I’m just a curbside prophet
with my hand in my pocket
and I’m waiting for my rocket to come
Jason Mraz “Curbside Prophet” (Waiting For My Rocket to Come, 2002)
Hello World!
Not much going on for me. Doing some math homework and chatting with my little brother while I wait for my foam mattress topper to inflate.
I wanted to write this week about music podcasts. I love podcasts to begin with, they’re perfect for playing in the background while you work on stuff, and I wanted to share some of my favorite podcasts that specialize in music.
NPR ALL SONGS CONSIDERED – This should come as no surprise, this is where I get most of my new music from. They cover mostly indie, but they also showcase latin, hip-hop, and rap music as well. I have discovered so many good tunes and artists through this one and I highly recommend it.
NPR TINY DESK CONCERTS – NPR brings in bands/artists they feature on All Songs Considered, and they perform live behind Bob Boilen’s tiny desk. There are some incredible live performances on the website and podcast, and it’s just so much fun to watch. You see some crazy shit, but also intimate performances that will stick with you.
THE NOISEPOP PODCAST – This one showcases the best of San Francisco/West Coast indie music. Now recently they haven’t been updating regularly, but when they do they do not disappoint. Leans more hip-hop/rap than rock/alternative, they do have some fantastic mixes and highly recommend you check them out.
DISGRACELAND – Do you like stories about musicians? Do you really love stories about musicians behaving terribly? Then let me tell you about this little slice of heaven. Jake Brennan covers all genres of music as he tells us tales of musicians acting badly. I started this at the beginning of quarantine and just finished up all 5 seasons. If you like behind-the-scenes type podcasts then you need to check this out.
27 CLUB – If you know music lore, then you are familiar with the phrase “The 27 Club”. It refers to musicians/artists/celebrities who died at the ripe age of 27. This currently has one complete season (Jimmy Hendrix, which I am halfway through) and he is currently halfway through covering Jim Morrison. This one is also from the desk of Jake Brennan and is really entertaining.
DEAR YOUNG ROCKER – Ok, I have to give a caveat on this one. You have to power through the first few episodes. This podcast is narrated by Chelsea Ursin, and tells of how she overcame anxiety and her awkward high school years through music. Ok, what made this one tough for me was she comes off as ‘I’m totes not your average girl’ and it was SUPER frustrating at times. But it all comes together at the end and it’s now one I find pretty engaging. Season 1 is complete, and she’s 4 episodes into Season 2.
PUNCH UP THE JAM – My work wife got me hooked on this podcast a couple of years ago. Basically the concept is Miel Bredouw and a guest pick a song, and then dissect it line by line and talk about why it rocks, and what they would improve. The best part, is that at the end of the podcast they redo the song and “Punch it Up”. It’s super funny, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and has opened my eyes to some great tunes.
RIVALS: MUSIC’S GREATEST FEUDS – This is a newer podcast (debuted in early 2020) and has quickly become a staple. Again, if you love behind the music style shows, you will love this show that deals with who hates who in music. The hosts have a great rapport and they cover your favorite singer vs. singer AND band member vs. band member feuds. (They’re currently on part 2 for the band CSNY, and it’s SO GOOD)
Ok guys, that is it from me. I need to clean and get dinner started 3 more weeks until Fall Break (already, holy christ) and 72 days until Thanksgiving Break. Ciao!
Mixtape-Postcards 