Hell's Kitchen Radio #563: The Eighth Wonder of Hell

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Let me be your (un)healthy distraction. I know Mondays can be heavy, so that's why I'm here to lighten the load. It's kind of like bran for your brain. Think of it as super colon blow for your earholes.

I've got a good amount of tunes you've never heard, and possibly a few you forgot you loved.

I also was training a new DJ, David Fraser, who is going to be hosting a new show on Mondays noon-2pm. He took over the show for about 30 minutes. I labeled his set with "DF". Good music choices all the way!

New music from Alit Gun, Melvins, GOAT, Ty Segall, and Rickshaw Billy's Burger Patrol (who I saw at The Stork Club the previous weekend). Also, there's a new 50th anniversary Rush compilation out. I played an alternate take of The Trees. You're welcome. 

So much good music out there, I'm in tears overjoyed that I get to share all of this with you.

For years now I've listed my playlist the way you see it below. What do you think of it? How can I improve it for you? Leave a comment.

Hell is love.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Some Velvet Morning: Vanilla Fudge

Two Headed Dog: Margo Price

Badi Sabah Olmadan: Altin Gun

Magool: Sahra Halgan

I Want You (She's So Heavy): Eddie Hazel (Album: Games, Dames and Guitar Thangs 1977 Reissue)

I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier: John Lennon 

King of Rome: Melvins (Album: Thunderball 2025)

The Trees: Rush (50th Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Ugly Truth: Soundgarden - DF

This is Music: Verve - DF

Wires: Voyager One - DF

Set The City On Fire: Here Come The Saviors - DF

Hallowed Out: Ducks Ltd. - DF

War Cry!: Jenny Don't and the Spurs

Dead Babies: Alice Cooper

Wild Love: James Williamson (with Alison Mossheart and Mark Lanegan)

Whoopie Chateau: Sgt. Splendor

Clown Town: Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol

The Wizard: Brown Sabbath

Nimerudi (Salmagundi Version): GOAT + Mc Yallah

The Payback Mix: James Brown

Coconut: Ty Segall

I Bid You Goodnight: Joseph Spence

Good Night: Lawrence Welk Singers

Hell's Kitchen Radio #562: No Good At All

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Sadly, because of DJ error (mine own, ugh), this show is not playable. Dang! This was a fine one as well. I almost feel like doing it all over again just so I can play these funs sets of music for you.

Oh well, next time I promise to click the right button...probably.

See what you missed below.

Sorry.

Tune in Monday 8-10PM Pacific when I actually do broadcast live!

jh

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

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Do You Like To Eat A Cow: Paul Leary
Rejoice Unto Yourself: JD Pinkus

Flyin' High: Jenny Don't and the Spurs

The Irish Rover: The Pogues

I've Been Working: Van Morrison

Walkin' The Streets of Love Alone: Mitch Polzak

The Streets of Baltimore: Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels

The Waitress Song: First Aid Kit

Parchman Fram: Mercury Rev ft Carice Van Houton

Wake Up The Sun: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Coconut: Ty Segall

Carletta's In Hats Again: Brigid Dawson and the Mother's Network

California Dreaming: Eddie Hazel

Somaliland Ani Adi: Sahar Halgan

Badi Sabah Olmadan: Altin Gun

Nimerudi (Salmagundi Remix): GOAT and MC Yallah
Empire: Frankie and the Witch Fingers

The Smokey God: Glitter Wizzard

Bring Me Coffee or Tea: Can

Verwanlung: Embryo

Monaka: Kikagaku Moyo

Hell's Kitchen Radio #561: Set The Knight On Fire

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I think I'm finally getting a handle on this radio thing. I mean how hard can it be? 

I had a recurring dream about dead air. And what DJ hasn't had that dream? It's the worst! A song is quickly ending and I have nothing cued up. In reality I am the king of the last second cue. It's happened too many times to count.

That being said, 90% of the time I have many songs cued and ready to go. In my earliest days of radio I was trained to have a safety track ready just in case a song ends and I have nothing else set. At Radio Valencia we have two turntable, two CD players, and two aux cords, which most hosts use for their laptops. I use the Mixxx app with four channels. This means at any one time I can have eight songs ready to play.

There really is no excuse for dead air. 

I spent a couple years at KALX leading up to COVID. I recall heading into the studio one night. I had a graveyard shift that I thought was running 1-3am. I was told to arrive at midnight to cover a pre-recorded show, just to be told by a staffer who was there when I arrived that my show actually starts at midnight and not 1am. It was about 11:57 at that time. I calmly seated myself, cued up a song and started the show. 

The young staffer was anxious about me not being able to start on time. When I did she noted how calm I was about the whole thing. This is what experience gets you. Just chill out and drop the needle. 

As for this show I dropped the needle on some killer tracks by amazing artists. 

I quickly pay tribute to the late David Johansen of the New York Dolls who passed away last week. I was lucky to see a late version of the NY Dolls in Washington DC in 2008. It was Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain backed by a young rhythm section, but they were incredible!

I saw some incredible modern country/western at The Ivy Room last week with local guitarist and singer Mitch Polzak, and Portland's Jenny Don't and the Spurs were in town. That was one helluva show! I spoke to Mitch after his set and he listens to Radio Valencia! Thanks Mitch. What a pleasure. I'm going to have him on my show soon. I also got to speak to Jenny Don't after her set. She was kind enough to record a station promo for me as well. What a doll! Both bands are incredible. I strongly encourage you to check them out when they hit your town.

As always there's lots of new music tonight. Check out Ty Segall's new side project Freckle. Ambrose Kenny-Smith of King Gizzard also has a new side project that I was happy to get recently. New Population 11, Lambrini Girls (I'm really loving this band), and KnightressM1 featuring metal violinist Emily Palen now living in Paris. I miss my friend, but luckily she's continuing to record incredible music to share with the world.

I bought a bunch of records over the past week so tune in Monday to hear where John Hell's paycheck goes.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

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Trash: New York Dolls
Hate The Police: The Dicks
Twilight (Elliot Smith cover): Barbara Manning

Lonesome, On'ry and Mean: Mitch Polzak

Judgement Day: Jack O'Fire

Gimme A Penny: Big Mama Thornton

Swordfishtrombones: Tom Waits

Sun Rise: Rolf Harris
Steal Softly Through The Snow: Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band

Chinese New Year: Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics

One More Night: Jenny Don't and the Spurs

Louie Louie: Thee Headcoats

Dark Horse: LA Witch
Shameless Imposter: Terry Gross
Anlatmam Derdimi: Altin Gün
Let Me Be Your Ragdoll: Barbara Dane

Who's Sitting on the Moon: Freckle

TV Glotzer (White Punks on Dope): Nina Hagen

Axis: KnightressM1

1970: Boris

No Home: Lambrini Girls

The Gloater: GUM, Ambrose Kenny-Smith

The Wheel: King Tuff

Le The Est Pret: Population II

From The First Hello To The Last Goodbye: Jane Morgan and the 450 Collegians

Hell's Kitchen Radio #560: Hell Gone Wrong

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Well hot damn that was a fun show to host. If you know me, then you know I don't much planning more than bringing a stack of vinyl that's calling my name, along with a ear worm or three I've had throughout the week. There's also that strong desire to play something that may be brand new to you.

You get all of the above for this show. I start out with some funk and soul, having just viewed that latest documentary about Sly Stone, brought to you by Questlove. Highly recommended. I get into some dub and jazz, before going the 60s strip/bachelor pad music. This takes us into some garage punk, and then we get even louder!

I travel two at least four continents on this show. I wasn't close to done when the two hour mark hit. Maybe you should tune in this coming Monday night to see what I have in store? What a fine idea. See you then.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

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I Ain't Got Nothing: Sly and the Family Stone
Full Experience: Aura with Lee Perry

Dread Lion: The Upsetters
Seconds Away: The Scientist

Congo Call: Princa Lasha Quintet
Hot Cha: Roland Kirk
Wowsville: Bob Taylor
Give Her The Axe, Max: Art Roberts
Rosie: The Mummies
Bring Her The Mirror: Shannon Shaw

I Wanna Lose: LA Witch
Magic Powers: Death Valley Girls

Taraval: Freckle (Ty Segall side project)
GFY: Amyl and the Sniffers
Company Culture: Lambrini Girls
Mad Moth: The Bobby Lees
Sister Dynamite: Alice Bag
Acetone: Mudhoney

Sharaf: Sahra Halgan
Ouroboros: GOAT

Area 51: Dead Moon
Danny: Heavy Blanket
Sweet Jane (live): Lou Reed

Whiskey In The Jar (acoustic): Thin Lizzy
Back In Judy's Jungle: Brian Eno
I Am Damo Suzuki: The Fall

Hell's Kitchen Radio #559: Not My President Special

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Well, you know, it's always a protest, even in the best of times. Use it, or lose, amiright?

Having a radio show on a Monday means I get to host a lot of national holidays. This isn't my first go-round on President's Day, but it sure feels like an extra special one, if you ask me. And it being Black History Month I felt that I could do a pretty good mash-up to boot.

Folks, it's official, we have a fascist for president. You can't say we don't. Even when people were claiming Shrub (George W. You, know: little Bush) was one, I was always quick to point out that he didn't fit the definition well enough, but if we aren't careful he'll set the stage for some else to come in who truly is one. Well, what do ya know? 

You disagree? That's fine. Tell me all about it in the comment section. I've been teaching history, civics and law for over 20 years now. When you have seen and taught what I have, the boxes get checked.

So luckily I have this here radio show that I can use, until they pry away from my cold, dead hands, to play you the music and share the commentary that you just aren't getting on other radio stations. Even the non-comms like KEXP, KFJC, WFMU, aren't talking openly about the politics of the day. And though Radio Valencia does not endorse a specific political point of view, we allow our DJs to share how they're feeling about the issues of the day. Just offer the disclaimer in there somewhere.

As for the music, it's a fabulous grab bag of funky, punky, junky and political delights.

And thank you all once again for contributing to our first ever "on air" fundraiser. We raised just short of $3000, all of which will go right into operations including a new and improved website coming soonish.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

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If There's A Hell Below: Curtis Mayfield
I'm A Conservative: Iggy Pop

Democracy: Leonard Cohen
This Is Not Normal: Negativland

My Favorite Mutiny: The Coup
The Pusher: Nina Simone
Prison Song: System of a Down
Nazi Punks Fuck Off: Dead Kennedys
Eric B Is President: Eric B and Rakim

Funky President: James Brown
When The Revolution Comes: The Last Poets
It Is What It Is (remix): Drumpf
I'm So Bored With the USA: The Clash

The American In Me: The Avengers
Freedom of Choice: Devo
Fascists Eat Donuts: Pop O Pies
Blowfly for President (feat. Afroman): Blowfly

My Uzi Weighs A Ton: Public Enemy
Rocket Reducer No. 62 (fa la la la la): MC5
Liilalaw: Sahra Halgar

For The Last Time: Freckle
As Tears Go By: Marianne Faithful

Talk To God: GOAT
Good Night, Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk

Hell's Kitchen Radio #558: Palestine Solidarity Committee

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There are a lot of educators in Gaza who are suffering not only for their family but for the families of the children they teach. San Francisco Unified School district has a number of educators who have started a grass roots Palestine Solidarity Committee, where they are teaching one another about what is happening in Gaza and how they can support the teachers who are there trying to care for their students.

I have three members of this committee on my show Monday night, in the first hour, talking about the work they are doing and how others can join in. 

If you want more information about this committee and how you can participate, please go to the website linktr.ee/supportgazanteachers and email them melodiesforgaza@gmail.com

The second hour continues my time paying tribute to Black History Month. There's far too much music to play; I'll never get it through everything I want to share by the end of the month. Luckily I have this show every Monday night! 

Check it out at the link above.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Follow me on Blue Sky
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Bring the Noize: Brownout
Nimerudi: GOAT + MC Yallah

Sharaf: Sahra Halgan

These Are The JBs: The JBs

Original Faubus Fables: Charles Mingus

Red House: Jimi Hendrix
Bumble Bee: Big Mama Thornton

America's Most Blunted: MF Doom and Madlib
Mama Roux: Dr. John
Fantasy: Pir Square
Cold Sweat: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Mannish Boy: Muddy Waters
Summertime: Ella Fitzgerald

My Way: Elvis Presley

Hell's Kitchen Radio #557: Black History Is American History

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Starting out Black History Month with a BANG! Sweet sounds of funk and soul punctuate more than the first half of the show, and I know I'm going to have to keep this going all month. And why wouldn't I?

Growing up I was always put off that Black History Month was during the shortest month of the year. I thought it was an insult to African-Americans! Being a history teacher I learned this started out as Black History Week by Carter G. Woodson in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is in February to commemorate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

I've got some classic soul and funk peppered throughout the sets. 

The second half of the show features some library adds (meaning not new, but new to me), including the first Shannon and the Clams release, French Punk/New Wave Plastic Bertand, early Barbara Manning World of Pooh and more.

It's always a pleasure bringing music to you, week after week. I truly live for this. Your contributions help keep Radio Valencia rolling. We are wrapping up our very first "on air" fundraiser, which has brought in $2000+. This is a really great start, and we will use each dollar to pay for upkeep of the equipment, purchase new tech, pay for streaming and website needs, and any emergencies that pop up (and they always pop up).

We had a blast entertaining the masses at The Kilowatt last Thursday for the Pavement afterparty. Thanks to everyone who came out. We sold a bunch of Radio Valencia shirts!!! We have more! Want one? Let us know.

Just because the live fundraiser is coming to an end this weekend doesn't mean we won't take your money. Please click on the link to our PayPal and help keep Radio Valencia's turntables spinning.

Think you have what it takes to host a weekly radio show? No experience necessary. We can train you! Send us a show proposal to station@radiovalencia.fm

Coming up Monday, February 10th I'm interviewing members of the SFUSD Palestinian Support Committee about the work they are doing supporting Palestinian teachers during this horrible time in Gaza and the West Bank. They'll be on during the first hour talking about their work and an upcoming event that you are invited to.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Follow me on Blue Sky
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The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron
Compared To What: Les McCann and Eddie Harris

The Hands of Time: The Perfect Circle
Suicide: Ice

Funky Woman: Parliament
Mighty Mighty (Spade and Whitey): Curtis Mayfield
Black People Whatcha All Gon' Do: The Last Poets
Don't Tell It: James Brown

Don't Call Her No Tramp: Betty Davis
Hey Pocky Way: The Meters
Brother's Gonna Work It Out: Willie Hutch

Fulton Street: Eddie Gale
You Don't Belong Here: Fantastic Negrito

Bambino: Plastic Bertrand
The Cult Song: Shannon and the Clams
Someone Wants You Dead: World of Pooh
Child Heart O'Dirt Pump: Caroliner

Gotta Get Back: Chuck Prophet
Halloween: MX80 Sound
Eye-Shaking King: Amon Duul II

Hell's Kitchen Radio #556: Best of 2024

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Well, January arrived, so I figure I better pull out what I bought last year and give all a spin. 

King Gizzard released its 26th album in 2024. And what an amazing show they put on at The Frost. Dale Crover came back from neck surgery to record and tour with Redd Kross, put out his third solo album and 27th with the Melvins. I can't wait to see them in April and again coming up in June. I love me some Melvins!

Nick Cave seems to be emerging from his deep grief-stricken period with Wild God. I'll be seeing him in May. Great albums from Billy Strings, WAND, Ty Segall, OSEES, GOAT (so many bands using allcaps?!?!?!), Shannon and the Clams, and more!

Monday night I'll be back with new music and music that's new to you.

Tune into the station you have come to rely on to play the best of whatever genre you're into.

And while you're listening we could really use your support. We have been around since 2010 and keeping our equipment operating, along with increased costs for just about everything, makes it a challenge to keep paying for this out of our pockets.

This is why we decided to have an "on air" fundraiser, through February 8th. Head over to Radio Valencia's website, scroll down and click the PayPal link on the right to show us a little love. This is a tax deductible donation, and every dollar goes straight to paying to keep our radio home running.

Thanks in advance.

Enjoy and please share the Best of 2024.

jh

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

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Hog Calling Contest: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Resolution/Revolution: The Linda Lindas

Bean Fields: Shannon and the Clams
I Waited Forever: Dale Crover with (Ty Segall)

Stunt Queen: Redd Kross
Snakes: Bell Rays
My Alice: Billy Strings
Luck and Strange: David Gilmore

Void: Ty Segall
Smile: WAND

Also the Gorilla...: OSEES
Silly Cybin: Meatbodies
Ouroboros: GOAT

Wild God: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Grind: The Jesus Lizard

She's Got Weird Arms: Melvins
Confluence: Slift

Me and the Girls: Amyl and the Sniffers
How To Ruin Your Life: False Flag
Comme Tu Le Souhaites (Ding Dong): Population II

Psycho Killer (Acoustic Version): Talking Heads

Hell's Kitchen Radio #555: Holiday In Spawnville

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What a treat having my fabulous daughter Lauson in the studio tonight. This was her first visit to Radio Valencia since December 2023. I'll share the links to all of her previous shows at the end of this post.

I have always had a lot of music playing around the house, so I did my best to raise her on lots of great music from as many genres as I could fit in. I knew I was doing well when I heard the Beastie Boys bumpin' from her room during high school. Though she still gives me a hard time for the Sex Pistols lunchbox she carried in elementary school. What parent does that to a child?!?!?!?

Tonight Lauson pulled out a lot of artists she was listening to when she was 7-10 years old, told lots of silly stories, and held me to task for not giving her enough space to talk on the mic. Sorry about that, Lauson.

I placed an "L" next to her selections.

Lauson is also a state licensed cosmetologist in San Francisco. She does her own hair!!!! And she's a recognized make up artist as well. I love her so much! 

It was also MLK Day, so I peppered in a few tunes in celebration of Dr. King.

Check out all the many fine shows Lauson has co-hosted going back to when she was only 7 years old.

First show in 2012
Second show in 2014
Third show also in 2014
Fourth show in spring of 2015
Fifth show in the summer of 2015
Sixth show in summer 2016 along with Saucy!
Seventh show was also during summer 2016
Eight show was December 2016
Ninth show was July 2017
Tenth show was in August 2017
Eleventh show was July 2018
Twelfth show was April 2019
Lucky Thirteen was April 2020

Fourteenth Show from July 2021

Fifteenth show from January 2022

Fifteenth Show from December 2023

Enjoy and please share

jh

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

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History Repeating: Propellerheads with Shirley Bassey - L

Supersonic Rocket Ship: The Kinks - L
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron

1985: Paul McCartney and Wings - L
Crocodile Rock: Elton John - L
Obl Di Obla Da: The Beatles - L

That's Not My Name: Ting Tings - L
Girls: Beastie Boys - L
Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud): James Brown

Art Pop: Lady Gaga - L
Gravel Pit: Wu Tang Clan - L
Move On Up: Curtis Mayfield
People Get Ready: Aretha Franklin

Istanbul: They Might Be Giants - L
Sloop John B: The Beach Boys - L
Somebody To Love: Queen
Moondance: Van Morrison

Why?(The King of Love is Dead): Nina Simone
It Was A Good Day: Ice Cube

Ball and Chain: Big Brother and the Holding Company - L

Hell's Kitchen Radio #554: Talking Trash with the IRD

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Check out hour two right here!!!

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First show of the year, and right off the bat I have an exciting interview for you. Prog-space-b-movie-kinda-jazzy-mostly-funky trio Illogistical Resource Dept came into the studio to share their newly released third record: Cacoethes (go ahead, I dare you to pronounce it correctly the first time).

What a delight to have Dan (bass/vocals.effects), Noa (drums) and Mike (guitar) in to talk up such a wonderful collection of new music. What they do is truly magical and I can imagine the challenges of creating this music in a live setting. They talk about this and more coming up.

There are two links above, split into hour one and hour two.

Having fun with the IRD coming up right here.

Enjoy and please go buy their music!!!

jh

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

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Suspect Device: Stiff Little Fingers
Bring The Head of Jerry Garcia: Iron Prostate
Do Your Thing: Kashmir Stage Band
99 Year Blues: Hot Tuna

Interview with Illogistical Resource Department

Shrewd Awakening: IRD

Interview with Illogistical Resource Department

The Gears of Issus: IRD
The Future of Mankind: IRD

Interview with IRD

Togremelas: IRD
Hellbender's Return: IRD

Interview with IRD

Run Around: Moon Duo
Night of the Vampire: Ty Segall

Shopping: Pink Section
Cent Piasses: Population II
Don't You Make Me High: Merline Johnson
Ouroboros: GOAT

On Green Dolphin Street: Miles Davis
Mack the Knife: Ella Fitzgerald
Dead Babies: Alice Cooper

First Week/Last Week...Carefree (Acoustic Version): Talking Heads