26.07.11 California Diner - 'The State Fair edition!'

Well, it’s true--I’m in a bit of a summertime stupor--at least when it comes to naming radio shows. But I just had a fun day at the California State Fair, held each summer here in Sacramento. One of the responsibilities of the capital city of any American state (we have 50 of them, just for the record) is to host an annual State Fair. And summertime seems to be the best time to do it, because that’s when kids are off from school, and the weather’s good, and well, that’s just what we do. What does the California State Fair look like? Their website, www.bigfun.org, will give you the official story. I’m here to tell you the unofficial story--the lowdown--the scoop on what really goes down! Like California itself, it’s pretty amazing. There’s agricultural exhibits, horse racing, and lots of stuff for sale. Also music--a chance to see former chart-topping acts like War, MC Hammer (who is rumored to live right here in the Sacramento Valley), REO Speedwagon, and tributes to Steely Dan and Michael Jackson. And the food. This is where the underground action really takes place. Each year, a new taste treat takes center stage, and your Chef Mike has usually been right at the front lines to try it. A few years ago, it was deep-fried Twinkies (snack cakes), then deep-fried Snickers candy bars (delicious). Last year it was chocolate-covered bacon--an epicurean game-changer. And this year, further playing on that riff--maple bacon sundaes! Yes--it’s everything the name implies. A generous base of pure vanilla ice cream, topped with maple syrup and crumbles of bacon. A sublime blend of sweet, savory, creamy, and chewy. Foods that were not meant to go together, but were forced together in a culinary shotgun wedding to seemingly demonstrate that as California goes, so goes the nation. It was delicious, but oh, my poor stomach. Send me an email if you’d like to see a picture of this tasty treat. I chose to stay away from the exotic foods booth--where you could sample raccoon, scorpion, and in a play for attention too disgusting for even my broadminded American tastes, a “maggot melt” sandwich. No way would I ever be interested in this type of roadkill, or the stuff which feeds upon it. (http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-maggot-melt-sandwich-on-the-menu-at-california-state-fair-20110714,0,6464082.story). Yep, that’s California, in a nutshell. So what does that have to do with this week’s show? Um...not sure. But let’s just say that after an adventure like that, it was a relief to get back to the radio studio and put together a radio show for you, featuring some great new indie music. Here’s what to listen for: The Ks. A dynamic band from New York City--their music constantly has you jumping. If you’ve got the Ks, you don’t need caffeine or energy drinks. You just need the Ks. They just sent me their latest album, “Red Numbers Rising Faster”, and we’ll sample a track from it. www.myspace.com/theksband Vegas With Randolph. A great pop band from the Washington, D.C. area are about to release their album “Above The Blue”. I’ve been featuring tracks from it for the past several months, and we’ll hear a new one that I’ve not yet played on the show. Here’s a fun fact--the album’s coming out on July 31st, and I had the great honor and privilege of writing the liner notes! So yes, that means I’ve heard the whole album already, and it is fantastic. www.myspace.com/vegaswithrandolph Lindy LaFontaine. Just because it’s Lindy! That should be a good enough reason, but if you need more, I’ll be playing the track that made me stand up and take notice of this San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter. Her voice will send chills up your spine. www.lindylafontaine.com The Scratch. Same thing--just because it’s The Scratch! But Andy was kind enough to send me their magnificent EP “Mad Dogs and Englishness”, and it’s a pretty good taste of their well-crafted songs. D.I.Y. till they die, as I heard him once say on The Forum. www.thescratch.co.uk 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 PLAYLIST Emily Zuzik & Tim Lefebvre - E-Vill The Ks - A Couple Nights a Week Ricky Berger - Silly Boy, Goodnight Echo Shade - Fluorescent Nights Baby Scream - Everyday (I Die A Little Bit) The Furbelows - Pleasure Machine Miami Dan and the Hayes Street Band - Star Of The Beach Charlie Cheney - She's Made For Sunshine Splitsville - Pretty People Kaz Murphy - Hardly Think About That The Fuegos - Against the World The Handcuffs - Kiss This Goodbye Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul Go National - NYC Throwback Suburbia - Asking Why Natasha Davies - Giggle Maxi Dunn - Weather Warning Duncan Faure - Nightfall The Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Jointpop - Monday Morning Love Situation Heiskell - The Death of Knoxville Cool Onward Chariots - War Hero Laurie Biagini - Doin' Nothing At All Vegas With Randolph - Supergirl Wim Oudijk - Spirit M.A.D.I.S.O.N - Where Are You Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Send The Band To Liverpool The Scratch - Alcohol's A Depressant Agony Aunts - Me Being Maximum The Taters - Wolfman Told Me Tonight Lindy LaFontaine - Free To Breathe The Handcuffs - This is a Test Beth Thornley - A to Z

19.07.11 California Diner - 'A Midsummer Night’s Scheme!'

Don’t worry, I’m not gonna get all Shakespeare on ya! I just needed a good pun to kick off this week’s blog. And yeah, it is more or less midsummer. We’ve been enjoying glorious days of blue skies and warm sunshine, and late nights of cool breezes here in Northern California. What we here in America refer to as “perfection”! I’ve been scheming to put together the perfect soundtrack for you this week. And this week’s show has some great new debuts that are going to sound great screaming out of your speakers. And after that, they’ll sound even better blowing holes in your ears as you blast the podcast from your MP3 player. Catholic Spray is a self described “Christian Rap/Surf/Thrash” band from Paris, France. We’re going to play an obnoxiously loud, nasty track of theirs that sounds like surf music from hell. And I mean that in the best possible way. It rocks. Your world and mine. It’s incredible, and we’ll set the stage by leading off the show with it. www.myspace.com/catholicspray The Handcuffs have been a favorite of ours since before we started the California Diner. (Yes, your Chef Mike does have a past!) And because principal songwriters Chloe F. Orwell and Brad Elvis are such good friends of the show, they’ve honored me by sending me an advance copy of their third album, “Waiting For The Robot”. And that’s great news for you too. The album doesn’t officially release until September 6th--but the Chicago-based band, which includes Emily Togni, Ellis Clark, and Alison Hinderliter, want me to rock your summer with their music. And it’s a good one--elements of glam and straight up rock are fueled by Chloe’s energetic, take no prisoners persona and Brad’s crackling, pounding beats. Where you gonna be on September 6th? Buying Waiting For The Robot, by The Handcuffs, of course! www.thehandcuffs.com Finally, the last piece of my scheme to make your week a better place is here. New music for Recharged Radio from Cincinnati, Ohio musician Peter Mayer. Peter contacted us, and was wondering if there’d be any room for his stuff on our airwaves. The rest is history. His guitar chops and songwriting blew me away. We’ve definitely made room for Peter Mayer on the California Diner ,as we debut a quirky little tune of his. www.petermayermusic.net 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 Catholic Spray - Captain Wolf The Handcuffs - Miss You on Tuesday Maxi Dunn - You Took The Sunshine From My Heart Onward Chariots - Seven Miles Away Bill Mumy - Can't Complain The Smith Bros - Kerrie Anne William Cleere and the Marvelous Fellas - Labor Day June & The Exit Wounds - How Much I Really Loved you M.A.D.I.S.O.N. - If You Want Me To Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Sun Up Raistalla - Supermodel The Ks - Little Plaything Anny Celsi - Tangle-Free World Winzenried - Ohio Allyson Seconds - Bag Of Kittens Vegas With Randolph - The Better Part Teina Anthony - A Natural Life Anton Barbeau - Doctor Don't Chop My Knee Mama, Ouch Is Another Word Rob Swanson - Oh No! Mad Mush - Silent Snowfall Sound Sessions - Be My Shaper Peter Mayer - It's Just The Energy The Scratch - I Relax To Spiral Scratch Dead Heart Bloom - Sentimental Cures Lindy LaFontaine (with Kyro) - Haunted Kamp David - Red Hotel Laurie Biagini - My Little SUV The Whiskey Saints - Eastbound Joseph Swidenbank - Empty Handed The Big I Am - Better Days Isaac's Aircraft - My Baby Did Me Wrong Tom Alford - What Could Have Been Mad Tea Party - Found A Reason

12.07.11 California Diner - 'Maxi Dunn Interview'

This week's California Diner is a special edition—I have the pleasure of interviewing longtime show favorite, singer-songwriter Maxi Dunn. Using top-secret modern 21st century technology, I was able to arrange a direct, high-quality digital connection from Sacramento, California to Liverpool, UK, in order to bring you this amazing artist! Okay, it's not so secret. Skype is available to all, and it truly sounds like we're in the same room, chatting over a cup of coffee. Maxi and I marvel from time to time about the amazing, inexpensive technology that enables things that weren't possible a decade ago. For instance, she's about to release her second album, The Neglected Gambit. I've heard most of it, and it's sure to be a winner. Did you know that she and her producer, Pete Hackett, live a couple of hours away from each other, and created this album without actually getting together in person? Yep, thanks to the internet, virtual collaboration like this is possible. But enough about the technology. You still have to know what you're doing to make a great album, and Maxi does. She writes pop songs that might remind you a little of early 1980's Sheena Easton or Madonna, but much better—seriously. Maxi can do songs that sound light and airy, but listen a little harder, and there's some serious depth. She achieves a lyrical intensity that few pop singers ever do. Most of her songs come from real life experience—there's some hurt in these songs, but there's also some hope. And her vocals are warm and personal. She easily glides through the soprano register, but then effortlessly swoops down into alto territory. I can't figure out which she is, so let's just call her both. She uses this vocal versatility to good effect. Between that and her well-placed vocal multi tracking, she can use her fine instrument—her voice—to make whatever point needs to be made. And props go to collaborator extraordinaire Pete Hackett, he of Cult of Wedge. He's an incredibly sympathetic producer and nearly one man backing band. His guitar work is always right for the situation—and he even dusted off an acoustic for one of the tracks we're going to hear. He also plays bass, keyboard, and some of the percussion for this outing. If Maxi is the yin, Pete is the yang. They'll sometimes have impassioned discussions, but always in an effort to make the music sound right, and to bring Maxi's vision to life. On this week's show, we'll talk about the making of The Neglected Gambit, and hear a few sneak preview tracks. It's slated for release next week on July 18th, and I urge you to pre-order your copy now. You'll be glad you did. www.maxidunn.info www.reverbnation.com/cultofwedge 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 Whiskey Saints - Every Little Thing Rob One - Flames Beth Thornley - A to Z Baby Scream - Suddenly Mad Mush - Silent Snowfall Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Sun Up Peter Mayer - Where My House Used To Stand Throwback Suburbia - Asking Why Maxi Dunn Interview Maxi Dunn – Weather Warning Maxi Dunn – Baby It's So Wonderful Maxi Dunn – Firecracker vs. Mr. Flash Rocket EyeWood - Lawyers and Liars Anny Celsi - First Love Freezes Sexfresh - Love Ration M.A.D.I.S.O.N - Where Are You Rose Reiter - Where You Are The Mike Brown Band - Pay Laurie Biagini - Bambuzled Kitty & The Lost Boys - Rushing To My Side The Clutter Family - Artist In The Office The Fuegos - Against the World Skip Heller - Falling For You Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Harmonics Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul The Corner Laughers - Stonewords Popdudes - Neglected The Dashing Suns - Sally Moore

05.07.11 California Diner - 'Independent's Day!'

This week in the States, we celebrated our annual 4th of July Independence Day holiday. And I realized that here on Recharged Radio, it's always Independent's Day! We celebrate the best music by independent artists and labels who struggle to get their great music out there. And it's working. I swear, I find the best music through such venues as Facebook, ReverbNation, and of course, Tourdates.co.uk. It may be a sign of the times, and a sign of the fragmented media, but I not only couldn't tell you which songs are popular, let alone on the “Top 10” of commercial music, I probably wouldn't even recognize most of the artists. I could chalk it up to me getting older, but I don't think so. I probably listen to as much music as any teenager or 20-something. Just like you, I want to listen to interesting music that excites me and gets all my senses fired up. So I find indie music—or should I say, it finds me! And that's what's on my MP3 player, and on my radio shows. So for this Independent's Day holiday, let's celebrate our independence from bad music and bad attitudes. Independence Day may be an American holiday, but Independent's Day is for everyone everwhere who likes great music. And here's a few indie artists whose music we'll be celebrating tonight: M.A.D.I.S.O.N. - www.reverbnation.com/madisonrockband The Fuegos - www.thefuegos.co.uk Adrian Bourgeois - www.adrianbourgeois.com Jimmy Catlett - www.reverbnation.com/jimmycatlett Fortune Dwellers - www.reverbnation.com/fortunedwellers 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 Goodfinger - Sounds Of The City M.A.D.I.S.O.N. - Try Maxi Dunn - Weather Warning The Fuegos - Against the World Emily Zuzik & Tim Lefebvre - E-Vill Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - Sun Up Sparklejet - Let's Behind That Place Kat Jones - Those Expensive Eyes Kamp David - Red Hotel Fortune Dwellers - Al's Song Joseph Swidenbank - Coming Up For Air The Corner Laughers - Transamerica Pyramid (Single Mix) Jimmy Catlett - That River Sweet Sweet Concorde - Armadillo Man Dennis Holseybrook - Take Care My Friend Adrian Bourgeois - Mr. Imaginary Friend Duncan Faure - Man Of A Thousand Dreams Mark Bacino - Happy Dead Town Radio - Flood Kate Burkart - Cross The Street Heiskell - The Chubby Guy Song Baby Scream - Lazy Laurie Biagini - My Little SUV Imani Hekima - Nothing's What It Seems Auditorium - Sunday Sal Valentino - Lovin' Fallin' Lannie Flowers - Turn Up Your Radio Lindy LaFontaine (with KYRO) - Alizee Maple Mars - Transcendental Guidance Isaac's Aircraft - My Baby Did Me Wrong Jay Fraser - That's How We Roll