Hell's Kitchen Radio #603: No, You're Stunning!

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So much has changed in the past few weeks, that I think it's creeping into the music I play for you. You can't tell? Then you aren't paying attention. 

We put on such a fine show at the FabMab and On Broadway on February 28th, I'm still floating above the floor. And I think about what Bowie said about doing your art: don't get too comfortable, and don't do it for the listeners; it'll compromise you. 

How true.

There are many weeks, in the middle of my show, when I'm playing something with a sweet groove, that I think about playing a 15 minute long, dissonant track, but I often hold back, not wanting to alienate my audience. What's that about? I come from a long history of left-of-the-dial DJs who pride themselves on pushing the limits. I've written before about the two schools I carried on with at the mythic KFJC: always play something "accessible", versus "fuck 'em if they don't like it". 

I've tried to walk the line in the middle over the years, but I'll admit I err on the side of the former a wee bit too often.

I need to recommit to pushing the sound in the direction that always brings me the most joy. This is not a selfish act. This is why you tune in. I take requests about .05% of the time, so it's not like I'm abandoning you. 

Tonight was good ol' quality music that I tapped my toes along to the whole show. 

I've got music spanning seven decades...or is it eight? 

This Monday night Daniel Haver of Mabuhay Gardens is joining me to guest DJ. He has a $1000 7"-45 he's threatening to bring in. I may need to change the needles.

We have an exciting show Radio Valencia is co-presenting, and yours truly is producing on June 13th. Set your calendars. You do not want to miss this!

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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Wake Up The Sun: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Person A - 2015)
Let Me Roll It: Paul McCartney and Wings (Band on the Run - 1973)

Up In My Soul: The Darts (Halloween Love Songs - 2026)

Loose: Iggy and the Stooges (Fun House - 1970)

Candy Sam: Ty Segall and the Muggers (Live at the BBC - 2026)

Handsome Nick: People's Temple (Musical Garden - 2014)

Pedro - Toulon: The Pedro Toulon Connect (I Mean Alarmed - 2021)

Lilac Wine: Jeff Buckley (Grace - 1994)

Odds Against Tomorrow: Bill Orcutt (Odds Against Tomorrow - 2019)
Bad Luck: Sonny Terry (Sonny is King - 1962)

Die By The Sword: Pancho and the Wizards (Cemetery - 2019)

Hallogallo: Neu! (Neu! - 1972)

SS Cygni: Chrome (Alien Soundtracks - 1977)

Evil People: Mien (Miien - 2025)

Prince of Darkness: Bow Wow Wow (7" - 1981)

Fatalidad: Money Chicha (Chicha Summit - 2021)

Little Red Hen: Taj Mahal (Oooh So Good 'n' Blues - 1973)

Bron-Y-Aur Stomp: Led Zeppelin (III - 1970)

Liar: Bikini Kill (S/T - 1992)

I'm Not A Loser: Amyl and the Sniffers (Big Attraction - 2019)

The Green Manalishi: The Flesh Eaters (I Used To Be Pretty - 2018)

Jack O'Diamonds: Odetta (Mojo - The Complete Unknown - 2025)

Blue 'n' Boogie: Miles Davis (Walkin' - 1955)

Hell's Kitchen Radio #599: Getting Ready For A Road Trip

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I found that I was drawn to jazz and soulful international music this past week. Someone recently asked me how I prepare for my shows. I've written about this before, but I think it bares repeating. I don't host a specialty show, or genre-specific show, so I play whatever feels good, week to week. It's true, I often default towards the punk or garage, but even that's more rare than one would think. I'm a huge Deadhead (more of a Dead fReAk) but you're not going to hear them too often on here, and I think that's because they're such a heavy in my everyday life, that I use this show to focus on the other music that turns me on.

And there's a lot that turns me on.

I also like to keep you guessing. I was driving home after my show listening to KALX, and the DJ was playing an excellent thrash punk track, and followed it up with something that was neo-classical. I swear I almost pulled over to call and thank him. I applauded in the car, while driving. True story.

I feel that it's the responsibility of DJs at independent stations (Radio Valencia, KFJC, KALX, WFMU, KEXP, etc) to push the limits of what we have become comfortable with; not just what the listener is used to hearing. I take pride in a lot of what I share with you. 

I do have my guilty pleasures, however. Even in this show I played a few tracks that I've shared over the years. It felt right at the time. And I will probably do it again. 

But now I'm inspired to keep taking the risks that I should. Next week prepare for thrash metal to be followed by folk, followed by electronica. I can do that. You can't stop me.

Speaking of next week, it's my 600th show at Radio Valencia!!! I think I want to have a party. Wanna come? You need to bring snacks.

And as if you didn't know this already, Radio Valencia is co-presenting a huge show on February 28th at the newly reformed Mabuhay Gardens and On Broadway in celebration of 50 years of punk in San Francisco. I'm co-producing this along with Steve DePace of Flipper. See the attached fliers for details, and click on the links (in the fliers) to get your tickets.

 

These shows will sell out, so get them now!!!

See you next Monday night for my 600th!

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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There Is Power in the Union: Billy Bragg
I Want To Marry A Lighthouse Keeper: Erika Eigen
The Hands of Time: The Perfect Circle (S/T - 1977)

California Dreaming: Eddie Hazel (Games, Dames, and Guitar Thangs - 1977)
Unfunky UFO: Parliament (Mothership Connection - 1975)

Kush: Dizzy Gillespie (Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac - 1967)

Baroona: Kourosh Yaghmaei (Back From The Brink - 1973 - 1979)
Last Bongo in Belgium: Incredible Bongo Band (40 Years of Incredible Bongo Band - 1973)

The Horse Song: Iggy Pop (Zombie Birdhouse - 1981)
Roforofo Fight: Fela Kuti (Roforofo Fight - 1972)

Ring the Alarm: Tenor Saw (7" - 1985)
Gatur Bait: The Gaturs (Wasted - 1971)
Boodle-De-Bum-Bum: Carolina Chocolate Drops (Leaving Eden- 2012)
Anti-Love Song: Betty Davis (Betty Davis - 1974)
Spinning Wheel (Take 2): James Brown (Live At Home With His Bad Self: The After Show - 1971)

Conception: Miles Davis (The New Sounds - 1951)
The Rain: Eddie Gale (Ghetto Music - 1968)

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

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

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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

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - Miles Davis 1969

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

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What can I ever say about Miles Davis that would be better than anything ever said about the man? Nothing. I've been listening to Miles since my teens. I'm confident it was my father who turned me onto him, even if he didn't know a lot more about him than the fine music he was hearing. 

Early on my Jazz listening was all about Blue Note Be-Bop, which Miles was the undisputed King (OK, there's Bird and Dizzy of course). I ate all that Blue Note era up! When I was at KFJC (88-97) I hosted a mid-day Jazz/Soul/Funk show on Fridays for a few years. That's when I started to do a lot of deep crate digging, driving me towards the late-60s and early 70s era Miles. WOW!

It was then that I read his autobiography "Miles". I have read that book three times and each time is better than the last! I ended up hosting a five part 15 hour Miles Davis special on KFJC. I don't feel like I even scratched the surface of what this artist created.

Tonight's show features the late, great sax player from Miles' second great quintet: Wayne Shorter. I could have chosen a show or two from his post-Miles fusion group Weather Report, but I what I'm playing for you tonight is really going to kick your ass.

You think you know Jazz? You don't Jazz until you have heard this right here.

Two shows from Miles' 1969 European tour, featuring Shorter on Sax, Chick Corea on piano/organ, Jack DeJohnette on drums, and Dave Holland on bass. The first show is from Festival Mondial du Jazz d'Antibes, La PinËde, Juan-les-Pins, France 7/26/69. The second show is from Folkets Hus, Stockholm 11/5/69. Most of the tracks are from the Bitches Brew era, and live they really come to life. The interplay between all players if beyond words.

I know you're going to dig this.

Lineage: Soundboard

You can find my mostly-complete list of live shows right here. Have a request? Leave a comment.

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

Stick around for my weekly music mix: Hell's Kitchen Radio, Mondays 8-10PM Pacific.

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

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Hell's Kitchen Radio #504: People Like Us

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Here's my show from this past Monday night. It's been a challenging few weeks since my dad passed away. I like getting my shows posted within a couple of days after broadcast, but you'll have to forgive me for being so late with this.

As always I take two hours and throw pretty much everything at it.  

What have you been listening to lately? Where are you getting your musical inspiration from? 

This coming Monday night, January 30th tune in for my guest, rock photographer Jay Blakesberg. We'll be talking about the late David Crosby and more.

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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Basketball Jones: Cheech and Chong
Swing 42: Django Reinhardt
Trouble in Mind: Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen

Regimental Sgt. Zippo: Elton John
3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds: Jefferson Airplane

God Bless The Child: Kenny Burrell
The Diamond Sea: Sonic Youth

Cryo For Freedom: Larry Boothroyd's Remote Communion
Woke Up Dead: JD Pinkus
I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier, Mama: John Lennon

Hot Rod Lincoln: Bill Kirchen
They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore: Kinky Friedman
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight: Bob Dylan

Back Seat Betty: Miles Davis
London: Angel Bat Dawid

Laughing: David Crosby
Pasties and a G-String: Andre Williams
In That Great Gettin' Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

Hell's Kitchen Radio #497: Join The Hell Army

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Monday night was a real treat. I was in the mood classic American Blues from the early 20th century; the roots of Rock and Roll. I also have a number of 2022 reissues including Miles Davis, Kiss, David Bowie, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson! I don't think I've ever played Kiss or Michael Jackson on my show. There's even a brand "new" release from The Doors!

And the funny thing about Kiss, is they were my first favorite band. When I was about seven years old my family was living in Greensboro, North Carolina. My father's job took him from my birthplace of Toledo, Ohio down to the south. My aunt came to visit. She had been working at a popular record store, Peaches, and brought gifts! She brought me the first four Kiss studio albums and Kiss Alive II. I was hooked. This was in late 1977 or early 1978. It wasn't long until I joined the Kiss Army, replete with fanzines, posters, stickers and more! I wish I still had all of that stuff. Thanks mom. 

I even dressed as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for a few consecutive Halloweens. My sister, Tracy Hell, was kind enough to adorn me with the makeup. Thanks Tray!

And then I discovered The Beatles. At the tender age of ten I thought you were only allowed to have one favorite band. So long Kiss. 

Next Monday, December 5th is my 12th annual Annual Annual. I choose one year to feature and have a Hell of a lot of fun doing so. Which year will I pick? What songs will I play? Tune in Monday 8-10PM Pacific to find out.

Check out the playlist below and click on the link above to stream or download this 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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Burning Spear: Thee Oh Sees
Some Velvet Morning: Vanilla Fudge

Paris Blues: The Doors
Tallahatchie River Blues: Mattie Delaney
Guitar Boogie: Blind Roosevelt Graves

Let Me Be Your Big Dog: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee
Stagolee: Jesse Fuller
Killin' Floor: Howlin' Wolf
Ramblin' On My Mind: John Mayall with Eric Clapton

Quicksand (1971 Demo): David Bowie
I Wanna Be Your Dog (Fast Version): The Stooges
Anglehead: The Monkeywrench
Public Image: PIL

Yaphet: Miles Davis
Total Freedom: Spacin'

God of Thunder: Kiss
Glorious (Drunk Last Night): Polkacide
Tomorrow Never Knows (Take One): The Beatles

Miserlou: The Trash Women
The Ecstacy: Ennio Morricone (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly)
Billy Jean (Home Demo 1981): Michael Jackson

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out (Moondance Outtake): Van Morrison

Hell's Kitchen Radio #490: What's On The Stereo?

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You got yourself a HiFi, do ya? You think you're all ooh la la? I bet you got some of that wall-to-wall shag carpeting all the kids are raving about, hmm?

We actually had wall-ON-wall carpeting in the basement rec-room of one of my childhood homes. There were some interesting square-cut mirrors with gold veins running through them for some odd effect. That house also had a built in bar. But it was the deep shag carpeting that not only ran across the floor, but literally up the wall to the ceiling that really stood out. Whose idea was that???

And of course our home stereo was down there too. My parents went out of town for a few days, leaving my two older sisters in charge. They were in high school and I was in elementary school at the time. I always looked up to my oldest sister, Julie. She's about eight and a half years older than me, and would always look after me when my folks were at work. My middle sister, Tracy, is about seven years older than me. She and I often butted heads when I was young, even though she was super excited about my mom giving birth to her little brother, me. We're all thick as thieves today. That party though! I was super excited they were having all of their friends over. This would have been around 1979 or 1980. And I can tell you whatever you have seen in movies about the teen fashions of that time were all over my basement that night. I stayed down there as long as they let me stay. I also have a memory of them setting everything up in the early evening, and me watching CHIPS on TV. HA!

This reminds me of the time my dad and his then girlfriend (now wife of 30+ years) went to Lake Tahoe, leaving me at home during my junior year of high school. I lived with my dad throughout high school; my parents divorced when I completed 8th grade. My best friend at the time, Kevin, decided to print up flyers for a kegger at my house, which he passed out to the local high schools, in and around San Mateo. Thanks Kevin. This was in late 1986, or early 1987. We had one hell of a party that night. About 300 people arrived. We had four kegs full of beer. My mom phoned, knowing my dad was out of town, and asked who that nice young lady was who answered the phone? I had no clue. She could hear lots of voices. My sister Tracy got on the phone and confronted me about having a party, letting me know that she was going to drive across the Bay right then and there. GULP.

Tracy arrived and alerted everyone "THIS IS MY FATHER'S HOUSE AND NONE OF YOU ARE INVITED!". She then told me the police are sitting outside in their squad car and want to talk with me. I proceeded outside and they told me that when the beer runs out these kids are going to get angry. "Why don't you choose who you want to have stay and we'll take care of the rest?". That's mighty kind of you officers. I selected about 30 people, and then the cops came through and escorted everyone off my property. They never even knew we were taking money at the door! HA!

My dad arrived home the next night to a mostly cleaned house. The carpet was pretty well trampled upon. I stopped him at the front door and told him about the party. He was none too pleased, but this was my dad we're talking about. There was no grounding. There wasn't much of anything. Thanks dad? I guess. I had no leash growing up. I went to shows all the time, up and down the Peninsula, and in the East Bay. I drove down to Monterey to see the Grateful Dead for the May 9th and 10th 1987 shows all by myself. I was 16. I never got myself in any serious trouble. I was never arrested, I never drove while high, I never liked alcohol, and I never was an asshole to people. Somehow I learned if I took "healthy risks" then the only person I could really have harmed was myself. That, and the "it's better to ask forgiveness than permission" thing. I've grown out of that, thankfully. 

I have no idea what prompted me to share all of that with you, but there ya go. 

Ummmmm music. Yeah, music. I have a few 2022 remasters and box sets here tonight. David Bowie, Blondie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald all have remasters out this year. There's some garage punk, jazz, Japanese Folk Psych, British shoe gaze, stoner metal, ambient doom, hip hop, grunge, post-punk, and William Shatner. 

With this you can't go wrong.

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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You Ass Is Next In Line: The Mummies
All Night Long: The Headcoatees
Louie Louie: The Headcoats

Do Not Expose To The Burning Sun: Helms Alee
Blood of the Serpent: Glitter Wizard

Sound and Vision: David Bowie
Sunshine of Your Love: Ella Fitzgerald
Let's Spend the Night Together: Muddy Waters

Blue Train (Take 8): John Coltrane
Hood Politics: Kendrick Lamar

Dancing Blue: Kikagaku Moyo
Rave Down: Swervedriver

That's What Happened: Miles Davis
Trailer Trash: MV and EE

Moonlight Drive: Blondie
Raid: MF Doom and Madlib
King Henry V/Elegy for the Brave: William Shatner
IV: Aluk Todolo

New Face In Hell: The Fall
Stereo: Pavement
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

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

Hell's Kitchen Radio #460: Stick This In Your Stocking

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I was just in a mood, I guess. It is the holiday I suppose. I don't have seasonal affective disorder, or any disorder I care to blather on about, as far as I or my therapist knows. I will say that I am daddy-daycare for the next two weeks, since my bride be working, and that is enough to make someone run to the hills, regardless of how much you love the little tyke.

I don't think I was paying attention to the upcoming holiday until the morning of this show. I did not plan on doing anything special for this particular program, yet I do have a collection of music set for just such an occasion. I wasn't going to leave you hanging.

If you listen to me talk, it sounds like I'm blathering (there's that word again?) on and on about something that sounds important...to me. And you know what, it was...at the time. Feel free to comment on whatever floats your boat. Flies your kite. Walks your dog. Jerks your chain. You keep it going now.

There are some delightful alternate takes from box sets and deluxe editions thrown in, as usual. I went record shopping last week, so there are some items thrown in I was excited to get. "New" music from Art Blakey, The Bobby Lees, EXEK, Mike Krol, and new John Dwyer. I also shared a real treat that my buddy, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and all around fine fella, Mark Growden, shared with me from French singer/songwriter Alain Bashung. There are very few people that I trust to offer a tune that I know I can blindly throw into a set. This one worked just fine. Welcome to this very exclusive club, Mark.

That being said, my father raised me to be extremely inclusive. His advice: invite everyone to the party. Allow them to decline.

I will always invite you all to this Monday night party.

Next Monday, December 27th, I'm excited to have Flipper drummer, Steve Depace in the studio talking up the December 30 and New Years Eve shows, Radio Valencia is co-presenting at Bottom of the Hill. Make sure to get your tickets fast. They are going to sell out, and it's going to be a blast!

Enjoy and please share.

jh

The holidays are upon us and your friendly local radio station could sure use some love. 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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Little Drummer Boy: Lou Rawls
Fuck Christmas: FEAR
Shapes of Things: Jeff Beck Group

Troubled Times: Thee Headcoats
Gong Splat: John Dwyer and Crew
Dear Prudence (Esher Demo): The Beatles

'Round About Midnight: Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers
Motorcycle Dream: Slack Alice

Limosine: The Bobby Lees
Voodoo Dolly: Siouxsie and the Banshees
A Hedonist: EXEK (biased advice)
Meet the Creepers: Destroy All Monsters

Landromat: Rory Gallagher
Grover Rides A Happy Honker: Toychestra with Fred Frith
I Can See For Mile: Petra Hayden

Rated X: Miles Davis
Road Runner: Thee Headcoatees
Neighborhood Watch: Mike Krol (Turkey)
Trim Your Tree: Jimmy Butler

House of the Rising Sun: Ramblin' Jack Elliot
Madmae Rève: Alain Bashung
Merry Christmas From The Family: Robert Earl Keen

The Twelve Gifts of Christmas: Allan Sherman
Good Night, Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk Singers

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza - Monday 6-8PM Pacific - Miles Davis (1970) & Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1972)

 

John Hell's Live Bootleg Bonanza

Monday's 6-8PM Pacific

http://radiovalencia.fm

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Another Monday, another opportunity for me to share some live delights with all of you. This wasn't an easy one. I've been asking for requests and a fellow asked for some Miles Davis, but wants me to surprise him. That's just too much responsibility!!!! I have over 100 shows of Miles from 1946 all the way up to his final year performing, and each show is either a radio broadcast or soundboard. This is too much for one person to decide. So I chose to go the Bitches Brew era. 

I've got one of his hottest shows from 1970. He did a run of shows at both the Fillmore East in NYC, and the Fillmore West in SF (opening for the Grateful Dead during the SF run!!!). I can only imagine what those hippies thought sitting there, stoned out of their heads waiting for the psychedelic headliner to come on, and here's Miles as bad ass as always, blowing their minds! Damn! I know the Dead were really inspired by his performances during the April 1970 run at Fillmore West. 

Enjoy this treat from March 6, 1970. The Davis Sextet opened for Neil Young and Crazy Horse and The Steve Miller Blues Band for two nights at the Fillmore East, March 6-7 (Friday-Saturday). There were two shows each night. Columbia recorded both nights, but this show remains unissued. This two-night gig is Wayne Shorter's last as a member of the Sextet. (He did remain with Davis for a studio date on March 17.)

For the record, Miles could not stand Steve Miller. He did enjoy and respect Jerry Garcia however. Read his autobiography "Miles", for all the juicy details.

Lineage: SBD > ? > Trade CDR > AIFF > FLAC

For the second show tonight, not a request, but something I thought with compliment the Miles Davis set. I've got a man too many called a carny, considering his ability to play multiple woodwinds and brass instruments at once. And he was blind to top it off! I'm talking about Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This show from March 3, 1972 comes to us from a performance in Hamburg, Germany, and may be an audience in a radio studio; I'm not certain. This is the second set only, as the first set appears to be unavailable. But what a set! Kirk aims to please. He shows you the theme and then throws it out the window until the end. 

Lineage: EAC > Audacity (normalization - Noises cutting) > TLH (SBE - Flac 8)

As usual, following the Monday night show, I will post the link at the top of this page for you to download this show and keep it. 

If you miss seeing live music as much as I have, then I think you're really going to enjoy my Monday night Live Bootleg Bonanza on Radio Valencia. I have thousands of shows from hundreds of artists and bands, spanning many genres. Every Monday is a chance for me to share some treats with you. I hope you enjoy and share the music. MAKE A REQUEST!!!

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.

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

Enjoy and pay it forward.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF

http://radiovalencia.fm
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Hell's Kitchen Radio #425: Black History is American History

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If this show had legs it would have found a few dozen dance moves to throw down. It doesn't have this ability, but don't let that stop you from getting down. Black History Month or not, every one of these artists deserves every award they have won, and many more they hadn't. 

You have no excuse but to strap in for a real good time.

And do not even get me started about the bullshit that is out there, coming from racist white assholes about the need for a White History Month. EVERY MONTH IS WHITE HISTORY MONTH!!!! For Christ's sake, the entire history of our nation has been written by white people. Blacks get the shortest month of the year. February was chosen because of the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. I get it, I get it. But until we make serious amends with our original sin, this country will never heal. I'm a proponent of paying reparations to Blacks who can show they are direct decedents of slaves. I also believe we need to do the same to Indigenous Americans. Hitler and the Nazi's learned how to control their population based on our treatment of native tribes and Jim Crow laws, post Civil War. 

We have a lot of work to do.

The second hour has a Bob Marley birthday set. He would have celebrated 76 years last week. Any excuse to play more Bob Marley.

In the meantime, enjoy these two hours. Many genres, all great music.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Country Blues: Muddy Waters
Stack O'Lee: Mississippi John Hurt
Travelin' Riverside Blues: Robert Johnson

Body and Soul: Billy Holliday

Solea: Miles Davis with Gil Evans Orchestra

Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac: Dizzy Gillespie
Sinnerman: Nina Simone

Good Livin' (Good Lovin'): Bernard Purdie

Git In There: Betty Davis
Leroy Is In The Army: Jimmy Castor

They All Ask'd For You: The Meters

Ride On: Parliament

The Whole World Needs Liberation: James Brown

Radio Commercial/8th Wonder: The Sugar Hill Gang

Bring the Noise: Public Enemy

Soul Rebel: Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry

No More Trouble: Bob Marley and the Wailers

Rasta Man Chant: Bob Marley and the Wailers

Crazy Baldheads: Bob Marley and the Wailers

War: Bob Marley and the Wailers

Star Spangled Banner: Jimi Hendrix

Big Take Over: Bad Brains

I Bid You Goodnight: Joseph Spence and the Pinder Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

jh

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

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My War: Mudhoney/Melvins

A.D.D.: System of a Down

All You Fascists: Billy Bragg and Wilco

The Mask (Part 2): Miles Davis

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

Milk Bird Flyer: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson

Eggs at Night: Damaged Bug

Theme de Yoyo: Art Ensemble of Chicago

Live at PJs: Beastie Boys

The Great Conspirator: Illogistical Resources Dept.

Telephone Girl: Assagai

The American in Me: The Avengers

American Cars: Useless Eaters

Here She Comes Now: Curtis Harding

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

Complicated Life: The Kinks

7 Inches: Kate Vargas

Mr. Slick: Ken Nordine

Devil Moon: Eric McFadden

Jesus Didn't Die For Me: Rube Waddell

House Hunter: Le Butcherettes

Yes We Can: Lee Dorsey

Supergirl: The Fugs

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong