Matt Piucci joins us for a journey through Rain Parade’s story from the early 1980s Los Angeles music scene to the present day. Across a hand-picked set of tracks, Matt looks back at the group’s earliest recordings, the friendships that grew out of the Paisley Underground, and the way their influences found their way into Emergency Third Rail Power Trip and Explosions in the Glass Palace LPs. The conversation follows Rain Parade into their Island years and the projects that kept Matt and Steven Roback writing. Matt closes by reflecting on the rediscovery of their music by a new wave of groups and the run of new releases that has carried them to today.

Rain Parade website

Matt Piucci podcast tracks

Podcasts also available: Steve Wynn – The Dream Syndicate, John Cowsill and Vicki Peterson, Iain Matthews, Will Sergeant – Echo & the Bunnymen

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Google apps and all usual platforms

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John McFee speaks in depth about his work with Southern Pacific, Jackdawg and his session career. He explains how Southern Pacific evolved, why Jackdawg’s album has been rediscovered, and why the focus of his songwriting is not with The Doobie Brothers. He also looks back at Clover’s time in the UK, backing Elvis Costello on My Aim Is True, and the steady flow of session work with Van Morrison, the Grateful Dead, and Steve Miller. John closes with an update on his solo project.

Jackdawg’s album

Podcasts also available: Stu Cook – Jackdawg and Creedence, Pete Briquette – The Boomtown Rats, Jorma Kaukonen – Jefferson Airplane, John Mayall

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google apps and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

The post John McFee – Clover, The Doobie Brothers, Southern Pacific, Jackdawg appeared first on The Strange Brew .

Graham Parker reveals the story behind his debut album Howlin’ Wind. Parker recalls his journey from suburban Surrey to the London music scene, his early jobs, and the moment he found his sound – a mix of soul, R&B and sharp songwriting. He looks back at the formation of The Rumour, his partnership with Dave Robinson, and the whirlwind that led to Howlin’ Wind and Heat Treatment being released within months of each other. Parker also reflects on his later work, collaborations, and enduring independence as an artist. Throughout, we hear why his debut stands as one of the strongest opening statements in British rock.

Graham Parker’s Howlin’ Wind by Jay Nachman

The Official Graham Parker website

Podcasts also available: Bruce Thomas – Elvis Costello and The Attractions, Clem Burke – Blondie, Pete Briquette – The Boomtown Rats, Pub rock and the birth of new wave

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

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Billy Bragg talks about his life in music and activism, from his early days and the DIY spirit of Life’s a Riot with Spy vs Spy to new book Billy Bragg – A People’s History. He reflects on his experiences during the miners’ strike and Red Wedge, and the belief that songs can inspire people to think the world can be changed. Bragg also discusses the influence of Woody Guthrie, the meaning of progressive patriotism, and why he still finds purpose in writing songs that challenge and connect.

billybragg.com

Podcasts also available: Will Sergeant – Echo & the Bunnymen, Rick Buckler – The Jam, Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon, Martin Carthy

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all usual platforms

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Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty discuss the origins and evolution of Renaissance ahead of their special run of four shows. They reflect on how the band was formed after Jim’s time in The Yardbirds, Annie’s audition and early tours, the impact of lyricist Betty Thatcher, and how Renaissance found their audience in America. This is one of the rare times Annie and Jim have appeared together, and they speak openly about the changing lineups, and creative turning points that shaped the group’s sound.

The History of Renaissance live – Nov 21 & 22: IL Edwardsville The Wildey Theatre, Nov 28: NJ The Newton Theatre, Nov 29: NJ Lansdowne Theatre

Podcasts also available: Annie Haslam, Jim McCarty (2021), John Fiddler – Medicine Head, John Lodge – The Moody Blues, Rick Wakeman

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all usual platforms

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Peter Hammill and Van der Graaf Generator have influenced artists from David Bowie to John Lydon, yet Peter has always worked on the edge of the mainstream. In this conversation, he reflects on why revisiting the past felt strange and affirming, the spirit of progressive rock and punk, and the satisfaction of sustaining an independent musical life.

sofasound.com

The Charisma & Virgin Recordings 1971-1986 and Joe Banks – Rock and Role

Podcasts also available: Ian Anderson, Steve Howe on Dylan, Hendrix & YES, Mark Andes – Spirit, Anthony Phillips

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

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brendan b. brown of Wheatus marks 25 years since Teenage Dirtbag first turned the band from New York outsiders into a phenomenon. brendan talks about the dark story behind its lyrics, and why it continues to connect with new generations. He reflects on the freedom and struggle of going independent, and how their live shows have been driven by audience requests. Along the way he revisits fan favourites, explains the group’s love of cover versions, and looks ahead to their 25th anniversary UK tour.

wheatus.com – shows

Podcasts also available: John Flansburgh – They Might Be Giants, Steven Page – Barenaked Ladies, Prescott Niles – The Knack, KT Tunstall

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

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Stu Cook, bassist and founding member of Creedence Clearwater Revival, talks about the band’s early years, their rise and the chemistry that fuelled their success. He speaks frankly about working with John Fogerty, including his reaction to Fogerty’s recent re-recordings of Creedence material, and reflects on the tensions that led to the band’s split. Stu also introduces the long-lost Jackdawg recordings, made with John McFee and Keith Knudsen and now finally being released after more than three decades.

Jackdawg’s album

Podcasts also available: Doug Clifford, Leland Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, John Illsley – Dire Straits

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Google apps and all usual platforms

If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

The post Stu Cook – Creedence Clearwater Revival and Jackdawg appeared first on The Strange Brew .