Tag Archives: music

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 134 (2019-01)

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So it has been a month since the last episode of Tales From The Drop Box was posted. I think the break was just long enough to be enjoyable and definitely long enough to re-charge my batteries for the upcoming year. In short, I am glad to be back! I am truly excited about the prospects for music in 2019 as there are a number of new releases that preorders have just gone up including new albums by Teenage Bottlerocket, Pup, Tame Impala, Lemonheads and finally last week a hint of a new King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard release shortly. We were truly spoiled by their 5LPs released in 2017.

What was missing from last year’s episodes that I didn’t get to play for you? Well, I’m glad you asked! Before we get to this year’s new music releases, this episode is a look back in order to pick up a few tracks from the end of last year that you might have missed. Tales From The Drop Box Episode 134 is as usual filled with a pretty broad spectrum of music encompassing some folk, pop, indie rock, punk rock. The true surprise however is this episode’s throwback track which is from The Kids, who are a European first wave punk rock act that never made any impact in America. That said, for most listeners this will be your introduction to a terrific rock act that are still playing hook filled punk rock for 40 years. Honestly, they are a band that should not be forgotten and if you missed them you can run right out (or stay home and download) and buy their reissued back catalog.

Finally, this episode is also dedicated to the memory of Teresa Ryan, better known as Lorna Doom, the bass player of the Germs who passed away last week. I only caught the Germs live once (I think in 1979) but the memory of that performance is indelibly etched in my memory.  That show was sloppy, funny, and chaotic. Simply, magical. Lorna was an important figure in Los Angles punk rock and a role model for many who followed her in the early L.A. scene. Her contributions to the scene were never truly given their due but hopefully history will be kind and recognize her important role is the growing punk pantheon as well as her contributions to the legendary Germs.

Here is what you’ll find in Episode #134:

  1. Wargirl – “How You Feel” (Wargirl)
  2. Bad Nostalgia – “Patricia” (Silent Through The Fall)
  3. Welshy Arms – “Wild” (No Place Is Home)
  4. Smokescreens – “Falling Down” (Used To Yesterday)
  5. Spirit Animal – “BST FRNDS” (Born Yesterday)
  6. Blood On Wheels – “Don’t Wanna” (Blood Money)
  7. Civic – “Pleasure” (Those Who No EP)
  8. Boygenius – “Bite The Hand” (Boygenius EP)
  9. Kælan Mikla– “Skuggadans” (Nótt eftir nótt)
  10. Choke The Pope – “Fuck You” (Who Cares?)
  11. C.I.A. – “Pleasure Seeker” (C.I.A.)
  12. Big Bliss – “Constants” (At Middle Distance)
  13. Sports Bar – “Is It Strange? (Stranger In My Mind)
  14. The Kids – “The City Is Dead” (Naughty Kids)
  15. Sister Sparrow – “Ghost” (Gold)

I can’t hear you, you’re too far away I can’t see you, the light is in my face I can’t touch you, I wouldn’t if I could . . . Lights out on this endless sunny day (You trippin’, you trippin’, you trippin’) Plastic queens and palm trees on parade . . .

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 132 (2018-31)

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Tales From The Drop Box Episode 132 returns this week with a punk-pop flavored episode. Normally, I would inform you of my perspective on developments in the real world. This week, I am in a bit of a holding pattern as what we are learning about the Mueller investigation into Trump and his cronies starts to get very interesting. I’m hoping the full report drops in time for Christmas as a gift to America. Like both music and life – timing is everything and I’ll bet Mueller’s timing will be impeccable.

A passing of note – Pete Shelley, the leader of The Buzzcocks died last week at age 63. For regular followers of this podcast, you know that The Buzzcocks were the most influential band of my youth and their music changed my life. How much? Listen here: Tales From The Drop Box Episode 69 – The Buzzcocks . RIP Pete.

As for musical timing, this episode is about one hour long and filled with mega hit songs – at least to me.

Have a terrific week!

Here is what you’ll find in Episode #132:

  1. Arctic Flowers – “In Silence” (Straight To The Hunter)
  2. Weathers – “Problems” (Kids In The Night)
  3. Trust Fund – “Carson McCullers” (Bringing The Backline)
  4. Belmont – “Write Me Off” (Belmont)
  5. Lucero – “For The Lonely Ones” (Among The Ghosts)
  6. The Wombats – “Black Flamingo” (Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life)
  7. The Illustrator – “Settle The Score” (This One’s For You)
  8. Spring King – “Ready For War” (A Better Life)
  9. Happy – “Fishtank” (Cult Classic)
  10. The Pretty Littles – “Overtime” (Skeleton Run)
  11. Guster – “Look Alive” (Look Alive)
  12. Astro Mutt – Yr Song” (Escape From Earth)
  13. With Confidence – “Dopamine” (Love And Loathing)
  14. The Raincoats – “The Void” (The Raincoats)
  15. Alien Boy – “Somewhere Without Me” (Sleeping Lessons)

When I looked at the streets and when they looked at me – the void, when I’m trying to think . . . The sun came up the world began to shake fault lines exposing all my own mistakes

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 131 (2018-30)

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I am slightly conflicted about the passing of former President George Bush (aka Bush I) this week and how he should be remembered. While I am clearly not in the group that is rushing to canonize the man for a well lived life, I am also not a harsh critic. Being President is a difficult job. It is also unfair to compare him to the current occupant of that office as this would raise Bush I to sainthood as the current holder is easily the low bar when held against almost any honest person. Bush I appears to have lived a much better life out of the public eye. Not infallible, but certainly not evil. I see him as a complex fully realized person who was blessed to possess the spark of humanity. So, as he is laid to rest this week, I prefer to think of the good and reflect on those elements of his life he lived in in public service. Perhaps, much like his own letter to Clinton left on the desk in the oval office for Clinton to read, at this point I’m simply rooting hard for him.

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 131 is unrelated to the transition from living to dead. It is just a joyful diverse creative exploration of some new music that I like and hope you will as well. After all, sharing is caring!

Here is what you’ll find in Episode #131:

  1. Bad Bad Hats – “Makes Me Nervous” (Lightning Round)
  2. Matthew Melton – “Neon Light” (Night Life)
  3. Saturday Night – “Fish In the Pond” (Saturday Night)
  4. Hugh Cornwell – “Pure Evel” (Monster)
  5. Drunk Mums – “Phantom Limb” (Urban Cowboy)
  6. Bauhaus – “Bite My Hip” (The Bela Session)
  7. The Marked Men – “She Won’t Know” (On The Other Side)
  8. Brandt – “Vice” (What!)
  9. Papaya Fuzz – “Funeral” (Funeral EP)
  10. The Meringues – “The Lottery” (The Meringues)
  11. The Gullibles – “Do You Like Heavy Metal?” (Do You Like Heavy Metal? EP)
  12. Mayday Parade – “Piece Of Your Heart” (Sunnyland)
  13. The Greeting Committee – “17” (This Is It)
  14. Hoodoo Gurus – “Come Anytime” (Magnum Cum Louder)
  15. Georgi Kay – “Guilty Pleasures” (Where I Go To Disappear)

What is it you want from me? There isn´t much I will not do. If it´s only company, you know, I might need that too. . . . Move my way, yeah, nice and slow find my foot, well it’s over kinda low…

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 130 (2018-29)

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This episode is a bit of an odd duck. I was scanning a bunch of tunes I had saved up for future episodes of Tales From The Drop Box after enjoying a fine thanksgiving day with my family.  After listening to several catchy tunes in a row, I just cobbled together this episode from that playlist. Tales From The Drop Box Episode 130 is a slightly mellow affair, but perhaps it was the big meal.

This episode will also help you remain calm while you digest the full 4th National Climate Assessment Report. Truly a distressing read but at least your feet will be tapping.

My takeaway after reading the full report is that climate change is real. But you already knew that. What you also know as a fact and the report confirms that unless very aggressive action is taken to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions that life is going to change for all of us. One of those changes is that on a global basis humans are going to suffer. Many will die from famine, disease and catastrophic weather events.

Another takeaway garnered from the response to the report by Trump is that we need to eliminate impediments to change. i.e. eliminate the noise created by climate change deniers that prevent action directed to reduce the impact of these events. We also need to stop fake presidents.

Here is what you’ll find in Episode #130:

  1. Watoo Watoo – “Les Regards Hostile” (Modern Express)
  2. Can’t Swim – “My Queen” (This Too Won’t Pass)
  3. Therapie Taxi – “Zarba” (Hit Sale Xtra Cheese)
  4. Tomorrows Tulips – “Certain Frantic Quality” (Harnessed To Flesh)
  5. The Littlest Viking – “Deathdrop For Jesus” (Feelings & Stuff)
  6. Color TV – “Pale & Vicious” (Color TV)
  7. Workin’ Man Noise Unit – “Turn It Off” (It’s Not Nothin’)
  8. Harlan T. Bobo – “Spiders” (A History Of Violence)
  9. Gold Star – “This Is The Year” (Uppers & Downers)
  10. Night Shop – “I Was Alone” (In The Break)
  11. Hippo Campus – “Anxious” (Bambi)
  12. Middle Class Rut – “Swimmin’ outta L.A.” (Strangler Days)
  13. We Hate You Please Die – “Minimal Function” (Kids Are Lo-Fi)
  14. Radio Birdman – “I-94” (The Essential Radio Birdman 1974-1978)
  15. Escondido – “Bullet” (Warning Bells)

Je cherche le cerveau dans mon chemin et dans ma fête c’est la tête je fous plus rien mon dieu, mon dieu là c’est demain réalité la nier, ça m’f’rait du bien . . . I could say it right now but it’s not the time I see those friendly faces but they only make me anxious . . .

 

KFR

Tales From The Drop Box Episode 129 (2018-28)

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A return to (almost) regular programming – Tales From The Drop Box. Episode 129 is a return to the regular mix of stuff that I believe makes this show enjoyable to a diverse listening audience. As this is Thanksgiving Week, I would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I have much to be truly thankful for in my life and a not insignificant part of what I am thankful for is the time I have to produce and put out these shows. These shows are, admittedly, an outlet for my passion which is new music.  Of course, I am also thankful that you download and listen to these episodes and your supportive feedback. So my wish for you this week is for you to experience only happiness and joy.  That is, discover the good in your life, avoid negativity that seems to be omnipresent, and experience only joy in your life. Let your positive thoughts and actions be your guide forward through these somewhat dark times. Again, a happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your families! Peace. Here is what you’ll find in Episode #129:
  1. The Ting Tings – “A&E” (The Black Light)
  2. It Looks Sad – “Bike” (Sky Lake)
  3. Together Pangea – “Hi-Fi Television” (Non-Stop Paranoia EP)
  4. The Glands – “Tom Robertson” (Double Coda)
  5. Laura Jane Grace – “Apocalypse Now (& Later)” (Bought To Rot)
  6. Plastic People – “Riding High On Acid” (Visions)
  7. Horror My Friend – “Rattled Bones” (Home Life)
  8. Bad Sports – “Constant Stimulation” (Constant Stimulation)
  9. La Dispute – “Said The King To The River” (Somewhere At The Bottom Of The River Between Vega and Altair)
  10. Super American – “Date (You Got Blisters)” (Tequila Sunrise)
  11. Late Night Episode – “Lay Off” (Lay Off)
  12. The Men – “Hated” (Hated: 2008-2011)
  13. The Senton Bombs – “Who We Are” (Outsiders)
  14. Discharge – “Protest and Survive” (Hear Nothing Say Nothing)
  15. EUT – “Sour Times” (Fool For The Vibes)
The savage mutilation of the human race is set on course protest and survive . . . and how we’ve trembled at the way that time assembles little fires of desire in the tundra of our skin so, do yourself a little favor savor every time you waver . . . KFR