1393: Concert Tales From Kevin Porter
Community member Kevin Porter sent in three concert tales a while back (and we use that term loosely) and today we share them with you.  Joan Baez, Sharon Van Etten and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are featured in this delightful trio of stories.  Hit play for a cool trip down memory lane.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, includi...
14m Jun 27, 2022
14m
1392: Suburban Party Line: Phish and The Replacements
To round out the week, we cleaned up all the remaining calls on the Suburban Party Line to get it all set for June new music messages.  Kevin Bartlett dials up to tells about an epic four-night concert run featuring Phish and Superchunk. Jimmy Lonetti phones in from the glove shop to talk about something he heard on a classic Replacements song.  Hit play and get with the Party Line People! S...
15m Jun 24, 2022
15m
1391: Musical Journeys with Kevin and Katie Bartlett
Today, Jim and Patrick talk with patron Kevin Bartlett and his daughter about their musical journeys. Which are both literal and musical.  But enough explaining, hit play and get into their story!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com...
34m Jun 23, 2022
34m
1390: What Was First: Bearsville Records
We celebrate Bearsville Records and Todd Rundgren's birthday in today's edition of What Was First. Bearsville was born in 1969 and Todd turns 73 today.  Hit play and live the American Dream!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Plea...
15m Jun 22, 2022
15m
1389: New Music Bonus Blast!
We start off the week by taking care of some outstanding new music business. Namely, calls from Harris King and Adam Coop that fell through the cracks in May and April, respectively.  We also ask you to give your thoughts on the new music format ideas we've tried out in the last two months and remind you that the deadline for June new music is coming up.  Hit play and get take care of your ne...
16m Jun 21, 2022
16m
1388: What Was First: ZTT Records
We close out the week with a new edition of What Was First focusing on groundbreaking electro-pop label ZTT Records. Listener Kjell Arne Sandvik suggested this label and it makes for a very interesting episode. This bite-size history lesson involves Trevor Horn, The Art of Noise and pioneering use of the Fairlight synthesizer.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or othe...
18m Jun 17, 2022
18m
1387: Fan Mail: Boston Spaceships, Touch & Go Records
More listener correspondence today! We hear from Chris from Oakland about a band related to Boston Spaceships and Vasant Ramamurthy chimes in with some memories related to Touch & Go Records.  Plus, Jim tells us about a concert he recently saw.    Hit play and get listening, listener! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Sp...
24m Jun 16, 2022
24m
1386: Fan Mail: Instrumental Madness
We crack open the correspondence bag and pull out some reactions to Episode 1345, (https://www.suburbspod.com/2022/04/15/episode-1345-instrumentals-with-bill-bangles-go-gos-nick-lowe-the-police-van-halen/) in which Bill Mulligan dropped by Patrick's basement to discuss instrumental tracks from bands that usually feature vocals.  Steven Routledge and Justin Steiner chime in and Jim has a tale t...
19m Jun 15, 2022
19m
1385: May New Music Mini-Blast Part 3
Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we’re back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We’re trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  Today we're serving up part three, featuring two picks from two members of the comm...
11m Jun 14, 2022
11m
1384: May New Music Mini-Blast, Part 2
Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we’re back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We’re trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  Here's part two, featuring Liam McIndoe, Barret Ries and Kurt Gallagher. They chose...
11m Jun 13, 2022
11m
1383: May New Music: Mini-Blast Part 1
Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we're back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We're trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick with cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  To kick things off, here's part one, featuring Steve Routledge, Roger Grace an...
16m Jun 10, 2022
16m
1382: Betty Davis, Part Two
Here is the second part of a great pair of episodes (if we do say so ourselves) on visionary American funk artist Betty Davis.  Part two finds patron and pal Bob Peterson discussing the later half of Betty's career, her fallout with Island Records and eventual retreat from music.  If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to that and then hit play on this one. Thanks very much Bob...
21m Jun 09, 2022
21m
1381: Patron Episode: Betty Davis, Part One
No, not that Bette Davis.  Today's episode is the first of a two-part Patron chat with Bob Peterson, who tells the story of Betty Davis, funk singer, fashion designer and visionary spirit.  Bob joins Jim and Patrick from his home in Wisconsin and in today's part one, he relates the tale of Betty's start in the music business (including a brief marriage to Miles Davis) and the recording of her...
29m Jun 08, 2022
29m
1380: What Was First: Sarah Records
On today's episode, we dive into another edition of What Was First, this time exploring the first release on what a recent documentary says was "possibly the most indie of all indie labels." That would be Sarah Records, the Bristol, England based label that still turns fans into obsessives — even though they ceased to exist more than 25 years ago.  Hit play and get ready for some pure UK indi...
15m Jun 07, 2022
15m
1379: What Was First: Island Records
The week begins with an episode of What Was First! Today, we take a suggestion from some guy named Jim Lenahan to investigate the first release on Island Records.  One of the most influential labels of all time, the Island story goes back 63 years to the island of Jamaica. So hit play and travel back to 1959 where Lance Haywood and his group are playing at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay. ...
14m Jun 06, 2022
14m
1378: What Was First: Triple X Records
We wrap up with week with a "bite-size history lesson" AKA an episode of What Was First.  Today's episode is on Triple X Records, a topic suggested by Rob Gates. There is plenty to learn in this episode, including stuff about Jane's Addiction, the Ramones, Dr. Dre and of course, Rhino 39. Hit play and get learning, peoples!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other ...
12m Jun 03, 2022
12m
1377: Book Nook: I Want My MTV
Jim takes over the Book Nook today and reports on a volume he read on a recent vacation: I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution. Get his take on this oral history-style book, with details on controversial videos, hard partying executives and humoring David Lee Roth.  Hit play and get your MTV! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podca...
30m Jun 02, 2022
30m
1376: The Echo Park Jimmy Universe
We kick off a new month with a series of messages from an old friend, Echo Park Jimmy AKA EPJ.  We always eventually get around to our messages and while this one is from a few months back, it's packed with thrills, spills and slap bass! Hit play and head to Echo Park, like, right now. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, ...
31m Jun 01, 2022
31m
1375: What Was First: Murderecords
The last day of May takes us to another episode of What Was First, where we explore the first release record labels.  Today, a suggestion from listener Damon Wood sends us to Canada, where we find out what was the first release on Murderecords, a label founded and run by the members of the band Sloan.  Hit play and get ready for a taste of something minty.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs o...
17m May 31, 2022
17m
1374: Patron Episode: Eric Lohrenz and music from 2002
We wrap up the week with a patron episode featuring our good friend Eric Lohrenz. He focuses on the year 2002, picking out two albums and two songs for discussion: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead -  Source Tags & Codes Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights Longwave -  "Everywhere You Turn"  Bats & Mice -   "Worst Comes to Worst"  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podca...
30m May 27, 2022
30m
1373: Happy Birthday Stevie Nicks!
We're still recovering from yesterday's epic April New Music Mega Blast, so here's a short recovery episode.  Roses are red  Violets are blue Happy birthday Stevie Nicks!  And check out all the episodes we've done on Fleetwood Mac, too!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher...
7m May 26, 2022
7m
1372: April New Music Mega Blast!
They said it couldn't be done. They said it would be foolish to try. They called it flying too close to the sun.  Did we listen? Heck no.  Here is the first-ever, one-of-a-kind, super spectacular April New Music Mega Blast!  That's right, every new music submission we got for April 2022 rolled up into one amazing mix.  If you have the courage to hit play, you will hear from... (deep breath)....
1hr 13m May 25, 2022
1hr 13m
1371: What Was First: Flying Nun Records
You knew it had to happen soon or later. Here's the story of the first release on New Zealand's Flying Nun label, which we may have talked about a little bit on this podcast in the past. Thanks to a pair of Nicks and one Liam for this suggestion. Hit play and get ready to dance on the head of a pin. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, includi...
15m May 24, 2022
15m
1370: What Was First: SST Records
We wrap the week with the story of the first release on one of the most iconic indie labels of all time, California's SST Records.  We fly the flag for a raging slab of punk rock that came roaring out of Hermosa Beach and blazed a trail for countless non-conformists to follow.  Hit play and dive into the pit.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platfor...
19m May 20, 2022
19m
1369: What Was First: Bloodshot Records
We are back on the What Was First bus today, with an episode suggested by some weird guy from the suburbia, a Mr. Jim Lenahan.  We travel back in time to Chicago in the year 1994 to hear the story of the very first release on Bloodshot Records.  Hit play and get ready to live a life of sin.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audio...
18m May 19, 2022
18m
1368: Dylan & Hoffman II
Tim Hoffman leads the second part of our discussion of Bob Dylan's albums from the controversial 1976 -1981 era.  The bottom line?  "Shot of Love" is a very key Dylan album.  Hit play to hear us gush.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPo...
34m May 18, 2022
34m
1367: Dylan & Hoffman Part One
Tim Hoffman takes us on the Bob Dylan journey we all needed to open our minds.  Believer or non-believer, the music wins out in the end.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it...
36m May 17, 2022
36m
1366: What Was First: Factory Records
We had so much fun with What Was First last week that we just had to do one more!  Thanks to listener Nick Optus who wrote in to suggest we investigate the first release on the legendary Factory Records. There is a twist to the "first release" tale on this episode you won't want to miss, dear listener.  And oh yeah, the music. You'll hear from Joy Division, Durutti Column, John Dowie and Caba...
23m May 16, 2022
23m
1365: What Was First: Alternative Tentacles
We wrap up What Was First week with a suggestion from our friend and community member Mike Kohli. Reminding us that "there is always room for Jello" Mike suggests we investigate what was first on Alternative Tentacles Records.  We head out to the west coast of California to look for Jello Biafra, East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride and Ted, circa 1979.  Hit play and we'll tell you what we learned.  ...
16m May 13, 2022
16m
1364: What Was First: Jagjaguwar Records
Our What Was First series stops in Charlottesville, Virginia today to pick up the story of Jagjaguwar Records.  Along the way, Dungeons and Dragons, Tokyo Rose and Bloomington, Indiana will feature. The first release is by The Curious Digit and yeah, we hadn't heard it either.  Hit play and enter the world of Darius Van Arman. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or othe...
18m May 12, 2022
18m
1363: What Was First: Merge Records
Our series What Was First continues today with a trip down North Carolina way to learn about the first release on Merge Records.  Listener Mark Neese wrote in to suggest this one and it turns out that the first release on Merge is not a 7", 12" or a compact disc. No, it's a cassette!  Yes, the band Bricks — one of many early bands to feature Mac McCaughan — and their tape "Winterspring" was w...
22m May 11, 2022
22m
1362: What Was First: Rhino Records
An email from beautiful Cornucopia, Wisconsin leads us to investigate the first release on Rhino Records.  The story will take us back to Westwood, California and touch on buying records at flea markets, Hassle the Salesman Day and even include a number one single.  But the tale begins with a Los Angeles outsider/street musician named Lawrence Wayne "Wild Man" Fischer.  Hit play and take you...
15m May 10, 2022
15m
1361: What Was First: Creation Records
Welcome to a week of What Was First episodes! We got a pile of suggestions for this series, so we decided to dive right in.   We begin with a suggestion from Steven Routledge, who thought the first release on Creation Records would make a good episode and we think he's right!   So kick your week off right by hitting play and learning about Alan McGee, Everett True and The Legend! Subscribe to ...
15m May 09, 2022
15m
1360: What Was First: Twin/Tone Records
It's another edition of What Was First to close out the week! Based on listener suggestions, Patrick takes a peek into the historical record to locate the first release on influential Minneapolis label Twin/Tone Records. In a nice bit of symmetry, the first record on the label was a release by The Suburbs! A nine-song, 7" EP titled simply "The Suburbs." Hit play and head back to 1978 for a b...
16m May 06, 2022
16m
1359: Book Nook: The Real Story of the Clash
Today we turn the tables as Jim opens up the Book Nook to give his take on a volume he recently finished: Passion Is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash by Pat Gilbert. It's a volume rich in detail on the band's formation and early days, filled with quotes from many, many of those who were around the band. And as you know, Jim is a bit of a Clash fan so you definitely want to hear this epis...
33m May 05, 2022
33m
1358: Fan Mail: The Kinks, Record Guides, Frank Ocean
We open up the neglected Suburbs Pod Mailroom for some responses to episodes on The Kinks (Episodes 1324-1326), Record Guides (Episode 1342) and Frank Ocean (Episode 1343). Thanks to everyone who got in touch and shared thoughts! We love feedback. It just takes us a while to get to it! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, S...
24m May 04, 2022
24m
1357: What Was First: Slash Records
It's two-fer Tuesday as we deliver a second straight edition of the "bite-size history lesson" series What Was First, which explores the first release on iconic record labels. Today, on a second-straight suggestion from listener David Leedy, Patrick takes a look at the first record released on Slash Records, a highly influential label born out of the Los Angeles punk boom. The label, which ev...
15m May 03, 2022
15m
1356: What Was First: I.R.S. Records
It's another edition of the "bite-size history lesson" series What Was First, where we explore the first release on iconic record labels. Today, on a suggestion from listener David Leedy, Patrick takes a look at the first record released on the I.R.S. label: the album "Singles Going Steady" by the Buzzcocks. Hit play and learn (and rock)! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iT...
17m May 02, 2022
17m
1355: March New Music: Shooter Jennings & Yelawolf, Arcade Fire, HAIM, Sharon Van Etten
Friday is here and we bring the curtain down on another glorious week of new music picks. Jason Goebel surprises the heck out of us with one of his choices, while Scot Isom gives us some sweet symmetry with his closing picks: What begins in Scotland ends with Scot. Hit play and let the weekend begin. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, includ...
24m Apr 29, 2022
24m
1354: March New Music: Fortune Child, Ceramic Animal, Bodega
It's Thursday and the new music picks just keep on coming. Today, Sunny Varney and Kevin Porter are in your ears — and so are some great-sounding electric guitars. We start off by heading to Jacksonville, Florida, make a stop in Doylestown, PA and finish up in Brooklyn. Let's Rock! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spoti...
18m Apr 28, 2022
18m
1353: March New Music: Dream Widow, Father John Misty, Scott Hardware
We clear the decks for Adam Coop and Urb Fernandez to do their new music thing. Tracks from Dream Widow, Scott Hardware and Father John Misty have caught their ear. And we take a moment to hope that Taylor Hawkins is resting in power. Hit play and let your ears be filled with all things that are good. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, inclu...
20m Apr 27, 2022
20m
1352: March New Music: Beachheads, Jesper Lindell, Tropical F*ck Storm/King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Bakers Eddy, Sam Jr.
On the second day of March New Music, the listeners spoke and Niklas Nygårds, Liam McIndoe and Charlie Mack proclaimed that new songs were good. Those songs were from Beachheads, Jesper Lindell, Tropical F*ck Storm/King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Bakers Eddy, Sam Jr. Hit play and hear the gospel truth, listeners. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast ...
27m Apr 26, 2022
27m
1351: March New Music: Ian Noe, Pure Reason Revolution, Fatherson, Mondo Cozmo
Hey Happy Monday y'all it's New Music Week. We're shaking down March 2022 and Steven Routledge, Roger Grace and Gerald Chyzenski have the inside info. Hit play and find a favorite song. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com (http://sub...
28m Apr 25, 2022
28m
1350: What Was First: Touch & Go Records
Tough & Go is a classic midwestern label, known for its roots in the early hardcore scene, and one that would evolve into one of America's most influential indie labels. Touch & Go Records evolved from a fanzine of the same name started in 1979 by Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson, two punk rock fans from East Lansing, Michigan. In 1981, they put out their first record, a 7" EP by a band from Maumee...
17m Apr 22, 2022
17m
1349: What Was First: Stiff Records
Patrick delivers a bite-size history lesson by exploring the very first release on iconic record labels. Today, Stiff Records is under the spotlight. The label was formed by Dave Robinson and Jake Riviera in 1976 and in August of that year "So It Goes" with  "Heart Of The City" on the b-side became the first Stiff record. It was given the catalogue number BUY 1. Hit play and find out how it a...
15m Apr 21, 2022
15m
1348: Exploring the Church, Part Two
We bring you the second half of our Church conversation with Kevin Goff and Nick Scalera. In this episode, we examine the later part of the band's career and the lineup changes that took place. If you didn't listen to yesterday's show (episode 1348), make sure to go back and catch up on the early Church. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, inc...
46m Apr 20, 2022
46m
1347: Exploring the Church, Part One
Patrons and pals Kevin Goff and Nick Scalera join Jim and Patrick for a discussion of long-running Australian band The Church. The first of a two-episode series focuses on the early part of the band's career and their breakthrough music. Whether your a fan or have never heard of the Church, you'll know Steve Kilbey and Marty Willson-Piper forwards and backwards by the time these shows are done...
30m Apr 19, 2022
30m
1346: Robert Pollard Redux: Taking off with Boston Spaceships
Scott Parks joins Patrick to kick off the week with a look into Boston Spaceships, a band comprised of Robert Pollard and Chris Slusarenko of Guided By Voices, and John Moen of The Decemberists. Five excellent studio albums were issued between 2008 and 2011 and we hit the highlights, as well as spending some time marveling at how the value of the vinyl has soared. Strap in for the ride! Subscr...
21m Apr 18, 2022
21m
1345: Instrumentals with Bill: Bangles, Go-Gos, Nick Lowe, The Police, Van Halen
Longtime friend of the pod Bill Mulligan drops by Patrick's basement to discuss something that's been on his mind lately: What happens when bands with perfectly good singers play instrumentals? Bill's got a list of songs that he and Patrick discuss. Plenty of clips in this one! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, G...
27m Apr 15, 2022
27m
1344: What Was First: Rough Trade Records
We debut a new segment today! Have you ever wondered what record was the very first release on iconic indie record labels? So do we! Patrick investigates the first release on legendary UK label Rough Trade (which turns out to be a single from French punk band Métal Urbain). Hit play for a bite-size musical history lesson. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podca...
12m Apr 14, 2022
12m