Goodbye, Annette.

Today, my heart is broken. Annette Funicello died from complications from Multiple Sclerosis at 70.

Like most American men of a certain age, Annette was one of my first crushes. The thing was, I was born in 1969; just about the time Annette stopped making AIP movies. I did have the luxury of living in a wondrous time, however. I lived in a time where I watched black and white syndication runs of The Mickey Mouse Club on weekday afternoons, Beach Party movies on Weekends and seeing Annette as she was currently on variety shows and commercials. She was truly every where in my pre-teen world. I had Disneyland Records of Annette's singles, which I sang along to, knowing every word. Even today, if I hear "Tall Paul" or "Pineapple Princess" in a supermarket (and it actually does happen), I still find myself dancing a little and mumbling the words from behind a bit lip.

It was the Beach Party movies that really cemented my love for Annette. In my pre-teen mind, she was the perfect girl. While my pre-pubescent mind was still trying to suss out the dimensions of her body, I crushed on her for much more innocent reasons. She sang, she danced and she pined for Frankie, all the while smiling that amazing smile. She was feisty, too. If Frankie screwed up (and he usually did at least once a film), she let him have it with both barrels. Even on-screen angry, she was the picture of grace.

In my teen years, I temporarily lost my connection with Annette (and Frankie). The Mickey Mouse Club was a vague, total kids stuff memory, the Beach Party Movies were replaced by slasher movies and the songs were replaced with music by Talking Heads and Prince. When, in the late 80s, "Back To The Beach" was released, I was excited to see it, but disappointed that it wasn't at all like the Beach Party movies I remembered and loved so well. It was a true kick to see Frankie and Annette on talk shows and the old NBC "Friday Night Videos", introducing the latest hits while bantering like old friends (which they were).

It wasn't until a few years later that I revisited the old Beach Party movies again, buying them on Laserdisc. It was all there, just as I remembered. The fun, the singing, the dancing... the hysterical jokes and sight gags. And Annette. Beautiful and funny and talented as she'd always been. I could never get too many friends to share in the exhilaration I felt watching these movies, but how could I? It's like introducing your girlfriend to an old crush and expecting her to see what you saw in her.

It was around that time that Annette announced she has Multiple Sclerosis. It was a sad and horrifying thing to hear. Incomprehensible. Not Annette. I followed the stories and watched the "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" biography TV movie, which she narrated in wraparound segments. It made me so absolutely terrified of MS. A condition that takes away your ability to do anything you might want to do? Something that causes your body to not respond to what you tell it to do? Hideous. I admired Annette's resilience. The whole time she spent in the public eye afterward was met with a brave, resilient face. I can only wish that I would have that courage if such a thing were to ever happen to me.

I'm now sitting at my computer writing these thoughts. To my left, is a framed Laserdisc of Muscle Beach Party that's signed by Frankie Avalon. I didn't meet Frankie, but I have a friend that has him as a family friend. She brought it to him to sign for me. He thought it was a bootleg record! She had to explain to him what Laserdiscs were. Anyway, I'm looking at that photo on the cover with Annette in her mesh bikini with Frankie laying on her lap, both smiling and happy and I smile myself. But I'm also welling up with tears, thinking about those tabloid photos in those dirt rags at the supermarket checkout showing Annette in poor health, stripping her of her public dignity. I'm also thinking of an Entertainment Tonight article on her from before she was too far gone to speak. she was till struggling with her words, but her spirit was unbroken. The bravest face. At the end of that piece, she spoke about how all she wants to do in life is to dance again. In life, she never got the chance, but if there's a reason to believe in a life beyond this one, then that's it. I'm having a daydream where I see Annette and she's dancing, lighter than air. She's dancing so wild and graceful. Her feet aren't even touching the ground. And she's singing. And she's happy. And there's no pain.

Rest In Peace, Annette. And thank you.

The Shockedelic Radio Show, Episode 8:03: "Dit Dit Da Dit"

Yes, Yes! Here it is! It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW!   Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop  Music. This is Episode 3, Season 8; "Dit Dit Da Dit". This show went through so much between conception and realization. At the eleventh hour, the song list was radically changed and rearranged. As a result, there is 1/3 more songs in English than any other Shockedelic Radio Show! Good news for you music loving xenophobes out there in Internetz land. Also, during the recording of the show, I had my cell phone on me (something I NEVER do) and my phone decided it wanted to talk to everyone electronically. I didn't realize this during the show, because this is one of the only shows I've ever done without headphone monitoring. Don't ask me why I made such a decision. I was just being stupid. It was only during playback that I discovered the interference. After much hemming and hawing over whether I should re-record the entire show or not, I decided to leave well enough alone. It was a tough show to begin with, so a re-record would've taken what joy there was and thrown it out the window. So, during my DJ segments, if you hear a "Dit Dit Dit Da Dit" type noise, that's my phone saying "Hi!". It's also the reason I entitled the show "Dit Dit Da Dit". I had another title in mind, but as with everything else in this current show, it was changed at the last moment. I do hope you enjoy the show. I think it's a good one, in spite of all of the technical difficulties.





As always, listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP8:03


Legal stuff:


It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

A Face In The Crowd

Note: This is just an Editorial rant. It's something I wanted to get off of my chest. I'm working on a new Shockedelic Radio Show and that will be posted probably in the next week or two. Sorry for the delay on that. I'm still auditioning perfect songs for the show!!! Also, I'd like to apologize to anyone who has made comments on my posts in the past. I wasn't ignoring you. The fact is, I had everything set to Moderator Approval and I didn't know it! I literally found out about these replies to my posts, dating back some two years ago, just ten minutes ago. So, thank you to all of you who have enjoyed my shows thus far (and said so!) and I truly apologize for not responding to your replies. I will do better in the future, I promise! Now, on to my rant:

So, there's something I've been noticing lately on the Interwebz. It's something that isn't recent, but it seems to be something that has worsened as of late (or maybe it's just something my curmudgeonly ass has been taking note of lately).

There's a sickness wherein people on the Internet can't not know something. Usually what will happen is, an event will take place (normally in pop culture), someone will write something trivial relating to it and, before you know it, EVERYONE and their proverbial Mother will claim to have known about said trivia for YEARS.

The latest example I've noticed has happened with the passing of Andy Griffith this past Monday (July 3rd). He was a great cultural Icon of the 20th Century, no doubt. As Andy Taylor, Sherrif of Mayberry RFD, he cemented his place in the Pop Culture lexicon and he did it long before anyone spoke of "Pop Culture lexicon"s. In their Elegies, Internet Bloggers and well wishers (onto the next great plane of existence) wrote of their love for Andy in his famous role as the Sherrif of Mayberry. It was lovely and, for the most part, elegant. Then came the oneupmanship.

It went to Matlock, Griffith's popular legal show of the 1980's. That was fine, too, since it was very popular, although mostly with the geriatric set who are either passed on now or not Internet users. Then came the Inevitable referencing of Simpsons and Family Guy references. Things became a bit sillier with mentions of "Salvage I", a high profile (at the time) but incredible flop of a TV show that Pop Culturists love to name drop even though few have ever seen more than the opening credit sequence. But then things immediately got weird. I began seeing posts about Andy Griffith's "dark and edgy" early role in Elia Kazan's "A Face In The Crowd". Before long, the Interblog stratosphere was thick with YouTube clips of "A Face In The Crowd" and how great the movie was. "Oooooh! This was goody-good Andy Griffith's DARK role! You have to see how EVIL Andy was in this!" One even wrote about Griffith being a "Movie Monster" with this role. It became tiring quickly, but unfortunately, it didn't stop there. Like clockwork, the Facebook posts started turning up. "RIP Andy. You were a great one. Here's a clip from one of his greatest roles in "A Face In The Crowd"!

This is where my breaking point began. I'm positive, had I asked anyone on July 2nd if they had ever seen "A Face In The Crowd", I'd have gotten blank looks. I would expect responses to approximate: "No. Never saw it." "Was that a Tom Cruise movie?" "When did that come out?" "That's a French movie, right?" "Oh, that's old/in Black and White." Now, it would appear that more people have seen this movie than "The Wizard Of Oz" and "Star Wars" combined. Possibly more people than D.W. Griffith's "Birth Of A Nation"!!!

The point of this rant? I want to tell all of you that it's okay not to know things. It really is. Take comfort in that fact. You needn't make claims that you've seen every movie, heard every album or  read every book. If you knew everything, there would be no room for discovery... and discovery is where it's at.

Tonight on Turner Classic Movies, that is Thursday night (July 5th) / Friday morning (July 6th) at 1:45am, "A Face In The Crowd" is going to be aired. I don't believe it's being aired because of Andy Griffith's death. I think it's just a karmic coincidence. Instead of posting clips of this movie all over your blogs and Facebook accounts, take time and actually watch this movie. You have the opportunity. It won't take but a couple of hours of your life and, God forbid, you'll know what you're talking about. If I'm up and in the mood, I'll be watching. I haven't seen it yet.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 8:02 "Dance, You Bastards!"

It's a new year and a new season for your favorite Internet Radio Show. It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 2, Season 8; "Dance, You Bastards!". This might be one of the musically strangest (and strongest!) shows in a long time, so you'd be crazy not to listen!


Listen to it streaming above or download it below:
SRS EP8:02
Legal stuff:
It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 8:01 "The New Normal"

It's a new year and a new season for your favorite Internet Radio Show. It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 1, Season 8; "The New Normal". We got lots of great music in store for ya, so why not give it a listen?


Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP8:01

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 7:04 "Insert Clever Title Here"

Beyond belief! One more show before the years end??!? Yes! It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW! That's right! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 4, Season 7; "Insert Clever Title Here". Another episode? Yep. I had an idea that I wanted to do at least one more show before the end of the year, so I bashed this one out real quick. Real quick. Does it make the show suffer, or does it make it better??? You'll have to decide. Give 'er a spin and let me know.


Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP7:04

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

One more thing. Listen all the way to the end. This current episode of The Shockedelic Radio Show ran a little short and I put a bonus song at the very end. It's not exactly hidden, but it's an extra special bonus for the listener that cleans his plate, so to speak! :)

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 7:03 "An Unexpected Pleasure"

Really? 2 shows in one week? It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW! That's right! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 3, Season 7; "An Unexpected Pleasure". Why so quick? Well, I had such a backlog of music to unleash on you, the listener, that I decided to do a Special Edition. You lucky people. One thing about this show. I'm breaking in a new microphone and, while I was deeply involved with setting it up correctly, I kinda forgot to set my Popper Blocker between my mouth and my new mike. So, you might notice some oral subsonics during my DJing segments. Nothing too distracting.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP7:03

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

Errata: I made a mistake while announcing a song title. The song by The Black Skirts is not "Don't You Worry Baby, I'm Only Swimming", as I was led to believe. The actual title of that song is "International Love Song". So sorry about that. Hope you enjoy the show!!!

The Ghost Virus Is Catching

Happy Halloween everyone. For just one day (That day would be Halloween), I'm putting my screenplay of GHOST VIRUS up for reading/reviewing/critical drudging. I wrote it way back in 2002 and until last year, it was considered lost in a hard drive crash. I found an incomplete hard copy of it and, thanks to OCR software and Final Draft 10, I regained it digitally. Since then, I did some minor tinkering with some plot matters and replaced the ending (hurriedly). It's not a perfect script by any means, but it's got some good moments.

Time's up! The window has closed! Thanks for reading!

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 7:02 "Like Pulling Incisors"

It's officially FALL! You know what that means? It's time for another episode of THE SHOCKEDELIC RADIO SHOW! That's right! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 2, Season 7; "Like Pulling Incisors". Why'd it take me so long? Ah, life does happen sometimes...



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP7:02

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 7:01 "Nippon kyuukyuu demo ashita wa wonderful"

Surprise, surprise. It's now Spring and we are celebrating with yet another episode of The Shockedelic Radio Show! That's right! Another 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. This is Episode 1, Season 7; "Nippon kyuukyuu demo ashita wa wonderful". That translates to "Japan is in crisis, but tomorrow's wonderful" (A lyric from the song YATTA! by Happa-Tai). Let's hope.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP7:01

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 6:04: "Moody"

So, I kind of fell off the wagon a little this past summer. I wasn't even sure if I was going to continue doing these shows. Well, the call of International Pop Music was too great to ignore. So... prepare yourself for 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. It's the NEW Shockedelic Radio Show! This is Episode 4, Season 6; "Moody". It's long overdue, so give it a listen.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP6:04

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

DEVO Something For Everybody on Vinyl is here!

I got the latest DEVO album on vinyl today. The album, SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY, is (as I'm sure you know) their first studio album since SMOOTH NOODLE MAPS in 1990 and is well worth the purchase. I did, however, hold out for the vinyl release. Why? The big reason is the fidelity of the album. You may ask, if you wanted the highest fidelity, why didn't you go with CD? Admittedly, there are valid arguments on both sides of the CD v. Vinyl camps. The CD/digital camp will praise Cds clarity, and lack of compression or surface noise (clicks and pops), while the Vinyl camp will champion the earthiness of the analog mastering.

Well, I'm on the Vinyl side. Although stating it is almost a cliche' by now, there is a bottom and warmth to analog that digital almost never gets right. As for clicks and pops, no sounds exist in a vacuum, so to expect music to exist as a phantom sound without any earthly groundings or extraneous noise is just not realistic.

Bigger than all of this, though, is the current process of "Brickwalling" music. That is, in the process of digital mastering, a record label will insist that the sound be as loud as possible; just short of distortion. It's an incredibly common process these days and it, frankly, makes the music sound like garbage. Every sound becomes just as loud as every other sound on the recording and it kills the fidelity. Fortunately for fans of fidelity in their music, vinyl records can't be mastered that way. The reason is, a recording with "Brickwall" mastering will send a stylus flying right out of the groove. Therefore, when studios master things properly to vinyl, everything needs to be carefully EQed and compressed so it sounds right (I say 'mastered properly' because some pressings of current hit records, like Lady Gaga's THE FAME MONSTER picture disc are mastered from a CD, but with a diminished volume so it sounds like lo fi mush, but at a lower volume. The Euro pressing of Gaga's TFM is done properly, sounds gorgeous, and blows the mass produced CD right into the sewer system).

Here's an example of what I mean. Below is a soundwave from the Retail CD of the first track on DEVO's SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY, entitled Fresh:

Click to enlarge

As you can see, the track fills up the entire space, with the loudest parts clipped off of the chart. This is unacceptable, since all the listener is getting with this is loudness. There is no nuance; no fidelity. Now compare/contrast with the same track from the vinyl album:

Click to enlarge

Now, the first thing that might occur to you is, "Wow, that seems a lot smaller than the other soundwave." Yes, you are correct. But look at the farthest reaching points of the wave. They fall within the volume spectrum. Nothing is clipped off. Everything that was recorded for the track is perfectly and properly audible. You might think it sounds too low, but that's what volume controls are for. Turn it up and the deep basses, crystal clear highs and crisp midranges all leap out at you. You'll most likely never want to hear a CD or MP3 again.

There's a organization found at www.turnmeup.org that will give you more insight to the problem that is Brickwalling on Audio CDs and digital music files. I suggest you go there and snoop around. Read especially about the "loudness wars" and how recorded music got to the horrific point it's at now.

As for the new DEVO album, you can buy it at Amazon.com or at becausesoundmatters.com. It's pressed on beautiful translucent blue vinyl and it comes with the Audio CD version that you'll probably use as a devolved drink coaster after you hear the beauty that is the vinyl version.

Duty now.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 6:03 "Damned Ennui"

Sorry for the delay. As you can tell from the title of this current episode ("Damned Ennui"), I'm fighting an uphill battle. At any rate, prepare yourself for 80 minutes of the best in International Pop Music. It's the NEW Shockedelic Radio Show! This is Episode 3, Season 6; "Damned Ennui". It's long overdue, so give it a listen.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP6:03

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 6:02 "L I K K I T"

YES! YES! It's Finally here!!!! Prepare yourself for the best in International Pop Music. It's the NEW Shockedelic Radio Show! This is Episode 2, Season 6; "L I K K I T". It's long overdue, so give it a listen.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP6:02

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

An fps Films GRINDHOUSE DOUBLE FEATURE @ The Hollywood Theatre in Dormont, PA! Friday, April 23rd, 2010

So, unbelievably, fps Films and the Hollywood Theatre are doing yet ANOTHER Grindhouse Double Feature in the month of April. This time, the films are decidedly less schlocky. In fact, these films are regarded by Italian Giallo (murder mystery) aficionados as two of the finest examples of the genre (and a secret Gabrielle Lavia Double Feature!!!).

First up is "Revenge of the Dead".The title is misleading since it's not a traditional Zombie movie. It's actually a retitle of Pupi Avati's "Zeder". It's a movie about resurrecting the dead and has been cited as the inspiration for Stephen King's novel, "Pet Sematary".

The second feature is near legendary. We're playing Dario Argento's masterpiece, "Deep Red". The print we're playing has been retitled "The Hatchet Murders", but it is "Deep Red". Not much else to be said about "Deep Red", but if you're one of those people who haven't heard of it (Shame!), it's a taut murder mystery that will absolutely keep you guessing until the very end!

The films will be presented with a Short Subject and a reel of vintage Horror movie Previews. Everything in the program is being shown on 35mm film! There's no digital projection on this program.

It all starts at 10:00pm at The Hollywood Theater in Dormont, PA (On Potomac Avenue, just outside of Pittsburgh; a few miles from the Liberty Tubes on Rt. 19) Tickets are $6 at the door. Stomach Distress Vomit Bags will be provided for anyone who can't take the HORROR (or if you need to put your popcorn in something)! Oh, yeah, it's also a BYOB theater, so bring some beer, if you're inclined.

Please come and bring all of your friends. It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Use Google Maps for Directions!
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The TAMI Show on DVD: This time for real!!!!!

So, imagine my surprise last night when I came home from work, turned on the TV and the legendary Rock movie, "The TAMI Show" was on PBS in widescreen HD! I about lost control, let me tell you. I couldn't believe it. Now, the broadcast was cut heavily and had a few pledge break interruptions that featured interviews with Dean Torrence (who should have gone a little more in depth with his remembrances), but just the fact that it was on at all was just incredible.

As it turns out, almost 3 years after the original announcement that I reported on HERE, Shout! Factory is finally releasing the greatest Rock film of all time on DVD, March 23rd. The DVD will include a full director's commentary by Steve Binder, Radio Spots and a 20 page booklet. It will retail for $19.93 (a goddamn steal!) and, if you buy it direct from Shout! Factory, you'll get a poster reproduction of the original Theatrical one-sheet.

You can read the press release HERE. It's still like a dream, but it's actually going to happen!

Now, I don't know if a Bluray version is forthcoming, but the PBS HD footage was absolutely fantastic to see. It's playing around the country right now, so check your local listings. It's well worth it, even if it is only half of the actual movie.

Oh yeah, PBS is touting it as a first time ever broadcast premiere, but we all know that it was played on Night Flight in 1981. Hyperbole, be damned!

The Shockedelic Radio Show Episode 6:01 "Cinematic"

Prepare yourself for the best in International Pop Music. It's the NEW Shockedelic Radio Show! This is Episode 1, Season 6; "Cinematic". Give it a listen.



Listen to it streaming above or download it below:

SRS EP6:01

Legal stuff:

It's a very litigious society, so please understand that this MP3 Podcast is presented as a radio show promoting new and lesser well known artists. All of the music here is copyrighted and the copyright proprietors retain ownership of the material presented here. No rights are given to the downloader or listener or are implied as such. In short, listen to the show and enjoy it, but don't go dissecting the program. If you hear something you like, track it down and purchase it. Supporting the artist is crucial. Make sure you do your duty.

Explanation

Yes. I know, I know. This blog has turned from general pop culture into announcements for J pop / J rock artists in between episodes of The Shockedelic Radio Show. I'll try to rectify this in the new year. It's just that, well, everybody talks about movies these days and it's becoming less and less worthwhile to write about films with all of these self professed "Critics" around. It just seems everyone who has an opinion on movies only wants to write about how vital their views on current film are and they do it while showing how clever they are with pop culture references. I don't want to be one of those people and I really haven't been in the mood to write something worth writing, so I guess it's going to be what my favorite artists (Western and Eastern) are doing these days until I can move past this funk. I can't even bring myself to do a year end list. Crap, getting older sucks.

In the mean time, here are some YouTube Videos to keep y'all riveted. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Let's start off with the latest single from Morningwood's "Diamonds and Studs" album:


Next, a great single from Japan's Scandal. "Shoujo S":


Superfly fronts Big Brother and Holding Company at Legends of Woodstock 2009:


Focus Live with an incredible version of "Hocus Pocus":


Of course, P.I.S.S. Will Never Go To School:


Cracker came back ferociously this year with a new single, "Yalla Yalla":


Hitomi Takahashi and the Beat Crusaders whip up some wonderful
pop confectionery with "Wo Ai Ni" (Song begins a 1:34):


Shaka Labbits with their latest single, "Roller Coaster":


Kimura Kaela's "Hot Pepper" CM was a viral hit this past year:


American gibberish as Italian funk. "Prisencolinensinainciusol":

Love Psychedelico's new album! ABBOT KINNEY

It's almost here! The new album from LOVE PSYCHEDELICO is being released on January 13th, 2010. Can you believe they've been around 10 years???!? From the clips on YouTube, it looks to be one of their best. Here are some clips:

Click on the above logo to go to the official Youtube page!

Click the Love Psychedelico Logo to reserve your copy of ABBOT KINNEY

And, of course, the official Love Psychedelico webpage has been overhauled and enhanced. Go give it a looksee!
http://www.lovepsychedelico.net/index.html

The Bawdies!

Do you love Rock -n- Roll? I mean really love Rock -n- Roll? Most people say they do. Joan Jett said she did (and she was covering The Arrows). Thing is, I don't believe most of those people. Oh yeah, people yell "Rock and Rolllll!" as a battle cry and everyone wants to be a Rock Star (even down to Miley Cyrus), but put real Rock -n- Roll in front of them and they'll most likely balk. But why?

Well, seems to me that true Rock -n- Roll has been bastardized by many forms of Pop music over the years. I have nothing against Pop. I revel in it. Hell, my radio show's slogan is "The Best In International Pop", but Pop and Rock -n- Roll are different beasts, as are Rock, Classic Rock and Southern Rock. None of those things are Rock -n- Roll. In fact, it seems all forms of music from the 1960's on all envy good ol' Rock -n- Roll so much that they constantly try to make ties to it. The lines start to blur to the casual listener who doesn't know better. That's why confusion sets in when such people are confronted with real Rock -n- Roll.

An oft missed point is that Rock -n- Roll is not a pretty thing. It's dirty. It's sexual. It's very name is derived from slang for f**cking. It's also very much an attitude thing. It's rebellious by nature. All these things contribute to why Rock -n- Roll has been all but lost to Western culture. The late 1960's Summer of Love and 1970's Sexual revolution killed it for all future Americans (with small exceptions in the mid 70's and early 90's; both times quickly and decisively killed by corporations). There is no need for teens to rebel anymore. Electronic gadgets and mood controlling medications keep them docile these days... along with idiot parents who want to stay forever young and be their children's best friends. It's a rather disgusting time here in the west.

Thank god for those Japanese. They've always understood, right from the first time it hit them. Why is that? Easy. A repressive society always needs an outlet for rebellious youth to exercise their primal urges. This brings me to today's show and tell band, The Bawdies from Tokyo Japan.

They've been around for a few years now in the indie scene with three albums ("Awaking of Rhythm and Blues", "Yesterday and Today" and "This Is My Story") and an EP ("I Beg You"). They've now been signed to Victor Japan and a new single has been released, "It's Too Late"; produced by Love Psychedelico's Guitarist Naoki. Here's the video for the song:



The enigmatic thing about the new single is that it isn't actually a single. It's touted as one and the first of the two tracks is "It's Too Late", but the second track is an unbanded, full 40 minute live concert at the QUATTRO Club and it's the real reason you should absolutely own this disc. It's a load of their Indie material and covers of "Pretty Vacant" Which they Who up substantially and a brutal rave up on "What'd I Say?". Now it's pretty obvious that you should buy this and CDJapan has it for $16 US before shipping. The link to buy it is below:


The Bawdies - It's Too Late


Here are some more videos from their Indie days...