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

Hell's Kitchen Radio #396: I Am Not Your DJ

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My listeners inspire me. Truly, you do. Last week was cathartic, and I'm not done with the protest/revolutionary sounds; I just needed a week off to refresh. A few 10+ minute tunes tonight will do.

Lots of new music and music that's new to you. Last Friday was Bandcamp's revenue-free day, where all of the proceeds go to the artist and/or a charity supporting #BLM-related organizations.

I have a lot to say on the topic of inequity and inequality in America. I have been a high school social studies teacher, teaching law, civics and economics for 17 years. I'm not going to use this space today to pour my thoughts out, though I may do so soon. Watch this space.

In the meantime, take a look at the playlist below and then click the link above to give it a listen. There are a few long jams, but I think that's one of the reasons you tune.

And big thanks go out to my old, dear friend. Michael, who is one of the very few who can throw me a tune in the middle of my show, that I have never heard, and get me to play it. That's a lot of trust right there. And Michael knows his music. That guy ought to have a radio show of his own. Hmmmmm?

New music right out of the gate from the duo that promises to be dynamic, and I do hope they produce more music together: Ty Segall, and WAND frontman, Cory Hanson. Also a tribute to the late George Floyd by rocker-turned-folkie, Jim McHugh. There's some new music in the Hell library that makes its way in throughout the show, including Psychic Ills, Bratmobile (had it on vinyl, and now digitally), Sleater-Kinney, Death Valley Girls, Fela Kuti, Oh Sees (HOLY HELL I cannot believe I missed this one in late 2017!!!), local prog-kraut-metal-rockers Glitter Wizard, The Scientists (from their golden era), Flesh Eaters, Mike Watt, Peter Laughner, and more!!! 

Whew!

I hope you take more risks in your music selection. I enjoy curating these two hours for you every week. The kindest response I have ever received from a listener was when they told me they listen to me show every week with a pen and paper in hand. Damn, but that feels good.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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She's A Beam: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson

I Don't Mind: Psychic Ills

Vigilante Man/George Floyd: Jim McHugh

Cherry Bomb: Bratmobile

Abre Camino: Death Valley Girls

Go Slow: Fela Kuti

Dig Me Out: Sleater-Kinney

Dead Medic: Oh Sees

Hall of the Oyster King: Glitter Wizard

In God We Trust: Bent Knee

When Fate Deals Its Mortal Blow: The Scientists

House Among the Thickets: The Flesh Eaters

No One: Mike Watt and the Secondmen

Acid Nightmare: Xarhanga

The Wedge: The JBs

It's A Mean Old World: Reverend Pearly Brown

Earthquake: Butthole Surfers

The Flip: Cleveland Freckleton

Mean Old Frisco: Peter Laughner

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Hell's Kitchen Radio #392: Speedway To My Bed

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Another week another show from my bed. It's a great bed, really. I can't say enough good things about the comfort. You should really try it out with me. Perhaps when all of this hullabaloo is past us, I can have a contest and host the winner in my bed for my show. It wouldn't be the first time.

When I was a DJ at 89.7FM KFJC (88-97), our late, great engineer Eric Weaver liked to use me as a guinea pig when it came to live remotes. I hosted a number of live morning shows from local cafes, when we had the idea of hosting a show from my bedroom. It was fundraiser time and we figured someone would want a chance of having spending the morning in bed with a dashing young DJ and a crew of engineers, all cramped in my little bedroom. And we were right! We called it "Breakfast in Bed with the Rev! I went by the Reverend Dah Wave back in those days. Truth be told John Hell was born in late August 1994. But that story is for another time.

I can't recall much about the couple that donated for the chance to spend their morning in bed with me. They were in their 20s, and thought it would be a hoot to spend 6-10am in the San Mateo bedroom with a long haired non-commercial radio DJ, his three roommates, and three staff members of KFJC. Actually one of my roommates was a KFJC staffer (RIP Spiderman). I made everyone pancakes, eggs and bacon for breakfast, and for the mic breaks I made them jump into my bed with me. It had to feel real, so every 10-20 minutes for four hours they had snuggle up with me in my queen-sized bed...with my engineer and another staffer sitting around too.

The music was being played back in the KFJC studios. We would "hand off" to the board op when we were done talking, and coordinate when to come back live to my bedroom.

Why am I telling you all of this? Oh right, I have been doing my shows from my bed ever since this pandemic has started. At least I'm lucky enough to be able to do this. Trust me, I do not take it for granted. I will not just phone in a show. I really love being able to share two hours a week with you. I'm thinking about taking on a second slot where I can play my live show in full. I have thousands. Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself. I still have a few hundred to add to that list, and it just keeps on growing.

I'll keep playing the music. You keep listening, and we'll get through all of this together.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Long Tall Sally: Little Richard
Lucille: Little Richard

Kansas City: Little Richard
Heeby-Jeebies: Little Richard

Rip It Up: Little Richard
Ready Teddy: Little Richard
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On: Little Richard

Everything I Say Just Goes Right Through Her Heart: Peter Laughner
I Heard Her Call My Name: Mr Elevator and The Brain Hotel
Sucker Punch: The Mandatory Eight

Speedway: Black Midi
A4: Dungen

Control: Amyl and the Sniffers
Shitbeard: Cows
Boris: Melvins
The Moon Shines: Ensemble of the Bulgarian Republic

Isolation: Ty Segall
I Never Loved A Man The Way I Loved You: Aretha Franklin
I Got My Mojo Working: Ann Cole
Papa, Won't You Let Me Go To Town With You: Bobby Gentry

Je T'Aime, Moi Non Plus: Cibo Matto
Bang, Bang: Nancy Sinatra
The Lady Loves Me: Elvis Presley and Anne Margaret

Queen Bitch: Green River
Nothing in this World Can Stop Me Worrying About That Girl: The Kinks
The Mayor: Melle Mel

False Prophet: Bob Dylan
Diamond In Your Mind: Tom Waits
Happy Boy: The Beat Farmers

Hell's Kitchen Radio #390: Too Little Monkey Business

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So, I think I'm getting the hang of this shelter-at-home thing. I have more music playing than usual, and I'm actually getting along with my family! Who knew that bonding with family is actually a thing?

And when it comes to hosting my weekly show, Hell's Kitchen Radio, on Radio Valencia, I have more time to go through my collection to choose music I think you'll enjoy. This show was fairly diverse, and a lot of fun to put on for you.

I was reminded the other day that May 3rd is fast approaching, which means another James Brown birthday special is due. Many of you know I am a huge JB fan, and I co-host the annual KFJC 26 hour James Brown birthday special "Doin' It To Death", every year on his May 3rd birthday. Alas, this year, the special is not happening; a TRAVESTY!

But do not be alarmed, this Monday night, 8-10PM (PDST) I will be playing two hours of James Brown and James Brown-related material. So get your funky dance shoes ready to groove. Get on with your bad self, because John Hell will have you gettin' up on the get down Monday night at 8.

As for this show, take a look at the playlist below and enjoy.

If you're on the podcast page on Radio Valencia, then you will notice the little white dice on the green field. If you click it, you will be taken to a random show of mine. Go ahead, click the dice, take the ride. Thanks to my boy, Wrybread, for putting that together.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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All Along The Watchtower: Peter Laughner (Cinderella Backstreet, The Cellar, Sandusky, June 24, 1973)

I Contain Multitudes: Bob Dylan

Early in the Morning: Ty Segall

Aman Iman (Water is Life): Tinariwen

Roll Another Number: Josh Tillman

Freya: The Sword

AC/DC: The Sweet

Addicted To Love: Ciccone Youth

The Night Does Not Belong To God: Sleep Token

The Ossuary: Sleepytime Gorilla Museum

Blind For All To See: Shrinebuilder

Life on Mars: Seu Jorge

You're Killing Me: Segun Bucknor

Am I Black Enough For Ya?: Schoolly D

For The Lost Souls: Samsara Blues Experiment

God Is People: Flat Eathers

I've Got You Under My Skin: Frank Sinatra

A Day In The Life: The Flaming Lips

Legend In His Own Mind: Gil Scott-Heron

Can't Help Myself: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra

What A Wonderful World: Louie Armstrong