The Recluse Show Blog

"Must Be Santa"- Brave Combo

2009-12-18T00:15:00.002-07:00

The greatest post-polka band of them all:

"Merry Christmas Everybody"- Slade

2009-12-17T23:46:00.001-07:00

Classic:

"Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis"- Tom Waits

2009-12-17T00:26:00.004-07:00

Classic Tom Waits, w/ a little of "Silent Night" thrown in for good measure:

hey Charley I'm pregnant
and living on 9-th street
right above a dirty bookstore
off cuclid avenue
and I stopped taking dope
and I quit drinking whiskey
and my old man plays the trombone
and works out at the track.

and he says that he loves me
even though its not his baby
and he says that he'll raise him up
like he would his own son
and he gave me a ring
that was worn by his mother
and he takes me out dancin
every saturday nite.

and hey Charley I think about you
everytime I pass a fillin' station
on account of all the grease
you used to wear in your hair
and I still have that record
of little anthony & the imperials
but someone stole my record player
how do you like that?

hey Charley I almost went crazy
after mario got busted
so I went back to omaha to
live with my folks
but everyone I used to know
was either dead or in prison
so I came back in minneapolis
this time I think I'm gonna stay.

hey Charley I think I'm happy
for the first time since my accident
and I wish I had all the money
that we used to spend on dope
I'd buy me a used car lot
and I wouldn't sell any of em
I'd just drive a different car
every day dependin on how
I feel.

hey Charley
for chrissakes
do you want to know
the truth of it?
I don't have a husband
he don't play the trombone
and I need to borrow money
to pay this lawyer
and Charley, hey
I'll be eligible for parole
come valentines day....

"Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto"- James Brown

2009-12-16T21:45:00.001-07:00

Another Christmas "yes":

Christmas With Radio Enigma

2009-12-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Our annual marathon of classic Christmas show from The Golden Age Of Radio begins on Christmas Eve Thursday at 2pm ET/11am PT in North America and goes through Chrstmas Day and on Saturday; here's a few of the shows being broadcast this year:

From 1933, a BBC radio production of "A Christmas Carol"

From 1949, a Hotpoint Holiday Hour production of "The Man Who Came To Dinner"

From 1947, a Lux Radio Theater episode of "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart

From 1950, a Screen Director's Playhouse episode of "Miracle on 34th Street"

From 1948, "Howdy Doody's Christmas Party"

From 1944, "Christmas On The NBC Blue Network"

From 1940, a special Christmas Fireside Chat And lighting of the Christmas Tree w/ FDR

Special Holiday episodes of:

Burns And Allen

The Jack Benny Program

Town Hall Tonight (Fred Allen)

Our Miss Brooks

Lights Out

Information Please

The Milton Berle Show

Truth Or Concequences

Lum And Abner

Suspense

The Whistler

Lights Out

Dragnet

We have a blast each year in doing the marathon and hope you get a chance to listen. I'll let everyone know on the show next Monday the final playlist for this year as well as put a post in the blog; I hope you all get a chance to tune in..

"Christmas Blues"- Dean Martin

2009-12-16T00:23:00.001-07:00

A BIG Christmas "yes":

"Do They Know It's Christmas?"- Fucked Up

2009-12-16T00:05:00.003-07:00

The Legendary TO hardcore band Fucked Up has recorded the Band Aid Seasonal classic Do They Know It's Christmas?" w/ vocals from Yo La Tengo, GZA, Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Bob Mould, Tegan & Sara, Andrew W.K., Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio), David Cross, and Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene, w/ proceeds going to 3 worthy charities here in Canada.

They do justice to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's song:

"Christmastime In The Mountains"- Palace Songs

2009-12-14T22:57:00.004-07:00

Though it's only incidentally about Christmas, Will Oldham's "Christmastime In The Mountains" is one of my must-listen songs every year at this time.

Perfectly odd, perfectly moving music:

Should I play ball with the dogs
Or walk away
Should I play ball with the dogs
Or walk away
Should I take your hand
Walk across the sand
Time is the enemy
Time is the guide
Enemy behind
Enemy lines
We need an enemy
I'm saving all my rage for you
We need an enemy
I'm saving all my rage

It's christmastime in the mountains
Everything is white tonight..

"Fairytale Of New York"- The Pogues And Kirsty MacColl

2009-12-14T19:26:00.003-07:00

It wouldn't be Christmas without this:

"Scrooge"- Lord Buckley

2009-12-10T00:25:00.003-07:00

Vintage Christmas Awesomeness:

2009 Roar Of The Rings: Draw 10

2009-12-09T20:15:00.008-07:00

Yours truly made it down to Rexall Place here in town to catch Draw 10 of The Roar Of The Rings and I had a blast, w/ the atmosphere being off the charts even if some of the games (Koe-Howard being the notable exception) turned out to over fairly early. I even got an offical hat and shot glass for my trouble, and I didn't have to beg too much for them either..

I was mainly focused on the Randy Ferbey-Kevin Martin match, but after KMart's 3 in the 2nd End in was was just a matter of time for Team Martin. After talking a bit with my friend Al Cameron in the media pit, I watched the Howard-Koe match which was easily the best of the draw, w/ a terrific Kevin Koe caroom shot for 2 to send it into a extra end.

Random Thoughts:

-Rexall Place wasn't half-bad as a Curling Arena; my seat was in the second deck mid-way up and I still had great sightlines and didn't feel like the rinks were located in another Area Code.

-Although the crowd was (as expected) older, I saw a good chunk of younger people (including a row of high school kids behind me)there and more importantly, watching the games w/ serious interest and fun. And I'm sure Gunner being there didn't hurt, either. All in all for a sport that needs to get younger, a welcome sight.

-The Keith's Patch across the road at Northlands seemed like a giant frat party w/ 6 dollar (?!) beers and not much atmosphere, while the Oh Canada Lounge was much better (including a great exibit of the history of Edmonton Curling), although I'm sure it's the too-cool-to-live old fart in me talking.

Overall, just a blast to be there today. Here's the media scrum from after the draw:

"Working Class Hero"- John Lennon

2009-12-08T00:27:00.008-07:00

I can't believe it's been 29 years since his assasination. I'll never, ever forget that night:

"Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)"- The Ramones

2009-12-08T00:00:00.002-07:00

A big Christmas yes:

2009 Roar Of The Rings: Draw 4

2009-12-07T22:42:00.004-07:00

I'm trying to fit some TV/Internet watching of this week's Trials between work shift and only caught a glimpse of the Team Middaugh-Team Howard game today on TSN; the CCA has the Media Scrum here:

After 2 losses, you have to think Middaugh needs a miracle to get a win over Kevin Martin, who lost to Pat Simmons 8-5 and according to Al Cameron, was not pleased by ice conditions. Gotta love Kevin Koe's games so far; unless there's a collapse, you gotta think he's in the Finals.

As I mentioned in the blog and on the show, I'll be heading down Wednesday to catch the Kevin Martin-Randy Ferbey matchup; w/ both teams w/ a loss after today it's going to be a must-win for both and hence, the makings of another classic battle by the best rivalry in Curling.

I can't wait!

"A Chance Counsel/Gauzy Dress In The Sun"- Richard Buckner

2009-12-06T02:07:00.004-07:00

One of my big regrets since moving up here was never seeing Richard Buckner live at the time he lived here in Edmonton, which is really inexcusable since I've been a Buckner worshipper since 1995's "Devotion + Doubt".

Rhythmically brilliant, emotionally charged guitar by Rick on this great live version of "A Chance Counsel":

Roar Of The Rings Recluse Preview

2009-12-06T00:55:00.007-07:00

I got a very nice email (I mean, other then the usual "Would it KILL YOU to just consider playing Nickelback on your show??" ones) the other day from a Gentleman from in Auckland, New Zealand named James asking me if I was going to talk about The Roar Of The Rings here in Edmonton starting today. He explained he was a big Curling fan and in his quest to find to find any info about the RotR, he came across a few of my Curling posts on the blog and found them very informed and level-headed. So, after I sent James the check (I kid...), I put this RotR Men's power ranking together:

1. Team Martin- It'll be tough to deny them.
2. Team Howard- Haven't really played at their best in awhile, though still there.
3. Team Ferbey- If Ferbs' knees and Nedohin's touch shots hold up, they are in the Finals.
4. Team Koe- Knocking on the door for awhile, and Koe's switch to throwing last stones has ramped up their game.
5. Team Gunner- Ok, I have to admit I'm rooting for them and I think w/ a little more seasoning they will be a perennial Brier/Cashspiel powerhouse. I don't think they have a chance here, but Jeff Stoughton said that about Brad Gushue in 2006, too.
6. Team Stoughton- They could easily switch spots w/ Ferbey if Kevin Park gets into a groove at the 3.
7. Team Middaugh- I just don't see it happening w/ them, though they've had some nice wins in the past 2 years.
8. Team Simmons- Just happy to be here.

The Final- My heart wants a Team Gunner/Team Martin Final that would be a classic match-up between the young, brash Guns and The Old Bear's laser-like drive for the Gold, but my head says it'll be Team Martin/Team Howard at the end, w/ Martin squeezing out a win and a trip to Vancouver.

My friend Al Cameron is here in town covering RotR on his must-read blog and yours truly will be at Rexall Wednesday watching the 1pm draw and schmoozing afterwards at The Patch; expect a detailed post shortly afterwards if I'm not too "relaxed", of course.

Good Curling!

Human Rights Day Dec. 10 All Ages Multi Arts Celebration Edmonton 2009

2009-12-03T11:24:00.006-07:00

My friend Rainer Bronner at Sunshine Treeshade asked us here at the station to be involved at next week's Human Rights Day at The Hydeaway and we didn't have to think twice.

From Rainer:

United Nations Human Rights Day
Thursday December 10

All Ages Celebration @
the Hydeaway All Ages Art Space 10209 - 100 Ave. Edmonton

FREE Entrance for Children.
Adults Entrance by donation (no mandatory minimum) if you can name 5 Human Rights otherwise $25 :-)
Door Receptionists will be providing study guides :-)

Live original music schedule
(lower volume to keep kids ears safe, no drum kits)

5pm start - Welcome to Guests by event arranger RAINER BRONNER
5:05 to 5:15 - Clean Comedy by CHARLES GAHL
5:20 to 5:50 - EVERYTHING NICKS
6:00 to 6:30 - MARSHALL LAWRENCE "DOCTOR OF THE BLUES
6:40 to 7:10 - MIKE ROSTE
7:20 to 7:50 - ALICIA GLENN
8:00 to 8:30 - LIGHT TRAVELS
8:40 to 8:55 - JOHN SPEARN and Friends
9:00 to 9:25 - JOHN SPEARN
9:30 - 10:00 pm - TRIBAL GARAGE

Art Exhibit by YURI LYTVIAK (paintings)

Childrens Art Creation Area/Supplies

Licensed Restaurant Service
The venue donated their space to us so please support them
in kind by ordering supper or snacks from them.
No outside food or drinks.

Dress Code - Clean Casual

Donations to Sunshine Treeshade non-profit socially conscious artists team
to help us continue creating multi-arts benefit events
that give net proceeds to charities.

RADIO ENIGMA Internet Broadcast Supporter

Human Rights Day Info:

"The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plentary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw fit."

"Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe." - United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights

******

We hope to see everyone there!

"Christmas Shoes"- Patton Oswalt

2009-12-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Classic:

"The Body In Question"- Dr. Jonathan Miller And Dudley Moore

2009-11-29T02:23:00.002-07:00

From Dr. Miller's classic series, two old friends discuss both the physical (and metaphysical) process of playing a musical piece on the piano:

"Please Wait For Me"- Poco

2009-11-29T00:42:00.005-07:00

A beautiful live version of Blue And Gray's "Please Wait For Me" from 2008. Blue And Gray is one of the most underrated (and admittedly, ten years ahead of it's time)albums of the early 80's, and has some of Paul Cotton and Rusty Young's best songs.

Paul's voice here is majestic:

Two Drum Solos"- Joe Morello

2009-11-29T00:28:00.003-07:00

2 reasons why Joe Morello is the greatest drummer of all-time:

From Playboy Penthouse in 1959, Joe goes bongo in the solo for "Take 5"

And from 1961, just some brilliantly techincal (yet swingin', baby) fills and counter rhythmn stickwork from another solo for "Take 5"

"The Hula Maiden"- American Music Club

2009-11-28T00:14:00.004-07:00

AMC producer/bass player Tom Mallon has been putting some choice early American Music Club live performance clips on youtube and I had to post this hysterically awesome live clip from 1989 of "The Hula Maiden".

Mark Eitzel is feeling no pain and vamps it up like nobody's business, and Vudi does a Lou Reed-style atonal solo for the cherry on top. Of all the Eitzel/AMC songs over the years, maybe "Johnny Mathis' Feet" comes close in affectionete camp.

And w/ some all-time classic Eitzel lines, too:

Well I got into waikiki
And I spend my time up in the hotel room
No sunburn for me
No friends no family

Yes I see the view
Well I think I seen it somewhere before
Curled up on the sand
Curled up on the floor

And the hula maiden says
I'll give you everything for free
You're as hungry as the tide
That's drowning me

Well I took my big free ride
I went out to the big barbecue
And I got smashed on the beach
I was thinking about you

This is my big aloha
Brought to you from the volcano state
Where they serve up your soul
For $3.99 a plate

And the hula maiden says
I'll give you everything for free
Oh sugar you're as hungry as the tide
That's washing over me

And the hula maiden said
Oh darling I see it in your eyes
Well did you do it over here beautiful
Did you come here to die
Well she said did you come here to buy

Well this my big aloha
Coming to you from the volcano state
Where they lose track of your soul
And never bring you your spaghetti plate..

"O Holy Night"- Homer Slockenheimer

2009-11-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Sine Christmas season is more or less officially here, I guess it's time send Homer Slockenheimer's unforgettable rendition of "O Holy Night" out to the world once again. Homer has been a staple of our holiday season for 5 or so years now, and it wouldn't be Christmas without him.

Click on the man himself above for a mp3 download, and for the faint of heart, reach for the ear plugs..

"Driver 8"- R.E.M.

2009-11-25T00:14:00.004-07:00

My favorite song from their IRS years, and the look on Peter Buck's face to Mike Mills at 2:12 after he finishes his guitar riff is a classic "I didn't fuck it up!" moment.

Just beautiful:

"The Guys Get Shirts!"- Paul Anka (NSFW)

2009-11-24T00:42:00.002-07:00

And if I'm going to post some classic Buddy Rich screaming, I have to post this all-time classic Paul Anka meltdown imploring to some poor bastard that "The guys get shirts! That's Just The fuckin' way it is!"

"The Guys Get Shirts!"- Paul Anka