The Ledge (mp3)

Tonight’s show features the debut of a new theme. It’s a format that I’ve long considered trying out, and this week seemed like the perfect opportunity. Quite often, new albums that I’ve come across have included songs with a famous person in the title. Most are tributes to said person, but there are also plenty of these types of tunes that just utilize a name for a song that has nothing to do with that character. So here we have over two hours of these types of songs. They’re priarily new or recently released, but there are four segments devoted to individual artists. First off, we have The Replacements, along with a variety of songs devoted to members of the band. Then at the end we have lengthy sections full of songs about Joe Strummer and Joey Ramone. I can see this format being utilized every few months. Just like the cover songs episodes, I’ll set up a folder that I’ll toss whatever songs I come across that would work for such a show. What do you think? Is this a worthy idea? For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

At first glance, the latest installment of the cover song series is no different than any previous episode. Behind the scenes, though, serendipity is at play here. Like usual, I had quitely filled my “covers” folder over the last few months. A few weeks ago, I had accumulated enough tracks to schedule the show. I could have done it at the end of April, or last week. Next week even. Or I could have held it over until June. But no, I was determed in do on May 23. Then on my usual record store run last Friday I found a number of great Minneapolis garage rock records from the 50s and 60s. Most were compilatons, but I also found a Sundazed Music reissue of The Gestures’ self-titled album from 1966. Hailing from Mankato, MN, they had a hit in 1964 with “Run, Run, Run”, their debut single. I picked up this reissue, and loved it! Fast forward to yesterday as I was looking at the various new releases for the week. I was excited to see that Beebe Gallini had a new record out called Begged, Borrowed and Stealed! Even better was the fact that not only is this a […]

This episode started off with a simple search for a Mother’s Day song. I just wanted to check out what songs I had about moms. But I noticed something quite off. I also had quite a few songs whose title included a much longer word that included the word mother. Like a whole plethora of songs that a polite person like myself would never, ever knowingly type in a show description like this. So that’s what we have tonight. 39 songs whose titles involves a certain expletive. It’s quite a fun show, but if you are NOT a fan of profranity you may want to wait for next week’s show. I won’t take it personally.  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

This may be the 666th episode of The Ledge, but there’s nothing evil about the music played tonight. It’s actually nothing but joyful noise, 38 blasts that prove that rock and roll is as strong as ever. And once again, we traverse the world for quality sounds. Besides the usual lineup of Americans, there’s not one but two fabulous bands from France, along with other European artists. There’s the usual handful of Australians.   There’s also a plethora of veterans still pumping out records you need to hear. Muck and the Mires have been releasing garage rock for over 25 years. The Rabies reunited after 40 years for one of the great surprises of the years. Former Soft Boys guitarist Kimberly Rew returns. Personlity Cult may be much younger, but they consist of members of Ledge favorites Mind Spiders and Paint Fumes (plus many other bands). What’s your favorite new release?  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Once again, The Ledge new release series travels the globe for the latest in quality rock and roll. From Rapid City, SD (Friends of Cesar Romero) to Sydney, Australia (Game Set Match), with various stops all over the US and Europe. There’s solo sets from High on Stress leader Nick Leet, Forty Nineteens leader Nick Z, and longtime Brian Wilson touring member Nelson Bragg. There’s the triumphant return of The Minus 5, and the latest chapter in the Viagra Boys story. Plus our usual monthly contribution from our buddies Numb Surprise. And, of course, a lot more. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The Ledge is back! Yes, I did announce that it was unlikely that I’d have a show this week due to my recent medical procedure. But I seem to be recuperating nicely, so why not put together a show? I do chat about my experiences at the top of the program, and I do want to thank everyone that reached out to say they were thinking of me. It’s so much appreciated. As for this week’s broadcast, it’s all about Record Store Day. Yes, I know there are a lot of people that are not fans of this event. It didn’t help that this year included a couple of mainstream titles that should have had better availability (in other words, a much higher pressing). Yes, I understand that most people don’t care about rarities such as outtakes and live recordings. I get it. If that’s your belief then stay away! But I love everything about it. It’s the one day that this curmudgeon hangs with the crowd before the doors open. I enjoy chatting with folks about what they’re hoping to find, or what they’ve bought in the past. And yes, I do love live albums. I do love rare […]

This second part of the monthly new release series probably should have been titled after the final song of the show. Former Blackhearts guitarist Ricky Byrd’s “RnR’s Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated)” certainly matches the philosophy of The Ledge, and the fact that month after month we provide over four hours of newly issued tunes is certainly proof. Again, we have a number of “friends of the show”, including White Rose Motor Oil, New Brutarians, Geoff Palmer, and a whole set of tracks from Rum Bar Records. There’s also the return of The Memories, The Minus 5, and Throwing Muses, along with new bands (at least to us) such as The Roxies, Midlife Crisis, Dead Bars, and Creem Circus (love the name, btw).  Also, just a note that due to an upcoming medical procedure there will be now show next week (and possibly the following week).  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

It’s time for another rundown of brand new tunes, and once again this month it’s a two part series. This week features, as always, a number of “friends” of the show – Tom Whillock, Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, The Amplifier Heads, Numb Surprise, and The Bablers. There’s a set devoted to veteran acts that all released records today – The Waterboys, Craig Finn, Mekons, and Will Johnson. There’s the long-awaited full-length album (after literally dozens of EP’s) by our pals Vista Blue. Superchunk is back with a new single, and Swami John Reis has another smoking new album. And there’s also the usual mix of new and longtime favorite artists with quality tracks. What’s your favorite new release? What did you like best on tonight’s show? What are you hoping to hear next week? Let me know your thoughts! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Since it’s the last episode of March, it is definitely time for first quarter recap. Over two hours of tracks from the best albums released over the last three months. There’s plenty of power pop, garage rock, psych, post-punk, punk, and even some straight ahead rock and roll. There are the usual veterans such as Bob Mould, Guided By Voices, Throwing Muses, and The Men, but there are plenty of newer bands such as Dropkick, Private Lives, Transistors, and Dead Bars. (Yes, there is also an inadvertent 2024 record included. My apologies for the mistake.)  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

For the third, and final, episode where The Ledge attempts to fix the godawful errors of The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame we handle the overlooked bands of the 90’s. Along with the usual punk and indie rock bands of that time, there’s also a couple of sets devoted to the Americana sub-genre that rose in popularity during that time. Again, just think of how much fun a ceremony would be that included the likes of the Supersuckers, Steve Earle, Rocket From the Crypt, Fugazi, Superchunk, and so many other greats. Maybe an Uncle Tupelo reunion could be negotiated after an all star jam under the Golden Smog name. Billy Childish could possibly jam with Reverend Horton Heat and Archers of Loaf! Oh that would be a show I wouldn’t miss! I also start the show with a lengthy discussion about my friend Monica Kindt, who tragically passed away earlier this week. She was my manager at two different record stores over the years, and was a person who endured many of my childish rants over the years. My thoughts go to her family and all of us friends who miss her so much. She would have loved my […]

The secone episode of March’s new release series is jam packed with quality new tunes. There’s the usual lengthy set of brand new Rum Bar releases, including some highights of the upcoming free Swagger Second Shot compilation. Big Stir Records is represented by the latest by Chris Church. There are old faves such as Bob Mould, The Liminanas, Jason Isbell, and Gary Louris of The Jayhawks. Vista Blue celebrates the return of baseball with “Clearing the Benches”. The Tubs and Horsegirl have new sophomore efforts as strong as their debuts. But what excites me the most this week are the first two tunes of the show. “(That Ain’t One I’m) Willin’ to Lose” marks the Ledge debut of Sioux Falls songwriter Meriwether Raindelay & The Original Star Band. I’m hoping it’s the beginning of a series of fabulous releases. And there is also the latest by The Ex-Bombers. The wrestling nerd that I am loves the fact that they have yet another theme for the ring, and this time “He’s a Bad, Bad Man” is the entrance theme for NWA’s Jeremiah Plunkett. Even better is that the band AND Plunkett recorded intros for the show! For more info, including setlists, […]

It’s that time of the months once again – new release night! And once again, it’s a two part extravaganza! This week features the usual Ledge mix of power pop, punk, garage, and a little trace of Americana! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Last week I debuted a new series where The Ledge rights the wrongs of that inept board that handles the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. The previous episode presented artists from the 50s, 60s, and 70s that deserves to be inducted. This week we handle the 80s. Take a look at the 33 artists I present on this broadcast. You can’t deny that this would make the Hall a lot more fun. Imagine Jello Biafra’s induction speech for the Dead Kennedys! Or the remarks Henry Rollins would make for Black Flag. Or the emotions that would erupt for the late Shane MacGowan and the rest of The Pogues. How about the ensuing jam session that would involve Nick Cave with members of X, The Cramps, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, and the Fleshtones? Of course, any Hall that I curate would have to include The Replacements! In fact, just insert them into the building and all of my complaints would immediately end. (Or would it?) For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

A few days ago, the 2025 nominees for The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame were announced. Like usual, there was very little actual rock and roll reflected in their choices. Whatever. Honestly, I’ve stopped caring about that nonsense many, many years ago. It’s a TV show these days. It doesn’t reflect the history of the genre. It’s all about ratings in a time where nothing but the NFL actually attracts eyeballs to the telly. So tonight starts a three part series of shows devoted to artists that SHOULD be in the decrepit museum. Tonight we’re dealing with the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It’s definitely not a complete list. It’s two hours of an altnerate world where noisy bands reign supreme. A world where guitars roar and drums crash. A world where energy is more important than perfect voices and tasteful playing. In other words, Scott’s world. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Here we are with part two of this month’s new release series, and what do you get? Well, once again it’s a mix of old and new bands of various genres, including rock, punk, power pop, Americana, and indie. There’s a wonderful sampling of releases from our friends at Rum Bar Records, including a couple of tracks from Class Out The Ass, the fabulous new record by Miss Georgia Peach. Guided By Voices are back with yet another new album, and they are joined by the outrageous sounds of Lambrini Girls. The Dirty Nil complain about the internet, while The Jellybricks are outraged by this “Age of Stupid”. Numb Surprise also returns with a lovely cover of “Waterloo Sunset”.  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

We are back to our usual double dose of monthly new release episodes, with tonight being part one of this month’s series. Like usual, it’s a wide mix of garage, punk, indie, power pop and Americana, highlighted by a great number of artists we like to call “friends of the show”. In fact, the very first track is by a good friend from Rapid City, SD. Tom Whillock is the leader of Toadstool Jamboree, a band that was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past October. In April, he will be putting out a solo album, Dancing in the Diamond Sky, and “Can’t Stop Thinking About” is the first single off that record. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Just like my cover show series, I have another folder where I throw in some tracks that I’ve listened to over the course of my day to day life. They’re primrily the vinyl I’ve either recently acquired or have pulled out of the archives. The Great Hudson Basement Excavation continues to influence these shows, but there’s also plenty of albums that I haven’t thrown on the turntable for quite some time. This show is also inspired by this week’s death of Marianne Faithfull. She lived quite the life. Discovered at a party by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, she had a British hit with the Jagger/Richards tune “As Tears Go By”. She famously dated Mick Jagger for a number of years, but had to fight him and Keith to get her share of songwriting credit for “Sister Morphine”. After breaking up with Mick, she had a decade of addiction that saw her homeless for a period of time before coming back with 1979’s hit album Broken English. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

I’ve always said that I have a folder on my laptop where I toss any great cover version that I encounter, and when that folder is “full” it’s time for an all-covers show. Well, I noticed earlier this week that said folder was close to that level, but I also was made aware that Monday, January 20, was the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s Blood On the Tracks album. Surely, I had a few remakes of tunes from that classic record. Add a handful of Dylan tunes and I was ready. Yet I received another little surprise just a few hours before this week’s broadcast. Our friends at Big Stir Records sent their upcoming Sorrows album. Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow is an unreleased record that the original lineup recorded back in 1981. With the reunited group now signed to the label, it certainly makes sense that Big Stir would let us finally hear this power pop classic! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

We lost two Minneapolis icons in the last month, and this week’s episode is a tribute to both. After suffering a sever stroke in 2012, Slim held on for well over a decade before passing away on December 18, 2024. Besides a couple of great tributes to the man by The Mad Ripple and The Walk Offs, this episode features music Slim created with Curtiss A, The Replacements, and as a solo artist. There’s also a couple of sets of cover tunes from the wonderful Songs For Slim tribute series, along with a surprising superstar cover that debuted on Sirius shortly after his death. On January 5, 2025, former Suburbs singer/guitarist Beej Chaney accidentally died during a swim in the Pacific Ocean near Hermosa Beach, California. The last half hour of the broadcast features a sampling from all of the groundbreaking band’s releases on Twin/Tone and A&M Records.  Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the passing of these legends. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Two weeks ago, I unveiled my list of the 40 best albums of 2024. To get to that number, though, I considered over 100 different records that came out over those 12 months. Tonight’s episode is devoted to those records that almost made the list. Just like with that show, there’s a lot of my favorite genres, most notably power pop. There’s two fabulous sets of that type of music, but there’s obviously plenty of indie, garage, and good old punk rock. There are plenty of new artists, yet 2024 also saw the revival of quite a few great bands from the past, such as The Dictators, The Chesterfield Kings, and Fastbacks. Next week, I’m looking at putting together a tribute to two great Minneapolis musicians who recently passed away – Slim Dunlap and Beej Chaney. What tracks would you like to hear during this broadcast? For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

It may be a new year, but it’s the same great formula for the first Friday of the month. Yes, it’s nothing but new releases for the first show of 2025, and it’s highlighted again by what we like to call “friends of the show”. White Rose Motor Oil have yet another great cover. The wonderful two-piece The Ex-Bombers have a magnificent new seven-inch single. Numb Surprise, The False Positives, Eric Hisaw Band and many others have strong new tracks. Of course, there is also the latest lineup from our friends at Rum Bar Records. Miss Georgia Peach returns with another collaboration with Nashville Pussy. The Legendary Swagger follows up their reissue of Sinners, Harlots & Hooligans with an upcoming new record, Broke And Broken. Plus, we have two tracks from Brad Marino’s new rarities album, On The Brink: Rarities, Remixed & Unreleased! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

It’s that time of year once again. I’ve spent weeks going through all of the new releases of the past 12 months, and tonight I unveil what I have decided are the 40 best albums of 2024. What a great year! Just like the last few years, my initial list was right around 100 different albums. But I was also more organised than usual. I actually kept a spreadsheet this year of the releases that potentially could make an appearance. Just like Casey Kasem, here are the results in “countdown” order: To see the actual list of best albums, go to https://scotthudson.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-ledge-648-hudsons-best-of-2024.html

It has become an annual tradition for The Ledge to put together at least two hours of (mainly) brand new holiday music that does NOT suck. That’s the key word here. While most commercial Christmas music is banal, saccharine nonsense designed to annoy mall and fast food shoppers, every year sees a plethora of new rock and roll-based songs to get us through this pressurized time of the year. Sure, many of these tunes are full of humor and snark, but none of them can be called novelty songs. Yes, there’s also more than a few covers, but how can one not resist redoing the Ramones or Slade?  There’s also quite a few tracks from what I like to call “friends of the show”. Jeremy Porter once again has a new Christmas tune. Vista Blue has their usual monthly free EP. White Rose Motor Oil continues their year of classic covers, and Numb Surprise continues to…well, surprise us with spooky tunes that literally creep into my tiny brain. And yes, our pals at Rum Bar Records have their usual spot in the show with some heartfelt tracks. Head to http://scotthudson.blogspotcom for more info and setlists!

Part two of the December new release series also is noteworthy for being the final new release episode of the year! What a fantastic 12 months of tunes we’ve enjoyed, and this episode is a perfect exmple. There’s a ton of new tracks from our friends at Rum Bar Records, including the fabulous new album by Dirty Truckers’ leader Tom Baker. Justine & Me is inspired by Baker’s partner Justine Covault, who tragically passed away in the summer of 2023.   There’s also fabulous new tracks by veteran rockers such as Ike Reilly, Lucinda Williams, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and many others. There’s a handful of D.O.A. covers from a fantastic new tribute album, No Escape From What You Are. And, as always, there’s always some brand new bands getting their first airing on my show. Oh yeah, and there’s also a sampling of some classics from a number of reissues from The Green Pajamas, Talking Heads, and the long-awaited (I’m) Stranded box set by The Saints! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

It’s a testament to the quality of 2024 new music that even in December The Ledge’s monthly new release series is again a two-part extravaganza. Tonight’s part one features the usual new tunes by “friends” of the show, along with great punk, garage, indie, and Americana from artists both new and old.   For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Given that it’s Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it was high time to have a show consisiting of nothing but tracks from albums that I’ve been playing around the house. Yeah, not exactly a novel idea, but it’s a great soundtrack for a weekend of record shopping, partying, or even putting up the dreaded holiday decorations. (Ok, probably best for the partying category.) Sure, it’s nothing but old material but it’s not the type of old material you normally hear. There’s classic garage rock from 60s legends such as The Sonics and The Who. There’s edgy singer/songwriter tunes from Jesse Malin and Graham Parker. There’s a whole set devoted to highlights from the ill-fated Sex Pistols film, The Great Rock and Roll Swindle. Naturally, there’s all kinds of material from the much-lauded “Hudson Basement Excavation Project”.  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The special folder on my hard drive was full, so it was once again time to have a show devoted to cover songs. This time around there are fantastic remakes of songs by the likes of the Stones, Pink Floyd, Small Face, Pretty Things, The Cure, Joy Division, and tons of others. Most importantly, there’s a generous helping of Jesse Malin covers from the new triple album benefit album, Silver Patron Saints. Two years ago, Malin suffered a rare spinal stroke, and his friends gathered together for this wonderful set of Malin’s own tunes. It’s a rare tribute album that stands proudly with the original versions, and this is one of them. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Fall is the time for the record industry to unleash a torrent of reissues, box sets, live albums, and all kinds of other sorts of vault releases. Yes, it’s admittedly a bit of a chase for easy cash, but as a collector I love it. Give me that compilation of pre-Velvet Underground songs Lou Reed wrote as a songwriter for Pickwick Records. Give me those box sets versons of my favorite records featuring demos and live tracks. Give me straight ahead compilatons and live albums. Give me all of this stuff! If you are anything like me, you’ll love this overview of those sorts of releases. And yes, there is one track here that doesn’t really fit the format…yet it sort of does. I recently picked up Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain, the memoirs of J&MC brothers Jim and William Reid, and I was intrigued to find out that a few years after the band broke up they both helped out their sister, Linda, in a musical project called Sister Vanilla. Yes, you can certainly tell that she learned a lot from her big brothers. This needs to also be reissued!  For more info, including setlists, head to […]

So here we go with the second half of this month’s set of new tunes. This time around we have the usual set of fabulous releses from our friends at Rum Bar Records, along with the returns of old faves such as The Lemonheads, Julian Cope, Chesterfield Kings, and Japandroids. Plus some new (to me at least) bands such as The Deflators, Tuxedo Cats,  and The Zack Static Sect. And there’s also a set devoted to some favorite bands that are featured on the Cardinals At The Window charity comp! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Once again, the monthly new release episode is expanded to a two part extravaganza! This week’s show is split between “friends of the show” and long time veterans of the business. The “friends” sections include hometown heroes (Off Contact), a fellow Real Punk Radio personality (Intrusive Thoughts vocalist Greg “Rock ‘n’ Roll Manifesto” Lonesome), a couple of Big Stir Records new tunes, and quite a few email submissions. As for the “veterans”, it’s amazing how much material some of these artists have put out over the years. The new one by Australian singer/songwriter Paul Kelly is his 29th abum. The Fleshtones have probably put out an equal amount of material. Only Ones leader Peter Perrett is back with a new album, and the Pixies, The Effigies, Nick Piunti, and others have a lengthy discography. Plus, we have the monthly new freebies by Friends of Cesar Romero and Vista Blue!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The annual Halloween show is yet another Ledge tradition. Every year I gather up whatever new scary tunes have been released, and fill up whatever time is left with tracks I call “new to me”. Thanks to a plethora of subissions this year, I didn’t have to do a lot of searching. It’s great that so many artists, labels, and/or PR companies think that this show is a worthwhile outlet to get the word out about new releases! For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

If you follow me on the various social media platforms (paulisded) you’ve probably seen a variety of pictures with the tagline “The Hudson Basement Excavaton Project”. A little explanation is needed. Decades ago, my son needed a rack to store his records as he had followed in the old man’s footsteps and put together his own sizable library. As I did not at that point even own a turntable, my records were all boxed up and stored in the basement. A few years later, home renovatons meant that these boxes were joined by more boxes of CD’s, books, magazines, and other junk that needed to be moved out of the way of new carpet and paint. The original boxes of records were now buried. When I returned to vinyl a decade ago, I had a feeling that somewhere there just had to be a bunch of albums. I mean, come on. I would never sell or give away Replacements records, right? This feeling carried on whenever I saw a good stash of used records at local stores, or when a classic album was reissued. There just has to be records somehwere/anywhere! I would take tentative searches while doing laundry from […]

By now, most of you know the routine. The first episode of every month features nothing but new releases, and this month is no different. Wait, there is one major difference. Due to a scheduling conflict, there will not be a show next week so for the first time this year there is not a two part new release series.  So this month there is one super action-packed episode, full of the usual garage, punk, indie, post-punk, Americana, and whatever other category is out there. There are the usual veterans mixed with brand new acts. There are “friends” of the show, such as Jeremy Porter & The Tucos, who have a fabulous new album called Dynamite Alley. Of course, there’s also a set devoted to our buddies at Rum Bar Records, but there’s another blistering set devoted to new tunes from Slovenly Recordings!   For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The end of September also means it’s the end of the third quarter of the year, so tonight’s show celebrates the great music that has come out these last three months. There’s a little something for everyone tonight, from the melodic goth tones of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to savage garage punk from The Putz and Stiff Richards. There are veteran bands that have been around for 45-50 years (The Dictators, Nervous Eaters), along with a ton of new blood. There’s friends of the show (Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, Tamar Berk) next to a plethora of artists I wish were my friends. I also begin the festivities with a very personal story, and I would like to thank those that have reached out to offer me encouragement. It’s very appreciated and brings a smile to this old curmudgeon. For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Part two of this month’s new release series is highlighted by long-awaited returns by legendary veteran bands. The Dictators celebrate their 50th anniversary with their first album in 25 years. The Fastbacks are back after a 23 year hiatus. Peter Noone of 60’s pop idiols Herman’s Hermits is back with vocal contributions to a Buffalo Springfield-Rolling Stones hybrid cover created by The Weeklings. Other veteran artists with new tunes include Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Jon Spencer. There’s also a plethora of brand new tunes from our friends at Rum Bar Records, including the kickoff of a new monthly singles campaign by The Dogmatics. There’s hot new singles from Rum Bar regulars The Laissez Fairs, Cheap Cassettes, along with Junior Varsit, Joe Jennings MVP’s, and a Dogmatics side project called Hotbox. Besides all of those hot acts, there’s a ton of female voices heard on this episode. Cherrie Currie collaborates with the Dead Boys on a “believe it or not” cover of Taylor Swift. Lura Jane Grace is back with a wondefully angry new EP. There’s also new music by The Bell Rays, The Dahlmanns, Vicious Dreams, and many others! For more info, […]

As we have all year long, this month’s new release eisode is once again a two part series. This week’s first part features a ton of “friends of the show”. There’s the monthly tracks by White Rose Motor Oil, Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, and Numb Surprise. There’s new material byperennial Ledge favorites Dave Strong, The Beatersband, and The Trouble Seekers. And there’s a ton of power pop this week, including a trio of new releases from Big Stir Records. There’s also a sample of tracks from the 25th volume of the International Pop Overthrow series.  Amy Rigby’s wonderful new record, Hang In There With Me, is also featured, as is Lydia Loveless’ piano reworking of her classic Somewhere Else album, titled Something Else.  Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have over 500 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

1984 was a magical year for your favorite podcast host. It was my senior year of college, and I had worked my way up the ranks to be the music director of KAUR. This was the perfect gig for me, along with the record store job I had in my spare time. Of course, gigs like this would mean little if the music business was in a bad way. But it wasn’t. It was one of the greatest years ever for the sort of material I loved. College rock was more popular than ever. British pop had moved away from the “New Romantics” garbage, and guitars were once again popular. Australia was again pumping out energetic rock and roll. And here in America, there was a grass roots movement that saw the beginnings of what would eventually become Americana, along with two labels, SST and Twin/Tone, that were regularly releasing classic records. It’s a holiday weekend, so why not celebrate the material that changed my life 40 years ago? These are all records I loved then, and still love today! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have over 500 classic films […]

Last week’s look at my personal home plays was so much that I carried it on this week. Once again, there were almost 60 years of rock and roll represented, from The Troggs and Small Faces to my favorite record of 2023, Scratch ‘N’ Sniff by The Whiffs. Full sets showcased the musical and personal relationship between married songwriters Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric and the great reissue campaign of the vastly underrated Dead Moon. Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have over 500 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

If you follow me on the ol’ Instagram, you may have noticed that every Saturday night I post a collage of my Last.FM stats that, for the most part, highlights the vinyl I’ve played in my home over the past week.  So I figured why not put together a broadcast featuring songs from those very albums I’ve enjoyed over the past couple of months? Soon enough I had enough tracks for not one but two separate shows, so look for a sequel next week. This week’s show features almost 60 years of great rock and roll, from 60’s psych to 70s glam to late 70s punk, along with a couple of side trips to Americana and Minneapolis. This is certainly a glimpse into what fuels my existence on a daily basis! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 500 classic films from over 110 years of releases! 

The second part of the August new release series carries on right where last week’s part one left off. There’s still plenty of great rock, punk, power pop, postpunk, and many other genres of fantastic brand new tunes. There’s some fun stuff from our friends at Rum Bar Records. There’s the return of Hot Snakes/Rocket From the Crypt/Drive Like Jehu leader Swami John Reis. There’s tracks from a fantastic compilaton of Danish punk from the late 70’s. And there’s also the weirdness of Cleopatra Records’ new punk rock Rolling Stones tribute. Along with these releases are the usual mix of both veteran and brand new artists! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 500 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

We may be heading to the end of summer but it’s not the end of great music. Once again, the new release episode for this month has been expanded into a two part extravaganza. Tonight’s first part features a number of “friends of the show”, including monthly singles by White Rose Motor Oil and Rob Moss & Skin-Tight Skin. There Realpunkradio’s Greg Lonesome with his Intrusive Thoughts project, a teaser from Tamar Berk’s upcoming record, a couple of new tracks from Big Stir Records, and plenty of others that so graciously keep me on their mailing list!   Of course, that’s not all. We have the return of X with reportedly their final album. There’s the first new Kaisers album in 246 months! Jack White is also represented with his surprise new release that I’m not afraid to say is his best music since the demise of The White Stripes. Plus so much more! Along with these releases are the usual mix of punk, garage, power pop, and much more! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 500 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including […]

It’s that time again. The “Covers” folder on my laptop is full, so it’s time to turn those into a Ledge episode. But it’s not just new releases this time around. Oh sure, we’ve got new remakes by The Half-Cubes (Phil Seymour), Wyldlife (Tom Petty), The Loons (Pretty Things), and so much more. There are also sets devoted to new tribute records devoted to Jagger/Richards and Guided By Voices, along with a pair of tracks from a new covers album by The Raveonettes. Most importantly, I have another new verson of ‘Teenage Kicks”! This time it’s by the triumphant return of Lone Justice! I was also inspired by some old finds. A nice find in the used bin at the record store resulted in the Troggs cover by Buzzcocks. Watching a documentary on Tubi regarding the fabulous 90s power pop band Material Issue (Out of Time: The Material Issue Story) found me searching out a couple of fantastic rare remakes. Doing a deep dive on the super lengthy discography of South Dakota’s own Friends of Cesar Romero led to a discover of a Cheap Trick tribute spinoff called Chief Trick. All of these, and more, are represented on tonight’s show! […]

The second episode of this month’s new release series focuses heavily on single releases. I’m talking the traditional sort of single, with an a-side and b-side. Not the modern streaming-era lone song that doesn’t even necessarily promote an upcoming album. Nope, this week we have quite a few two (or more) track singles, and the majority of them are available on traditional 7″ vinyl. There’s a split single feauring two tracks from The Drolls and Gentlemen Rogues. There’s an all-covers “supergroup” that sees members of the U.K. Subs and The Dead Boys covering a trio of 60’s classics. There’s fabulous punky garage-rock from The Legendary Swagger. You also get to hear the first new tunes in four years from Wyldlife. And you also get a trio of releases from a fantastic label called I-94 Recordings. Their series of releases features a brand new A-side, along wiht a cover of a Detroit artist on the flip. This is a perfect format for fans of The Sleeveens, Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders,  and Norcos Y Horchata.  Along with these releases are the usual mix of punk, garage, power pop, and much more! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public […]

Earlier this week, fans of Minneapolis rock and roll were stunned by the news that former Zuzu’s Petals leader Laurie Lindeen had passed away on July 1 due to a brain aneurysm. Besdies that wonderful 90s band, Lindeen later published her memoirs, Petal Pusher: A Rock and Roll Cinderella Story, in 2008. Of course, we had to memoralize her passing with a few tracks from her band. Since it’s also the first Friday of the month, it’s also new release night, so the second half focuses primarily on “friends of the show”. There’s the monthly new tracks by White Rose Motor Oil, Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, and Moss’ other project, ROBOTOM, Ltd. There’s a trio of brand new tunes from our friends at Rum Bar Records, and towards the end of the show there are two cuts from records that are bound to do very well on my end of the year charts!  Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 300 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Besides the monthly new release episodes, another regular feature of this show is the “quarterly recap”, where I play tracks from the best albums released over the last three months. This month features a wide variety of rock, punk, power pop, Americana, and a few other sub-genres. Everybody should be able to find a new favorite record in this expanded episode. Before we get to the highlights of the quarter, though, I’ve got a tribute to arguably the greatest rock and roller my state has ever produced. Myron Lee, the leader of Myron Lee & The Caddies, passed away just days before his 83rd birthday. Along with airing a handful of his late 50s/early 60s hits, I come clean about the simple fact that for the longest time I was completely unaware of his true rockin’ sound. In fact, it was due to an appearance on another Real Punk Radio broadcast that I finally understood that rockabilly and punk fanatics have been collecting his singles for decades! RIP Myron! Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 300 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including […]

As today is the first day of summer, putting together a show of summer-related songs seemed like a natural plan. Utilizing primarily new(er) releases, accompanied by a handful of old faves or covers, you have over two hours of songs about not only the season but the sun, baseball, surfing, and other similar seasonal higlights. Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have close to 300 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The second episode of this month’s new release series picks up right where last week’s ended. Bracketed by two wonderful singles by Hayley and the Crushers, the two hour broadcast features almost a dozen tracks from our friends at Rum Bar Records, a handful of tunes from a great new tribute to Dischord Records, returns from veteran artists such as The Loons, Pat Todd & The Rankoutsiders, and Johnny Moped, and a ton of punk, power pop, and straight ahead rock and roll. Also, please head to YouTube and subscribe to our channel – Public Domain Classics 888. We have over 250 classic films from over 110 years of releases!  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

I don’t think anybody is surprised that once again the monthly new release episode is a two parter. That’s the way this excellent year in music has gone, and will hopefully carry on all the way through December. This week’s episode kicks off with a “friends of the show” series of tracks. There’s the latest in White Rose Motor Oil’s “pre-owned songs” series, along with the monthly releases of new tracks by Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin and Rob’s side project Robotom, LTD.  But there’s also the exciting news that fellow RealPunkRadio DJ Greg Lonesome, host of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Manifesto, has a new project called Intrusice Thoughts. As legendary blogger Lord Rutledge wrote on his Faster and Louder blog, “the band’s debut single ‘Daytime Drama’ is a ferocious shot of rockin’ old school punk with a very important message. Greg wrote the lyrics as a reflection of how he felt starting therapy…of course ‘Daytime Drama’ is a dark song, but it ends with a glimmer of hope.”  Along with these great tunes from our pals, there’s a set devoted to the fantastic Jem Records Celebrates Jagger & Richards, along with new music by Buffalo Tom, Memo PST, Ultrabomb, Micah Schnabel, […]

Anyone who has listened to recent episode of The Ledge has heard me wax (somewhat) poetically about Steven H. Gardner’s four-part series of Another Tuneless Racket – Punk and New Wave In The Seventies books. They are quite possibly the greatest documents of late 70’s punk and new wave music. Gardner is a master at combining strong (at times atypical) opinions with deep, deep research. Volume one of this series is subtitled “Origins”, and deals with artists that had their first records out by 1976. Tonight’s show includes one or two tracks by the 18 artists he profiles, along with snippets of his commentary on the bands and/or the individual tracks. Admittedly, most of these acts are no stranger to this show, but there are a handful of groups who I had to research to put this broadcast together. (Later volumes include a plethora of performers I had no knowledge of prior to reading about them, which for me is the greatest treat with books of this sort.) For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The May 7 death of musician/engineer/producer/ranconteur Steve Albini shocked music fans all over the world. What may have surprised fans even more is the discovery of just how much classic records he helped create in his four decade run. Besides famously successful records by superstars such as Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, and others, Albini worked with a wide range of artists, big and small. The discography is literally impossible to navigate, as his credits include over a thousand different sessions. So tonight’s look at Albini’s career is indeed not complete. Some of his most well-known projects aren’t included. Instead, this show tries to show that wide variety I already mentioned. There are singer/songwriter types that worked with on a number of records (Robbie Fulks, Magnolia Electric Co.), quite a few well-known acts that were looking for a different sound (Guided By Voices, Fleshtones), and some more recent bands that certinly benefitted from his wisdom (Cloud Nothings, Screaming Females). There’s also a set devoted to Albini’s own musical career, including a couple of tracks from a brand new Shellac album, To All Trains, that was posthumously released today (May 17).  For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

This month’s second part of the monthly new release series is bookended by a pair of…well, let’s be honest…pretty bizarre cover albums. The first set contains tracks from the “new” duets album by Glen Campbell. How can it be new when he’s been dead since 2017? Well, in 2011 he released an album, Ghost On the Canvas (his 61st!), that featured his versions of songs by artists you would never think he’d even acknowledge. For this new one, Glen Campbell Duets: Ghost on the Canvas Sessions, the producers have brought in other artists to add their vocals. I just couldn’t stomach the idea of Sting singing a Paul Westerberg song, so I went with a couple of different tracks. How did Exene and John Doe from X end up on “Any Trouble”? And does anyone really believe that country star Eric Church has even heard of Guided By Voices? It just doesn’t seem possibe. As if that’s not crazy enough, the last main set of the show features a handful of tracks from a new tribute album released by Cleopatra Records. Punk Floyd – A Tribute To Pink Floyd features exactly what the title says – punk bands covering tunes […]