The Best Show Vault

Best Show Vault is dead, long live Best Show Gems!

2009-02-26T01:01:00.000-08:00

The Vault is closing its doors for good. Thanks for all the support, thanks for visiting and participating and commenting. And thanks to Mr. cokefantastic for getting this show on the road in the first place.

But wait! Don't cry. There's a good reason why we're closing shop. We're starting a brand new podcast, and it's the greatest thing ever! Here's the official word from WFMU:

"Best Show Gems is The Best Of The Best Show On WFMU: a twice-monthly podcast featuring highlights from the full radio show. Classic Scharpling and Wurster calls, amazing phone-ins, random weirdness and more! It's a perfect way for a beginner to get on board, or for a longtime fan to look back and remember when."

It's more bi-weekly than twice-monthly, but you get the idea.

Get the iTunes feed and all other technical details here!
Read the official announcement on the WFMU blog!
Discuss Best Show Gems on the Friends of Tom messageboard!

And most importantly: Tell your friends! Blog about it! Tweet your hearts out! This is a great way to get new people onboard the Best Show train. Let's make it happen!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-12-08T03:21:00.001-08:00

No more updates for a while. Change is coming to America! And also to the Best Show Vault.

Watch this space! And thanks for visiting.

"They're still showing up for work half-naked"

2008-11-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

In the past, we've posted calls from the Depressed Office Worker, but we never posted all of them, and some of those we did post are now offline. So here you go:

The Depressed Office Worker, part 1
The Depressed Office Worker, part 2
The Depressed Office Worker, part 3
The Depressed Office Worker, part 4

"Half animal, part party machine"

2008-11-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

...Tom talks to Roger Devlin, Sports Editor of the Orlando Daily News, about the wonders of XFL, back in 2001

...à propos of the election, here's a call from the 2000 election, from Joe Lieberman's son Alan

...in one of the most memorable calls of 2007, Tom's co-worker Darren talks about shaking his moneymaker to the greasy funk

...and thanks to Jouster, here's the Petey from the Future call that was requested in the comments.

"Just like the guys in Dead Kennedy"

2008-10-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

We're back on Rapidshare for now. No more streaming for you, you have to download the mp3s like common trolls. Let's see how that works.

Today, three tasty treats:

Philly Boy Roy's first call to the show, from early 2002

Also from 2002: promotor Barry Levitz calls up to talk about ~~Michael Jackson's~~ Mike Jackal's new musical endeavor Punk, in an effort to get the band on The Best Show. Surprise! Things don't work out, so one week later, Tom tries to track Barry down to get some answers.

EDIT: New RS links added. We have a premium account there, so these download limits shouldn't apply unless it's on your end.

End of the line?

2008-08-21T00:59:00.000-07:00

Looks like we've passed our download/bandwidth limit over at DivShare, so now they've suspended our account. Sorry about that. The future of the Vault might be in doubt. But right now there's lots of stuff happening with all the various Best Show online resources out there, so who knows what the future holds. Maybe we'll just find a new place to upload the clips. We'll see what happens.

They keep dropping like flies

2008-07-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Newbridge Mayubernatorial candidates, that is. Since a certain ~~criminal~~ honorable Norwegian chocolatier family moved into Newbridge, several of the candidates have dropped out of the race, all claiming family reasons. The election has also been postponed, to August. As per the latest count, this is how the race stands:

1. ~~Bryce [The Party Party]~~
2. ~~Timmy Von Trimble [Von Trimblites]~~
3. Tank [Democalve]
4. ~~Horse [Reps-publican]~~
5. Hammerhead [Newbridge Hardcore]
6. Mike [Unaffiliated]
7. ~~Darren from Consolidated Cardboard [Greasy Funk Party]~~
8. Chief, Darren's brother from Consolidated Cardboard [Greasy Funk Party]
9. Thor from Eastbridge [The Grassroots Party]
10. Danny Bonaduce from Newbridge's Next Top Mayor
11. ~~Gene Simmons, the God of Thunder, reppin' [the Fontasy Party]~~
12. Bob for [the Newbridge Freedom Lovers Party]
13. ~~Ronald Thomas Clontle [Ruler Party]~~
14. ~~Kurt Gaistburn~~
15. PBR [Republican party]
16. ~~Merle Allin~~
17. Glenn Danzig
18. Marky Ramone
19. Sleepy Jeff
20. Pudge
21. Bishop Pablo Fontana
22. PFT
23. Paul, Tom's friend with the marital troubles
24. Tor [Chocolate, Machine Gun and Switchblade Party]

Who knows how this thing will end. Let's take this moment to remember some of the candidates - some still in the race, some not:

Thor
Gene Simmons
Ronald Thomas Clontle
Timmy von Trimble
Tank from Jock Squad
Glenn Danzig

"Kind of like The Hulk but with a golfball head"

2008-06-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

In October of 2003, Paul from Newbridge calls up Tom to talk about a funny video making the rounds on the Internet. It soon becomes apparent that the caller knows more about the video than he initially lets on.

Bonus clip: Skag Winesack plays "Getting to Know You".

"Did you guys have any reservations working with Tom?"

2008-05-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

In 2005, Tim and Eric were on the line to promote Tom Goes to the Mayor. Tom reached them at a press junket in Kalamazoo, MI. During their conversation, Rick from Newbridge called in to, among other things, pitch a movie called President Baseball.

In 2004, The God of Thunder himself, Gene Simmons, called up to - what else? - promote a bunch of stuff (from the offices of Simmons Toyota in Newbridge).

Bonus audio! Two short calls from the same show as Tim and Eric appeared on, both on the topic of whether or not Officer Tom should enter the FOT Hall of Fame:

Mel from Westbridge
Pierre from East Scandinavia

"I ended up stabbing him"

2008-04-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

We're back! Sorry about the lack of updates. We'll try to do better.

Here's a long call from 2004 - Tom delivers some payback to an old Jersey metal band called Black Tyger.

Pledge Fight Tonight

2008-03-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Everybody's talking about it. It's all over the news. Shovel.com is raving. AST can't wait. The gang at Chunklet are so proud. Even WFMU is promoting it.

They're all in agreement: tonight's installment of THE BEST SHOW ON WFMU will be one-in-a-million. And considering that the Show is already one-in-a-million, it will technically be one in 1 000 000 000 000.

Here's the Kid:

"Spread the word - Week Two of The Best Show On WFMU marathon is gonna be heavy duty.

Ted Leo returns for his second year of The Best Show marathon, playing songs for pledges.

But we up the ante with two more amazing guests:

Patton Oswalt [from Rat Patrol] is going to be in the studio doing funny stuff for pledges!

And Gib Benson from Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service is gonna come by and play some music for pledges!"

Tune in tonight! 8-11 EST (that's 2 in the morning, CET). And don't forget to PLEDGE!

Pledge!

2008-02-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

It's on! WFMU's annual fundraising marathon is upon us, and YOU need to step up to the plate. Tom will be on as usual tomorrow night, and next week too - and he needs your support. Show your true colors! Show that The Best Show is indeed The Best! If you have enjoyed any of the clips we've shared here on this blog, you have an obligation to do the right thing! Donate! From $10 and up. And it's easy! Just follow the instructions at the WFMU Marathon Central.

To get youse guys in the mood, here are three clips from earlier Best Show marathon shows.

In 2003, Philly Boy Roy paid a visit to the studio
Last year, PBR decided to call in instead
Also last year, Teddy Rockstar wowed everyone with his performance of the world's greatest rock song

The marathon ends on March 9th. Do what's right! Good Guys Win in 2008!

"I'm totally photogenic!"

2008-02-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

In the last week of May, 2007, someone with a low, wheezing voice called in to the show and threatened Tom. All quite normal, but this was a particularly creepy call, and Tom got a bad feeling about it.

One week later, the one and only Roland Gorchnick, aka The Gorch, turned up at WFMU and started to smash the entrance. At first, it looked like The Gorch's plan to confront Tom was failing, as his entrance-smashing activities took the wind out of him, but later in the show, while Tom was on the phone with Zookeeper Joe, The Gorch made it up the stairs and stormed the studio, chain in hand.

(As a bonus, the final clip also includes the amazing call from Zookeeper Joe, which was on the subject of The Dumbest Thing You've Ever Done.)

"How many pull-ups can you do?"

2008-02-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

Youngster Mac gets what's coming to him when he calls up Tom to discuss The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal.

[We're back on DivShare for now. We'll see what happens.]

Meet Your Candidates: Bob

2008-01-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is part of our ongoing coverage of the 2008 Newbridge Mayubernatorial Race.

Candidate: Bob
Residence: Newbridge
Party: The Newbridge Freedom Lovers
Platform: "...the band is still up in New York taking a few days off, and they wanna know if I wanna come up there and jam. I don't understand what they mean, but it's the Flag talking, so I hop to it..."
Tagline: Hot Takes on Hot Topics
What People Are Saying: "I just can't see anyone being able to take [Bob] on in a debate", "The best thing about Bob is that we could all listen to later Genesis while at a rally"

~~EDIT:~~ ~~We are now trying out the ODEO player instead of DivShare, which has recently been quite disappointing.~~

EDIT 2: Nothing seems to be working the way we want at the moment. It's pretty frustrating, and it might take a while to sort out. Please stand by.

"Kind of like reggae meets the triathlon"

2008-01-15T16:19:00.001-08:00

Welcome back. We start off 2008 by tying up some loose ends and filling a couple of requests. We'll be back with regular posts by next week or so.

powered by ODEO
Jon Glaser and Mehmet Okur talk about their upcoming West Memphis 3 benefit.

powered by ODEO
Ted Leo chats with Tom about his Coachella concert, but gets interrupted by I-Ron in Newbridge.

powered by ODEO
Philly Boy Roy reviews Invincible.

powered by ODEO
And the Greatest Movie Quote of All Time is revealed by a listener.

Play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking on the appropriate link.

(Special thanks to Jouster!)

"There is no code! There's nothing to crack!"

2007-12-21T04:59:00.001-08:00

Can't make your mind up about what movie to catch during the holidays? Take some advice from The Kid, who offers his take on two of the season's most critically acclaimed films. (Spoiler alert: he doesn't love them!)

Tom on I'm Not There

Tom on Juno

As always, play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking on the appropriate link.

This is the last entry of the year. We wish all Best Show supporters, FOT, and Vault diggers HAPPY HOLIDAYS. We'll see you all again in 2008!

"He looks like a blob, don't he?"

2007-12-17T03:39:00.001-08:00

In this contender for "thing of the year", Philly Boy Roy makes a surprise visit to WFMU! Featuring Gib Benson. (Stay tuned for the companion piece from that same show, when Gorch crashes the studio.)

As always, play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking the link above.

"By any means necessary, just like King said"

2007-11-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hello. The Vault is back with an assortment of goodies.

As always, play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking on the appropriate link.

Tim & Eric have a new talk show over at Super Deluxe. Check it out! In 2004, the duo checked in to promote Tom Goes to the Mayor, and to play Timpromptu, a new exciting twist on the old improv thing.

Re-up: a talk with the author of Roadie Rage.

Then, Hot Rockin' Ronny calls from a political convention.

Finally, a bonus: in 2006, The Kid appeared on the Jake & Jackie radio show. The original file (graciously uploaded by FOT pinto) contained the full three hours of the show, but this is the Vault edit, which starts with Tom being introduced by the hosts, about one hour forty minutes in. Features a call from your favourite Ramones drummer!

Late!

"I got my 37 signatures, man!"

2007-10-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome back. Today: a couple of calls from Bryce - some old, some new. Plus: two requests.

As always, play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking on the appropriate link.

First, Bryce answers some Dead trivia.

Then, unsurprisingly, there's more talk about bongs and music in this call.

And in an inspired moment, Bryce buys Jerry Garcia's toilet.

Finally, after a long absence, Bryce checked in again last week. His latest adventures include a run for Mayor of Newbridge.

Requests:

A call from Philly Boy Roy's wife Rhoda!

Also, Philly Boy Roy himself goes to England!

Late!

"You're doing lines up there? You got any?"

2007-10-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

....aaaand we're back.

To make up for our brief hiatus, here's a bunch of calls, all at once. Enjoy, and don't forget to support your favorite show by visiting the archives, buy stuff from Stereolaffs, check out the FOT messageboard, and marvel at the FOT recaps. Check the links section.

As always, play the clip with the embedded flash player, or download it by clicking on the appropriate link.

In June 2005, an unidentified caller wants to be in the Hall of Fame. Or is he really just looking for dope? (Thanks for the inspiration, moonshake.)

Then, Stacey Keach calls in to promote Skag Winesack's new energy drink.

A rarity of sorts: from the miniature one-hour Best Show the Kid did earlier this year, Troy from Newbridge declares his love for drum machines.

Finally, one of the most appreciated calls from 2007 so far: Hammerhead talks about the Newbridge hardcore scene.

Late!

"I thought you said they don't make albums anymore"

2007-09-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Back in 2003, Tom tries to interview Terry Fridge, director of the controversial documentary Weapons of Mass Deception, but has a hard time getting past the fact that Fridge has no idea what a CD is.

Use the embedded player above, or download the file here.

"Who's your sidekick?"

2007-09-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dandy Dan Dannington, head of Swift Jocks for Truth, calls in to complain about Tom's DJ skills. Apparently, Tom is what's wrong with radio.

Use the embedded player above, or download the file here.

"I'm like Warhol"

2007-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

More Hot Rockin' Ronny nonsense. This times Tom's mortal foe is calling from a country music station in the heart of Georgia.

Use the embedded player above, or download the file here.

"Good evening, second-shift workers"

2007-08-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hot Rockin' Ronny, aka Ronald Stevens, foils Tom once again. This time Ronny rocks the infotainment airwaves from Kern Pharmaceutical Radio Network in Houston, Texas.

Use the embedded player above, or download the file here.