I haven’t done one of the episodes in a long while so I figured today is a new day and well … now is as good a time as ever, summer is nearly upon us and I’m feeling groovy and so Tales From The Drop Box Episode 78 marks the return of the all-female vocal episode. Perhaps a better reason as to why this is a good time for this type of episode? This episode is also a tribute to Rodney Bingenheimer aka Rodney on the ROQ, a DJ at KROQ in Los Angeles and the DJ who, for decades, championed numerous female rock bands (even Joan Jett) and whose last show is occurring as I write these notes (June 5) from midnight to 4 a.m. (they gave him an extra hour to retire).

After 41 years on the radio (all with Los Angeles’ shittiest by far radio station) Rodney is a legend. Sure he was also a freakin’ weirdo and sometimes creepy. He was not a smooth DJ (same as yours truly), but Rodney was unparalleled in his passion for new music. He was responsible for so many firsts in the exploration of new music, that any perceived “flaws,” should be forgiven, forgotten, and replaced with only the memory of what made his radio show truly great: he was passionate about the music he loved and wanted to share as much of it as he could with the world. Rodney’s passion for new music cannot be replaced and certainly won’t be replaced at KROQ. That fact alone makes his forced retirement truly is a shame. Why?  Simply Rodney was the best thing about KROQ as a radio station. KROQ largely lost its soul throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s when it decided that music no longer mattered. Without Rodney, KROQ is not even remotely relevant as a radio station.

As KROQ reduced Rodney’s airtime, moved his show, and generally treated him with the disrespect that it has treated other veterans (Lisa May, Doc) it should come as no surprise that KROQ management would eject the last of its DJ’s that actually played new challenging music. Not all of it was good, but who cares. Rodney was and remains a class act – taking the frequent insults and abuse without complaint and this final insult by an out of touch soulless corporate bore fest with grace. For Rodney it was always the music that mattered most.

So, Rodney, if you are reading these notes – Thank you for the four decades of of taking chances on all kinds of music and championing musical diversity!

Here is what you’ll find in Episode #78:

1. Audio Jane – “Atmosphere” (Naïve)
2. No Vacation – “Yam Yam” (Yam Yam)
3. The Franklys – “Castaway” (Are You Listening?)
4. The Primitives – “I’ll Trust The Wind” (New Thrills)
5. Adult Mom – “Full Screen” (Soft Spots)
6. Haircut – “No” (Demo)
7. Our Girl – “Sad Fuzz (Ty Segall Cover)” (Rough Trade Counter Culture 12’’ Vol. 1)
8. Tape Waves – “All I Can See” (Let You Go)
9. Tricot – “Yosoiko” (3)
10. Del Bel – “Only Breathing” (III)
11. Coathangers – “Down Down (Alternate Version)” (Parasite)
12. Dia Frampton – “Gold and Silver” (Bruises)
13. Charly Bliss – “DQ” (Guppy)
14. Priests – “USA (Incantations)” (Early Recordings)
15. Diet Cig – “Barf Day” (Swear I’m Good At This)

Just one birthday card sent to me I missed my own surprise party it’s me, I’m only twenty-one years old and now I’m drinking alone. . . Say it and forget it they got you cause you had it and I ain’t mad I’m feeling down down down down

KFR