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 #442: Looking Right Through You

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I'm really feeling this new studio of ours. It's like I've grown wings! I'm giddy, I tell ya! GIDDY! Another diverse show, full of multiple genres that might just give you whiplash. But it's the kind of pain that you like. You like pain, right?

Joni Mitchell released "Blue" 50 years ago, so you know I have to celebrate the genius of Joni. There's new music from Mr. Bungle, and Paul Leary of the Butthole Surfers. I also have a set focused on my new obsession, The Fall. Seriously, what took me so long?

There punk, blues, synth-cumbia, underground hip-hop, stoner metal, and The Beatles! This is why you tune in to Radio Valencia.

Speaking of Radio Valencia, if you live in or near San Francisco, we're looking for a few good show hosts. 

Have you ever said to yourself "I can program a better radio show than that idiot". If so, then Radio Valencia may be right for you! We are a freeform internet radio station located in the heart of the Mission District, with a storefront location looking for music lovers like yourself, who want to host a two hour show once a week. 

No radio experience is necessary. Hire for personality, train for skill.

Take a look at the home page at http://radiovalencia.fm and click on the "Contact Us" link half way down on the right side of the page. Let us know what you want to do and we'll be in touch faster than it takes to segue from one Minutemen song to the next.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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The Light, The Sound: Flipper
I Will Not Be Your Fool: David Bromberg

All I Want: Joni Mitchell
Raid: MF Doom & Madlib
Truckin': Pop O Pies

Mathematics: Mr. Bungle
South: Specimen Box

U.S. 80s - 90s: The Fall
Glitter Freeze: Gorrilaz
Mr. Pharmacist: The Other Half

Verdugos De Abastos: Grupo Jejeje
Just A Dream Away: Wipers

Buzzin' Fly: Tim Buckley
Spit in the Eye: Heavy Blanket
Blue Jay Way: The Beatles

Mohawk Town: Paul Leary
Citadel: A/lpaca
Whiskey and Women: John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat

Zed the Mythical Goat: Bazooka
Somebody's Fishin' In My Kitchen: Hip Lankchan

Hell's Kitchen Radio #333: Half The Beast

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Where were you when it happened? Where did you hear the news? Who were you with? What were you doing at the time? How did you feel upon initially experiencing this? Who did you tell first? How did you tell them? What was their reaction?

All this and more in my most recent show.

Such a fabulous selection of punk, funk and junk for your earholes to enjoy.

I'm taking next Monday off to go see Ty Segall perform in Berkeley. There will be a Hell's Kitchen Radio classic scheduled, but you may hear another Radio Valencia DJ taking the controls for the night.

jh

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

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The Lady Loves Me: Elvis Presley/Ann Margaret
So What: Miles Davis

Sunday Morning: Kelly Stoltz
Love Addict: Honey and the Bees
Makin' The Freeway: Firehose
Hit it and Quit it: Funkadelic

Alice: Meatbodies
Taking Too Long: The Wipers
School Teacher: Bob Seger

Come On Over Turn Me On: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Shapes of Things: Jeff Beck Group
Lover, You Should Have Come Over: Jeff Buckley

Expert: PragVEC
Don't Try To Lay No Boogie Woogie on the King of Rock and Roll: Long John Baldry

It's A Shame: First Aid Kit
Anti-Parent Cowboy Killers: Joanna Gruesome
Hear My Train A'Comin': Jimi Hendrix

Get Down Moses: Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
Cars and Shoes: The Coup
Lust For Life: NY Loose

Alta: Ty Segall
Pittsburgh to Lebanon: Butthole Surfers
The Geeks Were Right: The Faint

Roscoe: Midlake

Hell's Kitchen Radio #301: Kill The Thing That Loves Me

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Say what you will about Record Store Day, my friend Dan shared some arguments against it, but I'm just fine with my obsession. I spent an hour in line at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records on Valencia last Saturday morning before being able to enter and peruse the annual selection. I also stepped across the street to Stranded Records to pick up a few more. I did not find parking by Thrillhouse Records and my wallet really ended the conversation for me by that point.

I'm not in it for the reissues of some major label dreck. I have no need for the Stevie Nicks rarities LP. As much as I love Prince, I really see no reason why to purchase the 1999 reissue. This is supposed to be about getting people to visit independent record stores to see what they've been missing by choosing to download or stream music, only. And there is a lot that you have been missing. You can see the full list of 2017 Record Store Day releases here.

The first hour of this show features my purchases. The second hour starts with a Prince "Deliverance" EP that a judge recently ruled won't be allowed for release until a hearing in May. You get first listen. Lots of live treats follow, including a rare Os Mutantes soundboard, and the night that Ziggy Stardust died on stage.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Way Down in the Hole: Steve Earle
Thank You Friends: Big Star

Better Off Dead: The Wipers
Wild One: Pure Hell
Johnny Adams: Spanish Harlem

I Won The Big Deal: Arnold Blair
Le Jeu Telephone: Caroline

Interstellar Overdrive: Pink Floyd
Sitting on Top of the World: Grateful Dead (07-29-66 Vancouver, CN)

Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues: Skip James
A Bigger Paper Bag: Father John Misty

Deliverance EP: Prince

Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud-All The Young Dudes-Oh! You Pretty Things: David Bowie (07-03-1973 Hammersmith Odeon, London, England)
Frutificar: Os Mutantes (06-06-1978 Teatro de Arena, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Mercy Seat: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (07-05-1998 Werchter, Belgium)
Death Valley 69: Sonic Youth (07-04-1998 Werchter, Belgium)

Paraphernalia: Miles Davis Quintet (11-05-1969 Stockholm, Sweden)
Pinch the Dream: CFM

Banker's Blues: Rory Gallagher (01-1972 Apropop)

Hell's Kitchen Radio #290: You'll Never Get Out Of This Life Alive

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Radio should be hosted by people who understand what it takes to create an aural spectacle, leaving you in awe and wanting more. Tonight was about me appreciating radio as such an art form. It's all about the segue. New Savage Republic in the first hour. Tribute to the late Maggie Roche who died January 17th. Also a tribute to the founding bassist of Can, Jaki Liebezeit, who passed on January 22nd.

The second hour features live tracks from The Blind Shake, The Tubes, and Mountain. It rocks. There's no other way to put it.

If you love music, or know someone who does, then why aren't you tuning in every Monday night 8-10 on Radio Valencia? You are? Good on ya! Spread the love and share this post. Thanks in advance.

This coming Monday night I share with you the winner of the 2016 Run For The Lillies contest. And what a list they had. It's possible they cheated. Thanks to all who sent me their list of ten famous people they believe will kick the bucket by 12/31/2017. Since I wasn't on the air this past Monday, I'll give you until this Sunday, February 5th to email me your list. Send it to mrjohnhell@gmail.com

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Power of Pussy: Bongwater
People's Parties: Joni Mitchell
My Sick Mind: The Roches

Stormy Monday: Allman Brothers
You Know It Ain't Right: John Lee Hooker

Oh Yeah: Can
Some Velvet Morning: Vanilla Fudge

Victory/27 Days: Savage Republic
Pushing the Extreme: The Wipers
I Put A Spell On You: Screaming Jay Hawkins

Go Go 78: The Blind Shake
Immigraniada (We Comin' Rougher): Gogol Bordello

Sports Fans: The Tubes (10-17-83 Kabuki Theater, SF, CA)
Mississippi Queen: Mountain (06-28-71 Fillmore East, NYC, NY)

Majic Moonjynuh: Queen Crescent
Panic Attack: OFF!
Abadane: Freedom (Hourya)
Milkshake Girl: Giant Sand

Side One of Apostrophe ('): Frank Zappa

It doesn't get much crazier than this right here: Bongwater and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, with Bob Weir introducing them. What the what?!?!?!?

Hell's Kitchen Radio #275: Hot Doesn't Really Explain It

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It's hot in the studio again, so it's NAKED RADIO NIGHT. I was so dizzy with sweat that I just blindly pulled most of the songs here. But just take a look at that playlist! Sometimes you just have to take a risk. One day I think I'll just show up with no plan at all and no music in hand, and grab music from the mysterious Radio Valencia record library. That should be a hoot...or a miserable failure. Either way I'll make it fun.

Where else on the radio can you hear the entire Atom Heart Mother Suite, I ask you? Where?!?!?!

Enjoy.

jh

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

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I Love Living in the City: Danko Jones
Blues X Man: John Spencer Blues Explosion
Silent Sits the Dust Bowl: Fuzz

Televisionary: World Entertainment War
By The Time I Get To Phoenix: Dean Martin

Catfish Blues: Jimi Hendrix
Atom Heart Mother: Pink Floyd
Dead Man's Gun: Thee Oh Sees

Youth of America: Wipers
Batman Theme - Happy Birthday Adam West
John Barleycorn: Traffic
Bandits: Midlake

Celestial Crown/Barael's Blade: The Sword
Bing Bong: Three Day Stubble
Misery is the River of the World: Tom Waits

Backdoor Medley: ZZ Top
Frankie and Albert: Taj Mahal
Cry Baby Cry: The Beatles

Dreaming: Cherubs

Hell's Kitchen #209: I've Got A Reason

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Whoa, I am so sorry this is late. I usually get this out within a day or two following "broadcast". The week has gotten away from me. may of you know that I'm a high school teacher in SF. I cannot tell you how challenging my job can be. I do absolutely love what I do, though. And having the ability to let it all hang loose on Monday nights is such a thrill. I do this all for you.

No guests this week. Started off with some jazz, moved into the garage realm, a deep blues set, then a looooong Dead jam, continuing the 50th anniversary celebration.

And news just in that the great Leonard Nimoy has passed away from COPD at the age of 83 has really taken a toll on my day. I'm certain Radio Valencia DJs, including myself, will be paying homage to him over the next week or so. Please tune in. It's time to get Star Trek on Netflix rollin' for the weekend. My 10 year old daughter will be crushed about his passing. I know that I am.

Take a look at the playlist, stream or download the podcast, and please share this link with anyone you know who enjoys music. Really, share this. It only takes a click.

LLAP my friends.

jh

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

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Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac: Dizzy Gillespie

The First and Last to Love Me: Kip Hanrahan

Revolution: Dr. John

Many Blessings: Roland Kirk

Summertime: Galaxy 500

See it my Way: Mikal Cronin

Celophane/I'm in your Mind Fuzz: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Party in Laguna: The Ventures

Romeo: The Wipers

I'll Retrofit My Faultline: Chris Stroffolino

Dove in Hawk's Clothing; Ultimate Spinach

Boom Boom: John Lee Hooker

Got My Mojo Workin' (But It Just Won't Work On You): Ann Cole With The Suburbans and Orchestra

Flip Flop and Fly: Big Joe Turner

Madison Blues: Elmore James

Hey Bartender: Floyd Dixon

Playing In The Band: Grateful Dead (02-22-74 Winterland, SF, CA)

Amazing Journey/Sparks: The Who

Back To Land: Wooden Shjips

Hell's Kitchen #203: Running With Scissors

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If you know me, then you know how much I absolutely LOVE supporting local bands. I've interviewed countless artists over the years, and their stories are too much fun. Monday night I was lucky enough to have two members of local indie scene-sters,  Scissors for Lefty with me. Bryan and Eric proved to be super friendly, and ready to talk about SfL's roller coaster ride of the past few years. This band is no flash in the pan. They've been supporting act for some heavyweights, including Panic at the Disco, The Sea and Cake, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gang of Four, and Blonde Redhead.

Their third release, Bangs and Lashes, came out last October, following a successful Kickstarter campaign, and it was worth the wait. This record kicks the pop-indie-dance-jump-around-groove right from the start. Bryan and Eric performed a few songs in the studio for us, and told some great road stories, as well as how they are surviving the post-record label world. I love Bryan's voice. It reminds me a bit of a young Brian Ferry. There's a shoegazer sound to them that really gets my toes a-tappin'. I think you'll agree. It was so much fun having them perform in the studio, I can only imagine what they do live. Go see this band before they hit it HUGE. And they are going to hit it HUGE.

Scissors for Lefty are supporting Fritz Montana at the Great American Music Hall this Friday night. Tickets are still available. Go out and support live, local music. You can thank me later.

You can see by the playlist below that Monday night had a pretty sweet mix. Take a listen, and feel free to comment.

This coming Monday I'll be interviewing local band Girls and Boys in the first hour. Tune in.

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Rice Rocket Boy: Kitten on the Keys
Looking For The Ghost: Heartless Bastards
I Hate Winter: Loop! Station

Interview with Scissors for Lefty

X's Are Forever: Scissors for Lefty
Come Undone: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Sunshine of your Love: Ella Fitzgerald

Interview with Scissors for Lefty

Getaways (Live in studio): Scissors for Lefty
Puzzle Pieces (live in studio): Scissors for Lefty

Werewolf: Scissors for Lefty
Blue Jay Way: The Beatles
Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings: ZZ Top
Jerkus Crokus: Mott the Hoople

Circles: Ty Segall
River of Fever: The Flesh Eaters
It's Shoved: The Melvins
Youth of America (Alt Take): The Wipers

Heartbreak Hotel: Ayers/Cale/Eno/Nico
Do you Take This Man?: Diamanda Galas
Piss Factory: Patti Smith

Brother: OBN IIIs
I Think of Demons: Roky Erickson

Hell's Kitchen #202: Grunge vs. BritPop

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It's all Grunge vs. BritPop tonight on Hell's Kitchen with John Hell and David Fraser.

It's hard to believe that the 90s ended 15 years ago. It's even harder to believe that Grunge started more than 25 years ago. That's just ridiculous to me. What's even more ridiculous to me is that I was in my 20s that long ago. Like many, I too was smitten when I first encountered the early sounds of Grunge and Britpop and Shoegaze, starting around 1989. And who wouldn't you be? The distorted guitar, the pounding rhythms of the drums and the bass, the lyrics so full of angst and Generation X-style miasma. Everyone called us Slackers, but I never saw us like that. There was some serious talent coming out of that time. I remember so many friends being into bands like Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, and of course Pearl Jam. I couldn't stand any of those bands. I remember asking all of them, out of all of these bands that you love so much who will you remember, and which will be played regularly on the radio 20 years from now? I correctly predicted that Nirvana would stand the test of time, and not because they were so brilliant, which I do think that they were, but mostly because they borrowed from heavy hitters, such as the Pixies and the Beatles, and also because Kurt Cobain was really an amazing songwriter.

My favorite band of the time and still in my top five today, is Mudhoney. And why not? What an amazing band. If you know your history, then you know that Mark Arm and Steve Turner only started Mudhoney as a bit of a joke and a side project. They never meant for it to go as far as it has. And though it's hard to see how the Melvins are considered the godfathers of Grunge, I can appreciate their obvious influence on the genre, while still recognizing that there really isn't any grunge in them at all.

As for Britpop, there are a few bands in the genre that I took two. Mostly Swervedriver to be honest. I also like The Vaseline's, and My Bloody Valentine. But I mostly looked at Britpop as a genre that was trying to rip off what was happening in Seattle. I may get hate mail for that, which is fine, but I standby it.

This show reminded me so much of my early days at KFJC. David was a great co-host too! David grew up in Seattle during the Grunge heyday and knows his music history. We both soon realized that this is obviously part one in an ongoing series. Listen for David's return in the months to come. He may even take a shot at joining the ranks of great Radio Valencia DJs. Excellent!

Enjoy.

jh

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

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Show Me The Way: Dinosaur Jr.
Rocket Reducer #62: The Melvins
Dies Iraea: Melvins
I Wanna Be Adored: Stone Roses

D7: Wipers
In And Out Of Grace: Mudhoney
Son of a Gun: Vaselines
Grease Box: Tad

Only Shallow: My Bloody Valentine
Revolution: Mudhoney
Song 2: Blur
Backwater: Meatpuppets

Lady Killers: Lush
I Like Fucking: Bikini Kill
Seaweed: The Gits
Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam: Nirvana
Queen Bitch: Green River

The Scratch: 7 Year Bitch
Rave Down: Swervedriver
I Hate Rock and Roll: Jesus and Mary Chain
Mousetrap: Ride
Black Metallic: Catherine Wheel

Dollar Bill: Screaming Trees

Fade Away: Oasis