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!