Divinyl Intervention

. . . or something like that.Don't expect me to understand the logic -- I'm too busy listening to my favorite bands sing about guns. At times like these it's okay to just enjoy some great art by some great artists. So, let's do that.

It's not every day that we get to hear from the World's Only Rhinestone Rock Star Doll, but today is one such day . . . From his teenage years with James Brown to otherworldly collaborations with Bill Laswell, Bootsy has seemingly done it all -- and always on the One!

 . . . Warren Zevon, of course.  Beyond the howl lies a really good songwriter and recording artist - despite his self-destructive tendencies.  Hopefully, if you are not already convinced, this overview will do the job! Enjoy.

Brass bands are not exclusive to New Orleans, but it sure seems like it!  Whether it's Crescent City jazz, pop covers, or even funeral spirituals, there's a lot to like about brass band music.  In this episode we cover New Orleans legends The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and a band from Chicago, by way of St. Louis, Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy.  These bands artfully expose all that the genre offers -- including just plain fun.Good luck staying in your seat!

Riding in the wake of Dick Dale, The Ventures, The Surfaris, and other giants of the genre were a number of surf music revivalists.  Some stayed true to the form, and others expanded it -- even into outer space!On this episode, enjoy the big reverb sound from:Jon and the NightridersThe WedgeThe Aqua VelvetsLaika and the CosmonautsMan or Astroman?The Mermen

Before Crocodile Dundee conquered popular culture in the U.S., Australian rock bands were already conducting their own operations. In this episode, we highlight a few of the lesser-known (in the U.S.) bands trying to make their mark here.The SherbsMidnight OilHunters & Collectors

Edwin Starr and Percy Sledge are often viewed as "one-hit-wonders," in large part because their careers were each defined by a massive hit.  The truth, however, is that these were accomplished artists with more substantial recording careers than they are credited with.  It is time to change the narrative!Reviewing the careers of Starr and Sledge also gives us a chance to compare and contrast Motown and Atlantic Records (Muscle Shoals).  So, let's get into it!

Jeff Beck was, of course, a phenomenal guitar player.  But you would not necessarily know that if you watched or listened to any of the retrospectives offered the week of his passing.  We here at the Podcast cannot let that stand -- so we instead offer this proper career retrospective, one focused on Beck's virtuosity, versatility, and longevity.  At least that's what we hope we're offering(!)Thanks for all the great music, Jeff.

The popularity of acid jazz in the mid 1990s prompted Blue Note Records to open up its vaults and release some of the funky source material the new generation had been mining.  In this episode we bring you a "sampling" of the Rare Groove Series for your listening enjoyment.Funky?  Check.Soulful?  Check.Jazzy?  Most definitely!

The King Collaborator from King Crimson.  Ever the crafty guitarist, Robert Fripp has always been open to musical collaborations with artist from all over the music landscape.  Today we feature just a handful of those joint efforts, with appearances by Brian Eno, David Byrne, Andy Summers, David Sylvian, Daryl Hall(!), and Peter Gabriel.  This is the good stuff . . . 

When he wasn't developing Donna Summer into the Queen of Disco, Giorgio Moroder was scoring movie soundtracks.  You likely have heard more of his work than you think, and not just the rock and pop hits he included on his soundtrack albums.  Give it a listen . . .  

It's that time of year again, so while you are doing your back-to-school shopping and arguing with your kids, give a listen to a number of your favorite artist singing about all things education!From be-bop to classic rock, punk, and ska, everyone is getting in on the act.  Enjoy! 

It's no secret that we are big fans of The Police here at the podcast.  It's also no secret that the band is dominated by Sting when it comes to songwriting; he alone wrote the vast majority of their songs.  But, occasionally, Stewart and Andy got opportunities to feature their respective songwriting abilities.  In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Police rarities -- songs that were not written by Sting.  Just another way to appreciate this incredible and incredibly successful band! 

My wife and kids rushed the studio and commandeered the mics to conduct an unrehearsed interview, complete with a "lightning round" quiz.  A look behind the podcast . . . and the podcaster.I think they did a great job -- check it out.   

In this episode we trace the decade-long development of Al Jourgensen and Ministry from New Wave dance band to titans of the Industrial/Metal space.  It's quite a journey, but we think you will enjoy it . . . 

We continue our endeavor into African music with selections from Nigerian artists.  Expect to hear some 1970s and 80s Afro-Pop and JuJu music, performed by some of the most renowned artists of those respective styles.  You'll even hear a book recommendation!Enjoy! 

Terence Trent D'ArbyHis career did not begin and end with "Wishing Well."  Or, at least it should not have.In this episode we take a deep dive into the sound library of this grossly underappreciated R&B artist.  Enjoy the journey . . . 

This episode pays respect to the pioneers of the FUNK, the whole FUNK, and nothing but the FUNK.  David pulls classics out of the crates to dive into what made this magical movement in music a giant among genres.  The Meters, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Brothers Johnson, and The Commodores are just a few of the bands in line to get their respect.

An episode dedicated to the late, great Mick Karn.  From his start with post-punk band Japan, to his collaborations with Gary Numan, Peter Murphy, and his old bandmate David Sylvian, we track Mick's growth as an artist and his continuing efforts to expand the palette for bass players.  A challenging listen to be sure, but well worth your time!

On this episode we kick off our featured 3-part series for Season Two -- this time covering music from Africa.  Beginning in Senegal, we'll talk about -- and listen to -- Youssou N'Dour, Baba Maal (who is not from Wakanda), and the band Toure Kunda.  A special shout-out to Peter Gabriel, who first opened the door for us in the West (well, for me, at least) to experience various African styles and artists through his work with WOMAD.And, yes, we are aware that Africa is a continent! :-)  

Sometimes albums you enjoy disappear into the cracks of your collection, overlooked and underappreciated.  But when you do unearth them again, you're glad that you did.On this episode we dig into the crevices of my record collection for some gems of "college rock" in the early-mid 1980s.  Whether you have never heard these albums before, or like me, you haven't listened to them in a while, we hope you enjoy the effort.  And we hope it spurs you to go re-visit you own collections for your favorite underplayed records!

Classic rock stations have hundreds of bands and thousands of songs to choose from, so why do they seem to play only a handful of songs from a limited number of bands? Even albums and songs that were in regular rotation when they first came out have been relegated to the dustbin of history, to be occasionally unearthed only by hardcore fans that have them in their own collections. In the words of Roger Waters: "This will not do."So, on this episode, we talk about the struggle and play some seemingly forgotten songs from unforgettable bands . . . bands that were and are staples of classic rock radio. Give it a listen!

On this episode we follow the circuitous path of Ska music back across the Atlantic to the shores of the United States. East Coast Ska, West Coast Ska, and a few special surprises to close out our three-part feature on this classic Jamaican music.

It all started in 1970 when Miles Davis released Bitches Brew. That spore of creativity gave rise to the Jazz Fusion movement, and many of its creators branched out into new musical ventures, carrying the movement forward in their own respective styles. Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, The Headhunters, and Weather Report are also featured in this episode. Free your mind . . . and you know the rest!

In this episode we shine the spotlight on several underappreciated artists, hoping to give them some of the exposure denied them by radio and other media outlets - - a problem perhaps caused by difficulty in categorizing artists that don't fit neatly into established "boxes" by the music industry and listening audiences. So, today we feature Victoria Williams, Kristen Hersh, Neko Case, Lucinda Williams, and Susan Tedesci. Spread the word: these ladies are highly accomplished recording artists.

Ska Sails for England!Having discussed the origins of ska in Jamaica in part 1 of our 3-part series, we now trace the music to the late 70s - early 80s ska revivial in England, with primary focus on bands recording for the 2 Tone label. The Specials, English Beat, Selecter, and Bad Manners are all featured. Your Doc Martens are in for a workout...

Don't touch that dial!Musical critiques of television began appearing more frequently in the post-punk era and the pattern persisted into the 90s, crossing many music genres. Was TV just a harmless distraction from real life or something potentially more sinister? Let's ask The Tubes, Public Enemy, Roger Waters, and several others. But, remember this offer is not available in stores.

Let's take a trip in time to 1960s Jamaica to chart ska's path over to the UK in the 1980s and eventually to the USA. Our multi-episode trip will take us through the evolution of ska, from its Jamaican roots, to the Second Wave with UK bands on the 2 Tone label, and finally to crowded clubs on both America's East and West coasts.This episode will introduce you to the foundational artists of early ska and preview the explosion in its popularity when British artists begin to mine from Jamaican ska's rich reserve.Fans of the Skatalites, Desmond Dekker and the Aces, and Prince Buster won't want to miss this one.

Some guitarists are immediately recognizable by their sound, others by their playing style, and sometimes both. This episode is dedicated to such guitarists of distinction; you know the dude behind the guitar, even if you don't know the track itself. From pioneers like Dick Dale and Duane Eddy, unique rock talents like Adrian Belew and Andy Gill, and jazz stylist Stanley Jordan, there’s something here for everyone. We also include a couple surprise “appearances” that you will have to guess for yourselves.

When a successful rock band loses/fires its lead vocalist, it is not necessarily The End (beautiful friend, The End...) for the band- or the vocalist. In this episode, we explore three bands that found great- or even greater- success after a split. And the singers didn't fare so badly either.

In this episode we discuss Stevie Wonder's incredible 4-album run in the early/mid 1970s, establishing him as among the greatest songwriters in the history of popular music. But it begs the question: is it better to burn out than fade away? It's a question that cuts across music genres and eras. And it may shed some light on why David Bowie career retrospectives largely missed the mark. What do you think?

David drops the needle on the debut episode with a brief Listeners' Guide, a road map, and a few classic tracks for you to crank up from the passenger seat. Black Sabbath, Gang of Four, Rush, and Jackson Browne are just a few of the artists featured.