198.4 KFLX Fiction Radio

¿Quién es este Mariachi? This week is a three-fer! We're covering Robert Rodriguez's famed trilogy - from the hilarious gags of “El Mariachi” to the vocal prowess of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek in “Desperado” to Johnny Depp's turn as composer for his character's theme in “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” - we're discussing all the fictional music from these films.

This episode is bona fide! Back in the year 2000, the soundtrack to the Coen Brothers' "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" took the world by storm. We're here to break down the influences and sources of The Soggy Bottom Boys' biggest hit, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow," along with every other song they perform in this movie. Those aren't really George Clooney's pipes you hear in the recording, but real-life singer Dan Tyminski is a man of constant praise in the bluegrass community. Did you know he had a Hot 100 hit in 2013? Also, Jacksfilms calls in to dispute the idea that this movie was based on Homer's Odyssey!

"The man who embraces his mediocre nothingness shines greater than any." - Keanu Reeves 2019's "Always Be My Maybe" is a cute romantic comedy, but it's also a look at an alternate version of Randall Park as a chill San Francisco rapper. We'll talk about the real influences on Hello Peril, the group at the center of this movie, as well as some other Bay Area artists that we believe fed into the vibe. Plus, a bit on the heavy-hitters like Dan the Automator and Lyrics Born who lent real-life credibility to the music in this film.

This week, we get to know a little German! The late, great Val Kilmer will be remembered for many things - from “Top Gun” to “Batman Forever” to his kooky but oh-so-charming real-life persona. But this week, we're going back to Val's very first feature film, 1984's “Top Secret!” Kilmer plays an American rock star on a trip through a strange, stuck-in-time version of East Germany. We'll look at real-life inspirations from The Beach Boys, Elvis, Chuck Berry, and more. Plus, we explore some real East German rock bands that we bet you've never heard of.

What's wild is how idle the critics were on this movie! We're talking 2006's "Idlewild" this week. It's part musical, part period drama, and glued together with trippy music video style sequences - and it just so happens to be the capstone to Outkast's catalog (so far?). Lot's to unpack in this one - "Idlewild" is not only a film, but also an album featuring so many great tracks that we decided to talk about some of them anyway - fictional artist or not! We also do some album-vs-film comparisons and cover some older Outkast songs that appear in the movie with new arrangements.

What ever happened to Beyonce? This week we're talking "Dreamgirls," the 2006 film adaptation of the 1981 stage musical. Lots of musical comparisons between the movie and the broadway version, along with, of course, all the ways this film relates to "Sparkle" – another film inspired by the story of the Supremes – that we covered earlier on KFLX. From the oft-praised Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce belters to the less-reviewed Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx tunes, we're hitting all the goodies from this one. Plus, a little game to test your 90s TV knowledge and Shawn takes us way back to the very start of Jamie Foxx's singing career!

Little Joe sure can sing! In 1998, Joe Pesci released an album. "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You" was neither his first nor his last record, but it is the only one to feature songs performed as his "My Cousin Vinny" title character. We cover that and much from from Pesci's storied musical career. Dustin takes us on a long journey to meet up with a little bit of KFLX history, and Shawn takes a crack at finding the origin of the most recognizable blues riff of all time.

We're going on a Playtone Records tour! It's finally time for us to cover Tom Hanks' directorial debut, which is chock full of fictional music by fictional artists. We're talking about The Wonders, of course, but the Playtone roster runs deep with 60s nostalgia! This one features several real-liife songwriters we've talked about before, and we have a couple surprising tangents as well. We also get a call from the real Guy Patterson – sort of. Featuring specials guests Paul Goetz and Kim Seltzer.

Rock and roll is a risk. This week, we take on 2016's "Sing Street," director John Carney's follow-up to a film we talked about in our third episode, "Begin Again." This one is full of fun musical comparisons - many of them right from the movie itself, which follows a group of young Dubliners who set out to risk it all for rock and roll with a string of songs inspired by MTV hits of the 80s.

Can you blame folks if they think this singer bears more than a passing resemblance to Harry Styles? Just like in the lost KFLX pilot, we're talking about boy bands this week, but not the ones Dustin and Shawn grew up with...One Direction and Westlife are the inspirations this week. 2024's "The Idea of You" is a steamy (if a little oddball) romance flick with a fictional British pop singer at its center. Nicholas Galatzine brings his own pipes to the performance as Hayes Campbell, the breakout star from a group called August Moon. Savan Kotecha, whom we talked about in the Eurovision episode, brings his real-life experience as a songwriter and producer for boy bands to the table on the soundtrack. As always, we take a crack at dissecting the influences that led to the tunes. Pretty sure we nailed at least one of 'em. Pretty darn sure. Featuring special guest Rachel Amanda Bryant!

Let's get swept away by the Catalina Breeze! We're taking a swim in the chill waters of the Documentary Now's two-parter, "Gentle and Soft: The Story of the Blue Jean Committee," starring Fred Armisen and Bill Hader. What may have started as a simple mockumentary based on 2013's "The History of the Eagles" came out as a hilarious and accurate survey of the various "soft-rock" sounds of the 1970s, and we're calling out all the connections we heard. Plus, we get into the band's true origin on SNL.

Cult classics, dirty rap songs, and a special guest this week! It's our third mix tape and honestly there's almost too much in here for one episode! We're covering Apple TV's series “The Afterparty” and the eerily similar 2024 film “The Reunion” as well as the rhymes of Alpa Chino from Ben Stiller's classic action-comedy “Tropic Thunder” this week, along with some 80s goodness courtesy of “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” and some faux-80s goodness from “Garth Merenghi's Darkplace.” To top it all off, Erik from Internet Comment Etiquette stops by to help us break down the incomparable “Champagne and Bullets” in all of its good-bad glory.

Pack your bags, we're headed to Pawnee! From Duke Silver to Freddy Spaghetti, we're covering all of your favorite music acts from Parks and Recreation. But the main event, of course, is Mouse Rat (or whatever they're called this week). We also follow Andy Dwyer's path from from lead singer to kids show host and dip into the real-world musicians and bands that made appearances in Parks and Rec.

Conform! Free will is overrated! Jump on the bandwagon! Another franchise! This week is all about Josie and the Pussycats, with a special focus on 2001's subversive comedy of the same name. Both of our hosts had such a blast revisiting this movie from our high school years. Spoiler alert: it holds up really well! Musically, we have a main course of pop-punk with a Motown appetizer and a side of cool art-pop thanks to Josie and the band's appearances in Riverdale. Plus: Alexandria Perez calls in with some Pussycats info!

Why are there so many songs....in the Muppets catalog?! This episode nearly did us in, but we made it through a mountain of research to bring you only the finest of Muppets musical history. We're zeroing in on Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the Muppets' very own in-house band. We track their real history as part of Jim Henson's wacky television experiment and their Muppet-verse history as presented in the 2023 "Muppets Mayhem" TV series. We get an emergency call from Shawn's pal Clayton Smith who is in the middle of a surprisingly-related predicament!

We're on a mission...to cram as much Blues Brothers history and content into this episode as possible! The guys are taking on the music and movies of Elwood and Jake Blues (along with Buster, Mighty Mack and Cab) this week. Besides discussing the two films and numerous albums, we're talking about the real life band behind the brothers and looking at the way they were shaped, both inspirationally and literally, by the music coming out of Stax Records in the 1960s. And hey there's a quiz question in this one!

Expect the unexpected in the Kingdom Of Madness! We're headed for uncharted waters and into parts unknown with our first ever music-only episode! The "Macho Man" Randy Savage spent some time spittin' rhymes in the early 2000s and we're here to break down every single track on 2003's "Be a Man," an album centered around a diss track aimed at Hulk Hogan. This album swings bigger than Savage's baseball career and we're following all the threads to see who may have influenced (or been influenced by) Macho Man's rap opus. From Nelly to Ashanti and Snoop Dogg to Nate Dogg, it's a battle royale to find out which of Macho's tracks kicks the most butt! Plus the fellas get a super fun call from Matt Camp of AEW, Busted Open and Bleacher Report! Oooooh Yeeeah!

Shawn and Dustin can't fly on only one wing! This week we have another double-feature! We're putting the 1976 and 2012 versions of "Sparkle" head to head and breaking down the differences in characters, plot, and most importantly...the songs. With a soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield, we'll take a listen to not only the film versions of the music, but also the Aretha Franklin soundtrack album and a little bit of En Vogue for good measure.

The twist is that the music is very, very good! We're taking on M. Night Shyamalan's newest thriller, "Trap" this week. With an original soundtrack by Saleka as the fictional pop star Lady Raven, this one really surprised us. Outside of the music, Dustin lists off grievances and Shawn provides a cure-all theory to make it all make sense.

Dustin and Shawn are covering The Wedding Singer! Whoopity doo! If you love 80s music this is the week you've been waiting for! This soundtrack is so chock-full of 80s glory it needed 2 volumes and even that couldn't hold all of the songs. Robbie Hart and his wedding band play all the hits from Madonna, Dead or Alive, Culture Club, The J. Geils Band and a few originals from Adam Sandler himself.

Not your normal top 10! It's the end of the year and Shawn and Dustin have each selected 5 of their favorite songs featured in KFLX's 2024 episodes, with a few honorable mentions. We even get some new information about some of the songs! What new music did KFLX expose you to this year? Did you match with either of the boys? Let us know what your top 5 or 10 by emailing us: fictionradiopod@gmail.com

It's time for the test episode! Disney's "Turning Red" featuring the fictional boy band 4*Town started this whole shebang! Enjoy how youthful and energentic Shawn and Dustin feel discussing how Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell fully nailed all the boy band tropes from the early 00's like N*SYNC, Back Street Boys, 98 Degrees & O-Town.

Are you Snow-Belles material? You know we had to do a holiday show! What better way to bring the season into full swing than with the ABC Family original movie "The Mistle-Tones"? Sit down by the fire with a cup of eggnog, get sarinaded by both Tia Mowry and Tori Spelling, while playing along with a Chirstmas song quiz Shawn springs on Dustin.

We're on YouTube, baby! Also, we're taking a short break from new episodes as we prepare material for the new year. We'll be back for more around the holidays! Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Join us for some more mix tape goodness this week! From New York to Berlin to a few thousand years BC, we're taking it on tour. We're talking about the rapping nerds in "Revenge of the Nerds" and its sequel, checking out the ripping battle-guitar sounds of the Doof Warrior from "Mad Max: Fury Road," sampling Steve Martin's latest song from "Only Murders in the Building," dropping in on the "BC-52s" for their performance in Bedrock from 1994's "Flintstones" and capping it all off with the classic pop-punk anthem "Scotty Doesn't Know" from "Eurotrip." Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

"Music is all that matters. One hour on stage makes up for the other 23." This week we're just around the corner from the "Light of Day" - this 1987 sleeper showcases Michael J Fox's dramatic chops opposite the blistering vocals of Joan Jett as an aspiring rock star willing to go all the way in the name of fame. We also get into Bruce Springsteen's involvement in the film and soundtrack.

Let's take a trip out West! Er, East? North? This one's about a country singer from Glasgow. We're talking Wild Rose (2018) this week. This film is all about a young Scottish woman named Rose's desire to make it big in country music, so we're breaking down the songs she sings along the way and doing a deep dive into all the women who've gone before her to set the stage. Plus we get to the bottom of why Mary Steenburgen was always playing the accordian in "Last Man on Earth." Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

You don't know Dolphin Tale 1 and 2?!? This week we explore the depths of hair metal horror with the "Trick or Treat" from 1986. This classic from the Satanic Panic era has everything: A slasher villain with a set of pipes, Gene Simmons putting on his acting boots, and lots of weaponized electricity. We also help Shawn's friend Lard Humungus get to the bottom of his demon problem. And yep, this one has a quiz. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

You don't want no part of this! This week is all about the biopic to end all biopics, 2007's Walk Hard. Shawn and Dustin step into the world of Dewey Cox and explore the many songwriters who made this film not just another parody, but an absolute tour de force of hilarious musical genius. We also go over some lesser known John C. Reilly vocal appearances and, of course, talk about our favorite tunes from the film. Plus a quiz involving Bob Dylan and his many portrayers. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

He was only tryin' to take his boy fishin', okay? Boy oh boy do we have a special episode for ya! From the Powerline hits that never go out of style to a surprising revelation about the Goof Troop theme song, we're gettin' Goofy with it this week, a-hyuck! In a KFLX first, we are joined by our first ever in-studio guest: none other than the star of this film - the Goofster himself! We dive into connections to The Newsies, the insane decision that almost changed Goofy's voice forever, and more! This week's episode features the outstanding voice talent of Brock Baker! Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

All of the Loaf with none of the Meat! We're taking on the 1984 dystopian fantasy "Streets of Fire," featuring a string of bangers from 80s songwriting powerhouses, a killer score that wasn't even written for this film, and so much more. Also featuring music from this film's unofficial sequel and a performance by Mr. Meatloaf himself. Plus Dustin figures out where we've heard that sound effect before. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

What age are you in carpet years? This may be the most unique movie we have watched for KFLX thus far. But it could also be one of the funniest as well. The music is just as chaotic as the characters recording them and we simply could not get enough of it. Strap on your papier-mâché cartoon heads, pull the theremin out of the closet and let's all figure out where that lady in the blue coat was going and what exactly she has in that bag. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Will we be friends forever? You bet! *Freeze frame high five* Who knew Saved By The Bell had so mch fictional music to talk about? Not us! Sure we knew Hot Sundae & Zack Attack, but wow. Was that a Michael Bolton song? What happened to Kelly and Jessie? Where did Tori come from? Take a walk down the halls of Bayside High, stroll into the KYTT FM studio and fire up the school song like it's 1992. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Two movies for the price of one! Our first double feature is a doozy! Tender Mercies and Crazy Heart both tell the story of aging country singer/songwriters fallen on hard times. Both have incredible star power from Robert DuVall, Tess Harper, Horton Foote, Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal & T-Bone Burnett. Both were award show darlings. And both have top notch country tunes! So roll down the windows and enjoy the sunset as we walk ya through all the ins and outs of Mac Sledge and Otis "Bad" Blake. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Ready to get folked up?! This week we're going behind the scenes of the mockumentary masterpiece that is "A Mighty Wind" and diving into the origins and inspiration behind The New Main Street Singers, Mitch & Mickey, and The Folksmen. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Drums take center-stage this week! We're breaking down the music from 2008's "The Rocker." Rainn Wilson stars as a disgruntled beat-keeper who missed success after being booted from the hair metal juggernaut Vesuvius and finds a path to redemption with his nephew's high-school band A.D.D. We talk Scrubs, 80s rock, and wonder just how many people have the nickname "Fish" in the musical world. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Hey it's a mix tape! Not everything on our massive list of fictional bands is sprawling or influential enough for a stand-alone episode, so we're trying something new this week. We're running rapid fire through Arrested Development, Star Wars, The Little Rascals, The Crow, The Mask, and MORE! Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Get your togas out of storage, the Deltas are throwing a party! Our most vintage film yet! This one covers Otis Day and the Knights from "Animal House," the film purported to have started the "gross-out" genre. There's nothing gross, however, about these sweet, sweet tunes. We've talked about all kinds of real artists who have appeared as fictional ones in the past, but this is the first time we'll follow a fictional band into reality! Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Doug's the name and rap is…well maybe it's not his thing. This week we dive into cartoon-land with Nickelodeon's "Doug" and the many songs that are sprinkled throughout its original run. We cover everything from "Bangin' on a Trash Can" to all your favorite tracks by The Beets to that funky mouth-bop theme song. Also, did you know Roger Klotz had a band? Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Son-of-a-son-of-a-bitch we have a great episode here! This week is all about The Broken Lizard's 2004 sleeper "Club Dread" and Bill Paxton's portrayal of Coconut Pete, the totally-not-Jimmy-Buffett character at the center of the film. We also get a deep dive in the Pax-man's real-life musical history. PLUS: Shawn reveals the REAL reason he started this radio program.. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Yes, we play Ja Ja Ding-Dong. We're going to Europe everyone! Not really, but we are talking about "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The boys cover some Eurovision history, Swedish songsmiths, the real voices behind the songs and one of Shawn's long time obsessions: the Russian band Little Big. Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

I'm afraid this episode is just too darn loud. This week the boys dive into the real king of rock 'n' roll, Marty McFly! Covering all things Huey Lewis and The News, Chuck Berry, The Pinheads and Marvin Berry and The Starlighters. PLUS a surprising reveal involving Eddie Van Halen; Dustin challenges Shawn to a guessing game; and how the heck does Police Academy fit into all this? Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Baby's on fire...better throw her in the water? "Velvet Goldmine" time everyone! Shawn and Dustin try to fully comprehend all the layers in this 1998 cult classic. Insane and engaging performances from Ewan McGregor and Jonathan Rhys Meyers will hook you in for a wild ride. With a banger soundtrack featuring original songs from Shudder to Think and covers of songs by The Stooges, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, T-Rex and more! Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials. Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

If you're gonna spew, spew into this.  That's right, it's time for the 1992 classic "Wayne's World" and the killer band Crucial Taunt, fronted by Tia Carrere. And if that's not enough Mike Myers and Dana Carvey action for ya, Shawn & Dustin are talking 1993's "Wayne's World 2" as well! Join us as we break down "Ballroom Blitz", "Why You Wanna Break My Heart", "Fire" and "Touch Me"  Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials.  Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Can a song save your life?  Shawn and Dustin watch 2013's "Begin Again" and try to find the answer to that very question. This is John Carney's music film followup to "Once," starring Keira Knightly as singer/songwriter Gretta James and Adam Levine as fledgling pop star Dave Kohl, with Mark Ruffallo as down-and-out record exec Dan. Wait a second, how are the New Radicals involved in this movie? Tune in and find out!  Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials.  Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Can you relate to this episode or do you have different things in your Jeep?  This week Shawn and Dustin take on The Lonely Island's 2016 film "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping." We're talking The Style Boyz, Hunter the Hungry, and Conner4Real. We also get into why Tim Meadows is a comedic secret weapon.  Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials.  Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.

Who'd win in a wrestling match, Lemmy or God?  On this week's show Shawn and Dustin discuss all the glory of The Lone Rangers from the 1994 movie "Airheads." From Brendan Fraser's angsty lead vocals to the real band that wrote The Lone Rangers' big hit. We'll also figure out just how Rob Zombie fits into all of this.  Visit https://fictionradiopod.com for more episodes and links to all our feeds and socials.  Contact us at FictionRadioPod@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions for future episodes.