Rock and roll is work, dammit. Not every jam starts a fucking jam. All creative endeavors start in a more gelatinous form . . . In episode 7 of Embryonic, our testament to the demo, we look over the shoulders of giants and check out the songs you know by heart back when the writer didn’t. Get out the notepad, the pen, the pack of smokes, the lighter, the ashtray, the sticky-icky and the strong coffee because work is happening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The glam aliens have arrived and they want to dance and make out with you. And not in that order. They may look a bit odd (especially the guy in the feathered boa with bad hair) but they can still put on good show. For Lesson 93 of the 101 Series we dip into the catalogue of Roxy Music and watch how art and experimentation can lead to a few big hits. It’s 2 hrs of strange noise, strange clothes and a host of mellotrons humming in the back. Don’t worry – the ship leaves for the next planet shortly.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Not everything that’s new is bad. We promise. Some of the new stuff rocks your balls off, too. Believe us. So, for episode 7 of Dusty Gems, we showcase contemporary bands and artists you don’t know (instead of old artists you don’t know, like we usually do). Take notes, we’re playing all the bands your cool nephew is into. And he digs bands you don’t know. (Actually, don’t say “digs” in front of him, either.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Who? No. The Band. What a bunch of pompous assholes to name their band THE Band . . . but, seriously, when your group has five front men you can call it anything you want. In this lesson (92!) of the 101 Series, we plug into the only bunch of musicians who can run with guys named The Hawk and The Bob. Put on flannel and chop some wood for the fire, Levon picked up the sticks and looks ready to go.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Alright alright allllllllllllllright, now. It’s time for everyone to shut tha fuck up and sit tha fuck down, here’s episode 7 of Deez Rhymes – Freestyle in da hi-youse! In the next one hundred twenty minutes, we drop beats stickier than the stickiest of the icky. Seriously, this show is flyer than Curtis Mayfield on a fucking jumbo jet in 1974, son. Make sure your woofer is up for the task.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The green isle of Ireland has given the world a great many things: James Joyce, the Boston P.D., Guinness and a certain Mr. Van Morrison. In Lesson 91 of the 101 Series, we sit down and bask in the warm glow of the Belfast genius . . . And we try not to bug him. We try really hard. (He still kicked Scott and took a swing at Anthony before doing a version of “Into the Mystic” that made us cry and call our moms.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
There is an old saying which says “Two heads are better than one.” In music, two voices are better than one, especially in country music. For episode 7 of our country and folk series Blue Highway we bring together great voices for some classic duets, both long lasting pairings and short-lived one-time performances. Listen to the lyrics for a great story. And hum along on your own harmony line. It could be gone before you know it’s there.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Everybody needs an alter ego to express those feelings your “real” self can’t express. In the music world, you either put together a solo record with the songs that were rejected by the other band members. Or you find like-minded players in other bands and discover a whole new persona. These are called Side Projects and they are the subject of lesson 90 of the 101 Series. These projects are pseudo-super groups and they become somewhat mythical in the music canon. Or they’re just the backing band goofing around having a good time and playing whatever the fuck they want. Whatever the case, it’s the true meaning of Alternative Music no matter what the record companies say. Find your own definition. It’s always off the beaten path.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Oh, what a wonderful time of year it is! One would typically say that “Spring is in the air”. However, we here at The Balcony prefer the wild call of “Ladies in DA HOUSE!”. The ones who are truly in charge step into the studio for episode 6 of our women’s showcase X Chromosome. We get our usual instruction on the proper way to rock, roll and take control of all things that get in the way of rocking and rolling. The message is simple: From here on out the rules change and you have nothing to say. We’re cool with that…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
We’ve been making several international journeys of late. There is one final musical trip we would like to take to a place we’ve been before and then we can fly home. It’s time to travel back to England for Lesson 89 of the 101 Series and a serious look at and listen to the pop-Top 30 life of Britpop. Music designed for lots of people. There will be big power chords, sweet harmonies, tight production and coordinated tailoring for the next two hours. Hop on your bad motor scooter and join the party.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download