Showing posts with label blind shake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blind shake. Show all posts

Monday, December 01, 2025

Hell's Kitchen Radio #591: My Ears Are Burning

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Another week, another opportunity for me to shine upon you all the music that needs spinning. This is the kind of show where I poke through my records and say "I haven't listened to this in a while". And because of this I feel it my duty to bring you along for the ride.

I also felt the need to play a few of the records I purchased at the record swap a couple weeks ago. 

This is a weird show of sorts. I'm always mixing up the genres, but tonight felt a little schitzo. Sorry, not sorry. 

New music from Kate Vargas, Mien, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and the latest Beatles Anthology! 

The holidays are upon us. I don't suffer from seasonal depression, but I know a few who do. Get out of the house, see live music, sit in a cafe and read a book, go for long walks, exercise. Move your body to lift your spirits. Hell has what you need.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

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Chung King: Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd (Guitar Guitar - 1963)
Groove Me: King Floyd (S/T - 1971)

Shotgun Blues: Blues Brothers (Briefcase Full of Blues - 1978)
Ball and Chain: Janis Joplin (In Concert - 1972)

Batman and Robin Over the Roofs: Batman and Robin (Sun Ra)
Is The Season For New Incarnation: Brigid Dawson and the Mothers Network (Ballet of Apes - 2020)
Parchman Farm: Mercury Rev (Bobby Gentry's The Delta Sweete Revisited - 2019)
Black Grease: The Black Angels (Passover - 2006)

Evil People: Mien (Miien - 2025)
The Harder The Come: Jimmy Cliff (The Harder The Come - 1972)
Crazy Fingers: Grateful Dead (Blues for Allah - 1975/2025)
Across the Universe: The Space Lady (...On The Street of Dreams - 2018)

I Was Once A Contender: Kate Vargas (Golden Hour In The House of Lugosi - 2025)
Dollar Bill: GOAT (S/T - 2024)

Obsessive Devotion: MX80 Sound (Crowd Control - 1981)
Garbage on Glue: The Blind Shake (Key To A False Door - 2013)
If 6 Was 9: Jimi Hendrix (Axis: Bold As Love - 1967)
Allas Sak: Dungen (Allas Sak - 2015)
Pay To Cum: Bad Brains (S/T - 1981)

Born in the ADs: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Pogo Rodeo - 2025)
Snake Oil: The Darts (Snake Oil - 2022)

Don't Let Me Down: The Beatles (Anthology Part 4 - 2025)

Monday, July 21, 2025

Hell's Kitchen Radio #577: Rock And Roll Itchy Poo

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I went to Mosswood Meltdown last Saturday, and it was as good as I expected it to be. Niis, Prison Affair,

OSees and DEVO were the real standouts. The sun cleared for a while and I found myself relaxing under the shade of a tree in the vendors area. I bought myself some 45s (my motorcycle bags aren't large enough to hold LPs. I probably saved some money there).

I eventually found myself directly in front of the soundboard hanging out with a few friends, including our Radio Valencia staff photographer Sean Haley, who brought a bunch of die-cut Radio Valencia stickers for us to pass out. Thanks Sean! 

I've seen the OSees many times, and never tire of them. What a brilliant set they brought. This was my first time seeing DEVO, and WOW is all I can say. There's actually a lot more I can say. I can talk about how both Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale are still on top of their game after 50+ years. I can talk about the stellar video graphics projected
throughout the show. I can talk about the setlist that we all sang along with. It was that good.

I can also talk about showing up on Sunday just to find out that I never did purchase a ticket for that day. D'oh! I went home and streamed the day. Shannon and the Clams put on a brilliant set as they always do. 

Early bird tickets for Mosswood Meltdown 2026 are now on sale. And they are going fast!!! I got mine!

Tune into my Tuesday night Live Bootleg Bonanza and I'm sure you'll be hearing some of the sets from this year.

For tonight's show I played a bunch of the 45s I bought at the Meltdown. It's safe to say this is a very punk-forward program. But it's not exclusive. See the setlist below for details.

And then in the middle of the show I come to find out that Jonathan Richman was performing next door at the Make Out Room!!!!! What the what!!!! So I did what any self respecting DJ would do: I found some never before released bootleg demos of Modern Lovers and I played a track as the show was exiting. I really should have grabbed Jonathan for an interview; the fan boy that I am. Alas, he slipped away before I had a chance to even steal a photo of him.

He was there in support of singer-songwriter Jesse DeNatale and the Dreamers, who are playing every Monday night in July. Go see this show!

I'm heading to the Rock and Roll Flea Market on Alameda at Faction Brewing this Saturday afternoon,
followed by the US Finals Air Guitar Championship at The Independent Saturday night. I'll see you at both.

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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Dance, Dance, Dance To The Radio: M.O.T.O.
Right To Work: Chelsea
Selling Jeans for the USA: Thee Stash
Career Opportunities: The Clash

Hate The Police: The Dicks
9:11: The Outsideinside
No Corespondence: Cheater Slicks

The Fire of Love: The Gun Club
Maggie's Farm: Bob Dylan
When Fate Deals Its Mortal Blow: The Scientists
Ça Plane Pour Moi: Plastic Bertrand
Baby's On Fire: Ayres, Eno, Cale, Nico

Mangetout: Wet Leg
Just Got To Be: The Black Keyes

Show Me The Way: Dinosaur Jr.
I Shot All The Birds: The Blind Shake
Introduction/Frustrating Sound: Radio Moscow
I Don't Live Today: Jimi Hendrix Experience (LA Forum April 26, 1969)

Hard Drive: The Bell Rays
I Swallowed A Dragonfly: Heartless Bastards

No Homo: Lambrini Girls
Stunt Queen: Redd Kross
With Yo Heart Not Yo Hands: Melvins
Ride Down On The Highway (demo): Modern Lovers

Beef Bologna: Fear
Do It: Rollins Band
Petty Thief: Thomas Jefferson Slave Apartments

Ha Ha Ha: Flipper
Fuck Donald Trump: YG (feat. Nipsey Hussle)
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Monday, October 14, 2024

Hell's Kitchen Radio #546: Who Is In Control?

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Well Hell, here we go again. There was a time, from the age of about 5 - 30 that I really thought I wanted to be a professional radio DJ. I loved the thought of playing my favorite music for a wide audience. If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, then you loved your local DJ, who you thought was programming their own shows. 

Silly me. And silly you if you thought they had total autonomy. I learned by the age of 18, when I was interning at KRQR that it was up to the Music Director, or Program Director what was going to be played. They also told you what you were going to say. 

DO. NOT. DEVIATE.

Damn.

Still, I wanted in on the game. The way I figured, it was more about me calling the shots after I'd been there 10-20 years. And I wanted to be there for life. By the time I left KRQR I knew I wasn't going to love all of the music being played, but I also thought I would have more say about programming once I was in the chair. 

I couldn't have been more wrong about that.

I ended up a button monkey (board op) at Alice-97.3 (KLLC). Coincidentally the same station that was once KRQR. This time I actually had a show. Still, here's what you play and here's what you say. And after the Telecommunications Act of 1996, companies began buying up the competition, so there was no need to take the risks they once had. 

Here's what you play. Here's what you say.

DO. NOT. DEVIATE.

This was in 2002. And this is when I decided to leave my dream of corporate radio dominance behind for the greener and much more poor pastures of non-commercial radio. I was actually still at KFJC when I was at KRQR. And I was hosting a show at the now-defunct pirate station San Francisco Liberation Radio when I was at Alice-FM. You can take the boy out of the subversive medium, you can't take the subversive medium out of the boy. 

Once I left KLLC I dove head first into SF non-comm/pirate culture, and I'm glad I did.

I may not host a daily radio show, but that also means I don't have to pretend to like the Eagles and AC/DC, or some pop crap. Can you even imagine?

My air name would probably be something like "Mike Alan". HA!

At least I can sleep peacefully knowing that all the Music and Program Directors have been replaced by Spotify and AI. 

I'm not bitter. I'm a DJ who programs their own show and you get to benefit from that. I guess I really am living the dream.

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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Bad Indian: Dead Pioneers (2023)
The Rain: Eddie Gale (1968)

Gild the Lily: Billy Strings (2024)
Happiness is Drumming: Diga Rhythm Band (1976)

Song of the Lake: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (2024)
Regiment: Brian Eno and David Byrne (1981)
Black Silk Stocking: Chrisma (1977)
I Got Rhythm: Django Reinhardt (1938)

Glossolalia: Dale Crover (2024)
Black Moon Spell: King Tuff (2014)

Grind: The Jesus Lizard (2024)
My Man: Shannon and the Clams (2015)
Did You Hear About Jerry: Harry Belafonte (1962)
Reasonable World: The Blind Shake (2016)
Cold Bear: The Gators (1970)
Gimme My Wife: Bruce Marshall (1970?)

One More Death: GOAT (2024)
Strange: Wire (1977)

Pigs (Three Different Ones): Pink Floyd (1977)
Dragonaut (live 1992): Sleep (1992)

Oh Allah: Alice Coltrane (1971)
White Bird: It's A Beautiful Day (1969)

In That Great Getting Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

Monday, July 22, 2024

Hell's Kitchen Radio #536: Head Spinning Fun For The Whole Family

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This past Monday I had a new Radio Valencia staffer come in for training, so I didn't promote the show. When I have to divide my attention I don't feel that it's worth putting out the word. That being said, the music was on point even if my announcing wasn't. And you're here for the music.

Honestly, for a show that promises a diverse selection of genres, tonight cannot be beat. 

Garage punk, psych, proto-punk, country, Jazz, SF punk, Aussie psych, obscure 70s funk, 80s electronica, singer-songwriter, pop-punk, Sinatra and too much more to describe. Just look at the playlist below and click on the link to hear the show!

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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Hey Joe: The Leaves
Spanish Castle Magic (Stockholm Concert): Jimi Hendrix

Rock and Roll Nigger: Patti Smith
Politician: Betty Davis

Hello Out There: Johnny Cash
Nuclear War: Sun Ra
Plastic TV Land on LSD: Pope Paul Pot

Dali's Clock: Shannon and the Clams
Sloop John B: Three Stoned Men
Nootmare (K.I.L.L.I.N.G.) Meow: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

Soul Makossa: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
Sweet Jane: Mott the Hoople
Dots in the Fog: The Blind Shake
Around and Around: The Rolling Stones

Black Eyes: The Darts
Golden Dawn: GOAT

Pancho and Lefty: Willie Nelson and George Strait
Interlocking: Marissa Nadler
Lycee: Chrisma
Beautiful Strangers: Kevin Morby

Terrible Band: Redd Kross
Found A Job: The Linda Lindas

I Get A Kick Out Of You: Frank Sinatra

Monday, July 25, 2022

Hell's Kitchen Radio #483: Internationally Known

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What do you get when your host has one kid on vacation and the other in daycare all day? You get a very well-prepared program, that's what you get. I normally have a vague idea of how I want my show to go. I listen to music all of the time, so I always know about 25% of the songs I really want to share with you, leading into a show. I bring plenty with me, so it's all about having the experience of what artist or genre may match up with what I am currently playing (let's see Spotify really do that well!). This past week I've had a lot more time on my hands to listen to a bunch of vinyl that has needed my attention.

I also went to see Melvins last week, with Helms Alee opening. What an inspiring show that was! This program is more loud than normal. You get some fine sludge and doom, but you're also going to get some fine angular post-punk, psych, jazz, and more. New music from Helms Alee, Othered, and Ty Segall. That's why you tune in, and I thank you for that. I really do. 

Take a look at the playlist below, click the link above to stream, and share with your music-loving friends.

The Radio Valencia studio is looking better each week: new paint job and soundproofing. We're getting our logo on the awning out front next week! Thanks to our engineering team (aka: JazzNazz) we have the turntables and CD players working better than ever! But we still need you. This is an out-of-pocket venture. Bringing you great programming is our mission, and we can really use your help. Please consider donating to Radio Valencia by going to our PayPal (we are financially sponsored by SF IndieFest) and throwing a few bones our way. Every dime is spent on station needs (rent and equipment mostly). I thank you in advance. 

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Hag Me: Melvins
Dragonaut: Sleep

Tripping Up The Stairs: Helms Alee
Matazoa: Boris

Focus Pocus: Big Business
Kill The Badger!: William S. Burroughs
Redless: Otherered
Mars for the Rich: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Looking At You: Ty Segall
I Shot All The Birds: Blind Shake

Teenage Riot: Sonic Youth
Hands: Lithics
Gut The Quantifier: The Fall

Marlene Dietrich: black midi
Ce n'est Rēve: Population II

N.I.B.: Jazz Sabbath
I've Got The Death Energy: Nudity

Bloody Hammer: Roky Erickson
Hell Broke Luce: Tom Waits

Holiday: The Kinks

Monday, August 02, 2021

Hell's Kitchen Radio #446: Captain Crunchdown

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I just bet I can multitask with the best of them. And when I say I can multitask, what I mean is I can't. And neither can you. Really, you can't, so stop putting on your resume as a skill. I was training a new DJ on Monday night, which takes some real direct attention. You need to be present if you're showing a new host how the system works, as well as the Radio Valencia philosophy. I don't want to play all ten minute songs throughout my show, so the training was happening in fits and starts. I think if you are paying attention you can hear the fits. ugh.

Some of the segues are less than pristine. I'm not proud.

I am however proud of the music I chose tonight. Brand spankin' new music from Butthole Surfers/Melvins bassist Jeff Pinkus and Daddy Longhead. Also new music from Black Midi, David McMurray, and Henry Kaiser. There's also a tribute to ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill who passed away unexpectedly last week following a short illness. 

If you're into ZZ Top (and who isn't???) then be sure to check out my two hour Live Bootleg Bonanza tribute from Monday night. It's two complete shows from 1980 and 1983.

Check out the playlist below for all the treats, and ignore the DJ error as I was training the next great Radio Valencia DJ. 

I thank you in advance.

Enjoy and please share.

jh 

Have you tried out our iPhone or Android app yet? Get them where you get your phone apps. I love the iPhone app and use it every day.

Due to the recent attempted break in at our new studio, we are in need of funds beyond what our staff can afford. If you can throw a few dimes Radio Valencia's way, we will be forever in your debt. Thanks in advance. 

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

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Paranoid: Ty Segall
Sunken City: Zig Zags
You're Going To Die: Destroy All Monsters

Captain Sunshine: Country Joe and the Fish with John Cippolina
Ascending Forth: Black Midi
Silver Current: White Heaven

Plano: Daddy Longhead
Captain Comedown: Melvins

Backdoor Medley: ZZ Top
Grinder Man: John Lee Hooker

Loser: David McMurray with Betty LaVette and Bob Weir
Brotherman Pt. 1: Mancefield and Brother Man Band
Captain Crunch: Czar Face and MF Doom

The Father, The Son, and the Holy Ghost Reprise: A Love Supreme Electric
Johnny: Suicide
The Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly: Flipper

Take Me Back To The Void: WAND
Original Sin: Peach Kelli Pop
Bird Like Monkey Part 2: Melt Banana
Love Song: The Mutants
Insect Lounge: The Mutants

Teeth Grinder: Mike Krol
Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot!: Thee Headcoats
Disguises: Minutemen
Garbage on Glue: Blind Shake

Monday, January 25, 2021

Hell's Kitchen Radio #423: Is It Safe To Come Out Yet?

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Sometimes I have to forgive myself if I'm just not feeling it. You know what I mean? We've been home for over ten months now, and the COVID wall is real, people. It's real! My day starts with my three old son climbing into bed with my wife and me. I'm the one who has the elbows in the face, the knee in the gut, the hot breath up my nose. Most weekdays I get him up, dressed, pack his food, and off to daycare (with very strict protocols for COVID, thank you very much). 

Then I come home and get ready to teach. You know I'm a high school teacher, right? Don't even get me started about that. I love my work; it's never dull, but COVID has really put a damper on things. Poor kids. I also have a high school junior in the house: Little Lauson Hell, who you have met on this show many times over the years. I'm actually really proud of her. Her academics remain high, but it's her emotional fortitude that I'm more proud of. She keeps it together better than most adults I know.

As a teacher my work day doesn't really end, but since Mrs. Hell's job is more demanding (corporate work often is, if only because of the threat of the big boss man), I have to go pick up young Mr. Hell from daycare, bring him home, cook for him, and prepare him for bed. The fabulous Mrs and I alternate bedtimes with him, but by the time he lays down I'm spent.

This leaves little space for any downtime. 

This is why I look forward to Monday nights with you. It's my only true creative outlet these days. So when I get a late start like I did on this show, it takes the winds out of my sails a wee bit. I brought it back up pretty quickly however, as we setlist below will show. It's the banter that'll keep you coming back (or drive you away in droves). 

Dissonance, punk, metal, glam, hip hop, funk, Afro-funk, and more to whet your whistle. Tell 'em John Hell sent you.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Ball and Chain: Big Mama Thornton (February 23, 1973, Cambridge, MA)

Boots: Destroy All Monsters
The Blessing of the Dawn Source: Sproton Layer
Car Crash: The Avengers

Deuce: Redd Kross
Goin' Blind: KISS
Station To Station: Melvins

TVC15: David Bowie
The Cactus: 3rd Bass
Godfather of Funk: Schoolly D
Telephone Girl: Assagai

I'm A Greedy Man: James Brown
Night Time Is The Right Time: Aretha Franklin
Knock Yourself Out: Tower of Power

No Lies: Peruvatwinz
Emma: Hot Chocolate
Alta: Ty Segall and the Freedom Band
Small Man, Big Mouth: Minor Threat

I Shot All The Birds: Blind Shake
American Flag: Cat Power
Van Occupanther: Midlake

Sweat Leaf: Brownout
I Bid You Goodnight: Joseph Spence and the Pinder Family

Monday, April 06, 2020

Hell's Kitchen Radio #387: The Quarantine Question

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Well here I am, week four of this shelter-at-home, and I'm finding I'm not that bored. I just want to go record shopping in a record store. Oh don't get me wrong, I have plenty of music to keep my going, and I have purchased a few LPs online, and ever took sweet advantage of the recent Ripple Records download deal. WOW! But there is nothing like walking into my favorite record stores, thumbing through the new arrivals, chatting with the clerks about what they are enjoying, searching the 7" sections, checking out my very long want list, and looking to see if is hidden in the stacks.

I love how stores are willing to order for me, but part of the fun for me is to see if a record like Money Chicha has shown up, just so I can get that deep feeling of satisfaction for finally landing that long sought after LP.

There's a ritual to the whole process of record buying. I think only crate-diggers really know what I'm talking about. I used to be a club DJ in San Francisco, and I used to shop for 12"s weekly. Damn, I had a lot. It actually felt pretty good to unload those about a decade ago when I started up Radio Valencia.

Speaking of Radio Valencia, we have a new home. The lease is about to be signed, and since we're in a shelter-at-home and cannot move in yet, our new landlord is willing to hold off on rent until we actually move in. Thanks landlord, you rock! And we cannot wait to rock very soon in our new digs. Details are coming once everything is secure. But after ten years and our fourth home, I can promise you when I say this is going to be the absolute BEST home for Radio Valencia. I hope we're here for years to come. And you can even come hang out there with us!!!

As for this recent show you are about to enjoy, it's a deeper dive into my digital library. It's large, but I miss playing my vinyl for you. There are a few live treats in there, and even some brand spanking new Ty Segall. He covers Harry Nillson on a new EP.

I may try to host a show between my Monday night show, featuring my live library. I have over 4000 live shows from over 500 bands of many genres. And with all this sitting around the house, I'm downloading multiple shows a day. As of this writing I have a PIL show from 1982 and a Germs shows from 1978 downloading. And I have over 1000 Grateful Dead shows too. Maybe I should log into a separate slot just to play live Dead?

Hmmmmmmmm.....

That's enough for now. Time to enjoy two hours of Hell's Kitchen Radio.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Stormy Monday: Allman Brothers Band (March 20, 1971 The Warehouse, New Orleans, LA)
Lilac Wine: Nina Simone

The Mob Rules: Black Sabbath
I Shot All The Birds: The Blind Shake
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine: Bongwater (Peel Sessions March, 19, 1991)

Pink: Boris
Bad Ma Fucka: Brother Ali
Messin' With The Kid: Buddy Guy and Junior Wells
Ramblin' (Wo)man: Cat Power
Ha Ha Ha: Flipper

That's How It Goes: Meat Puppets
Police and Thieves: The Clash
Barn Burning: Dave Alvin

Coconut: Ty Segal
I'm In Love With The Ooo-Ooo Man: GTOs
Dinah-Moe Humm: Frank Zappa (October 31, 1977, The Palladium, NYC, NY)

Radebe: Johnny Dyani
Star Spangled Banner: Kronos Quartet
New York New York: The Last Poets

Mountain: Meatbodies
Salad Days: Minor Threat
Not Boweevil: Sex Mob

Saved: Swans
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Monday, December 30, 2019

Hell's Kitchen Radio #385: Living To My Fullerest

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***You will need to fast forward 15 minutes into this show to catch the beginning. I was late tonight. Sorry about that.

Oh Dougie, you were too big for this world. Where are you now? Are you flying through the ether, looking down on us mortals, laughing from the belly about how silly we all are for crying over your passing? Or are you gone in a blink of an eye, only to live on in our memories?

Father, husband, friend, Franklin Douglas Fuller (November 5, 1962 - December 17, 2019) left us after a short six-month fight with brain cancer. He was the brightest of lights, that drew everyone to him who met him, and even those who had only heard of him wanted to know more. Whether you knew him as Doug, Toad, or even Ouchy the Clown, Doug was always present when he was with you. He made you feel special. He wanted everyone to have a good time, and he went out of his way to make certain that you were made to feel comfortable and welcome, while also pushing every limit you had. Of course Doug wouldn't push any limit of yours that he hadn't already pushed in himself, and found joy in. He was all about joy. Pure, unadulterated joy. He also walked the fine line of giving and not giving a fuck at the same time; all with a smile on his face, and a ready joke at the ready.

I asked Doug to serve papers on my ex-wife a few years back. I can honestly say it was the only time I have ever seen him nervous. He asked me if she was going to pull a knife on him? I think he should have worn clown makeup to the door. At the very least, a clown nose! Our daughters are friends, and his wonderful wife Candace is a close friend of my wife and mine. The memorial on December 30th at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland is what you think of when you imagine the way you want to be remembered. It was a who's-who of the Bay Area prankster scene. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as speaker after speaker came up to say what all of us already knew in our hearts: Doug Fuller lived life to the Fullerest and can never be replaced.

Oh yes, Doug also curated an annual holiday music set. You really must listen in. Go to his page here and download the link. I believe there are links to all of his previously made music lists for you to enjoy.

Doug, this show is for you, my dear friend.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Iko Iko: Dr. John and The Meters (March 05, 1973 St Bernard Civic Center, Chalmette, LA)

***Paul's Boutique Set***
Back in the USSR: The Beatles
When I'm 64: The Beatles
Walk From Regio's: Issac Hayes
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band: The Beatles
My Philosophy: Boogie Down Production
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band (reprise): The Beatles
The End: The Beatles
Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved: James Brown
Don't Sniff Coke: Pato Banton

Sounds of Science: Beastie Boys
Cold Coffee and Cocaine: Prince
There She Goes, My Beautiful World: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

You're Dead: Norma Tanega

Damned to Obscurity: OBN IIIs
I'm Not An Animal: The Blind Shake
I Come From The Mountain: Thee Oh Sees

Feel: Ty Segall Band
Gloria: Patti Smith (January 06, 1976, Jazz Workshop, Boston, MA)

Marie Marie: The Blasters (April 26, 1980 Mabuhay Gradens, SF, CA)
Drink Up And Go Home: The Good Old Boys (February 21, 1975 Margarita's Cantina, Santa Cruz, CA)
On A Plain: Nirvana (December 07, 1991, Rennes, France)

A Quick One, While He's Away: The Who (Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus)
Buena Sera Seòrita: Van Morrison (August 8, 1971 The Lion's Share - San Anselmo, California)

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Monday, October 08, 2018

Hell's Kitchen Radio #346: Why I Do What I Do

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How old were you when you fell in love with music? Do you remember your first love? Who was it? The Beatles? Sinatra? Led Zeppelin? Patsy Cline? Who spoke to you? What did they say? Why did it resonate so deeply?

When I was eight years old in 1978, my aunt bought me four KISS LPs: Rock and Roll Over, Love Gun, Alive 2, and Double Platinum. I was hooked from the first grunt. I couldn't get enough of the imagery and the riffs. And yes, I fantasized that I was Peter Criss singing "Beth" to my imaginary girlfriend. I joined the KISS Army, dressed as either Gene Simmons or Paul Stanley for consecutive Halloween's, and overjoyed when I found a discarded copy of Destroyer laying on the street, still in playable condition (playable for a ten year old, anyway). I had posters that covered my walls, and like all of my friends, strongly anticipated the broadcast of "KISS Meets the Phantom Of The Park".

They are the first band that I wanted to know everything about. Where they were from? What they did before they were a band (Gene Simmons was a school teacher!!!)? Why they chose KISS as a band name? Why they didn't stick with Wicked Lester? Of course everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of them out of makeup. But I could not hide my disappointment when they decided to ditch the makeup altogether in 1983. What the hell was that all about? Even before the unmasking, the band had moved so far away from their riff-centric rock, full of stories about partying down and getting the girl, and I had discovered another band that would hold my attention, and continues to do so.

When I was 8 or 9, around 1978 or 1979, I was introduced to The Beatles. I was floored. I jumped ship a year or two later from KISS to the Fab Four, and honestly I felt like I was breaking up with someone. I didn't know at that tender age that I was allowed to have more than one favorite band. Shortly thereafter I added Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead to my ever-growing list of faves. After that the flood gates were open. I started buying my own records when I was 13, and my collection grew by leaps and bounds.

Though much of my record library consisted of what would be "classic rock" by today's standards, I was really proud of what I had amassed in just a few short years. It wasn't just quantity in my mind, it was quality too. I joined KFJC in late 1988 and tired very quickly of what was sitting, collecting dust, in my own library. I hungered for more. More genres, more obscure artists, more "classics" waiting to be discovered. In 2010 I purged about 5000 LPs that were taking up too much space in my home and my psyche. Most of this music could be heard on any commercial radio station anyway, so why would I hold onto it all? What I kept (about 1000 LPs) and what I continue to purchase is inspired by my time in non-commercial radio and local artists.

There are too many musical gems waiting to be encountered by the masses. I continue to be involved in radio to share my discoveries with you. Take a look at the playlist below, and all of my playlists. Much of what you see, you have never heard before. Give it a listen. If I play it that means I like it enough to want to share it with you. Hopefully you will like it enough to support that artist. Buy their music. See them live.

Enjoy...I know I do.

jh

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

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When You Get It Grunt If You Can: The JBs

Researching the Blues: Redd Kross
Chicken A La King/Bad Move: Dale Crover
Love How In Love With Love You Are: Adam Mackintosh with Storm Large
I Shot All The Birds: Blind Shake

Apache: Link Wray
Come On Over, Turn Me On: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

Psycho Star: King Tuff
You Are What You Love: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Feel: Ty Segall

Otis Rush Tribute (1935-2018)
I Can't Quit You, Babe: Otis Rush
Double Trouble: Otis Rush
Little Red Rooster: Otis Rush

Southern Politician: Willy Deville
Am I Black Enough For Ya: Schoolly-D
Round and Round: OP8
Lord of Lightening: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Revolution Blues: Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Please Mr. Gunman: Mudhoney

Some Velvet Morning: Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra
Roscoe: Midlake

Pent Juri Hati: Koes Barat

This is my favorite scene from Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park. That Paul Stanley is a real thespian.


Monday, June 19, 2017

Hell's Kitchen Radio #307: Sweating To The Moldies

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Sorry to have missed last week. I just had to watch the Warriors beat up on the Cavs. Thanks to DJ dialashot for taking the controls. I trust he did me proud.

The heat of our studio makes me want to rock out and sweat! Full disclosure: turntable two was out of commission tonight, but thanks to my many years of radio experience I come prepared. I was taught years ago to always have something cued up and ready to go. That's why I bring my trusted iPod with me just to be safe. Junior DJs take note.

The second hour of the broadcast featured some live cuts, including a new release from the "Sonic Journals" of Owsley "Bear" Stanley, and a 12 minute rendition of "Come in my Kitchen" from Johnny Winter. Also, a new release from Seattle's The Monkeywrench, featuring Mark Arm and Steve Turner of Mudhoney. It's a live album released by Valley King Records.

I'm in the planning stages for my next Rock Fight, which will feature myself and recording engineer John Karr. I'm nervous about this one. He's got more quality live shows that he himself engineered and recorded than all the shows I've downloaded over the years. I'm hoping my years of radio experience distract him enough so I can continue my string of Rock Fight wins. Stay tuned.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Common People: William Shatner
You're Gonna Miss Me: Doug Sahm and Sons
Corpse on a Roof: The Blind Shake

Astronome Domine: Voivod
Digging My Grave: The Flesh Eaters
I'm Gonna Kill That Woman: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Alice: Meatbodies
Black Betty: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
When I'm Old: The Fastbacks
We Don't Quit: The Flat Earthers

Bottle Up And Go: The Monkeywrench
Who Was In My Room Last Night: Butthole Surfers
She's A Lady: Tom Jones

Doo Doo Wap Is Strong In Here: Curtis Mayfield
The Girls Are Naked: Creation
Four Women: Nina Simone

Rejected Generic Pop Song: Father John Misty
Can't Help Myself: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution
Glorious: Polkacide

Deep Elem Blues: Doc and Merle Watson (May 1, 1974 Boarding House, SF, CA)
Come On In My Kitchen: Johnny Winter (September 05, 1978 Bottom Line, NYC, NY)

Whole Lotta Rosie: AC/DC (December 17, 1981 War Memorial, Rochester, NY)
Bridge Over Troubled Water: Aretha Franklin (June 12 1971, Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland)

The Way Young Lovers Do: Van Morrison