In our previous episode, we discussed the history of the flexi-disc. Today we delve into its pinko commie cousin, Bone Records. During his post-World War II rule, Joseph Stalin controlled culture in the Soviet Union. Nothing from the west could be allowed in if he deemed it an affront to Soviet dignity. Art, movies, and music were all heavily censored. Western culture was an enemy of the state. The music of America: Blues, jazz, and rock n roll were seen as especially vile to Stalin’s regime. Ja...
Dec 13, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 44
Today, the story of the most utilitarian format of the vinyl record, the flexi-disc. It was embraced by both capitalism and communism. It was disposable enough to be embossed into cereal boxes and mailed as postcards, but valuable enough to create collector frenzy. It's been embraced by the likes of ABBA, Richard Nixon, Jack White, and Alf. It is auditory planned obsolescence. Today, part one of a two-part saga on the strange reign of flexible records: the what and why of Flexi Discs. Subscribe ...
Nov 29, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 43
There may never have been a pop music trend as both enthrallingly vapid and often highly critically praised as glam rock. Glam was a performance of reality as opposed to actually presenting it, the precession of simulacra to quote the philosopher, Jean Baudrillard. Though he wasn’t referring to glam, it fits perfectly. It was all about living in a copy of what was real instead of the reality itself which they saw as crumbling detritus. Glam rock was innocence and insincerity gone feral by way of...
Nov 08, 2018•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 42
Screamin' Jay Hawkins was a dealer in terror, showmanship, hyperbole, and shock. Join us as we go through his climb from being a POW in WWII to drunken recordings, getting banned by a casket association, laying in his own fluids, and Jim Jarmusch. Subscribe to Highway Hi-Fi: iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn | PocketCasts | Overcast | Google Play Twitter | Facebook | Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Oct 25, 2018•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 41
This week's episode is about the legacy of John Fahey and how he spawned a new style of music, American Primitive Guitar, by culling from the old, weird American sounds that came before him. Fahey lives on in many young and vital guitarists working today. Unfortunately, he also lives on in other ways too. You know that guy who goes to record stores only on Record Store Day so he can buy as many of everything as is possible so he can flip them on eBay? John Fahey lives inside of them too. America...
Oct 11, 2018•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 40
This episode is a bit of a continuation of our Library Music episode but we're joined by someone who has legitimate knowledge of the genre. Paul Elliott, one of the directors of the new documentary, "The Library Music Film", was gracious enough to spend some time with us discussing the film and Library Music. Paul is a wonderful person and incredibly articulate, knowledgeable, and entertaining. We hope you enjoy listening to him as much as we did speaking with him. The Library Music Film opens i...
Sep 28, 2018•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 39
Are your poems worthy of becoming a hit song? The George Liberace Songsmiths certainly think they are. And for a nominal fee, they'll record them for you with a real band. For this episode, the following resources were invaluable: The American Song-Poem Music Website The PBS Documentary from Independent Lens: Off the Charts Subscribe to Highway Hi-Fi: iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn | PocketCasts | Overcast | Google Play Twitter | Facebook | Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Sep 13, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 38
Today, we try to discover what was truly and utterly lost. Looking for more than just a lost gem of an LP or a record label that never met the masses. Today, we attempt to locate greatness lost. They are out there...maybe. The woman who created the singer-songwriter genre playing bingo with your grandma at the nursing home. The barfly muttering at his whiskey who masterminded a mysterious psychedelic folk-rock album. The smiling stranger on the bus who penned the song that soundtracked the most ...
Sep 02, 2018•54 min•Ep. 37
If you haven’t yet been initiated into the fun that is Library Music, we’re hoping this episode will change that. This isn’t muzak. Well, the part of the industry we go over isn’t, at least. Library Music, also called Production Music and Incidental Music, is heard in most of the movies and TV shows you’ve ever seen. All those snippets of songs that are playing in the background that is designed to tell you how to feel when you’re watching a show or a movie. Sort of an invisible jumbotron tellin...
Aug 16, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 36
This episode is about the story of the tunes made exclusively of the Waffle House, by the Waffle House, for the Waffle House. Songs about truckers, toast, and testimonials. Songs with grit about grits. Songs that you can listen to smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped, country, or all the way. The story of Waffle Records. Also, songs, trivia, and another heaping cup of love! Further reading: Buried Country: The Story of Aboriginal Country Music by Clinton Walker Deadly Wom...
Aug 03, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 35
From 1917 to 1932 a record label in Grafton, Wisconsin may have captured more important American recordings than any other label or person before or since. Not a single one of those recordings feature the accordion or performers wearing lederhosen. Episode 30 of Highway Hi-Fi focuses on Paramount Records, a chair manufacturing company, and blues recording giant. Further reading: THE BALLAD OF GEESHIE AND ELVIE from New York Times Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/13/magazine/...
Jul 19, 2018•56 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, we talk about growing up with the king of the Children’s Music Industry, Peter Pan Records. The weird childhood records that still haunt our memories. We continue with weird by having a quiz about how Prince spells song titles. Also, what's a Peanut Duck and how is it sweeping the nation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 05, 2018•56 min•Ep. 33
What if we were to tell you that there was a single man, who you may have never heard of, who co-wrote Sgt. Pepper with the Beatles? Was responsible for Dylan going electric? Pushed Brian Wilson over the edge? Borrowed Frank Sinatra’s Lear Jet? Let down his childhood idol Elvis Presley? Had Thanksgiving with The Band at Big Pink? Conjured a curse that leads several of the world’s brightest musicians to early deaths? And was assassinated just as he was about to reveal the truth about the most fam...
Jun 21, 2018•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 32
In this, the most special of episodes, Ryan & Joe tackle a subject that is near and dear to their hearts: the music of Leonard Nimoy. Leonard Nimoy produced 5 albums over 3 years and these have, for the most part, fallen by the wayside. They're actually pretty good. Ryan & Joe go through how they happened and what could have been. Also, songs & trivia! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 07, 2018•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 31
A perfect episode for those of you feeling stuck inside of a creative rut. Today, Ryan & Joe learn to "be less critical more often" as they cover the nebulous advice practice that is Eno's Oblique Strategies Cards. Hear stories of artists who "discard an axiom" and either loved or lamented these innovative and ambiguous creativity aphorisms. Most notably, Phil Collins petulantly throwing beer cans. So remember: Do we need holes?Trust in the you of now.Slow preparation, fast execution.Use an ...
May 24, 2018•57 min•Ep. 30
What happens when recording artists are legally required to make albums? Well, how about: a horrible dance craze called The Screw, an hour of feedback loops (more if you count locked grooves), the meanest divorce settlement album of all time, robot Neil Young, Major Tom's triumphant return, songs about Danishes, and names that can't be pronounced. This week Ryan & Joe explore the wacky, bitter world of contractual obligation albums. Also, four super songs for super people. And trivia backwar...
May 10, 2018•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 29
Ryan and Joe get all unauthorized and talk about the wild, seedy 'other' music industry: Bootleg Records. From Bob Dylan's alleged motorcycle accident through home taping's destruction of the music industry - and beyond. Hear about the rise and fall and rise again of illegal records and the mysterious people who risked getting brained by mafia goons to make a lousy $35 so some hippie could have a recording of a show he got high at. And, for even more of your listening pleasure, 4 songs you can't...
Apr 26, 2018•54 min•Ep. 28
Record Store Day Bonus Episode! In this episode, Ryan and Joe ramble on (and on) with Chris Brown of Bull Moose, the inventor of Record Store Day. Chris recounts the rise of RSD, where it's headed, and gives an insider perspective on record store coalitions. The three talk about some of their favorite releases past and present. Questions answered in this episode: Who is the Caretaker? Which Harry Nillson reissue is arguably the greatest release ever for Record Store Day? Who is considered the Le...
Apr 14, 2018•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 27
In preparation for Record Store Day on April 21st, Ryan and Joe walk through the history of RSD. How did one email become the genesis of the biggest record buying day in the world? As always, Trivia and songs you need to hear. Stay tuned for a bonus episode featuring an interview with Record Store Day Birther: Chris Brown! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 12, 2018•59 min•Ep. 26
Ryan & Joe break down the history of the song "The House of the Rising Sun": how old is the song? Where did it come from? Is there a real House and, if so, where the heck is it? Has Eric Burdon ever not been a jerk? As always: Trivia and songs we want to stick in your craw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 29, 2018•58 min•Ep. 25
Ryan and Joe haul on down the Highway Hi-Fi with the history of music made for big rig jockeys and their groupies. Hear how the music went from celebrating truckers, turning them into folk heroes of the road to unfairly relegating them to novelty song jokes. As always, Trivia and a chat about songs everyone should know better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 15, 2018•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 24
This episode focuses on Broadside, the topical song magazine that influenced some of the greatest singer-songwriters of the 1960's, including Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Nina Simone. We go on an imaginary road trip with John Darnielle, contemplate Hobbit Metal, and square dance with soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 01, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 23
Ryan and Joe spend time discussing the evolution of the sounds inside Scott Walker's head - as far as the ones he's released to the public. Expect pleasant nightmares. Also, a very special Valentine's trivia round from Ryan. And it wouldn't be a complete episode without four super-duper songs you may not already know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 16, 2018•57 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, Ryan and Joe recount the history of Electronic Mastermind Bob Moog and butcher his name several times along the way (Moog not Bob). Also, as always: songs you need to know and trivia! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 02, 2018•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 21
Ryan & Joe dig deeper into the crates to find great Jesus Rock records, great Weirdo records, and great Jesus Weirdo records. A Venn Diagram of fantastic craziness. Plus four more private press gems. And Joe mixes up Ryan with a topsy-turvy edition of Anagram Trivia (AKA "Vagina Air Tram"). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 18, 2018•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 20
Ryan and Joe give the finger to the mob and take on the world of private press records. From the goofy to the sublime to the sublimely goofy, private press records, in their heyday, were something to behold. This episode spends a lot of time talking about the career and influence of Paul Major, the preeminent "Real People" records guru. And, well, trivia, of course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 06, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 19
In this truncated bonus episode, Ryan & Joe play underappreciated holiday tunes they hope you'll add to your seasonal playlists. Everyone's favorite Christmas cannibal, Jeffrey Dahmer, makes an appearance, along with trivia, as always. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 21, 2017•44 min•Ep. 18
Ryan & Joe attempt to tiptoe through and around the premature ejaculate that was a novelty career. Also: 4 more stupendous songs and trivia that will melt your mind, dude. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 14, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 17
Ryan & Joe take you through the story of how and when colored vinyl began so you can see it's been more than just a marketing ploy for the past few decades. It's been that for over 100 years. Also in this episode, 4 songs to pleasure your ears and trivia to pleasure your unmentionables. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 01, 2017•57 min•Ep. 16
Ryan & Joe meet up in Georgia, a state where donkeys may not be kept in bathtubs. They discuss how and when folk art met college radio and both exploded across America. Also, four Georgia-themed songs featuring: a band you know using an alias and singing something you don’t; a song sampled by 90s staples Beck, the Beastie Boys and Oasis; a song Ryan & Joe covered and turned into a creepy dirge; and a song by a Georgia musician everyone should know and love. TRIVIA TRIVIA TRIVIA Learn mor...
Nov 16, 2017•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 15
