The Big Takeover Show – Number 353 – October 25, 2021
This week, after a refrain of 1970 Neil Young: a guest DJ slot by Jeff Kelson, plus brand new Don McGlashan, Real Estate, Parquet Courts, La Luz, Tombstones in Their Eyes, Downstrokes, and Descendents, plus The Beatles, Buckinghams, George Jones, Barry…
The Ledge #494: Sorry Ma I’ve Got Some Reissues To Play
I’m sure that all Ledge fans could have predicted this week’s episode. With today’s release of the 40th anniversary deluxe edition of the very first Replacements album, Sorry Ma, Forgot To Take Out The Trash, it was pretty obvious that there would be a deep dive into this box set. The great news is that this box does not disappoint. Besides a desperately needed remaster of the orginal album, this 4 CD/1 LP set includes 67 previously unreleased tracks. There’s home demos, basement recordings, studio outtakes, and the band’s earliest professionally recorded show. How could I not make this the main reason of the show? But there’s much more. With this being reissue and box set season, I go through a number of other similar releases. Yet I also have some harsh words for a couple of them. There’s also an opportunity for listeners to compare two versions of the same Heartbreakers song. Is the newly discovered “master” of L.A.M.F.’s “Born to Lose” actually better than the “restored” version from the 2012 remix? Let me know what you think. 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 352 – October 18, 2021
This week, after some once-unreleased 1968 Beatles: plus brand new Boo Radleys, Sunflower Bean, Laetitia Sadier, Muun Bato, Bart & Friends, Fotoform, and Shebangs, plus The Beatles, Marvin Gaye (with Martha & the Vandellas), Bee Gees, John Hartford, Mi…
The Ledge #493: Velvet Underground Covers
With today’s release of the Velvet Underground documentary on AppleTV it was pretty obvious what tonight’s Ledge was going to be. I just never relaized how easy it would be to comile a show consisting of nothing but Velvet Underground covers. I knew I had quite a few of these types of tracks, but I was shocked at just how many were in my collection. Besides the various one-off covers on quite a few records by the likes of the Beat Farmers, Wreckless Eric, and The Soft Boys, I also had quite a number of indie tribute records. I even had four records that completely covered the entire Velvet Underground and Nico album, including the brand new “I’ll Be Your Mirror” tribute. 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 […]
down in the basement Episode 001
First record party. I’m back at it in the basement spinning up a couple hours of the good stuff. It’s going to take a couple episodes to polish off the rough edges but starting it off right.
Git it.
Sugar Pie DeSanto | In The Basement: The Chess Recor…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 351 – October 11, 2021
This week, after brace of 1971 David Bowie: a guest DJ slot by Elizabeth Klisiewicz, plus brand new Billy Bragg, Successful Failures, Split Single, Descendents, Petrified Max, Piroshka, and Dennis Davison, plus The Byrds, Blues Magoos, Jackie Wilson, T…
The Ledge #492: New Releases (Pt. 2)
As announced last week, this week’s episode is a carry over of the previous episode’s new release format. Not that these are second rate to those aired last week. Nope, that’s not how it works on The Ledge. You had two hours of tracks…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 350 – October 4, 2021
This week, after a pinch of 1979 Damned: a guest DJ slot by Dr. R.B. Korbet, plus brand new Secret Shine, Wet Leg, Bob Mould and Fred Armisen, Bevis Frond, La Luz, Persian Leaps, and Carina Messier, plus Eddie Cochran, Marvin Gaye, Orioles, Hurricanes,…
The Ledge #491: New Releases (Pt. 1)
It’s almost a given that if Rum Bar Records puts out a sampler, that month’s Ledge “New Release” show will be a two parter, and this month is no exception. Thanks to “Rocktober II”, the massive 38 track collection of…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 349 – September 27, 2021
This week, after a little bit of 1969 The Clique (Texas): a guest DJ slot by Jeff Kelson, plus brand new Triptides, Beths, Bastards of Melody, Bevis Frond, Guest Directors, American Darlings, and Iggy Pop & Matt Sweeney, plus Jackie Wilson, Small Faces…
The Ledge #490: Songs About Actors
The idea for this show actually came about earlier this summer when I noticed that over the last few months I had acquired a number of songs about various movie stars. Over the next few days, with the help of a bunch of Facebook friends, I put together more than enough tracks that fit this theme. Tonight’s supersized show is the results of hours and hours of research, and consists of songs about not only classic Hollywood royalty such as Myrna Loy, Joan Crawford, Robert Mitchum, and Clark Gable but relatively recent stars like Keira Knightley, Winona Ryder, Timothy Chalamet, and Emma Stone. It’s a show that jumps from acoustic-based singer/songwriters to classic rockers to some outrageous punk rock. BTW, it should also be noted that the intro voice of the Ledge, Max, is now a high school student who has an opportunity to spend a few days in New York City with his school’s performing arts department. Please consider helping him out by donating at his Gofundme page. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/maxwell-to-nyc) 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 348 – September 20, 2021
This week, after a brace of 1935 Cole Porter: brand new Johnny Marr, Persian Leaps, Reds, Pinks & Purples, Gulps, Shivas, Startographers, and TUNS, plus The Move, George Jones, Ethel Waters, Scott Walker, Cream, Bunny Wailer & Dave Barker, Mills Brothe…
The Ledge #489: This & That
After taking a week off (for various reasons that I discuss at the beginning of the show), The Ledge is back with another show of various odds and ends. There are sets influenced by some packages I received from Indonesian Junk and Lucinda Williams. There’s some memories of that great Replacements show in St. Paul six years ago with a few tunes from a show recorded earlier on that tour. There’s an oddly great tribute album to Elvis Costello that couples Latin singers with the original backing tracks of the legendary This Year’s Model album. And there’s also quite a few songs initially meant to be in the last new release show, but had to be cut for time constraints. Plus quite a few other great tunes in a variety of formats. 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 347 – September 13, 2021
This week, after a brief tribute to NYC: brand new Deep Sea Diver, Bevis Frond, Courtney Barnett, Flyying Colours, Illuminati Hotties, Joy Formidable, and Bastards of Melody, plus Lefty Frizzell, Syd Barrett, Them, The Beatles, The Aggrovators (and Kin…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 346 – September 6, 2021
This week, after a refrain of 1984 Chameleons: brand new Daniel Wylie, Billy Bragg, Chime School, Checkered Hearts, Fotoform, Carina Messier, and Pineapples, plus Buffalo Springfield, Fats Domino, Everly Brothers, Sonny Curtis, Joni Mitchell, Tom T Hal…
The Ledge #488: New Releases
This is the type of new release show that should appeal to all veteran Ledge listeners. New music by Lydia Loveless! A Stones cover by Brad Marino. A set of nothing but great power pop from Big Stir Records. Always great tunes from Rum Bar Records. Wil…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 345 – August 30, 2021
This week, after some 1957 Little Richard warbling, Everlys style: a tribute to Don Everly (1937-2021)–plus Charlie Watts (1941-2021), Tom T Hall (1936-2021) and Rod Gilbert (1941-2021)–alongside brand new Successful Failures, Jorge Elbrecht, Lauds, Sp…
The Ledge #487: Charlie Watts RIP
The death of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts earlier this week created an obvious opportunity for The Ledge to celebrate his almost 60 years of playing behind fellow Stones members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. But, of course, I didn’t go the obvious route. You don’t get two hours of the band’s greatest hits. You don’t even get the most well known covers of the band. No, instead this tribute consists primarily of bands that fit the true spirit of the “Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World”. The tracks consist of a ton of live encores of Americana artists, garage rock versions recorded for various tribute albums, and a handful of B-sides and other bonus material. Oh yes, and a drunken cover or three found on Replacements’ bootlegs. Rest in peace, Charlie. You will be missed. 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 344 – August 23, 2021
This week, after a 1967 George Harrison refrain: brand new Bevis Frond, Parquet Courts, Art Bergmann, Persian Leaps, Piroshka, Wednesday, Joy Formidable, and Guided By Voices plus Easybeats, Beatles, Smoke, Slim Gaillard, Ethiopians, Benny Barnes, etc.
The Ledge #486: Odds and Ends
The “odds and ends” format seems to have worked the last few times I’ve done it, so why not do another show of this type? For those new to The Ledge, the show consists of material I’ve been listening to in my home over the last few days. Some selections are faves from a few years ago that I haen’t pulled out in a while (Sarah Shook, Lydia Loveless). Others are recent purchases that don’t quite fit the new release shows (live Bob Mould, Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows). Add to that my recent fascination over everything involving Ncio, thanks to the new book, You Are Beautiful and You Are Alone by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike, and you get a handful of tracks featuring her beautiful, haunted vocals. Of course, news of a new box set including previously unreleased tracks by The Replacements takes priority over everything. This October, a 40th anniversary reissue of their first album, Sorry Ma Forgot to Take Out the Trash will hit the stores, and features 100 tracks, 67 of them previously unreleased. Expect to hear a lot from this in the next few months! I would love it if every listener bought at least one […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 343 – August 16, 2021
This week, after a slice of recent TV Smith: brand new Split Single, Shivas, Descendents, Tremolo Beer Gut, Cold Beat, Tambourina, Lou Barlow, and Furious Seasons plus The Ventures, Pretty Things, Derrick Morgan & the Aggrovators, Hank Williams Sr….
The Ledge #485: New Releases (Pt. 2)
Part two of this month’s new release series carries on from the excellence of last week’s first show. There are great tribute records to John Prine and The Ramones, along with some other fabulous covers of the Flamin’ Groovies, T. Rex…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 342 – August 9, 2021
This week, after a 1965 Graham Gouldman/Yardbirds refrain: brand new Billy Bragg, Piroshka, Guided By Voices, Daniel Wylie’s Cosmic Rough Riders, Stranglers, Lanterna, Jorge Elbrecht, and Haroula Rose plus Moody Blues, Roy Acuff, Neil Young, 13th Floor…
The Ledge #484: New Releases (Pt. 1)
This is another of thsoe months where the new release episode is so easy to compile that it just has to be split into two seperate shows. So tonight is part one, and what is especially gratifying is that so much of the broadcast consists of “friends” of the show. Yes, there’s the usual contributions from our friends at Rum Bar Records, Red On Red Records, and Big Stir Records. But there’s also newer friends such as Old Town Crier and Dan Israel, who emailed new tunes to check out. And then there’s The Ex-Bombers, the fabulous “psychedelic jazz noir blues explosion” due that I recently discovered on Instagram. After an exchange of DM’s, they actually sent me a vinyl version of their fabulous new “New Love Is Easy” album. Besides those picks, there’s brand new tunes by longtime Ledge favorites Son Volt, CTMF, Ty Segall, Wavves, and so many otheres. There are new discoveries such as The Pokes, Cosmic Psychos, and The Bug Club. Plus, there are a handful of tracks from Rum Bar’s brand new “XOXOXO Volume One ‘the nice price’” compilation. I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 341 – August 2, 2021
This week, after a small slice of 2002 Decemberists: brand new Dinosaur Jr., Juliana Hatfield, Descendents, Aints!, Marty Stuart, Fotoform, Film School, and Jeff Elbel & Ping plus Larry Williams, Alton Ellis, Webb Pierce, Donovan, Bee Gees, Louis Armst…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 340 – July 26, 2021
This week, after a snatch of 1966 Rolling Stones: brand new Piroshka, La Luz, U-Roy, Billy Bragg, Shirley Collins, Descendents, Steve Gunn, and Low plus Kinks, Glen Campbell, Beatles, Solomon Burke, Neil Innes, Kitty Wells, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc.
The Big Takeover Show – Number 339 – July 19, 2021
This week, after a bit of a 1972 Todd Rundgren hit: brand new Illuminati Hotties, Chills, Justin Sullivan, The Aints!, Kurt Vile, Shannon & the Clams, Joey Cape, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real plus Badfinger, Phil Ochs, Ray Charles, Shocking Bl…
The Ledge #482: Record Store Day
The joke may be that every day is record store day for this goofball, but it is a fact that I do love almost everything about the actual Record Store Day event. Or events, as the last couple of years the event has been split up into multiple days.
This…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 338 – July 12, 2021
This week, after a little 1983 Weird Al Beatles sendup: brand new Boo Radleys, Bevis Frond, Goon Sax, Tobin Sprout, Steve Gunn, Colin Moulding, Art Bergmann, and Lou Barlow plus Buffalo Springfield, Ernest Tubb, Marvelettes, Hollies, Paragons, Ian and …
The Ledge #481: 1981 US Punk
The latest in the series of episodes devoted to the music of 1981 consists of nothing but US punk from that great year. Primarily centered around the rise of the Southern California hardcore scene, the show jumps around to all parts of our country, and…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 337 – July 5, 2021
This week, after a 1969 Kinks tidbit: brand new Maxïmo Park, Descendents, Chad VanGaalen, Justin Sullivan, U-Roy & Rygin King, Bobby Gilespie & Jehnny Beth, Doug Tuttle, and Umbrellas plus 13th Floor Elevators, Astrud Gilberto & Walter Wanderley, (Pete…
The Ledge #480: What Would Paul Westerberg Do? (New Releases)
It’s a question I ask myself multiple times a day. What would Mr. Westerberg do? The answers guide my day to day life, which explains quite a bit about the status of Mr. Hudson these days. But Geoff Palmer understands, and his great track that gives thsi episode its title is just one of the many incredible songs on his upcoming record, Charts and Graphs. (BTW, somebody please count the Westy song references on this track. I just may have a prize for the person who comes closest.) As always, this isn’t the only great record coming out soon on Rum Bar Records, and the last 20 minutes consist of nothing but great tracks from that label. There are also sets devoted to wonderful new music from Red On Red Records and Big Stir Records. These are all great records that really would appreciate some support from Ledge listeners. Go check them out. And that’s not all. I mentioned last month the mystery of a band called The Revenants. They have released over 30 records so far this year, and they’re all free! Please, if somebody out there has any info on this prolific act give me the deets! There’s also the return of the […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 336 – June 28, 2021
This week, after a refrain from the 1967 Who: brand new Aints!, Low, Lou Barlow, Checkered Hearts, Chills, Juliana Hatfield, Haroula Rose, and Cub Scout Bowling Pins, plus The Action, Jack Greene, Dr. Alimantado, John Martyn, Detroit Emeralds, Count Ba…
The Ledge #479: Second Quarter Report
There’s not a lot to say about this show, as the title pretty much describes the contents of this broadcast. It’s the final show of June, which means the second quarter of the year has now concluded. Hence, tonight’s show features the…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 335 – June 21, 2021
This week, after a small snatch of 1967 Buckinghams: brand new Piroshka, Split Single, Idles, Justin Sullivan, Dinosaur Jr., La Luz, Illuminati Hotties, and Cheap Trick, plus Barrett Strong, Elton John, Kitty Wells, Lloyd and Glen, Nancy Sinatra & Lee …
The Ledge #478: Covers
The decision to do an all-covers show was decided sometime on Wednesday when my good friends High On Stress announced that they would be releasing a Tommy Keene cover on Friday. This was shortly followed by emails containing new cover tracks by Kid Gulliver and The Dirty Denims. Always having a folder full of such tracks ready for air, it was an easy decision that this was the week to do such a show. I also had an intriguing idea to put a new spin on such a show. Searching through my archives, I discovered that I had enough Replacements covers to recreate side one of the “Pleased To Meet Me” album. Although my broadcast program decided to suddenly play two tracks out of order, all of the songs from that group of tracks did make the air. There are also country-tinged coves of old alt-rock tracks by a fabulous British band called Independent Country (including a great ‘mats remake), Richard Thompson and Dead Moon tributes by Country Westerns, Brad Marino doing a lovely Ramones’ track, and many, many other similarly fantastic tunes. I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 334 – June 14, 2021 – Homebound Edition LXV
This week, after a brief 1971 Grass Roots bit: brand new Goon Sax, Flock of Dimes, TUNS, Joy Formidable, Doug Tuttle, Lucy Dacus, GospelbeacH, and Tom Jones, plus Isley Brothers, Duane Eddy, Don Gibson, Yabby You, Outsiders, Jimmy Powell, Nara Leã, etc.
The Ledge #477: Summer Means Fun (Plus Recovered Bonus Show)
On last week’s new release broadcast I had attempted to right a wrong. I definitely missed the boat on the fabulous Minneapolis band Low Rats blend of “proto-punk meets ’90s garage rock style”, as reviewer Carolyn Keddy recently wrote. Their full-length debut, Year of the Rat MMXX came out late last year, and last week they debuted a brand new “double-dose” single, “Taxi Driver/Brand New Cadillac”. I was so pleased to finally give some of their tunes a little airplay. And then guess what happened? I had an issue with the file, and I couldn’t upload the episode. Ugh!!! So this week I tried again, and I actually played a couple more songs than I did the week before. And, as an added bonus, I’ve also included a couple of tracks from vocalist Michael Myers’ previous band, Narco States, who I interviewed wasy back in 2015. The rest of this week’s show consists of music I’ve been playing around the house the last fw weeks. There are well over 60 years of tunes on this broadcast, including some stories I’ve picked up from a couple of books I’ve recently acquired. And you fine people also get as a bonus the […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 333 – June 7, 2021 – Homebound Edition LXIV
This week, after a short 1967 Beatles remembrance: brand new Descendents, Art Bergmann, Lou Barlow, Jane Weaver, Dinosaur Jr, Gary Numan, Petrified Max, and A Place to Bury Strangers, plus Martha & the Vandellas, Mose Allison, Desmond Dekker, The Who, …
The Big Takeover Show – Number 332 – May 31, 2021 – Homebound Edition LXIII
This week, after a 1980 Lightning Raiders trill: brand new Chills, TUNS, Reno Divorce, Marty Stuart, Songs For Snakes, 93MillionMilesFromTheSun, and Reds, Pinks and Purples, plus Ronettes, Dee Dee Sharp, Pretty Things, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Beatles, J…
The Ledge #476: Happy Birthday Bobby D!
Putting together a Dylan tribute show for this week was clearly a no-brainer. After all, he turned 80 years old this past Monday! Of course The Ledge would celebrate! It actually wasn’t until the day of his birthday that I decided on this theme, though, and I have to give special thanks to Lydia Loveless. To help raise money for NIVA (National Independent Venue Association), Lydia and a dozen other artists were a part of Happy Birthday Uncle Bob! A Dylan Tribute. That release is just one of many recent releases that are the focus of the first half of the show. Daniel Romano, Billy Childish (as The William Loveday Intention), Lucinda Williams, and others have full-length albums of Dylan remakes, and the second half of the show consists of some old favorites such as Paul Westerberg, Jason & The Scorchers, Mike Ness, and many others. After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 331 – May 24, 2021 – Homebound Edition LXII
This week, after a 1980 Jam refrain: brand new Dinosaur Jr., Stranglers, Real Estate, Split Single, Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, Maxïmo Park (with Pauline Murray), and Joy Formidable, plus Idle Race, Scott Walker, Hank Williams, Elmore James, Ken Bo…
The Ledge #475: New Releases (Pt. 2)
This week’s show may be a sequel to last week’s new release episode, but there’s no letdown in quality. Here are two hours of some of the best new music from all over the world – not only the U.S. but Canada, England, Sweden, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Spain. There’s some pure punk, along with power pop, heavy rock, indie rock, and much more. There are longtime veterans with five decades of rocking, along with some brand new bands with their first releases. One of the many highlights is the opening set that includes a handful of newly-discovered tracks by an obscure band called The Jacks. Originating in Oklahoma, one member of the band found himself living in Minneapolis. Working in a record store allowed him to befriend members of The Replacements, Husker Du, and The Suicide Commandos. Recordings featuring these amazing musicians have now been released on the album “Make ‘Em Cry”. We also have the premiere of three tracks from Geoff Palmer’s upcoming album, “Charts & Graphs”. Due out on July 23, this fantastic collection of power poppish punk should be a highlight of the summer. There’s also new tunes by Dropkick Murphys, The Dictators, Juliana Hatfield, […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 330 – May 17, 2021 – Homebound Edition LXI
This week, after snatch of 1964 Gerry & the Pacemakers: brand new The Goon Sax, Justin Sullivan, Sleator-Kinney, Lou Barlow, Christopher Paul Stelling, Shannon & the Clams, and Greg Antista & the Lonely Streets, plus Dillard & Clark, Sandie Shaw, The W…
The Ledge #474: New Releases (Pt. 1)
I’m back! Yes, I had to take last week off due to some behind the scenes server issues that are too complicated to go into here. That means that this month’s new release episode is NOT the first Friday of the month…which is a fact tha…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 329 – May 10, 2021 – Homebound Edition LX
This week, after small slice of 1966 Bee Gees: brand new Descendents, Black Watch, Beachy Head, Chills, Songs For Snakes, Bobby Gillespie & Jhenny Beth, and TUNS, plus The Kinks, Temptations, John Renbourn (with Jacqui McShee), Ernie Ashworth, Dawn Pen…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 328 – May 3, 2021 – Homebound Edition LVIV
This week, after smidgen of 1996 Sebadoh: brand new Piroshka, Justin Sullivan, Sunshine Boys, Real Estate, Tambourina, Flyying Colours, and Mute Swan, plus Traffic, Jack Nitzsche, The Move, Albion Band, Mighty Diamonds, George Jones, Nino Rota, and Fra…
The Ledge #473: This and That
A few weeks ago, I experimented with a show that didn’t really have a theme. It consisted of nothing but songs and/or albums I had been listening to around the house. Apparently plenty of listeners enjoyed this show, as I received a number of encouraging messages, so I guess it’s now sort of a “non-theme” that I’m going to try to do at least once a month. So that’s what you’re experiencing on this week’s show. These are all records I’ve been playing around the house the last couple of weeks. Included are excerpts from two giant box sets of important works by John Lennon and The Who that came out just last week. There’s an attempt to prove a theory that Gang of Four influenced Credit In Heaven, the third album of the Suburbs. There’s a few records I pulled out of the archives for the first time in years, along with some great new finds at the used store. And there’s also a set of two great new releases that came out today! Brad Marino’s latest, Looking For Trouble, is every bit as great as expected, and fellow Rum Bar Records artist The Nuclears put out a smoking […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 327 – April 26, 2021 – Homebound Edition LVIII
This week, after a bit of 1971 Electric Light Orchestra: brand new TUNS, Lou Barlow, Guided by Voices, Angel Olsen, Art Bergmann, Submotile, and Reds, Pinks and Purples, plus Wanda Jackson, Kaleidoscope, Bunny Wailer, Dick Dale, The Weavers, Frank Wils…
The Ledge #472: Songs About Records
There are times where a potential theme for a show pops up out of nowhere. This week’s episode of The Ledge is a perfect example. This past Wednesday afternoon I was on my way to a local record store, accompanied by a great power pop playlist on Spotify. Suddenly, a song came on that I hadn’t heard in many years. The tune was “I Need That Record” by Tweeds, a great under-appreciated 70’s power pop band Besides the fact that this title was exactly why I was in my car at the time, it lit up a little light bulb in my head about a show devoted to songs about my favorite objects, records. It didn’t take long to put together the playlist. Wilco’s “Boxful of Letters” was an obvious pick. As were tunes by Todd Snider, Supersuckers, Nick Lowe, and Elvis Costello. iTunes searches came up with a vast majority of the rest of the tracks. But it was the discovery of an old Wreckless Eric track that secured the idea of this show. “33s + 45s” deals with the aftermath of a breakup, and the inevitable splitting of the music library. These lines hit me hard: “My dismantled […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 326 – April 19, 2021 – Homebound Edition LVII
This week, after a trill of 1977 Johnny Thunders’ Heartbreakers: brand new Justin Sullivan, Cheap Trick, Dinosaur Jr., Tom Jones, Lucy Dacus, Eleventh Dream Day, and Tambourina, plus Ike & Tina Turner, The Sweet, The Action, Gene Autry, Palace Guard, T…
The Ledge #471: 1981 US Punk Faves
1981 was a very special year for your favorite podcast host. I graduated from high school, and immediately started at the local radio station when I entered college. While the 2 – 6 am shift may seem like a nightmare to most people, it was the perfect opportunity for me to investigate the floor to ceiling record racks in the cramped studio. This week’s show represents the US-originated records from that era that mean the most to me today. Most of them I discovered during these late night shifts, but a few of them I must admit they weren’t faves until years later. Of course, I have to highlight the first releases from my two favorite Minneapolis bands of all time, and longtime faves the Ramones put out their sixth album that year. There’s also a couple of new indie labels, IRS and SST, that would greatly influence me throughout the rest of the decade. After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 325 – April 12, 2021 – Homebound Edition LVI
This week, after a little 1995 Teenage Fanclub: brand new Naked Raygun, TUNS, Pauline Murray, Tombstones in Their Eyes, Sensible Gray Cells, Triptides, and Submotile, plus The Seeds, Slade, Marvelettes, Love, Roy Orbison, Johnny Jones, and Thomas & Ric…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 324 – April 5, 2021 – Homebound Edition LV
This week, after tad a’ 1956 Chuck Berry: brand new Joy Formidable, GospelbeacH, Real Estate, Fastbacks, Teenage Fanclub, Flyying Colours, and Cliff and Ivy, plus Jimmy Ruffin, Elvis Presley, Jamaicans, Misunderstood, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Sandy S…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 323 – March 29, 2021 – Homebound Edition LIV
This week, after a refrain of 1980 Echo & the Bunnymen: brand new Wedding Present, Reds, Pinks and Purples, Sensible Gray Cells, Black Watch, American Darlings, Lucy Dacus, and Belle & Sebastian, plus Hollies, Pyramids, Billy Edd Wheeler, Arthur Lee & …
Gone Mental Final Episode
Here it is! Going out with over 4 hours of the good stuff. Too many bands to name, but after all this time you know what to expect. Thanks for hanging out all these years.
Git it.
Mojo Nixon | Gadzooks!!! The Homemade Bootleg | Take Me To Your Leader(…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 322 – March 22, 2021 – Homebound Edition LIII
This week, after a little 1967 Tony Hazard/Manfred Mann/Yardbirds slice: brand new Chills, Cheap Trick, Flyying Colours, Altin Gün, TV Smith, Petrified Max, and Triptides, plus Moody Blues, Bobby Womack, Bee Gees, Xavier Cugat, Otis Redding, Faron Youn…
The Ledge #467: Rum Bar Records
Loyalty is an important word in my life. I try to be as loyal as possible to not only friends and family, but also the bands that I love. I’m even loyal to certain record labels. In the 80’s it was Twin/Tone and SST. Merge and a few others fit that category in the 90’s, and I’ve got a handful of current labels these days whose artists I will always check out. One of those is Rum Bar Records. No label has been more loyal to what I do with The Ledge than Rum Bar Records. Head honcho “Malibu” Lou Mansdorf has not only kept me in the loop with his constantly growing stable of releases, but he also routinely tosses a care package of physical releases to my mailbox. It’s because of people like Lou that this show has continued to prosper for over a decade. But it also turns out that loyalty is an important word to Mansdorf, as proven by the testimonials from his artists that pop up throughout this marathon all-Rum Bar broadcast. Most have been his friends for decades, but even recent signing have nothing but glowing words for him. Tonight’s show features tracks from the entire […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 321 – March 15, 2021 – Homebound Edition LII
This week, after some 2013 Sensible Gray Cells lament: brand new GospelbeacH, Savage Republic, Maxïmo Park, Luxembourg Signal, Arab Strap, Melt Citizen, and Lisa Mychols & Super 8, plus Esquerita, Wayne Fontana, Smokey Robinson, Manfred Mann, Augustus …
The Ledge #466: Home Plays
I have to admit that I get too hung up on themes. Obviously, the new release episode is always going to be a part of the lineup, but I really don’t have to create a basis for my weekly music choices. I actually wish that I could think in terms of just randomly airing songs that fir my mood for the day. This week I actually attempt such a show, but there’s still sort of a theme. These are all records that I’ve been listening to in my spare time. One is a newly-unearthed Rolling Stones bootleg. There’s tracks from a great compilation of late 60’s rockers from The Dakotas. There’s a new Neil Young live album from his vast archives. But the freedom of this loose theme is that I did throw in some songs that I have never aired before. That Soiuxsie and the Banshees album that I happened to grab at the record store a few weeks ago? Sure, why not. The Lloyd Cole track from the box set I ordered directly from Lloyd? Yep. A great 2018 album by The Conquerors that my friend Dan recommended? Of course. And I just had to air a couple […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 320 – March 8, 2021 – Homebound Edition LI
This week, after little 1978 Rutles worship: brand new Dinosaur Jr., Sensible Gray Cells, TV Smith, Sid Rainey, Hadda Be, Athensville, and Sister John, plus The Zombies, Bel-Airs, Nick Drake, Eddie Marshall and Rosalie Allen, Shirley Bassey, and Cannon…
The Ledge #465: New Releases
It’s the first Friday of the month, so you know what this means. Yes, once again I have over two hours of the best new indie, garage, power pop, punk, and Americana releases. Plenty of veteran acts, and even more brand new artists. If you care ab…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 319 – March 1, 2021 – Homebound Edition L
This week, after small 1964 Simon & Garfunkel rumination: brand new Flyying Colours, Maxïmo Park, Reds, Pinks & Purples, Wedding Present, Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Jello Biafra, and Altin Gün, plus Sam Cooke, Left Banke, Jefferson Airplane, Sonny Washing…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 318 – February 22, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLIX
This week, after lil’ bit of 1960 Johnny Kidd & the Pirates: brand new Cheap Trick, Guided by Voices, Bye Bye Blackbirds, X, Arab Strap, Belle & Sebastian, and Star Collector, plus Desmond Dekker & the Aces, Lloyd Price, Eddie Arnold & the Tennessee Pl…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 317 – February 15, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLVIII
This week, after little Jim duets with dad on a 1962 Goffin & King/Crickets fave: brand new Flyying Colours, Sensible Gray Cells, Brother Kite, Teenage Wrist, Lickerish Quartet, Persian Leaps, and Gretchen’s Wheel, plus Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, Amy W…
The Ledge #462: New Releases (Pt. 2)
Last week’s new release show was all about submitted tracks. This week’s part two of the series compiles all of the other new records that have recently been released (or will be soon). The show is marked by the return of quite a few vetera…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 316 – February 8, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLVII
This week, after a small slice of 1988 Libertines U.S: brand new Natvral, Triptides, Joy Cleaner, Bloodstains, Vicious Blossom, X, and Belle & Sebastian, plus Jackie Wilson, Jackie Lomax, Upsetters, Kingston Trio, Rivingtons, and Sons of the Pioneers);…
The Ledge #461: New Releases (Pt. 1)
Few things make a music critic/internet DJ happier than a package of new music, and I’m blessed to have the support of so many bands and labels. Whenever I receive an email that includes a link to a single or album, or find a packet in my mailbox, I immediately put it in the front of my pile of music to check out. As I was putting together this month’s new release episode, I suddenly noticed just how many great records I’ve received in the past few weeks. So why not do an entire show bassed on artist/label submissions? That’s what we have here this week. Some are from individual artists (Dan Israel, Jeremy Porter, Indonesian Junk, New Rocket Union, etc.) that want me to check out their new tunes. Others are because I’ve found myself on a label’s mailing list. I definitely need to thank Big Stir Records, Red on Red Records, and Rum Bar Records, who really knocked it out of the park with not one but two free samplers of current and upcoming new releases! After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 315 – February 1, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLVI
This week, after a bitta 1969 Fourmyula: brand new The Wedding Present (with Louise Wener), Chills, Teenage Fanclub, Bad Religion, Altin Gün, Juliana Hatfield, and Willie Nelson, plus Sandie Shaw, Can, Ronnie Dawson, Fairfield Parlour (Kaleidoscope), P…
Gone Mental Episode 381
Only posting this one week behind schedule but better late than never! 2+ hours of the greatest rocknroll on earth from The Devils, Juliette Seizure & The Tremor Dolls, Lonesome Kings, Fear, The Subversives, Beat Devils, Hank Williams, and more!
Git it…
The Ledge #460: Covers
As I stated on tonight’s all-covers episode, I have a folder on my hard drive where I toss in any cool remakes that I accumulate. When that folder is filled then it’s time to do another show of that type.
Well, the folder is full, and was a…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 314 – January 25, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLV
This week, after a slice of 1965 Anthony Newley via Nina Simone: brand new Sensible Gray Cells, Arab Strap, Death Cab For Cutie, Stuyvesant, TUNS, James Williamson & Deniz Tek, and Swansea Sound, plus Jimmy Cliff, Byrds, Ray Charles, Crystals, Beatles,…
The Ledge #459: UK Punk 1981
Since it’s a new year I have a whole list of new “anniversaries” to celebrate this year. You can expect many upcoming episodes devoted to years such as 1986, 1991…and, obviously, 1981. Tonight’s broadcast is the first of a…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 313 – January 18, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLIV
This week, after a small 1960 Goffin & King trill: brand new Triptides, Belle & Sebastian, Sleaford Mods, Spizzenergi, Petrified Max, X, and Telescopes, plus Nina Simone, Bee Gees, Lord Brynner & the Sheiks, Whistling Jack Smith, Pee Wee King, and Wood…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 312 – January 11, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLIII – Part 2 of 2, Special Countdown Show: Jack Rabid’s 50 Best Albums of 2020
This week: Part 2 of 2, Special Countdown Show: Jack Rabid’s 50 Best Albums of 2020 (+ 10 Best Stand-Alone Singles & EPs, and 10 Best Retrospectives/Reissues Tracks)
The Ledge #457: New Releases
It’s the first show of the new year, which means it’s the first new release episode of the year! Generally, there isn’t much for new material this time of year, but this year seems to be an exception. You’ll find plenty of great…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 311 – January 4, 2021 – Homebound Edition XLII – Part 1 of 2, Special Countdown Show: Jack Rabid’s 50 Best Albums of 2020
Happy New Year! This week, after another 1788 Robert Burns homage: Part 1 of 2, Special Countdown Show: “Jack Rabid’s 50 Best Albums of 2020 (+10 Best Stand-Alone Singles & EPs, and 10 Best Retrospectives/Reissues Tracks)”
Gone Mental Episode 380
Ending off 2020 with a bang. 2.5 hours of bangers to be exact. More red hot rocknroll from Big Mama Thornton, Lee Rockers, Old 97’s, Lonesome Kings, The Darts, Mad Sin, Henry & The Bleeders, and more!
Git it.
Peter & The Test Tube Babies | Fuctifano |…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 310 – December 28, 2020 – Homebound Edition XLI
This week, after little 1947 year-end refrain: brand new Neil Young, The Spits, Drive-By Truckers, Exploding Flowers, Protomartyr, Cheap Star (with Matthew Caws), and Ringo Deathstarr, plus The Outsiders (Ohio), Lightnin’ Hopkins, Max Romeo & the Upset…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 309 – December 21, 2020 – Homebound Edition XL
This week, after little Jim helps sing a snippet of 1965 Vince Guaraldi: brand new The Chills, Sensible Gray Cells, Sleaford Mods, Death Cab For Cutie, Maxïmo Park, Fawns of Love, and Tanya Donelly & the Parkington Sisters, plus Solomon Burke, Mart…
Gone Mental Episode 379
Doing it again with over two hours of the finest. Pure greatness from Rachel Brooke, The Darts, Thug Murder, The Bloodies, Angry Samoans, Naked Aggression, As Diabatz, and more!
Git it.
Loretta Lynn | You Ain’t Woman Enough | You Ain’t Woman Enough(De…
The Ledge #456: Lockdown Christmas
Everybody’s favorite holiday tradition is back as once again The Ledge annual Christmas show brings you the best rockin’ holiday tunes in this supersized show! What’s great about this show is that it’s not a show relying on tun…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 308 – December 14, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXIX
This week, after a snippet of 1953 Louis Armstrong holiday cheer: brand new Springhouse (remix), Fotoform, Trotsky Icepick, Guided By Voices, Belle & Sebastian, Boyracer, and Toots & the Maytals, plus The Kinks, Ventures, Los Bravos, Donovan, Big Dee I…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 307 – December 7, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXVIII
This week, after a small portion of 1986 Agent Orange: brand new Foxycontin, John Foxx & the Maths, Honeychain, Flying Vipers, The Adam Brown, and Moon Attendant, plus Edwin Starr, Pretty Things, Roy Orbison, Buckinghams, Brothers Four, Kitty Wells, an…
Gone Mental Episode 378
Over two and a half hours of punk, ska psychobilly and more! Pure greatness from Scott H. Biram, Radio Birdman, Fret Rattles, Bad Manners, Madness, The Adicts, Adam Ant, New Bomb Turks, The Cavemen, War On Women, and more!
Git it.
Scott H. Biram | Fev…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 306 – November 30, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXVII
This week, after a slice of a 1920 Russian song via Mary Hopkin: brand new Gretchen’s Wheel, Steve Winwood, Bob Mould, Reds, Pinks and Purples, Damned, and The Black Watch, plus The Temptations, Pirates (New Orleans), Patsy Cline, Chuck Berry, Trees, L…
The Ledge #453: Under Consideration
This is the time of year where I’m going through my music library making notes on what albums should be considered for my year-end rankings. With the volume of great music released every year, however, there are records that I honestly sort of fo…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 305 – November 23, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXVI
This week, after little Jim trills a little 1964 Zombies: brand new Honeychain, Belle & Sebastian, Flower, Bats, Trotsky Icepick, and Sensible Gray Cells, plus Ike & Tina Turner, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Hank Williams, Lloyd Price,, Gordon Lightfoot, Je…
Gone Mental Episode 377
Burning it down again with brand new greatness from The Spits, The Bloodies, and The Chats. Plus more of the usual mental rocknroll from Big Fuckin’ Skull, Hillbilly Casino, Godless Wicked Creeps, Cosmic Psychos, Victory, Hank Robot, The Raymen, and mo…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 304 – November 16, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXV
This week, after a little bit of 1972 America: brand new Teenage Fanclub, Sleaford Mods (with Billy Nomates), TV Smith, Luxembourg Signal, Bob Mould, and Guided By Voices, plus Moody Blues, Outsiders, Marvin Gaye, Del Shannon, Paul Revere & the Raiders…
The Ledge #451: 1990
It may be a cliche, especially compared to the dumpster fire of this year, but it was definitely a simpler time for me in 1990. It was a year that I sort of became an adult. Sort of are the key words here. It was also a year of musical transition for me, as it was the year of the last Replacements album and the year of Uncle Tupelo’s debut album. For the next few years, “Americana” became my leading musical force. With a few exceptions, of course. (Both of these recors, The Replacements’ “All Shook Down” and Uncle Tupelo’s “No Depression”, get an extended look during tonight’s show.) This week’s show takes a look at much of what was in my gigantic portable CD carrier during that year. Yes, I had one of those 64 disc cases that went with me wherever I went. One has to be prepared, you know. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this nostalgic look at my personal music taste from that era. After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 303 – November 9, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXIV
This week, after little Jim ’n’ Jack break out the joy of 1969’’s Beatle George Harrison: brand new Wolfhounds, Fontaines D.C., Moon Attendant, Willie Nelson, Black Swan Lane, and Lisa Mychols & Super 8, plus Charlie Rich, Ray Charles, Davy Graham, Joh…
Gone Mental Episode 376
Brand new music this week from The Rusty Robots and War On Women! This and more of the greatest blowing your doors off from The 5.6.7.8’s, New Bomb Turks, The Darts, Voodoo Zombie, Demented Are Go, The Crucifucks, T.S.O.L., and more!
Git it.
Mojo Nixo…
The Ledge #450: New Releases
In all the years of doing this monthly new release show, this may be the most varied I’ve ever done. After initial sets of folk-ish, acoustic rock, this month’s supersized show gradually built up the intensity until a final set of veteran h…
The Big Takeover Show – Number 302 – November 2, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXIII
This week, after a slice of 1965 Kinks: brand new Pauline Murray, James Williamson & Deniz Tek, Trostsky Icepick, Belle & Sebastian, Harry Shearer, and Honeychain, plus Chi-Lites, Leaves, Colin Blunstone, Dennis Brown, Roy Harper, Easybeats, and Moon M…
The Ledge #449: Halloween
The Halloween episode has been an important part of The Ledge calendar year for over a decade. Outside of maybe one or two years, there has always been a show during the week before the great holiday featuring fantastic Hallowen-themed punk, garage, indie, power pop, and almost every other rock and roll sub-genre. Why is this such a big show? It’s simple, and I’ve said it before. Halloween is a rock and roll holiday. The very themes of the big day have been a part of rock and roll since the early days. The sound of an electric guitar itself fits the day, as does the pounding, basic rhythms of the real rock and roll. It also helps that every year sees the release of a ton of tracks that can be shoehorned into the theme. In fact, the overwhelming majority of songs on this year’s edition were released in the last ten months, which obviously adds to the freshness of this show every single year! After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy! 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 […]
The Big Takeover Show – Number 301 – October 26, 2020 – Homebound Edition XXXII
This week, after some of 1964 Petula Clark: brand new Toots & the Maytals, Flower, Art Bergmann (and Wayne Kramer), Bob Mould, Drew Citron, and The Spits, plus Big Star, The Who, The Grass Roots, The Beatles, Astrud Gilberto, Dolly Parton, and Hoag…
Gone Mental Episode 375
Doing what we do again with another 2+ hours of the best rocknroll ever made. Red hot greatness from The Nips, Powersolo, The PArtisans, Dayglo Abortions, Henry & The Bleeders, Lost Souls, Batmobile, Howlin’ Wolf, Bloodshot Bill, The Dickies, D.O.A., a…
The Ledge #448: Reissues
The Ledge isn’t all about new music, obviously. And with the record companies constantly repackaging old material with bonus demos, outtakes, and live takes my collection just continues to grow.
Tonight’s show is a look at some of these spe…
