Ep355: Mike McGinnis (Rid of Me, Fight Amp, Low Dose, Knife Hits)Ep355: Mike McGinnis (Rid of Me, Fight Amp, Low Dose, Knife Hits)

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Access to the Lonely is the new record by Rid Of Me, and it’s a good’un! A song by song review of the Philadelphia band’s second record is in order, as well as a history of the band in general, methodology and influence, COVERS, Low Dose, Fight Amp (Wha’ happen?) and lots more. That includes Knife Hits Records as well. 

Ep354: John Baizley (Baroness)Ep354: John Baizley (Baroness)

STONE is the one new one by Baroness, no it is NOT named after a color. We get into all the albums that ARE named after colors, as well as the new one in a detailed track by track breakdown. Creating during the pandemic, the incredible YOUR BARONESS tour built off of FAN REQUESTS. The nature of creating, thin lizzy style harmony guitars, BLUE Having a record where there isn’t somebody new to the band. Sebastian and Nick Jost as a rhythm section that is always in friendly competition and lots, lots more. 

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Ep353: Robert Kassees (1001 Album Complaints, The Chop, The Beverly Crushers, Repeat After Me)Ep353: Robert Kassees (1001 Album Complaints, The Chop, The Beverly Crushers, Repeat After Me)

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Rob was on Protonic Reversal before the show hit double digits. It has BEEN awhile. Let’s hear all about his show 1001 Album Complaints, a music commentary show based on the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book by Robert Dimery, they discuss the episodes and decide if they are worthy of inclusion, and of course, complain. (note: Conan has been on the show!) Let’s hear all about that, as well as the other going ons of The Chop Unlimited (metal themed Arby’s record? Blue Eyed Soul Ghostbusters record coming? Star Trek: TNG themed 70s funk and rock band?!?). Beverly Crushers, Ghost Beef, all of that. 

Ep348: Mike Hard (Thrall, God Bullies, They Never Sleep)Ep348: Mike Hard (Thrall, God Bullies, They Never Sleep)

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It has been a couple years since Mike Hard was on last and quite a bit has happened. Thrall is back! But David Livingstone of God Bullies has left us, as has Johnnie Johnson III. Memories of both of those great people and players. New(!) music with Mike Hard and David Livingstone that has yet to see release. As well as the story of how Thrall has gotten back together and are playing shows again Thrall, God Bullies, the Brain Saw, Hand Over Head, They Never Sleep are all available now on Bandcamp. A freeewheeling conversation that gets into the state of the world, the nature of connection and immediacy of performance, Mike Hard’s book reviews and a lot, lot more.

Ep347: Clinton Jacob and Danny Sein (Mr. Phylzzz)Ep347: Clinton Jacob and Danny Sein (Mr. Phylzzz)

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Clinton and Danny from Mr. Phylzzz have a new one called Fat Chance, recorded at the stately Electrical Audio in Chicago. We go through a track by track of that one, as well as a lot of discussion of the very differently recorded Cancel Culture Club, the powerful advocacy of Tom Hazelmyer of Amphetamine Reptile, how Danny met Clinton, when Danny learned drums, how stand up comedy fits in with all of this and of course an upcoming tour with the mighty Melvins! All that and a whole lot more.

Ep346: Randy Randall (No Age, Hyphenate with Randy Randall Podcast)Ep346: Randy Randall (No Age, Hyphenate with Randy Randall Podcast)

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Randy has been rocking with his bandmate Dean in the band experimental punk group NO AGE for almost twenty years now sharing the stage with acts such as Foo Fighters, Pixies, Sonic Youth and Pavement! We go over the entire history of the band, including their pre-no age band Wives. The journey of the band, including records on Sub Pop and Drag City. Releasing a record during the pandemic, meeting Kevin Shields and J. Mascis, SP-202s and touring in the pandemic. All of that and the incredible debut of HYPHENATE with Randy Randall, a podcast focused on people who do and are good at more than one thing (polymaths!)

Ep345: Maple Stave (Chris Williams, Andy Hull, Evan Rowe, Chris Rasmussen)Ep345: Maple Stave (Chris Williams, Andy Hull, Evan Rowe, Chris Rasmussen)

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Durham rock band Maple Stave have a new record called ARGUMENTS and it is the first in a very, very, VERY long time. Listen to this long lived noisy/melodic/sometimes mathy rock band as they talk about bringing in Chris Rasmussen from Police Teeth and Brackets in Seattle and how that has changed the dynamic and a comprehensive breakdown of their record. Did you know Electrical Audio has a pretty good drum sound? Did you know a bunch of random “acts about Green Bay Wisconsin? Well, you can know all that and more. As we do a COMPREHENSIVE breakdown of the new record and all things Maple Stave.

Ep344: Ryan Christopher Parks (B. Hamilton)Ep344: Ryan Christopher Parks (B. Hamilton)

The one and only Ryan Parks returns! There is some new B. Hamilton music. An ep, even! Other Lives of Magic and Wonder and Whatever, a followup to the recent I Would Give Songs Numbers Instead of Names If I could. I Can? Ok. Here I go, But Not Really. More about this ep business as well as the departure of Macy, the badass of Raj, the various lineups and records of the band and general creativity and moving forward and things like that. Nick Cave. The many moods of Fight Everything “my character” and when the next full length might actually see the light of day. Is Everything I Own is Broken a concept record? / Operation Mindcrime. Andy Shauf, etc.

Ep343: M. Martin (Coordinated Suicides, Caryatids, Pink City)Ep343: M. Martin (Coordinated Suicides, Caryatids, Pink City)

The fabulous M. Martin FINALLY comes on Protonic Reversal. Mike started playing in bands pretty late in life, but came at it from a place of extreme epicurean interest as a fan. The path (and disography) of Pink City. The origin and creative path of Coordinated Suicides, a song by song breakdown of This Could be Heaven. The post-punk of Caryatids. All of that and lots, lots more!

Ep342: Rick Pelletier and J. Ryan (Six Finger Satellite)Ep342: Rick Pelletier and J. Ryan (Six Finger Satellite)

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The Pigeon Is the Most Popular Bird has a lush and fantastic reissue on LP by Sub Pop. We talk about that, as well as Severe Exposure, Paranormalized, Law of Ruins, Weapon, Machine Cuisine, Half Control, A Good Year for Hardness and lots more. The Moog Liberation (weighty!) live shows with just synth. Evocative imagery and unique album design, synth dance jams sitting next to noisy rock, It is a comprehensive discussion of all things Six Finger Satellite.

Ep341: David Schellenberg (tunic)Ep341: David Schellenberg (tunic)

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Envisioning tunic and switching from bass to guitar. The upcoming tour with the Johns of JOHN. The wild world of Winnipeg. Starting a band and being ready to play 100 shows a year. Keeping the song Disappointment interesting. Power chords, and the lack of them… Choosing what songs to play. A song by song run through of Wrong Dream and yes… the collaboration album with Bummer.

Does the band name make you think of stoner rock or DnD? That’s YOUR problem. This is tunic.

RIP Rick Froberg [Ep237 Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Obits, Pitchfork) Revisited)]RIP Rick Froberg [Ep237 Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Obits, Pitchfork) Revisited)]

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Rick Froberg was a titan, a legend. A fierce tornado of alley cat wail with an unparalleled artistic sensibility. I got into Drive Like Jehu the year after they broke up. Yank Crime changed my world. I was way too late to see it in person, but I did get to see it in person years later, first at the crazy thing with the organ in San Diego and later on the reunion tour proper. I saw Hot Snakes many times, first time around and reunion, it was told to me as follows:

“Oh, the Jehu guys have a new band that sounds a bit like The Wipers!”

Cool. I was all in.

Turned out to be one of the best rock bands in the modern age, NBD!

His artistic sensibility blew me away, so much so that I hassled him for years to do album art for me, finally succeeding with one of my favorite album covers of anything i’ve done with the Art of Murder. I asked if I could make a sticker and t-shirt of it, and he said he’d rather make a unique design for it… well, that took 6 years, but we ended up with the t-shirt and sticker for The Commuter. Worth the wait.

He was just a one of a kind guy.

Despite all my personal interactions, the guy made a lot of music that was important to me and people I know, and that kind of connection matters a lot. It is important for us to remember these people. All the more so when they aren’t a household name. It is on us to remember them.

We lost a very certain kind of legend with Rick Froberg and we shall not see his like again.

I’m reposting the episode of Protonic we did together along with a short-ish intro.

It begins at 11m 54s

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Rick Froberg is a fantastic vocalist, rock ‘n roll front man and a HELL of a visual artist. Join in for a very free wheeling conversation while we talk about, well… all of his various bands, as well as bootleggers, Wire, Metallica, LUAU, Jehu reunions, Hot Snakes 1st and 2nd times, Obits and so many, many other things. Come on! Rick Froberg, people!

Ep340: John Newton (JOHN)Ep340: John Newton (JOHN)

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The band is called JOHN, it has two people in it NAMED John. They are from the UK and are touring the US for the very first time with tunic! Exciting! A Unique design aesthetic and a singing drummer. We talk God Speed in the National Limit, Out Here in the Fridges, Nocturnal Manoeuvres. The band getting #1 on the UK vinyl singles chart, Barry Adamson and Simon Pegg and other things A LIFE DIAGRAMMATIC. There’s a lot to talk about with these fellows and their steady and sustainable build up. and… William Morris?

Ep339: Pete and Franz Stahl (Scream, Wool)Ep339: Pete and Franz Stahl (Scream, Wool)

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A great conversation with the REAL Band of Brothers, The Stahls! Scream are about to go on tour! DC Special, and the long and winding road to it, celebrating the roots of the band while staying vital and propulsive and bringing something new to it. Joe Lally! DAVE. Writing songs remotely and collaboration, INNER EAR, oh, and a comprehensive telling of the unfairly ignored WOOL as well. Desert Sessions, Rancho De La Luna, Earthlings? Foo Fighters, J and so much more. Sit right back and hear some tales of Pete and Franz.

…and YES, they DO have an Instagram, Facebook and Twitter account. 

Ep338: Tim Green (the Fucking Champs, Nation of Ulysses)Ep338: Tim Green (the Fucking Champs, Nation of Ulysses)

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There is a reissue of the incredible record III by The Fucking Champs (or C4AM95 at the time) reissued by Drag City. Let’s go through a history of that band, as well as Louder studios. Collaborations and tours with Trans Am, recording all manner of bands, Drug Apts, Extra Man, all this plus a story about the time Tim *checks notes* played bass in the Wipers?

Ep337: Thymme Jones (Cheer-Accident)Ep337: Thymme Jones (Cheer-Accident)

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CONTEXT! it is everything. Look, there is prolific, and long lived and there is Cheer-Accident. Hear about: Compiling setlists from a career of 20+ albums, keeping things unexpected and musicially interesting as a creative auto-immune response. Booking shows in the modern world, plus the announcement of a very cool show! Filet of Nod, compilation appearances, their cover of Dream Police (that CA finished for them), Yona-Kit, Dead Rider and lots more!

Ep336: John Wright (NoMeansNo, Dead Bob, Compressorhead, The Hanson Brothers)Ep336: John Wright (NoMeansNo, Dead Bob, Compressorhead, The Hanson Brothers)

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The mighty punk prog powerhouse drummer comes on Protonic Reversal to talk about his fantastic new band DEAD BOB a brilliant new album called Life Like that is also a band. We speak of that, as well as robot bands, hockey themed punk rock, producing Victim’s Family, and a lil’ ol band called No Means No! From Sex Mad to Body Bag to Rags and Bones, Teresa, Jello and so VERY MUCH MORE. A comprehensive look at all things WRIGHT (and WRONG)

Ep335: Meg Castellanos (Totimoshi, All Souls, Alma Sangre)Ep335: Meg Castellanos (Totimoshi, All Souls, Alma Sangre)

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The mighty Meg Castellanos of Totimoshi and All Souls comes to Protonic Reversal. Totimoshi is back and playing Caterwaul 2023, playing live for the first time in many years. Listen in as Meg and Conan go through the many eras of Totimoshi (as well as the many drummers!), lots of talk of the glory days of old San Francisco. Touring with Melvins and Helmet, Mastodon and… TOOL?!?! Alma Sangre and origin of All Souls. Flamenco! Learning bass, relentless touring, playing live now v. then, Eastside Rehearsal and so much more.

Ep334: Gareth Thomas (USA Nails)Ep334: Gareth Thomas (USA Nails)

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All the way from the UK. How WAS Your Weekend? Rocking with day jobs and the collision of those different worlds. We talk about Character Stop love for Skin Graft records the split with Psychic Graveyard. Love for Skin Graft, alternate tunings. Enduring and changing. Picking a setlist from a deep catalog and of COURSE their upcoming US tour to Caterwaul 2023! Gareth! From the mighty USA Nails.

Ep333: Brett Bradford (Scratch Acid, Suckling)Ep333: Brett Bradford (Scratch Acid, Suckling)

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There’s a new Suckling video for Sisyphus, and it features all 4 members of Scratch Acid! Protonic Reversal gets the honor of premiering it! We talk about all of that, as well as the awesome album that the video is off of. How Brett ended up playing with Win Wallace of Gorch Fock in this band and details of that nature. Also a historical jaunt to the world of Scratch Acid, who wrote Cannibal (the answer might surprise you!), Owner’s Lament! What’s up with those strings? The staying power of Scratch Acid and the GREATEST GIFT compilation. All of that and lots more.

Ep332: Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Fantômas, Dead Cross, Mr Bungle, Solo)Ep332: Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Fantômas, Dead Cross, Mr Bungle, Solo)

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Dave has a cool new album called Rites of Percussion, a drum and percussion based solo album. We speak about that, as well as rise of Slayer and those classic albums, including the timeless Reign in Blood. Rick Rubin! Tori Amos covers. Blood in the mosh pits and more. Thrill! to the The Fantômas origin story and the Director’s Cut! Dead Cross and Michael Crain’s successful fight against Cancer. Mr. Bungle and Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo and so very, very much more.

Ep331: Clinton Wallace and Brad Bynum (Elephant Rifle)Ep331: Clinton Wallace and Brad Bynum (Elephant Rifle)

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The pride of Reno, NV! And their cultural ambassadors. The boys of Elephant Rifle have a brand new banger of a record called Broken Water. We go through a song by song breakdown of the whole durn thing, as well as determining whether Clinton has “gone hippie” or not, a great conversation about community building, musical cross pollination and making common cause with other genres in a smaller market.

Ep330: Damien Sayell (The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, mclusky)Ep330: Damien Sayell (The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, mclusky)

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The new TSPSI record is called GALORE. It is a bit different then the raucous fury of the first two, but very interesting and worth your time. Damien joins Conan to discuss the many moods of writing this record and the themes within (including new fatherhood), SCRAPPING the original 3rd record entirely, and a detailed song by song run through of the whole bloody affair. There’s a surprising amount of Metallica talk, but the end also features a very good accounting of how Damien came to be in mclusky and some updates on that vital band. Very good! Very good indeed.

Ep329: Mike Morasky (Steel Pole Bath Tub, Cassette Prophet)Ep329: Mike Morasky (Steel Pole Bath Tub, Cassette Prophet)

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Cassette Prophet is Mike from SPBT’s newest thing, a long percolating band and project based on an incredible mythos involving (*checks notes*) Radio Shack? In fact last time he was on it was called: “First Church of Radio Shack.” We discuss that, as well as the many varieties of Milk Cult, the No Coast Records (not fest!) reissue of early Steel Pole Bath Tub with We Own Drrrills. The stories of the major label record Scars From Falling Down and UNLISTENABLE, the doomed “final” record. 

It is the longest Part 2 after a Part 1 in the show’s history! 2 years, 11 months, 11 days excluding the end date. No wonder it is an extra long episode. ‘Let’s go, we’ve got a date with the underground’.

Ep328: Resurrectionists (Joe Cannon, Jeff Brueggeman, Gian Chivas Pogliano)Ep328: Resurrectionists (Joe Cannon, Jeff Brueggeman, Gian Chivas Pogliano)

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Resurrectionists are an awesome new (er) band from Milwaukee and they have a record called Now That We Are All Ghosts that Conan is VERY familiar with! Chamber DOOM Folk Americana. Let’s get into a song by song breakdown, find out if this band is truly clock rock or not and get into the details of what constitutes a (*checks notes*) First Annual Resurrectionists Film Festival ?

Ep326: John Darnielle (the Mountain Goats)Ep326: John Darnielle (the Mountain Goats)

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John was good enough to talk to Conan before their next big tour. What about? Pokerface! Stylistic changeups,the evolution of Mountain Goats from one guy to a large band and what the various members bring. Setlists and when a song works live or doesn’t. Songs that reveal themselves. Shania Twain? GOTHS, The Sunset Tree. Ego and sublimation of ego. The deep connection with THIS YEAR. Allegory, emotional resonance. Prairie Sun. Heretic Pride, Sequencing. D&D on film. The Getting into Knives cover. Bleed Out, Italian cop movies and uptempo songs.

Ep325: Donna Diane (Djunah)Ep325: Donna Diane (Djunah)

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It has been 184 episodes since Donna Diane has been on Protonic. A few things have happened since then. Including Djunah’s new record Femina Furens. The absolutely nuts video for Seven Winds of Sekhmet. Legs for bassist, doing everything ones self (no, really!) complex post-traumatic stress disorder, poetry and deadbeat dad Gods. It is also a VERY detailed song by song breakdown of this incredible and dense record. Including multiple suggestive Santas. Furious woman! Let’s go. 

Ep324: Lori Joseph (Acid King)Ep324: Lori Joseph (Acid King)

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Beyond Vision! An all new Acid King record for 2023. This one is a bit more psychedelic then previous records but still has the essential monolithic AK riffs you would expect. Yet, there are keyboards too. (*gasp*). It is a winding, thundering song cycle of space exploration. There’s a song by song of the new one. Also, let’s take a walk back to the days of Man’s Ruin and Sympathy for the Record Industry where Lori get her start with Acid King. Walkthroughs of the whole discography. Live at Roadburn, Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere, III, Free (and Clearlight), Busse Woods, Down With the Crown, Zoroaster. 

Ep323: Russell Simins (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, S-E-R-V-I-C-E, Crunt)Ep323: Russell Simins (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, S-E-R-V-I-C-E, Crunt)

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DANG! it’s the drum man for the BLUUUUUUES EXPLOOOOOSSSION. Who also happens to be half of the creative braintrust of the mighty SERVICE (Whose: DRAG ME was named best record of 2022 by this show!). A detailed history of JSBX, album by album… starting from the very beginning. R.L. Burnside! Playing with Tom Waits. Butter 08, production, JUST FRED, Pranking Weird Al with Yoko Ono. And of course the origin story of S-E-R-V-I-C-E one of the best rock bands on the planet. You want in-depth? You got it… punk!

Ep322: Rose Marshack (Poster Children, Salaryman, Author)Ep322: Rose Marshack (Poster Children, Salaryman, Author)

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The incredible Rose Marshack of Poster Children has written a book called: Play Like a Man: My Life In Poster Children. Join us as we discuss music as community, the nuts, bolts and dollars and cents of making music. Surviving the 90s gold rush on a major label. Creative ventures. Origin stories, tour reports, computers, the indie code of ethics, the complicated expectations of rocking while a woman, teaching, zen, martial arts, Mercy Rule, Ian Mackaye and so much more. It is a great conversation and a great book. 

Ep321: Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Shriekback, Matthew Sweet)Ep321: Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Shriekback, Matthew Sweet)

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Ivan has a new record called Swing Your Lanterns. Starting in live performance with the Foundations (Build Me Up Buttercup) with touring 101, starting in with Richard Hell and the Voidoids in 70s New York. Rehearsing 3 or 4 songs for months for the first ep, Black Generation. Liars Beware! The different sounds and bands of that NY scene and whoever sells more records gets written about more. The story of the Outsets, Giorgio Gomelsky and Bob Clearmountain. Working without a net. Working with Matthew Sweet, touring with Shriekback. All that and so much more, a lifetime of incredible music.

Ep320: Kevin Rutmanis (Hepa.Titus, Cows, Melvins, Tomahawk)Ep320: Kevin Rutmanis (Hepa.Titus, Cows, Melvins, Tomahawk)

Kevin is back and he has TWO new records! Uneat, the latest from Hepa.Titus. And Crackpot Whorehead a collaboration with Trevor Dunn. The Bass V – I. A brief history of hepa.titus, and remote collaborations. Selected Melvins memories. The joy of grabbing weird gear and doing cool things with it.  All that and a living history of Cows records (or whatever Kevin remembers of them!). 

Also, don’t miss episode Ep144 when Kevin was last on THREE YEARS AGO! 

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Ep319: Martin Bisi (Producer, Engineer, Martin Bisi Band)Ep319: Martin Bisi (Producer, Engineer, Martin Bisi Band)

The pride of Gowanus comes on Protonic Reversal. Martin documented all the no waves bands, ran a studio with Bill Laswell before running it himself. Recorded Herbie Hancock’s ROCKIT (!), as well as Ex-Models, Lydia Lunch… Sonic Youth Bad Moon Rising and EVOL. J.G. Thirlwell. All of that, an incredible career and incredible ongoing presence in the New York community and beyond. Who else randomly stumbles upon Brian Eno outtakes? That’s right… Martin Bisi.  Ohh yeah, he also has a great new record of his own called FERAL MYTHS. 

Ep318: Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson, Mario Lalli and the Rubber Snake Charmers, Yawning Man, Across The River, Queens of the Stone Age)Ep318: Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson, Mario Lalli and the Rubber Snake Charmers, Yawning Man, Across The River, Queens of the Stone Age)

Boomer, The godfather of desert rock! Early days with Black Flag, Redd Kross and Saccharine Trust. Restaurants and riffs. The incredible Tony Tornay. Introducing: The free and unique night to night music of the Rubber Snake Charmers. The origins of the incredible Fatso Jetso. Dropping into the desert sessions to do “millionaire” (later to become a Queens of the Stone Age song). Generators and the responsibility of running a restaurant. Live from Total Annihilation.  Legends of the Desert split with Dali’s Llama! It is the legend, Mario Lalli. 

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Ep317: Top Records of 2022Ep317: Top Records of 2022

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It is time for the yearly countdown of some of my favorite records of 2022. I can’t include all of them and taste is subjective, but hopefully you can find some gems here that you either were not aware of or have been meaning to check out. And for those that don’t care about the episode and just want lists, here’s that too. (also in playlist form) Bandname – Song – Album, and deep links to their respective episode (where appropriate)

1. SERVICE – Hey – Drag Me 

2. Lung – Sick – Let it Be Gone 

3. Helms Alee – Mouth Thinker – Keep This Be The Way (ep268) 

4. Chat Pile – Pamela – God’s Country (ep305)

5. Kal Marks – Ovation – My Name is Hell (ep302)

6. Hammered Hulls – Rights and Reproduction – Careening  (ep316)

7. Sloan – Keep Your Name Alive – Steady 

8. Paul Roessler – Maker – The Turning of the Bright World (ep312)

9. Plosivs – Hit the Breaks – Plosivs 

10. Melvins – My Discomfort is Radiant – Bad Mood Rising 

11. Dälek – A Heretic’s Inheritence – Precipice (ep293)

12. Savak – Empathy – Human Error / Human Delight (ep292) 

13. Toshi Kasai – Perpetual Manufactory – Based on True Stories (ep306)

14. Mr Phylzzz – Pretend Friends – Cancel Culture Club 

15. Mike Baggetta / Mike Watt / Jim Keltner – Fake Break – Everywhen We Go (ep314, ep315)

16. The Art Gray Noizz Quintent – Here’s Johnny – The Art Gray Noizz Quintent (ep294)

17. A Deer A Horse – Bitter – Grind (ep290)

18. Microwaves – Your Dumb Guts – Discomfiture Atlas (ep308)

19. Coordinated Suicides – Mickey Disney Lover – This Could Be Heaven  

20. DEVO’s Gerald V. Casale – The Invisible Man – The Invisible Man ep (ep313)

Ep316: Alec Mackaye (Hammered Hulls, The Warmers, Ignition)Ep316: Alec Mackaye (Hammered Hulls, The Warmers, Ignition)

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Hammered Hulls! A new-ish band with a GREAT record called Careening. Singer and frontman Alec Mackaye comes on protonic reversal and goes into a DETAILED song by song of this incredible record, as well as talk of The Warmers, general songwriting, song lyric interpretations as jumping off points and writing prompts for the audience, inspiration and coming back to music and live performance with awesome likeminded collaborators and coming up with something very special. 

Ep315: Mike Baggetta (mssv, Mike Baggetta / Mike Watt / Jim Keltner, solo)Ep315: Mike Baggetta (mssv, Mike Baggetta / Mike Watt / Jim Keltner, solo)

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Everywhen We Go, that’s the new record by Mike Baggetta / Jim Keltner / Mike Watt is now out! It’s the latest record from a loose limbed collaboration by the iconic experimental guitarist, the mighty Minutemen bass man and the incredible session drummer who has played with everybody. So what’s the difference between that and MSSV (main STEAM stop valve)? Well Stephen Hodges for one, who played with Tom Waits and many others. We talk about the differences, Mike’s background and history with music and collaboration. Wall of Flowers and Live Flowers, creative process, tones and pedals and a song by song breakdown of the new record. Hey, Watt was just on talking about that too, it’s like the Rashomon effect.

Ep314: Mike Watt (mssv, Minutemen, fIREHOSE, the Stooges, Flipper, solo, Mike Baggetta / Jim Keltner / Mike Watt)Ep314: Mike Watt (mssv, Minutemen, fIREHOSE, the Stooges, Flipper, solo, Mike Baggetta / Jim Keltner / Mike Watt)

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Surprise! It is the one and only Mr. Mike Watt. He’s got a new record with Mike Beggata and Jim Keltner called Everywhen We Go. Hot off the presses! We discuss that (and the difference between mssv!) as well as the Watt from Pedro show, Flipper, Iggy, erasing ageism in movement music, knee blow outs, remote tracking and Orson Welles with a pair of chili dogs. Spiel time, baby! Let’s go!

Ep313: Gerald V. Casale (DEVO)Ep313: Gerald V. Casale (DEVO)

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The unmistakable Gerald V. Casale of DEVO RETURNS! He has new music. The Invisible Man ep, along with a reissue of the Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers material under his own name. Fantastic videos for I’m Gonna Pay U Back and The Invisible Man. Collaboration with Steve Bartek of Oingo Boingo and Josh Freese and more. Of COURSE, lots of DEVO talk as well. Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA, Meeting David Lynch and Ronnie Rocket. Human Highway and Neil Young, the wild antics of Iggy Pop. 9/11 stand-up comedy and lots, lots more! 

Ep159: Jerry Casale. Ep175: Jerry Casale Part 2. Something for Everybody – 10 Year song by song overview 

Ep312: Paul Roessler (The Screamers, 45 Grave, Nervous Gender, Nina Hagen, Twisted Roots, Solo, Producer)Ep312: Paul Roessler (The Screamers, 45 Grave, Nervous Gender, Nina Hagen, Twisted Roots, Solo, Producer)

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The great Paul Roessler! He’s recently released The Turning of the Bright World, a new solo record. Lots of talk about the iconic and legendary band The Screamers who never recorded a proper record but are legends of punk rock and progenitors of “synth punk” and still a hot topic to this day, Twisted Roots, Nervous Gender, working (and touring!) with Nina Hagen, Don Bolles and Pat Smear, Dez Cadena, Playing with Dead Kennedys, Kitten Robot studios, Mike Watt. Touring, performance, spectacle! Paul!

Ep311: John Schmersal (Brainiac, Enon, Vertical Scratchers, Crooks on Tape)Ep311: John Schmersal (Brainiac, Enon, Vertical Scratchers, Crooks on Tape)

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Brainiac touring in 2023? Amazing! Let’s get the full details from the guitar man himself, how a Brainiac tour can (and is) happening without the great Timmy Taylor (RIP). Fresh off a tour with the band Caribou, John breaks it down. How about a rundown of the catalog too? Yeah? Sound good. The Attic Tapes and Live show? Also cool. How about an EXCLUSIVE SURPRISE?! Predator Nominate ep, some of the last stuff Brainiac was working on getting an official release, news broken on THIS show! Come all ye Cracked machines and Bonsai Superstars.

Ep310: Nick Sakes (Upright Forms, Colossamite, Dazzling Killmen, Sicbay)Ep310: Nick Sakes (Upright Forms, Colossamite, Dazzling Killmen, Sicbay)

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Upright Forms are a new band! One of their first recordings is on the Sounds to Make You Shudder Skin Graft comp. Conan knows the three members from very different bands and circles. The Upright Forms origins are discussed as well as indepth look at Dazzling Killmen (Face of collapse! Jazz guys and wildcard), Collossamite (members of Deerhoof now), Sicbay! and more. It is an in-depth discussion with a unique and influential player and musician through his entire journey in his music up to today.

Ep309: Mark Davies (Thinking Fellers Union Local 282)Ep309: Mark Davies (Thinking Fellers Union Local 282)

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Reissues of Strangers From the Universe and Admonishing the Bishops! Yes, it is true. Bulbous Monocle is doing just that. What better time to go over the entire storied and varied TFUL282 catalog with a fine tooth comb? A bit about each record, baroque instruments making weird noises. Optigans! Mother of All Saints! The Crowded Diaper and so much more. Did you know SF used to be an affordable place to make music and create? Let’s talk to Mark Davies and find out all about it. 

Ep308: microwaves (Dave Kuzy, John Roman, Adam Macgregor)Ep308: microwaves (Dave Kuzy, John Roman, Adam Macgregor)

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The mighty men of MICROWAVES! This incredibly long lived band of uncompromising relentlessly creative Pittsburgh noiseniks have a new one called Discomfiture Atlas, a record with TWO lineups. One of which is with previous bassplayer Steve Moore of Zombi fame. A wild time!

Or as Dave says: “We talk about the songs on the new record in detail.  Adam eats key lime pie.  I espouse a radical theory about Spinal Tap.  John makes crinkling noises.”

Ep307: Guy Picciotto (fugazi)Ep307: Guy Picciotto (fugazi)

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Well then! How about a comprehensive talk with the fantastic and innovative guitarist and singer? A deep and far ranging conversation on models of operation, freedom and creativity as well as relatively comprehensive deep dives through all of all of the fugazi catalog? Strap in everybody!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1p0swTijm66RHDtB4sBBW4?si=afcffdd906d24d68

Ep306: Toshi Kasai (Producer, Engineer, Musician)Ep306: Toshi Kasai (Producer, Engineer, Musician)

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Toshi is the renowned producer of bands like Melvins, Tool and so much more. He’s not only the master mind of the incredible Plan D, but has a fantastic new record called Based on True Stories, that is full of gypsy jazz, backmasking, filters and glitches but is… mostly acoustic? We take a deep song-by-song dive into that as well as what bands do and don’t get right about recording, writing and everything else and a bit of insight about how somebody who works so hard on the creativity others finds time and space to innovate himself.

Ep305: Chat PileEp305: Chat Pile

What a treat! All four members of Oklahoma City Noise-rock/sludge superstars come on Protonic Reversal to talk about their awesome new record God’s Country in-depth. An in-depth song by song discussion! Along with talk of logos, art direction, the Oklahoma scene and a surprising amount of 90s swing revival discourse. 

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Ep304: Scott Picco (Almanac Man, Bear Claw, Rented Rooms)Ep304: Scott Picco (Almanac Man, Bear Claw, Rented Rooms)

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Almanac Man is a great newer band from Denver, with a great new record called For Your Cause. Song by song breakdown of that record, as well as a comprehensive overview of the long lived, 2-bass and drums Chicago trio Bear Claw. Chris Metcalf of Life and Times and playing in Rented Rooms and lots, lots more. 

Ep303: Dan Kubinski (Die Kreuzen, DeadFinger)Ep303: Dan Kubinski (Die Kreuzen, DeadFinger)

The mighty Die Kreuzen vocalist and frontman has a brand new dark acoustic duo called DeadFinger. Learn all about that here, as well as a detailed run through of the entire history of Die Kreuzen, key moments and records, what came afterwards and lots more. Reunions, shouting out newer bands, post-Die Kreuzen activities, The Crosses (a band playing the first self titled Die Kreuzen LP front to back, faves from Oct File & originals!) and fans spanning generations.

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Ep302: Carl Shane (Kal Marks)Ep302: Carl Shane (Kal Marks)

Tom Waits, Harvey Milk, Melvins, Captain Beefheart and more! Turning a solo project into a band and into the same band but with a different lineup. One guitar vs. two guitars. The story of Kal Marks coming back during COVID. The story of playing with Kowloon Walled City, Gentrification and not caring about what is cool. A DETAILED song-by-song walk through of the new record: My Name is Hell, available at Exploding in Sound Records. 

Ep301: Stephen Egerton (Descendents, ALL)Ep301: Stephen Egerton (Descendents, ALL)

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Cool! It’s the guitar man from the mighty Descendents and ALL (and FLAG!). Listen in as Stephen and Conan talk about: bringing the prog to the downstrokes, growing up in a musical family, wireless or wired (never knobs), ALL (the album and the band), Everything Sucks, 9th and Walnut, oh yeah, and some dude wore a t-shirt too.

Ep300: Conan Neutron answers YOUR questions!Ep300: Conan Neutron answers YOUR questions!

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For episode 300, it was time for something COMPLETELY different.
Don’t worry, it isn’t only: “When are you going to have _ on?” or “How is babby formed?”. It’s a nice blend of IMs, e-mails and live comments all answered in a live environment.

Ep299: Mike Kunka (godheadSilo, Enemymine, Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke) PT.2Ep299: Mike Kunka (godheadSilo, Enemymine, Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke) PT.2

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Part 2 of the epic episode with Mike Kunka! (Part 1 is here) We talk about the later days of godheadSilo, Enemymine, Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke and what exactly the deal was with that reunion tour in the middle of winter a few years back. 

Ep298: Mike Kunka (godheadSilo, Enemymine Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke) PT.1Ep298: Mike Kunka (godheadSilo, Enemymine Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke) PT.1

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Mike Kunka is an American bass guitarist best known as a member of the group godheadSilo. He has also been a member of the groups Dead Low Tide, Smoke and Smoke and Enemymine, based out of Washington state. All that and Three Men and a Baby with Melvins. We talk about… all of that! And lots more. Guardians of the Threshold! this is part 1 of a 2 part episode.  (Editor’s note… Mike’s connection is not always the best, FYI)

Ep297: Jem Ponussamy (DEAD)Ep297: Jem Ponussamy (DEAD)

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Jem of the mighty DEAD (Australia) returns to Protonic Reversal to talk about re-pressing Raving Drooling, releasing UP YOURS, We Grit Our Teeth, CLUB DEAD, multiple versions of the band and lots, lots more. (not touring though!)

Ep296: Damon Che (Don Caballero)Ep296: Damon Che (Don Caballero)

Wait, what?! That’s right, it is the most comprehensive breakdown of all things Don Cab you are likely to hear. Album by album, For Respect to American Don, and even World Class Listening Problem and Punkgasm. The art on 2 and What Burns. Using technology to solve problems. Is he playing? What happened with Bellini? All that and and so much more answered here.

Ep295: Stephen DePace (Flipper)Ep295: Stephen DePace (Flipper)

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A comprehensive history of the band Flipper from the genre defining band’s mighty drummer! The positivity of LIFE, the synare of Sex Bomb and the sax solos. Public Flipper Limited, Gone Fishin’, Blow’n Chunks, vs. Studio 54 (Really!), Being Rick Rubin’s favorite band, losing Will Shatter, Krist Noviselic (!) and David Yow (!), joining the group. Who exactly is Fletcher from the Garden? All of this and SO MUCH MORE!

Ep294: Stu Spasm (Lubricated Goat, the Art Gray Noizz Quintet)Ep294: Stu Spasm (Lubricated Goat, the Art Gray Noizz Quintet)

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Lubricated Goat! CRUNT! the Art Gray Noizz Quintet! Stu Spasm (aka: Stu Gray) is a legend in underground music. Find out who in Lubricated Goat liked Motley Crue a little too much, playing with Charles Tolnay and Guy Maddison (respectively!), Playing naked on television, getting stabbed in Berlin and various activities in between, CRUNT, the evolution and reveal of The Art Gray Noizz Quintent. The live record (recorded just as lockdown hit). Lydia Lunch and tons, tons more. Is it the definitive Stu Spasm interview? It. just. might. be.

Ep293: Will Brooks (Dälek)Ep293: Will Brooks (Dälek)

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Well, well, well! It’s Will Brooks of Dälek, coming in hot with a fantastic new record called Precipice. One that features a guest appearance by young up and comer Adam Jones of (*checks notes*) TOOL, even. Listen in as Will and Conan talk about sharing the stage with everybody from Godflesh to Prince Paul, playing for yourself, the MEDITATIONS series and streaming on twitch, redoing the entire record when COVID hit, collaborations with FAUST, ALL THAT and a song by song walkthrough of Precipice! 

Ep292: Sohrab Habibion and Michael Jaworski (SAVAK)Ep292: Sohrab Habibion and Michael Jaworski (SAVAK)

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SAVAK have a new record, their 5th! Human Error/Human Delight, it’s a great rocker and has a wild array of bass players, just like the band. It’s been 192 episodes since Sohrab was last on and 208 since it was a full episode, and Michael Jaworski has NEVER been on. Here that is finally rectified as we do a song-by-song of Human Error/Human Delight, and also talk about carrying on as a band as real life responsibilities and adulthood happen, and many other hilarious topics. NO BLUES! NO JAZZ! NO ARBITRARY BORDERS!

Ep291: Protonic Reversal / Movie Night Extravaganza X’over: This Is Spinal Tap w/ Gerald V. Casale (DEVO)Ep291: Protonic Reversal / Movie Night Extravaganza X’over: This Is Spinal Tap w/ Gerald V. Casale (DEVO)

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THIS CROSSOVER GOES TO 11! That’s right, it is the the classic (and endlessly quotable) Rob Reiner Mockumentary. With a round table discussion that includes Gerald V. Casale of DEVO, Brian Teasley (Birdstuff) of Man…or Astro-Man?/Polyphonic Spree and St. Vincent and so much more! The first ever crossover between Conan Neutron’s Protonic Reversal and Movie Night Extravaganza. “It’s such a fine line between stupid, and uh…clever.”

Ep290: Angela Phillips and Dylan Teggart (A Deer A Horse)Ep290: Angela Phillips and Dylan Teggart (A Deer A Horse)

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Angela and Dylan are back… after 102 episodes and a full year to talk about their new record GRIND. Thoughts on discussion on touring in the age of COVID, continuing on without Rebecca. Bringing in new folks to the band. What adornments and embellishments an extra year (!) of sitting with a record provides, why trying too hard to be what is wanted in the moment is bound for unhappiness and a freewheeling breakdown of each of the new album’s songs.

Ep289: Ian Miller (Kowloon Walled City)Ep289: Ian Miller (Kowloon Walled City)

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Ian Miller is 1/4 of the incredible and iconic Kowloon Walled City. They have a (relatively) new record out and are doing tour dates on the East Coast and Rust Belt, in some cases for the very first time. That is discussed, as well as the origin and story behind (*deep breath*) Interesting Times Gang! Strangelight! No Lights! Less Art! Truxton! The strange story of Puig Destroyer! Productive Outs! Rigs of Dad Podcast! Which songs are a game of chicken with the drummer. And a song by song run through of Piecework. PHEW!

About time!

Ep288: Jon Weisnewski (Akimbo, Sandrider)Ep288: Jon Weisnewski (Akimbo, Sandrider)

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That’s right, it’s Conan’s old friend the mighty Jon Weisnewski, host of the excellent TOMORROW WE DIE!  An podcast about touring under adverse conditions that is probably a cousin to Protonic Reversal. Also, the mighty AKIMBO, SANDRIDER and now… NUCLEAR DUDES.

Are you looking for a comprehensive history of the Akimbo Discography? How about the origin of Sandrider? How about exactly what the heck is a Nuclear Dude and why should you care? How about ALL THAT, Alternative Tentacles, the perils of trying to record two albums at the same time and SO. MUCH. MORE. ok?

OK! 

Ep287: Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group, Nuggets, Author)Ep287: Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group, Nuggets, Author)

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Wow! It’s the amazing Lenny Kaye! Guitarist, songwriter, Creator of NUGGETS and Author! His new book: “Lightning Striking: Ten Transformative Moments in Rock and Roll.” and it is AWESOME. Tales of creating songs with Patti and beyond. Horses! Easter! Radio Ethopia! and records made in recent decades soon. Rocking, writing, being a critic, a curator and providing a spotlight on the things you love. Because the Night. It’s a great talk with the Rockenteur, one and only… Mr. Lenny Kaye!

Ep286: Jarboe (Swans, Solo, World of Skin)Ep286: Jarboe (Swans, Solo, World of Skin)

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Wow! It is THE LIVING JARBOE, artist, singer, musician and ICON. Coming at last to Protonic Reversal to talk about the reissue, remaster and reimagining of the Skin/World of Skin record “blood, women, roses” being reborn as Jarboe – Skin, Blood, Women, Roses. CRY ME A RIVER, Eat or sleep tour, Hauling heavy vintage keyboards up and down stairs (and reloading sounds during power outages), BIRTHRIGHT and Swans, living in very dangerous environments, visual art, and making unique things. Only Lovers Left Alive and Jozef van Wissem.  All that and collaborations with Jesu and Neurosis, Helen Money and Kris Force. People! It’s Jarboe!

Ep285: Mark Stewart (The Pop Group, Vs.)Ep285: Mark Stewart (The Pop Group, Vs.)

The legendary singer and front-man of the iconic and influential The Pop Group comes on Protonic Reversal to talk all about that legendary band, as well as the Rip it Up And Start Again documentary on the “post-punk” scene. Which also refuses to just be a museum piece. Additionally lots about a brand new record of collaborations called VS, including with such folks like KK Null of Zeni Geva and Mike Watt! Lee “Scratch” Perry and lots more. Matt Groening! The Minutemen! Dispatches from that very special time in music that the Pop Group started. As well as returning to that music after many years. Taking the piss, etc. Lots of talk about moving forward and evolving. 

Ep284: Tristan Shone (Author & Punisher)Ep284: Tristan Shone (Author & Punisher)

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KRÜLLER is the brand new album by Author & Punisher, the brainchild of Tristan Shone. We do a song by song breakdown at the end, but speak a but about the entire Author & Punisher catalog, as well as COVID hitting at the end of being on tour with TOOL. Why you must always have the correct tables. The logistics of getting so much hardware overseas for a tour. Bringing in people to collaborate on newer things. Accidentally pestering Neurosis backstage. Beastland! Drone Machines! And now Drone Machines the COMPANY, bespoke controllers designed to last and weather in a cool way straight from the A&P live show. All that and so much more!

Ep283: Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman, The Deniz Tek Group)Ep283: Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman, The Deniz Tek Group)

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That’s right! it is the proto-punk/rock ‘n roll icon himself. The mighty Deniz Tek. Perhaps you’ve head of RADIO BIRDMAN, friend? Anyway, let’s run through the discography and those wild days of bringing the motor city mayhem to Australia with a band that excited future record nerds and Seymour Stein but got as many lumps as you can handle as well. Listen in to a rock ‘n roll lifer whose modus operandi is to remember that rock ‘n roll is FUN as well as brutal and true. All that plus: ICEMAN! Fact or fiction. Records with James Wiliamson Tekona Coffee!

Ep282: Steve Fisk (Pell Mell, Pigeonhed, Producer)Ep282: Steve Fisk (Pell Mell, Pigeonhed, Producer)

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The incredible Steve Fisk of Let Them Eat Jellybeans fame. A wild and winding talk with the legendary producer and musician that stretches the epochs of time. Keyboard inspirations, finding and creating community. Punk rock, Pell Mell, Pigeonhed and more. An insider’s view of Seattle during the early 90s GOLD RUSH of grunge and a surprising amount of talk about Northern Exposure. Oh yeah, how about a pretty exhaustive insiders view on the Screaming Trees from the beginning to the major label era? Yes, Steve was there. The storied and varied discography of Unwound, recording Nirvana, Soundgarden, etc. Ladies and gentlemen: IT’S STEVE FISK!

Ep281: J “Quitty” Quittner (Tight Bros From Way Back When, Nudity)Ep281: J “Quitty” Quittner (Tight Bros From Way Back When, Nudity)

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Tight Bros From Way Back When were a damn hell ass rock band at a time where that wasn’t as appreciated as it should have been. That band is only one reason why Quitty is such a legend in certain circles. Nudity, Mukilteo Fairies, the list goes on. Of course why talk about that when he and Conan can opine about that little known Beatles GET BACK film, as well as “Why Am I Doing This? (A Film About Touring)“. In all seriousness, lots of Tight Bros talk, Nudity… and some about the man eventually ended up at the Law offices of Rock and Roll. 

Ep280: Toko Yasuda (Enon, St. Vincent, The Lapse, Blonde Redhead)Ep280: Toko Yasuda (Enon, St. Vincent, The Lapse, Blonde Redhead)

At last! It is the incredible Toko Yasuda. One third of the much missed and criminally underrated Enon. Live member of St. Vincent’s band, The Lapse, and… more. Hear all about finishing things and being lazy, being a bandmember vs. being a hired hand. Choreography and practice, joining up with the Sleater-Kinney live band for The Center Won’t Hold live tours. PLVS VLTRA (Story and the pretentious spelling), some stuff about the Lapse and oh yeah… the first Blonde Redhead record!

Ep279: John Huston (Stomatopod)Ep279: John Huston (Stomatopod)

John Huston is the guitarist and singer for Chicago power-trio STOMATOPOD, who are releasing their 3rd record Competing with Hindsight. We get into a little of each of the Stomatopod records, the history of the band, the Pawners Society and lots more. 

Ep278: Kim Coletta (Jawbox, Desoto)Ep278: Kim Coletta (Jawbox, Desoto)

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Well, hey, hey! It is the incredible Kim Coletta of Jawbox. A free ranging discussion about covid times, revisiting old material, holding the angle while the guitars do crazy things and a whole lot more. Covid kids, picking material for new shows, breaking news that can’t be broke (finger to the lip), Bill leaving and Brooks coming in and why WON’T COME OFF should absolutely be in all of the Jawbox live sets. A far ranging discussion with a consummate badass that also touches just a wee bit on the incredible DeSoto records.

Ep277: Protonic Reversal – Top 21 of 2021: Best Records of the Year.Ep277: Protonic Reversal – Top 21 of 2021: Best Records of the Year.

• 1. Lung – Come Clean Right Now – I’m Nervous (ep163: Kate Wakefield)
• 2. Mike Lust – Demented Wings – Danceteria (ep254: Mike Lust)
• 3. Tomahawk – Tonic Immobility – Predators and Scavengers (ep158: Duane Denison)
• 4. Tropical Fuck Storm – Deep States – New Romeo Agent (ep260: Erica Dunn)
• 5. Sleaford Mods – Spare Ribs – Elocution
• 6. MOD CON – Modern Condition – Ammo (ep260: Erica Dunn)
• 7. Chris Brokaw – Puritan – The Heart of Human Trafficking (Ep252: Chris Brokaw)
• 8. Martha’s Vineyard Ferries – Suns Out Guns Out – Betty Ford James (Ep252: Chris Brokaw, Ep244: Elisha Wiesner)
• 9. Kowloon Walled City – Piecework – Splicing (ep229: Scott Evans)
• 10. Melvins – Five Legged Dog – Civilized Worm (ep230: Dale Crover, ep148: Buzz Osborne)
• 11. christian fitness – hip gone gunslingers – male guitarist (ep241: falco)
• 12. Home Less – Smaller Trees – The Friend
• 13. Nonagon – They Birds – The Family Meal (ep236: John Hastie and Robert Gomez)
• 14. Part Chimp – Drool – Clever (ep243: Tim Cedar)
• 15. Red Fang – Arrows – Why (ep253 & ep263 Aaron Beam)
• 16. Fox Face – End of Man – Luminol
• 17. Cherubs – SLO BLO 4 FRNZ & SXY – A Pair of Pear Tarts (ep273: Kevin Whitley & Brent Prager)
• 18. Assertion – Intermission – The Lamb to the Slaughter Pulls a Knife (ep276: William Goldsmith)
• 19. Matt Sweeny & Bonnie Prince Billy – Superwolves – Make Worry for Me
• 20. Mogwai – As the Love Continues – Ceiling Granny
• 21. Sparks – A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip – All That*

(*2020 release omitted from last years list)Spotify playlist (all but christian fitness), lists for previous years.

Ep276: William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, Foo Fighters, Assertion)Ep276: William Goldsmith (Sunny Day Real Estate, Foo Fighters, Assertion)

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William Goldsmith is the incredible drummer for Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft and now… Assertion, he was also in the original lineup of the Foo Fighters with SDRE bandmate Nate Mendel and it wasn’t the nicest time. Hear all about creating and playing at a furious pace in Assertion. Number songs! “Make it pink!”, the weirdness of playing late night shows with such personal music, cumulative loss and isolating from everybody. Making amends after many years and so much more. Dave, call the man.  

Ep275: Ken Andrews (Failure, Year of the Rabbit, Producer)Ep275: Ken Andrews (Failure, Year of the Rabbit, Producer)

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WILD TYPE DROID! That’s right, new Failure record suckers.. song by song breakdown of it, as well as all the details of the weeks long improv sessions that made it , COMFORT, MAGNIFIED, FANTASTIC PLANET, THE HEART IS A MONSTER… all the things! Reconvening without being a nostalgia act. Deep dive into all of the FAILURE things, right? 

Ep274: John Mohr, Mike Greenlees, Tom Zaluckyj (TAR)Ep274: John Mohr, Mike Greenlees, Tom Zaluckyj (TAR)

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Well hey there, it is 3/4 of the mighty Tar! A deep dive into the discography, the mythos, the digging through shoeboxes for all of the awesome ephemera that led to The TAR Box Set (Vol. 1). Lots on reconvening, long (really long) distance practice, doing something that means a whole hell of a lot for some people, and more than a little discussion about various songs and song titles. 

Ep273: Kevin Whitley and Brent Prager (Cherubs)Ep273: Kevin Whitley and Brent Prager (Cherubs)

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2/3 of CHERUBS! Come on Protonic Reversal. Discussion of the “brand new” SLO BLO 4 FRNZ & SXY, 2 Ynfynyty, Icing, Immaculada High, The mighty HEROIN MAN, and using the studio to make something truly noisy and cool and IN THE RED, competing with yourself to make something worthwhile. How much coffee it ACTUALLY took to regroup the band? Realizing that it works. Why King Coffey of Butthole Surfers wasn’t a great fit on drums, but was a great fit as a label guy. Challenging yourself as a band and connecting with fans new and old. 

Ep272: Tim Quirk (Too Much Joy)Ep272: Tim Quirk (Too Much Joy)

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The incredible Tim Quirk is most known for the excellent and clever band, Too Much Joy. He’s also an excellent writer, and has been at the ground floor for a FEW stages of the digital music revolution. Bob Seger! The Incredible depths of “Seasons in the Sun.”  Witness as we discuss the many records of TMJ, including the NEW ONE “Mistakes Were Made” and the even NEWER one, 12 months of joy, which has the songwriting itself crowdsourced. As well as 2 Live Crew, LL Cool J, the major label rollercoaster, what constitutes goofy vs. serious music. Bozo the clown and all that stuff.

Ep271: Joe Carducci (SST Records, Author: Rock and the Pop Narcotic, Western Stories, Enter Naomi)Ep271: Joe Carducci (SST Records, Author: Rock and the Pop Narcotic, Western Stories, Enter Naomi)

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The amazing Joe Carducci has a new book of screen plays called Western Stories. We speak of that, as well as the timeless Rock and the Pop Narcotic, the greater history of the creation of independent distribution systems and the architecture for the American DIY world. We also get into the Velvet Underound (and doc!), stand-up comedy, Stone Male: Requiem for the Living Picture, Enter Naomi, the changes in rock criticism, journalism, musical availability and cultural gates and gatekeepers past and present (looking at YOU, Rolling Stone) and so much more. It’s a very freewheeling conversation

Ep270: Chris Murphy (Sloan, Tuns)Ep270: Chris Murphy (Sloan, Tuns)

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He’s back! He’s back! After episode 208‘s comprehensive rundown of Sloan’s career (so far) the mighty Mr. Murphy is back to tell us all about Tuns and Trans-Canada Highwaymen and fill in some of the spots we missed. the Hit and Run ep (and the ACTUAL hit and run behind it), Silence Trumps Lies. Sloan on the OTHER Conan, a deep dive in Murder Records. Punk rock shows… Trailer Park Boys. Sloan: Founded in Fairness ™ and invested in each other. 

Ep269: Shannon Selberg (Heroine Sheiks, the Cows)Ep269: Shannon Selberg (Heroine Sheiks, the Cows)

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After episode 206‘s epic length discussion of the Cows, it is only fair to do a deep dive into the discography of the mighty Heroine Sheiks! Especially now that Out of Aferica  is being released on vinyl for the FIRST TIME. Hear how this very specific keyboard music came together as a NY band that was operating along with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol and such. Shannon Selberg is a deep thinking and an interesting guy, let’s listen in on the man’s criminally ignored second act and lots, lots more. 

Ep268: Ben Verellen (Helms Alee, Verellen Amps, Harkonen)Ep268: Ben Verellen (Helms Alee, Verellen Amps, Harkonen)

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The Mighty Ben Verellen on Protonic Reversal at last. Conan and Ben talk a little about the Harkonen tour where they played along with a cd, layered harmonies, HA origin story, the 8/16 “Beavis and Butthead video”, as well as an album by album run through of the many wonderful Helms Alee records. Verellen Amplifiers! Bar House. ‘Tis a delight!

Ep267: Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, SpermChurch)Ep267: Trevor Dunn (Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, SpermChurch)

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The relentless Trevor Dunn is back! This time with SpermChurch an international poly electro collaborative duo with electronic artist Sannety, releasing the brand new merdeka atau mati on his brand new label Riverworm Records. In this episode we discuss, growing up in Humboldt county and the origins of Mr. Bungle as well as the beginning and “cybernetic caveman” of the Raging Wrath of the Eastern Bunny demo. Fantomas origins, collaborations, and  a run through of Disco Volante, California, the Mr. Bungle s/t amongst others. RETROVERTIGO, jazz pick up bands and lots more. All of that and a whole lot about this fascinating new release and collaboration.

Ep266: Billy Gould (Faith No More)Ep266: Billy Gould (Faith No More)

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The return of the Faith No More bass man! The early (grubby) days, and a deep, deep dive into the FNM discography. The myth and reality of Chuck Mosley.  Rakija! Herzog and Kinski. Coming back to the band and all the various personalities. Kool Arrow! Last time we talked about MC50, Talking Book and (shockingly) Milk Cult, this is the detailed deep dive into the world of FNM you didn’t know you needed.