The Hustle

Drummer Bermuda Schwartz has been by "Weird" Al's side since that fateful day when they recorded "Another One Rides the Bus" for Dr. Demento. In all these years, he's watched as new generations discover Al at just the right time and remain devoted fans over the decades (bringing their kids and grandkids along for the ride). While helping Al fulfill his comedic and creative vision, Bermuda has also served as archivist, collecting every speck of swag/recording/photo there's ever been. This has resulted in the glorious book, Black & White & Weird All Over: The Lost Photographs of "Weird Al" Yankovic '83 - '86 which came out last year. Every "Weird" Al fan should have a copy! We talk about all of it and more! 

Last year, drummer Chris Frantz released his excellent memoir "Remain in Love", a sincerely wonderful and unique rock bio. This week he joins us to discuss his life before, during and after Talking Heads, but also the central relationship in his life, his marriage with the great Tina Weymouth. He also share stories how the band's sound evolved over time, his production work with Happy Mondays and Ziggy Marley, and how Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" has provided a very nice living thanks to Mariah Carey. Hopefully this conversation makes you want to read the entire book, because it's well worth it! 

Singer/Songwriter Martin Briley's solo career may have been brief, but he isn't bothered about it. Best known for the 1983 hit "The Salt in My Tears", Martin has always been way more comfortable working behind the scenes. He has been a session guy for artists like Ellen Foley, Ian Hunter, Julian Lennon and Bonnie Tyler (he even plays on "Total Eclipse of the Heart"), but his focus has always been on writing, preferably for anyone but himself. This has led to everyone from Celine Dion to N'Sync to Kenny Loggins to Greg Allman and even Patrick Swayze recording his tunes.Martin, in his own very dry and self-deprecating way, explains his feelings and motivations about his unique career, the stories behind some of his songs, and  the new music he's making now. He downplays his talent, but Martin is an amazing songwriter ripe for rediscovery! 

Whether you're aware of it or not, you've heard Tessa Niles' voice on dozens of beloved songs. She was one of Britain's most in demand backup singers for more than 20 years appearing with artists like ABC, Duran Duran, Tina Turner, Steve Winwood, Tears For Fears. In addition she toured with Eric Clapton, the Police, Robbie Williams and performed at Live Aid with David Bowie. She's written her entire story in the endlessly entertaining memoir Backtrack which is highly recommended. In our conversation, we cover all of these people as well as unbelievable interactions with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mick Jagger, George Harrison and more. She's a wonderful lady with so much to say. Enjoy! 

Esteemed music writer John Aizlewood returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Joy Division + New Order: Decades. The book is a fantastic distillation of the band's story along with beautiful never before seen photos and reviews of every album, written in that intelligent and entertaining way that only John can do. We also discuss the band's place in history, it's current dysfunction and favorite songs. And, since we're lucky to have John back, we discuss some other artists too. Enjoy! 

Can you imagine what it must have been like to actually work with Queen on "Bohemian Rhapsody"? Producer Gary Langan can say he was there! Gary's done a lot, but his career really started to take off in the early 80s when he was a member of Trevor Horn's production team. That connection had him working on landmark albums by Yes, ABC and Malcolm McLaren. He went on to do his own work with artists like Spandau Ballet, Public Image Ltd, Then Jerico, Scritti Politti, The Dream Academy and Billy Idol. We cover all of this as well as how he handled Trevor's working style, what he does now, and his continual work with the Art of Noise. So much great music, enjoy! 

This week is one of the best sidemen in the business, Kasim Sulton! Kasim hit the big leagues when he joined Utopia in the mid-70s where he stayed for about a decade. Of course this formed the bond with Todd Rundgren that has remained to this day. In addition there have been stints with Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, Hall and Oates, Blue Oyster Cult, the Indigo Girls and many more. When he has the time, he releases solo albums, including his latest, Kasim 2021 (produced by former guest Phil Thornalley), which comes out on Sept. 17th. Here we go deep on the new album, how he's managed to be a Robin to so many "difficult" Batmen, collaborating with other former guests like Cherry Vanilla and Glen Burtnik, and much more. Enjoy! 

As great as the Icicle Works were, they will forever be remembered for one perfect moment, the still gorgeous "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)". After that one hit in the States (and a few more in the UK), the band called it quits in the 90s and lead singer Ian McNabb has been going strong ever since. He's been on an especially epic hot streak the last few years with several exceptional albums in a row, capped off with his latest, Utopian. Ian discusses very openly the history of Icicle Works, how "Birds Fly" even came to be, working with Neil Young's band Crazy Horse, and how he manages his independent solo career. Ian is funny and honest, the two best qualities in a guest, making this one of the best episodes of the year! 

The duo of Difford and Tillbrook are up there with Jagger/Richards, Lennon/McCartney, John/Taupin and Holland/Dozier/Holland as one of history's greatest songwriting teams. Glenn's knack for a melody has always provided the perfect space for Chris's intelligent lyrics. Today, Squeeze is as busy as ever. They're currently on tour (some dates as openers for Hall & Oates), and Glenn continues to release strong albums, both with Squeeze and solo. Glenn and I discuss the history of the band, the stories behind some of his deeper tracks, and how he views where Squeeze is now. He's simply one of the best there's ever been. Enjoy! 

From out of nowhere, former guest Ellen Foley has released one of the best rock albums of 2021. Her latest work (and only her second in 40 years), Fighting Words hearkens back to her glam rock beginnings when she was a beautiful instrument in the hands of legends like Ian Hunter and Mick Ronson. This is why, in addition to discussing the new album, we deep dive her debut album Nightout that features those two greats and, in some ways, feels like an extension of the music she had been making with Meat Loaf a couple years prior. Do yourself a favor and check out both albums. You'll be blown away.