April 4, 9am
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This apparently has become an annual event. If you listen to my show on a regular basis (of course you do!), then you often hear a cover tune or three. There are just too many quality versions to share with you. It’s easy with a music collection like mine to play hours and hours of covers. The real test is to find two hours worth to make it worth your while to listen.
I’ve been inspired to host this show for a few weeks now, but I still didn’t get through my long list I had prepared for you. Tune in next Monday night and you may get a few extra treats, including a Pink Floyd cover that will knock you into the next galaxy.
In the meantime enjoy the show. Click on the stream or download links above to access, and please share this with music fans far and wide.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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Eight Miles High (The Byrds): Husker Dü
Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker): Rube Waddell
The Ballad of El Goodo (Big Star): Evan Dando
See No Evil (Television): REM
Sharp Dressed Man: Xiu Xiu
Every 1’s A Winner (Hot Chocolate): Ty Segall and the Freedom Band
Satisfaction (Rolling Stones): Bjork and PJ Harvey
I Want You To Want Me (Cheap Trick): Puddles Pity Party
Future’s So Bright (Timbuk 3): Adam Mackintosh
Hey Joe (Billy Roberts): Black Uhuru
Je T’Aime, Moi Non Plus (Serge Gainsbourg): Cibo Matto
20th Century Boy (T Rex): Buckethead
Little Green Bag (George Baker Selection): Tom Jones and Barenaked Ladies
Every Grain of Sand (Bob Dylan): Lizz Wright
Black Betty (Leadbelly): The Melvins
Kick Out The Jams (MC5): Henry Rollins and Bad Brains
Heart of Gold (Neil Young): Blitzen Trapper
Rouche Rumble (The Fall): Sonic Youth
Fade Into You (Mazzy Star): Jeff Elgas(Vocals) and Marc Stevens(Guitar)
Maggot Brain (Funkadelic): Mike Watt, J. Mascis, Bernie Worrell
Ramblin’ Man (Hank Williams): Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Hey Bulldog (The Beatles): Eric McFadden
Up and Down (Cookie Monster): Cookie Mongoloid
March 29, 12pm
Stream the Sermon HERE!
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Fucking A Right! Alcohol. God. Devil. Heaven. Hell. Crossroads. Where do you stand? Sometimes when it hits, it hits hard. The music deviner.
There are times when I’ll put in some effort to prepare for a show. I’ll think about the artists and songs I want to play, and perhaps even the order I want to play them in. Not tonight. Starting with the second set I had an epiphany of sorts. It took us on a journey. Each set flowing into the next. Honestly, I could have kept this up for another few hours, but alas I only have a two hour canvas in which to paint the aural colors to pleasure your ears and your spirit.
And it’s all about the spirit on this night. And spirits!
Next Monday I’m considering hosting an all-covers show. Tune in.
Go in pieces.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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End of the World PSA: National Lampoon
Nowadays A Woman’s Gotta Hit A Man: Captain Beefheart
Cuban Pete: Desi Arnez
Alcohol: Gogol Bordello
Alcohol: The Kinks
Alcohol: Butthole Surfers
God’s Been Drinking: Bernadette Seacrest and Her Yes Men
God’s Away on Business: Tom Waits
God: John Lennon
Wake Up The Sun: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
God God God: Nina Simone
A Message From God: National Lampoon
Monkey Gone To Heaven: Pixies
Satan Dub: Lee “Scratch” Perry
Hell: James Brown
Hellhound On My Trail: Robert Johnson
Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find: 2 Pac
Heaven and Hell: Black Sabbath
Spiritual: John Coltrane
Wizard in Black: Electric Wizard
Worship The Devil: Glitter Wizard
If You Want To Sing Out: Cat Stevens
February 26, 11am
Stream the Celebration HERE!
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John Perry Barlow was a maverick in the ways of songwriting and internet freedom. Called “the uncrowned poet laureate of cyberspace,” and “equal parts beat poet and P.T. Barnum”, co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Barlow understood the importance of a free and accessible internet, open to all. As songwriting partner of the Grateful Dead‘s Bob Weir, he collaborated on some of the band’s most beloved tunes. He was a gentleman, a showman, a rowdy conspirator, and jack-of-all trades. The world is a better place because of him.
We’ll carry on the fight from here, John. RIP.
The tunes below are some of the absolute best versions performed. Links are provided for each show.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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Feel Like A Stranger: October 12, 1984 Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME
Mexicali Blues: October 26, 1971 The Palestra, Rochester, NY
Looks Like Rain: April 08, 1972 Wembley Arena, London, England
Just A Little Light: March 26, 1990 Albany, NY
I Need A Miracle: September 16, 1978, Giza, Egypt
Heaven Help The Fool: October 30, 1980 Radio City Music Hall, NYC, NY
Lazy Lightning/Supplication: November 02, 1977 Field House, Seneca College, Toronto, Canada
Black Throated Wind: August 27, 1972 Veneta, OR
Cassidy: October 12, 1983 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY
Estimated Prophet: February 3, 1978 Madison, WI
The Music Never Stopped: May 9, 1977 Buffalo, NY
Throwing Stones: September 20, 1990 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY
Hell in a Bucket: March 26, 1990 Albany, NY
John Perry Barlow wrote the Principle of Adult Behavior as standard code of conduct when
he was 30 years old.
1. Be patient. No matter what.
2. Don’t badmouth: Assign responsibility, not blame. Say nothing of another you wouldn’t say to him.
3. Never assume the motives of others are, to them, less noble than yours are to you.
4. Expand your sense of the possible.
5. Don’t trouble yourself with matters you truly cannot change.
6. Expect no more of anyone than you can deliver yourself.
7. Tolerate ambiguity.
8. Laugh at yourself frequently.
9. Concern yourself with what is right rather than who is right.
10. Never forget that, no matter how certain, you might be wrong.
11. Give up blood sports.
12. Remember that your life belongs to others as well. Don’t risk it frivolously.
13. Never lie to anyone for any reason. (Lies of omission are sometimes exempt.)
14. Learn the needs of those around you and respect them.
15. Avoid the pursuit of happiness. Seek to define your mission and pursue that.
16. Reduce your use of the first personal pronoun.
17. Praise at least as often as you disparage.
18. Admit your errors freely and soon.
19. Become less suspicious of joy.
20. Understand humility.
21. Remember that love forgives everything.
22. Foster dignity.
23. Live memorably.
24. Love yourself.
25. Endure.
HOW MANY OF THESE RULES DO YOU STRIVE TO LIVE BY?
February 19, 6pm
John Perry Barlow was a maverick in the ways of songwriting and internet freedom. I’ll be celebrating his life 8-10 Monday night.
February 3, 7am
Stream The FUNK HERE!
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After so many shows where it feels like I’m paying tribute to some lost musical genius, I needed to cleanse my Hellish soul. This show is sure to get your toes tappin’. On the menu are some classics and some tracks that are soon to be classic in your collection.
I also take a few minutes in the middle of the program to discuss my current thoughts on the state of commercial radio (one of my favorite topics), and the possible (and hopefully impending) bankruptcy of iHeart Radio (formerly Clear Channel). I’d love your thoughts on this. Feel free to leave a comment.
Just take a look at this playlist. Curtis, JB, Fela, Beasties, Brother Ray, Last Poets, The Meters, Aretha, Toots, Parliament, NWA!!!!!!!
DAMN, GET ON THE GOOD FOOT!
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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Right On For The Darkness: Curtis Mayfiled
Lickin’ Stick Lickin’ Stick: James Brown
Let’s Start: Fela Kuti and Ginger Baker
Hit It And Pass It: Rasputin Stash
Make It New York: Ghostface Killah
Sure Shot: Beastie Boys
Investigation: Carl Holmes
I Get A Kick Out Of You: Tony Bennett
Moonlight Mile: Lee Fields and the Expressions
There Is A Mountain: Jo Jones
Got What It Takes: Lord Loves A Working Man
Can’t Help Myself: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Orchestra
Drown In My Own Tears: Ray Charles
F.U.N.K.: Betty Davis
The White Man’s Got A God Complex: Last Poets
Darkest Light: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
Ride Your Pony: The Meters
Funky Kingston: Toots and the Maytals
People Get Ready: Aretha Franklin
Chocolate City: Parliament
Express Yourself: N.W.A.
January 23, 9pm
Stream The Mischief HERE!
Download Your Destiny HERE!
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Sometimes a show just hits right away. Tonight was one of those nights. I have never made it a habit of preparing much for my show. I usually have an idea for a theme, but there are many shows, including this one, where I had a few songs I knew I wanted to share, but other than that I go by feel.
I believe this was a standout show, and I hope you agree. Take a look at the playlist below, and stream or download to your heart’s content.
Join me on Thursday, February 1st at the SF Eagle for a memorial for our late friend, and horniest horn man, Ralph Carney. Ralph-A-Palooza promises to be a great show, with some brilliant and talented performers.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
http://hellskitchenradio.blogspot.com
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Everybody’s Clown: Lucifer’s Friend
Rhapsody in Blue: Sergio and Odair Assad
Fine and Mellow: Billie Holiday and Lester Young
Dance on the Volcano: Gomorrha
Give Up The Ghost: Hans Chew
South of the Border: Frank Sinatra
White Minority: Black Flag
You’re A Big Girl Now: Bob Dylan
Work Song: Nina Simone
Pissing in a River: Patti Smith Group
Buenos Tardes, Amigo: Ween
Rebel Rebel: Seu Jorge
God’s Been Drinking: Bernadette Seacrest And Her Yes Men
God’s Away On Business: Tom Waits
Alta: Ty Segall
Rollin’ and Tumblin’: Muddy Waters
It’s Good To Be King: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1999-04-12 Irving Plaza, NYC, NY)
St. James Infirmary: White Stripes
December 20, 9pm
Stream Another Tribute HERE!
Download Final Rights HERE!
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Sometimes it hits a little too close to home.
Rock poster artist and friend Ron Donovan passed away last week after losing his liver to too many years of alcohol abuse. I loved Ron like anyone did, which meant it was a love-hate relationship. He was funny, talented, smart, and charismatic. He was also selfish, often tardy, never with the tools he needed to do the job, full of excuses and a real pain in the ass. He burned more bridges than most. That being said, he was ubiquitous. There was no one like the Hobbit, “Rotten” Ronnie Donovan.
For over six years he was my foil when we co-hosted the 6 hour bootleg battle “Rock Fight” (links to most are below). Ron and I had perhaps the largest combined bootleg collection anywhere. It was easy to pull out brilliant live versions of tunes to one-up each other. He was always late to these shows, rarely had the material he needed, and would often pass out on the couch before we were through. I ended up having a strict “no hard alcohol” rule for these shows, which paid off as they were the finest we did together. We also hosted a few live bands and interviews during these marathon shows.
In 2011 Ron volunteered his services to make us a poster for Radio Valencia, which he was going to present at a big fundraiser of ours. He was four hours late and the poster had the incorrect URL and frequency on it! Oh, and he misspelled “commercials. HA! In typical Donovan fashion he just shrugged it off with a smile. I still have about a dozen of those posters somewhere.
Ron was mostly known through his great rock poster art. I met him when he and Chuck Sperry ran Firehouse Kustom Rock Posters. I would hang out at their warehouse and watch the magic happen. Ron was always the life of the party and often would bring the party with him. I’ll miss seeing him in his ink-covered shorts-over-thermals, and socks/sandals ensemble, riding along on his Powell/Peralta board looking for a free drink at any one of many bars or “offices” he had around town.
Tonight’s show is a tribute of sorts to Ron. I’m not sure he would have approved of every track, but he would have liked that they were all songs that one would want played as they passed on.
Yours truly,
jh
To check out previous Rock Fights, go here:
Rock Fight 14 – without Ron
Rock Fight 13 (mis-titled Rock Fight 14)
Rock Fight 12
Rock Fight 11
Rock Fight 10
Rock Fight 9
Rock Fight 8
Rock Fight 7
Rock Fight 6
Rock Fight 5
Rock Fight 4 – Playlist only
Rock Fight 3 – Playlist only
Rock Fight 2 – Playlist only
Rock Fight 1 – Playlist only
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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Never Talking to You Again: Husker Dü
Dirt: The Stooges
I Wanna Rock: Twisted Sister
Purple Rain: Prince
Heaven: Talking Heads
Teenage Kicks: The Undertones
People Who Died: Jim Carroll
In My Time of Dying: Led Zeppelin (03/19/75 Vancouver, Canada)
Rock and Roll Suicide: David Bowie
Carrickfergus: Van Morrison and The Chieftains
The Bones in the Ground: Robyn Hitchcock
I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You: Louis Armstrong
One More Cup of Coffee: Bob Dylan
Jig of Life: Kate Bush
Mea Culpa: Brian Eno and David Byrne
Highly Illogical: Leonard Nimoy
Hooray For Me: Bad Religion
Highway To Hell: AC/DC (12/17/81 Rochester, NY)
Watermelon in the Easter Hay: Frank Zappa
Black Peter: Grateful Dead (12/14/71 Ann Arbor, MI)
Happy Boy: Beat Farmers
Rock on, Rotten Ronnie. I hope you make it to your destination…eventually.
November 30, 10am
Stream Fresh “Young” Sounds HERE!
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Having spent almost 30 years in community radio, I’ve seen plenty of fresh young faces cross into the medium, where I have been asked to train them in the technical aspects of running the board, as well as how to announce during a mic break. There is an art to this. There is a flow. More often than not I am in the flow. I certainly know when I’m not. I tell the new DJ when it comes to the mic break, just do the business (back announce what you played, read a PSA, front announce and get off mic). Once you have more time in the studio under your belt, then you can wax poetic about the artist you just played and the label they are on, and connect it to some current issue, or talk about the band that’s coming to town and the place they’re playing and some history connected to the label you’re about to play. All of this takes time and experience.
I trained a new DJ on my recent show: Johnny Fuzz; no relation. His set is labeled below. Great guy, great choices. He’ll be getting a show soon, so please show him some love and tune in.
My next show is pretty timely. I call it “Statutory Rock”! You can only guess what I’ll be playing.
Finally, send some healing thoughts to Hell’s Kitchen Radio alum, and legendary rock poster artist, Ron “Rotten Ronnie” Donovan. He’s in the hospital with lived failure after living the life of a rock start, too hard, for too long. We love you Rotten Ronnie. Don’t make me host a tribute to you any time soon.
Check out the playlist below and click the stream or download button above to enjoy this great show. There’s some kind of tribute??? to Charles Manson at the beginning.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
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Never Learn to Love: Beach Boys
Cease to Exist: Charles Manson
Mayla: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
20th Century Boy: Ty Segall
Destination Unknown: Missing Persons
Kings Lead Hat: Brian Eno
The Eureka Garbage Lady: GTO’s
***Johnny Fuzz Set***
Caroline: Chrome
Allas Sak: Dungen
Vitamin D: Can
We Are Time: The Pop Group
I Don’t Like Linoleum: The Dancing Cigarettes
Creature That I Am: Cool Ghouls
Lucid I Would Dream: Miranda Lee Richardson
***John Hell***
Raw Optics: Oh Sees
Timid Scripts: HRVRD
Warm Piston: Monomen
She’s Got Balls: AC/DC
The Bomber: Joe Walsh and Barnstorm (09-24-73 Arlington, TX)
The Beacon: Golden Void
Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite (Take 4): The Beatles
Bad As Me: Tom Waits
Jesus Didn’t Die For Me: Rube Waddell
Sugaree: Grateful Dead (May 6, 1978 Patrick Gym, U of Vermont)
November 16, 9am
Stream Your Youth HERE!
Download the Death of Indie Rock, HERE!
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It’s that time once again when I get to indulge my inner Dave Morey and focus my show on one special year. This is my seventh annual Annual Annual, and this year it’s all about 1992. I turned 22 in late September and was deeply involved at KFJC as well as attending countless live shows around the Bay Area.
The club scene was really good to me too. South Bay spots like Marsugi’s and One Step Beyond were regular hot spots for us KFJC folks. I also spent a lot time at The Stone in SF, Paradise Lounge, Above Broadway, Slims, um, er, my brain is hurting trying to remember all the places. I recall The Omni, 924 Gillman Street, Berkeley Square, and Freight and Salvage in the East Bay too. And of course many many Grateful Dead shows up and down the west coast. 1992 was a really fun year for me.
As for the music, the indie scene was at a peak since Nirvana went super duper platinum (is that a ranking?) the previous fall with Nevermind. Major labels were doing everything they could to swipe up the next big thing. Some really horrible knockoff bands were popping up on commercial radio during this time. Some things never change.
I was hosting the 6-10AM morning show on Wednesday’s at KFJC. The music below feels like I took it straight from one of my playlists from that time. It’s possible I did. Granted we weren’t allowed, by FCC rules, to play any music with naughty language, so there are a few tracks on here that I would have loved to have played back then, but could not. Count yourself lucky for the advent of internet radio!
Take a walk down memory lane for the next two hours and enjoy 1992 like it never left us.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
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I Say Fuck: Supersuckers
Spear and Magic Helmet: The Gits
Ghettos of the Mind: Pete Rock and CL Smooth
California Uber Alles: Disposable Heroes of Hiphopricy
Love American Style: Mr. T Experience
Professor Booty: Beastie Boys
I Ain’t No Nice Guy: Motorhead
Papa Won’t Leave You, Henry: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Skeeter: King Buzzo (Melvins solo EPs)
Suck My Left One: Bikini Kill
Everything’s Ruined: Faith No More
Caliente: Supersuckers
Stranded on Death Row: Dr. Dre
Youth Against Fascism: Sonic Youth
Officer: The Pharcyde
Murder in the Red Barn: Tom Waits
Always Something: Yo La Tengo
Sweet Old World: Lucinda Williams
Summer Babe (Winter Version): Pavement
Living Wreck: Mudhoney
Sandusky: Uncle Tupelo
Your Ass Is Next In Line: The Mummies
Merry Muthafuckin’ Xmas: Eazy-E
Have A Cigar: Primus
Time Will Tell: Black Crowes
November 9, 9am
Stream the Witty Repartee HERE!
Download the Deep Soul Stride, HERE!
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I’m sleep deprived, so don’t hold me too accountable for what follows. …I’m trying hard to think of something witty to say. Hmmm. Who knew sleep was so damn important?
Ah yes, my show this week! I was able to get to my Fats Domino tribute. You probably only know him through his seminal hit “Blueberry Hill”, but his sound helped define early rock and roll, rhythm and blues, with a touch of jump swing. His stride piano style was always evident in the New Orleans sound, whether he was playing one of his own songs of love and heartbreak, or a carefully chosen cover. I grew up in a household where my dad (born 1941) played a lot of blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Fats played a central role in my early musical development, which I’m certain I didn’t realize until he passed away a few weeks back at the age of 89.
The balance of my show features new music from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (their third full-length release of 2017!) and Boris. There’s some long noisy jams via Aluk Todolo, a jazzy cover by Sex Mob, a “weird” cover by The Residents, stoner spacey jams from Sleep, and an Op/Ed from John Lennon. There’s more as you’ll see below. Also, I gave tickets away to see Fu Manchu. Did you know that I often have tickets to local shows I give away on my show? You didn’t?!?!?! Tune in and WIN!!! There’s so much winning. You’re going to get tired of all the winning, I promise you.
I’ve been spending too much time on Twitter lately. There are links below.
Next Monday night is my 7th annual Annual Annual!!! That’s two hours from one year. I’m thinking about hosting 1992.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://www.radiovalencia.fm
Follow me on Twitter
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It’s Hard to be Humble: Mac Davis
Jambalaya: The Residents
Ain’t That A Shame: Fats Domino
Bad Luck and Trouble: Fats Domino
Good Hearted Man: Fats Domino
You Win Again: Fats Domino
Your Cheatin’ Heart: Fats Domino
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans: Fats Domino
The Book/A Journey to (S)Hell: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Walking in the Park: Colosseum
Aquarian: Sleep
I Don’t Want To Be A Soldier: John Lennon
I Want You/She’s So Heavy: George Benson
Ampn’: Fu Manchu
The Horned Goddess: The Sword
Deadsong/Absolutego: Boris
IV: Aluk Todolo
Volpina: Sex Mob
