Midnight Radio

Return of the Gods


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I often think about Leonard Cohen's observation that religion is the greatest form of art. When I'm moved by a painting, I am not thinking about its veracity. I do not question whether my emotional response is true.

With thoughts like this in my head, I'm grateful that Martin Essig will join us tonight to talk about the history of faith.

M. first appeared in episode 23 to tell us that desire is a demon. Because synchronicities abound, he came into my life at a time when I was grappling with the meaning of me, and he was hellbent on making sure I understood symbolic failure and the Lacanian Real. Along the way, he became a reliable friend, ensuring that I never wander too far into doubt or belief but instead learn to enjoy the dance.

Tonight M. will discuss animism and disenchantment on top of some songs he selected, several of which I've bludgeoned into unrecognizable shapes. But first, he must answer the Very Special Guest Question.

Do you believe in god or any spiritual dimension to the universe?

"I guess the real question is: Does God believe in Himself? I prefer a God who isn’t really sure if He exists or not. In all the best religious experiences, nobody’s certain about what’s going on, including and especially God."

  1. XDCVR - Psalm 68
    I Hate That Shit, I Hate All That Shit • Ooh Sounds, 2026 • Bandcamp
  2. Luke Slater - Love (Burial)
    Love Remixes • Mote Evolver, 2019 • Boomkat
  3. Sun Electric - Episode VI
    Episodes • Detuned, 2026 • Bandcamp
  4. Blawan - 993
    Nutrition • Ternesc, 2017 • Bandcamp
  5. Jürgen Paape - So Weit Wie Noch Nie (Midnight Radio Edit)
    Total 3 • Kompakt, 2001 • Bandcamp
  6. The Field - Reflecting Lights (Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith Remix)
    Reflecting Lights Remixe | Kompakt, 2016 | Bandcamp
  7. Kakuhan - Kak-Juk
    KAK • Nakid, 2026 • Boomkat
  8. Patche - Motorik (60% slower)
    Patche • Popop, 2023 • Bandcamp
  9. Can - I Want More (500% slower + filtered)
    Flow Motion • Harvest/Mute, 1976 • Bandcamp
  10. Babe Ruth - The Mexican (21% slower)
    First Base | Harvest, 1972 | More

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Midnight RadioBy James A. Reeves