My Top Five Records

Today on the podcast we have Mo Pittle.  He picked these five records:  GREATEST HITS VOL 1 - EAGLES MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK - BLUES BROTHERS REAL TO REEL - ROGER CLYNE AND THE PEACEMAKERS 1984 - VAN HALEN LEGEND - BOB MARLEY He's the owner of Jewboy Burgers here in Austin, Texas.  The Jewboy Burger website state, “born in Cleveland with ties to Philadelphia and Washington, DC was raised in El Paso, Texas. Not the first place you'd expect to find Jews, but they're there. Growing up among the Homeboys, he became affectionately known as “El JewBoy.”  By trade, Mo is a copywriter and he told me, and I quote, “I like to be around cheeseburgers and nice people.”  I would like to mention that there are no advertisements in this podcast.  I have a truckload of fun doing this but it takes at least 20 hours to research, listen, record, edit, and produce each episode.  If you are willing to help, you can support on my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/MyTopFiveRecords/membership.  Every dollar helps!

Today you have the pleasure of learning more about Slade Cleaves.  He picked these five records:   SWORDFISHTROMBONES – TOM WAITS NEBRASKA - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN LIBRARY OF CONGRESS RECORDINGS - WOODY GUTHRIE MISSION OF THE CROSSROADS PALMS - STEVE FORBERT DEAR DANGER- BILLY HARVEY   Joseph Hudak of Rolling Stone Country calls Cleaves “a master storyteller, one influenced not by the shine of pop-culture but by the dirt of real life.”   While he released a handful of recordings during the early '90s, he gained significant notice with No Angel Knows, which was released on Rounder's Philo subsidiary in 1997. Joined by former Lucinda Williams guitarist and producer Gurf Morlix, and combined his interest in folk songs, early rock and roll, and traditional country music into an amalgamation of styles becoming known at that time as Americana. After reading in Rolling Stone about Bruce Springsteen's inspirations for the Nebraska album, he climbed into his parents' attic to rediscover the treasure trove of albums which he recalled hearing as a child – Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry - and which became his guide to becoming a stellar songwriter. After signing with Jimmy LaFave's Music Road Records, he issued Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away (2009, featuring liner notes from fan Stephen King), the two-disc Sorrow & Smoke: Live at the Horseshoe Lounge (2011), and Still Fighting the War (2013), produced by beloved Austin guitarist Scrappy Jud Newcomb. The album was praised as "one of the year's best albums" by American Songwriter and "carefully crafted, . . . songs about the struggles of the heart in hard times" by the Wall Street Journal. The New York Daily News called his music "a treasure hidden in plain sight," while the Austin Chronicle declared, "there are few contemporaries that compare. He's become a master craftsman on the order of Guy Clark and John Prine." I would like to mention that there are no advertisements in this podcast.  I have a truckload of fun doing this but it takes at least 20 hours to research, listen, record, edit, and produce each episode.  If you are willing to help, you can support on my Patreon which is https://www.patreon.com/MyTopFiveRecords Close your eyes.  You've got your top 5 records on your iPhone and you are doing chores around your house.  What 5 records do you have? www.slaid.com 

Want to understand your musical heroes better?  Search no more. This is the place! Hear what Chuck says about how Dusty Springfield "Dustifies" things and how Alejandro Escovedo defines punk music.  He's had a stellar career and has had his compositions and co-writes recorded by many artists including Alejandro Escovedo, Bruce Springsteen, Heart, Peter Wolf, Kim Richey, Arc Angels, Micky & the Motorcars, Chris Knight and Kelly Willis. I would like to mention that there are no advertisements in this podcast.  I have a truckload of fun doing this but it takes at least 20 hours to research, listen, record, edit, and produce each episode.  If you are willing to help, you can support on my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/MyTopFiveRecords  Here is Chuck's website if you want to sign up for his newsletter or find out where he is playing: http://chuckprophet.com    

Today's episode of the My Top Five Records podcast features Mile Zuniga.  Miles was a member of Fastball based out of my home town of Austin, Texas.  Fastball released All The Pain Money Can Buy in 1998 and it reached platinum status within 6 months of its release.  Songs “The Way” and “Out of My Head”, reached #1 and #14 respectively on Billboard's Adult Alternative Songs.  They were nominated for two grammys, Best rock performance for a duo or group and Best Long Form music video for the song “The Way”.  They also received five The Austin Chronicle awards: 1998's   I had a ball talking with Miles.  I got a chuckle when we were talking about jazz and he said, “Rock demands your attention”. So true!  He's got some killer stories to boot.  Love how he sings things and melodies.  While you are at it, check out the podcast image.  He sure can write songs but he ain't so good and carving his initials in to my table.   If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but if you were to give a star for each one of your top five records on the Apple/iTunes platform (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   http://www.mileszuniga.com/ http://www.fastballtheband.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mileszuniga/ https://www.facebook.com/mileszunigalovesyou/   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today's episode of the My Top Five Records podcast features Jo James.  Jo has worked and performed with some of the industries top acts and also received the honor award at the 100% Music Songwriting Contest.  You may have seen him featured on Season 17 of The Voice.  John Legend said, “Great raw talent and his voice is lovely to listen to”.  Blake Shelton said, “I love Jo's voice”.   Once we started talking about Rumors, it started raining and my dog was outside trying to get in here.  Maybe someday I'll get a better studio with better sound proofing!   You can find him on the good ole interweb at: https://www.jojamesmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jojamesmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/jojamesmusic/    

Today's episode of the My Top Five Records podcast features Jaimee Harris.  Born in Waco, TX, to Austin and now in Nashville, I was stoked to have her in person to do the podcast.  I loved the way that she took the time to revisit her records.  She is a songwriter's songwriter.  My favorite thing she said was “Fiction is the super highway to the truth.”  So true!!  And as a child, she asked for a Pegasus.  A flying horse.    Late in season one, I implemented quizzes into the mix and this will continue on future podcasts and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Don't matter what I'm going to ask.  It's all fun and smiles.    If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but if you were to give a star for each one of your top five records on the Apple/iTunes platform (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   https://www.jaimeeharris.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jaimeeharris/ https://www.facebook.com/jaimeeharrismusic   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/

Today I have Jesse Dayton on the My Top Five Records podcast.  If you ask me, Jesse is a legend.  He's also a good friend of my good friend, Shilah.  He's got a career that I wish I had.  He has a radio show on Gimmie Country that just got picked up by I Heart Radio every Wednesday at 4pm Central.  It's killer.  He has worked on horror movies with Rob Zombie and directed one of his own.  He has written his own memoir call Beaumonster.  Please buy and read it.  It too is killer.  He's played with an insane amount of legendary musicians.  When Waylon Jennings cut his hand making dinner, Jesse filled in for him on guitar.  Waylon's son, Shooter, is his good friend and is producing his coming record.  The list goes on…   If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but if you were to give a star for each one of your top five records on the Apple/iTunes platform (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!    JESSE DAYTON https://www.jessedayton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jessedayton/ https://www.facebook.com/JesseDaytonHardcharger   THE BIG GUN SHOW https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/

As we keep chugging along with season two, I am thrilled to have Carlson on the show today.  He was born in SoCal and after snagging a culinary arts degree moved to Hawaii where he decided that he was going to pursue music. He won a LA Music Critic award for best male album for Different Town, which he recorded while on tour in 14 different cities and countries.  He also made a rockumentary with the same name to accompany it that rockumented it all.  He told me that music is the international language and that it is not just communicative but also productive.  An example is how he saw a accordian busker on the street and had him play on it. You should definitely check it out.    He's also got another project call The Record Company.  It sounds super cool as well.   I forgot to ask Steve where he was taking his top five records.  He said that he would take them to the grave so he could listen to them after he's gone.  Classic!   If you don't mind heading over to Apple podcasts and giving us a review, we'd sure appreciate it awful good! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   STEVE CARLSON https://www.stevecarlson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stevecarlson https://www.facebook.com/stevenpaulcarlson   THE BIG GUN SHOW https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

As season two continues, I am thrilled to have Graham Weber on the show today.  He is highly involved with and organization called The House of Songs.  He plays in a band called Western Youth (that I LOVE) and has his solo thing going on as well.  I was at SXSW this year and saw Western Youth.  I'm not sure if you know my drummer Yates Hagan but he left us.  I was listening think how much he would love them and the tears started flowing.  He would have loved them.   Late in season one, I implemented quizzes into the mix and this will continue on future podcasts and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Don't matter what I'm going to ask.  It's all fun and smiles.  And today, Graham nailed 5 for 5 questions.  Good on ya, Graham!   If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but if you were to give a star for each one of your top five records on the Apple/iTunes platform (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   You can find him on the good ole interweb at:   www.grahamweber.com/ www.western-youth.com https://www.instagram.com/gdub5000/ www.facebook.com/grahamwebermusic www.thehouseofsongs.com    

As season two continues, I am thrilled to have John Chipman on the show today.  He has been playing music professionally for over 25 years and has played with an insane amount of musicians from the Resentments (who I so love!), Slaid Cleaves, Band of Heathens, David Grissom (who I think defines what Texas Blues really is), and of course my favorite, Kelley Mickwee.  If you ask me, I think he is a top three drummer here in Austin. He has toured numerous times in Europe and the Far East.  He moved to Austin after studying music and graduating from the University of Oklahoma.  In the 2007-2008 Austin Chronicle Music Awards, he won best drummer.   In Modern Drummer, he passes along some tidbits of what he has learned from other musicians: Never ask of music. When you expect music to do things for you, it will not happen. Music itself is the reward. If any success or fame comes as a result of playing music, be forever thankful, because you have already experienced more than 95% of the people who have ever picked up a pair of drumsticks have. The fewer notes you play, the more money per note you are making. Save your big stuff for the last chorus of the last song in the encore. Never play in a trio with a husband and wife. Never cop an attitude. There is always somebody better than you. If you see someone who might not be up to your personal yardstick, watch even closer, they will teach you something you didn't know.   Late in season one, I implemented quizzes into the mix and this will continue on future podcasts and this will continue for the foreseeable future.  Don't matter what I'm going to ask.  It's all fun and smiles.   If you don't mind heading over to Apple podcasts and giving us a review, we'd sure appreciate it awful good! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband  

As season two continues, I am thrilled to have Kelley Mickwee on the show today.  Kelley is a fellow Cherokee who moved to Austin from Memphis and joined up with a killer four piece called the Trishas.  She's a Shiny Soul Sister in Kevin Russell's Shinyribs.  She's a founding member of Red River Songwriters along with Drew Kennedy, Josh Grider, Walt Wilkins, Susan Gibson and Brandy Zdan.  But what I admire most about Kelley is her show on Sun Radio called River Girl Radio.    We talked about her love of said show and how the theme of the often has her diving into deep artist listening.  Much like my passion for doing this podcast.   Cleaning also comes into our conversation about her records.    If you don't mind heading over to Apple podcasts and giving us a review, we'd sure appreciate it awful good! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   Cheers!   www.kelleymickwee.com www.thetrishas.com www.redriversongs.com www.sunradio.com www.shinyribs.org   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

As season two continues, I am stoked to have John Spong on the show today.  He was nominated for a National Magazine Award in 2009 and twice won the Texas Institute of Letters' O. Henry Award for Magazine Journalism. He is the author of A Book on the Making of Lonesome Dove and his stories have been collected in Best Food Writing and The Best American Sports Writing.  He's got two boys named Willie Mo and Leon.   Spong is a native Austinite and in my opinion, a walking Willie Nelson encyclopedia.  I say this not only because he pretty much invented the Texas Monthly issue on Willie but also I have listened to every episode of his podcast called One By Willie where he has a notable Willie fan talk about their favorite Willie song.  Check it out, it is WILLIE cool.  My favorite episode is season two's podcast with Don Was.  Another one of my heroes.   And because he knows so much about Willie, today's podcast we each picked our favorite three Willie records and discussed them.   If you don't mind heading over to Apple podcasts and giving us a review, we'd sure appreciate it awful good! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   Cheers!   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Season two of the My Top Records podcast starts today.  We've got Mitch Ballard for your listening pleasure.  Mitch moved from Nashville to Austin a couple few years ago to start the BMI office.  This office reminds me why Austin is Austin.  Organization like HAAM and SIMS.  No other city has such a focus on their artistic integrity.  Makes me proud to be a 7th generation Texan.    Before Mitch opened the BMI office here in Austin, he’d been called the Swiss Army Knife of the country music business.  He started off by turning down a music scholarship to North Texas because he didn’t really want to play the trumpet anymore.  He was a tour manager for BJ Thomas for 8 years.  He owned a website building company for musicians and then an LED concert company.  Yeah, he knows the music biz.  I love podcasts like this on because I don’t really have to talk.  I threatened to trash my Encyclopedia of Country music.  What would I need that for when I can just call Mitch?   If you don’t mind heading over to Apple podcasts and giving us a review, we’d sure appreciate it awful good! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   Cheers!   https://www.instagram.com/mitch_ballard/ https://www.facebook.com/mitchballard   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today’s guest is Weldon Henson.  He might have the best honky tonk voice that Austin can call it’s own.  I’d describe it as a mix between Merle Haggard and Ray Benson  He plays the honky tonks in and around Austin.  In particular, a weekly gig at the Broken Spoke and monthly at Ginny’s.  When you hear him talk about his top five records, I believe that it is clear where his influences lie.       Moving forward all podcastees of the My Top Five Records podcast will have to now deal with quizzes. They won’t know what I am going to ask them but I assure you that they will have a good time.  Weldon did pretty dern good.   If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but a star for each one of your top five records on iTunes (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   Let’s get to the conversation.  But first…   Close your eyes.  You’re at the furtherest place out there.  What 5 records do you have?   http://weldonhenson.com/music/ https://www.facebook.com/weldonhensonmusic https://www.instagram.com/weldonhenson/ https://twitter.com/weldonhenson   https://thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but a star for each one of your top five records on iTunes (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   Today’s guest is Harmoni Kelley.  She spells her name H A R M O N I and we had a full on blast talking about her top five records.  Much like many of my other podcastees, Harmoni had a terrible time choosing what records we were going to talk about but we had a killer time.    Harmoni has only played bass and she has played with the likes of Bob Schneider, Fastball and now tours stadiums with Kenny Chesney.  In our talk, she mentions how she ended up picking her top five like the way that she approaches music.  It’s so awesome when a podcastee comes to some sort of revelation.  Truly awesome.    Also, I have a new update to the My Top Five Records podcast.  Moving forward all podcastees will have to now deal with quizzes. They won’t know what I am going to ask them but I assure you that they will have a good time.   https://harmonikelley.com/ https://www.facebook.com/harmonikelleymusic https://www.instagram.com/harmonikelley/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  You can find My Top Five Records pretty much anywhere you listen to podcasts but a star for each one of your top five records on iTunes (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   It is another honor and privilege to have today’s guest on My Top Five Records podcast.  Mike Stinson.  He’s one of my hero honky tonk songwriters.  If you’ve never heard his music, please check him out.  He’s incredible.  If you can see him live, even better.  He is up east right now and his new single called Close Enough For Government Work.  Check it out   Today we talked about how when he was 15 in a record store and when he heard Bob Dylan’s, Infidels, he asked who it was and then had to buy the record.  He told me that Peter Wolf of the J Geils Band was picking the walk on and off music for the Stones.   One of my favorite things about Mike is that he was a drummer first.  It is my belief that drummers make the best songwriters.  Think about Dave Grohl.  I feel they understand, like Mike says, the math behind the song.   https://mikestinsonmusic.com/bio https://www.facebook.com/mike.stinson.50 https://www.instagram.com/stinsoncountry/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

It is another honor and privilege to have today’s guest on My Top Five Records podcast.  Chris “the Whipper” Layton was one half of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Rhythm section Double trouble.  The way he picked his top five records was super cool.  Not only did he play with Stevie but he and Double Trouble also joined forces with The Arc Angels and Storyville.   If you're digging on what we're laying down, please give us a review on iTunes.  A star for each one of your top five records (that's five stars!) would be super appreciated!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-top-five-records/id1494022573   https://www.facebook.com/chriswhipperlayton https://www.instagram.com/whiptale/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://xtwww.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

It is an honor and privilege to have today’s guest on My Top Five Records podcast.  Mike Flanigin is in my humble opinion the best B3 player around.  He playing consistently at CBoys with Jimmie Vaughn, at least when that Covid dude isn’t wreaking havoc on us.  Come on Covid.  Can’t you leave us alone?   So yeah, he plays with Jimmie.  He is also buds with Billy Gibbons and has performed with ZZ Top, Steve Miller, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Willie Nelson, Charlie Sexton, Doyle 2 and Bonnie Raitt to name a few.  I actually opened up for him once at our mutual friend, Tom Amiss’, annual party   One of my favorite stories is how he used to tour as a guitarist with a LA band and returned to Austin to join the Antone’s Nightclub house band.  That’s when he decided to change instruments and start playing the B3.  He hooked up with organ legend Big John Patton to learn the craft.  And guess what, Big John has a record in Mike’s top five.   In 2015 he released his debut record called The Drifter.  Rolling Stone said, “The Drifter is a road trip-worthy record that veers from punk rock to desert pop to Bible Belt Blues, it’s disparate parts glued together with the swirl and swoon of B3 organ.  This is day-driving mood music, with Flanigin creating his own version of atmospheric Americana.”    And just this year, he dropped a brand new record called West Texas Blues and born out of his and Sue Foley’s Texas Blues Party that they streamed live on Facebook.  They went into the studio as a three piece.  Just Sue, Mike and Chris “Whipper” Layton of Double Trouble.    I quote Flanigin saying about the record, “As much as I labored over ​The Drifter​ album, which took me three years to make, and I had a lot of different types of genres, and people, and guests, this was the exact opposite.” Flanigin said. “This was ‘Let’s go in and let’s do what we do,’ and we play the blues. That’s what we’ve been doing our whole lives.”   I was driving back from Houston yesterday and thought I would put it on.  Well I did and I could not turn it off for the entire ride home.  If you like the blues, you’ve got to check it out.  An All Star cast of blues legends kicking out an homage to some Texas Blues music.   So PLEASE people go out there and support music.  Support the artists that make you groove.  Allow those who create to keep creating.  Get out there or go online and buy Mike Flanigin’s new record.  While you’re at it, I’d recommend you pick up The Drifter as well.   We talked about how he knew Lazy Lester and how Texas music is for dancers.  We talked about how Billy Gibbons plays on 7 strings and how that shows in his touch AND how he knows professional card tricks.  It was like a history lesson.    We had a slight technical difficulty and about 10 mintues got cut from our conversation.  It was primarily about Billy Gibbons.  We talked about Dusty has motorboat fingers and that is what makes ZZ Top ultimately unique.  He also talks about how he likes to record live in the studio and how he started singing again because Jimmie Vaughn pretty much made him when they were on tour.    What also got cut was where you can find him online.  You spell Mike’s last name F L A N I G I N.  As he says, with two N’s and two I’s   http://www.mikeflanigin.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mikeflaniginofficial/ https://www.instagram.com/mikeflanigin/   If you’ve got the gumption, head over to THE BIG GUN SHOW DOT COM and check out what my band is up to these days.  You can also catch us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with a handle of thebiggunshowband.  Go to our website and sign up for our email newsletter so that you can get updates about our coming record called Honky Rock.   www.thebiggunshow.com www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I’m talking to Wayne Sutton.  I used to go see him rock it something like twice a week with Little Sister back in the day at the Black Cat.  Free hot dogs and 1 dollar Pabst Blue Ribbon tallboys.  Then they changed their name to Sister 7 and Darrel Phillips joined the band and they just kept rocking.  I told him the story when I saw Darrell in Wichita at Barleycorns.   We talked about his new record called The Blue Worm and how a Blue Worm is a Pilipino knife fighting move.  He said that all the records he picked are driving records and laughed as he said how blown away how Joni Michell wrote all the songs wacked out on blow.  No pun intended.   If you’ve got the gumption, head over to www.thebiggunshow.com and check out what my band is up to these days.  You can also catch us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with a handle of thebiggunshowband.  And when Covid leaves us alone, our most consistent gig is our monthly residency at The Little Longhorn Saloon here in Austin.  Home of Chicken Shit Bingo.  We play the happy hour on the first Friday of every month.  Bring Grandma.  She’ll have a blast.   https://www.facebook.com/donkey44 https://www.instagram.com/waynesutton27/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I’m talking to Robert Wagner.  He’s been around Austin for quite some time.  He’s got some great stories that synch with his top five records.  He talks about how the Jesus Christ Superstar band was Joe Cocker’s touring band.  He told me that Lou Reed did not like the positive press that the positive press his band was getting so he fired them. And then then went to Jesus Christ Superstar.  And his dad!!!  Dick Wagner!!!  He saw Alice Cooper live.  And lastly, he got painted quarters so that he could play the jukebox.   https://www.facebook.com/robertwagneraustin https://www.instagram.com/singeratx/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I’m talking to Bruce Castleberry.  He’s the lead guitarist for both Vallejo and Southtown.  He’s also starting something up with AJ Vallejo called Brodie Lane.  I saw the first incarnation of Brodie Lane but apparently now it is different.  FYI, they call him Lightning because he never strikes the same thing (or plays the same thing) twice.   One of my favorite parts of this specific podcast is all the stories he has to go along with his favorite records.  We talk about how he sound checked the Cult’s equipment at the Alamodome.  How the brothers used to play the same set before they got together.  We talk about how they used to call him Cornelius Courvoisier and about how in his youth someone sorted some PCP of an amp.   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I’m talking to Mike G.  He’s the main man in his band, the Jukebox Heroes.  Today’s episode is going to be a little different.  Usually, I speak with the podcastees about the top five records that they could only have for the rest of their lives.  About a year ago, I was at the One 2 One bar on South Lamar and having a talk with Mike G.  We were talking in depth about the Stones and I mentioned that he should be on my podcast.  Then I said, let’s make it a top 3 Stones records podcast.  After many high fives, hugs and laughs, we decided we were going to do it.  Basically, this episode is two Stone’s fanatics talking about a subject they both love.   https://www.jukeboxatx.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jukeboxatx https://www.instagram.com/jukebox_atx/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband  

Today I’m talking to Paige Dechausse.  We had a killer conversation about the top five records she would take with her to the edge of the world.    Paige plays in a band called The Reverent Few.  I love her voice and their music.  They came out with a new record right around the time that COVID came crashing down on us.  She brought me a copy and I was able to listen to it.  It’s called AIN’T NO PLACE TO BE.  Do yourself a favor.  Get the vinyl.  It’s a good one.    www.thereverentfew.com https://www.facebook.com/thereverentfew https://www.instagram.com/thereverentfew/   www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I am rapping with Jace Cadle.  We had an awesome conversation about his top 5 records.  I’m not sure what happened but his vocal is super low and mine is super hot so my apologies for the audio discrepancy.   Jace plays in a band called Madam Radar.  They used to be called the Texas KGB but they recently changed their name.  I’ve always thought of KGB meaning Killer Green Bud but apparently they were getting some flack so they changed the name.   He’s a super cool guy and is currently taking one of my jean jackets and smearing some of his artistry all over it.  I can’t wait to wear it out in public.  Jeez.  Who knows when I’ll be out in public or on stage, right?   His records range from Willie Nelson to Eminem.  He also turned me on to Tenacious D’s Pick of Destiny.  If you have not seen the movie, please do.  It is nothing short of hilarious.   Close your eyes. You’re back in Austin on an empty 6th street for the rest of your life.  What five records do you have?   https://www.madamradar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MadamRadarMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/madamradarmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/mr_jace_of_spades   https://www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I am rapping with Ruby Dice.  We had an awesome conversation about her top 5 records.    I’ve known Ruby Dice for quite some time.  She played in my band for a hot second back in the day.  She used to sing a blues song with us and I was shocked that none of her top five records were old school blues.  She does have a Black Keys record so I guess that will have to do.    Close your eyes. You’re back on that desert island again.  What five records do you have?   https://www.rubydice.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rubydice/ https://www.facebook.com/rubydicemusic   https://www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

KEVIN MCKINNEY 200601 My name is Gunter and I play in a local Austin band called The Big Gun Show. I created this podcast to sit down with other songwriters, musicians, artists and lovers of music to talk about their top 5 records that have inspired their lives and musical prowess.  Today I am rapping with Kevin McKinney.  We had an awesome conversation about his top 5 records.  We talk about how at least one of the records was of childish importance.  We talk about how fellow Soulhat guitarist Billy Cassis turned him on to Jimi Hendrix and how he gets Jam Guilt.  He describes Talk Talk’s effort as an Art Project but soothing, spooky. He’s calls it a massage and how he found it at a book store in college.  Gotta leave that space.   Close your eyes.  You’re stranded on a desert island.  What 5 records do you have? https://www.facebook.com/kevin.mckinney.3781 https://www.facebook.com/soulhat.music/ https://www.instagram.com/kevinmckinneyguitars/   https://www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I am rapping with Johnny Goudie.  He’s a staple in the Austin music scene and has his own podcast called How did I get here.  He’s been in multiple bands including Mr. Rocket baby, Goudie and he now performs under his name.  One thing I did not know about him was that he lived in Mexico.  I sure do love Mexico. We talk about how My Bloody Valentine uses a ton of loops and it’s hard to distinguish if what you are hearing is a guitar or keys.  He describes their sound as a symphony of noise.  We talk about how Tom Petty was on the verge of becoming an amazing songwriter but still had his aggressive youth mannerisms.  I love how he said that the Velvet Underground spent $10 thousand on an album that created 10 thousand bands. Close your eyes. You’re back on that desert island again.  What five records do you have? Until next time. http://johnnygoudie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/johnnygoudie/ https://www.facebook.com/johnny.goudie https://www.facebook.com/johnnygoudiemusic/ https://howdidigethere.podbean.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/4L5DsvjigI2zMFIurepHqR   https://www.thebiggunshow.com https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband  

This whole COVID pandemic is throwing everyone for a loop.  Bars are closed.  Restaurants are closed.  The only live music is now live streamed.  Service industry workers, musicians and artists can’t work.  The economy has hit the crapper and oil prices just went negative recently.  In short our world has been turn up on it’s head.  Crazy.   I’ve figured out how to do a decent podcast so I am going to keep on doing it.  It took a little figuring out but I have decided that using Zoom with a dynamic mic and an audio interface is doing the job pretty dern good.   Tonight I’m talking to Dave Scher.  I met him about 6 to 8 months ago at CBoys when his girlfriend was rocking the venue with her all female band called Girl PAACK. I told him about this podcast and we tried to schedule an episode, but alas, he HAD to go on tour with Eric Johnson.  I guess I can let that slide, right?  Anyway, he is a phenomenal guitarist. His main axe is a strat which does nothing but NOT surprise me.    I really love how he describes the music that has influenced him as colored, transparent and believable.  He describes Roy Buchanan’s Tele as liquid smooth, wild tone and glassy.  He talks about listening to Rage Against the Machine on a high school bus and that makes me realize how old I am.      Let’s get to the conversation.  But first…   Close your eyes.  You’re stranded on a desert island.  What 5 records do you have?   http://davescher.com https://www.instagram.com/daveifyoulike/ https://www.facebook.com/daveschermusic/   https://www.thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

Today I am speaking with Jay Stiles AKA Crystal Finger.  I met Jay when I was playing in an Austin club called the Rattle Inn.  We we’re playing after him.  Once he was done, he asked if I wanted keys.  He said, “I’ve got a pretty good ear if you’re into it.” I remember smiling as I said sure.  Since then he sits in with The Big Gun Show.  He’s got the look.  He’s got the chops.  And so fun to play with.   He talks about how he studied with Victor Wooten and how he relates to mangled musicians   Close your eyes.  You're on that desert island again.  What five records do you have?   LISTEN HERE: https://mytopfiverecords.podbean.com/e/jay-stiles-top-five-records     JAY STILES SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/crystalfingerforreal/ https://www.instagram.com/crystalfinger1/   MY SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband  

Today I’m talking to Tate Mayeux.  He’s half of the band called Mayeux and Broussard and I love the way he writes songs. He’s got a place called the Long Play Lounge and it’s KILLER.  They’ve got a ton of vinyl records, craft cocktails and craft beers.  It’s an epic hang.  Go check it out at 704 W St Johns Ave right around the corner from where Airport runs into North Lamar.     They’ve got a release coming out at the end of April at the Sage Brush on South Congress.  I’ll definitely be there if the stay at home restriction is not still in place.   If you want to check out the Mayeux & Broussard, you can find them at www.mbtxmusic.com/  For social you can find them at mayeux_broussard on Instagram and Mayeuxandbroussard on Facebook   If you’ve got the gumption, head over to THE BIG GUN SHOW DOT COM and check out what my band is up to these days.  You can also catch us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with a handle of thebiggunshowband.  Our most consistent gig is our monthly residency at The Little Longhorn Saloon here in Austin.  Home of Chicken Shit Bingo.  We play the happy hour on the first Friday of every month.  Bring Grandma.  She’ll have a blast   I’ll be back in two weeks and then every other week after that.   Close your eyes. You’re back on that desert island again.  What five records do you have?    http://www.mbtxmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mayeux_broussard/ https://www.facebook.com/mayeuxandbroussard/   https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband    

Tonight I’m chatting with Kelly Green of Madam Radar.  Well they just changed their name from The Texas KGB to Madam Radar due to others that are down on the name KGB.  Jace, her husband and I had a conversation about it and it’s not about the Solviet Union.  I always love the name because it reminds me of my college days and the killer green bud.  They play the third Monday of every month at 121.  New record came out in February that is self titled.  PLEASE definitely check it out.   Anyway, we have an awesome conversation and it couldn’t be more obvious how close she is to her brother.  She talks about how her dad had a record deal and turned her on to UFO driving around with him.  Her brother’s in the room and you can here him chime in every now and then.  We talk about how we both love to have others jam with us at our shows and how two guitars are sooooo much better than one.    Her husband Jace can take your new jean jacket and distress it and sew all these badass patches all over it.  Wicked awesome!  I totally meant to give mine to her tonight but I sooo forgot.   She’s been doing this thing called the PAACK.  Basically it’s an all female band and the first letter of their each of their names spells out PAACK.  Paige, Andrea, Amanda (LOVE HER), Cari and Kelly.  They play happy hour at CBoys on Mondays.  Go check her out there or go to a Madam Radar show.  She rips on the guitar.   Check them out on the ole interweb at www.madamradar.com.  For both Instagram and facebook, their handle is MADAM RADAR MUSIC.   If you’ve got the gumption, head over to www.thebiggunshow.com and check out what my band is up to these days.  You can also catch us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube with a handle of thebiggunshowband.  Our most consistent gig is our monthly residency at The Little Longhorn Saloon here in Austin.  Home of Chicken Shit Bingo.  We play the happy hour on the first Friday of every month.  Bring Grandma.  She’ll have a blast   https://www.madamradar.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MadamRadarMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/madamradarmusic/   https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband

I’m talking to Nick James.  His real last name is Boettcher but everyone knows how to pronounce James over Boettcher.  He’s the lead guitar of the Reverent Few, a killer Austin band with a ton of soul and groove.  I loved talking with Nick about his top five.  It’s just so lovely how everyone picks their top five for different reasons.  Some day I will understand Bob Dylan.  Believe me. I want to get it.  I just don’t yet. They’ve got an album coming out later this month on Saturday, March 28th, at the Continental Club.  They hit the stage at 10pm.  It’s gonna be epic.  You should really check this out.  If you want to check out the Reverent Few on social or the web www.thereverentfew.com https://www.facebook.com/thereverentfew Close your eyes. You’re back on that desert island again.  What five records do you have? Until next time... #nickjames #nickboettcher #mytopfiverecords #topfiverecords #topfive #podcast #desertisland #jail #tuneinturnondropout #honkyrock #highnoon #artist #musician #songwriter  

Tonight I am talking to AJ Vallejo.  AJ is the frontman of Austin’s legendary rock band called Vallejo. He has produced my band’s two albums and was Producer of the Year from 2014 thru 2016.  He’s an amazing guitarist and vocalist and I am honored to call him my friend.    You're going to love AJ’s top 5.  Motorhead would never be in mine but I guess I can see why it’s in his.  If I had to guess one of AJ’s I would have scored as I knew RATT would be one of them.    My favorite part of this episode was what AJ was wearing.  It was Halloween night and he showed up as Prince.  He had the gold chains hanging in his face.  Really made me laugh.   Close your eyes.  You’re now on a desert island.  What 5 records do you have?   #mytopfiverecords #podcast #desertisland #jail #tuneinturnondropout #honkyrock #album #artist #musician #songwriter   AJ SOCIAL:  https://www.ajvallejo.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ajvallejomusic/ https://www.instagram.com/ajvallejo/   MY SOCIAL: https://www.thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.facebook.com/mytopfiverecords   CAMPFIRE GATHERING: https://www.campfiregathering.com https://www.instagram.com/campfiregathering/

Tonight I am talking to Josh Duke.  He’s the main man of Campfire Gathering and he asked me to be the camp counselor for the event.  I told him that I always knew my strength was songwriting but that I knew at my age that there was no way I could make it as a performing musician.  What he was asking me to do is what I ACTUALLY LOVE  to do.  Engage the people.  So here I am engaging with people of like minds.   Campfire Gathering takes place on March 16th and 17th in the pristine Texas hill country at Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs just 30 minutes west of Austin.  Escape the craziness of SXSW. No lines. No waiting.  Epic food and killer music.  Tack on adult camp activities like archery and Axe throwing.  How about a side of yoga and massage with a sidecar of one of the best music lineups today.  Don’t miss this.   Anyway, Josh used to run sound for Willie Nelson and Guns and Roses.  He LOVES the Cure. I sang Lovesong at his wedding accompanied by his brother James.  I actually gave him as a baby present for his new daughter, two CDs of lullabies from GnR and the Cure.  The icing on the cake was the toddler onsie that says, “Sweet Child O Mine”   One last thing.  Some have asked me about the episode images.  The podcast logo is a sunset backdrop with the silhouette of a woman and a record player.  Each episode image is of the podcastee’s carving of their name in the table I built for a coffee table in 1992.   Let’s get to the conversation but first…   Close your eyes.  You’re now on a desert island.  What 5 records do you have?   #mytopfiverecords #podcast #desertisland #jail #tuneinturnondropout #honkyrock #album #artist #musician #songwriter   LISTEN HERE: https://mytopfiverecords.podbean.com/e/josh-duke-top-five-records   MY SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband https://www.facebook.com/mytopfiverecords   CAMPFIRE SOCIAL https://www.campfiregathering.com https://www.instagram.com/campfiregathering/

Tonight I am speaking with Patrice Pike.  She’s been in Austin as long as I have.  She actually was one of the people that inspired me to start chasing music.  Tonight she inspired me to let some episodes be longer than the 30 to 40 minute length that I thought was originally appropriate.    We talk about how all the records that she picked were before she turned 24 and how they are all her mother’s fault.  Mom was playing Songs in the Key of Life to her when she was three!  I love how she says that Prince throws SEXY LOVE DARTS and that Stevie Wonder’s voice is a kind of fingerprint.   Campfire Gathering is coming up next month.  I am the Camp Counselor/Director.  It's between the two SXSW weekends in March.     Let’s get to the conversation.  But first…   Close your eyes.  You’re stranded on a desert island.  What 5 records do you have?   #mytopfiverecords #podcast #desertisland #jail #tuneinturnondropout #honkyrock #album #artist #musician #songwriter   LISTEN HERE:   https://mytopfiverecords.podbean.com/e/patrice-pikes-top-five-records   PATRICE SOCIAL:  https://www.pikeandsutton.com/ https://www.patricepike.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PatricePikeBand/ https://www.facebook.com/PikeandSutton/   MY SOCIAL: https://www.thebiggunshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.facebook.com/mytopfiverecords   CAMPFIRE GATHERING: https://www.campfiregathering.com https://www.instagram.com/campfiregathering/

In this episode I am talking with Rosie Flores.  She is a friend and she is my guitar teacher.  She has won multiple Ameripolitan awards as well as a Peabody Award for her narration of the documentary "Whole Lotta Shakin".  She has an actual day named after her in Austin on August 31st and was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2007.  She’s been on both Austin City Limits and Late Night With Conan Obrien.  It’s pretty awesome having one of your good friends as a hero.   In 2012 she released WORKING GIRLS GUITAR and in 2019 she dropped her long awaited blues album called SIMPLE CASE OF THE BLUES.  Please check them out.  They’re amazing.   Close your eyes.  You’ve been locked up for 10 years.  What 5 records do you have? LISTEN HERE: https://mytopfiverecords.podbean.com/e/rosie-flores-top-five-records    ROSIE SOCIAL: https://rosieflores.com/wp/home/ https://www.facebook.com/rosie.flores3 https://www.instagram.com/therosieflores/   MY SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/   CAMPFIRE GATHERING: https://www.campfiregathering.com https://www.instagram.com/campfiregathering/

In this first episode of My Top Five Records, I'm talking with Jeff Plankenhorn.  I think he might be the best multi-instrumentalist in Austin. If you’ve never seen him play at dobro or guitar, get out there.  It’s epic.    Plank co-hosted Sun Radio’s Texas Radio Live at Guero’s a month or so ago so I brought down my mobile set up and we thought we could use the back room at Gueros… BUT… they had a big party back there so we went down to Jo’s Coffee.  You’re going to hear some stuff in the background.  Some cars, a motorcycle and maybe some tables being shuffled around.  That’s OK because the conversation is incredible.    Close your eyes.  You’ve been locked up for 10 years.  What 5 records do you have?   PLANKS SOCIAL: https://jeffplankenhorn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jeffplankenhorn/ https://www.instagram.com/jeff_plankenhorn/   MY SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.instagram.com/thebiggunshowband/ https://www.youtube.com/thebiggunshowband