Download the Mind Meld HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I’m not one to really reminisce much, but when it comes to music, it’s all about reaching deep to connect the rich past with the progressive future. What does it matter what genre is played, as long as it gets played up against something that just feels right, right? Right.
In my early days of radio, when I was just a green newbie at KFJC, I recall the debate: play nothing but the newest of the new, and the edgiest of the edge, versus the need to add a taste of “accessible” sounds to hold the new music together like glue. I subscribe the view of the latter. If you tune in regularly, than you know that I always enjoy finding something new to share with you. You also know that my library runs deep. I can’t wait to play that “classic” you never knew existed, or haven’t heard in so many years, you forgot that you loved it.
That’s how I roll.
In my most recent show it is indeed about going deep to blend genres and emotions, to take you on an aural journey into the night (I am on 8-10pm after all). New music from Oh Sees and Mikal Cronin, along with some covers that you’ll be searching for as soon as you hear it from me.
As always thank you for your support. I really love being able to do this for you, week after week.
On tonight’s show, I feature some new music from Bay Area power trio KnightressM1, along with some psychedelic cumbia, some funky jams, and whatever strikes my fancy along the way.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
This Land Is Your Land: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Every Day I Have The Blues: Fleetwood Mac
Rollin’ and Tumblin’: RL Burnside Mona: Bo Diddley Dreary Nonsense: Oh Sees Guardian Well: Mikal Cronin
Dead Cowboy: Lightning Bolt Runnin’: The Pharcyde Ambush In The Night: Bob Marley
Anti-Love Song: Betty Davis
Sweet Leaf: Brownout Dirt: Iggy and the Stooges SOC MED Digital Heroin: Public Enemy
Rise Up With Fists: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins Tennessee Stud: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with Doc Watson Anesthetize Pt. 1: Porcupine Tree Space Conquest: Angel In Heavy Syrup
All I Want Is Out Of Here: Daevid Allen Welfare City: Eugene McDaniels Oh I Long To Feel Your Arms Around Me: Father John Misty Satori Pt. 1: Flower Travelin’ Band
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron We Don’t Quit: Flat Eathers What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the Catharsis HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
I hate being late getting my shows up. It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s that I have to make the time to fit this in. And I really want to give you quality, always. How am I doing? Can you give me a grade? I can take the criticism. I have to. We all have to. What kind of world would this be if we never made ourselves available to constructive criticism? Can you imagine if our government and corporate leaders never listened to quality advice, that may or may not counter their own ideas? Seriously, can you even imagine??? I’m waiting for an old fashioned video screen wipe that makes it appear that we’re entering a dream sequence, where we see some fictionalized TV character showing us the many tropes of what it’s like when they fail to listen to good advice. You may be doing this too.
Maybe I should just stick to my lane? In this case my lane is music. This show it got sweet and loud. Sometimes loud is cathartic. We need to purge some energy time and again. I was reading recently when you can’t get your child to focus, get them to be physically active; it allows them to get the distractions out, so they can focus on the task at hand, with minimal negative emotion. Let’s look at this two hour show as a good sprint around the block.
I’m back on Monday night after a rolling blackout took out the station last week. New music coming your way with KnightressM1 and others. Tune in.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Blind For All To See: Shrinebuilder Magic: Zig Zags Last Caress/Green Hell: Metallica
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers: Motorhead Amputation Song: Frisco Ghosts of Karlelia: Mastodon
Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled): Amyl and the Sniffers White Riot: The Clash Burned Enterance: Goggs Night Goat: Hepa/Titus
The Kicking Machine: Melvins The Green Manalishi: The Flesh Eaters Children of the Grave: Brown Sabbath The Wizard: Black Sabbath
Winter’s Wolves: The Sword Technically Electrified: Big Business When Fate Deals its Mighty Blow: The Scientists Death Valley Boogie: Death Valley Girls Acetate: METZ
Download the Stench of My Love HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
This is a “keep you on your toes” kind of show. And you think you know me? That’s cute. You’re cute. You live alone? That must suck in the time of COVID-19 to live alone. I hope you at least have a cat and Netflix.
The first hour of this here show is some funk, some metal, some psych, and a few other trinkets thrown in for good measure. The second hour is mostly new music, featuring brand spankin’ new music from Oakland’s KnightressM1. Violinist Emily Palen’s power trio has a powerful new release that I am super excited to share with you all, “Polarity Integrate”. What this woman does with a violin should be featured in the most hallowed halls rock and metal! I can’t wait to hear more. Two hours is never enough. I’m always just getting warmed up. And I don’t even dive into my live bootleg stash. I’ve been saving that for Wednesday’s noon-2. John Hell’s Live Bootleg Bonanza is my effort to take the sting of missing live shows off of your shoulders, even if it’s in the middle of your work day. You’re all working from home anyway, aren’t you? Take a look at these tasty slices below, and dive in with gusto.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Download the misgivings HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
Another round number show in the books. 400 shows is nothing to sneeze at, and looking back at my 30+ years in radio it’s more like 1200 I’m guessing. That’s something to be proud of, and I am. I love having this platform to share my love of music with you all. Thanks for tuning in when you do. You do tune in, don’t you?
I was looking back at shows 100, 200, and 300 to get an idea if I did anything “special” for those shows, and what I found didn’t surprise me at all. They were just ordinary shows, with my playing new music and music that’s new to you. Therefore I present you my most recent show that just happens to have a nice large round number associated with it.
Also, looking at my actual show count on Radio Valencia I see that I have hosted over 400, because I don’t number the many specials I host. It’s all good. Who’s counting?
Tune in Wednesday noon-2PM (PDST) for my next Live Bootleg Bonanza show. This is my third week hosting this. I dive deep into my vast live bootleg library to share a treat with you. And this week I have two shows to share: Allman Brothers from 1970 and a Peel Session featuring T Rex also from 1970. This is going to be great!
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Fairies Wear Boots: Brown Sabbath This Is Not A Song, It’s An Outburst_ Or, The Establishment Blues: Rodriguez For My Crimes: Marissa Nadler
Parchman Farm: Mercury Rev ft. Carise van Houton I Don’t Wanna Grow Up: Tom Waits I’m A Man: Ty Segall Something In The Air: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I Don’t Mind: Psychic Ills ft. Hope Sandoval Mellow My Mind: Josh Tillman Fourth of July: Negativland Teenage Kicks: The Undertones
Black Temptation: Flesh Eaters Buy Her Candy: Sleater-Kinney Southern Girls: Cheap Trick (Steve Albini mix)
Fourth of July: Dave Alvin Back in the USA: Chuck Berry The Big Gundown: Ennio Morricone I’m So Bored with the USA: The Clash
The Sicilian Clan: John Zorn Cross the Breeze: Sonic Youth The Boss: James Brown Are You Glad To Be In America: James “Blood” Ulmer
Wild America: Iggy Pop Gimme Shelter: Grand Funk Railroad
White Punks On Dope: The Tubes What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the misgivings HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
How did we get here so fast? Well, it’s been just about ten years, so not exactly fast, but 399 is a pretty big number. To be honest, I’ve hosted more than 400 shows on Radio Valencia since our inception in August 2010. Many of my specials like Rock Fight and the Annual Annual don’t get a show number. So I’m closer to 420 than 400, but let’s not let semantics get in the way of a good time.
There’s always an excuse to party, and in days like these we don’t need many excuses.
I don’t know about you but I’ve been spending a lot of my days with the music flowing. Right now as I sit and write this I’m listening to a Sonic Youth show from November 26, 1992. What a fabulous soundboard!!! Maybe I’ll feature it on my Wednesday afternoon show. Oh wait, I didn’t tell you about my other show on Radio Valencia? I decided to commandeer Wednesday noon-2pm to feature my vast live bootleg library. I’ve hosted two shows so far, the first featuring a Pink Floyd show from 1970, and the second, a Led Zeppelin show from 1975. There’s so much goodness to share, I just can’t keep all of this great music to myself.
You should “like” my Facebook page and see what music I’m listening to, and take a poll to help me choose which bands/shows to play on my Wednesday slot.
As for my Monday show, and show #399, I start with a brand spankin’ new Public Enemy track, showing that we haven’t gotten very far in the past 31 years, let alone 401. There are covers as usual, some funk, some jazz, some punk, everything you have come to love and enjoy after 399 shows in Hell’s Kitchen.
Every set is the set of the night!
I don’t know what I have in store for my official #400 show next Monday night. I’m not very good at planning my shows. Really, I’m not. I try to go with what feels good, so I may need to keep to that formula.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Fight the Power 2020: Public Enemy Swampland: Melvins with Mark Arm Black Mountain: Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Set It On Fire: The Scientists Retribution: Abbey Lincoln Farewell to Ibusa: Afro Funk Banned in DC: Bad Brains
Baby: Psychic Ills Cornflower Suite: Suni McGrath
Funeral For A Great Drunken Bird: All Them Witches Tiger Mountain Peasant Song: First Aid Kit Let’s Go Hunt For Grandpa: Goober and the Peas Space Rinse: Gøggs
Immigrant Punk: Gogol Bordello Earth People: Dr. Octogon Do You Realize?: Flaming Lips Biological Speculation: Funkadelic
Make It NY: Ghostface Killah Lady Day and John Coltrane: Gil Scott-Heron Susperia: Goblin You Gotta Move: RL Burnside
Mistreating Queen: Radio Moscow Bales of Cocaine: Reverend Horton Heat Food Sickles and Girls: The Mummies Ricky: Butthole Surfers
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Check out that great new Public Enemy video for the updated “Fight the Power” right here!!!
Download the Gospel HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
I Am Not Your Jukebox!
In no way am I trying to mock the late great philosopher, historian, educator, and writer, James Baldwin. He was a true master; much more eloquent than I could ever hope to be.
However, the truth remains, I am not here for you to put a quarter in and expect your choice of song to jump out. That wouldn’t be fair to you, myself, nor the listener. I rarely take a request, and when I do I only trust a few people that I have known to have a stellar reputation for musical knowledge to throw me a track during me show. Damn, what an elitist bougie bastard I am! No, I’m an artist. I have a two hour aural canvas I’m painting for you with sound.
I do love it when bands send me their music. Case in point, I love this new release from local Bay Area band The Campbell Apartment, and I’m thrilled they shared music from their latest release “Curmudgeon” with me. And thank you Ari and crew for allowing me to choose the track I played tonight! But I’m no sycophant. And it’s hard, you know? I’m friendly with so many amazing musicians, who’s music I really enjoy listening to more often than not. That being said, if you’re sending me music you want me to play, please be prepared for me to choose the track I think best fits on my show. I’m not saying this because some bands have given me flack for not playing their chosen single. I cannot think of the last time that even happened. I’m just trying to keep the boundaries clear.
Got it? Great. Thanks.
I have two goals for my show for the second half of 2020.
Stay alive
Buy more music
Play a more diverse selection of genres
PLAY MORE WOMEN ARTIST!!!
Host other shifts during the week to showcase my live bootleg collection
Get into our new studio and make it the best studio Radio Valencia has had
Interview kick ass musicians who love their craft
Make love
Start a revolution
OK, that was nine goals. I think I’ve got this.
When I said earlier that I don’t take requests, that doesn’t mean you can’t send me what you like. Just don’t ask for it on Monday’s between 8-10PM. I have also decided to take over the Radio Valencia stream during the days when there isn’t a live show being broadcast, to share my live bootleg library with you. Wednesday, June 24th from noon-2pm I have Pink Floyd live at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, April 29, 1970 cued up. What a treat!
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Download the Cleanse HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
I’ll admit it, I have been guilty of purchasing an LP from time to time because of the cover. This doesn’t mean I didn’t want it for the music, it was the cover that pushed me into making the purchase. Recently, my daughter Little Lauson Hell asked me to show her my favorite LP covers. Talk about making her daddy proud! I took my time to consider the criteria: a great cover isn’t just the art, it can also be the story behind the music, the artist, that time, etc. It can be a stark, minimalist cover, such as “Something Else”, by Cannonball Adderley, or a robust cover like “Bitches Brew”, by Miles Davis.
As I was taking her through the journey, I had to pause and remember this wasn’t about showing her my favorite albums, some of which have crap covers. This was about the covers themselves. I spoke to her about growing up buying vinyl, laying on my bed staring at the cover, and reading the liner notes. I get as excited today as I ever have purchasing new vinyl.
So far her favorite covers were the three picture discs for Altamont (Dale Crover side project).
Which reminds me, even if we can’t patronize our favorite local record shop, we can still purchase straight from the labels and the bands. And a reminder that Bandcamp will be hosting their first Friday again, July 3rd, when all proceeds go straight to the artist. They are also having a fundraiser on June 19th (Juneteenth), where all proceeds go to the NAACP. Buy great music, support the artists, and support a great cause. I know I will.
Many of you know that I am a social studies teacher in San Francisco. Specifically I teach Pre-Law, American Democracy, and Economics in a thematic pathway for the past 16 years. I have read and studied the US Constitution for longer than that, and I can attest that it is a comprehensive social contract, that cannot be mastered in one, two, or twenty readings. Before you read a political headline and think you know what the Constitution has to say on the matter, please take the time to do your research, including what the US Supreme Court has to say on the issue. In the meantime, take a gander at the playlist below. New music from my dream team Melvins/Mudhoney, a Ty Segall/Cory Hanson collaboration, some Afro-Funk, avant-Jazz, and many local bands.
Click the link above, sit back, relax, and as always, enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
My War: Mudhoney/Melvins A.D.D.: System of a Down All You Fascists: Billy Bragg and Wilco
The Mask (Part 2): Miles Davis Get Up, Stand Up (Alternate Take): Bob Marley and the Wailers
Milk Bird Flyer: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson Eggs at Night: Damaged Bug Theme de Yoyo: Art Ensemble of Chicago Live at PJs: Beastie Boys
The Great Conspirator: Illogistical Resources Dept. Telephone Girl: Assagai The American in Me: The Avengers
American Cars: Useless Eaters Here She Comes Now: Curtis Harding Everything I Say Just Goes Right Through Her Heart: Peter Laughner Complicated Life: The Kinks
7 Inches: Kate Vargas Mr. Slick: Ken Nordine Devil Moon: Eric McFadden Jesus Didn’t Die For Me: Rube Waddell
House Hunter: Le Butcherettes Yes We Can: Lee Dorsey
Supergirl: The Fugs What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the Cleanse HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
My listeners inspire me. Truly, you do. Last week was cathartic, and I’m not done with the protest/revolutionary sounds; I just needed a week off to refresh. A few 10+ minute tunes tonight will do.
Lots of new music and music that’s new to you. Last Friday was Bandcamp’s revenue-free day, where all of the proceeds go to the artist and/or a charity supporting #BLM-related organizations.
I have a lot to say on the topic of inequity and inequality in America. I have been a high school social studies teacher, teaching law, civics and economics for 17 years. I’m not going to use this space today to pour my thoughts out, though I may do so soon. Watch this space.
In the meantime, take a look at the playlist below and then click the link above to give it a listen. There are a few long jams, but I think that’s one of the reasons you tune.
And big thanks go out to my old, dear friend. Michael, who is one of the very few who can throw me a tune in the middle of my show, that I have never heard, and get me to play it. That’s a lot of trust right there. And Michael knows his music. That guy ought to have a radio show of his own.
Hmmmmm?
New music right out of the gate from the duo that promises to be dynamic, and I do hope they produce more music together: Ty Segall, and WAND frontman, Cory Hanson. Also a tribute to the late George Floyd by rocker-turned-folkie, Jim McHugh. There’s some new music in the Hell library that makes its way in throughout the show, including Psychic Ills, Bratmobile (had it on vinyl, and now digitally), Sleater-Kinney, Death Valley Girls, Fela Kuti, Oh Sees (HOLY HELL I cannot believe I missed this one in late 2017!!!), local prog-kraut-metal-rockers Glitter Wizard, The Scientists (from their golden era), Flesh Eaters, Mike Watt, Peter Laughner, and more!!!
Whew!
I hope you take more risks in your music selection. I enjoy curating these two hours for you every week. The kindest response I have ever received from a listener was when they told me they listen to me show every week with a pen and paper in hand. Damn, but that feels good.
Enjoy.
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
She’s A Beam: Ty Segall and Cory Hanson I Don’t Mind: Psychic Ills
Vigilante Man/George Floyd: Jim McHugh Cherry Bomb: Bratmobile Abre Camino: Death Valley Girls
Go Slow: Fela Kuti Dig Me Out: Sleater-Kinney
Dead Medic: Oh Sees Hall of the Oyster King: Glitter Wizard
In God We Trust: Bent Knee When Fate Deals Its Mortal Blow: The Scientists House Among the Thickets: The Flesh Eaters No One: Mike Watt and the Secondmen
Acid Nightmare: Xarhanga The Wedge: The JBs It’s A Mean Old World: Reverend Pearly Brown Earthquake: Butthole Surfers
The Flip: Cleveland Freckleton Mean Old Frisco: Peter Laughner What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the Power HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
Sometimes I just need the music to do the talking. I. Am. Pissed. Aren’t you? What fresh kind of hell are we living in today? Unprecedented, unhinged, fragile masculinity, a show of strength, phony religious grandstanding, narcissistic mind fuck, controlling the news cycle. He thinks this is all a TV show and he’s the star, and WHY DON’T YOU LOVE ME??????MOMMY??????DADDY????????
Someone needs a hug.
This show is all about protests and revolution. I have been to my share. There is so much I could have played, and isn’t that telling? I also chose some important speeches I hope you’ll find interesting and important during this time of struggle. Malcolm X, Angela Davis, MLK Jr. Mumia Abu Jamal all have something to say about protest and revolution.
And we thought the pandemic alone was going to define 2020? We’re not even half way through the year, and there’s an election in November, if we can keep it.
Fight the good fight, and all power to the people, always.
Your brother,
jh
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF http://radiovalencia.fm
Power to the People: John Lennon My Favorite Mutiny: The Coup Wild In The Streets: Circle Jerks
Tear The Fascists Down: Woody Guthrie The Times They Are A-Changin’: Bob Dylan A Riot is the Language of the Unheard: Martin Luther King Jr. Fight the Power: Public Enemy
Mississippi God Damn: Nina Simone Youth Against Fascism: Sonic Youth Burnin’ and Lootin’: Bob Marley How To Disappear Completely: Radiohead
Inner City Blues: Gil Scott-Heron Becoming and Activist: Angela Davis What’s Going On: Marvin Gaye
The Mob Rules: Black Sabbath Riot: Fishbone Fuck Tha Police: NWA By Any Means Necessary: Malcolm X When The Revolution Comes: Last Poets
Children of the Revolution: T. Rex Nazi Punks, Fuck Off: Dead Kennedys My War: Black Flag Prisons vs. Preschools: Mumia Abu Jamal Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday
Talk About A Revolution: Tracy Chapman What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong
Download the Shame HERE! Listen into all my shows here! Subscribe to my show, via Subscribe to my Spotify Podcast HERE!
WOW, this show sucked. And let me tell you why.
I had this grand idea to stream from my backyard, where we have new patio furniture. I thought, how fun is this? I get to chill out in Hell’s Lounge and play my favorite music just for you. But it didn’t take into consideration a few things:
My neighbors can hear everything I’m saying on my show, and they think I’m talking to them and keep asking me what I’m doing.
The mosquitoes want to be in on the act. OUCH!
It got dark and I have poor lighting out there.
It took me 10 minutes and three tries to connect to our server and it dropped me about 30 minutes into the show, the moment I went inside to grab an extension cord.
My external hard drive was on its last legs and any sudden micro-movements would disconnect it, leaving me with dead air.
It turns out that it was a combination of a dying hard drive AND a dying USB port.
I sure wanted to enjoy this show. The playlist is diverse and dynamic, but alas the mic breaks are lame.
Seriously though take a look at that playlist. Damn.
My upcoming show is all about revolution. You really should tune in wearing all black.
Try to enjoy.
jh
PS: I purchased a new WD 5TB hard drive last week. Everything is transferred over and ready to rock!
Hell’s Kitchen Radio with John Hell Mondays 8-10PM Radio Valencia in SF
Let’s Start: Fela Ransome-Kuti And The Africa ’70 With Ginger Baker *Not on the broadcast Zombi: Fela Kuti *Not on the broadcast
Always Flying: Thee Oh Sees Fucked Up Motherfucker: Ty Segall Fell In Love With A Girl: White Stripes with Steven McDonald
Paint It Black: The Avengers If I’m In Luck I Might Get Picked Up: Betty Davis Jack the Stipper/Fairies Wear Boots: Black Sabbath
Something I Learned Today: Husker Du River Deep Mountain High: Tina Turner Get Down Moses: Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
I’m Free: King Tuff El Fugitivo: Grupo Fantasma Black Heath: Melvins Their Helicopters Sing: Godspeed You, Black Emperor! Run Run Run: Velvet Underground
Terraplane Blues: Robert Johnson Nowadays A Woman Gotta Hit A Man: Captain Beefheart Earache My Eye: Alice Bowie
I Ain’t Marchin’ Anymore: Phil Ochs The Fish Cheer: Country Joe and the Fish Keep On Keepin’ On: Curtis Mayfield
Aliens: Dr. Octogon I Ain’t New To This: Ice T Rapp Snitch Knishes: MF Doom
