28.12.10 Califorinia Diner - 'Almost New Years 2011!'

Well, here it is. The last show of 2010. Not much to say, except that it's been a great ride. My friends at Recharged Radio have let me get away with playing all these fantastic artists throughout the year, and hardly raised an eyebrow. And luckily, you listeners haven't turned me in yet. I mean, the variety of music that I get to play is so interesting, it should almost be illegal!

So let's just keep this thing under wraps for another year, shall we? Just our little secret. We'll be seeing 2010 out with a bang, as we play new tracks from the likes of Anton Barbeau, Debora Iyall, Emily Zuzik, and Miami Dan and the Hayes Street Band. Plus lots of other favorites that made 2010 the great year that it was.

www.antonbarbeau.com

www.deboraiyall.com

www.emilyzuzik.com

www.miamidan.com

And finally, thanks so much for listening during 2010. I've had fun, and I've got even bigger and more fun surprises planned for you in 2011. Catch you on the other side!

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

Karim Fanous - So Long Jenny J 

Maple Mars - The Excursion 

The Britannicas - Don't Go Back 

Maxi Dunn - How Was I To Know 

Jerzey Street Band - Pale Blue River 

Joseph Swidenbank - Coming Up For Air 

Imani Hekima - Nothing's What It Seems 

The Mike Brown Band - Pay 

The Big I Am - Right About Now 

Emily Zuzik - This Time Around 

Twyman/Baird - Repeat Of Tomorrow 

The Corner Laughers - Stonewords 

New Disorder - Sick Feeling As You 

Nelson Bragg - I Dare You (Show Me Love) 

Tangent Sunset - Way Down 

Thinking For Tuesday - Girl In The Red Dress Too 

The Ks - 13 Steps 

50ft Woman - Ice Cream Man 

Tom Alford - Wasp Lands On Sunflower 

Lindy LaFontaine - I Do 

Bill Mumy - I Changed My Mind 

Baby Scream - The Ghost Of Valerie 

Miami Dan and the Hayes Street Band - She Was In Love 

Boomchick - Joyland 

Sparklejet - Let's Behind That Place 

Sarah Taylor - Bad Medicine 

Debora Iyall - Stay Strong 

Anton Barbeau - Fuzzchild 

Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Forestiere Gardens 

Laurie Biagini - Leave Me Alone 

21.12.10 Califorinia Diner - 'A Very Taters Christmas!'

Well, this is the last show before the big Christmas holiday. And I can't think of a more festive way to celebrate it than with my musical buddies, The Taters.

Craig Evans, Brad Tucker, Greg Marrs, and newest Tater recruit, drummer Chris Mendez are based in Richmond, Virginia. They've been a huge favorite on both of my radio shows for several years now. Their rootsy, family-friendly Americana originals, and their choice covers are always a great draw up and down the Mid-Atlantic coast's (U.S.) live gig circuit. They've released several albums, and even got nice writeups in No Depression and Billboard magazines!

But their quick wit is what makes them an obvious choice to commandeer a full half hour segment of the California Diner this week. In this episode, they're fully out of control in Virginia, while my co-presenter Amber and I don't even attempt to rein them in. Why would we? This makes for genius radio. And their music. In a word—wonderful! They treat us to three original Christmas songs—very nicely done. And did I mention that Richmond is 3,000 miles away from Sacramento? No problem—our good friend Mr. Skype to the rescue. A clear connection makes us feel like we're right in the same room with them, listening to their great songs and witty banter, and smelling their odiferous spicy eggplant-tofu dinner. Really? Well, just give a listen, and you'll hear what I'm talking about.

thetaters.com

We'll have a few other Christmas originals to play for you. But don't worry—your Chef Mike is not getting' all sappy on ya—I'll be spinning loads of the great indie music that you've come to expect year-round on Recharged Radio.

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

Baby Scream - The Ghost Of Valerie 

Anny Celsi - Christmas in the Pines 

Joe Symes - Lost Along The Way 

Fearless Vampire Killers - Fearless Vampire Killers 

Soundserif - John Titor 

Brian Battles - Christmas In California 

Handcuffs - Resurrection 

Chancellorpink - Muster 

The Corner Laughers - The Commonest Manifesto 

A Very Taters Christmas

The Taters – My Very First Christmas

The Taters – It’s Not Christmas When My Baby’s Not Around

The Taters – The Last Lone Noel

Tina Lie - Twilight Hour 

Kaz Murphy - Hardly Think About That 

Tom Alford - Wasp Lands On Sunflower 

Maxi Dunn – You're All I Need At Christmas 

Wim Oudijk - Love you. Period! 

Dave Stephens - Mr. Wonderful 

Sarah Taylor & Bill Mumy - I've Got Some Presents For Santa 

Go National - Begin, Begin, Begin 

Laurie Larson - Endless Thank You Loop 

Tom Moriarty - Fire in the Dolls House 

Laurie Biagini - Christmas In The Air 

Nushu - ABC Song 

Beth Thornley - A to Z 

Low Water - My Life In Advertising 

Lily Sparks - Bright Christmas 

The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore 

14.12.10 Califorinia Diner - 'Old School and New Wave!'

We are well into the holiday season, and it seems that the musical gifts continue to roll in.  A few noteworthy tracks came my way in the past few weeks, and I'm pleased to debut them on the show this week.

Romeo Void—a huge New Wave band here in the States, were all over radio and TV back in the early 1980s. They played fun, yet challenging and slightly dangerous music. It was always danceable, and always listenable. Their leader, Debora Iyall, has just put out a great solo album called Stay Strong. This week—we'll debut a track off that album. Even bigger news is that Debora will be my in-studio guest on the show in January, so we'll get to catch up with her then.

deboraiyall.com/

And we've got a parallel situation with Chancellorpink. Ray McLaughlin, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania singer-songwriter, has been creating intensely personal music for the the past few years as Chancellorpink—playing every note, and producing every sound himself. One of my favorite songs of his is the self-titled Chancellor Pink—a densely-produced, power pop kind of number that has been stuck in my head and played on my radio shows since 2006. Turns out that this song dates back to the 1980s, with Ray's original band, the legendary Six Gun Jury, favorites in his home town. Ray finally opened up the vaults, and let me have a listen to the original version of this song. It definitely has that New Wave feel, and it's a very optimistic song. Absolutely fascinating to hear Ray in his early 20's, and then later on, after he's lived some life. I think he's defintely grown into his voice, but hearing the two versions is like an audio version of time lapse photography.

chancellorpink.com

We've also got an incredibly hot new track from Joe Symes. He rocked out at the Liverpool International Pop Overthrow festival last May with his former band Buzzradio. Now solo, he proves who put the buzz in Buzzradio! This track will make you drive faster, jump higher, breathe heaver, and live life to the fullest! There have been reports that people who listen to this song earn more money, grow taller, and attract the opposite sex in droves! Okay, maybe not, but it's a damn good song!

myspace.com/1buzzradio

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

The Scratch - Alcohol's A Depressant 

Debora Iyall - Be My Last 

June & The Exit Wounds - Cathy Dennis 

Joseph Swidenbank - Coming Up For Air 

Get People - Odyssey 

Sexfresh - Dilemma 

Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul 

Rich McCulley - First Word 

Jimmy Catlett - That River 

Maxi Dunn/Elizabeth Racz - Why 

Joe Symes - Lost Along The Way 

Paul Butler - Wrong Side Of Desire 

Kat Jones - He's The One I Need The Most 

Bill Mumy - Can't Complain 

Onward Chariots - Seven Miles Away 

Jesus H Christ & The Four Hornsmen of The Apocalypse - Liz the Hot Receptionist 

The Taters - Such A Good Day 

Jeff Merchant - Love Yourself Away 

Vegas With Randolph - The Better Part 

Allen - Hold Me Tight 

Laurie Biagini - Christmas In The Air 

Nushu - Synthia 

Joey Oskys - Better Days 

The Decibels - Encouraging 

Bodia - Love A Little 

Six Gun Jury - Chancellor Pink 

Kate Burkart - The High Road 

The Clutter Family - Head 

Maple Mars - Christmastime In The City 

Mad Tea Party - Blues Slip In 

07.12.10 Califorinia Diner - 'Cool Holiday Songs—No, Really!'

It's a well known fact that I've never been really big on Christmas music. I don't know, the season and the holidays are great, but when you start fa-la-la-ing me on those silent nights with your one horse open sleighs and your frosty snowmen, well, I turn and run, scared and bored, back towards the “normal” music.

Until now. Over the last couple of years, my indie rock friends have seen the light and shown it to me. Let me be the first to say—it is possible to have holiday music that sounds great too. So great, in fact, that there are a few songs that I've been looking forward to spinning all year. Some of them are destined to become holiday classics. Others, a new twist on Christmas. But I'm finally able to say this: I'm glad to play some holiday songs for you.

Don't get me wrong—I'm not getting all soft on you. We're only playing four of these great holiday songs on this week's California Diner. We still need to make sure that we squeeze in as much indie excitement as possible.

So here's the lowdown: catch the show this week, because Wayne Stately and the Manor's (ake Pete Hackett/Cult of Wedge), Laurie Biagini, Maxi Dunn, and the Hollywood Drunks (aka Eric Winzenried) all recorded some of the coolest Christmas songs ever!

www.myspace.com/cultofwedge

www.myspace.com/lauriebiaginimusic

www.maxidunn.info

www.winzenried.org

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

Jay Fraser – That's How We Roll

Emily Zuzik - This Time Around 

Rob Bonfiglio - Blow Me Away 

Life In Film - Get Closer 

Domus - Es Mi Ola 

William Cleere and the Marvelous Fellas - Labor Day 

Rich McCulley - Just a Few Miles To Go 

The Clutter Family - Rendering Vat 

Bill Mumy - Heartfull 

Wayne Stateley and the Manor's - We're Exploiting Christmas 

Nelson Bragg - Tell Me I'm Wrong 

50ft Woman - Ultra Violet 

Maple Mars - Beautiful Mess 

Sound Sessions - Move On 

Terese Taylor - I'm Here 

Karim Fanous - Thin Bits 

Live Like Lions - Cecile 

Laurie Biagini - Christmas In The Air 

Duncan Faure - This Is Love This Is Real 

Baby Scream - Powerpop Crush 

The Pilgrims - Whole Level Down 

Melissa Phillips - The Dance 

Todd Dillingham - Crimson Spires 

Snow Byrds - Master Of Ceremonies 

Boomchick - TGTW 

Maxi Dunn – You're All I Need At Christmas

The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore 

Nushu - So Long (Maybe) 

Hollywood Drunks - Looks Like Christmas 

Laurie Larson - Corporate Chew Toy 

Man or Mouse - Jackson 

30.11.10 Califorinia Diner - 'Sarah Taylor Interview'

Earlier this month, we introduced Los Angeles singer-musician Sarah Taylor. I'd mentioned that she's had an illustrious career writing and recording theme songs for TV, commercials, and the movies, and working with the likes of Quincy Jones, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Joe Cocker, and of course, her good friend Bill Mumy (who appeared on this show last month).

Well good news—it didn't take long to book her on the show! It turns out that she and her husband, engineer/mixer Paul Horabin, run a legendary recording studio, Readymix Music (formerly Browne's Feat), where rock luminaries Jackson Browne, Little Feat (hence the former name), Warren Zevon and more, made their magic happen. Sarah and Paul, with Bill Mumy as producer, recorded Sarah's debut disc The Cure To Everything at this historic studio. And to add to the whole cool vibe, she chatted to me from the kitchen at Readymix!

One day, Bill called Sarah and offered up a fresh batch of his songs for her to record. He encouraged her to put out a solo record. He already knew what a phenomenal voice and presence she has, and wanted the rest of the world to hear her too.

We'll get to hear about how the album came together, the mellow, relaxed vibe at Readymix, and the artistry and craftsmanship behind the songs. And I had to ask the question: “what's it like to work with “Weird Al” Yankovic?” You see, Sarah and Bill enlisted Al to play accordion on a couple of tracks. This is the first time I've ever heard of him doing session work (and non-comedy, for that matter), and he really does do a great job.

It was a fun lively chat, and we'll be treated to three of Sarah's wonderful songs. Can't wait for you to hear it!

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the California Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

The Taters - Right B4 My Eyes

Kitty & The Lost Boys - Rushing To My Side

The Big I Am - Right About Now

Handcuffs - Half A Mind

Lindy LaFontaine - Free To Breathe

Baby Scream - What About You

Skip Heller & Jim Cavender - I Hate You

Boomchick - Joyland

Cy Taggart - Cut It Out

Sarah Taylor – The Cure To Everything

Sarah Taylor Interview

Sarah Taylor – Don't Give A Damn

Sarah Taylor – The Great Domain

Remodel - British Racing Green

Kaz Murphy - Below The Skin

Sound Sessions - Move On

Kat Jones - Those Expensive Eyes

Agony Aunts - Me Being Maximum

Jerzey Street Band - Holly Grove

Missdavinalee - Come On

Beth Thornley - You're So Pony

Joseph Swidenbank - Empty Handed

Laurie Biagini - Bambuzled

Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Forestiere Gardens

Maxi Dunn - How Was I To Know

Bill Mumy - A Hundred Good Reasons

Mark Bacino - Queens English

Tom Alford - Shiloh

23.11.10 Califorinia Diner - 'The 1st Anniversary Show!'

Well, this is it—one full year on Recharged Radio for Chef Mike and the Tuesday Night Diner. Show #50.

I'd thought my British colleagues had better taste than this, but instead, they let me onto their fantastic radio station!

A little over a year ago, we came to the mutual conclusion that we were of like mind, because Jordan, Alex, Minki, Dave, Justin, Rob, Jarrod, Samara, and Murray all liked great indie music and wanted to share it with the world. They had a great little station, still in its infancy, brimming with lots of attitude and even more great music. And as it happened, I had lots of great music to share with the world, and an American accent, and I stumbled upon Recharged Radio. After we both picked ourselves up off the ground and dusted ourselves off, we thought we'd give this thing a try. My show became something like the fifth show.

It seemed like a bit of a risk—a recently established UK radio station taking a chance on a guy from California. After all, it's not like I can just hop on over to the pub after the show, being 5,000 miles away from the station. But the miracle of the internet makes all good things possible. And so it goes.

Well, 50 Tuesday nights later, to quote a certain somebody at the end of my favorite Beatles album, “I hope I've passed the audition”! I've had a blast, and Recharged has given me the space to really play the kind of music I want to play on the radio. They've introduced me to lots of fantastic musicians and listeners. And we've grown to something like a couple dozen presenters and regularly-scheduled shows, up from the original five. There's literally something to listen to every single night of the week on our station, plus hundreds of hours of podcasts to grab and take with you when you feel like “goin' mobile”.

This week, we're going to feature some of the great artists who've made this show what it is today. And as a special treat, we'll have some guests drop by, say hello, and help me celebrate this anniversary. There'll be some serious long distance dropping by, as these musical and radio guests come from four different countries! And about halfway through the show, we'll have a very special announcement for you. Don't miss this one—it promises to be a good one!

If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the Tuesday Night Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.

This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.

See you then!

Chef Mike

mike(at)rechargedradio.com

MN2BDNC

Tom Moriarty - Fire in the Dolls House 

The Scratch - Alcohol's A Depressant 

Allyson Seconds - I'm Just A Country Girl 

Jordan Thomas anniversary message

Corner Laughers - Thunderbird 

Bill Mumy - All Wound Up 

Laurie Biagini anniversary message

Laurie Biagini - A Face In The Crowd 

Dave Stephens - You Are Mine, I Am Yours 

The Shindig Addicts - Not Long Now 

Baby Scream - The Ghost Of Valerie 

Pete Hackett (Cult of Wedge) anniversary message

Cult of Wedge - St. George and the Dragon 

Sarah Taylor - Easy To Forget 

Chad Neaves - You Said

Laurie Larson anniversary message

Laurie Larson - All Year Long 

Victoria And Jacob - Night Time 

Mad Tea Party - Found A Reason 

Rich McCulley - Far From My Angel 

Skip Heller - I Used To Love California 

Michael McCartney (The Time Machine) and Alice Peacock anniversary message

Alice Peacock – Only A Memory

The Clutter Family - Artist In The Office 

Maxi Dunn anniversary message

Maxi Dunn - Always Be My Friend 

Joey Oskys - Try

Dan Kilian (The K's) anniversary message

The Ks - Good Man (Most Of The Time) 

Blake Jones & The Trike Shop – Sun Up

Kate Burkart - Cross The Street 

Peter Renzullo anniversary message 

Nelson Bragg - Forever Days 

The Taters - Right B4 My Eyes 

Teina Anthony anniversary message 

Teina Anthony - A Natural Life 

Uncle Meat and the Highway Children - Long Gone Mobile 

Waitress Shirley anniversary message

Maple Mars – Transcendental Guidance