Know Good Music

LITTLE ANTHONY INTERVIEW (of Little Anthony and the Imperials)

Today we talk with LITTLE ANTHONY about some of the highlights of his 60+ year career in music.  He talks about Buddy Holly, Elvis & Smokey Robinson to name a few of people he's met and known over the years.  We cover topics like segregation in the 50s, Religion, and his gift of an incredible voice!  It's an interview not to be missed!

 

ABOUT LITTLE ANTHONY:
Little Anthony and the Imperials, American rhythm-and-blues vocal group whose career straddled the eras of doo-wop and soul music. The Imperials were formed in New York City in 1958 as a new incarnation of a short-lived group called the Chesters. The vocal combo’s original members were Jerome Anthony Gourdine, Clarence Collins, Ernest Wright, Jr., Tracy Lord, and Nat Rogers 

 

The Imperials found instant success with their second single, “Tears on My Pillow” (1958), a doo-wop ballad distinguished by Gourdine’s youthful falsetto. While introducing the song on the radio, influential disc jockey Alan Freed, an early supporter, called the group Little Anthony and the Imperials (in reference to Gourdine), and the moniker stuck. After a number of less-successful releases, a brief departure by Gourdine, and the replacement of Lord and Rogers, the group hit its stride in the mid-1960s. Producer-songwriter Teddy Randazzo brought the Imperials’ vocal style in line with the popular soul sound of the day, resulting in a string of pop and rhythm-and-blues hits, including “I’m on the Outside (Looking In)” (1964), “Goin’ out of My Head” (1964), and “Hurt So Bad” (1965).

 

By the mid-1970s the group’s commercial fortunes had waned and the lineup had gone through several changes, most notably the 1969 departure of Wright. Gourdine left in 1975. The Imperials carried on for four more years but never achieved another American hit. Gourdine, Collins, and Wright reconvened in 1992 with latter-day member Sammy Strain (who had since joined the O’Jays) for a successful appearance at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Thereafter, the group continued touring with varying lineups into the early 21st century, releasing a new album, You’ll Never Know, in 2008. Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

You can find JIM AND MIKE TALK MUSIC podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Iheart Radio, and almost anywhere you listen to podcasts.  We also have a YouTube Channel where we feature a couple video segments from our interviews.

FIONA SILVER Interview (New York Singer / Songwriter / Guitarist)

Today we talk to Fiona Silver about her tour with Gary Clark Jr., her songwriting process, outfits and influences.  We also do some Music Trivia between Fiona and Mike (at the end)

 

ABOUT FIONA SILVER:
Fiona Silver is a pixie-sized powerhouse, born and bred in New York City, with a take no prisoners punk ethic. Silver is not only a singer, but also a songwriter, producer, guitarist and, “rockstar, period.” [Beautiful Savage Magazine] Her evocative artistry encompasses the doe-eyed playfulness of 1960s girl groups (a nod to one of her personal mentors, Ronnie Spector), along with strains of vintage soul, edgy pop, and gritty Rock N Roll. Her latest EP, Hostage of Love, is a masterstroke both vulnerable and rebellious. Inspired by events from her tumultuous life, filled with dire beauty and vital sorrow, Fiona has emerged as the dynamic artist she is today, mesmerizing audiences with an essence of seductive charm and a captivating innocence. 

 

After touring with 4x Grammy Winner Gary Clark Jr. Fiona Silver continues to rise upon the music scene. Legendary Rock 'N Roll DJ Rodney Bingenheimer (who broke bands like Joan Jett and the Ramones) premiered Silver’s songs on KROQ and Sirius XM, calling her music “beyond amazing.” Silver has the added distinction of being endorsed by Telefunken Microphones, Reverend Guitars and Luna Guitars. Since the release of her debut album Little Thunder, Silver has also released a slew of singles, toured extensively throughout North America, opened for the Black Pumas, Andrew W. K., performed with Carlos Santana, and most recently accompanied Gwen Stefani for NBC’s New Year’s Eve special, and “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” Special. On Valentine’s Day 2020 Silver released her highly anticipated EP ‘Hostage of Love,’ and celebrated with a packed headlining show at Brooklyn Bowl.

 

COPYRIGHT CLAIM: Night Clubbing, Take Me Down, Violence, 2020, Love Potion No.9 & Smoking Gun were used with permission from Fiona Silver.

ALBUM ROULETTE - Album Reviews of 2020 / New Bands / Music History - SHOW #16

Today we review 3 albums each (that were picked randomly)  from Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 50 albums of 2020.  

We also discuss our favorite album from last year, and new bands and artists we've recently discovered.

Also: This Day in Music History (February 27th).

Here are the artists and albums mentioned in the podcast:
KAREEM ALI "Growth"
SOCCER MOMMY "Colour Theory"
FOUR TET "Sixteen Oceans"
FLO MILLI "Ho, Why is you Here?"
BOB DYLAN "Rough and Rowdy Ways"
LADY GAGA "Chromatica"
ANDREA VON KAMPEN
DREAM WIFE
MARCUS KING
PHOEBE BRIDGERS
ALEX THE ASTRONAUT
TIRED LION
THE BOMBPOPS
ODD MORRIS

MARCY LEVY / MARCELLA DETROIT (Eric Clapton / Shakespears Sister) interview

Marcella Levy, known professionally as Marcella Detroit, is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist.  She co-wrote the 1977 Eric Clapton hit "Lay Down Sally" and released her debut album Marcella in 1982. She joined Shakespears Sister in 1988 with ex-Bananarama member Siobhan Fahey. Their first two albums, Sacred Heart (1989), and Hormonally Yours (1992), both reached the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart. Detroit sang the lead vocals on their biggest hit, "Stay", which spent eight consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1992.  Detroit left the band in 1993 and had a UK top 20 hit with "I Believe" in 1994. She formed the Marcy Levy Band in 2002, and finished third in the 2010 ITV series Popstar to Operastar.

We talk about growing up in Detroit, the Beatles, Eric Clapton, performing at Live Aid, Elton John, Shakespears Sister, her next album, and more!

 

COPYRIGHT CLAIM: the songs THE CORE, LAY DOWN SALLY & STAY were used with permission from Marcy Levy.

JIM BABJAK of THE SMITHEREENS - Interview

Jim talks with Jim and Mike about the new release: the Smithereens "lost" Album, touring, a remote control car, bruce springsteen, the sugarcubes .. and much more.

 

Jim Babjak is the lead guitar player and co-founder of The Smithereens.   He also is the leader of the band Buzzed Meg and a member of the band, The Bar.

 

The Smithereens formed in 1980 with the late Pat DiNizio (vocals & guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar & vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass guitar & vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums & percussion). 

 

The band are perhaps best known for a string of hits in the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, including "Only a Memory", "A Girl Like You" and "Too Much Passion". The Smithereens have collaborated with numerous musicians, both in the studio (Belinda Carlisle, Julian Lennon, Lou Reed, Suzanne Vega) and live (Graham Parker and The Kinks).

 

The Smithereens television credits include Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, MTV's Unplugged, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Uncle Floyd Show, CBS's This Morning, The Dennis Miller Show, and The Arsenio Hall Show.

 

In 2019, Babjak, along with his bandmates in the Smithereens, were inducted into the class of 2018 New Jersey Hall of Fame.   He has also been inducted into the White Castle Hall of Fame class of 2002 for his song "White Castle Blues."

JOEY MOLLAND of BADFINGER Interview

Today we interview Joey Molland from the 1970s band Badfinger!

Joey is an English composer and rock guitarist whose recording career spans five decades. He is best known as a member of Badfinger, the most successful of the acts he performed with. Molland is the last surviving member from the band's classic line-up.   They had such great hits as "Come and Get (Paul McCartney penned song), "No Matter What" and "Baby Blue".

We talk about growing up in Liverpool, The Cavern Club, working with the Beatles (specifically George Harrison and John Lennon), being mistaken for Paul McCartney and of course his brand new album which is great!

Our podcast is on Itunes, Spotify, Podbean, Stitcher, Pandora and many other podcast platforms.  We also have a youtube Channel where you'll find some video mixed in with the audio from the interview.

Thank you for listening! 

VINYL ALBUM Resurgence - Most Valuable Albums - Record Store Day - SHOW #15

On today's podcast we talk about The Vinyl Resurgence (Vinyl Albums outsold CDs last year) / Record Store Day / The day in the life of a Record Store Owner (Spina Records / NJ) / The most expensive (valuable) vinyl albums and we discuss the Top 10 for December 19, 1970 

DAXX NIELSEN of CHEAP TRICK Interview

Today we talk with Daxx Nielsen from one of Jim's favorite bands, CHEAP TRICK!  about his musical background, career in music, drumming techniques, cheap trick, future shows, bon jovi, raking leaves and some cool stuff.  We even do some music trivia with Daxx!  

You can find our podcast on Itunes, Spotify, Iheart Radio, Podbean (our host site) and many other podcast platforms.  Check out our YouTube channel (Jim and Mike Talk) for a version that includes some video from our interview.

ABOUT DAXX NIELSEN:
Growing up in a house full of musical instruments, Daxx gravitated towards the drums at a very early age. After high school Daxx traveled the US extensively with his original band, Harmony Riley. Over a period of 5 years Harmony Riley recorded 2 full length albums and 3 EP's and performed almost 1,000 shows around the US and Canada. Upon the band's dissolution Daxx packed up and moved to Los Angeles where he quickly got into the studio and touring world. His first break was drumming for surf guitar pioneer Dick Dale.

While on breaks from touring he did dozens of recording sessions, performed anywhere and everywhere with numerous local artists, and formed A Fine Frenzy with singer/songwriter Alison Sudol. This led to years of touring and recording with Brandi Carlile, Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, The Smashing Pumpkins, and numerous others.

 

Since March of 2010, Daxx has been the touring drummer for the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTED band CHEAP TRICK, performing over 1,000 shows with them and recording the critically acclaimed Bang Zoom Crazy Hello. 

Daxx co-wrote and drummed on the score for Oscar Award Winning documentary UNDEFEATED 

Some of the other projects Daxx has been involved with over the last few years are; drumming two nights for Eddie Vedder, drumming for The Fab Faux, as well as recording with numerous projects.  

Songs "Long Time No See Ya", "You Got It Going On" and "Radio Lover" used with permission from Daxx Nielsen.