Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I'm baaack! Two seasons have passed since my last podcast, but I'm so hap-happy to come back at the most wonderful time of the year! This one is for Christmas Music lovers -- I count myself proudly among them -- I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do!

Playlist:

Oscar Peterson - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Donny Hathaway - "This Christmas"

Thurl Ravenscroft - "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch"

Aretha Franklin - "Winter Wonderland"

Frank Sinatra - "Jingle Bells"

James Brown - "Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto"

The Carpenters - "Merry Christmas Darling"

Mickey Rooney and Keenan Wynn - "Put One Foot In Front Of The Other"

Dance Hall Crashers - "I Did It For The Toys"

Paul McCartney - "A Wonderful Christmas Time"

Stevie Wonder and India Arie - "The Christmas Song"

Vince Guaraldi Trio - "Christmas Time Is Here (vocal)"

Nancy Wilson - "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"

The Pretenders - "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Christmas 2009 Podcast," baby!

Dear Michael

I had a different podcast planned for this week and spent many days in resistance to a Michael Jackson tribute, as I feel we're already inundated with MJ news and footage 24/7 and will be for some time to come. But as my numbness to his death wore off, it suddenly became imperative to spend an hour celebrating the musical contributions of one of the most spectacular talents we will ever see in our lifetime. Of course there's no way to be comprehensive in one hour, so I just went for songs that are representative of Michael's entire career or that, doggone it, just felt right. I will be back with my regular format next time, but this time, it's all about The King Of Pop.

Playlist:

"This Place Hotel"

"Never Can Say Goodbye"

"I'll Be There"

"Dancing Machine"

"Enjoy Yourself"

"Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)"

"Ben"

"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough"

"Billie Jean"

"Human Nature"

"Remember The Time"

"Butterflies"

"Man In The Mirror"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast (and get better quality sound), click below:

Download "Dear Michael," Baby!

Bring On The Brits!

In honor of absolutely nothing other than good, fun music, this week's podcast focusses on artists from across the pond.  So break out your tea, your Trilby hats and your Doc Maartens -- it's all about the U.K. today!

Playlist:

New Order - "Dreams Never End" (partial)

The Clash - "London Calling"

Pet Shop Boys - "West End Girls"

Billy Idol - "Hot In The City"

The Verve - "Bitter Sweet Symphony"

The Cranberries - "Linger"

Soul II Soul feat. Caron Wheeler - "Back To Life" (Single Remix)

Swing Out Sister - "Closer Than The Sun"

Elton John - "Bennie And The Jets"

U2 - "Sweetest Thing"

Squeeze - "Tempted"

Elvis Costello - "Everyday I Write The Book"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Bring On The Brits!" Baby!

Skip's "Femmes" Podcast

Last time, Skip threw down with his favorite male singers.  This time, he brings it with the ladies.  Click below to hear some of the sexiest, sassiest, strongest, and smoothest distaff singers to ever step in front of the mic!

Download Skip's "Femmes" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Barbara Pittman - "I Need A Man"

Carole Simpson - "Bell, Book, And Candle"

Jackie DeShannon - "When You Walk In The Room"

Hazel Dickens - "You'll Get No More Of Me"

Lisa Christian w/The Skip Heller Trio - "6:00 Train And A Girl With Green Eyes"

Barbara Mason - "Yes, I'm Ready"

Bertha Tillman - "Oh My Angel"

Dolly Parton - "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"

Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley - "Save Your Love For Me"

Timi Yuro - "Whatsa Matter Baby"

Loretta Lynn - "The Pill"

Father's Day 2009: Songs From My Father

Above is a photo of me and my dad, Thomas Lakin, from 1969 -- the year I was born.  Ever since then, he has been a major musical influence on me, particularly in my teens and 20s, when he did so purposefully.  Unfortunately he passed away in 1994, but his spirit and guidance live on with me always, particularly through the music he loved and shared so enthusiastically.  In honor of Father's Day, I'm podcasting a smattering of the music my father gave to me one way or the other -- I hope you enjoy and have a terrific Father's Day!

Playlist:

Horace Silver - "Song For My Father" (partial)

Captain & Tennille - "Love Will Keep Us Together"

Steely Dan - "Deacon Blues"

Phoebe Snow - "Either Or Both"

The Doobie Brothers - "Minute By Minute"

Brenda Russell - "In The Thick Of It"

Tuck & Patti - "Time After Time"

Billie Holiday - "Don't Worry 'Bout Me"

Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley - "Happy Talk"

Gino Vanelli - "I Just Wanna Stop"

Snoop Doggy Dogg - "Gin And Juice"

Commodores - "Easy"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Father's Day 2009," Baby!

Skip's "Favorite Male Singers" Podcast

Who are Skip Heller's musical man crushes?  Click below to find out but let your ears and heart beware -- you'll be sure to fall in love, too!

Download Skip's "Favorite Male Singers" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Theme:  "Katrina, Mon Amor" by Skip Heller

Roger Miller - "England Swings"

Johnny Cash - "Without Love"

Merle Haggard - "California Cottonfields"

Johnny "Guitar" Watson - "When Did You Leave Heaven"

Steely Dan - "What A Shame About Me"

Major Lance - "Monkey Time"

Johnny Mercer - "A Gal In Calico"

King Cole Trio - "My Sugar Is So Refined"

Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington - "Azalea"

Teen Dreams, Pt. 2: The Collective

They're back!  As promised in my "Teen Dreams" podcast, if I got enough requests, I'd do a follow-up show on Teen Idols.   Happily, my wonderful listeners did not disappoint, so here's "Teen Dreams, Pt. 2: The Collective" -- entitled such because, to paraphrase "High School Musical," we were all in this together.  It was as much fun as Part One for me, and I hope you feel the same.  And as a "Teen Dreams" video bonus, you can click right here to link to Janet's still-incredible "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" video  or Madonna's iconic "Lucky Star" video!  Enjoy!

Playlist:

Justin Timberlake - "Sexy Back" (partial)

Madonna - "Lucky Star"

Duran Duran - "Girls On Film"

Styx - "Too Much Time On My Hands"

Frankie Avalon - "Venus"

The Supremes - "You Keep Me Hangin' On"

Shaun Cassidy - "Hey Deanie"

Spice Girls - "Wannabe"

Wham! feat. George Michael - "Careless Whisper"

The Police - "Can't Stand Losing You"

Sparks - "I Wish I Looked A Little Better"

Lady GaGa - "Starstruck"

Janet Jackson - "Love Will Never Do (Without You)"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Teen Dreams, Pt. 2: The Collective," Baby!

Skip's "All Good Stuff, I Swear" Podcast

Bob Dylan goes electric -- Skip Heller goes eclectic!  Here's another mix of songs weaved together by DJ Skip and his undeniable ear for music's common threads of goodness.  Enjoy!

Download Skip's "All Good Stuff, I Swear" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Jimmy & Johnny - "Can't Find The Doorknob"

Sun Ra - "The Blue Set"

The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown - "Fire"

Benny Martin - "One Way Or Another"

Lionel Belasco - "Sally, Are You Not Ashamed?"

Buck Owens - "Buckaroo"

Donald Wood and the Velaires - "This Paradise"

Harry Reser - "Heebie-Jeebies"

Caetano Veloso - "Minha Voz, Minha Vida"

Charles Trenet - "Boum!"

John Hartford/Aereo Plain Band - "Doin' My Time" (rare bootleg)

Teen Dreams

If you were lucky enough to escape the curse of Teen Idol Fandom, congratulations -- I wasn't.  Last week my friend Gina afforded me the unique opportunity to meet mine -- the one, the only... Rick Springfield!  Soon to be 60 and still going strong, you can check out all things Springfield at rickspringfield.com, including his latest CD entitled "My Precious Little One," a collection of lullabies he wrote for his sons that he  gave me a copy of personally (so sweet!) because Gina told him I was pregnant.  Rick couldn't have been nicer and the whole experience made me think about Teen Idols and how much fun it is to have them in youth, as well as fond memories of them so many years later.  So in commemoration of my encounter with Rick, I'm playing nothing but Teen Idols this podcast.  Hopefully I've played yours -- if not, tell me and I'll happily do a follow-up show!

Playlist:

Leif Garrett - "I Was Made For Dancin'" (partial)

Rick Springfield - "Love Is Alright Tonite"

New Kids On The Block - "You Got It (The Right Stuff)"

Tiffany - "I Think We're Alone Now"

Frank Sinatra - "Young At Heart"

Elvis Presley - "Teddy Bear"

Ricky Nelson - "Travelin' Man"

The Beatles - "I'm Happy Just To Dance With You"

The Jackson 5 - "Mama's Pearl"

David Cassidy - "I Woke Up In Love This Morning"

Andy Gibb - "Shadow Dancing"

Britney Spears - "I'm A Slave For You"

Rick Springfield - "Jessie's Girl"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Teen Dreams", Baby!

Skip's "Sundries" Podcast

Skip Heller is back, and we've got his latest mix of musical gems, which he has simply entitled "Sundries." Lots of goodies in this grab bag -- Enjoy!

Download Skip's "Sundries" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Joe Lutcher - "Ojai"

Merle Haggard - "California Cottonfields"

Bill Frisell - "Freddie's Step"

Big Joe Turner - "Hollywood Bed"

Henry Mancini - "Mr. Lucky"

Ricky Nelson - "Restless Kid"

Prince - "Do U Lie?"

Jimmy Murphy - "Electricity"

Del McCoury Band - "1952 Vincent Black Lightning"

Sun Ra - "Brainville"

Happy Birthday To Ya, Stevie!

Musical legend Stevie Wonder was born into this world fifty nine years ago today, and in honor of that celestial event, it's all Stevie for the whole podcast.   It was harrowing narrowing down the playlist (so much great Stevie, so little time!), but I helped myself immensely by restricting the choices to songs never released as singles.  Even then there were some heart battles, but the beautiful thing is, if I need to do another day of Stevie deep cuts, I just will.  If you want to learn more about Stevie's life and music, click on his Wikipedia page, or on steviewonder.net or steviewonder.com.  And if you're up for a real treat, go to Skip's Blog, where you can download the comprehensive and superlative BBC radio documentary on Stevie Wonder, chock full of interviews and rarities.

Playlist:

"More Than A Dream" (partial)

"Bird of Beauty" 

"Sweetest Somebody I Know"

"I Love Every Little Thing About You"

"Happier Than The Morning Sun"

"Moon Blue"

"Edge of Eternity"

"All I Do"

"Too High"

"Looking For Another Pure Love"

"Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Happy Birthday To Ya, Stevie", Baby!

Please leave comments or requests below or e-mail me and I'll be sure to respond.  Enjoy!

Mother's Day 2009

Above is a photo of me and my mother Joyce in Maui from 2005, a few days before my wedding.  This podcast celebrates the music and musical artists I wouldn't know and/or will forever associate with my mom.  Great news is, Mom had/has excellent taste so this should be a podcast that's fun for everyone.  Happy Mother's Day!

Playlist:

Lori Lakin Hutcherson - "The Good Morning Song"

The Intruders - "I'll Always Love My Mama" (partial)

Al Wilson - "La La Peace Song"

Helen Reddy - "Peaceful"

Prince - "Sexy Dancer"

Julie Andrews - "A Spoonful Of Sugar"

Nancy Wilson - "When Sunny Gets Blue"

Lou Rawls - "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine"

The Stylistics - "Star On A TV Show"

Justin Timberlake - "Rock Your Body"

Diana Ross - "Touch Me In The Morning"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Mother's Day 2009", Baby!

Please leave comments or requests below or e-mail me and I'll be sure to respond.  Enjoy!

Skip's "Genius" Podcast

"Genius" is one of the most over-used words in the mother tongue today, so how does one recognize true genius?  Simple -- listen to Skip Heller's podcast and feel your brain grow ten sizes bigger -- or at least by ten songs!

Download Skip's "Genius" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Ray Charles - "I Want A Little Girl"

Van Halen - "Hang 'Em High"

Johnny Cash - "Drive On"

Tom Waits - "What's He Building?"

Louis Armstrong/Duke Ellington - "Azalea"

The Impressions - "I'm So Proud"

Elvis Presley - "My Baby Left Me"

Bob Dylan - "Highway 61"

Randy Newman - "A Piece Of The Pie"

Stevie Wonder - "Happier Than The Morning Sun"

Ugly Beauty

It's hard to look but even harder to look away, isn't it?  That's what "ugly beauty" is all about, and we all, like the grungy-ass fly above, possess both -- beauty and ugliness. With that in mind, this week's podcast explores a handful of music's most infamous -- should the crimes/ugliness they've committed overshadow the beauty they've contributed to music and culture?  Or should we forgive no matter what?  Give a listen and tell me what you think.

Playlist:

Michael Jackson - "Bad" (partial)

James Brown - "Get On The Good Foot"

Rick James - "U Bring The Freak Out"

Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg - "Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang"

The Crystals - "Then He Kissed Me"

Michael Jackson - "Butterflies"

R. Kelly - "Step In The Name of Love (Remix)"

Lauryn Hill - "Forgive Them Father"

Thelonious Monk - "Ugly Beauty"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Ugly Beauty", Baby!

Please leave comments or requests below or e-mail me and I'll be sure to respond. Enjoy!

Skip's "Kick Back And Relax" Podcast

What does Skip Heller listen to when he's finished recording his latest album (entitled THE LONG WAY HOME)?  Treat yourself and find out -- decompression never sounded so good!

Download Skip's "Kick Back And Relax" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Tania Maria - "Funky Tambourim"

Everly Brothers - "Hey Doll Baby"

Glen Campbell - "Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife"

James Moody - "Last Train From Overbrook"

NRBQ - "Always Safety First"

The Coronets - "Nadine"

Jimmy Reed - "You Got Me Dizzy"

Les Baxter - "Sophisticated Savage"

Old And In The Way - "Kissimmee Kid"

Earth Day 2009

Happy Earth Day, everyone!  Today's podcast celebrates our wonderful planet with music that is exultant and cautionary about the land, seas and skies we all must share and protect.  In between songs I share some personal "green tips" as well as information on must-see websites The Story of Stuff, Green Energy for America, and, happily enough, Sprinkles Cupcakes, which is planting a tree per cupcake until April 24.  So listen, love, laugh, learn, but most of all, pitch in however you can to help our world keep on turnin'!

Playlist:

Jamiroquai - "Emergency On Planet Earth" (partial)

Joni Mitchell - "Big Yellow Taxi"

Kermit The Frog - "Bein' Green"

Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - "Wake Up Everybody"

Friends of Distinction - "Grazing In The Grass"

Rufus & Chaka Khan - "Earth Song"

Me'shell Ndegeocello - "Earth"

Herbie Hancock feat. Corinne Bailey Rae - "River"

Tracy Chapman - "Heaven's Here on Earth"

Marvin Gaye - "Mercy Mercy Me"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Earth Day", Baby!

Please leave comments or requests below or e-mail me and I will be sure to respond. Thanks, and enjoy!

Skip's Spector Podcast

As everyone may have heard, Phil Spector was found guilty of second degree murder this week.  But what you may not have heard is the incredible music he has been responsible for over the decades.  And there is no one better to bring the famous "Wall of Sound" to you than Skip Heller, whose impeccable ear and personal friendship with Mr. Spector make this a podcast not to miss.

Download Skip's "Spector" Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

The Ramones - "Danny Says"

The Righteous Brothers - "Just Once In My Life"

The Crystals - "He's A Rebel"

The Crystals - "Girls Can Tell"

Modern Folk Quartet - "This Could Be The Night"

George Harrison - "What Is Life"

The Ramones - "Baby, I Love You"

John Lennon - "Oh My Love"

Sonny Charles And The Checkmates - "Black Pearl"

The Teddy Bears - "If You Only Knew"

 

Sister Act

Above is a photo of my big sister Lesa and me in front of Alcatraz from an early '80s trip to San Francisco.  Note our postures and fashion choices (leg warmers!) -- this snapshot pretty much tells it all.  As different as we are, one way we aren't is how much we absolutely love the music we love, no matter what anyone else says.  So, in honor of my very first song requester, this podcast is built around Lesa's  two-word e-mail entreaties for "Chas Jankel" and "Scritti Politti."  And she knows I know her musical loves so well she didn't even have to tell me which tracks.  The other songs I will go to my grave associating with Lesa, for better or worse, but always with a smile.

Playlist:

"Family Affair" Theme (intro)

Paul Nicholas - "Heaven On The Seventh Floor"

Steely Dan - "Peg"

Prince - "1999" (partial, then "Lesa's Threat")

Prince - "Irresistable Bitch"

Chas Jankel - "Glad To Know You"

Rick James - "Dream Maker"

Scritti Politti - "Wood Beez"

Latyrx - "Lady Don't Tek No"

Michael Jackson - "Got To Be There"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below:

Download "Sister Act", Baby!

Please leave comments or requests by clicking on "comments" below or e-mail me, and I will be sure to respond.   Thanks, and enjoy!

Skip's '80s Podcast

Great news!  The world of "Deep Podcasting" just got one DJ deeper!  The super cool Skip Heller, a walking encyclopedia of music and music history as well as an awesome musician in his own right, has agreed to let me post the links to his podcasts on this page.  Up first is his unique take on music of the "Me Decade."  I don't have to tell you to enjoy, because I know you will, so treat yourself and click below:

Download Skip's '80s Podcast, Baby!

Playlist:

Intro - "Surf Ride" Theme

NRBQ - "Rain At The Drive-In"
The Slits - "Animal Space"
Pylon - "Cool"
Randy Travis - "On The Other Hand"
John Hartford - "I'm Still Here"
Rodney Crowell - "She's Crazy For Leaving"
Kid Creole and the Coconuts - "Stool Pigeon"
Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band - "The Past Sure Is Tense"
X - "White Girl"

Female Trouble

Welcome to my first (and hopefully not last) podcast!   Today it's just a few thoughts and songs by women about women feeling secure enough to say who they are and what they want from their significant others.  All feedback is appreciated, and of course I'm taking requests for next time.  Enjoy!

Playlist:

Q-Tip - "Vivrant Thing" - partial

Eve -  "Who's That Girl?"

MC Lyte - "All That"

Blu Cantrell - "Oops! Hit 'Em Up Style"

Nancy Wilson - "Guess Who I Saw Today"

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - "I Want A Tall Skinny Papa"

Dinah Washington - "I Wanna Be Loved"

Billie Holiday - "You're A Lucky Guy"

If you want to download an mp3 of this podcast, click below: 

Download me, Baby!