The Hustle

The 90s were the best time in music history for women that rocked. When punk went pop the alternative underground was full of killer rock bands fronted and driven by women, including Veruca Salt. Co-founders Louise Post and Nina Gordon made a big splash with hits like "Seether" and "Volcano Girls" and even after Nina left, Louise kept the band going for two more equally, if not harder edged, albums. Louise recently released her first solo album, Sleepwalker, which shows a lot of maturity and vulnerability but loses none of the songcraft. Louise talks about how the pandemic, marriage, children, and time brought out some of those vulnerabilities and a lot more. She's an inspiration. Enjoy! 

Drummer Simon Kirke has been at the forefront of what most people consider real, authentic rock and roll to be. Beginning with the amazing Free and then joining Paul Rodgers in Bad Company, Simon has played on some of the greatest rock songs ever and seen just about everything along the way. In our conversation we talk about the state of the band now, the Brian Howe years, his solo career, his family's take over of Hollywood, the RnR Hall of Fame, and everything in between. The guy has contributed a lot. We're lucky to hear from him. 

Jon and Andy record their memories of the first quarter of 2023 (better late than never). The guests, the state of the pod, concerts and whatever else came up. This was recorded live and unedited. 

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Pere Ubu mastermind David Thomas has never found a dark, unchartered corner of music he didn't want to explore. More punk in spirit than sound, David has guided the band for almost 50 years leading with his rants and raves and sounds uniquely his own. Last week, the band released their umpteenth album, Trouble on Big Beat Street, and it's as full of ideas as anything else they've done. Here David and I discuss his approach to "pop" music, working with Stephen Hague in the 80s, how he plans out (or doesn't) his music and much more. He's a notoriously irascible character, but he's also one in a million. 

www.ubuprojex.com

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Chapterhouse were one of the premiere bands to come out of that shoegaze scene of the early 90s in the UK. They were experts at mixing shimmery, psychedelic guitars with acid-house drum samples taking listeners on deep mental and emotional journeys. Guitarist Stephen Patman joins us this week to discuss the new 6-disc box set Chronology coming out this week! We also get into the history of the band, why it only lasted two albums, (Whirlpool and Blood Music, both excellent) and what those wild days were like. Get ready to fall in love with Chapterhouse! 

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If "influencer" had been a thing back in the 70s, Don Letts would have been the master. He's one of the most important figures in British music and culture, but it's not just because of him being in Big Audio Dynamtie (which he was) or because he's a revolutionary film director (which he is) or because he's a successful DJ (which he is). It's because in the late 70s, he was in the nexus of music, fashion, punk rock and culture and brought the sounds of underground dub and reggae to creatives like the Clash who would go on and change the world. So many stories from that period begin with "I was at a party at Don Letts's house when...". Don has recently completed his first solo album, Outta Sync which will be out in September. Don discusses all of it, the videos he directed, the times hanging out with Bob Marley, joining B.A.D. and all the rest. Enjoy! 

www.donletts.com

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Toronto's Crash Test Dummies are one of the quirkier acts to ever achieve world-wide fame. Thanks to the 1993 smash "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" off their second album, the world became aware of this band of creative misfits doing their own thing. While more smash hits were not to be, their audience have remained loyal over the years, no matter what style seems to be tickling head Dummy Brad Roberts at the moment. Here Brad and I discuss what inspires him creatively, his feelings about his unique singing voice, plans for the future, and the band's new single "Sacred Alphabet" which is lovely and, no surprise, totally unique. Enjoy! 

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www.crashtestdummies.com

Author Shane Robitaille joins us for Book Club this week to discuss his recent book, Rockit Crew. This wonderful little novel depicts the (mostly) personal story of close friends growing up in the 80s, dealing with being outcasts, bullied, uncool, working class, and broken homes all while also falling in love with Hip-Hop. It's a beautiful coming of age story of teenage boys finding each other at a crucial time in life and forming bonds and memories that last a lifetime. We've all been there. Enjoy! 

The Hustle turns 8 years old this week and we celebrate by bringing on the excellent singer/songwriter Robbie Nevil! When most of us think about Robbie we remember those late 80s hits like "C'est La Vie" and "Dominoes" and then probably wonder where he went. Robbie actually had a successful career as a writer for others before and after his solo career took over. Among the people he wrote for that we talk about are Sheena Easton, Al Jarrreau, Earth Wind and Fire, David Lee Roth, the Pointer Sisters, Melissa Manchester, Rockwell, El Debarge and many others. For a couple decades now he's made a living writing songs for placement in movies and TV shows and has excelled at that too. Robbie's been one of our dream guests since "Day 1" (get it?), so we're lucky to hear from him. Enjoy! 

Our conversation with legendary producer Ed Stasium continues today with part two. This time we cover more Ramones, the Smithereens, Genya Ravan, the Sighs and much much more. Enjoy!