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

 

Love That Album Episode 45 - The Gentlemen's Guide to Midnight Punk

A real treat for you on episode 45 of Love That Album podcast – I’m not on it!!!

I’ve enlisted the services of show regulars Eric Peterson and Tim Merrill to talk about all things punk. They discuss their favourite bands, obviously, but there’s so much more going on here. They raise questions valid for fans of any music genre. Do punk/music icons belong in a museum? Is art maintained by the idea that generated it or by the fans who appreciated it? What do Little River Band and Black Flag have in common? Is new punk too streamlined when compared to the diversity of old punk? Should Gwyneth Paltrow be punk’s poster girl? Tim and Eric have a great time discussing all this and more, and I can tell you, it’s a fascinating and educational show. I urge you to listen and give them your support.

There’s plenty of music to accompany their discussion (it even comes in at the relevant parts of the discussion). They also find some time to discuss about what they’ve been listening to lately outside of punk.

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 and tell us about your favourite punk albums.

Eric’s excellent blog can be followed at: http://restlesskind.blogspot.com/

 My thanks to Sammy and Will at the GGTMC for the name appropriation.

Right click to download and save Episode 45 here

 

Love That Album Episode 44 - Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier - Stories of Ghosts

I’m doing things a little bit differently for episode 44 of Love That Album.

Rather than co hosting with a fellow fan of a particular album, I’ve gone straight to the source and am chatting with the musicians concerned. February this year saw the latest release from Australian singer songwriters Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier. They’ve been making wonderful albums for years, but with "Stories of Ghosts", they’ve just upped the ante.

 “Stories of Ghosts” is heaven for fans of brilliant songwriters – an ironic description considering the subject matter for the album is an exploration of their Jewish heritage from an atheist’s perspective. Make no mistake, however – this album is not about following a Richard Dawkins agenda, nor is it bitter like Andy Partridge’s “Dear Gd.” These songs cover topics like hope, disappointment, and anger – themes that anyone can relate to – believer and non-believer alike. Deborah and Willy were fascinating interview subjects, and I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation. Song samples are included.

NOTE: There were audio issues in the recording of this interview, but is still listenable overall. A good headphone listen.

Eric Reanimator’s “Album I Love” segment features him talking about a metal band (I told you this was a different type of episode), The Galactic Cowboys and their album “Machine Fish”. Their album delves into questions of troubled faith, making it a perfect accompaniment to the Conway / Zygier album.

…and for those of you who are concerned about how long these LTA shows run, this one is only a tad over an hour. Perfect for your work commute.

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 44 here

 

Love That Album podcast Episode 43 - The Who - Who's Next

Episode 43 of LTA is mammoth, huge…not (just) in length, but in content. I am joined by Ben Eisen of the All Time Top Ten podcast to discuss The Who’s “Who’s Next” album.

The Who had just come off the success of Tommy, and Pete Townshend was keen to tell another story called Lifehouse. Not for him to write an ordinary kitchen sink drama – no way. Mr Townshend had big ideas about a future run by a totalitarian regime (shades of 1984) where people where linked experience suits all connected together to share common activities (predictor of the internet?). One lone man wants to bring about the long forgotten practice of rock and roll (a precursor to Footloose???) to the world by organising a concert where everyone will sing and dance themselves into such a state where they will find the lost note of purity and disappear in a flash of light…….Are you following the story so far? No? Doesn’t matter.

When the project collapsed under the weight of its own heaviosity, “all” that was left was the album “Who’s Next”. Disappoiting for Townshend, but a true gift for the rock loving fraternity. This album contains the cream of song writing and musicianship. Ben and I had a blast discussing these songs, both in the context of the original Lifehouse story and as separate entities in their own right. Whether you’re into spirtituality, Sci-Fi or Keith Moon murdering his drum kit, we’ve got it covered.  Also, what do Abbot & Costello and Tom Lehrer have to do with this album? Listen to the show and find out. NOTE: If you’re a Led Zeppelin fan, DO NOT send death threats after listening to this. Ben and I both love Zep, but……

Eric Reanimator returns for an excellent segment to discuss the Nuggets 2 box set. I’ve been a long time fan of Nuggets 1, so I was really keen to hear his words of wisdom about the follow up.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “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 and start a war – The Who vs Led Zep. Who wins? Or should that be Who wins!

Right click to download and save Episode 43 here

Love That Album Episode 42 - Richard Thompson - Electric

Hard to believe it’s taken 42 episodes of Love That Album to get to discuss a Richard Thompson album (considering my obsession with his music). Still, the great songwriter and guitarist’s guitarist has released a new LP and that seemed a good a reason as any to chat about it on the podcast.

My guests for this discussion are John Ross (convenor of the excellent Feed My Ears FB page), returning for his second appearance on the show, and LTA newcomer Dave McLemore. Dave, like me, was a long time admirer of RT, and John had his music forced down his throat by me. So does the new album stand up to the standard set by previous recordings? Has John become a fan or did all the hype I created set RT for a fall in John’s mind? The album covers breakups (both tragic and humourous), randy senior citizens, political campaigners and guys just trying to survive on a meagre wage….usual singer/songwriter fodder.  Comparisons are also made to Australian songwriting hero, Paul Kelly. John, Dave and I have a blast chatting about this record.

Eric Reanimator is back talking about an EP from 90s band Animal Bag (whom he discussed in the recent Shooting The Shit episode). It’s good stuff.

You can download the podcast at iTunes by searching for “love that album”. You can stream or download it at “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 and start a discussion on your favourite guitar hero / song writing guru.

Right click to download and save Episode 42 here