Tuesday, March 15, 2011

15.03.11 California Diner - 'The Americans Are Coming!'

Back in the 1960's, the British Invasion was a musical phenomena that forever changed pop and rock music. You already know the story: The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Rolling Stones, Kinks, and so many other fine British bands landed on these here U.S. shores and without firing a single shot, took over American radio, TV, and the record industry. Also our hearts and minds. Everything changed, and pretty much for the better. We even sent Jimi Hendrix over there, so that he could come back here and re-invade. Clever!

Well, another British Invasion of sorts is now underway, and I thought I'd just give you a little heads-up. Only this time, it's in reverse. American bands are coming to Britain, and musically speaking, they're taking no prisoners!

Four different California artists on this week's show will be touring Great Britain between now and May. They're already got well-established fan bases here in California, and we wanted to share them. Just remember, if you will, to return them in good condition!

Of the four, Anton Barbeau has the most well-established foothold in the UK—the  legendary Sacramento singer-songwriter actually lives there now! A big fan of Robyn Hitchcock, he counts two former members of Robyn's bands The Egyptians and The Soft Boys as part of his band now (Morris Windsor and Andy Metcalfe). Anton's music tends towards the quirky, melodic side, and we like it that way! We'll hear a track off of his brand new release Psychedelic Mynde Of Moses.

http://www.antonbarbeau.com

Anny Celsi is a marvelous singer-songwriter from Los Angeles. I had the chance to see her perform an acoustic set with Nelson Bragg on a trip down there last summer, and they are not to be missed. Acoustic rocks hard, when they do it. And if you're in the UK or Europe, now's your chance to see them—they're visiting you right now! Anny's album Tangle-Free World blends folk and Americana nicely, using all kinds of lush sounds and textures. We'll hear my favorite song from that album this week.

http://www.annycelsi.com/

Agony Aunts. Now there's a term that's completely ready to go in the UK. Here in the States, the equivalent would be a newspaper advice column, such as Dear Abby or Ann Landers. We have a band right here in Northern Calfornia called the Agony Aunts, and guess what—if you've been listening to my show for any length of time, you already know them! They're the Corner Laughers in disguise! The whole current Laughers ensemble—Karla Kane, Khoi Huynh, Charlie Crabtree and KC Bowman (founding guitarist Angela Silletto moved away last year) created a second band, in order to, well, I don't really know why—but they just did! But it's another great band, and I suppose they could open for themselves at a gig, and carry it off really well. Anyway, the Corner Laughers will be invading the whole of the UK in May—starting in London, visiting our Recharged Radio headquarters, and working their way up to Liverpool for the IPO (International Pop Overthrow festival). This week's show features a tune from their Agony Aunts debut disc, Greater Miranda.

http://agony-aunts.bandcamp.com/album/greater-miranda

Finally—the sub-invasion you've been waiting for—the Fresno Invasion! That's right—the Central California city of Fresno, located about three hours south of where I am, has a pretty tight music scene. The place, although probably not well known to those outside the U.S., seems to be a hotbed of creativity. Blake Jones and the Trike Shop are an upbeat pop band whose album The Underground Garden has a winning sound. Sometimes quirky, sometimes shimmery, and sometimes straight up power pop, I was completely charmed by this disc. Blake and the boys are veterans of the IPO Liverpool, and are reclaiming their spot on the stage of the legendary Cavern Club this May, as the capstone of their UK tour. We'll hear a song off of The Underground Garden, and you'll see why they've been invited back to the UK.

http://www.blakejonesmusic.com/

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), 1:00-3:00 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


Sarah Taylor - The Cure To Everything 
Anton Barbeau - Skunk Hungarian 
Anny Celsi - Tangle-Free World 
Ambassadors Of Morocco - Wikipedia 
Last Breath - It's My Time 
Beth Thornley - You're So Pony 
Rob Swanson - I Guess I Wish 
Duncan Faure - Man Of A Thousand Dreams 
The Mike Brown Band - Pay 
Rose Reiter - Tender Sky 
Hail The Size - Hot Mom 
Popdudes - Neglected 
Raistalla - Long Way 
The Awe Kids - Stuck In London 
Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul 
Chancellorpink - Muster 
Splitsville - The Kids Who Kill For Sugar 
Emily Zuzik & Tim Lefebvre - Out Of Line 
Agony Aunts - Linus's Fists Of Death 
Dave Stephens - You Are Mine, I Am Yours 
Lost City Soul - No Tomorrow 
Joseph Swidenbank - Harsh Words 
Maxi Dunn - Sinking In The Sand 
Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Sun Up 
Laurie Biagini - Leave Me Alone 
Maple Mars - Borrowed Sunshine 
Kyro (with Lindy LaFontaine) - This Too, In Time, Shall Pass 
The Big I Am - Right About Now 
Kate Burkart - Cross The Street 
Allyson Seconds - Bag Of Kittens 
Jeff Merchant - Love Yourself Away 

No comments:

Post a Comment