The Ledge #571: New Releases
The first Friday of June means we have nothing but new releases on The Ledge, and it’s quite the lineup tonight. There are artists from all over the world, ranging from just a mile or so from my home (Thought Patrol) to Germany (Hamburg Ramones, Berlin Blackouts), with additional stops in Italy, Norway, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other countries). There’s the return of a ton of veteran artists, including Rancid, Graham Parker, The Aquadolls, and Joan Jett. Most importantly, at least for me, is the brand new project by Tommy Stinson. Over the last few years he’s been touring with his pal Chip Roberts under the Cowboys in the Campfire moniker, and today sees the release of their debut album, Wronger. While a bit quieter than we’re used to from the former Replacements bass player, it’s still quite a record from the hardest working member of the legendary band. Of course, we begin with the latest in the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” series, and this time it is nt a new release. This version is from the French band Nouvelle Vague, an act that was created to remake classic punk and new wave songs in bossa nova versions. Yes, […]
RNRM657
Lots of great stuff as always.
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 #569: Jeremy Porter’s Teenage Kicks
When I conceived the “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks” project late last year one of the first things I did was to contact artists that I considered friends of the show. I’ve been blessed over the years to have some wonderful musicians regularly send me their latest projects. One of those friends was Jeremy Porter, leader of Jeremy Porter & The Tucos. For almost the entire time I’ve been producing The Ledge, Porter has provided me with fabulous music, and has also introduced my show to many of his fellow musician friends. It was honestly no surprise when Porter responded that he was indeed interested in contributing a version of “Teenage Kicks”, but I was blown away by his overall plans with the tune. Tonight’s episode is the world premiere of his cover, which will be officially released next Friday (5/26) on his bandcamp page. While the track will be a “name your price”, proceeds from those who do the right thing and pay for the track will go to the Detroit-based charity, Hater Kitty Army, led by Sue Summers. “Hater Kitty Rescue Army is a neighborhood cat haven on Detroit’s Eastside,” Summers explains. “We have been serving abandoned cats for the past […]
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)
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 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 #565: Some More Home Plays
This week is another show devoted primarily to music I’ve been listening to around the house. The first half is dominated by new tracks recently sent to me by various labels, and sometimes the artists themselves. There’s a new tune from Sioux Falls’ own Thought Patrol. There’s Big Stir’s latest projects featuring former Standells leader Tony Valentino. There’s the usual handful of Rum Bar Records releases, including the return of The Short Fuses. The second half of the show are highlighted by recent box set releases of The Velvet Underground, Dead Moon, and the legendary live 2Tone Dance Craze soundtrack, along with favorites by the New York Dolls, The Mummies, The Creation, The Pretty Things, and Paul Revere & The Raiders. There’s almost 60 years of fabulous rock and roll! As for this week’s edition of “52 Weeks of Teenage Kicks”, I don’t have a lot of background information regarding the version by a band called Funeral Service. All I’ve managed to find out is that they were a French band that put their cover out in 1986 as the b-side to a version of the classic “Pills”. If you have any info on this band, please let me know. […]
The Ledge #563: New Releases
Here we are with another new release episode. Just over two hours of brand new tunes that everybody should check out. A little bit of garage rock, quite a bit of power pop, and a few other genres mixed in for fun.
As for the “52 Weeks of Teen…
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 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
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 […]
RNRM646
Lots of new stuff tonight. Normally I would have edited out my mistakes but it was too fucking late, so here it is, warts and all.
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…
RNRM645: International Women’s Day
Today was International Women’s Day and it’s also Women’s History Month. This show is in honor of the ladies of music.
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
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
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 Ledge #555: This And That
Once again we have a show devoted primarily to material I’ve been listening to around the house. Honestly, since it was announced that Television’s Tom Verlaine had passed away on January 28, 2023, I have wanted to do a little tribute to him on The Ledge. So tonight you can hear a handful of his classic Television and solo tunes. RIP. There’s also a wide variety of tunes that comprise almost 60 years of rock and roll. There’s a handful of garage rock classics from the acclaimed Pebbles series. There’s a track from one of Robert Gordon’s collaborations with guitarist Link Wray. There’s also a sort of tribute to Burt Bachrach in the form of a Stranglers cover that somehow caught my ear a day or so before the announcement of his death. And there’s also a couple of sets of new tunes, primarily songs that were cut from last week’s new release episode, along with more cuts from recent Rum Bar Records releases. I’ve also premiered the newly reissued single from Popsicko on Big Stir Records, which was officially released today. (Look for a full album later this spring). Don’t think that I’ve forgotten about my yearlong sub-theme, “52 […]
RNRM641: NOT Valentine’s Day
The annual NOT Valentine’s Day show, extended, with some debuts from OC Rippers and Demonstone!
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
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
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
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
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 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. […]
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 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 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 Ledge #545: New Releases
I am proud to present to you the final new release episode of The Ledge of 2022. It’s been quite a year, full of fabulous new punk, power pop, garage, and indie rock. I’m now in the process of creating my “best of 2022” list that will be unveiled in two weeks. Tonight’s episode is truly a wordwide collection, as not only are there fabulous new tunes from the usual American and Canadian cities but there are trcks from Japan, Sweden, Italy, Spain, France, and the UK. There’s also a great set of 90’s shoegaze from Minneapolis that has just been compiled on a record called Southeast of Saturn, Vol. 2 on Third Man Records. As usual, there’s also a fun little set of new tunes from our friends at Rum Bar Records. 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 […]
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 Ledge #543: Power Pop, Pt. 1 (The Past)
On a fairly regular basis I’m asked what type of music I most enjoy. It’s a pretty tough question to answer, to be honest. The standard answer I hear in return is “I love all kinds of music”, which to me is code for “I only like what’s popular”. Sorry, but having a playlist on Spotify that includes both Drake, Meghan Trainor, and Luke Bryan isn’t the proof of versatility most of these poeple believe it is. So what is the genre or sub-genre that is closest to my heart? “Punk” is a little too confining, and honestly there is a lot of shitty music under that moniker. “Alternative” doesn’t mean the same today as it did 30 years ago since maintstream rock radio has co-opted it. “Garage rock” is indeed getting closer but still doesn’t feel right. I think deep in my heart the term power pop, or at least my version of the term, best describes my music taste. I was, after all, born the day The Beatles recorded their first single, and the first two rock and roll albums I owned just out of my toddler phase was the first Monkees record and the A Hard Day’s Night soundtrack. My […]
RNRM629
New stuff from the Black Halos, the SUCK, Brad Marino, Newtown Neurotics, Erratix, Fear Gods., OC Rippers, Death Dumplings, the Oxys and more.
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 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 …
RNRM626: the 13th Annual Halloween Show
Halloween favorites and brand new stuff from Blag Dahlia and the Me-Thinks.
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, […]
RNRM625
New stuff from the Black Halos, Critical Response, Vicious Blonde, the Rumperts, Guerrilla Teens and more.
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 Ledge #538: New Releases (Pt. 1)
First off, my apologies for now show last week. We had a little issue with our servers so it was impossible to do a show. But we are back this week with our monthly new release episode. Actually it’s the first part of a two part series, and this…
RNRM624
Brand new Some Hearts, La Rabbia, Todd Killings and the Contracts, Short Fuses, the Suck, and More Kicks.
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 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 […]
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New Killer Hearts! What more do you need? The much longer version of this show is available on my Patreon. Over 2 hours more music!
The Ledge #535: God Save The Queen
Once I heard the news of Queen Elizabeth’s death on Thursday morning, I knew I had to dump my planned broadcast for this week. Surely I could put together a show that both celebrates and criticizes not only the monarchy but the entire country. For me, the quintessential British rock band is The Kinks. There may be better bands from that country (name them!) but nobody captures that country like the writings of Ray Davies. Same with The Jam and The Clash a decade later, or Billy Bragg, The Smiths, Robyn Hitchcock, and mny others a decade after that. Pairing a few highlights of those artists with some samplings of the great British punk movement of the late 70s, and you have two hours of fantastic British tributes…even if a couple of the artists are actually American. 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 […]
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 to̷…
The Ledge #533: SST Records (Pt. 2)
Part two of The Ledge’s look at SST Records focuses on the second half of the 80’s. There are a few big names involved, including Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Buffalo Tom, and future grunge major label heroes Screaming Trees and Soundgarden….
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New stuff from the Chats, the Speedways, the Trouble Seekers and Evil Dick Industries and much more!
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 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 Ledge #530: New Releases (Pt. 1)
Once again, the wealth of new material being released each and every month “forces” me to expand my new release episode into a two part series. Tonight’s episode focuses primarily on “friends” of the show. Bands that have so nicely regularly sent their new projects to The Ledge. Great labels such as Rum Bar Records, Dirtnap Records, and Stardumb Records. Fabulous Minneapolis artists such as The Right Here, Night Jobs, and UltraBomb. The latest covers project by Geoff Palmer. Plus some of the other great new tunes by longtime faves Ty Segall, Osees, and The Sadies, mixed with some new band discoveries (Gentleman Rogues, The Sparklers). One note, however. At the very end of the show I introduce a track by Dust Star. Unfortunately, my broadcast machine decided to air The Rubs. Still, a quality selection but I’ll have to save Dust Star for next week. 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 […]
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 […]
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New stuff from Thee Saturday Knights, Brandy and the Butcher, Ex Parents, Smash the Granny, Tenement Rats, Mala Vista, Suzi Moon and more.
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 […]
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This is really the Howlin’ Hot Dog’s episode but I also had a debut from the Newtown Neurotics!!
The Ledge #527: New Releases
Yes, the new release episode was delayed a week this month, but it’s pretty much the same show you would have heard if it was aired in its normal time slot. And, as always, it’s a mix of old and new bands from all over the world. In fact, …
The Ledge #526: Low Rats
When the news broke that swaggering rock and rollers Low Rats were hitting my little city of Sioux Falls I immediately began begging the band to make a stop at my house before the show for a Ledge interview. Although final plans were up in the air until the last minute, lead singer Michael Meyer promised me that he would definitely show up in time for my Friday night broadcast. Unfortunately, I had some technical issues throughout the day, and they were not completely fixed by the time Meyer arrived just before my Realpunkradio shift. So instead of a mix of chat and music, we could only broadcast the conversation. The two of us spent an hour talking about his Sioux Falls childhood, along with the various bands he had not only in this little town but in other cities, including his time a few years ago leading Narco States. In a case of perfect timing, the rest of the band (guitarist Rob Sells, bassist Joe Holland, and drummer Ben Crunk) arrived just when I was going to begin asking Meyer questions about Low Rats. Although I now had more people than microphones, we carried on with the entire band […]
The Ledge #525: 60 Years of Rock n Roll
This show ended up being quite different than originally planned. The initial idea was another “odds and ends” show where I aired tracks from some records that I had been playing around the house. I suddenly realized, however, that I’ve been listening to quite a few compilations in the past few weeks. And that I’ve been digging into the archives quite often for some of my oldest records. So tonight actually is an odds and ends show that features 60 years of great rock and roll, from the standard bearer Chuck Berry to the current sounds of Low Rats, a band that bodes well for the future of the genre. Four compilations have feature spots in the show – Louie’s Limbo Lounge (Las Vegas Grind, Vol. 2) gathers togehter raw 50’s stompers, Back From the Grave Vol. 5 highlights 60s garage bands, Punk 45: There is No Such Thing As Society, Vol. 2 is centered around late 70’s UK punk and post-punk, and Du Huskers: The Twin Cities Replay Zen Arcade is a 1993 tribute to the classic Husker Du album. I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. […]
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New Beaumonts and new Urban Voodoo Machine. In one night!
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 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! […]
