Podcasts by The Hustle

The Hustle

What does it take to maintain a career in music? We track down members of bands that we love and find out what their lives are like now.

Further podcasts by Jon Lamoreaux

Podcast on the topic Musikinterviews

All episodes

The Hustle
Book Club - Bradley Morgan Author of U2’s The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America from 2022-02-20T23:16:57

First time author Bradley Morgan felt compelled to compare the political world that encircled U2's creation of the iconic Joshua Tree album with the state of the country today. Bradley dissects ...

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The Hustle
Episode 354 - Mick Wall from 2022-02-16T01:17:16

No Rock Doc is complete without an appearance from esteemed British rock writer Mick Wall. Mick's career goes way back to the 70s working promotion and PR for many of the great New Wave bands, b...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Howie Klein from 2022-02-13T00:36:40

Here's my conversation with label honcho, political blogger, gay activist and more Howie Klein. In the 70s Howie was a DJ and concert promoter in San Francisco when he started 415 Records. That ...

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The Hustle
Episode 353 - Beau Hill from 2022-02-09T02:37:18

One could argue that producer Beau Hill is the architect of the sound of 80s Hair Metal. Just as his nascent producing career is getting started, Ratt hit the jackpot with Out of the Cellar and ...

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The Hustle
Book Club - Bill Kopp author of Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave from 2022-02-07T01:21:29

Author Bill Kopp has gifted music lovers with a fantastic piece of history. In his new book, Disturbing The Peace, Bill tells the story of San Francisco's influential 415 Record label started by...

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The Hustle
Episode 352 - Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors/Solo from 2022-02-02T01:52:10

Rocker Mark Seymour is one of Australia's greatest gifts to music. From his many years fronting the mighty Hunters & Collectors to his last couple decades putting out quality solo work, Mark has...

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The Hustle
2021 Year in Review from 2022-01-31T00:16:05

Jon and Jan look back at 2021, discuss life without their dads, the state of the world and more. We also recap the last three month's worth of episodes with any behind the scenes stories, and co...

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The Hustle
Episode 351 - Jacknife Lee from 2022-01-26T03:12:56

Where to start with Jacknife Lee? He's been one of the most successful and in demand producers of the last 20 years for a start. A short list of people he's worked with include the Killers, Weez...

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The Hustle
Episode 350 - Doug MacMillian of The Connells from 2022-01-19T01:42:13

Raleigh, North Carolina's Connells have had a unique career. Jangly, college rock mainstays in America/HUGE one-hit-wonders in Europe. Throughout the 80s and 90s the band was able to make a care...

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The Hustle
Episode 349 - Dee C. Lee of the Style Council/Solo from 2022-01-12T02:13:59

Singer Dee C. Lee's vocal talents are undeniable. She was already making strides in the London music scene when she was pegged by Wham! to sing back up on their first album which featured hits l...

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The Hustle
Episode 348 - Stephen Hague from 2022-01-05T04:19:33

Would you ever guess that one of the key producers for the radical synth-styled music coming out of the UK in the 80s was an American former LA session musician? Thanks to artists like New Order...

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Episode 347 - Rocky Burnette from 2021-12-29T00:16:23

In 1980, Rocky Burnette hit #8 on the pop charts with "Tired of Toein' The Line", an excellent song that still holds up today. That may have been the peak of his solo career, but his musical his...

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The Hustle
Episode 346 - Colin Campsie of The Quick/Giant Steps from 2021-12-22T02:44:31

Colin Campsie is one of those artists that consistently made quality music whether everyone was paying attention or not. He and his partner George McFarlane finally started having success in the...

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The Hustle
Episode 345 - Jerry Casale of DEVO from 2021-12-15T02:04:43

DEVO are the template for New Wave. Mixing the DIY aggression of punk with the new technology of the late 70s is what they did better than anyone else. Over the years, the music could be up and ...

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The Hustle
Podcaster Panel: The Rookies from 2021-12-12T23:16:10

This week I had a chat with four of our newer podcasting friends, all of which have started their own pods fairly recently. There's Alex Alt of the Sly Dog Music-Cast, Mike Wiles of Retro Rock R...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Sequence One: Glass Jar with Brent Zius from 2021-12-11T00:33:29

Our good friend Brent Zius (Podcast Rock City) has a unique and ambitious music project we wanted to tell you about. With the help of musician Zoog Von Rock of Angelspit, they've created an epic...

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The Hustle
Episode 344 - Tony Kaye of Yes from 2021-12-08T02:51:41

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tony Kaye does what he wants. As a founding member of Yes, he helped build the band into legends, but left after three albums when it stopped being fun. After spurts ...

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The Hustle
Podcaster Panel: Get Back and Music Wormholes from 2021-12-05T23:43:42

This week we welcome back more of our best buddies - Joy Royland of Sit and Spin with Joe, Ben Montgomery of Records Revisited and, the Podfather himself, Ken Mills to discuss again our impressi...

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The Hustle
Episode 343 - Pete Byrne of Naked Eyes from 2021-12-01T01:22:18

When you think about all the classic synth pop duos of the 80s (Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, OMD, etc) Naked Eyes are right up there too. Rob Fisher and Pete Byrne only managed two albums in their he...

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The Hustle
Podcaster Panel: 2021 TV Shows from 2021-11-29T00:14:26

Today we recorded a live round table with some of our best friends - Brad Page of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast, BJ Kramp from Rock and/or Roll, and Eric Miller of the Pods & Sods Netwo...

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The Hustle
Episode 342 - Jude Cole from 2021-11-24T03:59:13

When singer/songwriter Jude Cole was on the scene from the mid 80s to the mid 90s you knew you were listening to someone special. His ability to marry hooks and harmonies in a rock, bordering on...

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The Hustle
Episode 341 - Susan Rogers from 2021-11-17T02:43:33

Noted audio engineer/producer Susan Rogers began her unique career in the late 70s, but she really earned her bona fides when she moved to Minneapolis to assist Prince. She was right by his side...

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The Hustle
Episode 340 - Donnie Iris from 2021-11-10T01:24:31

Unless you live in Ohio or Pennsylvania, you may not have heard from the great Donnie Iris for a while. Many of us fans probably even carry some regret that he wasn't a bigger star when he was a...

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The Hustle
2021 Recap vol.3 from 2021-11-08T00:32:38

Jon and Jan recap the last three months of episodes, including a few behind the scenes stories. While they're at it they get into death, work, travel, and life in general. Join us! 



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The Hustle
Episode 339 - Alan Parsons/Mike Thorne from 2021-11-03T03:32:41

This week is a special two-fer, two legendary producers in one shot! First up is the legend himself, Alan Parsons! If you think about it, even with all the iconic albums he's worked on like Dark...

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The Hustle
Episode 338 - Midge Ure from 2021-10-27T00:52:46

Midge Ure has done so many amazing things, been in so many amazing bands, and recorded so much amazing music that you could fill several books! From Slik to the Rich Kids to Thin Lizzy to Visage...

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The Hustle
Episode 338 - Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls/Solo from 2021-10-20T00:04:02

This week we are honored to welcome Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls! Any conversation with a citizen as solid as Amy is going to include the current state of the world, but her empathetic and wise v...

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The Hustle
Episode 337 - Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls/Solo from 2021-10-20T00:04:02

This week we are honored to welcome Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls! Any conversation with a citizen as solid as Amy is going to include the current state of the world, but her empathetic and wise v...

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The Hustle
Book Club: Mike Evans author of The Who: Much Too Much from 2021-10-17T23:20

In this edition of Book Club we welcome seasoned rock writer Mike Evans to discuss his new book, The Who: Much Too Much. Mike's book tells us the whole Who story, from beginning to end, while al...

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The Hustle
Episode 336 - Jon ”Bermuda” Schwartz of ”Weird” Al Yankovic from 2021-10-13T01:22:46

Drummer Bermuda Schwartz has been by "Weird" Al's side since that fateful day when they recorded "Another One Rides the Bus" for Dr. Demento. In all these years, he's watched as new generations ...

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The Hustle
Episode 335 - Chris Frantz of Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club from 2021-10-06T00:49:40

Last year, drummer Chris Frantz released his excellent memoir "Remain in Love", a sincerely wonderful and unique rock bio. This week he joins us to discuss his life before, during and after Talk...

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The Hustle
Episode 334 - Martin Briley from 2021-09-29T01:26:08

Singer/Songwriter Martin Briley's solo career may have been brief, but he isn't bothered about it. Best known for the 1983 hit "The Salt in My Tears", Martin has always been way more comfortable...

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Episode 333 - Tessa Niles from 2021-09-22T00:36:35

Whether you're aware of it or not, you've heard Tessa Niles' voice on dozens of beloved songs. She was one of Britain's most in demand backup singers for more than 20 years appearing with artist...

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Book Club - John Aizlewood author of Joy Division + New Order: Decades from 2021-09-19T20:42:28

Esteemed music writer John Aizlewood returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Joy Division + New Order: Decades. The book is a fantastic distillation of the band's story along with beautif...

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The Hustle
Episode 332 - Gary Langan from 2021-09-15T04:12:44

Can you imagine what it must have been like to actually work with Queen on "Bohemian Rhapsody"? Producer Gary Langan can say he was there! Gary's done a lot, but his career really started to tak...

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The Hustle
Episode 331 - Kasim Sulton of Utopia/Todd Rundgren/Meat Loaf/Blue Oyster Cult/Solo from 2021-09-08T01:51:40

This week is one of the best sidemen in the business, Kasim Sulton! Kasim hit the big leagues when he joined Utopia in the mid-70s where he stayed for about a decade. Of course this formed the b...

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The Hustle
Episode 330 - Ian McNabb of the Icicle Works/Solo from 2021-09-01T00:23:30

As great as the Icicle Works were, they will forever be remembered for one perfect moment, the still gorgeous "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)". After that one hit in the States (and a few more ...

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Episode 329 - Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze/Solo from 2021-08-25T03:07:58

The duo of Difford and Tillbrook are up there with Jagger/Richards, Lennon/McCartney, John/Taupin and Holland/Dozier/Holland as one of history's greatest songwriting teams. Glenn's knack for a m...

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Deep Dive - Ellen Foley on Nightout (1979) from 2021-08-23T14:41:16

From out of nowhere, former guest Ellen Foley has released one of the best rock albums of 2021. Her latest work (and only her second in 40 years), Fighting Words hearkens back to her glam rock b...

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Episode 328 - Guy Pratt from 2021-08-18T02:26:11

These days Guy Pratt might be best known as the co-host of the second best (?) music podcast in the world: Rockonteurs, which he does with his buddy Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet. They bring so ma...

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Episode 327 - Steve Smith of the Vapors/Tony Marsico of the Cruzados from 2021-08-10T19:06:32

This week is a special two-fer: two great bass players from two great 80s bands that are releasing new music this weekend. We start with Vapors bassist Steve Smith. Everyone knows the Vapors fro...

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Episode 326 - Lyle Workman from 2021-08-03T23:57:54

Guitarist Lyle Workman is one of the more successful multi-hyphenates. He began his career in the 80s as a member of Bourgeois Tagg where he co-wrote their biggest hit, the beautiful "I Don't Mi...

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The Hustle
Episode 325 - Andy Scott of Sweet from 2021-07-27T18:01:10

Don't we all kind of wish we'd been in London in the 70s absorbing all the fantastic music pouring out? One of the greatest that doesn't get enough credit is glam rockers Sweet. Known for eterna...

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The Hustle
2021 Recap vol.2 from 2021-07-26T04:42:16

For the latest Recap Jon is joined by Hustle CMO Andy Schaal to discuss the last three months of podcasting Commando Style! No edits, no songs, no production. Totally live. We have to kick it of...

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Episode 324 - Paula Cole from 2021-07-21T01:12:25

Paula Cole was one of the key figures of the "Lilith Fair Generation" - that class of fantastic female artists like Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, India Arie, Joan Osbourne, and many more - whos...

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Book Club - Joel Miller author of Memoir of a Roadie from 2021-07-19T00:30:47

In his early 20s Joel Miller, like most of us, was floating.  There was telesales, film production work, and other things. He eventually decided to try his hand at being a roadie and quickly joi...

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The Hustle
Bonus - The Music Of Your Youth on Pretty Much Pop from 2021-07-15T22:36:24

Jon was invited to join the gang from Pretty Much Pop: A Culture Podcast recently to discuss how we relate as adults to the music we loved in our youth. Does it hold up? Do we ever really move o...

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The Hustle
Episode 323 - Dennis DeYoung of Styx/Solo from 2021-07-14T01:46:52

Dennis DeYoung is saying goodbye. Last month he released what he says will be his final studio album, the killer 26 East Vol.2 (the equally excellent Vol.1 came out last year). But before he goe...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Michael Ciravolo of Beauty in Chaos from 2021-07-12T01:45:53

We don't normally cover new bands on the Hustle, but we're making a special exception this time. Beauty in Chaos is the brainchild of musician Michael Ciravolo. Michael is steeped in the dark go...

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Episode 322 - Donnie Vie of Enuff Z'nuff/Solo from 2021-07-07T00:24:01

Fans know that Enuff Z'nuff are one of the most mishandled, mismarketed and misunderstood rock bands ever. The boys from Chicago had way more in common with logical legends Cheap Trick and the B...

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Episode 321 - Peter Coyne of The Godfathers from 2021-06-30T00:41:04

In the late 80s the Godfathers were on to something. College radio hits like "Birth, School, Work, Death" was a swift punch in the face at a time just before that sound would become more commonp...

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Episode 320 - Marcella Detroit of Shakespear's Sister/Eric Clapton/Solo from 2021-06-23T03:54:22

When Shakespeare's Sister struck gold with their #1 hit "Stay" in 1992, what listeners may not have known is that singer Marcella Detroit had already put in 20 years of professional singing by t...

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Episode 319 - Richard Jobson of the Skids from 2021-06-16T00:19:05

Dunfermline Scotland's Skids were local legends in the late 70s. Led by lead singer Richard Jobson and guitarist Stuart Adamson (later of Big Country, of course), the band kept their punk bona f...

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Episode 318 - Justin Currie of Del Amitri/Solo from 2021-06-09T00:43:35

Del Amitri's Justin Currie doesn't get enough credit for being one of the best songwriters around. The fantastic Scottish band have been at it since the mid-80s, but didn't really find their voi...

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Episode 317 - Tim Booth of James from 2021-06-02T01:12:39

When james are at their best hardly anyone can rival their mixture of ecstasy, passion, groove, and spirit. In this discussion with frontman Tim Booth you'll learn that isn't an accident. In fac...

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Bonus - John Scheinfeld - Director of "Sergio Mendes...In The Key of Joy" from 2021-05-31T00:01:21

Noted rock doc director John Scheinfeld joins us this week to discuss his new outstanding documentary on the great Sergio Mendes, In The Key of Joy. John talks about what got him excited about m...

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Episode 316 - Martyn Ware of Heaven 17/Human League/B.E.F from 2021-05-26T01:18:54

Any list of synth pioneers would include the great Martyn Ware. He's basically devoted his life to seeing what that machine is capable of. He starts out in Sheffield forming the Human League wit...

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Episode 315 - Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet/Solo from 2021-05-19T00:35:37

Throughout most of the world, Spandau Ballet were stadium fillers there for a while. They famously came out of the same club scene as friendly rivals Duran Duran and Ultravox, the lads were imme...

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Episode 314 - Graham Parker from 2021-05-12T01:43:40

Graham Parker has been a master at his craft for so long, you probably think you have him figured out. You'd be wrong. Is he a cult artist? A punk? An angry young man? He says no. What he is, an...

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2021 Recap vol.1 from 2021-05-10T00:38:52

Jon and Jan discuss the first quarter of 2021, the stories and thoughts behind the episodes, what's happening in our personal lives, and we answer some listener mail. 



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Episode 312 - Michael Sadler of Saga from 2021-04-27T23:45:51

Canada's Saga is proof that the country does some things better than the rest of us. That fantastic band has been merging prog rock with a solid tunefulness for 45 years now and show no signs of...

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Episode 311 - John Waite from 2021-04-21T01:19:56

John Waite has been blessed with one of the greatest voices in music. Whether he's belting killer rock tunes with the Babys or Bad English or his own solo work, putting his spin on blues and Ame...

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Book Club - Jeffrey Lee Campbell author of Do Stand So Close from 2021-04-18T23:20:21

We're starting a new sidecast called Book Club where we will be inviting authors of great music-related books to discuss them with us.  Our first installment is with guitarist Jeffrey Lee Campbe...

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Episode 310 - John Davis: One of the real voices of Milli Vanilli from 2021-04-14T00:31:17

We all know the Milli Vanilli story. Have you ever wondered who really sang those songs? This week we welcome singer/songwriter John Davis, one of the actual voices for Milli Vanilli. John was a...

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Promo Mode - Ian Anderson Returns from 2021-04-11T23:52:15

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson becomes our first three-time guest with this return to The Huste, and, as usual, the conversation doesn't go where you think it will. First of all, Ian has a book comi...

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Episode 309 - Gareth Jones from 2021-04-07T01:20:33

Producer/Engineer/Mixer Gareth Jones didn't set out to be the "synth guy", but that didn't stop him from working closely with some of the greatest synth artists ever. First came John Foxx and hi...

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Deep Dive - Steve Stevens on Billy Idol's Rebel Yell (1983) from 2021-04-05T00:56:20

For this very special edition of Deep Dive we are honored to welcome back guitarist Steve Stevens to discuss one of the seminal rock albums of the 80s, Billy Idol's Rebel Yell. Steve and Billy c...

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Episode 308 - Stan Bush from 2021-03-31T00:09:44

You couldn't plan for Stan Bush's career if you tried. He came on strong in the early 80s as a rising rock singer, but he carved a niche for himself when he was featured on soundtracks for movie...

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Episode 307 - Daniel Lanois from 2021-03-24T02:19:46

Super producer Daniel Lanois has just released the album of the year. This legendary record maker (U2, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, etc),  has creat...

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Bonus - Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad/Solo from 2021-03-22T01:51:52

We're excited to put out a special bonus episode with former Grand Funk Railroad frontman Mark Farner! On April 6th Mark is releasing a brand new live DVD From Chili with Love featuring many GFR...

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Episode 306 - Will Sergeant of Echo & the Bunnymen from 2021-03-16T18:14:34

This week we are honored to welcome one of the greatest and most underrated guitarists of all time, Echo & the Bunnymen's Will Sergeant! The first four Bunnymen albums are core to the foundation...

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Episode 305 - Phill Brown from 2021-03-10T02:53:56

Producer/engineer/mixer Phill Brown can say he was in the room when songs like "All Along the Watchtower", "Sympathy for the Devil", "Stairway to Heaven" and "I Shot the Sheriff" were recorded. ...

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Episode 304 - Jack Grisham of T.S.O.L. from 2021-03-03T00:14:24

Punk rock has produced some of music's greatest characters, but tops of all is probably TSOL frontman Jack Grisham. Jack was there for the band's first two albums Dance With Me and the game chan...

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Deep Dive - Tris Imboden on Kenny Loggins' - Keep The Fire (1979) from 2021-02-27T19:10:14

This week we welcome back drummer Tris Imboden to talk about Kenny Loggins's 1979 classic Keep The Fire! Tris was a member of the incredible band that recorded this beauty and that featured the ...

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Episode 303 - Bill Schnee from 2021-02-24T03:07:58

This week is our first producer of 2021, 2x Grammy winning producer/engineer/mixer Bill Schnee! Bill was an integral part of creating the soft rock sound of the 70s that we think of thanks to hi...

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Episode 302 - "The God of Hellfire" Arthur Brown from 2021-02-17T01:57:35

Thanks to his Satanic masterpiece "Fire" from 1968, Arthur Brown will forever be known as "The God of Hellfire". That spine-tingling hit topped the charts all over the world and cemented his ima...

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Episode 301 - Wayne Hussey of The Mission from 2021-02-10T14:43:10

Wayne Hussey's knack for writing deep, beautiful pop songs about struggles with the divine and a penchant for darkness are unlike anyone else. He has led his formidable band The Mission for over...

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Episode 300 - Aldo Nova from 2021-02-03T00:57:48

This week is the big 3-0-0! 



Aldo Nova's career is an example of tenacity. He stormed out of the gates in 1982 with the self-titled debut and the huge hit "Fantasy" selling a couple...

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Episode 154 - Mark Opitz from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Mark Opitz is probably the most important Australian music producer in that country's history. Beginning in the mid-70s with AC/DC's Powerage album, Mark went on to define a generation's worth of r...

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Episode 149 - Ray Parker Jr. from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Everybody remembers Ray Parker Jr. taking over the world in 1984 with the Ghostbusters theme. But, there is so much more to his story. He was one of the most sought after session guitarists of the ...

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Ep 104 - HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TO US! with Mel Gaynor of Simple Minds from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Happy 2nd Birthday to us!   This week we celebrate by having as our guest, one of the greatest drummers of the British alternative scene, Mel Gaynor of Simple Minds! Mel's the unmistakable beat beh...

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Episode 56 - Rolo McGinty of The Woodentops from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

The Woodentops were an excellent British alternative pop band of the mid-to-late 80s. However, within just 2 years, they released 3 wildly different albums and then called it quits. The debut, Gian...

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Episode 299 - Huw Gower of The Records/Solo from 2021-01-26T23:37:01

Who remembers the skinny tie, new wave power pop days of the late 70s? Over in the UK, a band called The Records were on that train and released the cult classic "Starry Eyes" in 1979. Guitarist...

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2020 Year in Review from 2021-01-25T02:23:49

Jon and Jan look back on the ups and downs of the last year, recap the last three months, countdown their top 10 episodes of the year (as well as the listener’s), and answer some listener questi...

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Episode 298 - Iva Davies of Icehouse from 2021-01-20T02:46:36

In the US Icehouse may be best known for those two huge hits from 1987, "Crazy" and "Electric Blue", but back in their native Australia they're practically royalty. Mastermind Iva Davies has dir...

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Episode 297 - James Williamson of The Stooges/Solo from 2021-01-13T00:46:33

Stooges guitarist (and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) James Williamson's sludgy, greasy sound is uniquely his own. Plus, he was a perfect match and co-conspirator for Iggy Pop at just the right ti...

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Episode 296 - Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros from 2021-01-05T23:28:14

Jane's Addiction might be the most influential and important band of the last 35 years. Think about it - did anyone bridge the alternative rock of the 80s with the grunge sound of the 90s better...

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Episode 295 - Clif Magness from 2020-12-30T01:36:48

We're ending 2020 the same way it began, by hearing from a fantastic and accomplished songwriter. Clif Magness has won a grammy, been nominated for an Oscar, and has had songs recorded by everyo...

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Episode 294 - Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer/Solo from 2020-12-23T02:00:42

It's Christmastime and it felt right to share our conversation with the lovely Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer! Of course SIxpence broke through big when their third album in 1997 launche...

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Bonus - Director Jon Brewer on Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock 'N' Roll from 2020-12-20T22:47

We are welcoming back rock doc director Jon Brewer to discuss his recent documentary “Chuck Berry: The Original King of Rock and Roll”. Chuck is on the Mt Rushmore of rock but is also s complica...

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Episode 293 - Andy Kyriacou of Modern Romance from 2020-12-16T00:50:59

I can't think of another band quite like Modern Romance. They came out of the Blitz scene in the early 80s with bands like Duran Duran, Ultravox and Spandau Ballet and originally sounded like le...

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Episode 292 - Tim Palmer from 2020-12-09T02:16:58

We close out our recent producer series by talking to the fantastic Tim Palmer! Tim's career goes back 40 years and includes everyone from Ozzy to Kajagoogoo to Heatwave. We hear amazing stories...

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Podcaster Panel: Christmas from 2020-12-07T04:23:25

Tis the season! Jon and Jan are joined by friends Ben Montgomery from the Records Revisited podcast and Jon's buddy, regular, podcast-less civilian, Dave Carruth to discuss Christmas music, but ...

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Episode 291 - Melissa Manchester from 2020-12-02T02:45:18

Don't we all miss the 70s? That golden era of soulful singer-songwriters left an impression that has never been replicated and high among them is the great Melissa Manchester. After 50 years in ...

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Deep Dive - Gunnar Nelson on Nelson's After the Rain (1990) from 2020-11-30T01:56:43

For this Deep Dive we are welcoming Gunnar Nelson to tell us the full story behind the Nelson's blockbuster debut album After the Rain. Few rock albums from that era stand the test of time like ...

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Episode 290 - Terry Manning from 2020-11-25T03:10:29

Producer Terry Manning is a Jack of All Trades and Master of Many! Starting out as a pre-teen in Texas, Terry went on to work with everyone from Led Zeppelin to Otis Redding to Bjork and many mo...

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Episode 289 - Steve Stevens from 2020-11-18T03:39:05

Steve Stevens and Billy Idol are a pair that goes together like Marr and Morrissey, like Plant and Page, like Scott and Adams, like Pirroni and Ant... you get the idea. This power duo has create...

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The Hustle
A Discussion on the Death and Legacy of Tony Lewis of the Outfield with William Wittman from 2020-11-14T21:20:10

The loss of the Outfield's Tony Lewis recently really stings. The Outfield were a consistently excellent band that deserved more and Tony's incredible voice paired with the late John Spink's son...

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The Hustle
Episode 288 - Nick Launay from 2020-11-11T03:27:28

Nick Launay started his career when still in his teens and when John Lyden picked (forced?) him to produce PiL's "Flowers of Romance" in 1981 he was off and running. His resume includes greats l...

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The Hustle
Episode 287 - Richard Barone of the Bongos/Solo from 2020-11-04T01:53:02

The Bongos were one of those great early 80s American indie bands, like Violent Femmes or the db's. After having some success and creating a rabid grassroots fanbase, frontman Richard Barone wen...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Andy Ross discusses "The Fear Engine" from 2020-11-02T00:20

Producer/Musician Andy Ross has been in music his entire life. He's served as a session musician, a member of the band Immaculate Fools, and a producer working with artists like Howard Jones. Hi...

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The Hustle
Episode 286 - John Fryer from 2020-10-28T01:58:52

Producer John Fryer was instrumental in honing the sound of some of the 80s most inventive groups. While working at Blackwing Studios and largely with the 4AD label, his list of accomplishments ...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Martin Page on Maurice White (1985) from 2020-10-26T02:03:29

For this Deep Dive we welcome back a favorite of ours, songwriter Martin Page (ep30)! On top of the great songs Martin's written in his career, back in 1985 he was hand-picked by Earth Wind and ...

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The Hustle
Episode 285 - Frankie Sullivan of Survivor from 2020-10-21T00:20:02

Survivor were one of the key rock bands of the 80s. They either defined the sound of the era, or produced some of the finest music that era had to offer. And with hits like "High On You", "Can't...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Andrew Farriss discusses his new EP Love Makes the World from 2020-10-17T21:14:42

INXS's Andrew Farriss returns to the show to discuss his new EP, Love Makes The World. As we learned in July, Andrew has been readying a country album, but when Covid hit it became fuzzy what th...

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The Hustle
A Discussion of the Death and Legacy of Eddie Van Halen with Marq Torien from 2020-10-14T23:05:56

We lost another legend. Eddie Van Halen was one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. To discuss his life and the impact he had on music we brought back BulletBoys frontma...

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The Hustle
Episode 284 - Youth of Killing Joke/The Orb/The Fireman from 2020-10-14T00:53:30

Producer/Musician Youth is one of the most creative and innovative musical minds of the last 40 years. Starting out as the bassist in pioneering doom rock band Killing Joke, he left after three ...

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The Hustle
Recap 2020 v.3 from 2020-10-11T23:39:02

Months continue feeling more like years, but it's still time for another check-in. Jon and Jan recap the last three month's worth of episodes, announce a cd giveaway, play an important brand new...

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The Hustle
Episode 283 - Peter Cox of Go West/Solo from 2020-10-07T00:33:06

Many, including me, consider Go West frontman Peter Cox one of the greatest blue-eyed soul singers the UK has ever produced. With musical partner Richard Drummie, Go West competed in the synth p...

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The Hustle
Episode 282 - Mickey Curry of Bryan Adams/Hall & Oates from 2020-09-30T01:28:51

We close out our series of big time drummers with the great Mickey Curry! Like the others, Mickey has done a lot of fun things that we talk about, but two of his biggest partnerships have been w...

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The Hustle
Episode 281 - Tris Imboden of Chicago/Kenny Loggins from 2020-09-23T15:30:11

We continue our series on big time drummers by hearing from Tris Imboden! Until a couple years ago Tris spent decades holding it down for Chicago, but before that he also spent many years with K...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - David Newton on The Mighty Lemon Drops' World Without End (1988) from 2020-09-21T01:35:14

Mighty Lemon Drops guitarist and principle songwriter David Newton returns to the pod to tell us all about the creation of the band's 1988 breakthrough second album World Without End. This album...

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The Hustle
Episode 280 - Russ Kunkel from 2020-09-16T00:36:58

This week we close out our series going deep on the careers of the Immediate Family by hearing from legendary drummer Russ Kunkel. Like the others, Russ's career goes back 50 years when he took ...

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The Hustle
Episode 279 - Ryan Hedgecock of Lone Justice from 2020-09-09T00:22:32

Lone Justice had all the potential in the world, but ended up more of a cautionary tale. They had a charismatic lead singer with Maria McKee, a big time producer in Jimmy Iovine, the backing of ...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Clive Langer on Madness (1983) from 2020-09-06T23:39:37

We are honored to bring back producer Clive Langer to discuss the wonderful Madness! When "Our House" hit big in the states in 1983, the record label released this self-titled compilation to int...

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The Hustle
Episode 278 - Andy Richards from 2020-09-02T02:36:13

Andy Richards started out as a classical pianist, but being discovered by Trevor Horn in the early 80s changed all that. He went to work at SARM studios where he played on albums by Frankie Goes...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Nick Van Eede on Cutting Crew's The Scattering (1989) from 2020-08-31T18:27:58

Cutting Crew frontman Nick Van Eede returns to the pod to deep dive the band's problematic second album, The Scattering from 1989. Die hard fans love this album, but it was met with indifference...

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Episode 277 - Tanya Donelly of Belly/Throwing Muses/The Breeders/Solo from 2020-08-26T01:42:34

Tanya Donelly is a pioneer. She was a founding member of three of the most important female-fronted indie rock bands in history - Throwing Muses (with her step-sister Kristin Hersh), the Breeder...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Steve Thompson on John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Milk and Honey (1984) from 2020-08-24T00:30:07

Seven-time Grammy winning producer/engineer/mixer Steve Thompson returns to the show to deep dive the posthumous release from John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Milk and Honey from 1984. Made up of half ...

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Episode 276 - Leland Sklar from 2020-08-19T00:28:46

Immediate Family bassist Lee Sklar is one of the most recorded musicians of the rock era. Like the other members, Lee earned his bona fides playing with people like James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and...

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Deep Dive - Bob Rock on The Cult's Sonic Temple (1989) from 2020-08-17T00:36:31

We are extremely honored to welcome back producer Bob Rock to deep dive The Cult's 1989 breakthrough album Sonic Temple. We learn all about Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy's mindframe when they crea...

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The Hustle
Episode 275 - Victor DeLorenzo of Violent Femmes/Nineteen Thirteen from 2020-08-12T00:52:59

Has anyone managed to pass through puberty without being slipped a copy of the Violent Femmes' debut album from 1983? It's become a rite of passage - every generation passes it down to the next....

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The Hustle
Episode 274 - Thor from 2020-08-05T00:32:15

This week is heavy metal cult hero Thor! After Jon Mikl won buckets of bodybuilding championships all over North America, he decided to enter showbiz and took on the Thor persona nearly 50 years...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Jeff Healey with Cristie Hall Healey and Roger Costa from 2020-08-03T02:37:33

In this very special bonus episode we look back at the life and career of Canadian guitar legend Jeff Healey. We're joined by his widow Cristie Hall Healey and one of his best friend's Roger Cos...

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Episode 273 - Graham Russell of Air Supply from 2020-07-28T21:55:37

In 2020 Air Supply's dynamic duo of vocalist Russell Hitchcock and guitarist/songwriter Graham Russell are celebrating 45 years together. And in that time they've recorded many of the most immor...

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The Hustle
Recap 2020 v.2 from 2020-07-27T01:01:56

Jon and Jan recap the second quarter of 2020, how the last three months feel like three years thanks to Covid, the former guests we've lost this year, and give our thoughts on the last three mon...

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Episode 272 - Waddy Wachtel from 2020-07-22T00:08:09

This week is another member of the Immediate Family, legendary session guitarist, producer and songwriter Waddy Wachtel! Like the others, Waddy has been in the business for almost 50 years and p...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Fee Waybill on The Tubes' The Completion Backward Principle (1981) from 2020-07-20T00:46:17

We are welcoming back maybe our favorite guest ever, the one and only Fee Waybill! Fee returns to deep dive the Tubes' breakthrough album from 1981 The Completion Backward Principle. We hear wha...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Jay Graydon discusses the famous "E" Electric Keyboard (and a bunch of other stuff) from 2020-07-18T23:44:25

Musicians, keyboardists, gearheads, lend us your ears! Jay Graydon is back to tell us the story of the famous E Electric Piano which was a sought after session instrument in the early 80s and ho...

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The Hustle
Episode 271 - Jay Graydon from 2020-07-15T00:59:55

Jay Graydon is one of rock's most wildly successful multi-hyphenates. He was a first call session guitarist in LA for most of the 70s with one of his biggest claims to fame being the solo on Ste...

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The Hustle
Episode 270 - Andrew Farriss of INXS from 2020-07-08T01:20:20

For my money, INXS are one of the greatest bands in rock history. To have recorded that many pop/rock masterpieces is an absolute miracle. As we all know, they were cut short with the death of M...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Robin Campbell on UB40's For The Many (2019) from 2020-07-05T22:06:50

We are honored to bring back UB40 founding member Robin Campbell to talk about the band's latest album For The Many from 2019. This highly political piece of work is a perfect look at our curren...

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The Hustle
Episode 269 - Chris Hughes from 2020-07-01T01:37:56

Producer Chris Hughes has been behind the boards for some very important music, but you wouldn't have guessed it if you go back to the beginning. Chris started out as the drummer in Adam and the...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Derry Grehan on Honeymoon Suite's The Big Prize (1986) from 2020-06-29T02:27:59

Guitarist Derry Grehen of Canada's Honeymoon Suite returns to Deep Dive the band's 1986 breakthrough album The Big Prize. This fantastic piece of work deservedly brought them a lot of success on th...

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The Hustle
Episode 268 - Suzi Quatro from 2020-06-23T21:36:51

Suzi Quatro is the original rock chick and a stone-cold legend. She's currently celebrating 50 years in the rock world and finally getting her due as the pioneer that she is. This legacy makes h...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Alan Shacklock on Roger Daltrey's Under a Raging Moon (1985) from 2020-06-22T00:35:24

This week we welcome back one of our most entertaining guests, producer Alan Shacklock to deep dive Roger Daltrey of The Who's solo album from 1985, Under a Raging Moon. This chat includes stori...

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The Hustle
Episode 267 - Danny Kortchmar from 2020-06-17T00:40:11

Danny Kortchmar has built a wildly successful career that has lasted over 50 years. This career has included playing guitar for legends like his childhood friend James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Ja...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Steve Postell of the Immediate Family from 2020-06-12T22:45:52

Some of the greatest session musicians in history have come together to form the hottest supergroup in the land - The Immediate Family. Made up of legends Lee Sklar on bass, Russ Kunkel on drums...

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The Hustle
A Discussion of the Death and Legacy of Rupert Hine with Duncan Sheik from 2020-06-11T22:54:04

When someone we love passes away we do our best to pay tribute to them by having a discussion with a former guest that knows them. With the surprising passing of Rupert Hine we invited back Dunc...

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The Hustle
Episode 266 - Shelly Yakus from 2020-06-10T01:46:25

Engineer Shelly Yakus is famous for having some of the "best ears in the business." And these ears have served him well for over 50 years. John Lennon's "Imagine"? That's him. BOC's "Don't Fear ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Nick Niespodziani of Yacht Rock Revue from 2020-06-07T23:41:53

What's it like being the frontman for the most popular cover band working today? Does it provide a nice life? Is it artistically fulfilling? These are some of the questions discussed with Nick N...

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The Hustle
Episode 265 - Shelly Peiken from 2020-06-03T01:11

Songwriter Shelly Peiken could be considered the "Queen of the Woman Empowerment Anthem." She's written tons of songs for tons of artists - everyone from Britney and Celine to Miley and Brandy. ...

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Deep Dive - Phil Spalding on GTR (1986) from 2020-05-31T02:11:30

For our next Deep Dive we invited back bassist Phil Spalding (ep 48) to discuss his time in the short-lived super group GTR. The self-titled album from 1986 is the one and only document of the p...

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Episode 264 - Graham Maby from 2020-05-27T01:12

We close out this series on Joe Jackson by chatting with his longest musical partner, bassist Graham Maby. Graham and Joe go back to the beginning and Graham has been present for most of Joe's m...

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Bonus - Jon and Georgia Do Another Countdown from 2020-05-22T23:10:51

Jon's daughter Georgia makes her triumphant return to the podcast, as this time the pair countdown the top 5 songs they introduced to each other. So, Jon's picks are the cool, new songs you migh...

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Episode 263 - Gary Sanford, Vinnie Zummo and Tom Teeley: The Guitarists of Joe Jackson from 2020-05-20T03:56:26

Joe Jackson is one of the most creative and complicated artists of the last 50 years. He never stays in one place for long, always wiggling out of one genre and into another. This week we attemp...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Mike Lindup on Level 42 (1981) from 2020-05-17T15:18:06

Our most popular guest ever, Level 42's Mike Lindup, returns to Deep Dive the band's debut self-titled album from 1981. We discuss the formation of the band, how the songs and performances came ...

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The Hustle
Episode 262 - Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff from 2020-05-13T00:25:47

The Wonder Stuff are one of those fantastic bands that only the UK can produce. And leader Miles Hunt is a personality few can rival. Honest, opinionated, and incredibly cheeky, Miles is the com...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Doug Clifford of CCR on his new solo album Magic Window from 2020-05-11T01:33:07

The coolest thing happened to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford recently. While tooling around in his garage he found the master tapes to a solo album he recorded in 1985!...

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The Hustle
Podcaster Panel: Rock Books from 2020-05-07T10:04

Last week we covered Rock Docs so this week we're sharing our round table discussion on Rock Books. For this we've invited more of our fellow podcasting brethren - BJ Kramp of the Rock and/or Ro...

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The Hustle
Episode 261 - HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO US with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads/Modern Lovers/Solo from 2020-05-06T02:00:03

The Hustle turns five this week and we are celebrating with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Harrison! In normal times, this year would have been a time for celebration. Talking Heads seminal a...

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Deep Dive - David Sterry on Real Life's Send Me an Angel: 80s Synth Essentials (2008) from 2020-05-04T00:36:47

Australian band Real Life have many classic albums, but we thought it would be fun to invite back front man David Sterry (ep 73) to discuss a covers album he did in 2008 of classic 80s synth pop...

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The Hustle
Podcaster Panel: Rock Docs from 2020-04-30T18:23:19

In this time of quarantining we could all use some distractions. In this spirit, we bring you this roundtable discussion on Rock Docs. Joining the discussion are fellow podcasters Brad Page from...

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Episode 260 - Joey Scarbury from 2020-04-28T23:56:50

At this point, Joey Scarbury is a bit of a pop culture icon. He's the voice of the eternal "Believe It Or Not", that most excellent theme song to the Greatest American Hero, which reached #2 in ...

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The Hustle
Recap 2020 v.1 from 2020-04-26T23:39:48

Jon and Jan recap the first quarter of 2020, the ups and the downs (extremes on both ends). the messiness of normal life, how we're handling the quarantine, what we're watching, and what we thou...

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Episode 259 - Clive Langer from 2020-04-22T03:06:56

Once again, we're joined by a fantastic producer that's behind tons of music we all love. Clive Langer started out fronting the crucial Liverpool band, Deaf School in the 70s. While they never m...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Author Greg Renoff on Van Halen (1978) from 2020-04-18T22:52:31

We're trying something different this time. We're proud to welcome Van Halen Rising author Greg Renoff to deep dive Van Halen's debut album from 1978. Greg is probably considered THE expert on t...

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Episode 258 - David Wild from 2020-04-14T23:49:50

Peabody Award-winning rock writer David Wild joins us to share tales from his many years as a rock journalist at Rolling Stone and his tenure as a writer/producer on just about every music award...

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Deep Dive - Glen Burtnik on Heroes and Zeros (1987) from 2020-04-13T17:28:46

We're welcoming back Glen Burtnik (ep76) this week to discuss his second album, 1987's Heroes and Zeros. Glen's debut, Talking in Code, is a favorite of mine and when combined with H&Z showcases...

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The Hustle
Episode 257 - Lisa Velez of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam from 2020-04-08T00:17

Lisa Velez always wanted to be a singer and that dream came true when the mighty Full Force production team plucked her from the dance clubs in her early teens (!) to sing the classic "I Wonder ...

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The Hustle
Episode 256 - Bruce Woolley from 2020-04-01T01:18:20

Bruce Woolley has done a lot, but his largest contribution to pop culture is probably writing "Video Killed the Radio Star." Back in the 70s, he and his friend Trevor Horn created that song whil...

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Deep Dive - Eric Bazilian on The Hooters' Nervous Night (1985) from 2020-03-29T22:39:37

Eric Bazilian of the Hooters returns to the podcast to discuss the creation and recording of their 1985 breakthrough album Nervous Night. We get into how they stumbled on their unique sound, why...

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The Hustle
Episode 255 - Peter Prescott of Mission of Burma from 2020-03-25T01:29:25

There is almost nothing drummer Peter Prescott can do that will overtake the shadow caused by his band Mission of Burma. In just a brief time in the early 80s they managed to set the template fo...

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Episode 254 - Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann's Earth Band/Solo from 2020-03-18T01:50:06

Chris Thompson is "the voice" behind the most misunderstood lyric in rock history. Is it possible to play "Blinded By The Light" and hear anything other than "revved up like a douche"? No way! B...

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Episode 253 - Leee John of Imagination/Solo from 2020-03-11T00:44:12

Leee John never stops. Forty years ago he fronted the British r&b group Imagination that scored loads of hits around the globe like "Flashback," "Body Talk," and their signature tune "Just an Il...

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Episode 252 - Peter Wolf from 2020-03-04T01:50:51

Producer Peter Wolf (not the J. Geils frontman) is behind some of the biggest music of the 80s, but also the most divisive. No matter how you may feel about "We Built This City" and "Everybody H...

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Episode 251 - Arthur Barrow from 2020-02-26T01:10:44

Bassist Arthur Barrow had a dream and it came true. That dream was to one day play with Frank Zappa and in the late 70s that's exactly what happened. What might be more interesting is where he w...

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Episode 250 - Julian Mendelsohn from 2020-02-19T02:03:18

This week it's the accomplished producer/engineer/mixer Julian Mendelsohn! Julian's golden touch (and golden ears) created some of the most beloved songs of the 80s. He's responsible for legenda...

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Episode 249 - The "Invincible" Holly Knight from 2020-02-11T14:12:19

This week we are honored to hear from one of the most decorated songwriters of all time, the legendary Holly Knight! Holly's career began in the early 80s with the AOR band Spider, but it was wh...

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Episode 248 - Bonnie Hayes from 2020-02-05T02:19:43

This week we get to hear from the wonderful singer/songwriter Bonnie Hayes! Coming out of the Bay Area nearly 40 years ago with her band the Wild Combo, Bonnie mastered the new wave sound and ev...

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Bonus - Top Ten Yacht Rock Songs with Reliving My Youth from 2020-02-02T21:52:34

Jon and Noel from the Reliving My Youth podcast are at it again! This time they countdown their top 10 yacht rock songs. What counts as yacht rock? Is it a guilty pleasure or seriously awesome m...

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The Hustle
Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground Vol.5: Lesser Known R&B from 2020-02-01T21:10:19

Jon teams up with Steve and Drew from Suburban Underground once again, this time to play some of their favorite lesser known R&B jams! You hear songs you may not know from some of the legends of...

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The Hustle
Recap: 2019 Year In Review from 2020-02-01T02:54:48

Jon and Jan discuss the highs and lows of 2019 including, the last few months worth of guests, our top 10 episodes of the year as well as the listener picks, and we answer your questions. 2019 w...

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A Discussion of the Death and Legacy of Neil Peart with Barry Connors from 2020-01-31T00:16:37

It seemed fitting to pay tribute to an excellent Canadian drummer by speaking with another excellent Canadian drummer. Barry Connors of the fantastic AOR band Toronto (ep 9) returns to tell us w...

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Episode 247 - Chris Hayes of Huey Lewis and the News from 2020-01-29T01:53:26

This week we are lucky to welcome the guitarist for one of the biggest bands of the 80s - Chris Hayes from Huey Lewis and the News! Chris and I discuss his time in the band and  the stories behi...

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Episode 246 Jerry Marotta from 2020-01-22T12:13:10

If you were one of those people who read the liner notes on all your records, no doubt you saw the name Jerry Marotta on many of your favorites. From the late 70s til the mid 80s Jerry drummed f...

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Promo Mode - Marshall Crenshaw discusses the vinyl release of Miracle of Science from 2020-01-17T19:25:51

One of our most popular guests, Marshall Crenshaw, returns to discuss the brand new deluxe vinyl edition of his 1996 album Miracle of Science. One of his great, but unsung albums is finally gett...

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Episode 245 - Michelle Shocked from 2020-01-14T22:18:08

It's been a wild ride for Michelle Shocked. Her career as a protest singer began in the mid-80s by accident and has expanded to touch on every genre you can think of. She doesn't want to be pige...

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Episode 244 - Charlie Midnight from 2020-01-08T03:29:25

Charlie Midnight's success as a songwriter has spanned nearly 40 years. After partnering up with Dan Hartman in the early 80s, the two wrote a string of hits for both Dan and others, many of whi...

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Deep Dive - Brad Sundberg on Quincy Jones' Back on the Block (1989) from 2020-01-03T23:02:36

Audio engineer Brad Sundberg returns to discuss the making of the epic Quincy Jones album Back on the Block from 1989. The legendary producer called all of his famous friends to contribute to th...

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Episode 243 - Tom Croucier of Life By Night from 2019-12-31T22:32:31

Imagine getting only one chance at the big time and it not working out. That can't be easy to deal with, but that's what happened to this week's guest, Tom Croucier of the band Life By Night. To...

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Episode 242 - Chris Stamey/Richard Lloyd from 2019-12-25T09:03:31

Here it is, warts and all!

It's another Merry Chris-mas at the Hustle! This year we hear from indie legend Chris (get it?) Stamey! After forming the dbs in Chapel Hill 40 years ago with Pete...

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Promo Mode - Richard Bush discusses the new Peace Creeps album Social Studies from 2019-12-22T23:20:52

Forrmer guest Richard Bush (ep 69) returns to talk about the brand new album Social Studies by his current band The Peace Creeps. You may remember that 40 years ago, Richard fronted the wonderfu...

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Episode 241 - Prescott Niles of The Knack from 2019-12-18T00:29:02

The Knack are the poster band for both extreme success and extreme flame out. They had the biggest hit of 1979 with their debut single "My Sharona", a song that remains as killer today as it was...

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Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground Vol.4: Songs That Move Us from 2019-12-13T17:12:44

Jon and the boys from Suburban Underground come together for another hour of music. This time the topic is "songs that move us." You'll notice when you listen to this that we each define "move" ...

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Episode 240 - Joey Shuffield of Fastball from 2019-12-11T01:21:11

The 90s were a fickle time. Fads came and went, stars were made and just as quickly left behind. Austin's Fastball had what it took for the long haul, but it hasn't been easy. Lead by the dual s...

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Episode 239 - Johnny Edwards of Foreigner/Montrose/King Kobra from 2019-12-04T00:47:17

Imagine this - one of the greatest rock singers in history decides to leave his hugely successful band and you've been selected to take his place. That's what happened with Johnny Edwards. Thoug...

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Deep Dive - Walter Egan on Wild Exhibitions (1983) from 2019-12-01T22:22:19

Walter Egan's 1978 smash "Magnet and Steel" will follow him around wherever he goes, deservedly so, but what gets lost sometimes is the absolutely stellar power pop album he made in 1983 called ...

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Episode 238 - Mike Watt of the Minutemen/fIREHOSE from 2019-11-27T01:18:39

There's never been anyone like Mike Watt. He's an American treasure at this point. There's the Minutemen. Then fIREHOSE. Then about a million other projects of various size including a period with ...

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Episode 237 - Art Alexakis of Everclear from 2019-11-20T01:32:12

In a decade that churned through artists as tastes and fads changed weekly, Everclear managed a heckuva lot of hits. Storming the gates with the hyper-catchy "Santa Monica," the guys dropped rad...

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Bonus - Tom Keifer of Cinderella/Solo from 2019-11-17T21:19:26

Cinderella may have been put to bed years ago, but frontman Tom Keifer has been slowly building up his solo project for a while now and it just keeps getting bigger. The Tom Keifer Band recently...

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Episode 236 - Juliana Hatfield from 2019-11-13T01:35:59

The last few years have been a blur of prolific activity for Juliana Hatfield. There was the anti-Trump album Pussycat from 2017, there have been side projects with Paul Westerberg (The I Don't ...

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Bonus - Jon and Georgia Countdown Their Top 5 Kiss Songs from 2019-11-10T23:49:34

It was bound to happen sooner or later. Jon engages in conversation with his 12-year-old daughter Georgia, discussing their love of Kiss and counting down their top 5 songs. This was done quick ...

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Episode 235 - James Atkin of EMF from 2019-11-06T00:37:07

The summer of 1991 belonged to bands like EMF. When they took over the world with their debut single "Unbelievable," it signaled a change in the sound of mainstream music where white British guy...

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Episode 234 - Ruben De Fuentes of The Hollywood Stars from 2019-10-29T05:34:05

Sometimes you just have to wonder why some bands don't make it. Take the Hollywood Stars. Brought together by famous impresario Kim Fowley, the guys were meant to be a West Coast answer to the N...

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The Hustle
Episode 233 - Rocco Barker of Flesh For Lulu from 2019-10-23T00:33:42

Flesh For Lulu had it all. They mixed the Stones' swagger with the New York Dolls' grease and added a healthy dose of 80s glam to perfection as evidenced on possibly their best known hit, 1987's...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Top 10 Soundtrack Songs of the 90s with Reliving My Youth from 2019-10-18T16:08:51

In part 2 of our crossover episode with Reliving My Youth, Jon and Noel countdown their Top 10 soundtrack songs of the 90s. 


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The Hustle
Episode 232 - Darren Hill of Red Rockers from 2019-10-16T00:41:15

Red Rockers were all set to be the "American Clash." They may have started as the go-to punk band in their native New Orleans, but when they wrote the 1983 hit "China" for their second album, no...

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The Hustle
Recap 2019 v.3 with Brad Page from 2019-10-14T01:07:36

It's that time again, Hustlers and this time Jon and Jan are joined by Brad Page of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast. We're honored to have the man with the buttery voice slumming it with ...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Ian Anderson discusses The Ballad of Jethro Tull book and 40th Anniversary of Stormwatch from 2019-10-11T22:16:55

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson is busy these days. First of all, November sees the release of the new book The Ballad of Jethro Tull. For the first time ever Ian, along with former members of the band,...

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The Hustle
Episode 231 - Martha Wash from 2019-10-09T00:56:17

Martha Wash has one of the most recognizable voices in pop history. Well, maybe a better word for it is "utilized." She has sang on some of the biggest club/dance hits of the last 40 years and y...

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The Hustle
A Discussion of the Death and Legacy of Eddie Money with Steve Eddie Rice from 2019-10-04T00:28:20

We lost another good one recently. To discuss the great Eddie Money we bring back Steve "Eddie" Rice of the killer Bay Area rock band Eddie and the Tide. Money produced their album Go Out and Ge...

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The Hustle
Episode 230 - George McCrae from 2019-10-02T02:23:49

It almost didn't happen for George McCrae. In fact, the whole thing was a total fluke. He and his wife Gwen sang back up on recording sessions around Miami with his focus more on managing her ca...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Robert Tepper on No Easy Way Out (1986) from 2019-09-27T14:18:49

This month we welcome back the fantastic Robert Tepper (ep66) to discuss his 1986 debut album No Easy Way Out. True, the title track from Rocky 4 is one of the greatest AOR songs ever and was a ...

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The Hustle
Episode 229 - Chris Ballew of The Presidents of the United States of America/Caspar Babypants from 2019-09-24T04:56:08

In 1995 "Lump" was unleashed on an unsuspecting world. And it became a hit. That was followed up by "Peaches," another weird one that reached the same status. Where did these funny, but rocking ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground Vol.3: New Music From Legacy Artists from 2019-09-20T14:19:39

After too long a layoff, The Hustle and Suburban Underground come together again this time to play recent music from legacy artists. You may be surprised to find out that some of the bands you l...

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The Hustle
A Discussion on the Death and Legacy of Ric Ocasek with Fred Pineau from 2019-09-19T00:15:20

To celebrate the life and work of Ric Ocasek we welcome back former guest Fred Pineau (ep70), guitarist of the Atlantics. The Atlantics were an excellent Boston-based power pop band who came up ...

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The Hustle
Episode 228 - Chris Carter of Dramarama from 2019-09-17T23:32:10

When people talk about alternative rock band Dramarama, what you'll often hear is that they were "before their time." Though they came to prominence in the mid-80s, their aggressive, but melodic...

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The Hustle
Episode 227 - David Hawes of Catherine Wheel from 2019-09-11T01:20:38

Among the many fantastic British shoegazer bands of the early 90s, Great Yarmouth's Catherine Wheel were among the very best. They exploded out of the gate with Ferment in 1992, one of the best ...

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The Hustle
Episode 226 - Robin Campbell of UB40 from 2019-09-04T00:04:47

It feels like UB40 have always been in our lives. Maybe that's because they practically have. Last year the guys celebrated their 40th anniversary with a tour that was so well received, it's car...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Rupert Hine on The Fixx - Reach the Beach (1983) from 2019-08-30T12:22:34

For August's Deep Dive we welcome back another legendary producer, this time it's the great Rupert Hine (ep158)! We go behind the scenes on the creation and recording of The Fixx's 1983 masterwo...

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The Hustle
Episode 225 - John Ford Coley from 2019-08-27T06:15:52

Ahh the 70s. That period of burgeoning hard rock and soft, smooth sounds. Among the many artists filling the airwaves with ear candy were England Dan and John Ford Coley. The successful duo rack...

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The Hustle
Episode 224 - Dolette McDonald from 2019-08-21T00:05:39

Singer Dolette McDonald felt ever-present in the 80s. Her striking voice, and equally striking looks, made her feel front and center while she was supporting musical giants like Talking Heads, L...

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The Hustle
Episode 223 - Jay Aston of Gene Loves Jezebel from 2019-08-14T00:16:46

Gene Loves Jezebel personified the 80s. A strikingly garish style mixed with a perfected merge of goth and pop music that many 80s bands tried to nail and couldn't. Along the way, alternative ra...

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The Hustle
Episode 222 - Gary Clark of Danny Wilson/Beloved Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2019-08-07T00:33:38

Is there a more lovable song than "Mary's Prayer" by Danny Wilson? It's always welcome, always warms your heart, always makes you sing and smile. That song, which reached #23 in the US in 1987 w...

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The Hustle
Episode 221 - Dave Bascombe from 2019-07-30T14:57:44

If you were a kid of the 80s with an eye towards the inventive new wave music coming out of the UK, no doubt you saw the name Dave Bascombe everywhere. This influential producer/engineer/mixer l...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Ron Nevison on Heart (1985) from 2019-07-28T17:53:16

This month we're honored to bring back the legendary producer Ron Nevison as we discuss Heart's 1985 comeback album. The Wilson sisters were not in a good place until Capitol Records revived the...

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The Hustle
Episode 220 - Kip Winger of Winger/Solo from 2019-07-24T00:33:31

Has any rock god from the 80s been torn down only to rise back up more often than Kip Winger? His band Winger stormed out of the gate in the mid-80s with giant hits like "Seventeen" and "Headed ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Best Soundtrack Songs of the 90s with Reliving My Youth part 1 from 2019-07-19T12:38:45

Noel Fogelman from Reliving My Youth podcast and Jon team up again to countdown their top 20 soundtrack songs from the 90s. Here's part 1 where we go from 20 to 11. 


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The Hustle
Episode 219 - Robbie Grey of Modern English from 2019-07-16T21:50:21

Modern English will forever be known as the band that gave us "I Melt With You." Those guys achieved the miraculous feat of recording a song that has been embraced by every generation since it's...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Robert LaRoche of the Sighs discusses his new solo EP. from 2019-07-13T18:09:27

Former guest Robert LaRoche has just released the best album of the year. In his brand new EP, A Thousand Shades, the former frontman for 90s power poppers The Sighs creates six songs reflecting...

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The Hustle
Episode 218 - Randy Jacobs of Was (Not Was)/The Boneshakers from 2019-07-09T23:31:46

Guitarist Randy Jacobs has a list of credits a mile long. The Detroit native's career goes back over 40 years and includes just about every genre there is - including a few years with Bonnie Rai...

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The Hustle
Recap 2019 v.2 with Paul Underwood and Andy Schaal from 2019-07-08T23:13:14

The boys are back and fielding a full team this time (sorta) as Jon and Jan welcome sometime producer Paul Underwood of Glory Days Radio and Chief Marketing Officer Andy Schaal. We discuss the l...

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The Hustle
Episode 217 - Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad from 2019-07-02T21:42:54

People often forget that one of the biggest bands of the 70s was Flint Michigan's own Grand Funk Railroad. They may forget this because the band isn't in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they hav...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Marco Pirroni on Adam and the Ants - Kings of the Wild Frontier (1980) from 2019-06-29T18:53:11

For June's episode of Deep Dive we welcome back legendary guitarist Marco Pirroni (ep 200) to educate us on the creation and recording of the breakout album by Adam and the Ants, 1980's Kings of...

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The Hustle
Episode 216 - Dave Schelzel of The Ocean Blue from 2019-06-26T00:35:22

Since their buzzworthy debut in 1989, Hershey Pennsylvania's Ocean Blue have never strayed from their perfect mix of the Smiths meets the Cocteau Twins to the delight of their rabid fanbase. Tod...

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The Hustle
Episode 215 - William Wittman from 2019-06-18T06:12:58

William Wittman is another producer/engineer/mixer whose name may not sound familiar, but who no doubt has worked on scores of songs you know and love. His first major work was on Cyndi Lauper's...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Mike Peters of The Alarm from 2019-06-14T13:51:30

Mike Peters has a lot going on. His band The Alarm have a brand new album called SIGMA dropping on June 28th and lead single "Blood Red Viral Black" is an indication that the band is as fiery an...

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The Hustle
Episode 214 - Mark Deming, Staff Writer for Allmusic from 2019-06-11T19:22:25

This week we welcome another music academic, Allmusic.com critic Mark Deming. Mark has been a contributor to the platform for many years and in this conversati...

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The Hustle
Episode 213 - Laura Campbell and Alan Edmunds of Mulu from 2019-06-04T22:55:44

Remember in the 90s when electronic music was poised to take over the world? Groups like Portishead, Chemical Brothers, and Olive were doing something so innovative it seemed techno and trip-hop...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Jack Hues discusses the new Wang Chung album Orchesography from 2019-05-31T08:04:04

Wang Chung are releasing a special new album today called Orchesography which re-imagines some of their biggest hits and deepest cuts in a classical setting. You may have already seen the video ...

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The Hustle
Episode 212 - Patrick Fitzgerald of Kitchens of Distinction/Solo from 2019-05-28T23:27:24

You might consider South London's Kitchens of Distinction forebears of the shoegazer genre that defined alternative rock in the UK in the early 90s. Fronted by bassist Patrick Fitzgerald, the Ki...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Kevin Armstrong on Iggy Pop - Blah Blah Blah (1986) from 2019-05-25T00:33:02

In 1986 David Bowie did his buddy Iggy Pop a solid offering to help produce a new album and bring him the commercial success he so richly deserved. Bowie threw together a crack team including gu...

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The Hustle
Episode 211 - Ron Nevison from 2019-05-21T05:59:18

Whether you know the name or not, chances are you've rocked out to scores of songs produced by the legendary Ron Nevison. Can you believe he first got his feet wet engineering The Who's Quadroph...

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The Hustle
Episode 210 - Greg Kihn from 2019-05-14T22:29:33

If you looked up New Wave or Power Pop in the dictionary, one of the skinny-tied artists you'd see next to The Knack would be the great Greg Kihn. He's practically the poster boy for that unmist...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Tim Pierce from 2019-05-11T17:48:26

After breaking out as a member of Rick Springfield's band in the early 80s, guitarist Tim Pierce went on to become one of the most sought after session guys in the business. He has literally pla...

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The Hustle
Episode 209 - HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TO US with Sandi Saraya of Saraya from 2019-05-08T00:30:25

We're turning four this week! And to celebrate we present this very rare interview with one of our most requested guests, Sandi Saraya! Saraya were an excellent, but short-lived hard rock band t...

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The Hustle
Episode 208 - Franke Previte of Franke and the Knockouts/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2019-04-30T22:31:56

Oscar-winner Franke Previte basically won the lottery in 1987. He first rose to mild fame fronting the early 80s melodic rock band Franke and the Knockouts where he recorded three great albums a...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Ian Burden on the Human League - Dare (1981) from 2019-04-26T21:12:48

The release of Dare by the newly reconstituted Human League in 1981 changed everything. Suddenly, synthesizers weren't just these cold machines producing frosty sounds from the back of the room....

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The Hustle
Episode 207 - Chris Butler of The Waitresses from 2019-04-23T05:30:58

Remember that 2002 movie starring Hugh Grant called About A Boy? You know, the one where he plays a bachelor able to live comfortably on royalties he receives from a single Christmas song? Just ...

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The Hustle
Episode 206 - Royston Langdon of Spacehog from 2019-04-17T01:25:29

The 90s were good to Royston Langdon. His band hit it big in 1996 with their #1 smash "In The Meantime" off their debut album Resident Alien. He also married actress Liv Tyler. But after two mor...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Top 10 Honorable Mention 80s Movie Soundtrack Songs with Reliving My Youth from 2019-04-12T15:17:33

Noel and Jon had so much fun counting down their Top 10 soundtrack songs of the 80s, and so many leftovers, that they decided to do a part 2! This is us counting down another 10 songs - call the...

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The Hustle
Episode 205 - Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition/Bell Biv DeVoe from 2019-04-09T22:49

Imagine you have Ronnie DeVoe's life. You're plucked in your early teens to round out New Edition and you never look back. Then, after several huge hits, you veer off with Ricky and Mike and inv...

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The Hustle
Episode 204 - Mark Campbell of Jack Mack & the Heart Attack/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2019-04-03T00:07:39

We've all seen Back to the Future multiple times, but have you ever watched Marty McFly singing "Johnny B. Goode" at the dance and wondered whose voice was actually coming out of Michael J. Fox'...

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The Hustle
Recap 2019 v.1: Big Announcement and the Year So Far from 2019-03-30T04:08:21

We've got some big news to share! Plus, Jon and Jan recap the episodes of 2019 so far including MJ controversies, more rock star deaths, why 90s artists under-perform, and what's the deal with s...

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The Hustle
Episode 203 - Tony De Meur (aka Ronnie Golden) of the Fabulous Poodles from 2019-03-27T02:48:13

The Fabulous Poodles were a band that merged humor with rock n' roll at a time when all bets were off. Part pub rock, part new wave, part power pop and part comedy act, the Fab Poos may not have...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Stu Cook on Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willy and the Poor Boys (1969) from 2019-03-24T01:09:54

In 1969 alone, Creedence Clearwater Revival released three of the greatest rock albums in history. The third, and arguably the best, was Willy and the Poor Boys. Landmark hits like "Down on the ...

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The Hustle
Episode 202 - Brent Bourgeois of Bourgeois Tagg/Solo from 2019-03-19T06:45:35

You can certainly be forgiven if all you know about today’s guest is that he was the "Bourgeois" in Bourgeois Tagg and they had that great song “I Don’t Mind At All”.   Surprisingly, Brent Bourg...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Brad Sundberg, Technical Director for Michael Jackson from 2019-03-16T13:31:04

Michael Jackson is once again a very hot topic. In the recent documentary "Leaving Neverland" Wade Robson and James Safechuck make very serious claims that Michael sexually abused them for many ...

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The Hustle
Episode 201 - Michael Beinhorn from 2019-03-13T03:23:43

Producer Michael Beinhorn has worked the boards for some of the biggest albums of the last 30 years. Just look at this list - the Red Hot Chili Pepper's Mother's Milk, Soul Asylum's Grave Dancer...

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Bonus - Lawrence Gowan of Styx/Solo from 2019-03-09T13:06:41

Have you heard the news? Rock legends Styx are about to embark on a mini-tour with comedian Larry the Cable Guy as the opener (begins March 21st in Fargo, ND). What a unique pairing! It's being ...

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The Hustle
Episode 200 - Marco Pirroni of Adam and the Ants from 2019-03-06T02:19:59

This week we celebrate our 200th episode with the immortal Marco Pirroni! His partnership with Adam Ant created some of the most unique, catchy and enduring hits of the 80s. Smashes like "Stand ...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Mr. Zero Discusses The Kings' Excellent New Single from 2019-03-03T22:36:59

Canadian power pop legends The Kings have just released an excellent new single called "Circle of Friends/Man That I Am" that calls upon perhaps their greatest musical legacy, "This Beat Goes On...

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The Hustle
Episode 199 - Phil Thornalley from 2019-02-27T02:15:18

Phil's journey through the music industry has been one for the ages. At just 21 years old, Phil was brought in to produce The Cure's Pornography album in 1982. That even lead to an 18 month stin...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Dr. Robert on the Blow Monkeys - Animal Magic (1986) from 2019-02-23T16:33:17

In 1986 this sophisticated pop group with the weird name  scored a huge worldwide hit with "Digging Your Scene." Listening to just that song, you probably thought you knew what this band was all...

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The Hustle
Episode 198 - Paul Webb of Talk Talk/Rustin Man from 2019-02-19T23:17:33

In my opinion, no group in the history of pop music went on as drastic a journey as the band Talk Talk. Beginning in the early 80s as an excellent and capable synth-pop group in a similar mold a...

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The Hustle
Promo Mode - Bruce Blackman Discusses His New Memoir from 2019-02-15T23:21:21

It seemed fitting to kick off a new series on The Hustle with the man that kicked off the podcast back in May of 2015. Starbuck mastermind Bruce Blackman was our very first guest and still one o...

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The Hustle
Episode 197 - Duncan Sheik from 2019-02-12T11:44:16

If there was ever a time to bring back the chill 90’s, it’s now.  You saw it in the loose fitting clothes, and you definitely heard it in the music. It was just a laid back time. A calm before t...

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The Hustle
Episode 196 - Steve Firth of Embrace from 2019-02-06T00:20:05

British rock band Embrace may have come out in the wake of Oasis and Blur during the second British Invasion of the late 90s, but they had a sound that separated them greatly from the pack. Rare...

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The Hustle
Episode 195 - Don Dixon from 2019-01-30T01:51:41

Despite being a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter in his own right, Don Dixon's legacy as an important figure in American rock was cemented when he co-produced the first two albums by R.E.M...

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The Hustle
Deep Dive - Matthew Seligman on Thomas Dolby - The Flat Earth (1984) from 2019-01-26T10:55:36

In part one of our new series Deep Dive, we've invited back former guest, Matthew Seligman to discuss the recording of Thomas Dolby's underappreciated masterpiece, 1984's The Flat Earth. At a ti...

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The Hustle
Episode 194 - Ian Burden of the Human League from 2019-01-22T19:51:51

Ian Burden was a key member of the revolutionary new wave band the Human League during their imperial 80s period. Philip Oakey was desperate to find band members during the lead-up to the creati...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Top 10 80s Movie Soundtrack Songs on Reliving My Youth from 2019-01-18T15:33:11

Once again Jon teams up with Noel Fogelman from Reliving My Youth for another music-related topic close to his heart: Top 10 soundtrack songs from the 80s! We discuss our lists and defend our pi...

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The Hustle
Episode 193 - Brian Vander Ark of the Verve Pipe/Solo from 2019-01-15T23:32:34

After building a devoted fanbase in their native Michigan in the early 90s, the Verve Pipe struck gold in 1996 when a song they'd been playing for years called "The Freshman" totally changed the...

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The Hustle
Recap v.6: The Year In Review from 2019-01-12T04:14:15

Jon and Jan recap the episodes from November and December and countdown their top 10 episodes of the year, as well as the listener's top 5. We also answer some listener questions AND we announce...

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The Hustle
Episode 192 - Liberty DeVitto of Billy Joel/The Slim Kings from 2019-01-08T07:33:02

It’s time to set the record straight.  Liberty DeVitto is not merely the former drummer for Billy Joel.  He is a collaborator in the sounds that shaped popular music in the latter 20th century. ...

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The Hustle
Episode 191 - Emilio Castillo of Tower of Power from 2019-01-01T23:04:05

Tower of Power have been one of the landmark r&b outfits for 50 years now. From humble beginnings in the East Bay of Northern California, co-founders and sax players Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupk...

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The Hustle
Episode 190 - Chris Dunn of City Boy from 2018-12-25T22:07:24

City Boy was a band that was almost impossible to classify. Imagine if ELO, Queen and Yes got together and decided to get weird and you're in the ballpark. They did manage to hit the pop charts ...

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Episode 189 - Derry Grehan of Honeymoon Suite from 2018-12-18T23:25:29

Canadian rockers Honeymoon Suite might be the most undervalued melodic rock band of the 80s. Though always maintaining a profile up north, the band deserved more attention in the states and arou...

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The Hustle
Episode 188 - Jeffrey Osborne from 2018-12-11T23:46:49

Jeffrey Osborne is one of the greatest balladeers in r&b history. Who can ever forget his amazing performance on 80s standards like "On the Wings of Love," "We're Going All the Way," and "You Sh...

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Episode 187 - Kevin Armstrong from 2018-12-05T00:23:10

Kevin Armstrong has been a go-to guitarist for some of the greatest artists of the last 35 years. After first tasting success playing with Thomas Dolby during the Golden Age of Wireless era, Kev...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Chris White of the Zombies from 2018-11-29T23:18:20

In this special bonus episode we chat with Zombies bassist Chris White about the resurgence the band has enjoyed over the last 15 years or so leading to them being nominated for the Rock and Rol...

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Episode 186 - Brian James of The Damned/Lords of the New Church/Solo from 2018-11-27T22:58:01

Brian James doesn't like to sit in one spot for too long. In the mid-70s he joined up with Rat Scabies and the gang to form the pioneering punk band The Damned. That band holds many firsts - fir...

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Episode 185 - Steve Diggle of the Buzzcocks/Solo from 2018-11-20T16:02:10

The Buzzcocks remain one of the greatest punk bands in history. Their mixture of punk's aggression with pop's hooks set them apart from their contemporaries with standards like "What Do I Get," ...

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Episode 184 - Steve Barton of Translator/Solo from 2018-11-13T16:04:38

Translator were one of those great polyglot bands of the early 80s - a little new wave, a little power pop and a lot of genres like "jangle pop" and "college rock" that hadn't even been invented...

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Recap v.5: September and October and Top 3 Songs that Should've Been #1s with Special Guest Sonny Pooni from 2018-11-10T13:12:45

Jon and Jan are happy to be joined by the great Sonny "Hollywood" Pooni of the Growin' Up Rock Podcast Rock City podcasts to recap the last couple months of episodes. We also discuss the Rock n ...

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Episode 183 - Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats/Solo from 2018-11-06T23:23:15

Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker is going to be busy for a while. Not only did his original band announce recently they were reuniting for a 40th anniversary tour in 2019 AND releasing their first ...

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Episode 182 - Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors from 2018-10-31T01:32:19

In 1992 the Spin Doctors had an era-defining, cultural touchstone of an album on their hands when their debut, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, finally took off after months of release. It went on to ...

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Bonus - Joyce Hyser star of Just One of the Guys from 2018-10-26T22:12:42

In this fun bonus episode we chat with Joyce Hyser Robinson, star of the classic 1985 movie “Just One of the Guys”. She talks about her experience making the movie, who else was up for the part,...

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Episode 181 - Tony Brock of The Babys from 2018-10-23T22:53:07

The Babys were one of the great British rock bands of the late 70s. They released five albums between 1976 and 1980 and scored a number of hits like "Every Time I Think of You" and "Isn't it Tim...

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Episode 180 - Bob Rock of the Payola$ from 2018-10-16T23:13:51

Bob Rock is one of the most successful producers in rock history. Run down some of the benchmarks on his resume and your jaw will drop (Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet, Aerosmith's Permanent Vacati...

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Episode 179 - Robin Scott aka M from 2018-10-09T20:58:09

In the late 70s, artist Robin Scott adopted the moniker "M" and created one of the most enduring pieces of pop art in history with his 1979 global #1 "Pop Muzik." This piece of profound simplici...

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Episode 178 - Alan Shacklock from 2018-10-02T23:49:45

The music career of Alan Shacklock reads like a history of British rock and roll. He started out rocking as a pre-teen hobnobbing with other future luminaries and eventually made it big as the g...

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Episode 177 - Keith Scott of Bryan Adams from 2018-09-25T07:02:19

For nearly 40 years, Keith's Scott's partnership with Bryan Adams has produced some of the most memorable guitar rock of all time. Content to remain "the guy behind the guy", Keith deserves more...

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Episode 176 - Pat Vegas of Redbone from 2018-09-18T21:26:15

Redbone are another of those excellent 70s hitmakers that are enjoying a career resurgence thanks to their inclusion on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks. The band released many hits that ...

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Bonus - Top 5 Covers of 80s Songs on Reliving My Youth from 2018-09-14T19:03:31

Jon was recently invited to guest on the super fun podcast Reliving My Youth with host Noel Fogelman. Noel picked the topic of Top 5 Covers of 80s songs, which should spark some great debates. I...

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Episode 175 - Elliot Lurie of Looking Glass from 2018-09-11T22:04:22

Looking Glass made a brief, but lasting impact in 1972 when they scored the #1 smash "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" off their debut album. After only one more album in 1973, the band broke up and...

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Recap v.4: Rock n Pod Expo Retro, Jan's Lovelife, July and August eps from 2018-09-07T23:40:21

Jon and Jan come together again to discuss topics like Jon's visit to the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo, Jan's internet lovelife, and the guests featured in July and August. Oh, and Jon's sick again...

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Episode 174 - Robbie Dupree from 2018-09-04T22:07:31

Robbie Dupree scored big out of the gate with the enduring "Steal Away" which reached #6 in 1980 and the follow up "Hot Rod Hearts" also did well on the pop charts. But, after the relative disap...

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Bonus - The Songwriting and Collaboration Panel from the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo 2 from 2018-09-01T00:28:17

Another excellent Rock n Pod Expo is in the books and Jon was honored to be asked once again to host a panel on Songwriting and Collaboration. We only had 30 mins this year, but the guests were ...

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Episode 173 - John Aizlewood from 2018-08-28T23:57:50

John Aizlewood is a British music writer and broadcaster, contributing over 30 years of thoughtful interviews to UK publications like The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Evening Standard and (my...

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Episode 172 - Linda Clifford from 2018-08-21T20:58:48

Linda Clifford was one of the most successful disco divas of the late 70s. While being signed to Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label she racked up a bunch of hits on the R&B and Dance charts includin...

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The Hustle
Episode 171 - Paul Kimble of Grant Lee Buffalo from 2018-08-14T23:24:33

Grant Lee Buffalo were one of the very special bands to come out of the 90s alternative rock scene. They combined their own blend of moody folk-rock with unconventional stories of the American W...

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The Hustle
Episode 170 - Cherry Vanilla from 2018-08-07T22:11:06

Cherry Vanilla has done and seen just about everything. She's a recording artist, actress, author, publicist and groupie. Just a few of her career highlights include being a part of Warhol's Fac...

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The Hustle
Episode 169 - B.J. Thomas from 2018-07-31T21:46:36

Billboard Magazine lists B.J. Thomas among the top 50 most played artists of the modern era. This shouldn't be surprising considering his career goes back over 50 years and features songs that h...

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The Hustle
Episode 168 - Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge from 2018-07-24T22:00:10

Vanilla Fudge was a band unlike any other doing something no one had done before or since. They basically set the template for hard rock with their 1967 debut album by taking current pop hits an...

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The Hustle
Episode 167 - Joe Puerta of Bruce Hornsby and the Range from 2018-07-17T22:22:33

If you think about it, the Range were really more of a super group. A bunch of highly sought after professional musicians came together around the creative leadership of newcomer Bruce Hornsby t...

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The Hustle
Recap v.3: May and June and Top 3 Underrated Artists with Special Guest Andy Schaal from 2018-07-14T16:56:54

Jon and Jan welcome special guest, listener Andy Schaal for the latest recap episode. They discuss their thoughts and behind the scenes stories from the May and June episodes and debate Andy's c...

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Episode 166 - Chris Joyce of Simply Red from 2018-07-10T22:14:54

Drummer Chris Joyce was one of the founding members of Simply Red and an essential part of their sophisto-pop sound and early success. But, even though they were getting big around the world and...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Top 5 Producers with Glory Days Radio from 2018-07-08T18:31:39

Once again Jon sits down with our buddy Paul Underwood of Glory Days Radio, only this time it was to list their Top 5 favorite producers. We hope you enjoy this lively, and opinionated, conversa...

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The Hustle
Episode 165 - Brian Nash of Frankie Goes to Hollywood/Nasher from 2018-07-04T00:17:30

We all remember when Frankie Goes to Hollywood burst on the scene with their provocative songs like "Relax" and "Two Tribes" and even more provocative persona. They put sex and homosexuality fro...

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The Hustle
Episode 164 - Tony Lewis of The Outfield from 2018-06-26T21:41:19

Britain's The Outfield broke out in a big way in 1985 when their debut album Play Deep sold three million units and scored hits as enduring as "Your Love" and "Say It Isn't So". While subsequent...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Summer Mix Tape pt. 2 with the Permanent Record Podcast from 2018-06-21T17:15:23

Here's part two of Jon's appearance on the Permanent Record podcast. Brian, Sarah, Colby and Jon bring some of their favorite new wave songs to the table for a lively discussion. What tune is yo...

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The Hustle
Episode 163 - Jack Hues of Wang Chung from 2018-06-19T19:59:37

Wang Chung scored some of the biggest, and most ubiquitous, hits of the 80s with seminal songs like "Dance Hall Days," "Let's Go," and, the mother of all 80s hits, "Everybody Have Fun Tonight". ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Summer Mix Tape pt.1 with the Permanent Record Podcast from 2018-06-15T15:09:24

Jon was recently honored to be a guest on one of his favorite music podcasts Permanent Record. Husband and wife co-hosts Brian and Sarah Linnen do an excellent job deep diving the benchmark New ...

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The Hustle
Episode 162 - Eddie MacDonald of The Alarm from 2018-06-12T23:17:25

The Alarm were one of the great bands of the Big Music movement of the 80s that included other seminal groups like U2, Big Country and Simple Minds. But, despite recording some of the best anthe...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Jon Brewer, Director of Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story from 2018-06-09T21:19:08

Last year music documentary filmmaker Jon Brewer released the excellent doc "Beside Bowie", which brought much-deserved attention to the life and contributions of David Bowie's original guitaris...

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The Hustle
Episode 161 - Terence Trent D'Arby (Sananda Maitreya) from 2018-06-05T16:15:55

Sananda Maitreya has quite a story to tell. After scoring a bunch of hit songs ("Wishing Well", "Sign Your Name", "Delicate") and hit records with his former persona Terence Trent D'Arby, in 199...

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The Hustle
Episode 160 - Richie Fontana of Piper/Skatt Bros. from 2018-05-29T21:48:27

Drummer Richie Fontana has led an eventful life. He started out in the mid-70s with the killer rock band Piper. Today, they are probably best known as the launchpad for frontman Billy Squier. Pi...

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The Hustle
Episode 159 - Tarquin Gotch - music supervisor for John Hughes from 2018-05-22T22:21:29

Few artists formed the culture of the 80s more than filmmaker John Hughes. And a huge ingredient in those films was the music. This week we talk with Tarquin Gotch who served as Hughes' music su...

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The Hustle
Episode 158 - Rupert Hine from 2018-05-15T23:37:33

After beginning his career as a challenging, almost avant garde solo artist, Rupert Hine fell into producing in the early 80s and went on to become one of the most successful of the last four de...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Jackie Clary from 2018-05-11T21:34:01

The focus of this podcast has always been how do artists maintain careers in music over the long haul. How do they "pay their bills". And, up til now, we've always talked to musicians about that...

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The Hustle
Episode 157 - EG Daily from 2018-05-08T21:58:24

Yes, E.G. Daily has been an accomplished actor, voice over artist, and singer/songwriter for over 35 years, but to me she will always be the Queen of the 80s Movie Soundtrack. Her "unmistakable"...

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The Hustle
Recap v.2: March and April, the latest news, and Q&A from 2018-05-05T20:05:15

Jon and Jan tell what they really thought of the last few guests, plans for the future and answer some listener questions. 


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The Hustle
Ep 156 - HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY TO US! with Steve Farris of Mr. Mister from 2018-05-01T17:23:10

The Hustle is turning three this week! And to celebrate our guest is Steve Farris, guitarist for our most requested guests, Mr. Mister! Who would have guessed when that band of session musicians...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Jon's Appearance on Glory Days Radio from 2018-04-27T16:16:03

On a recent trip to Texas, Jon was invited to appear on Glory Days Radio with host Paul Underwood. On the show they talked about the Hustle, stories behind some of the episodes, and Jon got to p...

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The Hustle
Episode 155 - Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus from 2018-04-24T20:32:59

Throughout the 80s and 90s, the Hoodoo Gurus elevated the art of hooky power pop showing a mastery few others of the era could emulate. And though they never landed that deserved crossover hit, ...

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Episode 153 - Neville Staple of The Specials/Fun Boy Three/Solo from 2018-04-10T20:13:14

In the world of ska and the history of British alternative rock of the 70s and 80s, Neville Staple is practically royalty. Coming up with the pioneering Two-Tone group The Specials, Neville and ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Blair Foster - Co-Director of Rolling Stone: Stories From the Edge from 2018-04-06T22:04:43

Filmmaker Blair Foster is a 2-time Emmy winner and co-director of the documentary "Rolling Stone: Stories From the Edge" which chronicles the cultural impact of Rolling Stone magazine and its fo...

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The Hustle
Episode 152 - Martha Davis of The Motels from 2018-04-03T18:00:57

The Motels were one of the most successful bands to emerge from LA's New Wave scene. Lead by the unique vocals of frontwoman Martha Davis, the band scored three top 40 hits, including "Only the ...

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The Hustle
Episode 151 - Marq Torien of BulletBoys from 2018-03-27T21:12:43

BulletBoys burst on the scene at the height of 80s hair metal with the super sexy "Smooth Up In Ya" in 1988. During the glory days of 80s rock, they partnered with Van Halen producer Ted Templem...

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The Hustle
Episode 150 - Nick Heyward of Haircut 100/Solo from 2018-03-20T19:49:29

Nick Heyward has built a reputation as one of Britain's finest songwriters. His initial success came by fronting Haircut 100 in the early 80s and scoring major hits with "Love Plus One" and "Fan...

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The Hustle
Recap v.1: 2018 so far and Q&A from 2018-03-16T16:43:32

Jon and Jan review the last couple of months, discuss plans for the future, and answer some of your mailbag questions.


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The Hustle
Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground Vol.2: Side Projects from 2018-03-10T02:30:15

Jon once again joins Steve and Drew from Suburban Underground to play great songs (Jon's are, anyway) from the side projects of prominent alternative rock stars. We also rip each other new ones ...

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The Hustle
Episode 148 - Mike Lindup of Level 42 from 2018-03-06T23:17:53

In the states, Level 42 may only be seen as two-hit-wonders thanks to the massive success of "Something About You' and "Lessons in Love" in the mid-80s. But around the rest of the world, Level 4...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire from 2018-03-02T19:44:16

Earth Wind and Fire are one of the greatest and most influential groups in the history of music. It's more than just having hits - they established a level of greatness, of what is possible musi...

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The Hustle
Episode 147 - Steve Kilbey of The Church from 2018-02-27T16:18:28

Australian rock legends the Church have been an active part of the alternative scene for over 35 years. Their biggest global success may have been when "Under The Milky Way" reached #24 on the U...

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The Hustle
Episode 146 - Brian Howe former lead singer of Bad Company from 2018-02-20T22:15:46

Seventies rock icons Bad Company received a much-needed shot in the arm when founding members Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs recruited relative newbie Brian Howe to replace the great Paul Rodgers. ...

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Episode 145 - Burleigh Drummond of Ambrosia from 2018-02-13T21:24:56

The name Ambrosia has become synonymous with 70s soft rock gold thanks to enduring hits like "How Much I Feel" and "Biggest Part of Me". In truth, the band covered all genres - from prog to pop ...

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The Hustle
Episode 144 - David Jenkins of Pablo Cruise from 2018-02-06T19:20:23

This week it's frontman for THE quintessential "yacht rock" band Pablo Cruise. These days that type of 70s rock has been given that yacht rock label, but back in the day Pablo Cruise just record...

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Episode 143 - John Oates from 2018-01-30T15:05:11

Do we really need to list the accomplishments of John Oates? No way, he's been omnipresent in the best way for over 40 years. But, this last year he's really stepped out on his own. First off, h...

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The Hustle
Episode 142 - Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom from 2018-01-23T22:45:05

Buffalo Tom were (and remain) one of the most critically-acclaimed bands of the last 30 years. Starting out in Boston in the late 80s under the tutelage of J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., Buffalo Tom...

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Episode 141 - Bobby Harris of the Dazz Band from 2018-01-16T22:39

The Dazz Band were one of the best and most innovative funk and r&b acts of the 70s and 80s. They started out in Cleveland as Kinsman Dazz ("danceable jazz") putting out two successful albums pr...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Q&A and Top 5 of 2017 from 2018-01-12T18:56:25

Jan and Jon answer questions sent in by listeners, and rank their top 5 episodes of 2017


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Episode 140 - Danielle Dax from 2018-01-09T21:53:43

Danielle Dax was an artist in the truest sense of the word. Yeah, she had a successful music career during the 80s, but that was just one facet of her boundless creativity. Her career started wi...

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The Hustle
Episode 139 - Michael Camacho of Sly Fox from 2018-01-02T23:02:09

For a duo with a hit as big as "Let's Go All The Way" was in 1986, there should be more to the Sly Fox story than there is. Brought together in an almost "boy band" fashion, Michael Camacho and ...

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The Hustle
Episode 138 - Brad Elvis of Screams/The Elvis Brothers/Big Hello/The Handcuffs/The Romantics from 2017-12-26T22:49:53

Chicago's Brad Elvis is both a power pop legend and a lifer. His career goes back 45 years and has passed through several excellent bands along the way. After coming up through the local ranks w...

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The Hustle
Episode 137 - Bruce Thomas of Elvis Costello and the Attractions from 2017-12-19T23:22:57

There was a New Wave revolution happening in rock music in the late 70s and the poster boy for it was the bespectacled Elvis Costello and his band of Attractions, which included our guest this w...

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The Hustle
Bonus - A Discussion on the Death and Legacy of Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens with John Montagna from 2017-12-15T23:16:11

Regular listeners know how much the Smithereens mean to me. Sadly, frontman Pat DiNizio passed away at 62 on Tuesday night after suffering through poor health for many years. To discuss what the...

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Episode 136 - Scott Wilk of Bone Symphony/Scott Wilk + The Walls/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2017-12-12T21:32:53

The 80s were the decade of the movie montage. And one of the classics is from Revenge of the Nerds when the guys find a frat house and begin fixing it up to the tune of "One Foot in Front of the...

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Episode 135 - Steve Thompson - 7x Grammy Award Winning Producer from 2017-12-06T00:00:15

Mega-producer Steve Thompson's career goes back 40 years and includes every genre of music from disco to heavy metal to alternative to hip-hop. Along the way he's collected 7 Grammy Awards for h...

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Episode 134 - The Story of "867-5309/Jenny" with writer Alex Call and singer Tommy Tutone from 2017-11-28T21:10:02

This week we are going deep on one of the most iconic songs ever. "867-5309/Jenny" hit #4 on the US charts back in 1982 and has never left the public consciousness. It has to be the most famous ...

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Episode 133 - Chris McLernon of Saigon Kick from 2017-11-21T16:24:02

Though Chris McLernon was the bassist for hard rockers Saigon Kick during much of the 90s, his often hilarious story really begins in the late 80s when his first band Cold Sweat threw their hat ...

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Bonus - Fran Strine, Director of Hired Gun from 2017-11-17T17:14:03

Hired Gun is one of the best rock docs of the last couple years. It details the realities of life as a struggling musician whose career is dependent on being employed by big artists. Imagine you...

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Episode 132 - Jim Goodwin of The Call from 2017-11-14T16:33:03

The Call were one of the preeminent alternative bands of the 80s and early 90s. They never quite cracked the top 40, but had several hits on college radio like "Let The Day Begin", "Everywhere I...

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Episode 131 - Jim Babjak of The Smithereens from 2017-11-07T21:53:03

To me, the Smithereens are the greatest American band of all time. And while each member deserves credit for being exceptional at what they do, a large part of the magic of the Smithereens is fo...

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Episode 130 - Lol Tolhurst of The Cure from 2017-10-31T19:02:31

Surely, when Lol Tolhurst was growing up in the English suburb of Horley with his mate Robert Smith and the two decided to start a band, they couldn't have known the cultural impact they would h...

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Encore - Happy Halloween with G Tom Mac from 2017-10-26T19:16:07

Since Halloween is next week and we have a very special guest lined up, I thought I'd repost my chat with Gerard McMahon (G Tom Mac) from 2015 because 1) it seems fitting since he's the man behi...

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Episode 129 - John Douglas of the Trashcan Sinatras from 2017-10-24T21:30:29

The Trashcan Sinatras have been one of the most respected British pop bands of the last 30 years. Though they've only released six albums in that time, each one is an exercise in perfection and ...

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Episode 128 - Alannah Myles from 2017-10-17T19:29:16

Alannah Myles struck gold in 1989 when her gigantic hit "Black Velvet" reached #1 in the US. The song won her a Grammy for Best Female Rock Performance and achieved radio spins of over 5 million...

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Bonus - A Discussion on the Death and Legacy of Tom Petty with Steve Spears from 2017-10-12T22:14:01

As is our tradition, in the wake of the shocking death of Tom Petty we bring back our resident Dr. Death - Steve Spears of the Stuck in the 80s podcast to make sense of it all. 


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Episode 127 - Matthew Seligman of the Soft Boys/Thompson Twins from 2017-10-10T21:49:28

In the 80s bassist Matthew Seligman was a part of some of the best alternative music coming out of England. Within the span of just a few months he managed to join the Soft Boys near the end of ...

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Bonus - Joe "Handyman" Negri from 2017-10-05T22:57:50

Anyone over the age of 40 probably grew up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood where we learned valuable life lesson's, visited the Land of Make Believe, and interacted with his cast of characters...

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Episode 126 - IN MEMORIAM - Dennis Dragon of the Surf Punks from 2017-10-03T20:04:32

Prior to being the drummer of the legendary Surf Punks, Dennis Dragon earned his bona fides co-producing a little song his brother Daryl was working on with his wife, Toni. Well, that tune becam...

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Bonus - Matthew Nelson of Nelson from 2017-09-30T01:31:59

Nelson basically owned 1990 and '91. But, despite having four top 40 hits and selling five million copies of their debut album After The Rain, the Nelson twins, Matthew and Gunnar, couldn't get ...

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Episode 125 - Kiki Dee from 2017-09-26T19:41:52

Everyone remembers Kiki Dee for her #1 duet with Elton John, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" from 1976. But, did you know she is approaching 55 years in the music business? After starting out as a ...

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Episode 124 - Marshall Crenshaw from 2017-09-19T21:17:21

After bursting out in the early 80s with one of the greatest debuts in modern rock history, and, thus, rock critics falling all over him as the next big thing, Marshall Crenshaw has settled into...

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Episode 123 - Robert LaRoche of the Sighs from 2017-09-12T21:20:58

The Sighs were an excellent power pop/rock band in the early 90s with a ton of promise. They released a stellar debut album, What Goes On, in 1992 that was produced by the great Ed Stasium and w...

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Bonus - The Songwriting and Collaboration Panel from the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo from 2017-09-06T22:00:04

Jon was honored to host this panel at the Rock n Pod Expo with four amazing songwriters. Former guests Walter Egan (ep 23) and Robert White Johnson (ep 27), joined future guests Gunnar Nelson an...

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Episode 122 - Oleta Adams from 2017-09-05T22:17:16

The story on Oleta Adams is that she was discovered playing piano in a Kansas City hotel bar by the guys from Tears For Fears, who then brought her in to sing on their 1989 album The Seeds of Lo...

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Bonus - The (Notorious) Expo Retro from 2017-09-04T04:39:01

Now that the smoke has cleared and most people were fine with what I said, I'll go ahead and put this out even though most of you have heard it by this point. This is the original version, maybe...

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Episode 121 - Russ Ballard from 2017-08-29T22:40:15

Russ Ballard is one of the most successful songwriters of the rock era. Artists from Ace Frehley to America have scored with tunes written by the man. Russ has also shepherded a successful solo ...

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Bonus - Gary Corbett Live From the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo from 2017-08-28T20:55:19

These days, Gary Corbett may be best known for his time in Cinderella and as the touring keyboard player with Kiss. What everyone may not know is that he actually comes from a pop background. He...

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Episode 120 - John Parr of Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2017-08-22T20:45

John Parr was one of the most promising artists of the 80s. He broke out in 1984 with the decent-sized hit "Naughty Naughty" (#23), but then he hit the jackpot when his theme for the movie St. E...

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Episode 119 - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Senior Pop Editor at Allmusic from 2017-08-15T21:58:19

We go in a slightly different direction with this week's guest, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Senior Pop Editor at Allmusic! "Tom" has been with the publication since the beginning making him one of ...

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Episode 118 - Steve "Eddie" Rice of Eddie and the Tide from 2017-08-08T21:02:05

Eddie and the Tide were a great Bay Area rock band of the early 80s that mixed heartland rock with some new wave flair, much like contemporaries Huey Lewis and the News and Greg Kihn. Over the c...

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Episode 117 - Trevor Steel of The Escape Club from 2017-08-01T20:26:23

The Escape Club had one of the biggest and most inescapable hits of the 80s with their 1988 number one blockbuster "Wild Wild West". Contrary to popular belief, they are not one-hit-wonders, and...

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Episode 116 - Froilan Sosa of Nuclear Valdez from 2017-07-25T19:46:25

Nuclear Valdez were an excellent and highly buzzed about alternative rock band out of Miami in the late 80s. A lot of the hype centered around what shouldn't be that unique of a thing, but is, t...

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The Hustle
Bonus - The Hustle vs. Suburban Underground: 4 Songs That Shoulda Been Hits from 2017-07-23T16:56:44

Jon was invited on Suburban Underground this week, one of his favorite radio programs (Bedford 105 in New Hampshire). Hosts Drew and Steve challenged all of us to bring a song from the 70s, 80s,...

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Episode 115 - Dave Gregory of XTC/Big Big Train from 2017-07-18T20:52:04

XTC were one of the most beloved bands of the burgeoning alternative rock era. Armed with catchy and witty songs that leaned to the quirkier side of pop music, they produced a steady stream of e...

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Episode 114 - Gilson Lavis of Squeeze from 2017-07-12T04:07:58

Squeeze were one of the most beloved bands of the modern rock era and sitting at the center of the band was drummer Gilson Lavis. Always looking like a man out of time, looking smart and gentlem...

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Bonus - Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from 2017-07-08T21:09:59

This is a busy year for Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. For starters, there's a new String Quartet album of JT classics performed by the Carducci Quartet. In addition, this year marks the 40th anniv...

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Episode 113 - Lee Greenwood from 2017-07-04T22:28:38

Today is Independence Day in America and who better to celebrate with than Lee Greenwood! By now, his "God Bless the USA" has basically become another unofficial national anthem. He's performed ...

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Episode 112 - Don McLean from 2017-06-27T21:04:23

Believe it or not, Don McLean has always felt like a second-class citizen in the music business. Despite over 45 years of success, and the credit of writing one of the most important songs in th...

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Episode 111 - John Hall of Orleans / Solo from 2017-06-20T21:00:35

Orleans were another beloved soft-rock band of the 70s scoring two giant hits with "Dance With Me" and the ever-present "Still The One", which remains one of those great tunes that never complet...

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Episode 110 - David Muse and Rick Roberts of Firefall from 2017-06-13T19:35:35

When you think about it, Firefall were one of the original super groups. With members hailing from legendary acts like the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Byrds, and Spirt, success must have seemed...

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Episode 109 - Hirsh Gardner of New England from 2017-06-06T16:52:25

New England were another one of those great rock bands of the late 70s/early 80s that deserved more. So many things were in place to make them successful - they were managed by Kiss's manager Bi...

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Episode 108 - Tracey and Melissa Belland of Voice Of The Beehive from 2017-05-30T20:24:12

Sisters Tracey and Melissa Belland grew up loving the alternative music coming out of Britain in the 80s. So, instead of sitting idly, they decided to move to the UK and start a band like their ...

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Episode 107 - Mike Edwards of Jesus Jones from 2017-05-23T19:49:04

Jesus Jones broke big in 1991 when their second album Doubt catapulted them into one of the biggest bands in the world. Hits like the still ever-present "Right Here Right Now" have never gone aw...

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Episode 106 - Paul Engemann of Device/Animotion/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2017-05-16T20:55:12

Paul grew up in the music industry of Los Angeles where hanging out with famous rock stars was no big deal. His dad worked for Capitol Records and helped discover acts like the Beach Boys and Bo...

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Episode 105 - Clark Datchler of Johnny Hates Jazz/Solo from 2017-05-09T19:12:54

Johnny Hates Jazz was about to get big. Real big. In 1987 their seminal hit "Shattered Dreams" just hit #2 in the US (other singles did well in the UK and other parts of the world), they had a m...

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Episode 103 - Max Carl of .38 Special/Grand Funk Railroad/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2017-04-25T22:09:40

People who know will tell you that Max Carl has one of the greatest voices of any living soul singer, white or black. Max may not be a household name, but he's pieced together a successful workm...

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Episode 102 - Genya Ravan from 2017-04-18T20:51:10

The word pioneer gets thrown around a lot, but in the case of Genya Ravan it is well-earned. Genya's career has included so many "firsts", it's a crime she isn't a household name. She went from ...

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Episode 101 - Henry Gross from 2017-04-11T18:50:25

The 70s were a beautiful time for earnest, heartfelt singer-songwriters. One of the most versatile was Henry Gross, whose one and only hit was 1976's "Shannon". This tune about Beach Boy Carl Wi...

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Episode 100 - Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival from 2017-04-04T16:18:23

This week we celebrate the big 100 with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Stu Cook, bassist for the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival! Everyone knows and loves the music of CCR, but sadly the ban...

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Episode 99 - Harry Wayne Casey of KC and the Sunshine Band from 2017-03-28T17:28:35

What can you say that hasn't already been said about an artist that defined a decade? We're kicking off our series on the 70s with one of the biggest musicians in history - Harry Wayne Casey, le...

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Episode 98 - Dana Dane from 2017-03-21T20:59:34

Dana Dane came up in the rap game out of the Fort Green projects of Brooklyn with his best friend Slick Rick in the mid-80s. He created quite a stir in the underground with his debut album Dana ...

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Episode 97 - DJ Minutemix of P.M. Dawn from 2017-03-14T20:58:14

P.M. Dawn were one of the most revolutionary voices in hip-hop history and, frankly, they don't get the credit they deserve. Led by primary creative visionary Prince Be, the sibling duo brought ...

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Episode 96 - Hilly Michaels from 2017-03-07T22:39:39

Drummer Hilly Michaels has had one of the juiciest careers in rock. Beginnig from his early teenage days making music with best chum Michael Bolton, Hilly's path has taken him from the top to th...

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Episode 95 - Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot of Curiosity Killed the Cat from 2017-02-28T22:33:22

1987 was a great year for alternative blue-eyed soul music coming out of the UK. Bands like Breathe, Swing Out Sister, the Kane Gang and Hipsway brought a highly sophisticated sound to pop and d...

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The Hustle
Episode 94 - Kimberley Rew of Katrina and the Waves/The Soft Boys/Solo from 2017-02-21T20:44:15

Does it get anymore "indelible" than maybe the most long-lasting hit of the 80s, "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves? This #9 hit from 1985 has continued to live on for decades thanks...

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The Hustle
Episode 93 - Dennis Seaton of Musical Youth from 2017-02-14T19:01:52

Who can ever forget Musical Youth, those five cute black kids from Birmingham England who had a major worldwide smash with 1983's "Pass The Dutchie". The group, who it should be said wrote many ...

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The Hustle
Episode 92 - Gary Burke of The Breakfast Club from 2017-02-07T22:20:34

The Breakfast Club were a fun dance/pop group who put out one album, which included their one and only hit, "Right On Track" which reached #7 in 1987. Unfortunately, that's all she wrote for ban...

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The Hustle
Episode 91 - Valerie Day and John Smith of Nu Shooz from 2017-01-31T22:19:25

When talking about the indelible hits of the 80s, it doesn't get much bigger than "I Can't Wait" by Nu Shooz. Led by the husband and wife team of John Smith and Valerie Day, Nu Shooz finally hit...

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The Hustle
Episode 90 - Bill Wadhams of Animotion from 2017-01-24T23:54:55

No series on the indelible hits of the 80s would be complete without showcasing the enduring "Obsession" by new wavers Animotion. This week we talk to co-lead singer Bill Wadhams and learn about...

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The Hustle
Episode 89 - Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew from 2017-01-17T22:16:01

Cutting Crew made a huge splash with their debut album Broadcast in 1986, which featured three top 40 hits including the #1 smash "(I Just) Died In Your Arms". Lead singer Nick Van Eede had the ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - A discussion on the death and legacy of George Michael with Steve Spears from 2017-01-12T23:23:43

2016 just couldn't go quietly, taking the legend George Michael away on Christmas day. To discuss his career and legacy, as well as his untimely death, we bring back Steve Spears of the popular ...

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The Hustle
Episode 88 - Fee Waybill of The Tubes from 2017-01-10T23:15:11

The Tubes were revolutionary for their time, mixing rock music and theatricality in a way few others were doing. At the center stage stood Fee Waybill, one of the greatest frontmen in rock histo...

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The Hustle
Episode 87 - Wally Palmar of The Romantics from 2017-01-03T20:29:32

We're kicking off a series on the artists behind some of the indelible hits of the 80s with a legend, Wally Palmar of the Romantics! They are one of the most successful power pop bands ever and ...

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The Hustle
Episode 86 - Kevin Russell of 707/Solo from 2016-12-27T21:15:54

707 were one of the underappreciated AOR bands of the early 80s. They should have been right up there with Foreigner and tourmates REO Speedwagon, but it never quite got as big. They did score o...

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The Hustle
Episode 85 - Cleveland Rocks! with Mark Avsec of Wild Cherry/Breathless/Donnie Iris and Jonah Koslen of Michael Stanley Band/Breathless/Solo from 2016-12-20T22:19:27

This week we pay respects once again to the great music city of Cleveland with a local legend two-fer. 



First up is keyboardist and songwriter Mark Avsec. Mark's first big break ...

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The Hustle
Episode 84 - Susan Ottaviano of Book of Love from 2016-12-13T21:21:54

Book of Love were one of the key synth pop bands of the 80s and early 90s. Though they never reached the level of global success that colleagues like Depeche Mode or Erasure did, they had a doze...

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The Hustle
Episode 83 - Lesley Woods of The Au Pairs from 2016-12-06T22:44:09

The Au Pairs were one of the great British post-punk bands of the late 70s/early 80s. History has shown they were also one of the most revolutionary. Their aggressive mix of political screeds en...

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The Hustle
Episode 82 - John Lever of The Chameleons/The Red-Sided Garter Snakes from 2016-11-29T20:45:19

In my humble opinion, The Chameleons are possibly the most underrated band of all-time, most certainly of the 80s. Every single fan of The Cure or The Smiths should also own their three core alb...

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The Hustle
Episode 81 - David Newton of The Mighty Lemon Drops from 2016-11-22T17:41:26

Something magical was happening in Britain in the 80s. The country produced amazing, genre-defining bands throughout the entire decade with legends like The Smiths, Simple Minds, Echo and the Bu...

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The Hustle
Episode 80 - Sue Saad of Sue Saad and the Next/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2016-11-15T15:26:58

Sue Saad was the frontwoman for the great Sue Saad and the Next, another in a long line of excellent bands that should have been much bigger. They were discovered in L.A. in the late 70s by Rich...

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The Hustle
Episode 79 - Mike Reno of Loverboy from 2016-11-08T14:20:23

Loverboy were one of the most popular rock bands of the 80s producing a bunch of hits and selling millions of records. Thankfully, they're enjoying a bit of a resurgence these days thanks to that N...

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The Hustle
Episode 78 - Ellen Foley from 2016-11-01T20:35:18

Ellen Foley burst onto the music scene in a gigantic way when she sang "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" with Meat Loaf on his mega-smash Bat Out of Hell album. That incredible performance got her ...

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The Hustle
Encore - Bruce Blackman of Starbuck from 2016-10-28T15:47:53

Going back to where it all started! 
For some reason - I don't see this episode in our iTunes feed, so I'm rereleasing it so new subscribers who might have missed it can catch up. And because B...

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The Hustle
Episode 77 - Stephen Bishop from 2016-10-25T22:02:44

Stephen Bishop has been a highly successful singer-songwriter for 40 years. He's had several hits of his own and penned many for others such as Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, and Art Garfunkel. He...

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The Hustle
Episode 76 - Glen Burtnik from 2016-10-18T22:46:44

Glen Burtnik embodies exactly what The Hustle represents - the artist that works tirelessly to stay vital, involved, creative and paid. Glen was launched as a promising solo artist in the mid-80s r...

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The Hustle
Episode 75 - Michael Harville of Sugarbomb from 2016-10-11T22:48:05

This week's guest shares a story we've heard all too often. Michael Harville was the drummer of the excellent Texas power pop band Sugarbomb. After a successful independently released debut album, ...

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The Hustle
Episode 74 - Jacob Slichter of Semisonic from 2016-10-04T20:04:42

Jacob Slichter was the drummer for the excellent alternative rock band Semisonic, whose 1999 hit "Closing Time" remains a staple to this day. But, we aren't here to talk about that. Jacob covered t...

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The Hustle
Episode 73 - David Sterry of Real Life from 2016-09-27T21:07:38

David Sterry is the man behind one of the most iconic and enduring hits of the 80s synth-pop era, "Send Me An Angel". His band Real Life were major players in the 80s when Angel reached the charts ...

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The Hustle
Episode 72 - Mark Gable of Choirboys from 2016-09-20T22:07:47

Choirboys have been an active, vibrant pub rock/hard rock band in their native Australia for over 30 years. They've had several major hits Down Under, including 1987's "Run To Paradise" which, get ...

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The Hustle
Episode 71 - Tito Larriva of The Plugz/The Cruzados/Tito & Tarantula/Beloved Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2016-09-13T20:53:23

Tito Larriva hasn't stopped working in 40 years. His many musical disguises (The Plugz, The Cruzados, Tito & Tarantula) have paralleled his second career in the movie business, both as an actor and...

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The Hustle
Episode 70 - Fred Pineau of The Atlantics from 2016-09-06T20:22:07

Fred Pineau was the guitarist for the excellent Boston power pop band The Atlantics. Their story is, unfortunately, a familiar one - big on the local scene, signed to a major label that mis-markete...

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The Hustle
Episode 69 - Richard Bush of The A's/The Peace Creeps from 2016-08-30T19:40:54

The A's were one of Philadelphia's hottest bands in the 70s. Their mix of new wave and power pop created some of the best music of that wonderful period - the barely pre-MTV era (1977-1981). Lead s...

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The Hustle
Episode 68 - Arthur Alexander of Sorrows from 2016-08-23T19:23:43

Arthur Alexander grew up in Warsaw Poland with dreams of becoming the next Elvis. His dreams brought him to NYC where he paid his dues on the CBGBs scene of the mid-70s with his first band The Popp...

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The Hustle
Episode 67 - Blanche Napoleon on Dan Hartman from 2016-08-16T18:28:31

In the mid-70s, Blanche Napoleon impulsively moved to NYC and befriended the excellent singer-songwriter Dan Hartman. She also managed to stumble into a music career when Dan made her a background ...

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The Hustle
Episode 66 - Robert Tepper (Rocky IV) of Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2016-08-09T23:01:20


Robert Tepper is a legend. His immortal classic, "No Easy Way Out" from 1985's Rocky IV, while not a huge hit on the pop charts, remains one of the most beloved soundtrack songs in movie histo...

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The Hustle
Episode 65 - Jon Fiore of Preview/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2016-08-02T19:16:06

Jon Fiore was the lead singer of another great, but forgotten, early 80s rock band called Preview. Like many other bands we've showcased, they came in with a lot of promise, released an excellent d...

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The Hustle
Episode 64 - Tim Cappello (aka the "Sexy Sax Man") of Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2016-07-26T19:46:03

Who can ever forget the sight of the greased-up beefcake saxophone player performing "I Still Believe" on the boardwalk among the barrels of fire in the 1987 classic movie, The Lost Boys. It's an i...

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The Hustle
Episode 63 - Fiona (Fiona Flanagan) from 2016-07-19T18:59:50

As big as "hair metal" was in the late-80s, there were very few women singers that were as big as the boys and could hold their own next to them. That is, except for Fiona, who released a string of...

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The Hustle
Encore - Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon from 2016-07-15T14:54:05

This is an encore presentation of one of our biggest (and many think best) episodes. Because only the last 50 episodes show up in iTunes, I wanted to post this again so it could be accessed more ea...

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The Hustle
Episode 62 - Jai (Jason Rowe) from 2016-07-12T21:56:24

Jai was the stage name of Jason Rowe, who in the 90s recorded one of the great lost albums with Heaven. Referring to his style as "a mod for the hip-hop generation", Heaven produced one of the best...

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The Hustle
Episode 61 - Taco (Taco Ockerse) from 2016-07-05T18:20:04

This week is the one and only Taco ( yes, that is his real name - Taco Ockerse )! He hit it big in 1983 with his hypnotic take on the classic 'Puttin On The Ritz', which reached #4 that year, and w...

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The Hustle
Episode 60 - Peter McCann from 2016-06-28T20:32:27

Peter McCann is the man behind the immortal classic, "Do You Wanna Make Love" which was a #5 smash in 1977. He's an admitted one-hit-wonder, but his career is much broader than the one hit. He star...

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The Hustle
Episode 59 - George Winston from 2016-06-21T19:45:01

George Winston is an icon of New Age music (or "rural folk piano" as he calls it) and an American treasure. His beautiful piano songs have become a part of the country's fabric and some of his albu...

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The Hustle
Episode 58 - Neil Taylor from 2016-06-14T18:37:43

Neil Taylor has been a hugely successful session guitarist for over 30 years, ever since some of his buddies called him up one day asking if he could rush over to the studio and lay down a guitar s...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Jan "The Man" Reports Back From The Axl/DC Concert from 2016-06-10T18:39:31

Our intrepid producer, Jan "The Man" is a huge AC/DC fan, and has been trying to finagle a way to see them for literally years. 


With a lineup change, and Brian Johnson leaving the ba...

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The Hustle
Episode 57 - Ben Watkins of The Flowerpot Men/Juno Reactor/Beloved Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2016-06-07T14:12:20

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of Ferris Bueller's Day Off this month, our guest this week is Ben Watkins, former lead singer of The Flowerpot Men who had that excellent track "Bea...

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The Hustle
Episode 55 - Anthony Kaczynski of Figures on a Beach/Fireking from 2016-05-24T22:42:27

Anthony Kaczynski was the lead singer of the great Detroit synth band Figures on a Beach throughout the 80s. They started out as a more avant-garde focused outfit along the lines of early Simple Mi...

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The Hustle
Episode 54 - Sarah Shannon of Velocity Girl/The Not-Its/Beloved 90s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2016-05-17T18:42:42

The 90s were the golden era of killer indie rock bands fronted by chicks and one of the best of the bunch was Washington D.C.'s Velocity Girl lead by Sarah Shannon. The band put out three albums in...

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The Hustle
Episode 53 - Amanda Blue of Spider/Shanghai/Solo from 2016-05-10T18:15:23

Amanda Blue was the lead singer of one of those great rock and roll with a touch of new wave bands of the late 70s/early 80s called Spider. They cracked the top 40 once in 1980 when "New Romance" r...

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The Hustle
Ep 52 - HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO US! - with Mark Brzezicki of Big Country from 2016-05-03T18:14:53

To celebrate The Hustle's 1st Birthday, we created a full circle moment. This week's guest is Mark Brzezicki, drummer of the iconic Scottish band Big Country! You may remember in the intro to The H...

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The Hustle
Bonus - A discussion on the death and legacy of Prince with Steve Spears from 2016-04-29T00:22:29

In this special Prince-themed bonus episode of The Hustle, we're joined by popular blogger and host of the beloved Stuck In The 80s podcast, Steve Spears, another die-hard Prince fan. We discuss wh...

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The Hustle
Episode 51 - George Sipl of American Noise from 2016-04-26T18:21:01

American Noise were one of the great "should-have-been" bands. They were one of the hottest tickets in the thriving Cleveland rock scene of the 70s when they were signed by legend Richard Perry and...

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The Hustle
Episode 50 - Todd Pipes of Deep Blue Something from 2016-04-19T13:58:14

Todd Pipes was the lead singer of Deep Blue Something, who hit it big in 1995 with the seminal "Breakfast at Tiffany's" which reached #5 on the US charts. Sadly, it was their one and only hit and a...

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The Hustle
Episode 49 - Ranking Roger of The English Beat/General Public/Solo from 2016-04-12T20:56:01

Ranking Roger is a music and style icon that needs no introduction. He was a founding member of one of the most important and beloved alternative/ska bands of all-time with the English Beat. Then, ...

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The Hustle
Episode 48 Bonus - Phil Spalding and I discuss some of his collaborations from 2016-04-07T13:54:03

Phil and I discuss several of his collaborations including...
Talk Talk
Seal
Terence Trent D'Arby
Jai
When In Rome
Dubstar 
OMD
Flesh for Lulu
Heaven 17
Sugg...

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The Hustle
Episode 48 - Phil Spalding of GTR from 2016-04-05T13:53:59

Phil Spalding has been an in demand session bassist for almost 40 years now. His highest profile gig from an American perspective was probably when he was a member of that short-lived supergroup GT...

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The Hustle
Episode 47 - Grahame Skinner of Hipsway from 2016-03-29T14:13:54

Hipsway were a Scottish band in the mid-80s that scored one hit in the states off their first album with "The Honeythief" in 1986, one of the finest singles of its era. That was about it for Hipswa...

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The Hustle
Episode 46 - Murray Attaway of Guadalcanal Diary from 2016-03-22T13:49:53

Guadalcanal Diary were one of the seminal College Rock bands of the 80s. With a sound forever described as "like REM", over the course of four albums they gained success and respect by playing the ...

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The Hustle
Episode 45 - Carlos Alomar from 2016-03-15T13:55:45

Carlos Alomar is a legend, plain and simple. Off and on for over 40 years, he was David Bowie's rhythm guitarist, musical director, collaborator, co-songwriter and friend. In the history of Bowie's...

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The Hustle
Episode 44 - Robin Clark of Simple Minds from 2016-03-08T14:21:30

Robin Clark might be best known for her time with Simple Minds during the height of their popularity in the mid-80s. She joined them for the Once Upon a Time album, singing on gigantic hits like "A...

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The Hustle
Episode 43 - Joe Frank Carollo of Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds from 2016-03-01T15:08:08

Joe Frank Carollo is the Joe Frank of popular soft rock group Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds who had a number of hits in the first half of the 70s topped off by the sweet as honey "Fallin' In Love"...

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The Hustle
Episode 42 - Derrek Van Eaton of Lon & Derrek Van Eaton from 2016-02-23T15:23:15

Lon & Derrek Van Eaton were a singing duo in the early 70s. They partied at Andy Warhol's and open for legends like the Doors, David Bowie and the Moody Blues. In addition to being excellent musici...

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The Hustle
Episode 41 - Billy Vera from 2016-02-16T14:54:20

Billy Vera and the Beaters can claim one of the flukiest #1 songs in pop history. In 1986 a song they wrote and recorded in 1981. "At This Moment", was chosen to appear in an episode of Family Ties...

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The Hustle
Episode 40 - Matt Caisley of Reacharound/Former Human Beings from 2016-02-09T20:29:54

Reacharound were a killer rock and roll band (think Social Distortion mixed with Rev. Horton Heat) in the mid-90s that had one hit on alternative radio with "Big Chair" in 1996. But, after one albu...

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The Hustle
Episode 39 Bonus - David Frank and I discuss some of his collaborations from 2016-02-03T14:38:33

I hit David with a list of some of my favorite credits of his. The artists include Scritti Politti, Phil Collins, Steve Winwood, Chaka Khan, Billy Idol, Billy Squier, and Rod Stewart.
http://da...

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The Hustle
Episode 39 - David Frank of The System from 2016-02-02T14:52:37

David Frank was one half of the highly influential r&b group The System, who released a string of trendsetting dance hits throughout the 80s culminating with their biggest hit, "Don't Disturb This ...

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The Hustle
Episode 38 - Simon Toulson-Clarke and Derek Adams of Red Box from 2016-01-26T05:03

Simon Toulson-Clarke is the mastermind behind the incredible, but overlooked, British band Red Box who released their debut album The Circle & The Square in 1986. It is one of the most amazing burs...

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The Hustle
Episode 37 - John Pazdan of Pezband/Off Broadway/Big Guitars From Memphis from 2016-01-19T02:14

John Pazdan was a founding member of two of the greatest power pop bands of the 70s. He formed Pezband, but left before their first album came out (he would rejoin in the 80s). He and singer Cliff ...

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The Hustle
Bonus - Bowie Thoughts: My feelings on the passing of my constant companion from 2016-01-17T20:30:15

David Bowie has been my #1 since I started keeping track at 10 years old. He's had more impact on me than any other public figure alive in my lifetime. I remember thinking last Friday on his birthd...

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The Hustle
Episode 36 - Tony Ortiz of The Monroes from 2016-01-12T05:45

Today, Tony Ortiz is about as regular a guy as it gets. Normal desk job, family, friends, grandkids, a mortgage, etc. But, in 1982 he was on the road to something bigger. Tony was the lead singer o...

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The Hustle
Episode 35 - Dom Mariani of The Stems/The Someloves/DM3/The Majestic Kelp/Datura4/many many more from 2016-01-05T14:53:40

Dom Mariani is a bit of an underground legend in his native Australia. His career goes back nearly 40 years and in that time he's fronted more bands than I can count. His first real success came wi...

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The Hustle
Episode 34 - Martin Brammer of The Kane Gang from 2015-12-29T09:05:09

The Kane Gang were one of those wonderful bands that came to the states from the UK as part of the Sophisti-pop or Blue-Eyed British Soul movement of the mid-to-late 80s. They only released two alb...

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The Hustle
Episode 33 - Kurt Maloo of Double from 2015-12-22T17:18:16

Kurt Maloo wrote and sang one of the most iconic and unique hit songs of all time with "The Captain of Her Heart" which reached #16 in 1986 in the US. That's one of those songs almost everyone know...

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The Hustle
Episode 32 - Eric Bazilian of The Hooters from 2015-12-15T19:17:37

The Hooters were a pretty big band back in the mid-to-late 80s with three top 40 hits (and a few others that barely missed). Sadly, sales started to sag around the beginning of the 90s, but the ban...

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The Hustle
Episode 31 - Dig Wayne of JoBoxers from 2015-12-08T04:00

Dig grew up in Cambridge, Ohio where he was turned on to all genres of music from the Temptations to Alice Cooper. But, what really did it for him was rockabilly, which inspired him to move to N...

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The Hustle
Episode 30 - Martin Page of Q-Feel/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2015-12-01T03:00

Martin Page is a song-writing legend. Among his biggest hits are "These Dreams" by Heart, "King Of Wishful Thinking" by Go West and the immortal "We Built This City" by Starship, which remains comp...

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The Hustle
Episode 29 - Randy Hall of Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2015-11-24T20:10

Randy Hall has had a long and storied career that includes collaborations with legends like Miles Davis, The Jacksons and Ray Parker Jr. as well as his own solo career in the mid to late 80s. It wa...

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The Hustle
Episode 28 - Joe Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2015-11-17T05:00

You've seen the movies, you've heard the voice, now meet the man. Joe sang or wrote some of the most iconic soundtrack songs of the 80s including "Lady, Lady, Lady" from Flashdance, "Come Into My L...

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The Hustle
Episode 27 - Robert White Johnson of RPM from 2015-11-10T15:48:04

RPM was another of those under appreciated bands that deserved way more attention. Robert started as a songwriter for Ronnie Milsap before beginning RPM in the early 80s. After two albums, the seco...

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The Hustle
Episode 26 - Mike James Kirkland from 2015-11-03T16:38:55

Mike James Kirkland was an excellent soul singer in the 70s, releasing two albums under his own name after a stint with his group Mike and the Censations. While being equally as good as his contemp...

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The Hustle
Episode 25 - Gerard McMahon (aka G Tom Mac) from 2015-10-27T17:49:58

Gerard McMahon (G Tom Mac) is the man behind one of the most iconic and beloved soundtrack songs of all time with "Cry Little Sister" from 1987's The Lost Boys. But did you know the guy has had a s...

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The Hustle
Episode 24 - Andres del Castillo of Eight Seconds from 2015-10-20T14:00:37

Eight Seconds were a Canadian synth-prog/pop band in the late-eighties who had one minor hit in the US with a song called "Kiss You (When It's Dangerous)". Their unique sound (think The Fixx) set t...

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Episode 23 - Walter Egan from 2015-10-13T14:40

Walter's the self-proclaimed "Forrest Gump of rock" and the man behind one of the most enduring hits of the 70s "Magnet and Steel" which reached #8 in 1978. His career was launched with the support...

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The Hustle
Episode 22 - Peppy Castro of Blues Magoos/Barnaby Bye/Wiggy Bits/Balance from 2015-10-06T14:54


Peppy's music career goes back 50 years, from his one-hit-wonder 60s band Blues Magoos, to his one-hit-wonder 80s band Balance. The guy's never stopped, collaborating with Paul Stanley, teachi...

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The Hustle
Episode 21 - Walter Wray of King Swamp/LiTTLe MaCHiNe from 2015-09-29T14:43


Walter Wray was the lead singer of the excellent alternative rock band King Swamp who had a minor hit in 1989 with the song "Is This Love". The band had a great pedigree, as it featured member...

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Episode 20 - Dr. Robert of The Blow Monkeys from 2015-09-22T14:44


In the States, the Blow Monkeys are best known for their #14 1986 hit "Digging Your Scene" and their appearance on the multi-million selling Dirty Dancing soundtrack. But, Dr. Robert has never...

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Episode 19 - Bertie Higgins from 2015-09-15T14:45


Bertie Higgins is the man behind one of the quintessential yacht rock classics of all time, "Key Largo", which reached #8 in 1982. But, did you know that he's still huge in other parts of the ...

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The Hustle
Episode 18 - Todd Duncan of The Crazy 8s from 2015-09-08T14:47


The Crazy 8s were an American ska band in the 80s and 90s out of Portland. While they had some regional success, they never completely broke nationwide, although they did get major national ex...

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Episode 17 - Johnny Vatos of Oingo Boingo from 2015-09-01T14:48


Oingo Boingo are still one of the most beloved bands of the last 35 years. When they called it quits 20 years ago Danny Elfman went on to bigger things and has never looked back, but what abou...

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Episode 16 - Christopher Thorn of Blind Melon from 2015-08-25T14:49


Your band gets launched into worldwide fame as your debut album sells four million copies. Shortly after your second album comes out your lead singer, the face of your band, suddenly dies of a...

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The Hustle
Episode 15 - Jimmer Podrasky of The Rave-Ups from 2015-08-18T14:55


Jimmer was the frontman of the seminal 80s college rock band The Rave-Ups who were forever immortalized when they appeared the movie Pretty in Pink. After three critically-acclaimed albums the...

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Episode 14 - Jeff Murphy of Shoes from 2015-08-11T14:58


Here's another "first day of MTV" band. After over 40 years as a group, we felt Shoes deserved an in depth career retrospective. Jeff Murphy tells the stories behind each album, how him being ...

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The Hustle
Episode 13 - Slim Man of Bootcamp/Solo from 2015-08-04T14:59


In honor of MTV's 34th birthday, we talk to a guy that was there on day one. Slim Man was the driving force behind a hard rock group in the early 80s called Bootcamp who appeared a couple time...

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Episode 12 - Rich Spina of Love Affair/Herman's Hermits from 2015-07-28T15:02


Not everyone would be able to go from frontman to sideman. To go from lead singer of your own modern rock band to sidekick for oldies acts may take some pride swallowing, but Rich Spina has ha...

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Episode 11 - Chaz Jankel of The Blockheads/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame/Solo from 2015-07-21T15:03


I first heard Chaz Jankel on the soundtrack to Real Genius, but it turns out the guy has had a storied career in the UK going back 40 years. From his rise to prominence in Ian Dury and the Blo...

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The Hustle
Episode 10 - Jim Walker of JVA/Beloved 80s Movie Soundtrack Fame from 2015-07-14T15:04


Jim Walker recorded a beloved (but obscure) song for a beloved (but obscure) cult 80s teen movie soundtrack. This lead him to playing the Hollywood game for a few months, rubbing shoulders wit...

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The Hustle
Episode 9 - Canada Rocks! - with Holly Woods and Barry Connors of Toronto/Robb Reiner of Anvil from 2015-06-30T15:06


This week we hit Canada to talk to two awesome rock bands from the Great White North. First up is the early 80s rock band Toronto. They were a pretty big deal north of the border, but never go...

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The Hustle
Episode 8 - Baxter of Re-flex from 2015-06-23T15:43


Baxter was the lead singer of the British new wave band, Re-flex, who had one hit in the states when "The Politics of Dancing" reached #23 in 1983. They continued to make music, but label poli...

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The Hustle
Episode 7 - Clive Farrington of When In Rome from 2015-06-16T15:42


Clive is the man behind one of the most enduring hits of the 80s, 1988's "The Promise", which was reborn when it was featured in Napoleon Dynamite in 2003. Unfortunately, his band, When In Rom...

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The Hustle
Episode 6 - Brian Canham of Pseudo Echo from 2015-06-09T15:09


Brian Canham fronts the Australian band Pseudo Echo, who hit it big in 1986 when their cover of "Funkytown" reached #6 in the states. We talk about why the band dissolved a couple years later,...

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The Hustle
Episode 5 - Marge Raymond of Flame from 2015-06-02T15:10


Do you know anyone that's sung on some of the biggest hits in rock history, been friends with Bruce Springsteen and Steven Tyler, and performed with Pavarotti and Paul McCartney? I do. Her nam...

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The Hustle
Episode 4 - AndyO of Blue Zoo from 2015-05-26T15:12


AndyO was the lead singer of the 80s British band Blue Zoo whose biggest hit was "Cry Boy Cry", reaching #13 in the UK charts in 1983. In our conversation, Andy discusses his conflicted feelin...

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The Hustle
Episode 3 - Paul Collins of The Beat from 2015-05-19T15:14


The self-proclaimed "King of Power Pop" tells the brutally honest story of his career ups and downs - from his early days with The Nerves to his promising solo career, to hitting rock bottom i...

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The Hustle
Episode 2 - Mister Zero of The Kings from 2015-05-12T15:15


Mister Zero is the guitarist and primary songwriter of the Canadian power pop band The Kings who reached #43 in 1980 with "This Beat Goes On/Switching To Glide". We talk about working with Bob...

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The Hustle
Episode 1 - Bruce Blackman of Starbuck from 2015-05-05T15:16


Bruce Blackman was the lead singer of the 70s band Starbuck, who had a #3 hit in 1976 with "Moonlight Feels Right". When the band broke up in 1980 Bruce turned his attention to other things un...

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The Hustle
Episode 1a - Intro to The Hustle - "By Way of Explanation..." from 2015-05-04T18:25


An explanation of the mission and inspiration behind the Hustle podcast.

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