At first glance, the latest installment of the cover song series is no different than any previous episode. Behind the scenes, though, serendipity is at play here.

Like usual, I had quitely filled my “covers” folder over the last few months. A few weeks ago, I had accumulated enough tracks to schedule the show. I could have done it at the end of April, or last week. Next week even. Or I could have held it over until June. But no, I was determed in do on May 23.

Then on my usual record store run last Friday I found a number of great Minneapolis garage rock records from the 50s and 60s. Most were compilatons, but I also found a Sundazed Music reissue of The Gestures’ self-titled album from 1966. Hailing from Mankato, MN, they had a hit in 1964 with “Run, Run, Run”, their debut single. I picked up this reissue, and loved it!

Fast forward to yesterday as I was looking at the various new releases for the week. I was excited to see that Beebe Gallini had a new record out called Begged, Borrowed and Stealed! Even better was the fact that not only is this a record of nothing but covers but one of their selections is that tune by The Gestures!!! So for this week’s feature record of the week I have a whole set of tunes from this great record.

And as if that wasn’t eneough serendipity for one week, I also came across a covers record by Australin ska-punkers The Resignators, which includes a cover of “Teenage Kicks”!!! I swear the universe set up both of these acts to release these records just for me to air them this week!

Due to all this good fortune, I decided to not dump any of the other tracks I had initially picked for this week’s broadcast. So this is a supersized episode with over a half hour of overtime! I hope you love all of these tunes. Please let me know what you liked the most!

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

This episode started off with a simple search for a Mother’s Day song. I just wanted to check out what songs I had about moms. But I noticed something quite off. I also had quite a few songs whose title included a much longer word that included the word mother. Like a whole plethora of songs that a polite person like myself would never, ever knowingly type in a show description like this.

So that’s what we have tonight. 39 songs whose titles involves a certain expletive. It’s quite a fun show, but if you are NOT a fan of profranity you may want to wait for next week’s show. I won’t take it personally. 

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

This may be the 666th episode of The Ledge, but there’s nothing evil about the music played tonight. It’s actually nothing but joyful noise, 38 blasts that prove that rock and roll is as strong as ever. And once again, we traverse the world for quality sounds. Besides the usual lineup of Americans, there’s not one but two fabulous bands from France, along with other European artists. There’s the usual handful of Australians.  

There’s also a plethora of veterans still pumping out records you need to hear. Muck and the Mires have been releasing garage rock for over 25 years. The Rabies reunited after 40 years for one of the great surprises of the years. Former Soft Boys guitarist Kimberly Rew returns. Personlity Cult may be much younger, but they consist of members of Ledge favorites Mind Spiders and Paint Fumes (plus many other bands).

What’s your favorite new release? 

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Once again, The Ledge new release series travels the globe for the latest in quality rock and roll. From Rapid City, SD (Friends of Cesar Romero) to Sydney, Australia (Game Set Match), with various stops all over the US and Europe. There’s solo sets from High on Stress leader Nick Leet, Forty Nineteens leader Nick Z, and longtime Brian Wilson touring member Nelson Bragg. There’s the triumphant return of The Minus 5, and the latest chapter in the Viagra Boys story. Plus our usual monthly contribution from our buddies Numb Surprise. And, of course, a lot more.

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The Ledge is back! Yes, I did announce that it was unlikely that I’d have a show this week due to my recent medical procedure. But I seem to be recuperating nicely, so why not put together a show? I do chat about my experiences at the top of the program, and I do want to thank everyone that reached out to say they were thinking of me. It’s so much appreciated.

As for this week’s broadcast, it’s all about Record Store Day. Yes, I know there are a lot of people that are not fans of this event. It didn’t help that this year included a couple of mainstream titles that should have had better availability (in other words, a much higher pressing). Yes, I understand that most people don’t care about rarities such as outtakes and live recordings. I get it. If that’s your belief then stay away!

But I love everything about it. It’s the one day that this curmudgeon hangs with the crowd before the doors open. I enjoy chatting with folks about what they’re hoping to find, or what they’ve bought in the past. And yes, I do love live albums. I do love rare mixes. I love obscure, long out of print collaborations between unlikely artists. Gimme gimme gimme!

So tonight’s show celebrates this spring’s model. There are a ton of live albums. There’s the almost forgotten Hindu Love Gods, which saw Warren Zevon paired up with 3 of the 4 members of R.E.M. There’s a crazy alternative version of the first Public Image Ltd. album. The list goes on and on. Dive in tonight’s show and relive the special day.

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

This second part of the monthly new release series probably should have been titled after the final song of the show. Former Blackhearts guitarist Ricky Byrd’s “RnR’s Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated)” certainly matches the philosophy of The Ledge, and the fact that month after month we provide over four hours of newly issued tunes is certainly proof.

Again, we have a number of “friends of the show”, including White Rose Motor Oil, New Brutarians, Geoff Palmer, and a whole set of tracks from Rum Bar Records. There’s also the return of The Memories, The Minus 5, and Throwing Muses, along with new bands (at least to us) such as The Roxies, Midlife Crisis, Dead Bars, and Creem Circus (love the name, btw). 

Also, just a note that due to an upcoming medical procedure there will be now show next week (and possibly the following week). 

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

It’s time for another rundown of brand new tunes, and once again this month it’s a two part series. This week features, as always, a number of “friends” of the show – Tom Whillock, Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin, The Amplifier Heads, Numb Surprise, and The Bablers. There’s a set devoted to veteran acts that all released records today – The Waterboys, Craig Finn, Mekons, and Will Johnson. There’s the long-awaited full-length album (after literally dozens of EP’s) by our pals Vista Blue. Superchunk is back with a new single, and Swami John Reis has another smoking new album. And there’s also the usual mix of new and longtime favorite artists with quality tracks.

What’s your favorite new release? What did you like best on tonight’s show? What are you hoping to hear next week? Let me know your thoughts!

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

Since it’s the last episode of March, it is definitely time for first quarter recap. Over two hours of tracks from the best albums released over the last three months. There’s plenty of power pop, garage rock, psych, post-punk, punk, and even some straight ahead rock and roll. There are the usual veterans such as Bob Mould, Guided By Voices, Throwing Muses, and The Men, but there are plenty of newer bands such as Dropkick, Private Lives, Transistors, and Dead Bars. (Yes, there is also an inadvertent 2024 record included. My apologies for the mistake.) 

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

For the third, and final, episode where The Ledge attempts to fix the godawful errors of The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame we handle the overlooked bands of the 90’s. Along with the usual punk and indie rock bands of that time, there’s also a couple of sets devoted to the Americana sub-genre that rose in popularity during that time.

Again, just think of how much fun a ceremony would be that included the likes of the Supersuckers, Steve Earle, Rocket From the Crypt, Fugazi, Superchunk, and so many other greats. Maybe an Uncle Tupelo reunion could be negotiated after an all star jam under the Golden Smog name. Billy Childish could possibly jam with Reverend Horton Heat and Archers of Loaf! Oh that would be a show I wouldn’t miss!

I also start the show with a lengthy discussion about my friend Monica Kindt, who tragically passed away earlier this week. She was my manager at two different record stores over the years, and was a person who endured many of my childish rants over the years. My thoughts go to her family and all of us friends who miss her so much. She would have loved my Americana sets!

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com

The secone episode of March’s new release series is jam packed with quality new tunes. There’s the usual lengthy set of brand new Rum Bar releases, including some highights of the upcoming free Swagger Second Shot compilation. Big Stir Records is represented by the latest by Chris Church. There are old faves such as Bob Mould, The Liminanas, Jason Isbell, and Gary Louris of The Jayhawks. Vista Blue celebrates the return of baseball with “Clearing the Benches”. The Tubs and Horsegirl have new sophomore efforts as strong as their debuts.

But what excites me the most this week are the first two tunes of the show. “(That Ain’t One I’m) Willin’ to Lose” marks the Ledge debut of Sioux Falls songwriter Meriwether Raindelay & The Original Star Band. I’m hoping it’s the beginning of a series of fabulous releases.

And there is also the latest by The Ex-Bombers. The wrestling nerd that I am loves the fact that they have yet another theme for the ring, and this time “He’s a Bad, Bad Man” is the entrance theme for NWA’s Jeremiah Plunkett. Even better is that the band AND Plunkett recorded intros for the show!

For more info, including setlists, head to http://scotthudson.blogspot.com