Vacation Episode!

Just because I'm out of town, doesn't mean I can't deliver quality radio. Ob-soive:

Episode 076: Happy Holidays, Part I, Part II, & Part III
(Featuring a variety of songs about vacationing, recorded while on vacation.)

Playlist & Footnotes.

This one is a podcast-only episode for the time being. Consider it my gift to you!

As I'm often prone to do, I also edited an incomplete Retrocast, one of my faves from 2007 that had the beginning cut off. Thanks to the tools of modern editing software, I was able to reconstruct it for your benefit. Enjoy!

Retrocast of "A Work Show" (11 April, 2007) Part I, Part II, & Part III
(Featuring some experimental and jazz music from a selection of new records that I was enjoying back in the day.)

Playlist & Footnotes

These took a little longer than I expected to put together, but it was a labor of love, and I'm glad I got it up.

You can expect at least one more podcast-only feature before my vacation is up, but there won't be a new live episode for two more weeks. Until then, enjoy!

Part IV

First, the bad news: Blasphuphmus Radio will be in re-runs for the next two weeks, as I take a little R & R in the Seattle area. Now, The Good News: Ricardo Wang will be covering the show to bring you two solid weeks of two-hour shows, full of the usual What's This Called? quality material. (Hi, Lennon!)

And now, even more good news, as I provide for you (a few days late) a total of five links to radio shows you must hear! Ob-soive:

Episode 075: A Family Affair, Part IV
(Featuring music selected by Buck & Karly Rich, with help from Kyle via the phone.)

Playlist & Footnotes

Some of you may have already noticed that four other shows already appeared in the RSS feed for Blasphuphmus Radio Retrocasts. While that was, with hindsight, a lousy way to keep a secret, I figured it would still be worth the effort to plug them here now that I've cleaned up the meta-data, and found all the proper links. Here goes:

First, we go back to 2005 for a rare treat, that sheds a little light on a current KPSU institution, Roxy's Ego Hour:

Roxy Epoxie Picks The Hits (10 May, 2005)
(Featuring Roxy's first KPSU appearance, and a DJ set where we match records and talk about the new suspiciously-absent Epoxies record.)

Playlist & Footnotes

Then, two weeks later, I managed to land another rock star in the KPSU studios:

Lana Rebel Picks The Hits (24 May, 2005)
(Featuring a DJ set by Lana Rebel, where we talk shop and plug upcoming shows.)

Playlist & Footnotes

Then we move to the end of 2006, with a DJ set that I'm particularly proud of:

Rock 'N' F'n Roll? (22 November, 2006)
(Featuring a spastic and psychedelic selection of tunes that I happened to be grooving to at that time.)

Playlist & Footnotes

And lastly, I bring you a very rare radio treat: as part of the preparation for the first Nuggets Tribute show in 2007 at Slabtown (itself an effort to help raise money for ? of The Mysterians, after his home was burned down in a terrible fire), Luke Strahota (one of the organizers) and Eric Gregory (of The Crack City Rockers) helped arrange with incredible radio event:

The Sugarlumps, Crack City Rockers, and an interview with ?, LIVE! (9 May, 2007)
(Featuring performances by The Sugarlumps, Crack City Rockers, and an interview with ? of The Mysterians!)

Playlist & Footnotes

In the case of the first two shows, it was a real honor to meet both Roxy and Lana, and as I've gotten to know Roxy over the years, she has become a really amazing person to know, and a real treasure to Portland. Lana is such an incredible person that to this day she remembers me when I see her at shows and partys, and it is her warmth and friendliness that makes her such a perfect person. Of the last show: knowing Eric Gregory (now of The Welfare State) has been rewarding, and while I don't see him often, I enjoy his perspective, his wit, and his warmth. All that, and getting to be on the phone with ?. I've had some really great times at this station. Fuck yeah.

Keep your eyes peeled for some possible podcast-only shows in the next couple weeks. Until then...

Measurements

The gap by which the distance between myself and my friends is measured uses increments like, "Children," "Weddings," "Long-Term Partners," "Careers," "Buying A House," and, "So, has anyone here read the new Mike Mignola Comic?"

The Greatest Album Cover Ever Made

Hard And Shiney

This week's show is best listened to by angry teens, drunk adults, during a backyard BBQ, or in a dank and disgusting bar. Ob-soive:

Episode 074: METAL
(Featuring an hour of stoner, sludge, doom, proto, and just plain old Metal.)

Playlist & Footnotes

This show reminds me of when I was in High School. Across the street was an empty lot with a single tree in it, and all the stoners and metalheads would congregate there because it was off of School Grounds, so they could smoke and pick up on each other. I remember constantly being drawn to those kids, thinking they were really cool, wondering what it must be like to hang out with them. Good times.

I also came in a couple hours early today, and featured a pair of retrocasts from years gone by. Ob-soive:

An Hour Of Nuggets (27 September, 2005)
(Featuring rock music from the '60's and '70's, mostly culled from the Nuggets Compilations, a record dedicated to proto-punk bands.)

Playlist & Footnotes.

Around this time period (2005) I had just discovered the Nuggets comps, where were a real eye-opener for me. I went through months and months of doing only Nuggets shows, doing research, ordering CDs, going to the library, etc. Every time I listen to a show from this era, I'm instantly transported to that year, with all the good (and bad) connected to it.

A Math-ternoon of Rock (30 May, 2006)
(Featuring a selection of tunes in the Math, Punk, and Rock genres)

Playlist & Footnotes.

Less than a year later, I was going through a HUGE math-rock phase, and was getting regular care packages from Buck Rothy (ex-Danava drummer, who was working at KPSU at the time). In the end it conspired to put some pretty strange records in my hands, and I always jumped at the chance to feature everything at the same time. The results were often like this: strange, intense, and wonderful. This is one of the better shows I did during this era.

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From the, "Wait, there's actual news?" Dept.:

As some of you may have noticed, there is a new link under the "radio" section to the right. Now, available primarily as a podcast, we are featuring Blasphuphmus Radio Retrocasts. Our archives now go back to 1998, and there is a literal cornucopia of musical selections begging to be heard again. As often as possible, we will feature a Retrocast from these archives, presenting shows as they were originally heard through the modern technology that is RSS feeds. Ain't the Inter-Web-A-Tron amazing?

While these shows will be primarily available as a podcast, these will also be occasionally featured live, on KPSU. However, given that these will not always happen, or will be at random (and often confusing) times, your best bet will be to use the podcast feed. It's quick, it's easy, and it allows you to relax and listen to the show at your leisure. What more could you ask for?

These shows may come sporadically, so don't be surprised if they are updated more or less often that the usual weekly show. When we include a new installment of a recurring feature, most often the previous episodes will be available as a Retrocast. You get the idea.

* * * * * *

That does it for us this week. See ya in seven.

Devolutionary Tactics

Devo - Something For Everybody
Warner Bros. Records. 2010.

Devolution is a painful process for many bands, often slipping into a period of releasing a series of bad records before descending into self-parody and, yikes, Greatest Hits Tours. It happens to the best of them, and in many cases, the successes of the past aren’t even enough to make up for the sins of today. Starting out great is often the worst career move a band can make, with the full knowledge that it only gets worse from then on out.

Fortunately for Devo, this isn’t a problem. Self-Parody was part of the initial concept. While little should be said of their last two albums – in some ways, unforgivable even by Devo standards – they were the evidence cited by most everyone that it was the end of their all-too brief career. However, their recent adoption of Greatest Hits Tours (complete with critiques of the conceits and conventions of Greatest Hits Tours) worked perfectly for their particular brand of musical repartee, and the occasional new song surfaced for compilation albums and other assorted appearances. However, even this fan was not expecting this, an entirely new album of songs that – what’s this? – are not that bad? Say what?

Leave it to Devo to surprise me yet again. Not only is this album 88% Focus Group Approved (assumedly a reference to the fan voting system they had on the clubdevo.com website), but the songs are catchy. The guitars are prominent, and the synths are dancey and appropriate. Rather than embrace the pop conventions of now (the knife that slit the throats of Smooth Noodle Maps and Total Devo), they stick to what they’re good at historically, which is off-kilter social commentary, strange New Wave ballads, and an affinity for strange costumes and pseudo-narratives for the players in the story of Devo.

While I cannot say that this will ever enter into the realm of being my favorite Devo album, my initial fears were entirely dissipated after hearing “Later Is Now,” “Don’t Shoot (I’m A Man),” and even “Mind Games.” There are a few low moments, as can be expected. “No Place Like Home,” sort of plods and drones, getting lost when it tries to be profound, and the lyrics aren’t as sharp as the rest of the record. (While leading a track with a strong piano part might seem like a good idea, it just doesn’t translate on headphones.) And some of the other lyrics dance around in that area that seems poignant at first, but loose their punch after a couple listens.

Still, if that is the worst this album offers, then it is definitely a return to form for these lovely Akron weirdoes. The fact I want to listen to it a few times in a row is an excellent sign that things are improving for these devolutionary heroes, and that alone makes me excited. A change of clothing can sometimes set a new tone for someone who has been stuck in a rut, and the new jumpsuits and masks are a sure sign that things are changing for the better. Not that they were in any danger of loosing this fan, but if future efforts are this good, I’ll even take back some of the things I said about the two “mistakes” in my record collection.

Deal?

Live From An Actual 4th of July BBQ.

A special retrocast for a special holiday. Ob-soive:

Live From An Actual 4th of July BBQ (from 2007):
Part I
Part II
Part III

Playlist Link

Enjoy!

This One's For My Polybag Brothas In The House, Yo

Comics: they're not just for goateed goofballs and big budget Hollywood blockbusters anymore. Ob-soive:

Episode 073: Who Was That Masked Man?
(Featuring all music and songs discussing the nature of Heroes and Villains)

Playlist & Footnotes.

Things are getting hectic 'round the Blasphuphmus Radio offices as summer is not in full effect. I will do my best to make sure that you don't miss anything as the weeks progress, but watch this space for updates and information as we 2010 continues in spite of everything.

See ya in seven.

KPSU vs. KBPS Link Roundup

There has been a lot going on with our recent problems with our ex-parent station, KBPS. At this point, what's done is done. If they are willing to toss away the money we gave them, then so be it. We have moved on, and we're working on the future of KPSU in this digital age.

For those who are interested in following the story, the Mercury ran a print story today. There has also been a number of websites that have listed and mentioned our dilemma. I wouldn't dwell on it much, as it won't get us anywhere. It is clear we will not be able to return to KBPS, and in truth, I don't think anyone wants to. We're more concerned about the future.

So, if you're curious, here are some links you might want to check out. If you feel strongly about this issue, make your voice heard. If you feel REALLY strongly about it, come on down and volunteer at KPSU. We always need the help.

Mercury Print Story
Bill Cooper Responds To The Mercury Story
Willamette Week Local Cut Story
Daily Vanguard Story

Keep listening.