Hell's Kitchen Radio #398: State Of The Reincarnation

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I Am Not Your Jukebox!

In no way am I trying to mock the late great philosopher, historian, educator, and writer, James Baldwin. He was a true master; much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be. 

However, the truth remains, I am not here for you to put a quarter in and expect your choice of song to jump out. That wouldn't be fair to you, myself, nor the listener. I rarely take a request, and when I do I only trust a few people that I have known to have a stellar reputation for musical knowledge to throw me a track during me show. Damn, what an elitist bougie bastard I am! No, I'm an artist. I have a two hour aural canvas I'm painting for you with sound. 

I do love it when bands send me their music. I do love it when bands send me their music. Case in point, I love this new release from local Bay Area band The Campbell Apartment, and I'm thrilled they shared music from their latest release "Curmudgeon" with me. And thank you Ari and crew for allowing me to choose the track I played tonight! But I'm no sycophant. And it's hard, you know? I'm friendly with so many amazing musicians, who's music I really enjoy listening to more often than not. That being said, if you're sending me music you want me to play, please be prepared for me to choose the track I think best fits on my show. I'm not saying this because some bands have given me flack for not playing their chosen single. I cannot think of the last time that even happened. I'm just trying to keep the boundaries clear.

Got it? Great. Thanks.

I have two goals for my show for the second half of 2020.

1. Stay alive
2. Buy more music
3. Play a more diverse selection of genres
4. PLAY MORE WOMEN ARTIST!!!
5. Host other shifts during the week to showcase my live bootleg collection
6. Get into our new studio and make it the best studio Radio Valencia has had
7. Interview kick ass musicians who love their craft
8. Make love
9. Start a revolution

OK, that was nine goals. I think I've got this.

When I said earlier that I don't take requests, that doesn't mean you can't send me what you like. Just don't ask for it on Monday's between 8-10PM. 

I have also decided to take over the Radio Valencia stream during the days when there isn't a live show being broadcast, to share my live bootleg library with you. Wednesday, June 24th from noon-2pm I have Pink Floyd live at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, April 29, 1970 cued up. What a treat!

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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State of the Union: Public Enemy

Truth: Alexander Ebert

I Get A Kick Out Of You: Tony Bennett

I'm The Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised: Johnny Paycheck

Steeler: Judas Priest

Save Your Soul: M.I.A.

VP of Snails: The Campbell Apartment

A Funky Space Reincarnation: Marvin Gaye

Sanford and Son: Quincy Jones

Sesame St: Rats of Unusual Size

Ça Plane Pour Moi: Plastic Bertrand

Lay Lady Lay: Magnet

Drive Back: Melvins/Mudhoney

Money: NASA (ft. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge and Z-Trip)

Vacancy: Neil Young

Oldest Story in the World: The Plimsouls

Let's Lynch The Landlord: L7

Ripple: The Persuasions 

Mirror in the Bathroom: The English Beat

Somebody to Love: The Great Society

Whiskey Bottle: Uncle Tupelo

Work Song: Nina Simone

Blood Like Cream: Red Fang

We Don't Quit: Flat Earthers

The Way of the World: Flipper

What A Wonderful World:  Louis Armstrong

Hell's Kitchen Radio #397: Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

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I'll admit it, I have been guilty of purchasing an LP from time to time because of the cover. This doesn't mean I didn't want it for the music, it was the cover that pushed me into making the purchase. Recently, my daughter Little Lauson Hell asked me to show her my favorite LP covers. Talk about making her daddy proud! I took my time to consider the criteria: a great cover isn't just the art, it can also be the story behind the music, the artist, that time, etc. It can be a stark, minimalist cover, such as "Something Else", by Cannonball Adderley, or a robust cover like "Bitches Brew", by Miles Davis. 

As I was taking her through the journey, I had to pause and remember this wasn't about showing her my favorite albums, some of which have crap covers. This was about the covers themselves. I spoke to her about growing up buying vinyl, laying on my bed staring at the cover, and reading the liner notes. I get as excited today as I ever have purchasing new vinyl. 

So far her favorite covers were the three picture discs for Altamont (Dale Crover side project).

Which reminds me, even if we can't patronize our favorite local record shop, we can still purchase straight from the labels and the bands. And a reminder that Bandcamp will be hosting their first Friday again, July 3rd, when all proceeds go straight to the artist. They are also having a fundraiser on June 19th (Juneteenth), where all proceeds go to the NAACP. Buy great music, support the artists, and support a great cause. I know I will.

Many of you know that I am a social studies teacher in San Francisco. Specifically I teach Pre-Law, American Democracy, and Economics in a thematic pathway for the past 16 years. I have read and studied the US Constitution for longer than that, and I can attest that it is a comprehensive social contract, that cannot be mastered in one, two, or twenty readings. Before you read a political headline and think you know what the Constitution has to say on the matter, please take the time to do your research, including what the US Supreme Court has to say on the issue. 

In the meantime, take a gander at the playlist below. New music from my dream team Melvins/Mudhoney, a Ty Segall/Cory Hanson collaboration, some Afro-Funk, avant-Jazz, and many local bands. 

Click the link above, sit back, relax, and as always, enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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My War: Mudhoney/Melvins

A.D.D.: System of a Down

All You Fascists: Billy Bragg and Wilco

The Mask (Part 2): Miles Davis

Get Up, Stand Up (Alternate Take): Bob Marley and the Wailers

Milk Bird Flyer: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson

Eggs at Night: Damaged Bug

Theme de Yoyo: Art Ensemble of Chicago

Live at PJs: Beastie Boys

The Great Conspirator: Illogistical Resources Dept.

Telephone Girl: Assagai

The American in Me: The Avengers

American Cars: Useless Eaters

Here She Comes Now: Curtis Harding

Everything I Say Just Goes Right Through Her Heart: Peter Laughner

Complicated Life: The Kinks

7 Inches: Kate Vargas

Mr. Slick: Ken Nordine

Devil Moon: Eric McFadden

Jesus Didn't Die For Me: Rube Waddell

House Hunter: Le Butcherettes

Yes We Can: Lee Dorsey

Supergirl: The Fugs

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Hell's Kitchen Radio #396: I Am Not Your DJ

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My listeners inspire me. Truly, you do. Last week was cathartic, and I'm not done with the protest/revolutionary sounds; I just needed a week off to refresh. A few 10+ minute tunes tonight will do.

Lots of new music and music that's new to you. Last Friday was Bandcamp's revenue-free day, where all of the proceeds go to the artist and/or a charity supporting #BLM-related organizations.

I have a lot to say on the topic of inequity and inequality in America. I have been a high school social studies teacher, teaching law, civics and economics for 17 years. I'm not going to use this space today to pour my thoughts out, though I may do so soon. Watch this space.

In the meantime, take a look at the playlist below and then click the link above to give it a listen. There are a few long jams, but I think that's one of the reasons you tune.

And big thanks go out to my old, dear friend. Michael, who is one of the very few who can throw me a tune in the middle of my show, that I have never heard, and get me to play it. That's a lot of trust right there. And Michael knows his music. That guy ought to have a radio show of his own. Hmmmmm?

New music right out of the gate from the duo that promises to be dynamic, and I do hope they produce more music together: Ty Segall, and WAND frontman, Cory Hanson. Also a tribute to the late George Floyd by rocker-turned-folkie, Jim McHugh. There's some new music in the Hell library that makes its way in throughout the show, including Psychic Ills, Bratmobile (had it on vinyl, and now digitally), Sleater-Kinney, Death Valley Girls, Fela Kuti, Oh Sees (HOLY HELL I cannot believe I missed this one in late 2017!!!), local prog-kraut-metal-rockers Glitter Wizard, The Scientists (from their golden era), Flesh Eaters, Mike Watt, Peter Laughner, and more!!! 

Whew!

I hope you take more risks in your music selection. I enjoy curating these two hours for you every week. The kindest response I have ever received from a listener was when they told me they listen to me show every week with a pen and paper in hand. Damn, but that feels good.

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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She's A Beam: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson

I Don't Mind: Psychic Ills

Vigilante Man/George Floyd: Jim McHugh

Cherry Bomb: Bratmobile

Abre Camino: Death Valley Girls

Go Slow: Fela Kuti

Dig Me Out: Sleater-Kinney

Dead Medic: Oh Sees

Hall of the Oyster King: Glitter Wizard

In God We Trust: Bent Knee

When Fate Deals Its Mortal Blow: The Scientists

House Among the Thickets: The Flesh Eaters

No One: Mike Watt and the Secondmen

Acid Nightmare: Xarhanga

The Wedge: The JBs

It's A Mean Old World: Reverend Pearly Brown

Earthquake: Butthole Surfers

The Flip: Cleveland Freckleton

Mean Old Frisco: Peter Laughner

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Hell's Kitchen Radio #395: Children of the Revolution

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Sometimes I just need the music to do the talking. I. Am. Pissed. Aren't you? What fresh kind of hell are we living in today? Unprecedented, unhinged, fragile masculinity, a show of strength, phony religious grandstanding, narcissistic mind fuck, controlling the news cycle. He thinks this is all a TV show and he's the star, and WHY DON'T YOU LOVE ME??????MOMMY??????DADDY????????

Someone needs a hug.

This show is all about protests and revolution. I have been to my share. There is so much I could have played, and isn't that telling? I also chose some important speeches I hope you'll find interesting and important during this time of struggle. Malcolm X, Angela Davis, MLK Jr. Mumia Abu Jamal all have something to say about protest and revolution. 

And we thought the pandemic alone was going to define 2020? We're not even half way through the year, and there's an election in November, if we can keep it. 

Fight the good fight, and all power to the people, always.

Your brother,

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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Power to the People: John Lennon

My Favorite Mutiny: The Coup

Wild In The Streets: Circle Jerks

Tear The Fascists Down: Woody Guthrie

The Times They Are A-Changin': Bob Dylan

A Riot is the Language of the Unheard: Martin Luther King Jr.

Fight the Power: Public Enemy

Mississippi God Damn: Nina Simone

Youth Against Fascism: Sonic Youth

Burnin' and Lootin': Bob Marley

How To Disappear Completely: Radiohead

Inner City Blues: Gil Scott-Heron

Becoming and Activist: Angela Davis

What's Going On: Marvin Gaye

The Mob Rules: Black Sabbath

Riot: Fishbone

Fuck Tha Police: NWA

By Any Means Necessary: Malcolm X

When The Revolution Comes: Last Poets

Children of the Revolution: T. Rex

Nazi Punks, Fuck Off: Dead Kennedys

My War: Black Flag

Prisons vs. Preschools: Mumia Abu Jamal

Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday

Talk About A Revolution: Tracy Chapman

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong