Download the Greeting HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
Hosting a special is always a treat. I like the work once I’m inspired. A few weeks ago this “Hello/Goodbye” idea popped into my head. It’s not very original, but it’s what you do with it that counts. How would you fill a two hour show of only songs that have the theme in the title, or are obviously about the theme?
I need to thank my buddy Michael for a few suggestions as well as many of the KALX staffers for throwing a few hundred titles my way. Wow! It’s an embarrassment of riches. I only have two hours to fill, so I wanted hour one to be the “Hello” theme, and hour two to close it out with the “Goodbye” theme. I opened and closed with Cheap Trick: “Hello There” and Auf Wiedersehen”. To segue from one to the other, I used the over-obvious Beatles tune “Hello/Goodbye”.
During my research I discovered there are countless songs about goodbye. It makes for a more emotional tale, than a song featuring a greeting. That being said, I think I represented both salutations well. You be the judge.
Next week it’ll be mostly new music, and we’re getting closer to being in our new studio on 22nd Street in San Francisco. Let the excitement commence!
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Download the Ride of your Life HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
A night with nothing to prove. After last week’s country/americana show, I feel like I needed to cleanse myself with a variety of genres. That’s the usual as you may know. There’s lots of music that’s new to you on here. Ace of Cups first ever release (2018), Joe Strummer compilation, prank phone calls to religious radio stations, Ethiopian jazz master, Chilean psych, Irish neo-folk, the king of Be-bop, a rediscovered folk gem, rumbling guitar, punk, funk, and junk.
See how far I go for you?
In the weeks to come I’m planning a few specials: Hello/Goodbye, days of the week, time of day, and a multi-part special on John Dwyer of Thee Oh Sees, Oh Sees, OCS, Damaged Bug, Yikes, Coachwhips and many more bands.
So much to look forward to, coming up Monday’s 8-10PM Pacific on Radio Valencia.
And don’t forget about John Hell’s Live Bootleg Bonanza, Monday’s 6-8PM Pacific, where I pull full shows from my vast live bootleg collection. Take a look at this blog for previous shows. Tune in every Monday to see what I have planned.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Police Truck: Dead Kennedys Feel Good: Ace of Cups
Love Kills: Joe Strummer Prole Art Threat: The Fall Modern World: Melvins
Let’s Have a Party: Wanda Jackson The Catholics Are Attacking: Pop O Pies Sticky Situations: National Hardwood Floor Association Blue Nile: Mulatu Astatke and the Heliocentrics
Here In The Dark: Aoife Nessa Frances Latinarabia: WatchOut!
I Was Denied: Thee Oh Sees Circles: Moon Duo White Rabbit: The Great Society Klaunstance: Charlie Parker
Born Secular: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins Puppet Show: Sleepytime Gorilla Museum Special Radio Edit Mix: Negativland
Bad Reputation: Reverend Horton Heat Law of the Jungle: Link Wray The Frisko Freeze: The Mummies Uncontrollable Urge: Devo Jesus: Velvet Underground What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the Ride of your Life HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
There’s something about hosting a thematic special that really gets the juices flowing. I don’t know if this was really a special, but I stuck with one genre for the most part on this show. My fabulous daughter, Little Lauson Hell tells me she doesn’t like Country music. To which I respond, you just haven’t really heard good Country music. Like anyone with musical taste, commercial anything is usually crap, that’s goes double for Country, but there have been some real treats in the history of this genre. I merely scratched the surface by playing some of my favorite artists. And it’s not hit-heavy as you will see.
And I didn’t program this show chronologically. So there.
I hope you find some treats in here. That’s the plan, right?
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Ring of Fire: June Carter Cash Satan is Real: Louvin Brothers Travelin’ Prayer: Dolly Parton
Thanks A Lot: Ernest Tubb Your Cheating Heart: Hank Williams It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels: Kitty Wells Bubbles in my Beer: Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys
White Lightning: George Jones Buckaroo: Buck Owens Stupid Cupid: Patsy Cline Mama Tried: Merle Haggard Will The Circle Be Unbroken: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Jubilee Trail/Do Re Mi/Promised Land: Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men Semi Crazy: Junior Brown
Waltz Across Texas Tonight: Emmylou Harris In My Hour Of Darkness: Gram Parsons Your Gentle Way of Loving Me: The Byrds
Wallflower: Bob Dylan She’s A Mover: Sir Douglas Quintet Wreck of the Old 97: Johnny Cash Cold Cold Heart: Waylon Jennings
Are You Alright?: Lucinda Williams Blue Moon Waltz: Jimmy Dale Gilmore I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow: Soggy Bottom Boys ft. Dan Tyminski
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song: First Aid Kit Powderfinger: Neil Young Wrote A Song For Everyone: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Download Life’s Instructions HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
How has time changed for you over the past year? Some days, when I’m busy teaching, grading, cleaning up the Hellhole, and caring for the Hell spawn, it seems to fly right by, leaving me wonder where the Hell all this free time is? Then there are days when I fell it drag right along, as if the seconds are actually ticking backwards. What are we going to remember about this time a decade from now? Is there anything you have been putting off that you really need to get to before we all head back out into the world we think we knew? How do you want to approach the post-pandemic world? Will you rush back in, jumping at the chance to go everywhere and see everyone? Or are you going to slowly ease in, keeping your mask on deep into 2021, and quietly judging anyone who has the gall to walk around without a mask?
What’s it going to be?
I received my two Pfizer vaccinations a few weeks back, with no side effect besides a minor soreness at the injection site, and I’m keeping my mask on until we’re given the go ahead to take it off. I don’t want to be the guy who can’t get sick, but carries the virus and gets others sick. Not on my watch!
Since San Francisco is moving closer to the yellow tier, this means that Radio Valencia is getting closer to opening our new studio at 3227 22nd Street. This is a storefront location, and I cannot wait to start broadcasting my show live from there. I hunger for the energy of our own studio once again, interviewing people, getting loud, and letting my hair down. Don’t get me wrong, the concept of doing my show from my bedroom is oh so much fun, but being reminded that it’s Bodhi’s bedtime, and not to talk so loudly is really putting a crimp in my style. KnowWhatIMean?
That being said, I’m really excited about this recent show of mine. I was off last week, so I had a lot of music saved up to share with you all. I think I painted the scene nicely. You let me know what you think. Feel free to leave a comment, and thanks for all those who chatted me up this past Monday night. Keep it comin’.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Download The Answer To Your Prayers HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
I’m taking too much time thinking about how to describe this show. It shouldn’t take this long. It should just flow, you know? The show flowed well. I had been listening to a lot of compilations during the week leading up to the show, so a lot of what you hear are from a few that stood out.
I don’t look at compilations for songs that have been previously released. Sometimes the joy of a good comp is that rare track, the alternative take (some of which is obvious why it was never released in the first place), guest musicians, and the such.
I enjoy covers a lot, and if you tune in regularly you’re aware of this. There are times when I dig deep for the original; much of the time it’s an old blues take.
There are no fewer than ten covers tonight, and a few alternate and rare takes thrown in too. Check out the Richard Hell set, featuring his early days with Tom Verlaine (Neon Boys and Television). He also recorded a record with Steve Shelley and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth: Dim Stars.
Check out the birthday tribute to Phil Lesh, who turned 81 on Monday, featuring a cavalcade of “stars” covering a rarely played Grateful Dead tune, “Unbroken Chain”. I posted the video from this session at the bottom of this post. It’s well worth the listen and the viewing.
There’s also a birthday tribute to Sly Stone who turned 78 on Monday.
I could go on and on about the sets I played, but I think you’re here for the music. In a rare twist, there aren’t any new releases in this show. Next week I’ll throw down some new music for you dig.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Fuck You, Let’s Rodeo: FEAR I Don’t Know: Willie Mabon Little Red Rooster: Big Mama Thornton
Beyond and Back: X Silver Wings: The Knitters Gold and Silver: Quicksilver Messenger Service
Brand New Day: The Staple Singers Mack the Knife: Nick Cave Dedication: Casey Kasem Blank Generation (Live 1974): Television Love Comes In Spurts: Neon Boys
Rip Off: Dim Stars Stairway to Royalty Payments: Evolution Control Committee The Crystal Ship: Dead Meadow
Pablo Picasso: Catholic Discipline (Live January 19, 1980 KPFK) Jamie’s Cryin’: John Jorgenson Band ft. David Lee Roth I’m Shakin’: The Blasters
Unbroken Chain: The Terrapin Family Band with special guests for Phil Lesh’s 81st birthday Que Sera Sera: Sly and the Family Stone
Love Is Something: Brides of Funkenstein The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (alt take): Gil Scott-Heron Ballad of the Soldier’s Wife: PJ Harvey What Keeps Mankind Alive: WS Burroughs – Anthony Coleman, Selfhaters Orchestra Why Don’t We Do It In The Road: Lydia Lunch
Swampland: Monomen Good Night, Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk Singers
Download My Favorite Women HERE! Listen into all my shows here!
I always like the response to the question asked to late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, when she was asked how many women on the high court would satisfy here? Her response: 9. I love that. There were 9 men between 1789 – 1981 when Sandra Day O’Conner was appointed. Isn’t it time for a high court full of women?
Women are rising to greater heights in government, academia and industry, and of course some of the most amazing singers and musicians throughout history have been women. Tonight it’s all about some of my favorite women. Most are female-fronted bands, but there are many all-women groups here, solo artists, and a few duets peppered in for good measure.
Spread this show far and wide.
Have you tuned into my Monday night Live Bootleg Bonanza? Monday’s 6-8PM Pacific I dig into my live bootleg library and play a full show or two from the hundreds of bands I have shows from. Take a look at my full blog and scroll down for the past shows I’ve played.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Download The Greatest Story Ever Told HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
Well damn if that wasn’t fun. During the week I’m always listening to music; my own collection and a lot of non-commercial radio: Radio Valencia, KALC and KFJC mostly. Thankfully the Shazam app exists. I cannot tell you how often I use that app. Personally I believe it to be the greatest app ever made in the history of app-kind. Quite possibly it’s the greatest invention since the printing press! OK maybe since radio. What do I know?
My point: many of the artists I still get turned onto come from listening to quality radio stations, with hosts who really know their music.
What a time to be quarantined!
I’m hoping we’re allowed into our new studio soon. I miss having people to interview from week to week. And we’ve got these great new digs on 22nd street, right next door to the Make Out Room. I really hope they’re able to survive this pandemic. Word came today that the iconic Revolution Cafe has closed their doors, permanently. I would fly my flag at half mast if I had one.
Carrying on, here’s a bunch of music that will sweep away the ennui, unless you get off on that kind of sensation? I will never yuck your yum.
Brand new Melvins and Mr. Bungle are in the show, along with a lot of artists I don’t think I have ever played on here before. Also some new Iggy Pop where he channels the spirit of a dead Welsh poet. Iggy can gargle salt water and I would still love how it sounds.
I want to start featuring more local independent artists who I know have suffered through COVID-19. I’ve got some Kate Vargas and her man, Eric McFadden in the second hour. They could always use your love.
See you next Monday starting at 6pm Pacific for my live bootleg bonanza, where I play full live shows from my live bootleg library. This blog has posts from the previous shows so you can take a look at what you missed. Then stick around from 8-10PM Pacific for my two hour music mix Hell’s Kitchen Radio.
Enjoy.
jh
Fuck Around: Melvins Gaze the Haze: Watchout!
Fascists Eat Donuts: Pop O Pies Dead Man Walking: Praxis Break Your Mind: The Darts
Kicker Conspiracy: The Fall Colossal Youth: Young Marble Giants Pool On A Plate: Naked Lights Son of Mustang Ford: Swervedriver
Loss For Words: Mr. Bungle Tippi Toes: Primus The Sun and its Horizon: Bill Orcutt Chik Chikka: Mulatu Astake and the Heliocentrics
The Partisan: Electrelane Sold America: Damaged Bug Kolbasti: Altin Gun Lonesome Cowboy Bill: Velvet Underground Panik: Bratmobile Westgate: Amyl and the Sniffers
Shocks Almighty: Lee Scratch Perry There’s A Party: N.A.S.A. (feat. George Clinton and Chali 2na) What A Man: Linda Lyndell Got My Mojo Working: Ann Cole
7 Inches: Kate Vargas Babydoll: Eric McFadden Done Got Old: Heartless Bastards Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night: Iggy Pop
Certain Men: Negativland Talkin’ New York: Bob Dylan Good Night, Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk Singers
Download The Secret of the Universe HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
Well that was fun. Did you have fun too? No? Then you need to listen to this show again.
I may need to bring back the “set of the week”. I am always interested in knowing what you’re listening to? What should I be listening to? Turn me on! I don’t use Spotify, but I am always happy to go in search of good music.
Are you an artist looking to get played? Send me your music and I’ll give it a listen. mrjohnhell@gmail.com
This show has plenty of gems to entertain the most cynical of you all. Most of this recent show sits in the punk and blues genres, but I throw a few other nibblets in there for good measure. Is “nibblet” even a word? It’s coming up with the red dashed lines under it, indicating that I have just made up a new word! Good for me!
At this point I’m just filling space. Go away now and enjoy two hours of music you didn’t know you needed.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
1921: The Who Black Temptation: The Flesh Eaters TV Eye: Wylde Ratttz
Starship: MC5 Amphetamine: Rocket from the Tombs
Hare Krsna: Husker Du Dirt: Iggy and the Stooges My Generation: Patti Smith Group
Why Can’t I Touch It: Buzzcocks Cherry Bomb: Bratmobile (You Must Fight To Live) On The Planet of the Apes: The Mummies Diddy Wah Diddy: Bo Diddley Evil: Howlin’ Wolf
Right Right Hand: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Disaster (Is What We’re After): Death Valley Girls Set It On Fire: The Scientists Devil Got My Woman: Jimmy “Duck” Holmes
Canopnr ’74: Oh Sees Floating Head: Wand Returning: FUZZ Open Water: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Motorbike: Wooden Shjips Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite! (featuring Maynard James Keenan, Puscifer & Sunbears!): Flaming Lips Anaconda: Melvins
Auf Wiedersehen: Cheap Trick Goodnight Sleep Tight: Lawrence Welk Singers
Download My Heartfelt Feelings HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
Well this is embarrassing. I should have had this up for you days ago. I really have no excuse. It’s not like I go anywhere. I don’t commute anymore. I don’t go see people. I don’t go to shows, or out to restaurants, or even for many walks. I’m mostly in front of this damnable machine for too many hours a day. Maybe that’s why it didn’t get done: the lack of motivation?
Maybe.
I love hosting my show every week. I would host a daily show if I had the time to do so. Work and family does take precedent, don’t ya know.
But for Monday night I’m all yours. So what do you want to do with me? I’m a glutton for your punishment.
Here’s what I have for you.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Bungle Grind: Mr. Bungle Politician Man: Betty Davis School Boy Crush: US Army Band
I Have Changed: HP Riot A Time To Rebuild: Robert Hood P.I.M.P.: Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band
The Romantic Warrior: Return to Forever Shake Sugaree: Elizabeth Cotton I’ve Been All Around This World: Grateful Dead (October 6, 1980, Warfield Theater, SF, CA)
Porno (for Larry Flint): Limbomaniacs Respect Yourself: The Staple Singers Gallows Pole: Led Zeppelin Long Black Veil: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
I Must Have Been Out Of My Mind: Peter Laughner Poor Georgia: The Low Lows Hey Joe: Carl Smith X Offender: Blondie
Future Bomb: Ninja Racers Fight Back: Midnight Snaxxx Ravening Trip: Bazooka That’s Not My Name: The Ting Tings
Love Comes In Spurts: Richard Hell and the Voidoids Ca Plane Pour Moi: Plastic Betrand I Bid You Goodnight: Joseph Spence and the Pinder Family
Download The Celebration HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
If this show had legs it would have found a few dozen dance moves to throw down. It doesn’t have this ability, but don’t let that stop you from getting down. Black History Month or not, every one of these artists deserves every award they have won, and many more they hadn’t. You have no excuse but to strap in for a real good time.
And do not even get me started about the bullshit that is out there, coming from racist white assholes about the need for a White History Month. EVERY MONTH IS WHITE HISTORY MONTH!!!! For Christ’s sake, the entire history of our nation has been written by white people. Blacks get the shortest month of the year. February was chosen because of the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. I get it, I get it. But until we make serious amends with our original sin, this country will never heal. I’m a proponent of paying reparations to Blacks who can show they are direct decedents of slaves. I also believe we need to do the same to Indigenous Americans. Hitler and the Nazi’s learned how to control their population based on our treatment of native tribes and Jim Crow laws, post Civil War.
We have a lot of work to do.
The second hour has a Bob Marley birthday set. He would have celebrated 76 years last week. Any excuse to play more Bob Marley.
In the meantime, enjoy these two hours. Many genres, all great music.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Country Blues: Muddy Waters Stack O’Lee: Mississippi John Hurt Travelin’ Riverside Blues: Robert Johnson
Body and Soul: Billy Holliday Solea: Miles Davis with Gil Evans Orchestra
Swing Low, Sweet Cadillac: Dizzy Gillespie Sinnerman: Nina Simone Good Livin’ (Good Lovin’): Bernard Purdie
Git In There: Betty Davis Leroy Is In The Army: Jimmy Castor They All Ask’d For You: The Meters Ride On: Parliament
The Whole World Needs Liberation: James Brown Radio Commercial/8th Wonder: The Sugar Hill Gang Bring the Noise: Public Enemy
Soul Rebel: Bob Marley and Lee “Scratch” Perry No More Trouble: Bob Marley and the Wailers Rasta Man Chant: Bob Marley and the Wailers Crazy Baldheads: Bob Marley and the Wailers War: Bob Marley and the Wailers
Star Spangled Banner: Jimi HendrixBig Take Over: Bad Brains I Bid You Goodnight: Joseph Spence and the Pinder Family
