Rockin' The Suburbs

We continue to tidy up our correspondence drawer today, and inside we came across four interesting items. You are about to hear tales of an Amazon Voice command misfire, La Ludwig Band, no boundaries rock and roll and Tommy Keene.  Hit play and get listening, listener!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

Community member Kevin Porter sent in three concert tales a while back (and we use that term loosely) and today we share them with you.  Joan Baez, Sharon Van Etten and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin are featured in this delightful trio of stories.  Hit play for a cool trip down memory lane.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

To round out the week, we cleaned up all the remaining calls on the Suburban Party Line to get it all set for June new music messages.  Kevin Bartlett dials up to tells about an epic four-night concert run featuring Phish and Superchunk. Jimmy Lonetti phones in from the glove shop to talk about something he heard on a classic Replacements song.  Hit play and get with the Party Line People! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp

Today, Jim and Patrick talk with patron Kevin Bartlett and his daughter about their musical journeys. Which are both literal and musical.  But enough explaining, hit play and get into their story!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

We celebrate Bearsville Records and Todd Rundgren's birthday in today's edition of What Was First. Bearsville was born in 1969 and Todd turns 73 today.  Hit play and live the American Dream!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

We start off the week by taking care of some outstanding new music business. Namely, calls from Harris King and Adam Coop that fell through the cracks in May and April, respectively.  We also ask you to give your thoughts on the new music format ideas we've tried out in the last two months and remind you that the deadline for June new music is coming up.  Hit play and get take care of your new music business.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and

We close out the week with a new edition of What Was First focusing on groundbreaking electro-pop label ZTT Records. Listener Kjell Arne Sandvik suggested this label and it makes for a very interesting episode. This bite-size history lesson involves Trevor Horn, The Art of Noise and pioneering use of the Fairlight synthesizer.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

More listener correspondence today! We hear from Chris from Oakland about a band related to Boston Spaceships and Vasant Ramamurthy chimes in with some memories related to Touch & Go Records.  Plus, Jim tells us about a concert he recently saw.    Hit play and get listening, listener! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

We crack open the correspondence bag and pull out some reactions to Episode 1345, in which Bill Mulligan dropped by Patrick's basement to discuss instrumental tracks from bands that usually feature vocals.  Steven Routledge and Justin Steiner chime in and Jim has a tale to tell.  Hit play and don't worry about the singer.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we’re back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We’re trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  Today we're serving up part three, featuring two picks from two members of the community. Sunny Varney selects Wucan and Medusa's Disco, while Jason Goebel picks Porridge Radio and Lyle Lovett. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "

Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we’re back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We’re trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  Here's part two, featuring Liam McIndoe, Barret Ries and Kurt Gallagher. They chose music from ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, Troy Kingi, Soccer Mommy and Zach Bryan. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension,"

Last month, we served up the April New Music Mega-Blast and this month, we're back with new music picks from May, this time with a twist.  We're trying out Mini-Blasts this month, groups of two or three calls from our community mixed together. Jim and Patrick with cap off the series with a Mini-Blast of their own.  To kick things off, here's part one, featuring Steve Routledge, Roger Grace and Scott Parks. They chose music from Moon Tooth, Chris Bathgate, Soft Cell, Chappell Roan and Jens Lekman.  Hit play and get (mini) blasted! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line

Here is the second part of a great pair of episodes (if we do say so ourselves) on visionary American funk artist Betty Davis.  Part two finds patron and pal Bob Peterson discussing the later half of Betty's career, her fallout with Island Records and eventual retreat from music.  If you missed part one, be sure to go back and listen to that and then hit play on this one. Thanks very much Bob for this excellent idea and great research. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit

No, not that Bette Davis.  Today's episode is the first of a two-part Patron chat with Bob Peterson, who tells the story of Betty Davis, funk singer, fashion designer and visionary spirit.  Bob joins Jim and Patrick from his home in Wisconsin and in today's part one, he relates the tale of Betty's start in the music business (including a brief marriage to Miles Davis) and the recording of her first two albums.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com an

On today's episode, we dive into another edition of What Was First, this time exploring the first release on what a recent documentary says was "possibly the most indie of all indie labels." That would be Sarah Records, the Bristol, England based label that still turns fans into obsessives — even though they ceased to exist more than 25 years ago.  Hit play and get ready for some pure UK indie pop.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffi

The week begins with an episode of What Was First! Today, we take a suggestion from some guy named Jim Lenahan to investigate the first release on Island Records.  One of the most influential labels of all time, the Island story goes back 63 years to the island of Jamaica. So hit play and travel back to 1959 where Lance Haywood and his group are playing at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcam

We wrap up with week with a "bite-size history lesson" AKA an episode of What Was First.  Today's episode is on Triple X Records, a topic suggested by Rob Gates. There is plenty to learn in this episode, including stuff about Jane's Addiction, the Ramones, Dr. Dre and of course, Rhino 39. Hit play and get learning, peoples!  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

Jim takes over the Book Nook today and reports on a volume he read on a recent vacation: I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution. Get his take on this oral history-style book, with details on controversial videos, hard partying executives and humoring David Lee Roth.  Hit play and get your MTV! Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

We kick off a new month with a series of messages from an old friend, Echo Park Jimmy AKA EPJ.  We always eventually get around to our messages and while this one is from a few months back, it's packed with thrills, spills and slap bass! Hit play and head to Echo Park, like, right now. Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com

The last day of May takes us to another episode of What Was First, where we explore the first release record labels.  Today, a suggestion from listener Damon Wood sends us to Canada, where we find out what was the first release on Murderecords, a label founded and run by the members of the band Sloan.  Hit play and get ready for a taste of something minty.  Subscribe to Rockin' the Suburbs on Apple Podcasts/iTunes or other podcast platforms, including audioBoom, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon, iHeart, Stitcher and TuneIn. Or listen at SuburbsPod.com. Please rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends. Visit our website at SuburbsPod.com Email Jim & Patrick at rock@suburbspod.com Follow us on the Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @suburbspod If you're glad or sad or high, call the Suburban Party Line — 612-440-1984. Theme music: "Ascension," originally by Quartjar, covered by Frank Muffin. Visit quartjar.bandcamp.com and frankmuffin.bandcamp.com