Song Yarn

it has taken sixty episodes, but Xavier Mendes reviews an album on today's show. Modern Vampires of The City. It gets a little emotional.

Alex J. Lyons & Xavier sit down to discuss local music from the Chicago area and yes, I still have to mention Wilco even if it is for 5 seconds.

Check out the music mentioned on the show:

www.thewiitalabrothers.com

http://humblebeast.com

Xavier welcomes Fredo back to the show after a short absence and the two discuss the HBO film Phil Spector. Fredo does a lot of heavy lifting in the conversation and they talk about the man, the movie and a get into a small argument of Let It Be, an album Spector had a hand in producing.

Since Xavier did such a poor job of explaining Spector's "Wall of Sound" technique, here is a better description:

Spector's signature sound, his arrangements called for large ensembles (including some instruments not generally used for ensemble playing, such as electric and acoustic guitars), with multiple instruments doubling many of the parts to create a fuller, richer sound. Spector also included orchestral instruments - strings, woodwind, brass and percussion - not previously associated with youth-oriented pop music and reverb chambers re-amping the sounds to create a larger soundscape.

Veteran sound engineer Scott Ragsdale sits down with Xavier Mendes (Jim Galvin) to talk about the new movie Sound City. The film documents the rise and fall of the Van Nuys, CA studio that recorded artists like Rick Springfield, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against The Machine. Many classic rock records were recorded on analog tape in the studio. They discuss the film, music and their personal experiences recording and performing music.

Song list:

Cut Me Some Slack - Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novaselic,Pat Smear

Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac

Lithium - Nirvana

*Note: Scott's pick was recorded at The Record Plant in Sausalito, CA.

The Buckingham/Nicks album was recorded at Sound City; an album that

lead Buckingham and Nicks to join Fleetwood Mac and make Rumors

ENJOY!

After a confrontation with the TSA and hours of tiring work for the President of the Virginia commonwealth, Xavier Mendes and guest Alex J Lyons sit down at the airport to talk about musicals. Mostly Lay-Miz and Blues Bros are discussed, but Xavier Mendes squeaks in a little discussion of Jon Brion & Aimee Mann. This is one of the few episodes that has semi-poor sound quality, so understand that as you listen, because it was actually recorded in an airport.

ENJOY!

Your top albums of 2012

Fredo sits down with Xavier Mendes to discuss the top albums of 2012.

01. Father John Misty - Fear Fun [Sub Pop]

02. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist [Macklemore LLC]

03. Aimee Mann - Charmer [SuperEgo]

04. The Killers - Battle Born [Island]

05. Norah Jones - Little Broken Hearts [Blue Note/EMI]

06. Grizzly Bear - Shields [Warp]

07. Divine Fits - A Thing Called Divine Fits [Merge]

08. Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel... [Epic]

09. Dr. John - Locked Down [Nonesuch]

10. Ben Gibbard - Former Lives [Barsuk]

Honorable Mentions:

M. Ward - Wasteland Companion [Merge]

Jack White - Blunderbuss [Columbia]

Bob Dylan - Tempest [Columbia]

Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Americana & Psychedelic Pill [Reprise]

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Biggest disappointments:

Best Coast

Sleigh Bells

Xavier Mendes and Fredo reflect on the year that was.

Christopher comes back for a repeat visit and discusses music that isn't quite appropriate for the kids during Christmas. Also, Michael Buble is discussed. I think we actually did that last year, but we find some music you won't hear elsewhere.

ENJOY Christmas!

Xavier Mendes sits down with Tony Farruggia to discuss what may be the worst night of their lives. It is fairly tame tale, but they discover they both a fear of getting yelled at and sharemusic picks from those dark periods. Pedro The Lion is discussed again, but Odd Nosdam is brought to the table for the first time.

ENJOY!