I'd Buy That For A Dollar

DJ Ben Johnson returns to the podcast with the self-titled debut release from American musical powerhouse Brenda Russell. A true musician's musician, she has influenced artists in a variety of genres, including synth-pop and hip-hop. We discuss this and more!  

America's Radio Sweetheart Jesse Thorn joins us to celebrate a classic album from the Gap Band. We spin some of the most popular cuts, examining what makes this a standout funk record, while also exploring how the group reached this pinnacle.  

Guest Brad Miller brings us a set of jump blues and swing covers from English musician Joe Jackson. A unique entry in an already unique catalog, we learn about how Joe came to record this album and where his career went from here.  

Conor Ryan, owner of Little Lost Records, is our guest as we uncover the strange and fascinating story behind the Mystic Moods Orchestra records that you've undoubtedly seen while scouring the bins. From recordings of steam locomotives to risque album covers, it's all here.  

Guest Mike Merva brings the first children's record to the podcast. We listen to folk music duo Marais & Miranda perform fun educational songs about nature and learn more about both the group's history and this popular series of albums.  

Co-host Jeremy brings us a record by groundbreaking American pop vocal group the Ink Spots. With their classic "Top & Bottom" song formula, the group were a major influence on doo-wop, rhythm & blues, and rock & roll, and you can find their records everywhere—just make sure it's the actual Ink Spots, which we will explain.  

Halloween is once again upon us and that means co-host Sean has pulled another haunted record from his vault. This year we spin the influential music of French disco artist Cerrone and his spooky synthesizer sounds.  

We are joined by guest David O. McCullough as we discuss American musician Boz Scaggs. The album in question tends to stand in the shadow of its predecessor—the biggest record of Scaggs' career—but upon further review, we find that it should please those who enjoy his most famous work.  

Co-host Jeremy puts an early seventies album by American jazz guitarist George Benson on the platter. As we take in Benson's flamenco-influenced takes on classic sixties California rock, we also look at his impressive career—a series of twists and turns that has been historically dismissed due to his success on the pop charts.  

Co-host Sean lays out a pretty convincing argument that funk and soul singer Chaka Khan is a much more important artist than most realize. We listen to her third record with the band Rufus and discuss just some of the details of her fascinating life story.