it’s time to do a show. This time around, that folder grew at a pretty rapid pace. Of course I’m going to air Ultrabomb’s version of “Sonic Reducer”. I don’t think anybody is surprised by the inclusion of “Borstal Breakdown” from that new live Replacements album. But many may be shocked by the inclusion of two tracks from the 1968 collaboration between Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood. Honestly, I had never heard these bonkers tunes until one day I hung out in my friend’s record store. Seriously, that version of “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” is something everybody should check out. But what made it essential that I do this theme this very week are two special records that arrived a few days ago. The first is All The Covers (And More) by The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs. Released on September 30 on Rum Bar Records, this 38 track compilation gathers together all of the remakes the band has recorded in their 25 year history. The other is the latest project by Geoff Palmer. Standing In […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 399 – September 12, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 399 – September 12, 2022

This week, after a short till of 1980 Wipers: brand new Suede, Buzzcocks, Sleepyhead, Sansyou, Maximo Park, Martin Courtney, and live Jimi Hendrix Experience, plus The Attack, Flying Burrito Brothers, Troggs, Billy Gentles, Leaves, Anne Briggs, and The…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 398 – September 5, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 398 – September 5, 2022

This week, after a 1979 Damned snippet: brand new Black Watch, Cowsills, Robyn Hitchcock, Proper, Off!, Fancy Logs in History, and Beremy Jets, plus Rolling Stones, Patsy Cline, Count Five, Walker Brothers, Fats Domino, Ernie K. Doe, and Benny Spellman…

The Ledge #534: New Releases

The Ledge #534: New Releases

You guys all know the drill by now. The first Friday of the month means it’s nothing but new releases! Yes, two hours of nothing but great new tunes, and we jump all over the place from power pop to post punk to garage rock to synth rock to&#823…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 397 – August 29, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 397 – August 29, 2022

This week, after Jim plays & sings 1996 Sloan: brand new Damned, Tony Molina, Black Nite Crash, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Valery Trails, Archers of Loaf, and Salim Nourallah, plus Shocking Blue, Esquerita, Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazelwood, Johnny Fortune, …

down in the basement Episode 008

down in the basement Episode 008

Doing a throwback to the days of the Thursday Night Wrecking Pit when Zorch and Gone Mental ruled the Thursdays
Somewhere around 2+ hours of psychobilly, garage, one man band and other assorted goodness for your face.
Git it now.

Mojo Nixon & Skid R…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 396 – August 22, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 396 – August 22, 2022

This week, after Jim plays The Beths’ new single on piano: brand new Beths, Sloan, Death Cab For Cutie, Persian Leaps, A.M. Nice, American Darlings, and Graham Nash, plus Small Faces, Hank Williams (Sr.), David Bowie, Simon & Garfunkel, Prince Buster, …

The Ledge #532: SST Records (Pt. 1)

The Ledge #532: SST Records (Pt. 1)

When I was informed there was a new book about one of my favorite labels of the 80s, I just had to have it. Jim Ruland’s Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall of SST Records is every bit as great as I hoped. It really tells the controversil tale of not only label founder Greg Ginn, but the entire circus of bands and staffers that ran a label that launched the careers of dozens of legendry artists. It was only natural that I put together a show dedicated to these artists, but I quickly discovered this story could not be told in one episode. Tonight’s broadcast starts off with a chronological look at most of the label’s first 20 or so releases, followed by another hour spotlighting some of my personal favorites. While I still have dozens of records to sample for next week’s episode, if there’s any you feel needs to be included, please let me know! 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 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 395 – August 15, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 395 – August 15, 2022

This week, after Caroline plays a Neutral Milk Hotel song on piano: brand new Alvvays, Newtown Neurotics, Reds, Pinks & Purples, Salim Nourallah, Buzzcocks, Sadies, and Grip Weeds, plus Los Shakers, Del Shannon, Beatles, George Morgan, Ronnie Hawk…

The Ledge #531: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The Ledge #531: New Releases (Pt. 2)

I may have called part one of this month’s new release series the “friends of the show” episode, but that mentality continues in part two as we have a nice set of tracks from our friends at Big Stir Records. We also have brand new tr…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 394 – August 8, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 394 – August 8, 2022

This week, after Jim plays another Sloan song on piano in August: brand new Black Watch, Suede, Successful Failures, Off!, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Northern Portrait, and Goon, plus Magic Sam, Montage, Webb Pierce, Jeff Beck, Poppy Family, Neil Young,…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 393 – August 1, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 393 – August 1, 2022

This week, after Jim plays Sloan on piano: brand new House of Love, Linda Lindas, Robyn Hitchcock, Interpol, Peel Dream Magazine, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, and Sadies, plus Joni Mitchell (with Brandi Carlile & friends), Ray Charles, Dave Clark F…

The Ledge #529: Summer Songs

The Ledge #529: Summer Songs

We may be entering the last month of the summer, but it’s never too late to put together a show of songs about the hottest months of the year. Rock and roll has always had a fondness for the sun, and everything else that goes with the season. So tonight you get nothing but songs about not only the season, but girls, bikes, surfing, and the beach. It’s also almost a complete set of recently released material. The vast majority of these songs have been put out in the last six months, although there’s always room for some old tracks that have caught my attention. This is why there’s some great oldies by The Hold Steady, The Scientists, The Muffs, and M.I.A. And you really can’t have a summer show without the greatness of 50’s visen (and South Dakota raised) Mamie Van Doren! By the way, if you haven’t seen the cult classic, Untamed Youth, you should rent it tonight! 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 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 392 – July 25, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 392 – July 25, 2022

This week after a 2000 Death Cab ditty: brand new Archers of Loaf, Guided by Voices, Death Cab For Cutie, Cat SFX, Jeanines, Inflorescence, and Kramies, plus Bee Gees, Cilla Black, Roy Drusky & Pricilla Mitchell, Etta James, Big Youth, Sonics, and Jimi…

The Ledge #528: New Replacements & Other Treats

The Ledge #528: New Replacements & Other Treats

A few weeks ago, fans of The Replacements noticed that a new live record was starting to appear on vinyl distribution lists. Most at first assumed this was a bootleg, but it turns out tht the Live At Riot Fest Toronto was in fact a legitimate live album. Or sort of, as many rumors starting floating around. Tommy Stinson had reportedly made a deal with a distributor to release it, but some have said that Paul Westerberg had actually vetoed the deal. In a series of DM’s with the distributor, it was verified that Stinson had set up the deal to put it out but there was no word on the Westerberg rumor. It’s also the first in a series of three live releases, as the other two Riot Fest shows in Chicago and Denver are currently being pressed. The record itself is quite great. The source is a soundboard recording, although it’s not a remixed multi-track. Tonight’s show features a few songs from this record, along with a number of other albums that have been played in the Hudson household these last few weeks. I’ve also included a handful of songs that Frank Turner performed at Total Drag on July 12 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 391 – July 18, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 391 – July 18, 2022

This week: brand new Sloan, House of Love, Newtown Neurotics, Beths, Breathless, Fernweh, and Martin Courtney, plus The Kinks, Hank Snow, Byrds, Cryan Shames, Prince Buster, Peter & Gordon, and Asleep at the Wheel; and Elvis Presley songs tribute!

down in the basement Episode 007

down in the basement Episode 007

Lucky number seven!!!
Here’s another couple hours packed full of pounders for you, just like you like.
More of that punk rock goodness you know and love. Do yourself a favor.
Git it now.

Insanity Alert | Insanity Alert | Run To The Pit(Empire Record…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 390 – July 11, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 390 – July 11, 2022

This week: brand new Alvvays, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Day Wave, Michael Head, Kids On a Crime Spree, Triptides, and Petrified Max, plus The Ikettes, P.P. Arnold, Hollies, Everly Brothers, Porter Wagoner, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and Shirelles

The Big Takeover Show – Number 389 – July 4, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 389 – July 4, 2022

This week, after a little 1988 Steve Diggle/FOC: brand new Brian Jonestown Massacre, John Doe, Jeanines, Michael Head, Robin Guthrie, Interpol, and Don McGlashan, plus The La’s, Manfred Mann, Mary Wells, William Daniels, Nicky Thomas, Stonewall Jackson…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 388 – June 27, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 388 – June 27, 2022

This week, after a small 2009 Sloan refrain: brand new Martin Courtney, Buzzcocks, Breathless, Tony Molina, Lisa Mychols , Deflecting Gray, and Flasher, plus David Bowie, Fats Domino, Paul McCartney, Buckinghams, Booker T & the MGs, Jackie Edwards, and…

down in the basement Episode 006

down in the basement Episode 006

Here we go again…

Git it.

Dead Kennedys | Bedtime For Democracy | Chickenshit Conformist(Alternative Tentacles)1986

D.I. | Horse Bites Dog Cries | Spiritual Law(Reject Records)1987
Adolescents | Adolescents | No Way(Frontier Records)1990
Zero Bo…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 387 – June 20, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 387 – June 20, 2022

This week, after snatch of 1978 Rutles: brand new Guided by Voices, Beths, John Doe, Finnogun’s Wake, Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band, Spoon, and Desario, plus Beatles, Otis Rush, Johnny & Jonie Mosby, Freddie Fender, Modern Lovers, Larry Marshall …

The Ledge #524: Birthday Covers

The Ledge #524: Birthday Covers

When I read that the 35th anniversary date of the release of the fifth Replacements full-length album, Pleased to Meet Me, fell on a “Ledge” night, it obviously became the focal point for a theme. I decided to celebrate the birthday by recreating the album’s track listing with covers of each and every song. This became a bit of an issue, however, as some songs were missing from my initial search through my archives. And while I inevitably found some of the missing pieces, I still was short two songs just days before tonight’s show. Luckily, I was alerted to a message board compilation of Replacements covers that included a track donated by our friend Jeremy Porter. Since this comp also included a version of “Red Red Wine”, I quickly contacted him to see if he had the whole release! Well, not only did he have the needed track, he actually played on it! The Regulars were his high school band, and on this cover he played guitar and provided backing vocals! Yes, I was set! Unfortunately, a few minutes in my show I was informed that June 17, 1987 was not the actual release date for the album. “Trouble […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 386 – June 13, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 386 – June 13, 2022

This week, after wee bit of 1970 John Entwistle/Who: brand new Martin Courtney, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Petrified Max, Jeanines, Belle & Sebastian, Superchunk, and Don McGlashan, plus Kinks, Hank Thompson, Chocolate Watchband, Laurel Aitken, C…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 385 – June 6, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 385 – June 6, 2022

This week, after a lil hit of 1980 Undertones: brand new Buzzcocks, Tony Molina, Say Sue Me, Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band, Dream Syndicate, Gulps, and Cathedral Ceilings, plus Sam Cooke, Delroy Wilson, Faron Young, Duane Eddy, Richard Thompson, …

The Ledge #523: New Releases

The Ledge #523: New Releases

Once again, the monthly new release episode of The Ledge features some great new tunes from a variety of genres – Americana (Wilco, Drive-By Truckers, John Doe), power pop (Nick Piunti, The Sweet Things), indie rock (Dehd, Savak), and punk (Malta Vista, Screeching Weasel), among others. There’s also great new releases from our friends at Rum Bar Records, Big Stir Records, and Spaghetty Town Records. What I’m most excited about, however, is the premiere of the new single featuring one of our Real Punk Radio DJ legends. Greg Lonesome, host of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Manifesto, has a new supergroup which also features Preacher Boy, Olsen Twin, and El Flyin’. Their two track single, which can be found here, is released tomorrow, and both smoking tracks can be heard on this week’s episode! 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! […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 384 – May 30, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 384 – May 30, 2022

This week, after a slice of 1982 Zero Boys about guns: brand new Fontaines D.C., Belle & Sebastian, Shop Window, Dez Dare, Ex Norwegian, Graham Nash, and Harry Styles, plus Junior Murvin, Small Faces, Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Kongos, Simon & Ga…

The Ledge #522: Covers

The Ledge #522: Covers

As I’ve stated before, I have a special folder where I toss in various great cover tunes as I come across them. It was pretty much perfect timing that my folder became “show-length” just in time for this holiday weekend. What better way to begin the summer with revved-up remakes of some of our favorite tunes? Plus, I’ll take any opportunity to give more airplay to my pal Dave Scarbrough, especially when the one remake on his brand new album, Happy Ever After, is a Paul Westerberg tune! You all should check this album out! Also included in this broadcast are tracks from Steve Earle’s new tribute to his friend and mentor, Jerry Jeff Walker, Eric Ambel and Greg Hoy’s remakes of Neil Young tunes, The William Loveday Intention’s teardown of Bob Dylan tunes, and a few of our friends (The Short Fuses, New Rocket Union) from Minneapolis! Oh, and we have the exclusive covers by the Hoodoo Gurus that are only found on the vinyl version of their new Chariot of the Gods album. Speaking of Minneapolis, Cindy Lawson’s fabulous new record on Rum Bar Records, New Tricks, includes a tune written by the recently-deceased Lori Wray. I’m not […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 383 – May 23, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 383 – May 23, 2022

This week, after a little bit of 1986 Lucy Show: brand new Tombstones in Their Eyes, Inflorescence, La Luz, Wilco, Don McGlashan, Wet Leg, and Lauds, plus Jan Howard, Bee Gees, Rutles, Graham Nash, Phil Phillips, Billy Strange, and Joe Lewis (Rupie Edw…

The Ledge #521: Reissues & Live Albums

The Ledge #521: Reissues & Live Albums

I understand that many, if not most, people look at the deluge of box sets, reissues, and live albums as just more excuses how the record industry will suck any pennies they can get out of an artist. It’s a valid view. However, I live for this stuff. Sure, my main inspiration is new music, but if I love an artist I want everything. I want the live recordings. I want the demos and outtakes. I want that rare b-side.  Tonight’s show is sort of a new release episode, but it’s new “old” material. It’s the tunes from expanded editions of classic records by the likes of The Clash, The Muffs, Pavement, and The Lemonheads. It’s live tunes discovered in the vaults from The Rolling Stones,  T. Rex, and Georgia Satellites. There’s also great, previously unreleased material from our friends Jeremy Porter & The Tucos, and the great Rum Bar Records compilation of Cindy Lawson’s old band, The Clams. There is even a multi-disc set for a great 60s band, Betterdays, that initially only put out one single! I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 382 – May 16, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 382 – May 16, 2022

This week, after a small slice of 1967 Hollies: brand new Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band, Belle & Sebastian, Linda Lindas, Death Cab For Cutie, Ex Norwegian, Ride, and Mercvrial, plus Dale Hawkins, Left Banke, Andy Anderson, Todd Rundgren, Del Ree…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 381 – May 9, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 381 – May 9, 2022

This week, after a snippet of 1977 Damned: brand new Blue Herons, Don McGlashan, Willie Nelson, Amy Winehouse, Silktail, Kids On a Crime Spree, and Cheap Star, plus The Equals, Chris Bell, Marvin Gaye, Beatles, Kinks, Bee Gees, and Hank Ballard & the M…

down in the basement Episode 005

down in the basement Episode 005

Here we go again…
Another couple hours of the good stuff as we do. Not much more to say about that, you know what we do.
Git it.

The Cramps | Big Beat from Badsville | No Club Lone Wolf(Epitaph)1997

Amyl & The Sniffers | Comfort To Me | Hertz(Rou…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 380 – May 2, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 380 – May 2, 2022

This week, after a nip of 1963 Cascades: brand new Wet Leg, Tombstones in Their Eyes, Linda Lindas, Martin Courtney, Sadies, Stars, and Mercvrial (with Terry Bickers), plus Helen Shapiro, Joe Cocker, Augustus Pablo, Nico, Tim Buckley, Paul McCartney, a…

The Ledge #518: Record Store Day

The Ledge #518: Record Store Day

I have a few friends who are no fans of Record Store Day, but I love it. Yes, everyday is Record Store Day for me, but it is one of the few days of the year that I’m a social butterfly. I absolutely love the bonding of music geeks in the lines outside stores, and over the years I’ve actually made some friendships out of these same people who brave the elements on this day. We actually kind of look out for each other. If one of us is looking for something quite rare, it’s not unusual for another one of us to grab it for that person. I had that happen just this last week when I arrived a few minutes later than usual, but really needed to get a copy of a certain release. For me, this year’s version of the holiday may have been the best ever. I’ve never had a list so long of titles that I “needed”. Plus, my name is on one of them (the Jay Bennett two-record set that included Gorman Bechard’s “Where Is Jay Bennett” on DVD). Besides the obligatory Replacements live album, guitarist Bob Stinson saw the release of a record […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 379 – April 25, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 379 – April 25, 2022

This week, after a bit of 1980 Saints: brand new Jeanines, Savage Republic, Fontaines D.C., Don McGlashan, Neko Case, The Smile, and Hollie Cook, plus Gladys Knight & the Pips, Moody Blues, Ricky Nelson, Walker Brothers, Eddie Cochran, Ray Price, …

The Ledge #517: Directors Gorman Bechard and Fred Uhter Discuss ‘Where Are You, Jay Bennett?’

The Ledge #517: Directors Gorman Bechard and Fred Uhter Discuss ‘Where Are You, Jay Bennett?’

For a large percentage of Wilco fans, the glory days of that band were in the late 90’s and early 00’s, with classic albums such as Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It’s no coincidence that those records, along with collaborations with Billy Bragg on previously-unrecorded Woody Guthrie tunes, featured multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett. And when I say multi-instrumentalist, I don’t mean he can set down his guitar to play piano on a few tracks. Bennett was a savant. He was a man who could pretty much turn any object into a tuneful tool.Bennett was fired from Wilco in 2001 during the latter stages of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’s creation, and his dismissal was controversially included in 2002’s “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” documentary. After a series of critically acclaimed solo albums, Bennett tragically passed away in 2009.Bennett’s story is finally being told with this week’s release of “Where Are You, Jay Bennett?”, and co-directors Gorman Bechard and Fred Uhter are interviewed in this week’s episode about a film that Bechard says he made to “right the wrongs” of that previous documentary. Besides his controversial dismissal from Wilco, Jeff’s entire life is showcased, from his mom proudly showing his […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 378 – April 18, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 378 – April 18, 2022

This week, a tribute The Saints’ Chris Bailey, 1956-2022, plus brand new Killing Joke, Loyal Seas, Interpol, Ex Norwegian, Belle & Sebastian, Elvis Costello, and Descendents, plus The Shadows, Donovan, (Syd Barrett’s) Pink Floyd, Dandy Livingstone…

The Ledge #516: RIP Chris Bailey

The Ledge #516: RIP Chris Bailey

The music world was shocked when news came out on April 9 that Chris Bailey, the leader of The Saints, had passed away. This legendary band actually predated The Damned and The Sex Pistols with the self-release of their classic first single, “(I’m) Stranded”. The original lineup went on to put out a trio of great records before they imploded. Bailey kept The Saints going, though, and scored a hit in 1986 with “Just Like Fire Would”, a song that Bruce Springsteen would cover over two decades later. Tonight’s show begins with featured sets of those first three albums, then follows up with a few tracks from the latter era, along with a handful of solo tracks. The rest of the show is highlighted by some great covers of songs by The Saints. Nashville Pussy, Nomads, The Fall, and The Mono Men are just a few of the bands who added new life to these great tunes. 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 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 377 – April 11, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 377 – April 11, 2022

This week, after “a little [1974] Big Star”: brand new Wet Leg, Panda Riot, Graham Nash, Cheap Star, Teenage Fanclub, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, and Linda Lindas, plus The Byrds, Wilson Pickett, Gene Autry, Beau Brummels, Mad Professor, Johnny & …

The Big Takeover Show – Number 376 – April 4, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 376 – April 4, 2022

This week, after a lil’ 1968 Who: brand new Jeanines, Don McGlashan, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Inflorescence, Bye Bye Blackbirds, Ex Norwegian, and Astrid Williamson, plus Lead Belly, Tammi Terrel, Vince Guaraldi, Bee Gees, Wailers, Bill Monroe, and Ha…

down in the basement Episode 004

down in the basement Episode 004

This one goes hard! Kicking off with a solid chunk of thrash and keeping it up with over 2 hours of punk rock greatness. Lace up your boots and get ready to mosh.
Git it.

D.R.I. | Thrashzone | Thrashard(Metal Blade Records)1989

Lich King | Born Of …

The Big Takeover Show – Number 375 – March 28, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 375 – March 28, 2022

This week, after a small 1969 Kinks put-down: brand new Fontaines D.C., Magic Shoppe, Gentle Cycle, Maxïmo Park, Rodney Cromwell, Stellan Wahlström Drift Band, and Elvis Costello & the Imposters, plus Equals, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Syndicate of S…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 374 – March 21, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 374 – March 21, 2022

This week, after Jim & Jack butcher a 1969 Beatles/John Lennon foreshadow: brand new GospelbeacH, Altin Gün, Guided by Voices, Reds, Pinks & Purples, Superchunk, Blushing, and Fleeting Joys, plus The Doors, Answers, Ink Spots, Smiley Lewis, Fe…

The Ledge #512: Drop That Needle

The Ledge #512: Drop That Needle

When Malibu Lou sent me an advance of the new Dogmatics single, “Drop That Single”, I knew I had to create something special to highlight it’s debut on The Ledge. After all, I’ve been a fan of the band since I first discovered …

The Big Takeover Show – Number 373 – March 14, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 373 – March 14, 2022

This week, after a small 1967 Merry-Go-Round warble: brand new Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band, Chime School, Feeders, Lauds, Black Watch, Kids On a Crime Spree, and Astrid Williamson, plus The Eyes, The Crickets, Paul McCartney, Dandy Livingstone,…

The Ledge #511: New Releases (Pt. 2)

The Ledge #511: New Releases (Pt. 2)

While part one of this month’s new release series focused on relatively new artists, this week’s successor is full of bands that have been around for quite some time. There’s the first album in over 30 years by The Rave Ups. The Hood…

The Big Takeover Show – Number 372 – March 7, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 372 – March 7, 2022

This week, after a little 1984 R.E.M. refrain: brand new Belle & Sebastian, Pointed Sticks, Ex-Vöid, Wet Leg, Tracy Shedd, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, and Elvis Costello & the Imposters, plus Gladys Knight & the Pips, Link Wray, Junior Murvin, The…

The Ledge #510: New Release (Pt. 1)

The Ledge #510: New Release (Pt. 1)

It became apparent a couple of weeks ago that this month’s new release series would have to be a two part extravaganza. Not only were the quantity of new songs piling up, but there were also quite a few albums that deserved more than a track or two of airtime. So the decision was easy, but then how does one split the shows? There’s no real formua to what was aired tonight and what will be held back until next week. Tonight’s show probably features more of the types of artists who are easily found on Bandcamp, which is fitting since March 4 was another of the great bandcamp days where the artist gets 100% of the proceeds of their sales. But otherwise the quality between both sets of tunes is pretty similar, as you’ll see during next week’s second part.  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 […]

The Big Takeover Show – Number 371 – February 28, 2022

The Big Takeover Show – Number 371 – February 28, 2022

This week, after a 1949 Ed McCurdy anti-war wish: brand new Cheap Star, Jeanines, Guided by Voices, Pineapples, Valery Trails, Haroula Rose, and Boo Radleys, plus Pretty Things, Nina Simone, Jeannie Seeley, Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & His Clowns, Howlin’ Wolf…

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