Hell's Kitchen Radio #468: Who Do We Appreciate?

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My mission in my radio life is to never insult you. Please let me know if you feel that I've done so. If so, you can fuck right off. HA! Just joking. I really love turning you on...to music. What were you thinking? Whatever it was, I like it. I really do. 

I wax poetic about all the evil of commercial radio all the damn time, but it appears that my vitriol has hit new heights! I' just sickened by what I hear on the FM when I'm driving along. I admit, I'm a button pusher, but I may scald my fingertip by how quickly I'm hitting that button. Once you move past 94.1FM (in the Bay Area) there just isn't anything interesting on the dial.

How sad is that?

Of course, I will continue to sing the praises of all things noncommercial. And why not? Music should always be purpose driven. I never mind playing older artists for you, but when I do, I like it to be something you would not normally hear on any other station. You be the judge.

I also really appreciate your feedback. I can only improve when my listeners chime in. Don't be shy. 

Lots of tasty treats in this episode. I went record shopping recently (SURPRISE!), and picked up a few Arhoolie Records releases. Check out the Big Mama Thornton track featuring the Muddy Waters Blues Band live in San Francisco in 1966. There's also the ridiculous piano playing of Dave Alexander. This guy is off the charts, good. Other than the Blues, there's 90s indie, 20's Psych, funk, punk, junk, hiphop, folk, and more more more!

Take a listen and share with your music-loving friends.

Enjoy.

jh

Radio Valencia is a self-funded endeavor. If you are enjoying our shows, I'd like to ask you to donate a few dollars our way. This link will take you to our PayPal, which is hosted by SFIndyMedia, our non-profit benefactor. All donations go to Radio Valencia. Thank you in advance.

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

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Related To What: The Last Poets
Everything Gonna Be Alright: Big Mama Thornton

The Rattler: Dave Alexander

Television Man: Man Or Astroman

The Drama You've Been Craving: Sleeter-Kinney

Brother, Sister: Kevin Morby

Breathless: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

The Playground Twist: Siouxsie and the Banshees

Rhinestone Cowboy: MF Doom and Madlib

Cultivated Grass: John Dwyer and Crew (Gong Splat)

Ät Det Som Växer: Dungen

Green Rocky Road: Tim Buckley

The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat): The Doors

You've Got To Change: Brownout

Harm Joy: C.I.A.

The Universe: Le Butcherettes

Death's Not Your Friend: Wooden Shjips

Electric Fence: Califone

Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall: Bobby Weir and the Wolf Brothers

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - The Fall (2015) and Fela Kuti (1987)

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW RIGHT HERE!!!

Oh wow, OK then, here we go. Another week of me diving deep into my live bootleg library to share some treats for you. And have I got a couple of tasty morsels for your earbuds? Darn tootin' I do!

First up is The Fall from the 6 Music Festival at Gateshead, UK, February 21, 2015, featuring the master

of post-punk himself, MES (aka: Mark E Smith). Full disclosure: though I was turned onto The Fall starting in the late 1980s when I was at KFJC, I wasn't ready for them. It's like giving a toddler dark chocolate: my palate just wasn't ready. And then when it was ready, where to begin??? I'm happy to say that over the past 18 months I have dug deep into the discography of this incredible band, read more than my share of exposés on the band, purchased 10 LPs so far, and downloaded about 20 live shows from 1985 up until their final tour just before MES passed in 2018. He didn't even tell he bandmates he was sick! 

Ask me in five years what I think about this band and I may not let you leave until I've convinced you they were the greatest band of all time. 

Lineage: BBC website > DVBViewer > .ts > ffmpeg > .aac > Mp3DirectCut (trimming) > .aac > ffmpeg (add tags & chapters) > .m4a > mp3 (320kbs)  

Headlining tonight is a man that just could not be stopped! I'm talking about the Nigerian Nightmare, Fela Ransome Kuti. Absolutely a challenging and important figure in Pan-African music and sociopolitical circles. Every song was a shot across the bow of those in charge. It's a wonder he lived to 58. He's like Bob Marley and Che Guevara all wrapped up into one, claimed the Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia in 2011. How right they are. Being a huge James Brown fan throughout my life, when I got turned onto Fela in my early 20s, I was hooked. Most of his many releases include album-side tracks, each at least 20 minutes in length. I own 40 of his over 60 releases. It is my hope to own his entire discography some day. Every track is a blessing.

As for this show, you get to enjoy one of the finest audience recordings in my collection. Fela Kuti and Africa 80 at the City Broiler, in Santa Barbara, CA, August 15, 1987. I don't know the generation, but it must be close to the master, it sounds that good. And the band is HOT!!!

Lineage: Aud>Cdr from Trade>EAC>FLAC>mp3 (320kbs) 

Support these bands. Buy their officially released music and merch, and never ever sell live bootlegs. These are for trade only.

Stick around Monday's 8-10PM Pacific for my weekly music mix, Hell's Kitchen Radio. Lots of new music to share with you every week.

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

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Hell's Kitchen Radio #467: Blow Out Your Candles

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I swear I am not phoning it in, but there are weeks that I think I could have done better by you. I think I did pretty well tonight. I'm mixing it up, I'm surprising even myself! And I love the comments some of you are throwing my way.

Yes, where else are you going to hear Jefferson Starship, Black Sabbath and Ice-T all in the same show? Where indeed? Certainly not in local commercial radio stations. 

Full disclosure: from time to time I have been known to button push on the car stereo. I may even stop on commercial rock station, formerly known as KSAN, which now goes by the unfortunate moniker "The Bone". So sad. Recently I was noticing that of the ten songs I heard (I was driving for a while, OK?) not one of them was newer than 1978. 1978! What are they thinking? Who needs this? And then there's Dave-FM "Totally Random Radio". Yes. Random. From AOR all the way to MOR.

wow

I promise never to insult your ears. I also want you to take more risks with your music listening. Start by enjoying more Radio Valencia. Then stretch out to KFJC, KALX and WFMU. There are so many brilliant non-commercial music stations across the dial (terrestrial and otherwise). 

Get listening.

jh

Radio Valencia is a self-funded endeavor. If you are enjoying our shows, I'd like to ask you to donate a few dollars our way. This link will take you to our PayPal, which is hosted by SFIndyMedia, our non-profit benefactor. All donations go to Radio Valencia. Thank you in advance.

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

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Sugar is a Gateway Drug: Paul Leary
Just A Dream Away: Wipers
Meat: Idiot Flesh

Red Right Hand: Giant Sand
Do You Take This Man?: Diamanda Galas with John Paul Jones

When the Levee Breaks: John Paul Jones and Friends
Anarchy in Español: Storm and the Balls

Sinnerman: Nina Simone
Hardin Wouldn't Run: Johnny Cash
Himig Natin: Juan Dela Cruz

Rare To Wake: Shannon Lay
XM/Starship: Jefferson Starship

I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts: X
Dirty Sanchez: Iggy Pop
I'm Gonna Buy Me A Train Ticket: Carey Bell

Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath, Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath: Flower Travelin' Band
Things I've Said: Buzzed Lightbeer

Body Count: Ice T
Good Night, Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk Singers

In case you missed it during my show tonight, check this out: 

When The Levee Breaks feat. John Paul Jones | Playing For Change | Song Around The World

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - Butthole Surfers (1986) & Melvins (2006)

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW RIGHT HERE!!!

Sometimes  you just need to hold your breath and dive in. Maybe you need to hold your nose and close your eyes. It's possible you should wear knee pads. I strongly suggest a change of clothes, and perhaps a paper bag. You'll know when you'll need them.

I'm speaking of course seeing the Butthole Surfers live in concert. I was lucky to see them three times between 1993 - 2010, including attending the Independent Worm Saloon record release party outside of Austin in 1993, where I smacked vocalist Gibby Haynes' ass with a KFJC sticker. He loved it so much he jumped into my arms, wrapped his legs around me and licked my face. He was clad only in a gold lamé g-string. 

Seeing them live is like an amusement ride where unbeknownst to those in attendance, the park has actually been closed for a decade or so, but the carnies came back to open it without actually looking to see if the rides are ready to go. Oh, and they're all on LSD, all the time. 

As for this particular show, they put on a real fine show May 10, 1986, Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Honestly, you really need to have been there, but listening comes close. 

Lineage: VPRO-FM>FM(m)>FM(1)>CD>eac>flac(level 8)

Tonight The Melvins are headlining. I had a really hard time deciding which Melvins show I was going to share with you. I have many between 1985 - 2021. 

I've been seeing this great band almost twice a year since 1992. I can't think of a better Rock band. Really, I can't. There isn't one. Name one. I dare you. I love that line the late, great Gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson used to describe his love for the Grateful Dead, "If the Grateful Dead came to town, I'd beat my way in with a fucking tire iron, if necessary.". I can safely say I feel that way about The Melvins. I don't get FOMO, but missing a Melvins show hurts. It hurts like I need Oxy, hurt. The rock so damn hard. I saw them a few weeks following ACL surgery back in 2016 at Slims in SF. I was still on crutches. I kept creeping closer and closer to the pit. My buddy kept pulling me back, but it was just drawing me in. I didn't go in. I'm not stupid. I was actually on Oxy after that surgery and threw them all out after day five when I accidentally doubled my dose. That was too much fun. I knew I had to stop then and there. 

Enjoy this great show, featuring my favorite lineup including the Big Business boys, Jared and Cody on bass and drums respectively. What a quartet! This tour from 2006 was hard to beat, and this show from the 40 Watt in Athens, Georgia, October 28, 2006 is one of the best of the tour. Seeing them in SF for this tour was mind blowing. Hold onto your seats and get ready for a great time.

Also, being a huge concert poster collector for 35+ years, the Melvins have always held a soft spot in my heart. They really know how to support that scene as well, making certain that each show has a unique poster, created by a different artist. It's almost too much.

Lineage: [Neumann KM-184(DIN)> Lunatec V2> Nomad Jukebox 3]+[Soundboard> Nomad Jukebox 3]

See these bands the next time they come to your town. 

Take the time to read "Our Band Could Be Your Life", by Michael Azerrad. The Butthole Surfers chapter is worth the price of admission. I took my girlfriend (now my bride) to see these two bands play at the Regency Theater in San Francisco, August 20, 2011. The Melvins played a short opening set, wanting to give the Surfers a full two hour set. What my lady wasn't ready for was the video to go along with the trip. She had to take a break in the lounge. I don't recall if she ever came back for the rest of the show? I'll need to go ask her.

Support these bands. Buy their officially released music and merch, and never ever sell live bootlegs. These are for trade only.

Stick around Monday's 8-10PM Pacific for my weekly music mix, Hell's Kitchen Radio. Lots of new music to share with you every week.

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

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Hell's Kitchen Radio #466: We Put the Fun in Funds

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I brought so much fabulous vinyl into the studio tonight, just to find the turntables were out of service. Ugh. No bueno. luckily I also brought a handful of CDs and a packed hard drive. Not to worry, I'm always prepared.

I'm reminded of my earliest days in radio, starting at KFJC in late 1988. I was trained by the magnificent and wacky Hell 'n' Hairspray. She alerted me to the need to always be prepared. Have a few CDs cued up, just in case what you want to play doesn't. Good advice. 

On Monday night I still found a way to share lots of new music, including Iggy Pop, Death Valley Girls, Psi-Psonics, and Brigid Dawson. I also pay tribute to the Funk Goddess, Betty Davis, who passed away last week at the tender age of 77. Did you know she wrote a new tune back in 2019? This was news to me. Listen to it in the second hour.

I was also excited to find some music I haven't listened to in quite a while, as I was hunting through my CD collection for a few items. You'll really get a kick out of "Tommy In Seven Seconds" by the Vital Records gang. Thanks to Jim Fourniadis who ran the label and was also guitarist/singer for the New Jersey punk outfit Rats of Unusual Size. What a mench! 

There's something here for everybody. You really do need Radio Valencia in your life. Turn off that commercial radio dreck. It'll take years off your life.

Radio Valencia gives tickets away to shows at Bottom of the Hill every week. Tune into my show and many others to get a chance to go see some great music at a great venue.

We're also hosting a live fundraiser at next door neighbor's place, Make Out Room on Sunday, March 27th. Details coming soon. We need your funds to keep up the fun.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Radio Valencia is a self-funded endeavor. If you are enjoying our shows, I'd like to ask you to donate a few dollars our way. This link will take you to our PayPal, which is hosted by SFIndyMedia, our non-profit benefactor. All donations go to Radio Valencia. Thank you in advance.

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

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James Bond: Iggy Pop
When I'm Free: Death Valley Girls

Revolution: Night Beats
Money: The Flying Lizards
Mad Moth: The Bobby Lees

Tommy In Seven Minutes: Vital Records Comp
Can't Call You: Rats of Unusual Size
Teardrops From My Eyes: Ray Condo and His Ricochets

White Linen: Blüchunks
The Cradle: Psi-Psonics
Broadway Sam: Iceberg Slim
My Wild Love: The Doors

Saeta: Miles Davis
The Special Trip: Embryo

Uptown: The Chambers Brothers
Anti Love Song: Betty Davis
He Was A Big Freak: Betty Davis

Get Ready For Betty: Betty Mabry
Born on the Bayou: Betty Davis
Shut Off The Light: Betty Davis

A Little Bit Hot Tonight: Betty Davis/Danielle Maggio
Serenade to a Cuckoo: Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Trixxx: Brigid Dawson and the Mothers Network
In That Great Gettin' Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - Betty Davis (1976) & The Meters (1976)

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW RIGHT HERE!!!

I really shouldn't wait until someone dies to pay tribute to them. This past week the legendary lady of Funk, Miss Betty Davis passed. She has been out of the public eye for many decades, but will forever be remembered for being way ahead of her time. Though she was married to Miles Davis for a short time, and is credited for genuinely updating his style, she would have made her mark without him. What a huge talent. 

In my many years of collecting I have only ever found this one Betty Davis show, from July 25, 1976 in "Riviera '76 Festival Jazz-Rock", Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France. This is an audience recording that I tweaked a bit to enhance the volume. Honestly I would not be playing this if it were anyone else, but she really deserves this attention. I think it's very listenable and incredibly enjoyable.

Lineage: Audience Recording (Sivad) > 2 UHER dynamic mics > Nakamichi 550 Portable Cassette Recorder > TDK Tape > TASCAM > Cassette Deck > Vaio Soundcard :( > Audacity > HD

The headliner this evening is the one and only Meters. What a great band, through and through. This show from October 1, 1976 at The Kingfish Lounge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a real treat. You can feel the small size of the venue. It's almost as if you are in the room with them. I love the announcement before the end of the show that they are headed to San Francisco following the performance. It's as if they're asking everyone to send them off with well wishes. I'm really excited for you to hear this great soundboard.

Lineage: SBD > ?? > CDR > Sony Vagas 5.0 > FLAC

Support these bands. Buy their officially released music and merch, and never ever sell live bootlegs. These are for trade only. 

Stick around Monday's 8-10PM Pacific for my weekly music mix, Hell's Kitchen Radio. Lots of new music to share with you every week.

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

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John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - James Gang (1970) & Alice Cooper (1980)

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW RIGHT HERE!!!

Midwest rock is where it was at back in the 70s. Seriously, if you wanted to Rock, then it was all about Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the such. I really think there wouldn't have been any arena rock if it weren't from the many bands that hailed from those states. What would have been the point? 

Can you even imagine the dreams of every young headbanger growing up in the basements of the Midwest back then, seeing themselves on the big stage, rockin' out to all the denim-clad teens, throwing the devil horns into the air?

And all that Aquanet! 

I've got a couple bands that are going to make you flash that Zippo lighter by the end of the show. 

First up is an extremely rare James Gang show. Not many of these Joe Walsh-era James Gang shows exist, and those that do are mostly audience recordings. This one from the Fillmore West in San Francisco, November 21, 1970 is a carefully remastered audience recording that really impresses me. I've had the previous version of this show for many years and already loved it. When the remaster came out I could hardly believe this wasn't a soundboard. There's a lot I could say about this band and this show, but I really think the performance speaks for itself.

What's crazy about this show is the lineup. James Gang was in support of Love with Arthur Lee. But the opening band was a very young Black Sabbath on their first tour of the United States! WOW!

Lineage: unknown stereo reel-to-reel recorder -> master stereo reel -> 1st generation stereo TDK-SA C90 cassette, Dolby B on

Your headliner tonight is the one and only birthday boy himself, Alice Cooper from El Paso, Texas, June 4, 1980. What an amazing band, and more importantly, too underrated. I never really understood why? Was is the makeup? I can't imagine. Was it the horror-theme of much of the lyrics? Maybe. Were they being overshadowed by others like Kiss, Ted Nugent, and ZZ Top? That's what I'm thinking. Frank Zappa knew what was up, signing them to his label. Smart guy, that Zappa fella. Whatever happened to him? This show is taken from a "Supergroups in Concert" broadcast, October 25, 1980...right before Halloween. I cut out the DJ banter and interviews, and leave you with just the music. You're welcome.  

Vicent Furnier (aka: Alice Cooper) was born in Detroit, Michigan but moved to Phoenix, Arizona as a young teen. I like to think the Midwest Rock sound is in his DNA. Cooper turned 74 on February 4th.

Lineage: Vinyl>VPI HW 16.5 Record Vacuum>VPI MK III/Audioquest PT-6 Arm/AT OC-9 Cartridge>Sony CDRW 33 Pro Cd Recorder>CDRW>WAV>CD WAV>Flac 

Support these bands. Buy their officially released music and merch, and never ever sell live bootlegs. These are for trade only. 

Stick around Monday's 8-10PM Pacific for my weekly music mix, Hell's Kitchen Radio. Lots of new music to share with you every week.

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

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