Monthly Archives: May 2020

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 161 (2020-09) The Pandemic Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

Sad week in America. COVID-19 deaths are increasing, George Floyd’s senseless death, and violent protests against police brutality exposing a systemic failure of leadership and a nationwide culture of racism. All this is against a backdrop of civil unrest, looting and destruction in many cities across America demonstrating just how thin the line between good and evil is in this country. The politics of outrage will not be a satisfactory response to the wounds of racism ripped open this week and then poked at by the occupant of the White House. Regardless of your political affiliation, you should certainly be able to see the injustice perpetrated against Black America and institutionalized in the militarized police force against all persons of color. Certainly you should be able to recognize that George Floyd’s death was morally wrong. He was murdered by a police officer and three others watched and failed to intervene. Black lives do not matter to the police as currently constiuted in cities across the nation. The data is shocking and disturbing. Police violence is not isolated.

As this week’s George Floyd protests have spotlighted, police violence is endemic and it is multi-generational. NWA’s “Fuck tha Police” (August 9, 1988) was not the only song pointing out the obvious 32 years ago, the Dead Kennedys, eight years earlier than that identified the police as a criminal gang in “Police Truck” (May 1980). “Police Truck” was inspired by an incident in Los Angeles in the late 1970s in which two police officers performed illegal activities such as drinking on the job, beating up drunks, and raping prostitutes. A similar incident was documented recently in 2017. Obviously, I do not have the answers but I have to believe that answers do exist and are out there to be adopted. A recent report issued by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights entitled “Police Use of Force: An Examination of Modern Policing Practices” might be a good place to start.

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 161 seems a rather insignificant offering in light of the protests, but perhaps you can reflect, as I am, about what we can do to stop the violence. Perhaps it is something simple such as giving support to peaceful protestors who were arrested exercising their freedom of expression and rising up against wrongdoing, such as protesting the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery. You can contribute to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, Louisville Community Bail Fund, Columbus Freedom Fund, Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, and Los Angeles’ People’s City Council Freedom Fund.

Here is what you will find in Episode 161:

  1. Retirement Party – “Compensation” (Runaway Dog)
  2. The Detectors – “Opportunities To Grow” (Ideology)
  3. Duncan Reid and The Big Heads – “Your Future Ex-Wife” (Don’t Blame Yourself)
  4. Boat – “So Many Reasons Your Hair Turns Grey” (Tread Lightly)
  5. Ethyl Ether – “Cold Black Soul” (Chrome Neon Jesus)
  6. One Dollar Short – “Board Game” (Unforgotten Songs)
  7. 999 – “Statue” (Bish! Bash! Bosh!)
  8. All Time Low – “Bottle And A Beat” (Future Hearts B-Sides)
  9. Moses – “Basically” (Almost Everything Is Bullshit)
  10. Rocket Surgeon – “Lich King” (Flash Fiction)
  11. Melenas – “No Puedo Pensar” (Dias Raros)
  12. The Luka State – “[Insert Girls Name Here]” (Feel It)
  13. Public Practice – “Cities” (Gentle Grip)
  14. Stiff Little Fingers – “ A River Flowing” (Tinderbox)
  15. Answering Machine – “Bad Luck” (Bad Luck)

Judgment man on the bench again telling me what I’ve done wrong . . . what can you do if you feel that way so many reasons your hair turns gray…

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 160 (2020-08) The Pandemic Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

We are going to get to the music, but as tomorrow is Memorial Day in the United States, I have a few thoughts. As we observe Memorial Day amidst a pandemic that has killed, as I write these words, 100,000 Americans (THIS IS A REALLY BIG NUMBER) , I am reminded of the powerful words of General John Logan about the importance of this day and what it means as we honor the lives of those who sacrificed for a “free and undivided Republic”:

“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or the coming generations, that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided Republic. If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remains to us.” (General John Logan, General Order No. 11, May 5, 1868.)

As we are confronted with a new enemy the ravishes of which seeks to destroy all of mankind, perhaps on this day, as we remember our fallen heroes, we should, with sacred vigilance, we should also remember that we are all Americans and that we have a duty to not let the sacrifice of our heroes be wasted on trifles. It is not a day for golf. It is a day to again pick up arms and do what is necessary to protect what so many died for – died so that we all could be free.

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 160 is another terrific episode of new music with its usual genre jumping mix. Here is what you’ll find in Episode 160:

  1. Kidbug – “Lovesick” (Kidbug)
  2. Chemtrails – “Rats” (The Peculiar Smell Of The Inevitable)
  3. Western Addiction – “Frail Bray” (Frail Bay)
  4. Painkillers – “Invisible” (Storytellers)
  5. Emery – “Now What” (White Line Fever)
  6. Gerry Cinnamon – “Head In The Clouds” (The Bonny)
  7. Wyldlife – “Crime Of The Scene” (Year Of The Snake)
  8. Damn The Witch Siren – “Ghost In A Sheet” (White Magic)
  9. Fake Names – “Lost Cause” (Fake Names)
  10. Sky Valley Mistress – “You Got Nothin‘ (Faithless Rituals)
  11. I’m Glad It’s You – “Big Sound” (Every Sun, Every Moon)
  12. Call Me Malcolm – “What You Burn” (Me, Myself And Something Else)
  13. 1000mods – “Warped” (Youth Of Dissent)
  14. Angelic Upstarts – “I’m An Upstart” (Teenage Warning)
  15. Maita – “Can’t Blame A Kid” (Best Wishes)

We don’t need to be clever to learn your lies  we only have to listen, open up our eyes try to be honest, get kicked in the face . . . Believe and build your bonny gonna never know unless you try one life is a short time and no one knows where you go when you die . . .

KFR

 

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 159 (2020-07) The Pandemic Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

Episode 159 of Tales From the Drop Box is a no-frills affair. As will become evident to you at some point in the program this episode is just the usual assortment of awesome music packaged into about an hour. I do think you will find some ear-worms in this episode that will make their way into your soul.

Upon reflection, that is the simple goal for this program – to find some ear-worms – a song or two each episode that makes a connection with you in some manner. Simply put, finding music that alters your perspective about music, life, and where you fit in the world. Tales From the Drop Box is a form of mind control. Over the past couple of years, I have attempted to influence your musical tastes by subtly mixing tracks together that would not be found together in any contemporary musical program. Instead I have tried to use the music presented as communication with you. Music is immersive and if it makes you move or connects with you emotionally  – regardless of the way you characterize or organize that music in your mind –   then I have accomplished my goal for this program. Keep moving, make connections with others on an emotional level (keeping 6ft apart!) and good things will flow from those efforts. This is probably good advice for the pandemic – keep moving forward and things will flow.

Here is what you’ll find in Episode 159:

  1. Worriers – “End of the World” (You or Someone You Know)
  2. Blank Spaces – “My Heart Skips” (A Home Away From Home)
  3. Car Seat Headrest – “Hollywood” (Making a Door Less Open)
  4. Mr. T Experience – “More Than Toast” (MTX Forever)
  5. Wares – “Survival” (Survival)
  6. Boston Manor – “Playing God” (Glue)
  7. Kyle Forester – “Strange Vision” (Hearts in Garden)
  8. The Men – “Breeze” (Mercy)
  9. Man-eaters – “Baptized in Spit” (Gentle Ballads for the Simple Soul)
  10. Mando Diao – “One Last Fire (Acoustic)” (BANG (Acoustic Versions))
  11. Circa Waves – “Wasted On You” (Sad Happy)
  12. The Anxiety & Tyler Cole – “Poolside” (The Anxiety)
  13. Serious Fraud Office – “Uptown” (15 Pieces of Flair)
  14. The Partisans – “17 Years of Hell (Single Version)” (1981-84)
  15. Caveboy – “I Wonder” (Night in the Park, Kiss in the Dark)

Call off the dogs, I can see through the fog and I’ll kill ’cause I want to call off the dogs or I’ll keep playing God . . .Pushing me too hard can’t believe what they’re saying they try to make the wrong seem right pushing me too hard with the games they keep playing . . .

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 158 (2020-06) The Pandemic Episodes

Posted on by
Reply

Happy Mother’s Day! It is  a special day for many of us as we take time to appreciate the primary source of nurturing and love that also gave us life. This is not to say that fathers don’t provide nurturing love, they almost certainly do, but fortunately for most of us, moms are the endless fount of love. So, for all of you moms who have given their unwavering love, support and care for your child(ren) – enjoy your day. This episode is for the moms in my life and most importantly for my children’s mom, a special woman who has raised some intelligent, talented and loving children and who puts up with this overgrown child every single day! For those of you listening to this episode, why not share it with your mom…

Typical of this podcast, Episode 158 of Tales From the Drop Box is not a celebration of Mother’s Day. It is a little softer at the beginning but it slowly builds to that unpredictable chaotic diversity you’ve come to expect. So, as always rock the crap out of this one.

Here is what you’ll find in Episode 158:

  1. Charly Bliss – “Feed” (Supermoon)
  2. San Cisco – “Gone” (Flaws)
  3. Zuzu – “Get Off” (How It Feels)
  4. Violent Soho – “Lying On The Floor” (Everything is A-OK)
  5. The Amazons – “25” (Future Dust (Expanded Edition))
  6. The Big Moon – “Why” (Walking Like We Do)
  7. Miss Fortune – “No Hesitation” (Miss Fortune)
  8. Gaytheist – “The Dark Deep” (How Long Have I Been On Fire?)
  9. Flat Worms – “Plaster Casts” (Antarctica )
  10. Fire in the Radio – “Let’s Get to the Start” (Monuments)
  11. Fatal Blow – “Rich Man’s War” (Generals & Soldiers)
  12. The Cowboys – “The Human Puzzle” (Room of Clons)
  13. The Brotherhood & Co. – “The Devil You Know” (Simple As That)
  14. The Rats – “Can’t Stand Back” (In a Desperate Red)
  15. The Svetlanas – “Karma Soldier” (Disco Sucks)

I would feed the whole world I would feed the whole world if I could… I can’t live in my head / I gotta be outta my mind every time before bed . . .

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 157 (2020-05) The Pandemic Episodes

Posted on by
2

Hmmmm…..I am in an aggressive mood today so Episode 157 of Tales From the Drop Box is going to be far more up-tempo than the last couple of episodes of these pandemic versions of your favorite podcast. I’m telegraphing a few things in that last sentence. Yup, it is a punk rock episode! You should also note that I’ve also upped significantly the caloric content of this episode with a couple of extra tracks (okay – it’s 10 extra tracks) so you can enjoy these short songs longer.I also provided some YouTube links for those tracks that are available.

Hopefully all of you are staying as safe as you can, keeping others safe by physically distancing yourself from people in the wild, and doing your best to try to control the spread of COVID-19. I offer these wishes because in case it skipped your news feed – there is no cure yet, there is no treatment that reduces the lethalness of the virus, and real people are still dying – in large numbers. Consequently, if you are one of those who believe your individual freedoms are more important than the collective good and are willing to risk your life for your own reason, then please don’t freaking risk other people’s lives with your choices. Freedom is a choice (Devo?) but your individual actions may cause other individuals to die. By all means enjoy your personal freedom but don’t interfere with my right to be safe from exposure to a potentially deadly virus as I can’t predict what the outcome of your choice on my life will be.

On a separate note, I fully understand and agree that we must restart our local and national economies in order to prevent mass starvation and the very real consequences of a depression like economy. However,  re-opening the business community without clear and consistent guidelines based upon reasonable objective data and supported by adequate COVID-19 testing is just freakin’ madness.

Are governments truly willing to risk people’s lives by a lack of preparation and planning? In a number of places, the answer to this question is certainly yes. Please hold these murderers accountable in the next election.

Here is what you’ll find in Episode 157:

  1. Upset – “Over My Head” (Upset)
  2. Dave Smalley & The Bandoleros – “Punk Rock Battle Cry” (Ignited)
  3. The Brains – “Satana Tarantula” (Satana Tarantula)
  4. Burning Heads – Colors and Blood (feat. Anne Durand – Off Models)” (Under Their Influence)
  5. Remember Sports – “Tiny Planets” (Sunchokes (Deluxe Edition))
  6. D.O.A. – “Just Got Back From The U.S.A.” (Treason)
  7. The Shiverettes – “Abort” (Real Shrill Bitches)
  8. Aanthems – “Seen a Ghost” (Blood Fortune)
  9. The Suicide Machines – “Cheers To Ya” (Revolution Spring)
  10. Kills Birds – “Jesus Did” (Kills Birds)
  11. Four Year Strong – “Crazy Pills” (Brain Pain)
  12. Haggard Cat – “Pearl” (Common Sense Holiday)
  13. Starbenders – “Getting Harder” (Love Potions)
  14. Naked Six – “Sticky Gum” (Lost Art of Conversation)
  15. Everfresh – “Abandon Me” (Forever)
  16. Le Butcherettes – “Out For You” (Don’t Bleed)
  17. The Clinch – “Atoms” (Basecamp)
  18. Rotting Out – “Unforgiven” (Ronin)
  19. Hellfreaks – “Tabby” (God On The Run)
  20. SPC – “I Never Learned How Not To Love” (Socially Problematic Children)
  21. The Thirtysevens – “A Gaunt Perspective” (Play Your Cards Right!)
  22. The Subway Thugs – “Catch 22” ( The Good, The Bad & The Thugly: The Complete Collection)
  23. Friendly Fire – “Overgrown” (Terminalwanderlust)
  24. Joy Division – “The Kill (Pennine Sound Studios Oldham 18.07.77)” (Closer To The Unknown)
  25. Cayetana – “Dirty Laundry” (Nervous Like Me)

Someone tell me if I’m going crazy or if your rattling in my head is just another mind game that you’re playing… My brother’s life was over with a flash of light the gun was sure to have seen him comin’….

KFR