Mike's Basement - MIKE'S BASEMENT

FTB Mixtapes A Jersey Summer EP03 "Love Is All Around"

7/30/2023

This year's Mixtape Series has truly been a blast to put together with the only bottleneck deciding what order the topics decided upon should roll out. This episode is not a strict Summer Of Love set due to the fact I was 12 in 1967. And yes I clearly remember experiencing this music for the first time at that age. I was already set as far as what I wanted to do with my life, and music had to be part of the equation. A rough guide to the years covered here would be 1966-1971, and AM was still being listened to but drum lessons were beginning and the Freeform era was soon to be my main drug of choice, with WBGO from Newark covering Jazz. There was now a pad and pen near the radio to fill a list of interesting sounds, with a decision made to toss the large cartons of Baseball cards out and make more room for records. My Mother had nothing to do with it, I clearly remember carrying the three large boxes to the curb and stacking them next to the garbage cans. I would only collect records from this point, what could I do with Baseball Cards? If I only knew at the time that their value would have made a nice down payment on a house 20+ years later. At least three more episodes of this series will be forthcoming with The Laurel Canyon/Singer Songwriter period, A Punk/Powerpop/New Wave/Alternative show focusing on fun years 1984-90 birthing WHTG at The Jersey Shore and an “Anything Goes” personal favorite Summer Tunes of all time episode. If you have suggestions, get them in ASAP. We’re leaning toward the WHTG type show coming next… but you never know. Thanks for everything.

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FTB #223 “Inflection Point With A Planet in Flames”

7/27/2023

This is not a political show. But I am compelled to make this missive just that as I need to get it off my chest. The full text will only be published on my personal web site due to understanding that there’s already too much noise but I simply had to get it out. If that’s where you are and you want to ignore my rant, not a problem at all, skip to the next horizontal line after this.
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I am not a Democrat and to paraphrase Steve Van Zant from I believe the best song he ever wrote, but I sure ain’t no Republican. It was Jackson Browne’s version that I first heard but the message was clear and to my mind perfectly stated. We have been subjected to a badly scripted reality show since 2015. Stuck in a seemingly endless multimedia loop that has nothing to do with Politics. There’s a great old saying, “Don’t piss on my head and tell me it’s raining.” Perhaps a bit blunt but it is spot on regarding our current situation. What happened to Truth, Justice and The American Way? I didn’t run around in a homemade cape as a 4 year old Superman freak for nothing!

The amount of lying, misinformation, good old grift and thievery that we have been subjected to since Tangerine Mussolini came down the escalator is incalculable. We are experiencing a societal outbreak of PTSD. The proud Republican Party, and there is not even a tinge of snarkiness intended, has turned into a Cult. The party of Lincoln, Eisenhower and John McCain to name just a few that I admired, is no different than those who fell under the spell of a self proclaimed “Messiah” like Charles Manson, Jim Jones or so many other charlatans that eventually either wiped out their followers or finally revealed their larceny and/or insanity and broke the spell. While our system of Government is certainly taking on water, there is little hope to begin repair until consequences and justice are imposed.

Perhaps as a New Jersey native, exposure to this entire playbook of eventual devastation left in his wake has closed my mind in advance. Let’s make it very simple. There has never been even a shred of evidence that he was a great or even a modestly successful businessman. How does anyone bankrupt three casinos? Now that I find myself back home in Jersey, living minutes away from Atlantic City, I remain bewildered that his following continues to be strong right next to where he destroyed so many lives. How long do the lies get swallowed? How many creditors need to get stiffed. He is incapable of truth, has no honor and has never done anything for anyone other than himself.

Toward the end of my tenure working in Washington, DC, right before the 2016 Election I wound up in conversation with Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and Chairman Of The RNC from 2009-2011. He’s actually 2 years younger than me, a huge music fan and an honest straight shooter, no fluff, no airs at all. We were talking about everything, mostly music and life in DC and Maryland. He was clearly a regular dude, so before parting company I inquired if I could ask him a real question, purely for my own edification. This was not an interview situation. “Absolutely,” was his instant reply. I told him, as a Dad, that for the first time in my life I was actually afraid of what would happen to our Country if the name I have managed to avoid printing up to this point, actually was elected President. What was his opinion? A loud laugh, a slap on the back and I can’t quote him exactly, but he said “I don’t blame you, we all are! He is way out of his depth and has no qualifications, he doesn’t even know what The Constitution is, let alone what it contains. But don’t worry, they will keep him under control.” I’ve been so tempted now that my brain is restored to reach out to him, but I remain convinced that if by some miracle he gets back in, our Country is finished.

From this point forward I will fall back on the genius of the people of Scotland and not let that name come out of my mouth or keyboard. They have referred to him as everything from Onion-eyed flap dragon and Wee orange rodent to Witless fucking cocksplat and Gerbil-headed, woodstained, haunted spunktrumpet. My current choice is an alternating mashup of Toupéd fucktrumpet and Rug wearing thunder nugget. LOCK HIM UP.
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This episode brings forth new releases (including archival) from: Nina Simone, John Dunbar, Dan Auerbach, Sparklehorse, The Lilac Time, Blur, America, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Chris Stapleton, Bobby Boyd, Joel Harrison, The Who, Lol Tolhurst, Budgie & Jacknife Lee and Kula Shaker. Mini Tributes to Tony Bennett, Sinead O’Connor and Bob Segarini as they head to the after party far too soon and the usual/unusual sidetracks including: Gil Scott-Heron, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Esther Phillips, Brittany Howard, Becca Mancari, The Arcs, Danger Mouse, TTNG, The Psychedelic Furs, The Kinks, The Pretty Things, The Byrds, Yes, Warren Zevon, Dr. John, Treat Her Right, Mark Sandman, Traffic and Love. Thanks to all for the contributions, you keep making an old man weep with gratitude. We fell a little short but it looks like I can make it work. You people are the best.

Full PLAYLIST is HERE

FTB #222 “Tre Deuces on a Joyride”

7/18/2023

When it comes to episodes, much like secret agent men, we always give them a number but occasionally adding a name is also warranted. This is just such an instance. Within three long and winding sets, there are a few new discoveries from Vance Gilbert, Billy Sullivan, Jamie Hoover and old friends The Cucumbers, but the overall vibe reflects the late night hours when it was crafted, as I remain a nocturnal being even in my dotage. This musical “joyride” finds us exploring The Clovers, Jackie DeShannon, Anderson East, Tom Waits, Alice In Chains, Cactus, Ray Charles, Amos Lee, Alice Cooper, Blue Öyster Cult, Bobby Womack, David Ruffin, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Murvin, The Clash, Marshall Crenshaw, The Smithereens, 20-20, Social Distortion, Pink Floyd, Sly & The Family Stone, Charlie Parker w/Miles Davis, The dB's, Hoodoo Gurus and many more, uncovering some classic and previously unheard sounds and even comments. Thanks to all for the support of our computer fundraiser, we are still a bit short but with only one week left hope to rally strong to the finish. If you can, here's the link. https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8VksUE4LLe

To get the full PLAYLIST just click HERE

The Mixtape Series - “A Jersey Shore Summer” Episode #2 “Childhood Memories”

7/11/2023

Episode #2 is arriving late but brought back so many musical memories and culture upheavals that I may need to take a break before deciding what episode 3 will bring. I hope you enjoy "Childhood Memories" even half as much as I enjoyed putting it together. What a magical time to grow up for a music loving kid. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade it for any other as for most of my formative years, it was music that really drove the culture. Literally everything went from black and white to technicolor in what seemed at the time a blink of the eye. In attempting to convey the magnitude there is a clear point in the mix where the explosion occurred. Utilizing more than a 100 songs in a mere 237 minutes will hopefully take you there. Sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience and do me a favor and wish my brother Gerard a Happy Birthday. Please try and help our fund drive to update the computers, your support for this programming has been astounding, it has only another 16 days to remain active at https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8VksUE4LLe

Get your scorecard here PLAYLIST

FTB #221 Saturday July 8, 2023

7/8/2023

A rockin’ new show for a hazy Saturday on the Jersey Shore, with more than a sprinkle of Power Pop goodness for good measure. There are new releases from Peter Gabriel, Big Country, Lucinda Williams, Chris Stamey, old Red House pal Tony Stives, and vault material unleashed from guitar masters Rory Gallagher and Mike Bloomfield. Combine that with library choices that include Lenny Bruce, The Sound, Dirty Looks, Rockpile, The Rolling Stones, Little Richard, Stereophonics, Nick Lowe, The Records, Spirit, Reno Bo, The Ramones, Tommy Keene, Red Rockers, Translator, The Rave-Ups, The Cars, Cheap Trick, Sweet, Badfinger, Car Seat Headrest, The The, The Call and a bunch more. The 3 and a half hours fly by. Thanks for the continued support as we update our computers, the link is active for another 18 days. Click if you can.

That PLAYLIST you are looking for is found here.

Mixtape Series - “A Jersey Shore Summer” EP01 "Relax"

6/30/2023

From The Basement is proud to present a new handcrafted music intensive series for the Summer! Firmly committed in our quest to get people everywhere listening to more music, and eliminate the neat little Genre boxes and endless repetition of the lowest common denominator. Music does not need to be new in order to discover it, especially in the current environment of more releases on a daily basis than anyone could legitimately audition. When we huddle in the basement mixing up the musical medicine, daily exclamations of “Holy Shit, I forgot about that song” or “How did I not hear this?” These “Mixtapes” will use no gimmicks and have little to zero interruptions. Each will have a different topic, starting with “Relax”... and no it does not include Frankie Goes To Hollywood, although they very well may show up before Labor Day. A complete track list will be posted for every show. If you have an idea for a topic, please let us know. We enjoy feedback. And if you get a chance and have the ability to chip in for an upgrade to the studio computers, the information can be found here: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8VksUE4LLe The fund drive ends on July 26.

Mixtapes usually require a PLAYLIST, by clicking HERE, that problem is solved.

FTB #220 A Mad Daddy Summer Monday

6/26/2023

An enormous load of fresh musical arrivals have packed the new release bin near the bursting point as we get ready to dig into another Summer. Had my first blood test in a while and am happy to report no sign of cancer returning, and remain very thankful to go from Stage 4 in 2018 to zero today. It baffles me how I got so lucky, even with the damage left behind. As expected, turning 67 the other day has spurred a reflective state but with better understanding why Vin Scelsa felt the need to retire. As far as I was concerned Vin was as musically astute as ever and hadn’t lost a step when he hung up the headphones. Upon reflection I believe it was simply a case of coming down to the tools of the trade, and the ability to understand how to make them do what you need without compromising the integrity or hindering the creative energy that particular approach to a radio show demands. It has been difficult for people not comfortable having a computer as the main tool to reconcile doing a show while flying without a net and instant connection and banter with the audience and only a 7 second delay for protection. Trusting as Vin would explain, the Radio Muse to guide your musical path. The only kind of radio I ever wanted to do and I believe Vin felt the same way. But we are both old men and you kids really need to stay the hell off our lawns.

The music that interests me these days continues to evolve, but often tends to be quieter, with just an occasional jolt of feedback, unless something by Jimi, Zappa, Julian Cope, Charlie Parker or a number of other obsessions pop up causing an extended journey down the rabbit hole. I am still drawn to the studio pretty much every day so long as people continue to listen and will gladly carry on playing records in public. Regardless, always being in search of a new perfect segue is something I will do until the afterparty beckons. I’m certain that endless music will be waiting to be discovered whatever awaits… or not.

This episode has new, remastered and/or previously unreleased sounds from Bobby Lee, Albert Hammond Jr., Chris Staples, Lloyd Cole, Charles Mingus, William Tyler & The Impossible Truth, Arthur Russell, The Smile, M. Ward, Slowdive, Malcolm Holcombe, Anderson Council, Superbloom, Stewart Copeland, The Staple Singers, Mack Rice, Steve Cropper; Little Feat, Eddie Floyd and Gov’t Mule. The library was very helpful making everything flow by offering Tim Easton, Grand Funk, Stevie Wonder, Ryley Walker, INXS, Liz Phair, New York Dolls, Graham Parker, Sonny Boy Williamson, Keith Richards, The Police, Radiohead, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway & Quincy Jones, Allman Brothers Band, Curtis Mayfield, Ann Peebles and more.

Due to the age of the studio computers I must finally say goodbye to Win7/64/Pro (for me the most stable MS OS since XP). It would cost almost as much to upgrade 2 of the 3 machines that can't currently run Win 10/11 (end of life for 10 expected in 18 months). I think replacing the 2 machines can be done for $1,500 as everything else from software to hardware is fine. If you have a CPU or 2 gathering dust that are able to run Win10, we will gladly take them off your hands. Just as great would be a connection to get some desktops at a good price, used or new. Please reach out if you fall into either category or just want to say hello. Thanks for all the support these last few years for From The Basement. It means the world to me and has helped immeasurably in my recovery. Here’s the link, it can only be up for 30 days. https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8VksUE4LLe

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FTB #219 Friday June 16, 2023

6/16/2023

The first song I heard that was written and sung by Jason Isbell that knocked me on my ass was “Goddamn Lonely Love.” My old friend and then workmate Jesse Scott had been telling me for a while that I really needed to check out The Drive-By Truckers, Jesse has always had impeccable taste and she knows not only what I like but felt it would work on both of our channels. I believe her quote was, “Marrone, yes they are shitkickers and rockin’ but there are some songs here that you are gonna love.” Yep, once again Jesse couldn’t have been more correct. The Dirty South was getting ready to come out and we had an advance. I rarely listen to new albums in track order and cued “Goddamn” first. I’ve been a fan ever since of both DBT’s and Jason. “Danko/Manuel” from the same album sealed it. Years later his song “Elephant” brought me to my knees, as it will anyone touched by Cancer and after a single listen to “Weathervanes” I swear he’s still getting better. You will hear as much of the album as the DMCA will allow, as well as new things from: Massimo Faraò Trio, Love and Rockets, The Crushing Violets, Hiss Golden Messenger, Keaton Henson and Selwyn Birchwood. We also say goodbye to Blackie Onassis of Urge Overkill at the too young age of 57. I am taking a break for my 67th Birthday on June 20, I look at it as 37 years of bonus time. Thanks for listening.

The PLAYLIST is right over here.

FTB #218 "Mas Que Nada" June 10, 2023

6/10/2023

This episode not only contains mini-tributes to Astrud Gilberto and Jack Lee but a bounty of new releases including: Peter Gabriel, Metropolitan Jazz Octet, Dry Cleaning, Fila Brazillia, Becca Mancari, Rufus Wainwright, Ben Harper, Wye Oak, The Teardrop Explodes, Tommy Stinson's Cowboys in the Campfire, and Cowboy Junkies. What a week! More than ever we all need a break from the noise and instead of the relentless chatter, we always find that whatever the circumstances, music is the only thing that can dim the roar. Library selections include Leon Russell, John Lennon, Radiohead, Talk Talk, David Bowie, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Joni Mitchell, Darrell Scott, Chuck Prophet, Orpheus, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Ultra Vivid Scene, The Grassroots, The Red Locusts, The Beach Boys, Booker T Jones, Beastie Boys, Tower Of Power, James Brown, Muddy Waters w/Otis Spann, Howlin' Wolf, Led Zeppelin and a bunch more. As always we thank you for your precious ears and continued support and we would love to hear from you regarding your likes, dislikes or better yet just to say hello.

Looking for a Playlist? Here it is.

FTB #217 June 2023

6/2/2023

I was going to take a short break but while playing around with some new stuff, inspiration struck and by the time it expired, Episode #217 was left behind. No special theme other than wanting to hear these particular tunes at that particular time. Hope you enjoy it. Recorded during the start of a new month and a nice Spring evening. New releases from Graham Parker & The Goldtops, Ben Folds, Pere Ubu, Thelonious Monk, Inhaler, Buck Meek, B.C. Camplight, Fontaines D.C. and Dwight Twilley. Fleshed out by Wayne Shorter, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Fila Brazillia, Marvin Gaye, R. Stevie Moore & Jason Falkner, Love, The Smiths, Roger Miller, Rosanne Cash, Lewis Taylor, The Rascals, Warren Zevon, Andrew Bird, Sparklehorse and many more.

Simply click HERE and the Playlist is yours!

A Gift of thanks for all the support

5/28/2023

A high quality flac file of each episode can be found here. Thank you for listening and supporting From The Basement.

FTB #216 "Are We Clear?"

5/24/2023

May 24, 2023
Approximately a third of the way into the show the news of Tina Turner’s passing came and two things were now required, getting the show posted tonight and a detour was in order immediately. We will pay respects to Tina in the middle of new music from: B.C. Camplight, Don Dixon, Rufus Wainwright, Young Man in a Hurry, Bruce Tunkel, bar italia, Inhaler, Peter Gabriel, City and Colour and Son Volt. Garnished with goodies from: David Sylvian, Marti Jones, Anne Richmond Boston, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, My Morning Jacket, Maia Sharp, Jimi Hendrix, Kamasi Washington, Cab Calloway, Joe Jackson, Uncle Green, Wolf Parade, Grandaddy, Leon Russell, Lowell George, Joe Walsh, Imelda May, The Band, Neko Case, Doug Sahm and more.
DL

The Playlist is found here when you need it or if you want it.

FTB #215 Brave New World / May 18, 2023 & 1958

5/18/2023

Sixty-five years ago today I was a month away from turning 2 years old, not that I recall the day. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by Everly Brothers was the #1 song in the USA on that day, and yes I looked it up.

Do you believe in coincidence? Happenstance? I look at it more as having the inner antennae in reception mode. While looking for something else, I happened upon a full episode of Mike Wallace’s early Interview show, his pre-CBS days at ABC. I never realized he existed before 60 Minutes or Biography, the latter a staple of early morning childhood TV, especially if The Stooges or Dead End Kids weren’t on. This was a complete episode (28 minutes) finding Mr. Wallace chatting with Aldous Huxley. The Brave New World author talks to Wallace about threats to freedom in the United States, overpopulation, bureaucracy, propaganda, drugs, advertising, and television. I double checked the date to make sure this was from ‘58 and not ‘68 but Huxley was already dead for 5 years in 1968. I would learn that he was found with about 1,000 mics of LSD-25 under his tongue in 1963.

I was hooked immediately. The phrase “this is from 1958?” kept circling around my head at 3 minute intervals as Huxley laid out his theories of how our civilization could follow different paths depending upon how certain “forces” played out. Once he uttered the tidbit to America and Europe that we can never again be surprised by our own technology and that was, he felt, the real danger at this particular slice of time. I was on fire and once again checked the date of the broadcast. Huxley was in possession of perhaps the most finely tuned antenna of the day.

The program itself was like looking at another civilization. Absolutely no fluff, not dumbed down a whit, these were intelligent humans having a riveting conversation in black and white, not a graphic or crawl to be found. While longing a bit for this bygone time when facts, statistics and possibilities were bantered so everyone could be better informed. No anger or agenda. No keeping on brand or talking points. Our planet was about to enter a whirlwind of change, but there was no fear mongering or hidden agendas.

Thankful for our current technology, it set me on a path of discovery and that’s how we wind up here with FTB #215. While digging for nuggets, the story about Sam Altman the CEO of OpenAI, the startup behind ChatGPT, talking to a Senate panel regarding the possible use of artificial intelligence to interfere with election integrity among many more things and said it is a "significant area of concern", adding that it needs regulation. I found it quite cool that 65 years apart, the core of these events were definitely linked. But it is sad that after a bunch of modern day coverage, I actually learned more from the primitive 28 B&W minutes with Mike Wallace.

This episode is a bit different but I do hope you enjoy it. Featuring music from: Gil Scott-Heron, Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy, David Bowie, Michael Penn, Spirit, Frank Zappa, Yes, King Crimson, Jimi Hendrix, The Bongos, B.C. Camplight, Lord Huron, The Tubes, Blue Öyster Cult, Be Bop Deluxe, Bruce Cockburn, Leonard Cohen, Anthony Hamilton, Nas/Miles Davis, Lack Of Afro, John Coltrane, Bob Marley, Phil Roy & Julian Coryell, Stevie Wonder, Talk Talk and The The. Plus contributions from George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Carlos Santana and more.

A peak at the PLAYLIST might come in handy. Click here and make it so.

FTB #214 “Guns?” Friday May 12, 2023

5/12/2023

I’m starting to think that “you know who” is in possession of a cache of files that dwarf the legendary dirt library of J. Edger Hoover, allowing him to wear frilly party dresses, yet still inspire terror that his information could destroy anyone’s image, life and career. There’s a reason his idols include Roy Cohen and Adolph Hitler. I witnessed his freak show of graft, the con stiffing and fleecing any mark possible with his Atlantic City facade of opulence. It was abundantly clear that although he was born on third base, yet convinced it was a massive triple that won the game that got him there. He was the chosen one. His golden feedbag was strapped on stuffed with a gluttonous portion of grandiosity and huge balls of bullshit, greed and hate along with his Coco Puffs. The possibility of Donald Trump as POTUS was unfathomable, he wouldn’t even release his tax records. There was no way this guy should be looked at as a leader or masterful businessman, inept, corrupt and selfish to the degree he failed to make money owning a Casino. He manipulated and guided three such laundries into bankruptcy, leaving piles of unpaid bills and ruined lives in his gold plated wake.

As expected his was a record setting administration but not in a good way. The magnitude of mayhem he managed to unleash in a single term is astounding. Coming off an eight year run of President Obama, which gave hope that perhaps we were finally turning the corner on Racism in our society, he proved capable of bringing it back, or more accurately made it perfectly fine if you wanted to stop hiding the KKK hoods some very fine people had tucked away. The clown car was open for insanity on day one regarding crowd size. He was already unhappy with the ratings, not yet briefed there was no script for his latest “reality” show. I believe he has convinced himself he is the actual President right now! Before the ball gets rolling toward his first of a record setting two impeachments, he found time to set a blistering pace toward a new record of spending 307 days of his term, only 58 days shy of a year, golfing at our expense costing taxpayers hundreds of millions.

Like a hopped-up gangster in the glory days of Las Vegas he never let up on the grift. Every single raging day of his thieving, lying, cheating administration brought a new bottom, and questions like “How low can he possibly go?” We watched in disbelief as the GOP seemed afraid to cross him and restore some sense of duty and/or honor to an institution that previously had wrapped themselves in the flag and family values with religious fervor. He said, “Hold my Big Mac” and proceeded to ridicule John McCain saying that he prefers soldiers that don’t get caught. Just one of a litany of insane ranting and pouting that would certainly be the bottom and would mark a path to downfall. But the GOP instead doubled down with the Attorney General becoming more like a personal lawyer, if only Roy Cohen wasn’t dead it may have worked. Barr tapped out toward the end trying to save face and perhaps his last shred of dignity. He along with many others could have put a stop to it but didn’t.

This is supposed to be about the gun epidemic, specifically War Weapons and yet it’s all about “The Man Child” that is still everywhere every single damn day! Fresh off a 5 Million Dollar Guilty verdict of Sexual Abuse and Defamation his latest advice to a population that by all measure would dearly love to see him in handcuffs and gagged, was to tell the MAGA Nation we should default and destroy everything since only he can save us, as long as he first frees all the Insurrectionists, especially the ones found guilty of Seditious Conspiracy! He is completely out of his mind.

New Stuff from: Bruce Tunkel, Dave Hause, James Deely, Pretenders and Queens of the Stone Age. Grifting and gun tunes include: The Chameleons, Charles Mingus, Chuck D, Jimmy Cliff, James McMurtry, Captain Sensible, Damon Albarn, Portugal The Man, INXS, The Undisputed Truth, The O'Jays, Ohio Players, Peter Gabriel, XTC, Thievery Corporation, Jónsi; Elizabeth Fraser, Johnny Cash, Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson, Negativland and a bunch more.

Thanks to all that have helped out. Donation link active through 5/18 CLICK HERE

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FTB #213 “Sunday Will Never Be The Same”

5/7/2023

Back in 2018 criminally overlooked singer/songwriter Will Hoge from Nashville was becoming increasingly concerned about mass shootings occurring more frequently and guns, particularly weapons of war easier to obtain than allergy medication. His song “Thoughts and Prayers” addressed the issue brilliantly. I have never been a gun owner, nor have I ever held a loaded one or even fired one, not counting cap guns or water pistols. Hunting was something that was not a “sport” that held any interest, although I grew up with and have known many that truly enjoy it. As long as they are responsible with firearms and eat what they kill, as a carnivore I have no issue with them, but no desire to join them either. None use an AR15, M16, Tommy Guns, extended clips or bullet proof gear to the best of my knowledge.

As divided as we are said to be these days an overwhelming percentage of both sides of the aisle are in favor of common sense gun laws. So why do we have to show ID when purchasing Sudafed or Claritin, take a test and obtain a license to drive a car or pass any other number of qualifications to society while in many places I could easily plop my money on the counter and leave with a weapon capable of killing hundreds of people in minutes? Six letters are why, GOP and NRA. Enough already. How many children and innocent humans have to be slaughtered? How many more politicians with the blood soaked money of the NRA safely in their Campaign Financing need to utter their hollow “Thoughts and Prayers” message to the media, while filling their pockets and continuing to make it easier to obtain weapons of war, which now total 25% of all gun sales in the USA.

Warren Zevon finally gets nominated for the Rock HOF, finishes 3rd in the public vote and still doesn’t make it. David Letterman gives us his thoughts about the situation. A chat with Rickie Lee Jones is pulled from the archives and there is actually a new album from legendary songwriter Smokey Robinson! Along with new releases from Peter Gabriel, The Lemon Twigs, M Ward, Josh Ritter, The National, Glen Matlock, The Gaslight Anthem, Ian Hunter, Pete Townshend, Marc Almond and Westerman. A deep dive in the library yields attractive musical nuggets from Spanky & Our Gang, The Rave-Ups, Syd Straw, rare live Led Zeppelin, 7Horse, Coleman Hawkins, Frank Sinatra, Bob Mould, The Clash, Jon Auer, Owsley, Myracle Brah, The Beatles, New York Dolls, Wall of Voodoo, The Lucy Show, Mike Doughty, Brother Jack McDuff, The Kane Gang and a bunch more.

Thank you so much for listening and supporting this program, the donation link is active through 5/18 at https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8TnoEM3bg2 If you can afford it we do appreciate it. If you can’t, please don’t let it stop you from listening, we appreciate that too.

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