Stream the Evil One HERE! Download the Creature with the Atom Brain HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
Well Roky Erickson died. So there’s that. Damn. sigh. What a life he led. Have you seen the documentary of his life, “You’re Gonna Miss Me“? No? Go see it now.
I was lucky to have seen Roky perform four times since 1993. The first time I saw him was at the Austin City Music Awards, when he was walked out onto the stage to perform. My mouth was agape as he shuffled onto the stage, timidly, only to belt out three songs in perfect pitch. It made me shudder. The last time I saw him was he final performance, at The Chapel in SF, this past April 20th. I wish I could say he went out on top, but it was a sub-par performance by this legend. Still, it was so wonderful to see him up there sharing his love with the audience.
The first hour of this show focuses on a number of new releases. Support new artist releases!!! I offer links to the new artists below.
The second hour is all about Roky. I have some rare and live treats, as well as some excellent cover versions of Roky solo and 13th Floor Elevator tracks.
There’s a lot to enjoy here.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Before You Accuse Me: 13th Floor Elevators May The Circle Remain Unbroken: 13th Floor Elevators Levitation: 13th Floor Elevators
You’re Gonna Miss Me: The Spades (pre-13th Floor Elevators-Roky) You Don’t Love Me Yet: Bongwater
Reverberation: Jesus and the Mary Chain You’re Gonna Miss Me: Mono Men Click Your Fingers Applauding The Play: Roky Erickson Two-Headed Dog: Roky Erickson and the Aliens
Heroin: Roky Erickson God Is Everywhere: Roky Erickson with Okkervil River Street Level St. Paul: The Melvins Powderfinger: Neil Young and Crazy Horse (January 20, 2001 Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
It Ain’t Me Babe: Bob Dylan (Boston Music Hall, Boston, Mass. Nov. 21, 1975) What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Stream the Desired Result HERE!Download the Algorithm of your Dreams HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
There comes a time in every DJ’s life when they need to share what they know. Tonight was such a night. There have been many, actually. I welcome DJ Doug into the studio tonight for his first training session. The fella has already got the musical chops, now we need to get him radio-ready. He just threw down some platters that matter in the second hour, while I held down the announcing duties. Color me impressed. He’ll be back on my next show to tell what he knows to you and the world.
There’s a lot of new music to share with you these days. Isn’t there always? You tune in for the newest in new sounds, and the sounds from way downtown. You can depend on Mr. Hell to play for you what you know you need, even if you didn’t know you needed it. You can thank me later.
Until then, enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Why I Carry A Knife: Zig Zags Movies: Weyes Blood I Loves You, Porgy: Grover Washington Jr.
Beauford County Jail: Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves Linda Blair: Redd Kross If: Pink Floyd Don’t Do It: The Who
Sex Machine: James Brown Don’t Tell It: James Brown By The Time I Get To Phoenix: New York Underground Funk Band
The Cruel Millennial: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Hey Louise: RGD Witness Tree: Rodrigo y Gabriela It’s A Man’s World: MC5 Second Coming: Alice Cooper
Saudia: Larry Young Columbus Unbound: Bill Orcutt and Jacob Felix Heule Down By The River: Buddy Miles You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere: Bob Dylan
Untitled Original (11386): John Coltrane Sympathy for the Devil: Rolling Stones
Que Sera Sera: Doris Day What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Stream the Razzamatazz HERE! Download the Quijibo HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
Well here ya go. So many songs. So many great tunes for you to note and then go purchase, and perhaps, if these bands are still around, go and see perform live and in concert, like I did last Saturday, at The Chapel, seeing Roky Erickson.
Oh Roky, you’re wonderful, but it might be time to hang it up. Yes, we are going to miss you, but that was rough. The sound was great! The band was great, but it’s hard seeing a musical hero, who has already had his boughts with some serious mental health issues, sit up there forgetting not only the words, but also the melody of some of his most-cherished songs. We love you, Roky, and we’re thrilled you found a pathway to health over the past 20 years.
Tune in tonight, 8-10PM for more new music and music that’s new to you.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Stream the Jabber HERE! Download the Blabber HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder. It’s been a few weeks, I know, but don’t let that be a reason you forget about dear old Hell. Taking time off allows me to amass more music to share with you. Most of the music on this show I haven’t shared with you before, so count yourself lucky.
I hope you’re tuning in with Shazam running. Or at the very least grab a pen and paper!
I paid tribute to word jazz stalwart Ken Nordine throughout the show. There’s also new music from Frisco, and Tae. It’s also the 50th anniversary of the Allman Brothers Band, and I have just cracked open the Holy Grail for live Allman’s. I’ll have more to share with you over time.
I’m not on this coming Monday night (family duty calls), but the after I should have Little Lauson Hell in the studio with me, and new music from Ty Segall (live) and OCS (live!!!), and whatever Lauson throws on. Her tastes have really evolved since last she was on a few months back.
Tune in Monday’s 8-10PM (PDST)
See you on the “radio”
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Rocked By Rape: Evolution Control Committee Take a Letter, Maria: R.B. Greaves Coral: Ken Nordine Never Can Say Goodbye: Herbie Mann (with Duane Allman)
Go To Satan: Rube Waddell Wild Action: The Ventures California Sun: The Dictators Panchito Blues II: Peach Kelly Pop
Comptroller: Frisco Azure: Ken Nordine So Much For Love: Pearl Harbor and the Explosions Related to What: The Last Poets Suspiria: Goblin
Focus Pocus: Big Business Shake Shake Shake: Bryan Ferry
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’: Allman Brothers Band (January 24, 1970 Whiskey Go Go, LA, CA) Little Red Hen: Taj Mahal
Everybody’s Happy Nowadays: Buzzcocks (March, 2 1979 Paradiso, Amsterdam) I Wanna Be Around: Tony Bennett May This Be Love: Emmylou Harris and Daniel Lanois (November 8, 1995 State Theater, Portland, ME) A Thousand Big Bangs: Ken Nordine (with Jerry Garcia and Tom Waits) Creole Love Call: Roland Kirk
Maggie Sue: Tae Bankrobber: Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros (August 19, 1999 Two Days A Week Festival, Wiesen, Austria) A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die: The Flesh Eaters (July 17,1982 Clutch Cargo’s, Detroit, MI)
Tangled Up In Blue: Jerry Garcia Band (Live at the Eel – June 10, 1989) What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
To give you a sneak peak at the new OCS Live at The Chapel LP, here’s a live video from the end of the show. I WAS THERE!!!
Stream the Busy Body HERE! Download the Fun Facts HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
Did ya hear the news, it’s all over town. If you ain’t heard it boy, you better sit down. I’ve got the story here, it’s hot off the press. Brace yourself now and take a deep breath. Grab a hold of something, hold on tight. John Hell is on the loose tonight.
Whew, now that I have got that Bob Segar lyric off my chest, let’s get on with the show. There’s lots of new music represented tonight, as well as some classics you have probably never heard before. I completely failed to play any Ken Nordine, who passed away this past weekend. Dang. I had a few brilliant tracks of his lined up, too.
You may have noticed, i’ve taken to closing my show with Louis Armstrong. A lot of DJs will have an opening and closing theme songs. I’ve played with this over the years, and I feel it’s time to throw it back into the mix. Many DJs also have music they speak over; known as a music bed. The only reason you don’t hear me doing this much at Radio Valencia is my own prep. Just another goal of mine for 2019. You would think 350+ shows into my RV tenure, and about 30 years in radio I would have this figured out already? I’m pretty lazy it would appear.
Who loves ya, baby?
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Stream the Jerky Love HERE! Download the Beating Hearts HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via
I’m the luckiest DJ I know. I got to interview the love duo that makes up San Francisco’s Love Jerks!!! The last time I saw Rebecca Garza-Bortman she was the better third of Happy Fangs (sorry Michael…love ya), and the last time I saw Bryan Bortman, he was rockin’ out with Scissors for Lefty. Little did I know at that time that these two were worshipping one another from afar. Not only did they meet and fall in love, but their wedding was epic!
Now they have their own band, Love Jerks. The came on last Monday night to talk up their Valentine’s Day show at the Rickshaw Stop. Have you seen their Facebook Page? Have you seen the promotional videos they have made for this gig? These two are the future; you better get on the bus now! They have a new LP out Million Movies (that’s right, VINYL!), which they were kind enough to donate…no payola here, folks. We’re straight on the up and up…now. Buy their music here.
They come on during the second hour and we have lots of fun. Check out the music and the interview, where I really don’t hold back. How many couple have been in bands together just to watch their love come crumbling down? My money is on these two to make it big and to make it last.
Tune in tonight 8-10PM on Radio Valencia for your chance to win a pair of tickets to go see Jon Spencer this Sunday at Slims.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Anti-Love Song: Betty Davis Love and Happiness: The Pharaohs Addicted to Love: Ciccone (Sonic) Youth
Love Buzz: Shocking Blue Love Me Tender: James Brown Wiggle Stick: Reverend Horton Heat Love Comes in Spurts: Richard Hell and the Voidoids Love is a Spider: The Monkeywrench
You Don’t Love Me Yet: Bongwater I Love You, Honeybear: Father John Misty Trouble: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan It Won’t Be Long: Redd Kross Nothing On Earth: Casual Sex
Scary Things: Love Jerks
Love Jerks: Love Jerks The Lady Loves Me: Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret
Holding Out For A Rocker: Love Jerks
Love Jerks even recorded a video at a retirement home!!!
Stream the Head Banging HERE! Download the Toe Tapping HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via iTunes
Some nights I just need to ROCK! And since we have no constraints on what we can or cannot play here at Radio Valencia, I felt obliged to feed my urge. Join me, will you?
WARNING: There is one, I repeat, one polka song. Then again it’s by Polkacide, so I’m forgiven. If you have never witnessed Polkacide live I feel sorry for you. There a band that MUST be seen live to really understand the attraction. Their “final show” (of which I’ve seen more than my fair share) was just days after my son was born, October 8th, 2017. I look forward to their next final show, as I’m confident it will polka hard. Join my in the polka pit and you’ll see what I mean.
Take a look at the playlist below and prepare for a quality neck ache, ala head banging for two sweet hours.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
California Man: Cheap Trick King of the Night Time World: KISS Deuce: Redd Kross
Goin’ Blind: Melvins The Wizard: Black Sabbath Snowblind: Nashville Pussy
Snortin’ Whiskey: Honky Nurture My Pig: Reverend Horton Heat In Heaven There Is No Beer: Polkacide Master Race Rock: The Dictators John Wayne Was A Nazi: MDC
Magic: Zig Zags Uncle Powderbag: OBNIIIs The Archer: Meatbodies I Come From the Mountain: Thee Oh Sees
Reputation: CIA Plum: WAND Johanna: Iggy Pop Pushing the Extreme: The Wipers
Concert Outlook
Bomber: Motorhead Are You Ready: Boris Dragonaut: Sleep
Celestial Crown/Barael’s Blade: The Sword How Many More Times: Led Zeppelin Chain That Door: Mudhoney
Stream the Resolution HERE! Download the Revolution HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via iTunes
It’s nice to have a few weeks off to recharge one’s batteries, but considering my weekly show is exactly what I use to recharge my batteries, I felt more empty than ever stepping into the studio on Monday night. True story. I had a few weeks off from work, since I’m a teacher, and you would think I would be traveling the southern continent, or spending many relaxing hours at home, sleeping in late, taking leisurely strolls in my hood. Yeah, you would think that. The truth could not be farther from this. Who am I to complain?
I did buy some tasty vinyl over the break, however. Some rare Grateful Dead, released between 71-75, and some blues LPs that I needed. Yes, needed. I need music. It’s my drug of choice. I was thinking of buying some much-needed shoes over the holidays, but instead I bought a Muddy Waters LP, and a Sony Terry and Brownie McGhee LP. Priorities.
I don’t have any resolutions for the new year. Resolutions are for suckers. I just keep on keepin’ on and let choice be my voice. I should probably cut down on the sugary sweets. Sure, why not? I have switched to black coffee though. No more mocha’s for John Hell! It’s saving me money, which I can put towards my vinyl addiction, er…um obsession.
Speaking of obsession, my playlist is below and the links to the stream and download are above.
Mean Mistreater: Muddy Waters Backdoor Medley: ZZ Top Get It While You Can: Janis Joplin
There It Is: James Brown Louder Than A Bomb: Brownout Black Mountain: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Supermarket Nightmare: Victim’s Family Time Axe Bag Dad: Clubfoot Orchestra Theme de Yoyo: Art Ensemble of Chicago
Femme Fatale: Big Star Grave Robber: WAND Little Green: Joni Mitchell Back to New Orleans: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee
Shotgun Blues: Downchild Blues Band Come Back Baby: Aretha Franklin Stop Dragging Me Down: Monomen Winter In America: Gil Scott-Heron
Right On For The Darkness: Curtis Mayfield Tiger Mountain Song: First Aid Kit Redemption Song: Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer South of Heaven: Modest Mouse and Califone
Stream the Celebration HERE!
Download the History HERE!
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It’s December so it’s time for my obligatory BEST of show…kinda. If anything it’s a chance to play great music! And isn’t that why you tune in week after week? You do tune in, don’t you? That’s interesting. I just realized that I asked “don’t you”, and not “do not you”. Huh.
My show isn’t all about 2018 music, however. Just take a gander at the playlist below and you’ll note the diversity in the sets. Yes folks, we here at Radio Valencia believe the only good radio is diverse radio. Why I play all kinds of diverse genres: metal, heavy metal, death metal, speed metal, stoner metal, and doom metal. Don’t be fooled by our competitors, they only program to the lowest common denominator. We have discovered a way to much much lower.
That being said, there was a lot of great music in 2018. Albums by King Tuff, Oh Sees, Mudhoney, Sleep, and of course a few by Ty Segall, are just a glimpse into what was another stellar year for the indie rock/garage scene.
I encourage you to tune in to Radio Valencia throughout the rest of 2018 for more Best of shows from some of the finest DJs west of East Orange, New Jersey.
I’m taking the next two weeks off to celebrate family and friends. I suggest you do the same. I’ll be scheduling some of my favorite Hell’s Kitchen Radio programs to play in my absence. I encourage you to have it playing in the background during your family celebrations. I’m available for Bar Mitzvah’s too!
Happy Holidaze to you and yours from me, and all of us at Radio Valencia. See you in 2019!
Stream the Experience HERE!
Download the Munchies HERE!
Listen into all my shows here!
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Sometimes inspiration arrives in the strangest of moments. I was actually about three minutes late for my show tonight. Thanks to Dial-A-Shot for keeping it rockin’ until I arrived. I quickly threw my first tune on, “Porno” by local SF funk-punksters Limbomaniacs (if you saw them back in the 90s then you know), and as I was contemplating my own porn addiction (tongue in cheek, folks, seriously), I thought about what other addictions people are known to enjoy. Hence tonight’s theme: substance use!
Oh the joys of the holidays, when we look for any coping mechanism within reach. So whether it’s tasty treat that is alcohol, aromatic marijuana, a psychedelic journey, cocaine blues, or maybe you’re into the needle, this is the show for you.
Make this the holiday soundtrack your family didn’t know they needed.
