Thursday, June 27, 2013

Love That Album Episode 47 - The Monkees- Pisces, Capricorn, Headquarters and Head



Here we come…walking down the street….we get the funniest looks from….everyone we meet….

If you can sing the next line of that song, then Love That Album episode 47 is for you. The Monkees TV show theme would have to be one of the most beloved and recognised of its era and beyond. Arguments have gone back and forth about whether the Monkees were really a band, given their start as actors who just happened to be playing the parts of band members for a TV show. Well, like all good Frankensteinian monsters, they decided to take on a life of their own.

On LTA 47, I am joined by two co-hosts in separate segments. First of all, I welcome back to the show my friend and fellow Monkee nut, Julian Gillis to discuss two classic albums released in 1967 (a watershed year for rock). First of all, we discuss “Headquarters”, the album that by and large avoids the use of session musicians and features more Monkee-penned compositions. Then we look at the next record they released “Pisces, Aquarius Capricorn & Jones”. They return to the use of outside song writing help and they share the platform with session musicians, but to great effect. Julian and I both discuss the notion about the whether they were a real band, and what their legacy has been. How do these albums stand up against other albums released by the more conventionally assembled bands of the day? We both had fun recording this one and discussing some real pop gems.

But wait…there’s more Monkee business at hand. For his first LTA appearance, Terry Frost (of the wonderful “Paleo Cinema” and “Martian Drive In” podcasts) joins me to discuss the 1968 surreal piece of Monkee cinema, “Head”. To say this film has been much maligned is an understatement. Devised by Bob Rafelson, Jack Nicholson and the band while allegedly digesting a bag of fauna, this has no linear narrative to speak of – but does it have something to say? Why does Davy end up figthing Sonny Liston in a boxing ring? How does Mickey beat them both? Is Mike the best kisser? Is Peter really the dummy? Terry and I have a good time finding out.

Eric Reanimator returns with his Album I love segment to discuss the album by Danny and Dusty, “The Lost Weekend”, part of the underground paisley movement of the 80s. I really dig this album, as it reminds me of my beloved Weddings Parties Anything. Another classy segment courtesy of Eric.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.

The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.
  
Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.



Right click to download and save Episode 47 here

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Love That Episode Episode 46 - Tom Waits - The Heart of Saturday's Rain Dogs




Episode 46 of Love That Album is here with two albums up for discussion.

Having previously been graced with the company of Doctor Zom, I’m now honoured to be joined by the other half of the Silva and Gold team, Pickle Loaf (aka Alex Ladd) to talk about two vastly different Tom Waits records – 1974’s “The Heart of Saturday Night” and 1985’s “Rain Dogs”. They have superficial similarities: both are second albums (Heart for Asylum records, and Dogs for Island), and both are vastly different to what Waits’ contemporaries in the pop music world were doing. We discuss the songwriting, Charles Bukowski, Bette Midler, truck drivers, and a myriad of other things.

Eric Reanimator’s “Album I Love” segment returns featuring a focus on Simon Stokes’ album “Honky”. More good listening for your earholes from Eric.

NOTE: you can also download a special bonus companion LTA episode featuring an interview I had with Barney Hoskyns, author of “Lowside of the Road – A Life of Tom Waits”. He knows his Waits and gives a fascinating insight into Waits’ work.

You can download both of the podcasts at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com”.

The podcasts can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.

Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum and answer the REAL question regarding the meaning of life. Tom Waits – early jazzier recordings or later experimental recordings?


Right click to download and save Episode 46 here
 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Love That Album Bonus episode - Interview with Barney Hoskyns about Tom Waits



I present to you a bonus episode of Love That Album, a sort of companion piece to the forthcoming episode 46 of the podcast.

Episode 46 proper will feature a discussion between Alex Ladd (aka Loaf) of the Silva and Gold podcast and myself about two great albums by Tom Waits – “The Heart of Saturday Night” and “Rain Dogs”.

This bonus episode however, features an interview I had with acclaimed rock biographer and journalist Barney Hoskyns. Barney has written a superb biography of Tom Waits called “Low Side of the Road”, and we discuss these albums and Waits’ career in general. He was absolutely fascinating to speak to, and I hope you enjoy our chat. I’d urge any fans of Waits to get hold of his book.

The two discussions together would have made the show length a bit daunting. I hope you enjoy this chat with Barney Hoskyns and the forthcoming one with Loaf.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com

The podcast can also be listened to via Stitcher Radio. Download the app from stitcher.com, and listen to any episode streaming over your Android or Apple device after searching for “love that album”.



Right click to download and save Barney Hoskyns interview here