The Hustle

This week is the big 3-0-0! 

Who remembers the skinny tie, new wave power pop days of the late 70s? Over in the UK, a band called The Records were on that train and released the cult classic "Starry Eyes" in 1979. Guitarist Huw Gower bailed after one album though and immediately went to work with greats like David Johansen and Graham Parker among others. He has also released some stellar solo material over the years as well as many other projects. We talk with Huw about why he left the Records, what it was like working with others, and what he does now. Enjoy! 

Jon and Jan look back on the ups and downs of the last year, recap the last three months, countdown their top 10 episodes of the year (as well as the listener’s), and answer some listener questions. Thanks everybody for the support this year. It hasn’t been easy but you all make it worth it.

www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

In the US Icehouse may be best known for those two huge hits from 1987, "Crazy" and "Electric Blue", but back in their native Australia they're practically royalty. Mastermind Iva Davies has directed the band for over 40 years, consistently finding new shades and angles of alternative rock to explore. These days Iva gets to bask in the love and success he's built all these years Down Under, including recently releasing a new live album, Icehouse Plays Flowers Live to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their debut album. Here we discuss what happened to their stature in America, what led to him taking 16 years off, and the stories behind many songs and albums. Iva is one of popular and Australian music's great minds, we're honored to have him. 

Stooges guitarist (and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) James Williamson's sludgy, greasy sound is uniquely his own. Plus, he was a perfect match and co-conspirator for Iggy Pop at just the right time when he took over for Ron Asheton on the Raw Power album and then partnered up with Iggy for a few more years, writing songs, and taking whatever record contracts they could get while totally strung out. James quickly left and forged a long and successful; career in Silicon Valley, not even touching a guitar for over 20 years! He eventually stepped in when needed again for Asheton and toured with the Stooges for a few more years before deciding to do his own thing. His "own thing" has included several excellent albums including last year's Two To One with vocalist Deniz Tek, one of the best of the year. We go deep on albums, songs, software, Bowie (not a fan), and other stories. Enjoy! 

Jane's Addiction might be the most influential and important band of the last 35 years. Think about it - did anyone bridge the alternative rock of the 80s with the grunge sound of the 90s better? They are the link in that transition. Hugely creative, fantastically musical, and tragically dysfunctional, their records may be few, but their power is enormous. Speaking of power, drummer Stephen Perkins joins us to share his philosophy on drumming, music, life, band dynamics and everything in between. We also hear the stories behind the songs and albums that we all love. His passion is infectious and the music never gets old. Enjoy!

We're ending 2020 the same way it began, by hearing from a fantastic and accomplished songwriter. Clif Magness has won a grammy, been nominated for an Oscar, and has had songs recorded by everyone from Barbra Streisand to Cheap Trick to Quincy Jones. But some of his biggest successes have been writing "All I Need" for Jack Wagner back in the 80s and working closely with Avril Lavigne on her debut album. He's also found time to release a couple excellent solo albums which you'll want to check out if you're a fan of meat and potatoes AOR rock. In addition to all this, we discuss his partnership with Glen Ballard, some of his soundtrack work, a serious health scare, and more. Enjoy! 

It's Christmastime and it felt right to share our conversation with the lovely Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer! Of course SIxpence broke through big when their third album in 1997 launched "Kiss Me" into the public consciousness where it would remain embedded forever and ever and the band has released music when the mood hit them ever since. Along the way, Leigh has forged her own solo path, including the wonderful EP Get Happy, released earlier this year. Leigh and I discuss the whole career, how she approaches a cover, her love of Country and Religious music, and the good and bad things about being labeled a Christian artist. Leigh is about as sweet as it gets, so please enjoy and have as Merry a Christmas as is possible! 

We are welcoming back rock doc director Jon Brewer to discuss his recent documentary “Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock and Roll”. Chuck is on the Mt Rushmore of rock but is also s complicated person. Jon and I discuss the good and bad sides of the man and his legacy. We also are giving away two copies of the Blu-ray so join Patreon to be in the running. Enjoy!

www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

I can't think of another band quite like Modern Romance. They came out of the Blitz scene in the early 80s with bands like Duran Duran, Ultravox and Spandau Ballet and originally sounded like lesser versions of those guys. On their third single, "Everybody Salsa", they adopted big Latin rhythms and stumbled on a unique new sound and a bunch of hits followed - "Best Years of Our Lives", "Ay Ay Ay Moosey" and more. Soon after styles and band members changed and the band called it quits. In 1999 original percussionist Andy Kyriacou brought the band back and they've been playing Retro Fests ever since. Andy's story is a unique one and when he talks about his family a profound lesson is shared. They also just released Their Greatest Tracks. Enjoy!