A Randy Newman discussion podcast. Every week, Dan and a guest discuss two Randy Newman songs - one chosen by the guest, one chosen at random. Spin the WHEEL OF RANDY!
It's Year Four of Wheel of Randy, and we kick this season off with the one and only Gary Norris, Randy's archivist. Gary has a breadth and depth of knowledge that makes me feel like a noobie, but he's no snob by any means. We talk about his 50-year relationship with Randy; plus Cop Rock, Cats Don't Dance, the could-have-been Jimi Hendrix connection, and how Queen has made sure Gary's collection will never be complete. Spin it!
Well, the Wheel keeps spinning and it don't stop spinning. This episode we welcome composer and WoR fan Adam Conrad to the big show. Adam tries to cure Dan of his twin phobias of Improvisation and Music Theory. To Dan's delight, Adam goes into great detail about the left half of Randy's right hand. Then we discuss the Wright Brothers, Charlie's Angels, Mavis Staples, a whole lot of Nilsson, Vince Gill, and Bolero. And we even spend a few minutes on our actual song this week, the bittersweet "Losing You." Also, big announcement in this show. Thanks Adam!
At long last, the Pants Episode! OKC comic Caleb Collins takes a spin on the wheel as we anticipate his August 17 show with Chris Gethard. Caleb hosts my favorite open mic in Oklahoma, We're All Friends (which I mis-name about 7 times in this episode. We're All Friends. How hard is that to remember?) We talk about the challenges of enforcing a welcoming spirit at open mics, the overlap between comedy and art, and the best pizza in OKC. Then we talk Pants. Is Pants Randy Newman's masterpiece? Maybe not, but man, there's nothing like it. Pants turns into a discussion of Born Again, and Dan cites a critic who calls that album "A Testament to 70's Toxic Masculinity." See Caleb this Thursday night, or every Monday at Friendly's. Dammit I did it again.
Friend of the Show Cora from Berlin joins us this episode, as we tackle the enigmatic "Sigmund Freud's Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America". Cora knows a lot more about Einstein and Freud than me, and gives some important historical context, as well as the always-appreciated European's perspective on America. We discuss "The Tobacconist", Nilsson, Die Geschwister Pfister, Baseball, and the Conquest of Guam. As one does. Then Oklahoma's very reasonable Secretary of Education enters the discussion, and Dan has to add some sound effects. Cora is a brilliant guest, and I was glad to have her on. This is a good one, folks.
Author Greg Renoff joins us on the wheel - Greg is the author of Van Halen Rising, and Ted Templeman: A Platinum Producer's Life in Music. Eagle-eyed Randy fans will recognize Ted Templeman as the front man of Harper's Bizarre, the sunshine pop band that put out a bunch of Randy covers back in the day. Greg and I talk about Ted's career, as well as Sammy vs. David, Van Morrison, Lenny Waronker, Ry Cooder, Van Dyke Parks, Little Feat, Chunky Novi & Ernie, and lots of Randy. Greg gives us some tidbits I'd never heard before about a couple of Randy songs - in fact, these tidbits are down-right ungoogleable. Listen to find out, and impress your friends at your local pub's next Randy Newman Trivia Night. Thanks Greg, this one was a lot of fun. Thanks for listening everybody, and be sure to vote for TALL PERSON for best OKC Cover Band at okgazette.com.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2XHAC3eyDkIkm4HGRzCBsQ?si=R6vWi1kDRBCopBV9b7gDSg
Saddle up, youse guys. The Wheel welcomes nerdcore wunderkid Cowboy Coder to the show. We talk about his tutelage under MC Lars, the challenge of a genre-defying artist, and what Handel's Messiah and Despocito have in common. Cowboy Coder and Dan break down Masterman and Baby J, where Randy treads the minefield of 80's white novelty rap. But against all odds, we agree that he pulls it off. Thanks for spinning, CC, let's hope you're touring soon. (Stay tuned til the very end for a surprise). Today's songs: Masterman and Baby J https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygaA2TKOueU and Roll With the Punches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBoddSdyWe0
Hey! Da zop bon lonay! Hop ta deep da labba dop don lone! The WHEEL welcomes the one and only Scotty Morris from BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY. We talk Louie Prima, Keely Smith, Rockabilly, and a whole lot of Randy. What kept Dan out of the Swing Scene in the 90s? What was it like for Scotty to play with Stevie Wonder? And what does Scotty REALLY think of Brian Setzer? Then we break down the Randy song that Sinatra shot down, Lonely at the Top. Find out why Streisand passed on the song, and the not-so-scandalous reason Scotty changed one word on BBVD's version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wuiiqnlex0 Thanks Scotty! You're a champ. Locals: don't forget this Saturday night, Dan will be performing at Rodeo Cinema in fragrant Stockyard City. Grab your tickets whilst you can. https://www.ticketstorm.com/event/tallpersonatributetorandynewman/rodeotheaterstockyards/oklahomacity/27798/
Lucky you, listener. Because today you get to meet one of my favorite people, Suzette Chang - founder of Thick Descriptions, and the Educational Director of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Suzette and I talk about the... opportunities of living in Oklahoma, what's new at the Cowboy Museum, STEM in historically black communities, Toy Story, and the best bacon you've ever tasted. We break down Randy's 1968 lament to the open range, Cowboy. Is he just mourning the loss of the innocence of childhood, or the ever-changing nature of The West? Suzette's the best, and you need to get to know her better. Check out her website at www.thickdescriptions.org Don't forget Dan's concert on April 8 at Rodeo Cinema in Stockyards City - Tickets available at https://www.ticketstorm.com/event/tallpersonatributetorandynewman/rodeotheaterstockyards/oklahomacity/27798/
Happy 2023, Wheelies. We are joined by Kat Lock, whose new EP premieres this Friday. Locals, come check out her opening party Friday Night at the Blue Note. Kat brings her astrology expertise to profile Randy, and her results are uncannily accurate. Then we discuss the D*** G*** S***, They Just Got Married - Kat figures it out right away, the smarty. Then the Wheel gets sad, and Saint Etienne enters the discussion. Songs we discuss include: Forever Boy: https://youtu.be/_EUJphireJs They Just Got Married: https://youtu.be/meTsHu9tuuw Wandering Boy: https://youtu.be/I2s1WNagdA0 This Week's Cover --- Snow, by Saint Etienne https://youtu.be/J47mDIovJKY
We're closing out 2022 with a real treat. The legendary Tom Paxton joins Dan over the phone, and Dan is truly starstruck. We talk about Tom's favorite Randy songs, plus Woody Guthrie, Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Chad Mitchell, and a whole lot of Pete Seeger. Then friend-of-the-show Mary from Lansdale joins us for an after-show, where we talk Inside Llewyn Davis, and help separate fact from fiction regarding the NYC Folk Scene. Plus Dan makes fun of Suzanne Vega. If you don't know Tom's work, here's a primer for you: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0mzkM10DEn5LKhvMhbdPTK?si=PvsrkBP2R9-SiSkoG8zRwA See you next year, wheelies!
I'm thrilled to have Eban Schletter on the latest episode of the Wheel. Eban has worked on Mr. Show, SpongeBob, Another Period, and another example. More importantly, he composed my favorite Halloween album, Eban Schletter's Witching Hour. We talk about the challenges of scoring a movie, our mutual love of Ennio Morricone, and the challenges of breathing with a theremin. Eban brings to the show So Long Dad, off of Randy's eponymous album. Behind the son's cheery disposition, is there contempt for his old man? Or is this kid just really really good at setting boundaries? Plus Manfred Mann enters the chat.
Exactly how many Randy Newman podcasts are there out there? Not enough, I say! This week we welcome Tristan Miller, host of the Randy fancast "You Got a Friend in Me." Don't worry, we have a few things in common. Tristan helps me unveil the long-awaited results of our listener poll, and we announce the Top 10 Randy Songs of All Time. Tristan and I each have a song on this list we're not crazy about, and lots of surprises await. Plus, who got snubbed? Who got flubbed? And who is the weirdo who voted for Pants? Thanks Tristan, you're the best! Check out their podcasts: You Got a Friend in Me: https://anchor.fm/you-got-a-friend-in-me And Focus Testing: https://www.tristanjmiller.com/focus-testing
Make your voice heard! Wheel of Randy is conducting its inaugural LISTENER POLL. Answer the survey and pick your Top 5 Randy songs. Results will be revealed in about a week. Vote vote vote like your name was Pat Choate, as the old folks say. https://strawpoll.com/polls/kogjvpLA1g6
Jordannah Elizabeth is quite simply one of the sharpest, most refreshing voices in music journalism today. On this episode of the Wheel, she breaks down Randy's bleak tribute to urban decay, Baltimore. Jordannah brings layers to this song I'd never considered before --- the truth behind the marble stairs, why "not knowing why" is a privilege, the sheer audacity it took for a millionaire to write this song. But more than anything, we discuss Nina Simone. Not just because she covered (and greatly improved) Baltimore, but come on - Nina Simone, folks! Jordannah's latest book, She Raised Her Voice: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way Into Music History, is available at finer bookstores, at the Oklahoma City Library, or in my living room. Come drop by. LINKS --------- Randy's version of Baltimore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TvDge63Iy8 Nina's response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCgNQg9FCQ Jordannah's Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jordannah-elizabeth/she-raised-her-voice/9780762475148/
Chad Opitz, a gentleman among standups, graces us with his presence on this week's (month's?) Wheel of Randy. "When it's Father's Day," Leonard Cohen once wrote, "Everybody's wounded." An exaggeration, perhaps, but as luck would have it, our Father's Day episode covers Randy's most bitter diatribe against fathers, Old Man. Chad comes to this song with a kinder light than me, suggesting there may be some humanity being revealed by the singer. Listen and decide for yourself. Chad and I also discuss Neil Hamburger at length. Neil is the comedian I recommend whenever I realize I have too many friends. More episodes coming sporadically. Dan Wade is a busy busy boy. Thanks for spinning, Chad! Links for this episode: Chad's Pick: Old Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMdWKfOLCro The Wheel's Pick: You Can Leave Your Hat On https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C99ZPoKkGmg This Week's Cover: Edith Frost, Old Man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_hb4gtvrbM DAN'S VANITY LINKS Kim Basinger Dancing to Other Randy Newman Songs https://twitter.com/BasingerTo Not Spiral: Dan and Wampus' Thought Spiral Podcast Recap Podcast https://anchor.fm/dan-wade5/episodes/Rough-Draft-261-e1k0ua1
We welcome our very special guest Curtis Stigers. Luckily (?) for us, we caught Curtis with a case of Covid and some time to kill at home. We talk about his wild journey through the music biz, his fascination with Randy as a songwriter, and the appeal of going back home to Idaho. Curtis and Dan have EXTREMELY different perspectives on "Real Emotional Girl", and by the end, Curtis convinces me that we are both right. Then the Wheel gets re-spun until we land on what Curtis wanted. When you've gone platinum, you can re-spin too. Thank you so much, Curtis. I had a great time. And listener, so will you. Check out Curtis' latest album, "This Life" at your local Sam Goody.
Producer Danny Kapilian takes a spin this week. Danny is the kind of guy you hope you end up next to on an airplane --- he's got a million stories, and we manage to pack about half of them into a single hour. Danny talks about his ongoing tribute to Ralph Ellison, the ordeals of wrangling Randy onto his Harry Nilsson tribute album, and the Randy Newman - Peggy Lee connection that's easy to miss. And somehow we manage to cover Lauryn Hill, Debbie Harry, Joni Mitchell, Mingus, Terrace Martin, McCartney, Debbie Harry, Andy Kindler, and 20 other artists. Thanks Danny, you're truly a kindred spirit. A partial playlist of songs we discuss: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0hHTSctSBp806AgifzwZeq?si=X_ZlvyTbTUKLYV7SXHR2-w&utm_source=copy-link
The one and only Jesse Thorn (Maximum Fun, JJGO, Bullseye) takes a spin today! Jesse shares his thoughts on the little things (e.g., Rit Dye) that make Famous Folks' humanity shine through. And of course we talk about his celebrated interview with Randy himself a few years back. This is a situation akin to Married With Children's "Meet the Man Who Met Andy Griffith", and boy is Dan glad he didn't think of that reference while he had Jesse on the line. Jesse makes a compelling case for music inherently being not funny, but I'm sure yours is the exception, gentle listener. We bounce through a lot of songs - Simon Smith, My Life is Good....., before finally settling on God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind). Jesse's take on it is surprisingly optimistic. Then the WHEEL responds with a classic, and Dan drops some Morrissey on your butt. Today's songs: God's Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0TvfqmWf4M I Love L.A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgIuT4DfZAk Morrissey - Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp6NjeAXUXs And check out Jesse's Randy interview at https://maximumfun.org/episodes/bullseye-with-jesse-thorn/the-legendary-randy-newman/ Thanks Jesse, this was a real thrill.
Two guys who've never been to Miami talk about snow. Then they talk about Euphoria, a show neither of them has seen. Yes, the confidence of a white male podcaster can be yours! We're thrilled to welcome Patrick Bates-Brennan, our man in Portugal and a kindred spirit. We name-check nearly every song on Trouble in Paradise before getting around to Patrick's song, the much-maligned Miami. Dan gently alludes to his circus-folk ancestry, Patrick provides a fantastic cover, and we have an all-around good time. You will too. Why else would you be listening to a Randy Newman podcast, for heaven's sake? Check out Patrick's music at youngwriters.bandcamp.com, or say hi to him next time you're in greater Lisbon. Thanks Patrick, you're a champ!
A quick one. We start with a Randy song Dan doesn't like, and it somehow turns into.... a song Dan likes even less! Our advocate for Britney Spears, the one and only Meg Rad, comes on the WHEEL to talk about Easy Street, Randy's diss song against Britney Spears. Meg methodically and politely explains how Randy got so many things about Britney wrong. Then she gives us a crash course in the Britney trial, and the horrors of abuse in the Conservatorship movement. Then Dan SEAMLESSLY talks about... the Box Tops?? Thanks Meg! Check out her work at freebritney.army
Our listener from Boston checks in this week, as Ryan Walsh spins the wheel. Ryan wrote one of my favorite books of recent years, "Astral Weeks: A Secret History of 1968." Naturally we talk Van Morrison, but a certain psychedelic jug-band cult leader ends up dominating the conversation. Ryan brings in the mini-epic "My Country", and we discuss the impact of TV (good and bad) on the modern American family. Dan puts out the challenge to find the My Country Bank Commercial, and Ryan gives us a history of the cost of a pay-phone call in the U.S. It's more fun than I'm making it sound. Thanks Ryan!
Folks, this is what we call A GET. The one and only Andy Kindler takes a spin to kick off Season Three. Andy is your favorite comedian's favorite comedian, and it will only take a few minutes of listening for you to find out why. Andy serenades us with his signature tune, "Karen," gives a Dylan impression, and of course talks Randy. Specifically, we discuss the beautiful and hilarious "Wedding in Cherokee County". This week's songs: A Wedding in Cherokee County (Remastered) - YouTube William Brown - YouTube LOOK ANDY! I MADE SHOW NOTES!
Christmas time is here by golly, lack of podcasts would be folly. Chez Wheel, Christmas means the return of Jon Solomon's 25-hour holiday marathon, so we present a classic WHEEL OF RANDY episode, where Jon discusses Davy The Fat Boy. This episode begins with an update from Jon, where we reminisce about the 2020 marathon, and Jon drops some hints about this year's show. The WHEEL continues to be on break, but look for some BIG SURPRISES in 2022.
This week we welcome Henry Tydeman, one half of my new favorite band, Barbara. Henry schools me on the music scene in Brighton, as well as a brief history of Music Hall. Henry brings to the show the enigmatic Jolly Coppers on Parade, and we discuss the trope of the friendly policeman. Has Randy finally given us a sweet, sincere song? Maaaaaybe. Songs we discuss on this episode: Barbara - These New Communications (Lyric Video) - YouTube Henry's pick: Jolly Coppers on Parade - YouTube "Jolly Coppers on Parade" sung by Charles Penrose C 1937 - YouTube The Laughing Policeman - Charles Jolly / Penrose - YouTube The WHEEL's pick: Little Criminals - YouTube This week's cover: Jolly Coppers on Parade (Live) - YouTube - Dolores Diaz & The Standby Club. Thanks Henry! Everyone check out Barbara or I'll sue you for $10,000.
We welcome writer/producer/recovering music journalist David Wild to take a spin. David shares stories about his interviews with Randy, grabbing Trevor Noah at the last minute for the Grammys, and Tom Hanks' advice to his fiancee. We break down Randy's tearjerker "Living Without You", name another song covered by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Barbara Streisand, AND Manfred Mann; I dare ya. Then a spin on the WHEEL leads to a healthy discussion on toxic masculinity. Thanks David! This episode is a treat, folks.
A lo-res treat for you this week --- Live from Chateau Mermaid in scenic Ontario, Ron Sexsmith was kind enough to grant me a phone interview, so this episode is a little shorter and more free-form than the rigid content you normally expect from Wheel LLC. Ron and I talk about his latest album, the uncertain prospect of touring, and his small contribution to Randy's "Bad Love" album. Ron brings a sad one --- will the sad Randy songs never end? --- with "Lost Without You". Then Dan puts his finger on the Wheel until it lands on "I Don't Want To Hear It." This episode is just like my dog - short, fuzzy, and delightful. Thanks so much Ron!
We've got genuine Famous Person Ruben Bolling (Tom The Dancing Bug) on the show today. Epic! But our host still sounds like Hillbilly Billy, of the Hills. Brutal! Ruben talks about his long strange career in alt-comics, how his early career prepared him for his current subscriber-based business model, and the pitfalls of the Pulitzer Committee. Then we explore Randy's tribute to Marital Mirth, "Take Me Back" and Ruben has a revelation so startling it almost ends the show. Then the Wheel keeps up the 1980's theme with My Little Buttercup, and Dan finds a weird cover. This is a great episode. Uncle Cappy says you better listen to this one, you little twerps.
Mary Jones (AKA Mary from Lansdale) joins us for a rip-roaring episode. Prepare for your roar to get ripped, folks. Mary is not only a top-tier caller to The Best Show, she also is a regular contributor to the WPRB Holiday Marathon (via her band Deth Elf). Plus she is now in the podcast biz with Mary vs. The Movies. Mary brings us "It's Money that I Love," with a character that transitions from 70s idealism to cocaine and teenage girls. Then the Wheel gives us Randy's answer to Marx, "The World Isn't Fair." This episode has everything. Garrison Keillor. Snaildartha. Willie Nelson. Randy making David Letterman extremely uncomfortable. Joe Namath. Tom Scharpling making fun of Dan's voice. Donald Trump. Gene Simmons. And more Andy Kindler than you can shake a stick at. This episode is a W, folks. Thanks Mary!
Pedal Steel veteran Nathan Guilford (Buddy South, Modulated Spiral Groove) takes a spin, luck listener. Nathan and Dan talk about the history and evolution of the steel guitar, from Hawaii to Rusty Young to Robert Randolph. Nathan and Dan break down Randy's breakout hit, Mama Told Me Not to Come. Starting with the Animals, the song passes through Ry Cooder, Three Dog Night, and then some very surprising (some would say disturbing) covers. Then we spin the Wheel and both try to say something nice about the love theme to "Overboard." Thanks Nathan! Keep of rockin. And coutryin.
Pastures of Plenty await! With only a month until the Woody Guthrie Fest in scenic Okfuskee County, Oklahoma, the WHEEL is devoting the next few episodes to performers at this year's festival. This week we have Jonny Burke, who plays Friday night. Jonny and I talk about how New Braunfels has changed since the old days, the perils of playing honky tonks at 15, surviving a bad case of the Rona, and racist dogs. Jonny discusses Birmingham off of Good Old Boys, and Dan tries hard to fulfill his Rednecks pledge. Then the WHEEL gives us an insurance jingle, and this week's cover gets weirder and weirder. Woodyfest is July 14 - 18, and there's a chance it will be under 110 degrees this year.
Quarantine literally means 40 days, but here we are, 41 episodes later, and still chilling at home. Lyndi Macke joins the WHEEL this week, fresh off her victorious appearance on THE PRAISEDOWN. We talk about her podcast HELLO OUT THERE, the perils of getting married during a pandemic, her family's Spanish Flu folk remedies, and one of Dan's favorite topics --- Henry Birdseye Trivia! Lyndi discusses Randy's newest release, the pandemic anthem "Stay Away," and we compare it to that Imagine Video. Then the WHEEL gives us "Cowboy," and this week's cover is, well, let's just say Dan pulls the plug two minutes in. Wheel of Randy - just a clove between your cheek and gum.
The WHEEL humbly welcomes Connor Ratliff (The George Lucas Talk Show, Orange is the New Black, Mrs. Maisel, Search Party, Kimmy Schmidt). Connor talks about the intricacies of Lucas fans, getting his stuff out of UCB during quarantine, and the weird appeal of Randy to the comedian community. TICKLE ME? TICKLE ME???? Dan tends to hide under a veil of cynicism when looking at the Randylogue, but Connor breaks him out of his shell and pleads his case that "Tickle Me" is a sincere, sweet love song. Will Dan surrender to a moment of vulnerability? Or will this be just like with The Girls in My Life a few weeks ago? Then the WHEEL gives us some Faust, and we finish with an Alan Price cover. The radio plays nothing but news, but Connor gives us a very entertaining podcast. Thanks Connor!
Musician Kyle Reid (The Low Swingin' Chariots) joins us this week, talking about creeping back into live music, and what it was like being the #2 Tom Waits impersonator in a town of 80,000. Kyle brings to the show "Texas Girl...", and we break it down more than you'll break down when you hear this song for the first time. Then the WHEEL gives us a song that Kyle likes a whoooooole lot more than Dan, and then for This Week's Cover Dan pulls the rare mid-song veto. Thanks for spinning Kyle! Mq0p1ibNT8sfnntJQpuG
Randy mega-fan Peter Toutant joins us today, and boy oh boy are you in for a treat. Who doesn't love a good mystery? There's no Randy song more mysterious than William Brown - 52 words, just under two minutes, his only song with a narrator; and a song where, in all interviews Peter and I can find, Randy insists nothing happens? Peter gives a theory that is so complex, so thoroughly researched, and so intuitive that I think he's cracked the code. There is such a joy in breaking down a vague lyric; I'm so glad Peter thinks so too. Then the WHEEL gives us some terrible romantic advice, and Peter gives me a truly fantastic cover.
To kick off April, we decided to share an episode of our sister podcast, Wheel of Zappa. In WoZ episode 40, host Alex Sanchez brings on beloved local celebrity Dan Wade to discuss "Dancing Fool."
Look sharp, folks. We have an actual, one-degree-of-separation Randy guest today. David Piltch has played bass for the greats (Ramblin' Jack Elliott, k.d. lang, Holly Cole, Blood Sweat & Tears, and many many more). More germane to this show, he is the bassist on Randy's 2017 album "Dark Matter." He talks about accompanying Randy at the Hollywood Bowl, why a bassist is like an engineer, and why B. Fiddle isn't getting the frequent flyer miles that it used to. David comes on to talk "Sonny Boy," Randy's fictional account of the two Sonny Boy Williamsons. Then we take a break and I bring on James Johnson, known to our KGOU listeners as Hard Luck. As Oklahoma's premier blues historian, James separates the fact from the fiction on Sonny Boy. Then we come back to David, spin the wheel, and talk shop. Guys, this episode is a keeper.
Roll down the window, put down the top, and crank up your favorite Randy Newman Podcast. Wheel of Randy is back with the always-funny Abbi Crutchfield. Abbi talks about the Brooklyn standup scene, her new series on Hulu, raising a COVID toddler, and the Indianapolis pizza scene. Then we talk I LOVE L.A., and try to distinguish between Abbi's genuine childhood memories and what she saw on TV. Plus Dan says something nice about Billy Joel?Thanks for coming on, Abbi. Everybody follow her right now - @curlycomedy
Roll down the window, put down the top, and crank up your favorite Randy Newman Podcast. Wheel of Randy is back with the always-funny Abbi Crutchfield. Abbi talks about the Brooklyn standup scene, her new series on Hulu, raising a COVID toddler, and the Indianapolis pizza scene. Then we talk I LOVE L.A., and try to distinguish between Abbi's genuine childhood memories and what she saw on TV. Plus Dan says something nice about Billy Joel? Thanks for coming on, Abbi. Everybody follow her right now - @curlycomedy
Live from the Randy Newman surfing-themed amusement park (under construction), we have Australia's favorite Randy Fan, Max Easton. Max and I talk about Australian politics, climate change communication, and his delightful podcast Barely Human. Max could have brought a hit to discuss, but he went deep and brought out the delphic Laughing Boy. Then the WHEEL decides that wasn't enough of a curveball. Thanks for spinning, Max!
Tune up the banjo, patch up the accordion, and get free oil changes for life. Lucas Ross (KFOR, KAUT, American Banjo Museum) joins us to talk about the latest in banjo news, the perils of being THAT GUY ON TEEVEE, and Muppets Muppets Muppets!!! Lucas and I then talk about that Tin-Pan-Alley classic, Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear. Then the WHEEL takes us to the Bay of Pigs. Thanks to Lucas for coming - you're a champ. This episode was (unfortunately) filmed before a live studio audience, a mistake we will not make again.
Friend of the WHEEL Michael Pelusi joins us this week to talk about the criminally underrated "Let's Burn Down the Cornfield". Michael and I talk Ry Cooder, Etta James, Nolan Porter, Elton John, and a Belgian Rockabilly band that both of us feel gross just saying aloud. Then we get a double-spin of the WHEEL, cause Michael is twice as nice as the average guest. Boin on, y'all.
Ford! Chevy! FORD! CHEVY! No, you're not back in the high school cafeteria, it's the beef between Randy and John Mellencamp. Pat Stubbs, the Mad Saxer himself, joins us to discuss Randy's working man's rally, "Piece of the Pie." We discuss crazy Uber customers, local marihuana ordinances, and the theology of poverty. Then Dan plays old commercials (AGAAAAAIN) to give "Piece" some much needed context. Then the WHEEL gives us a treat, and Elvis gives us a cover. Thanks Pat, you're the best!
Singer / Praisedowner / All-Around Great Guy Randy Heyer (Chat Pile, Randy Rulz) joins us this week to talk about Randy's anthem to fathers doing the bare minimum, Memo To My Son. Dan hijacks the episode to make it about his pet project, deceptive 1980's commercials, but Randy's a good sport about the whole thing. Then Randy makes a CLASSIC WHEEL BLUNDER by saying what he hopes the wheel DOESN'T land on, and wouldn't you know it..... Thanks Randy! Come back anytime.
Where you been lately? There's a new kid in town. If by town you mean Northwest Arkansas, that is. BradChad Porter is one of the funniest guys out there, and we're tickled pink that he joined us to talk about his new adventures in the Land of Opportunity, including the challenges of running a comedy club during the PLAGUE.For his Randy pick, BradChad gets historicable on us and brings in The Great Nations of Europe. We talk about colonialism, the wise changes to the song over the years, and the virture of learning new things in your 50s.Then the WHEEL picks Song for the Dead, and, well, at least it's not Goodnight Saigon.
Y'all ready to get weird? We welcome Jarvix, the custodian of MAKE OKLAHOMA WEIRDER, performing artist, and all-around cool dude. We talk about the hip-hop scene in rural Oklahoma, challenges for performers in COVID, and what drives artists in an age where "Everything is Free."Jarvix throws some culture at me, and we review the soundtrack to Seabiscuit - including Dan mixing up James Horner and Hans Zimmer.. Then the wheel gets lazy, and we somehow end with the Doobie Brothers?
Holly Wade Matter joins the show today, as we talk about her new book "Damned Pretty Things", now available from Aqueduct Press and your local bookseller. Holly talks about the post-punk scene in Seattle, the perils of growing up with such a devilishly handsome younger brother, and how creative persistence pays off.Then we tune in to 70's AM radio for a breakdown of Short People, Randy's one-hit-wonder. There was never such a devoted sister - thanks for spinning Holly!
Holly Wade Matter joins the show today, as we talk about her new book "Damned Pretty Things", now available from Aqueduct Press and your local bookseller. Holly talks about the post-punk scene in Seattle, the perils of growing up with such a devilishly handsome younger brother, and how creative persistence pays off.Then we tune in to 70's AM radio for a breakdown of Short People, Randy's one-hit-wonder. There was never such a devoted sister - thanks for spinning Holly!
Holly Wade Matter joins the show today, as we talk about her new book "Damned Pretty Things", now available from Aqueduct Press and your local bookseller. Holly talks about the post-punk scene in Seattle, the perils of growing up with such a devilishly handsome younger brother, and how creative persistence pays off.Then we tune in to 70's AM radio for a breakdown of Short People, Randy's one-hit-wonder. There was never such a devoted sister - thanks for spinning Holly!
A sleep trance, A dream dance, A shared podcast: Synchronicity. We kick off Season Two of Wheel of Randy with a podcast partnership. Mike McVey from"Nobody's a Nobody" spins the wheel, while simultaneously I appear on his show! Which one to listen to first? Oh dear listener, some choices I can't make for you.Mike's a great guy, and we talk about high school bullying, the Toastmasters circuit, and his philosophy of success.You'll notice that at one point Mike (correctly) says Stevie Ray Vaughan is from Dallas, and I immediately lose all remaining Austin priveleges by not correcting him.Mike and I talk about Burn On, Randy's love song (?) to Cleveland. Mike has a much more optimistic take on the song from me, which you will no doubt find refreshing.Then we spin the wheel and...... well you gotta listen to find out!Thanks for coming back to WHEEL OF RANDY - I hope it's worth the wait. Lots of surprises for Year Two.
FOTs, rejoice! The Best Show may still be on hiatus, but you can now once again hear the dulcet tones of Dave from Knoxville. Dave and I talk about his extensive music collection, including his prodigious Spotify playlists. Dave reveals his personal connection to Knoxville's legendary World's Fair, I share my distaste for STEM programs, and we discuss whether or not the term "osculating plane" is scandalous. Dave also (I noticed in editing) refrained from correcting me when I mispronounced "Knoxville" 800 times.Dave brings to the show the heartless ballad "I Want You to Hurt Like I Do", and we spend twenty minutes aghast that such a wicked song could exist.Then Dave spins the WHEEL (with his own sound effects!) and we land on..... well, something else from that same record.Thanks Dave! You, rock AND rule, without an ounce of rot.
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