17.01.12 California Diner - 'Anton Barbeau Interview!'

Here’s a quick California Diner trivia question for you: how many people have been interviewed in both the London AND the Sacramento studios of Recharged Radio? If you guessed four, you’re right! And for extra bonus points--how many people have been interviewed in both of those studios TWICE? That leaves only one, this week’s special guest, Anton Barbeau! The well-traveled Mr. Barbeau is a prolific singer/songwriter who was born and raised right here in Sacramento, California. He then moved to the UK, spent enough time there to create an international following, hook up with Robyn Hitchcock’s former band The Egyptians--Andy Metcalfe and Morris Windsor--and form a band with them--Three Minute Tease! Can you imagine having a musical idol’s band of yours become your band? A dream come true. A couple of other noteworthy things that happened for Anton while in the UK: he opened a couple of gigs for another of his musical idols, Julian Cope, and got to hang with the Drude himself. No kidding, this kind of stuff just happens to him. And he’s been on our flagship show, Friday night’s The Forum a couple of times as well. He got to be one of the pundits in the box. He also played at our Brighton festival last summer as well. And now another dream comes true--he’s living in what he’s always considered to be a cool city--Berlin. Yet another music scene to conquer. It’ll make the commute a bit longer to get to the Recharged studios, but I have a feeling that won’t be an issue. Hey--he’s commuted over 5,000 miles to visit here! And speaking of that last visit--he appeared on a few local radio shows, played a boatload of sold out gigs here and in San Francisco, including a couple with the Corner Laughers. (That’s the rest of the answer to the trivia question: Karla, Khoi, and Charlie have also visited both our Sacramento and London studios.) So what does Anton sound like? Well, certainly, he’s got that Robyn Hitchcock eccentric feel, and having the bassist and drummer from the Egyptians reinforces that. He’s always had a bit of that sound, and the occasional psychedelic touch as well. But he’s one of the most original artists I’ve ever heard. He’s got his own voice, and killer pop hooks most songwriters would give an extremity for. And what a way with words. You’ve just got to hear him. And I did mention prolific before, didn’t I? In the last two years that I’ve been playing his stuff on the radio, he’s sent me 4 or 5 original albums. I asked him point blank how many albums he’s made in his career, and at best count, it’s upwards of 15. This guy can’t help but create--it’s his passion. Give a listen to the interview. We’ll hear several of his songs, and some great tales from the road. And for God sakes, buy some of his albums. Support him, and make yourself happy. These will be some of the most fun and interesting albums in your collection! www.antonbarbeau.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), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com. See you then! Chef Mike mike(at)rechargedradio.com MN2BDNC Blake Jones and Tom Magill - Life Turns On A Dime Ben Swidenbank - Girl (Leave That Animal Tonight) The Scratch - Homely Crackle Anny Celsi - Tangle-Free World Bill Mumy - I Owe A Little Money Laurie Biagini - The Heart Of The Song Popdudes - Desperation Time Sound Sessions - Baby's Just An Avatar Anton Barbeau Interview Anton Barbeau – Love Is Onion Anton Barbeau/Allyson Seconds – If I Could Bring You Trouble Anton Barbeau – Queen Of Apples Anton Barbeau – Boat Called Home Maxi Dunn - Messed Up Maple Mars - Beautiful Mess Throwback Suburbia - Caroline Note To Self: Don't Die! - Hell Auditorium - Karaoke Freight Train Lindy LaFontaine - I Might Not Love You Sal Valentino - Lovin' Fallin' The Damnwells - No One Listens To The Band Anymore Sarah Taylor - Easy To Forget Sparklejet - Clever Personality The Clutter Family - Artist In The Office Skip Heller - The Man I Used To Be Little Guilt Shrine - What I'm Thinking Peter Daltrey and Damien Youth - Blue Girl Eyes Rob Swanson - Oh No! Ricky Berger - Silly Boy, Goodnight Tom Alford - Shiloh