Hell's Kitchen Radio #605: All Freaks No Accidents

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These days even when I have no guest the studio is hoppin'! I love the energy that's been flowing through the Radio Valencia studios these days. It fills me with a lot of pride for what we've been doing here over the past 15+ years. I often keep the door wide open to attract passers-by to come through and check us out. This has actually led to a few new shows that have been making us sound fresher than ever!

I've been hosting a lot of guests over the past few months and I really thought it would just be you and me on Monday night, other than having a new host shadow me for the evening. 

And then...

Daniel Haver of the FabMab came through with artist Dexter Hixon, who had been out "improving" the SF landscape and promoting some upcoming shows. Dexter designed the ceiling art at I Hate Records in the lower Haight, owned by Pretty Sims of False Flag and Cody of Surprise Privilege. He also makes some unique characters known as Siliclones. I played a song by his dad's 90s band Hive in the second hour.

I love having a radio station that doubles as a clubhouse for the local music scene. It's a dream come true.

As for the music tonight, it's as you would expect: many genres and eras. 

This Monday, April 6, starting at 8pm Pacific, I'm excited to host legendary drummer Prairie Prince from The Tubes, Journey and Todd Rundgren. He'll be in to talk about his first solo album "Colours and Passions" that feature an incredible lineup: Todd Rundgren, Ross Valory, Buckethead, Jello Biafra, Ralph Spight, Cyril Jordan, Neil Hamburger, and the late great Ralph Carney.

I'll also have the quintessential "I was there" guy for SF’s punk and underground scenes, Edwin Heaven. His memoir "The Night I Got David Bowie Laid, Sorta" isn't just a collection of stories; it's a frantic, non-linear love letter to a version of San Francisco that feels like it’s slipping away.

These two have been best friends for 50 years and I can guarantee the conversation will get take a few turns throughout the night.

You do not want to miss this show! 

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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Money: The Flying Lizards (S/T/ - 1979)
I Would Kill For Suzy: The Catheads (Hubba - 1987)

Don't Blame Me: The Freak Accident (The Midnight Show - 2026)
In Your Mind: The Terminals (Last Days of the Sun - 2008)

Mojo Navigator: Country Joe and the Fish (Together - 1967) 
Louie, Louie: The Sonics (The Best of Louie Louie - 1983)
Carmelita: Warren Zevon (S/T - 1976)
Love Rolled: Mitch Polzak (Down South Blues - 2023)
My Baby's Gone: Jenny Don't and the Spurs (Broken Hearted Blue - 2023)

Muffin Man: Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and the Mothers of Invention (Bongo Fury - 1976)
Chartreuse: Ken Nordine (Colors - 1995)
Political Song For Michael Jackson to Sing: Minutemen (Double Nickels on the Dime - 1983)

Sunday Morning: Kelly Stoltz (The Velvet Underground and Nico...Castle Face - 2012)
The Ballad of El Goodo: Big Star (Number 1 - 1972)
I Swallowed A Dragonfly: Heatless Bastards (All This Time - 2006)
Live Loop: Butterscotch Tuna (Explosion in Texas Comp - 1994)

Cartographers: Linda Lindas (No Obligation - 2024)
Words of Advice/Kim Like the Great Gatsby: William S Burroughs (Smack My Crack - 1987)

I Once Was A Contender: Kate Vargas (Golden Hour in the House of Lugosi - 2025)
Gold: Hive (S/T 1995)
There She Goes My Beautiful World: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Abattoir Blues - 2004)

Volunteered Slavery: Roland Kirk (Volunteered Slavery - 1969)
Fairies Wear Boots: Brown Sabbath (Brounout - 2016)

Who Was In My Room Last Night: Butthole Surfers Independent Worm Saloon- 1993)

Hell's Kitchen Radio #584: Does This Smell Right To You?

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How about another radio show where I play music that you never knew you needed? I like that idea. In a world where AI is telling you what to wear, watch, vote for, battle, digest, laugh at, point at, throw away, be disgusted towards, why not allow yourself a little freedom to listen to music curated by someone who digs in the crates to bring you something NOT generated by an algorithm?

At least while it's still legal to.  

Don't you get the feeling that we're going to come to a point where we'll decide on the ballot to allow our tech overlords to determine what we think?

Personally I don't believe in free will. True. I don't. I get to make my choices based on what's sitting in front of me. Not making a choice is still a choice. Isn't that a lyric somewhere? Thank you, Rush. 

So, all this being what it is, why not listen to some music that I had the "choice" to play for you tonight.

Highly inspired by Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, my first hour is chock full of Americana nuts, and other aural legumes. Nothing spectacularly new tonight, which is a rarity for me. You may have noticed I've taken to adding the album and release year on my playlist. Eventually I may even get to linking to wear you can buy it! I think I used to do that back in the day...when I used that choice to do so.

In the meantime, use your choice and listen to two hours using your own free will and I'll see you on the other side.

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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Magic: Zig Zags (Strange Masters Vol. 1 - 2024)
Mohawk Town: Paul Leary (Born Stupid - 2021)

King of California: Dave Alvin (King of California - 1994)

Every Grain of Sand: Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball - 1995)

The Devil's Chasing Me: Reverend Horton Heat (Full Custom Gospel Sounds of... - 1993)

Midnight Wine: Shannon and the Clams (Year of the Spider - 2021)
Don't Fall Down: The Black Angels (May The Circle Be Unbroken - 2021)

Delia's Gone: Johnny Cash (Murder - 2000)

Tonight, I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown: Jimmy Dale Gilmore (After Awhile - 1991)

Jack the Ripper: Susan and the Surf Tones (Thunderbeach - 1996)

She Rode Me Down: Tindersticks (Falling Down on a Mountain - 2010)

Graveyard Shift: Uncle Tupelo (No Depression - 1990)

Crazy Fingers: Grateful Dead (Blues for Allah - 1975)

The Road Goes On Forever: Robert Earl Keen (No. 2 Live Dinner - 1996)

Kill the Badger: William S. Burroughs (Dead City Radio - 1990)

Dread Locks Corner: Prince Jazzbo (Ital Corner - 1976)

Home Affairs: Osibisa (Osibirock - 1974)

California Dreaming: Eddie Hazel (Game, Dames and Guitar Thangs  - 1977)

Azeta: Lafayette Afro Rock Band (Soul Makossa - 1973)

Black: Ken Nordine (Colors - 1995)

Potholderz: MF Doom (Mmm Food - 2007)

Ya Habibti: Mdou Moctar (Afrique Victime - 2021)

Three Hours: Nick Drake (Five Leaves Left - 1969)

Resolution/Revolution: Linda Lindas (No Obligation - 2024)

In The Great Gettin' Up Morning: The New Gospel Keys

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 #550: Inspiration Move Me Brightly

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Inspiration comes in many forms, but for tonight it was a pile of vinyl and an old friend. We held a very rare in-person Radio Valencia meeting before my show with 18 members of our staff (35 current shows). One of our staffers, the Alchemist, Saturdays 6-10pm, has been a close friend of mine since we first met when working at Tower Records back in 1989. Yes, that's a longterm friend right there.

I recruited him over two years ago, since I knew he had excellent taste in music, and if he was interested, would host an impressive show. He has yet to disappoint.

After the meeting I invited the Alchemist to hang out in the studio with me for my show, and it pushed me to bring an even better show than I already strive for. This guy has taste and I did not wish to disappoint.

Plenty of new songs, including Robin Coomer, WAND, GOAT, the Linda Lindas, and Lorde covering Talking Heads. 

Dig This Inspired 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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Dicks Hate The Police: The Dicks
What Do You Want From Life: The Tubes

Me and the Girls: Amyl and the Sniffers
Where Eagles Dare: Misfits

Whoopie Chateaux: Sgt. Splendor
In Dream Every Home A Heartache: Roxy Music
Attractive Target: Negativland
Isotope: McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson

Yo Me Estreso: The Linda Lindas
I Will Kill for Suzy: Catheads

Close Call: Robin Coomer
High Time: WAND
The Rain: Eddie Gale

Dollar Bill: GOAT
Tally Ho: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

Chaise Lounge: Wet Leg
Bodies: Sex Pistols
Eagles Over America: ShitKid

Pushing the Extremes: Wipers
Take Me To The River: Lorde

Cream Puff War: Widespread Panic
In The Great Gettin' Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

Hell's Kitchen Radio #539: Hell Is My Pleasure

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What team are you on: play only the most subversive sounds that may draw in listeners hungry for something new and challenging, but may push some away? Or are you in the camp of play a lot more accessible sounds so as not to push too many listeners away?

I struggle with this, week-to-week, as I'm putting my shows together. I really want to turn you on to music you've never heard, that is knocking me out, but I also know that if I play too much subversive sounds, I may only end up with my mother listening. She really digs that Throbbing Gristle (HA!).

Really though, if you had your choice, which kind of radio show are you more likely to stick around for and tune into each week.

I aim to please, which still pushing your comfort zone.

That was not meant as a euphemism, but you know...

In the meantime, I think this show won't cause any anxiety any time soon. New King Gizzard, OSees, Redd Kross, and Linda Lindas. Newly released remasters of John Lennon and Alice Cooper. Newly found recordings from Johnny Cash and Neil Young.

Enjoy and please let me know how Hell can please you.

jh

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

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Good Times, Bad Times: Led Zeppelin
Bumpin' On Sunset: Wes Montgomery

So Lucky: Shannon and the Clams
School Days: Dizzy Gillespie

Raw Feel: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Trailer Trash: MV and EE
Boulder Holder: MF Doom and Madlib
The Harder They Come: Jimmy Cliff

Termination Officer: OSees
Feel: Ty Segall

Queen of the Underground: GOAT
Eyevoid: Heavy Blanket
Found A Job: The Linda Lindas
Room Service: Rap Riplinger

Born Innocent: Redd Kross
I Like It Small: Mudhoney

Love Tsunamu: The Darts
Magic: Zig Zags
Capitol Radio: The Clash
Have You Ever Been To Little Rock: Johnny Cash
Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown: Neil Young

Mind Games (Take 7): John Lennon
Beer Drinkin' Woman: Memphis Slim

Gutter Cat vs. The Jets: Alice Cooper
From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye: Jane Morgan

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