The Ledge #600: Hudson’s Best of 2023
Choosing my favorite records of the year is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s great fun for a music nerd like me to revisit the hundreds of releases I’ve checked out the last twelve months. But it’s also frustrating trying to thin down those picks into a list that truly represents the past year. Many records that initially seemed a lock are suddenly eclipsed by new records that I simply can’t ignore. Other albums that I had prematurely set aside have revealed themselves to be chock full of fabulous tunes that I can’t imagine living without. Overall, this is another great year for music. I’ll never understand the mindset of people, especially those around my age, that complain how there’s no great bands or records these days. Sure, the pop charts are primarily filled with garbage, and one does have to spend more time than ever finding new artists. But the search has always been a great part of the fun of being a collector, and my main reason I’ve now put together 600 episodes of this show is to share my findings with others. I’m always thrilled when I hear that someone has bought a record […]
The Ledge #600: Hudson’s Best of 2023
Choosing my favorite records of the year is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s great fun for a music nerd like me to revisit the hundreds of releases I’ve checked out the last twelve months. But it’s also frustrating trying to thin down those picks into a list that truly represents the past year. Many records that initially seemed a lock are suddenly eclipsed by new records that I simply can’t ignore. Other albums that I had prematurely set aside have revealed themselves to be chock full of fabulous tunes that I can’t imagine living without. Overall, this is another great year for music. I’ll never understand the mindset of people, especially those around my age, that complain how there’s no great bands or records these days. Sure, the pop charts are primarily filled with garbage, and one does have to spend more time than ever finding new artists. But the search has always been a great part of the fun of being a collector, and my main reason I’ve now put together 600 episodes of this show is to share my findings with others. I’m always thrilled when I hear that someone has bought a record […]
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 #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 #540: Archival Releases
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for box sets and other repackages of previously released material. I may be new release oriented, but I love a good set of odds and ends. Give me those unheard demos. Let me hear those old concerts. Tonight’s show compiles those types of records. There’s unreleased material by a forgotten band that were contemporaries of the New York Dolls. There’s a new mixes of classic Dead Kennedys songs. There’s numerous outtakes by the likes of Wilco and Joe Strummer. And there’s also the recently discovered early recordings of future Velvet Underground tunes by Lou Reed. Plus, a ton of live releases from Todd Snider, Pixies, Soul Asylum, and others. I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful songs. And if you buy these records directly from the artist or label, please let them know you heard these tunes on The Ledge! Let them know who is giving them promotion! For more information, including setlists, […]
The Ledge #523: New Releases
Once again, the monthly new release episode of The Ledge features some great new tunes from a variety of genres – Americana (Wilco, Drive-By Truckers, John Doe), power pop (Nick Piunti, The Sweet Things), indie rock (Dehd, Savak), and punk (Malta Vista, Screeching Weasel), among others. There’s also great new releases from our friends at Rum Bar Records, Big Stir Records, and Spaghetty Town Records. What I’m most excited about, however, is the premiere of the new single featuring one of our Real Punk Radio DJ legends. Greg Lonesome, host of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Manifesto, has a new supergroup which also features Preacher Boy, Olsen Twin, and El Flyin’. Their two track single, which can be found here, is released tomorrow, and both smoking tracks can be heard on this week’s episode! I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful songs. And if you buy these records directly from the artist or label, please let them know you heard these tunes on The Ledge! […]
The Ledge #517: Directors Gorman Bechard and Fred Uhter Discuss ‘Where Are You, Jay Bennett?’
For a large percentage of Wilco fans, the glory days of that band were in the late 90’s and early 00’s, with classic albums such as Being There, Summerteeth, and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. It’s no coincidence that those records, along with collaborations with Billy Bragg on previously-unrecorded Woody Guthrie tunes, featured multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett. And when I say multi-instrumentalist, I don’t mean he can set down his guitar to play piano on a few tracks. Bennett was a savant. He was a man who could pretty much turn any object into a tuneful tool.Bennett was fired from Wilco in 2001 during the latter stages of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’s creation, and his dismissal was controversially included in 2002’s “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart” documentary. After a series of critically acclaimed solo albums, Bennett tragically passed away in 2009.Bennett’s story is finally being told with this week’s release of “Where Are You, Jay Bennett?”, and co-directors Gorman Bechard and Fred Uhter are interviewed in this week’s episode about a film that Bechard says he made to “right the wrongs” of that previous documentary. Besides his controversial dismissal from Wilco, Jeff’s entire life is showcased, from his mom proudly showing his […]
The Ledge #504: Miss Georgia Peach Premiere
The Ledge is so proud to be able to present to you the premiere of four tracks from the upcoming record by Miss Georgia Peach. “Aloha From Kentucky”, set for release on March 18 on Rum Bar Records, is a fabulous combo of twang and raunch from the Short Fuses/Beebee Gallini veteran. Produced by Brian Pulito & Travis Ramin, and with musical backing from members of Nashville Pussy and Nine Pound Hammer, this is going to be one record every one should check out. Besides these great tunes by Miss Georgia Peach, the rest of the show consists of primarily double shots of records I’ve been listening to in my spare time. There’s some archival rarities from David Bowie, The Heartbreakers, and Lou Reed, some live recordings by The Jesus And Mary Chain, X, Wilco, and King Gizzard, along with a little tribute to the late Rachel Nagy of The Detroit Cobras. 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 […]
The Ledge #483: Archives, Covers, and Other Stuff
Although I have a montly new release episode, I don’t really have a place for new reissues, compilations, live albums, and other odd releases such as that. Once in a while, I do throw a reissued track or two in the new release show, but for the most part it’s hard to find a spot for them in my usual themed shows. So tonight those types of releases get their own theme. I can’t say it’s all archival material, though, as there are new recordings by the likes of Los Lobos, The Descendents, and The Beat-Hells. But for the most part, tonight’s show comes from the type of releases I mentioned before. There’s archival collections of bands such as The Outsiders, R. Stevie Moore, and David Bowie. There are rare tracks from reissues of classics by George Harrison, Mudhoney, The White Stripes, and many others. And there’s quite a few great cover tunes. I would love it if every listener bought at least one record I played on either of these shows. These great artists deserve to be compensated for their hard work, and every purchase surely helps not only pay their bills but fund their next set of wonderful […]
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 Ledge #458: The Ledge Awards
A few weeks ago, I put together a countdown show of my 40 favorite albums of 2020. Now for this annual Ledge Awards I go through various other categories for the past year – Best Reissue, Best Live Album, Best Compilaton, Best Covers Album, Best …
The Ledge #435: Scott’s Favorite Records, Vol. 5 – Americana
Americana, country-punk, No Depression, alt-country. Whatever you want to call this twangy-ish sort of music it’s been a part of my life since the early 80’s. Nope, not after the scene exploded with Uncle Tupelo. The country influence has a…
Live Ledge #397: New Releases
Tonight’s new release show is the broadcast that was planned for last week. In fact, it’s the exact set of songs that were put together before the shocking news about Kim Shattuck caused me to quickly put together a tribute to the fabulous Muffs leader. So this month’s new release show includes a lengthy set of Americana-ish veterans (Charlie Parr, Pernice Brothers, The Figgs, Wilco), Suicide-esque atmospheric punks (Atom, Rocket 808), female rockers (Baby Shakes, Paranoyds, Sweet Knives), covers (Dirty Nil, The Pretty Flowers, Das Clamps), and lots of good ol’ rock and roll from new and veteran artists. I also talk a little bit about the great show I saw earlier this week. The Cowboys made a stop at Total Drag Records, and as I’m known to do at these types of shows I purchased their entire discography. Or at least what they had with them. Great band and a fun show. After listening, please go purchase those tracks you enjoy!
Live Ledge #377: Arbor Day
The perfect soundtrack for planting trees or other Arbor Day celebrations.
Live Ledge #330: Numerology
With tax day approaching, host Scott Hudson as picked a playlist of tracks with numbers in the titles.
Live Ledge #301: Jay Bennett
Where Are You, Jay Bennett directors Fred Uhter and Gorman Bechard are this week’s guests.
Live Ledge #256: New Releases
The first show of September means it’s time for a first glance at fall new releases, including upcoming records by Wilco and Drive-By Truckers!
Live Ledge #218: From the Archives
Fall is the season for box sets and live albums, and tonight is a preview of many of these releases.
Live Ledge #211: By The Numbers, Part 2
We continue the journey of a song from every year host Scott Hudson’s been alive, including two from 2015.
Live Ledge #202: Columbus
Hudson recounts his week in Columbus, Ohio, with Lydia Loveless and her band.
Live Ledge #194: Track 4
A simple premise – everything played tonight is the fourth track of the album they appeared on!
Live Ledge #182: 1995
As the Beatles song goes, “it was 20 years ago” all of these songs were released.
Live Ledge #179: Best 2014 Reissues
Hudson counts down the 20 best reissues, box sets, and other miscellaneous 2014 releases.
Live Ledge #178: Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly multi-instrumentalist Bob Schmidt is tonight’s special guest.
Live Ledge #171: 1999
Nothing but songs from that year that you actually did party like it was 1999!
Rural Ledge-ucation #89: Bitter Tears
A companion piece to Friday’s “lonely” episode, this morning is nothing but “bitter” tunes.
Rural Ledge-ucation #84: America’s Dewey Bunnell
America founding member Dewey Bunnell calls in to today’s show to share stories about his 40 year music career.
Rural Ledge-ucation #78: Almost Thanksgiving
We’re celebrating Thanksgiving a bit early, with songs about not only the big day but the wonderful food we’ll all be pigging out on.
Rural Ledge-ucation #76: Election Day
Two days away from the U.S. elections, Hudson compiled some of his favorite politician-related tracks.
Rural Ledge-ucation #72: 1st World Problems
Scott has plenty of things to whine about today, but also some great recent releases.
Rural Ledge-ucation #71: Paul & Ryan
Debut plays of new tracks by Paul Westerberg and Matthew Ryan highlight this playlist of primarily “fall” songs.
Rural Ledge-ucation #69: Life Story (Pt. 2)
The conclusion of the year-by-year musical analysis of host Scott Hudson’s life starts with 1995 and ends with a release that coincides with his birthday!
Rural Ledge-ucation #67: More New Finds
Friday’s Live Ledge was all about the noisier releases I’ve acquired in recent weeks. Today’s Rural Ledge-ucation focuses on the quieter new stuff.
Rural Ledge-ucation #64: Bootlegs
Nothing but live recordings and studio demos for this short Sunday morning set!
Rural Ledge-ucation #62: Woody at 100
Woody Guthrie would have been 100 on July 14, so today’s show celebrates this day with some of his great tunes.
Rural Ledge-ucation #60: Marriage Stinks!
A followup to last week’s anti-wedding show, today we concentrate on songs that describe the perils of wedded “bliss”.
Rural Ledge-ucation #59: Weddings Stink!
It’s wedding season, so here’s 90 minutes of songs that should give you silly people second thoughts about making this awful decision!
Rural Ledge-ucation #55: Oh Susannah
Another show of new and upcoming releases, highlighted by a preview of the reunion of Neil Young and Crazy Horse.
Rural Ledge-ucation #53: RIP Levon
Today’s show celebrates the musical life of the late, great Levon Helm.
Rural Ledge-ucation #49: Happy Birthday Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe’s birthday is celebrated with some of his best tunes, covers, and production work.
Rural Ledge-ucation #48: Alex Chilton
We commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the death of Alex Chilton with a collection of covers and rarities.
Rural Ledge-ucation #46: Down With Wilco
This morning’s show features collaborations, side projects, and guest appearances involving members of Wilco!
Rural Ledge-ucation #45: New Releases
Along with an update on Slim Dunlap, today’s show features primarily new and recent releases.
