We’re on a roll with great guests as of late, and this week is certainly no exception. First up, a chat with probably the most important songwriter in my life, Ron Hawkins of The Lowest of the Low. He’s coming to town opening up for Billy Bragg, and he’s got a heck of a great new album to play for us, so we’ll chat about the past, present, and future. As if that weren’t enough, joining us live in studio is a band we’d never tell to go home, Sunparlour Players. They are without a doubt one of this country’s best live acts, and it won’t be long before they get the huge following they so rightly deserve. This week we’ll prove that we knew them “back when…”
Greetings friends,
It’s this time of year that I start thinking about my annual “Best of” compilations and going through my favourite songs & CDs of the year. There have been plenty of good ones, so there’s no shortage of material. I also start looking back on the guests who have appeared live on the program for that compilation. We’ve had some pretty stellar live guests this year, but I was a little bit worried that I wouldn’t have a whole lot for that compilation. I don’t agressively chase interviews & live performers as much as I used to, so there haven’t been as many guests as in some previous years. I didn’t want to let you down, though, so I’ve been hard at work securing some GREAT live guests in the near future, including this week’s Tell the Band to Go Home, which promises to be one of the best of the year.
First up is a guy who is quite honestly the most important songwriter in my life, Ron Hawkins of The Lowest of the Low. I live and breathe great songwriters and have done so, ever since I heard Ron’s songs. I was already a big music fan, but I had no idea how powerful a truly great song could be until I heard an album called Shakespeare My Butt in 1992 (at least, I think it was ’92…). The melodies and the music fit right in with the stuff I loved on the radio, but there was something about Hawkins’ lyrics that seemed like they were written for me. I understood them. I felt like I lived some of them. I laughed, I was moved, but most of all, I was motivated to hear more great music that I wasn’t hearing on the radio. That band has continued to be a cornerstone of my musical existence, and I suppose they always will. In 2005 I was lucky enough to have Ron & Stephen Stanley from the band come into the studio, and it was a very intimidating experience, but one that turned out to be one of my favourite interviews of all time. They were intelligent, interesting, and I don’t think I embarassed myself too much. They even liked the interview, so much so that they took a copy and have several times suggested that when they eventually get around to rereleasing Shakespeare My Butt, our interview will be included as a bonus (the rumour mill is buzzing that it will happen soon… I won’t hold my breath.) The Low took another long hiatus a couple of years ago, but Ron Hawkins is not one to retire. He’s been active and making some of the best music of his career. His new album 10 Kinds of Lonely is a gem. It’s a more country/rootsy kind of affair, but it contains the same lyrical genius that changed my life so long ago. Hawkins describes it as “Songs about dead-ends, deadbeats and deadmen… Tunes about whiners, piners and miners…Ditties about dust bowls, watering holes and lost souls…” and what more could you want from a collection of songs. Ron Hawkins makes his long, long awaited return to Winnipeg next Saturday, opening for the legendary Billy Bragg. I’m very excited to be speaking with Ron on the phone this Sunday about it all. Please join me.
And he’s just the opening act. Following that, joining us live, IN-STUDIO after that is one of the most exciting, interesting, original live bands in this country or any other, Sunparlour Players. Those guys came to our attention a few years ago when they opened for another band that fits that description, Elliott BROOD at the West End. Sunparlour Players get a lot of comparisons to the BROOD (they’re both trios, both primarily acoustic, both write some pretty country songs about death & other touching topics, and both can REALLY rock out live). However, don’t go see this band expecting to hear Elliott BROOD v.2.0, beause they are an entity unto themselves. There’s something so powerful about leader Andrew Penner’s vocals and Dobro guitar, and drummer Rosie is one of the most entertaining stickmen I’ve ever come across. Multi instrumentalist Dennis rounds out the trio in fine style. All three are expected to join us for some songs & conversation this Sunday. Trust me folks, this band is the real deal. Get your tickets NOW to see them Dec. 6 at Folk Exchange, because after they play live on the radio this Sunday, the word will be out and the rush for tickets will be on.
And that’s just Sunday. We’ve got even more guests lined up for Thursday on Steel Belted Radio, so mark your calendars, set your alarms, do what you have to do, but don’t miss these episodes.
New music, considerations for Best Of lists, upcoming shows, classics, stories, etc. etc., you’ll get it all this Sunday, so tune in!
You know, as much as we like to complain about Winnipeg sometimes, it seems that the good shows just keep on coming. This week we feature the Michael Johnston concert at my house, Matthew de Zoete, Joshua Cockerill, Vic Chesnutt & Nathan, Sunparlour Players, and more! We previewed them all, and still had time for some classics and a little bit of the pop music.
It may be cooler outside, but the music scene in town is still hot, hot, hot, and this week proves it as we have upcoming shows to preview by the likes of Justin Rutledge, Melissa McClelland, David Wilcox, Matthew de Zoete, Amelia Curran, and one of our all-time faves, Skydiggers! To think, even on a week like that, we fit in some new & notable stuff.
Steel Belted Radio has been blessed with a LOT of very special guests in-studio over the course of our 6 years on the air (Sexsmith, Collett, Plumb, Brock Zeman, Deep Dark Woods, Paul Kelly, etc.), but there’s one guy we’ve been chasing all along, Mike Plume. He blessed us with an ideal name for our show, and we’ve always wanted him to come into the studio and sing our theme song for us. Tonight’s the night. Now, what do we hope for in the years to come?
A few of our favourites playing upcoming in town this week filled up most of the show. It’s hard not to get excited about a week where Matt Epp releases his new disc, Vance Gilbert makes his long-awaited return to the West End, and Mr. Mike Plume returns to town with his band! Still, we had time for some great new music and a dip into the mail bag for some new submissions.
A few of our favourites playing upcoming in town this week filled up most of the show. It’s hard not to get excited about a week where Matt Epp releases his new disc, Vance Gilbert makes his long-awaited return to the West End, and Mr. Mike Plume returns to town with his band! Still, we had time for some great new music and a dip into the mail bag for some new submissions. Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist 2:00pm – 2:30pm Mike Plume Band – 8:30 Newfoundland – 8:30 Newfoundland – CDN
Matt Epp – Working Holiday – Safe or Free – CDN – WPG
Matt Epp – You’ll Find Me Alone – You’ll Find Me Alone – CDN – WPG
Matt Epp – She’s High Water – Orphan Horse – CDN – WPG
Heather Masse – I Don’t Wanna Wake up Today – Bird Song
Pieta Brown – Lovin’ You Still – Shimmer
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family – Take Me to Show-and-tell – Go Waggaloo 2:30pm – 3:00pm Jay Linden – What’s the Matter with You – Under the Radar – CDN
Vance Gilbert – Times Two – Fugitives
Vance Gilbert – Icarus by Night – Shaking Off Gravity
Vance Gilbert – Don’t Leave a Trace – One Thru Fourteen
Vance Gilbert – Whatever Louise Wants – Up on Rockfield
Vance Gilbert – Country Western Rap – Edgewise 3:00pm – 3:30pm Kev Corbett – Uncle – Son of a Rudderless Boat – CDN
The Undesirables – Northern Girl – Travelling Show – CDN
Acres and Acres – Money – All Nations – CDN
Bob Schneider – Trash – Lovely Creatures
Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons – Curious Thing – Death Won’t Send a Letter 3:30pm – 4:00pm Mike Plume – Ride – Rock and Roll Recordings Volume 1 – CDN
Mike Plume Band – Straight Back Home – Simplify – CDN
Mike Plume Band – If There Ever Was a Fool – Song & Dance, Man – CDN
Mike Plume Band – Promise Me You’ll Never Tell – Fools for the Radio – CDN
Mike Plume – Looking for You (A Travelogue of Sorts) – Drive Thru Volume II – CDN
Mike Plume Band – Dreamer – Fools for the Radio – CDN
Mike Plume Band – Something to Say – Song & Dance, Man – CDN
Mike Plume Band – Keeping Time with the Telephone Poles – 8:30 Newfoundland – CDN Episode #334 Sunday, November 8, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm central time CJUM 101.5 UMFM in Winnipeg, Manitoba www.umfm.com
It may be cooler outside, but the music scene in town is still hot, hot, hot, and this week proves it as we have upcoming shows to preview by the likes of Justin Rutledge, Melissa McClelland, David Wilcox, Matthew de Zoete, Amelia Curran, and one of our all-time faves, Skydiggers! To think, even on a week like that, we fit in some new & notable stuff. Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist 2:00pm – 2:30pm NQ Arbuckle – Part of a Poem by Alden Nowlen called Ypres: 1915 – XOK – CDN
NQ Arbuckle & Carolyn Mark – Too Sober to Sleep – Let’s Just Stay Here – CDN
Jim Byrnes – Lay Me Down Sweet Jesus – House of Refuge – CDN
Justin Rutledge – I’m Your Man, You’re My Radio – The Devil on a Bench in Stanley Park – CDN
Justin Rutledge – Greenwich Time – Man Descending – CDN
Melissa McClelland – Blue Farewell – Stranded in Suburbia – CDN 2:30pm – 3:00pm Melissa McClelland – You Know I Love You Baby – Thumbelina’s Last Stand – CDN
Melissa McClelland – A Girl Can Dream – Victoria Day – CDN
David Wilcox – Modern World – Open Hand
David Wilcox – O Freedom – Thirteen Songs – CDN
David Wilcox – Ecstasy – The Collected Works: 1977-1993 – CDN
Steven Bowers & Christina Martin – Comfortably Sweet – Circadian Anthem EP – CDN 3:00pm – 3:30pm Christina Martin – You Come Home – live recording – CDN
Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard – These Roads Don’t Move – One False Move or I’m Gone: Music from Kerouac’s Big Sur
The Damnwells – The Last Day of the New Age – our new record demo
Lucy Kaplansky – Life Threads – CD single
Jory Nash – Charlie – New Blue Day – CDN 3:30pm – 4:00pm Matthew De Zoete – Remembrance Day – Bottom of the World – CDN
Michael Johnston – Katie – recorded live on UMFM – CDN
Michael Johnston – Stars – Curious Heart – CDN
Amelia Curran – Hands on a Grain of Sand – recorded live on UMFM – CDN
Skydiggers – Monday Morning – Skydiggers – CDN
Skydiggers – Just Before the Rain – Restless – CDN
Skydiggers – 80 Odd Hours – Just Over this Mountain – CDN
Skydiggers – Radio Waves – Road Radio – CDN
Skydiggers – One Last Chance – City of Sirens – CDN Episode #335 Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm central time CJUM 101.5 UMFM in Winnipeg, Manitoba www.umfm.com You know, as much as we like to complain about Winnipeg sometimes, it seems that the good shows just keep on coming. This week we feature the Michael Johnston concert at my house, Matthew de Zoete, Joshua Cockerill, Vic Chesnutt & Nathan, Sunparlour Players, and more! We previewed them all, and still had time for some classics and a little bit of the pop music. Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist 2:00pm – 2:30pm Skydiggers – Even When You Fall – Road Radio – CDN
Dave Clark – Show Me a Sign – 14 Songs – CDN
Michael Johnston – My Curious Heart – Curious Heart – CDN
Michael Johnston – When You’re in Love – Curious Heart – CDN
Matthew de Zoete – Bottom of the World – Bottom of the World – CDN
Matthew de Zoete – Not on Fire – Bottom of the World – CDN 2:30pm – 3:00pm Shannon Lyon – Houses on the Hill – Dharma – CDN
Whiskeytown – Excuse Me If I Break My Own Heart Tonight – Strangers Almanac
Caitlyn Cary & Thad Cockrell – Second Option – Begonias
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals – If I Am a Stranger – Cold Roses
Leeroy Stagger & the Wildflowers – Atlantic City – live recording – CDN 3:00pm – 3:30pm Joshua Cockerill – Dance with You – The Trick with your Heart I’m Learning to Do – CDN
Joshua Cockerill – Further West – The Trick with your Heart I’m Learning to Do – CDN
Joshua Cockerill – Blue Eyed Prairie Sky – The Trick with your Heart I’m Learning to Do – CDN
Nathan – Home with Me – Jimson Weed – CDN – WPG
Vic Chesnutt – When the Bottom Fell Out – At the Cut
Sunparlour Players – Nuclear – Wave North – CDN
Sunparlour Players – Point Pelee Is the Place to Be – Wave North – CDN 3:30pm – 4:00pm Sunparlour Players – Robbers Lullaby – Hymns for the Happy – CDN
Sunparlour Players – If the Creeks Don’t Rise – Hymns for the Happy – CDN
Scouting for Girls – Elvis Isn’t Dead – Scouting for Girls
Two Hours Traffic – Weightless One – Territory – CDN
Dar Williams – It’s Alright – Promised Land
Liam Titcomb – 11:30 – Can’t Let Go – CDN Episode #336 Sunday, November 22, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm central time CJUM 101.5 UMFM in Winnipeg, Manitoba www.umfm.com Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist 2:00pm – 2:30pm Ron Hawkins – The Devil Went Down – 10 Kinds of Lonely – CDN Ron Hawkins interview Ron Hawkins – D.F.W. – 10 Kinds of Lonely – CDN 2:30pm – 3:00pm Ron Hawkins & The Rusty Nails – Small Victories – Crackstatic – CDN The Lowest of the Low – Bleed a Little While Tonight – Shakespeare My Butt – CDN Geoff Berner – Honey, I’m a Big Boy Now – recorded live on UMFM – CDN Billy Bragg & Wilco – Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key – Mermaid Avenue Billy Bragg – St. Monday – England, Half English Rose Cousins – White Daisies – The Send Off – CDN Royal Wood – Juliet – A Good Enough Day – CDN 3:00pm – 3:30pm Royal Wood – Thinking About – The Lost and Found EP – CDN Rose Cousins – The Dancers – The Send Off – CDN Sunparlour Players – Point Pelee Is the Place to Be – Wave North – CDN Sunparlour Players interview Sunparlour Players – Battle of 77 – live performance – CDN 3:30pm – 4:00pm Sunparlour Players – North – live performance – CDN Sunparlour Players – O’Captain – Wave North – CDN Sunparlour Players – Wood Dress – Wave North – CDN Sunparlour Players – Wall Sisters – Wave North – CDN The Good Lovelies – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Under the Mistletoe – CDN The Good Lovelies – Down Down Down – The Good Lovelies – CDN Madison Violet – Lauralee – No Fool for Trying – CDN Episode #337 Sunday, November 29, 2009 2:00-4:00 pm central time CJUM 101.5 UMFM in Winnipeg, Manitoba www.umfm.com Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist 2:00pm – 2:30pm Billy Bragg – NWPA – England, Half English Ryan Adams – Oh My Sweet Carolina – Heartbreaker Ron Hawkins – Turned Around – 10 Kinds of Lonely – CDN The Lowest of the Low – Rosy and Grey – Shakespeare My Butt – CDN 2:30pm – 3:00pm Silver Creek – Stay – About Time – CDN Fred Eaglesmith – Crazier – 50 Odd Dollars – CDN Todd Snider – Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues – Songs for the Daily Planet Todd Snider – Corpus Christi Bay – The Excitement Plan The Dustin Bentall Outfit – Railroad – Six Shooter – CDN Leeroy Stagger – Stormy – Everything Is Real – CDN 3:00pm – 3:30pm NQ Arbuckle – The Autumn Leaves – The Last Supper in a Cheap Town – CDN Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson – Jackson Hole – Rattlin’ Bones Danny Michel – Fireworks – In the Belly of a Whale – CDN Gretchen Peters – Christmas Time Is Here – Northern Lights Gretchen Peters & Tom Russell – Snowin’ on Raton – One to the Heart, One to the Head Gretchen Peters – Sunday Morning (Way Down My Street) – Burnt Toast & Offerings 3:30pm – 4:00pm Good Lovelies – Santa Baby – Under the Mistletoe – CDN Rose Cousins – The Dancers – The Send Off – CDN Nathan – Cigarette Song – CKUW Fundrive 2009: Uncovered – CDN – WPG Nathan – Australia – Stranger – CDN – WPG Jaxon Haldane – French Toast – Jaxon Haldane – CDN – WPG Fish & Bird – My Head My Heart My Gut – Left Brain Blues – CDN
FAR #123
Jeff Robson
Tell the Band to Go Home
CJUM 101.5 UMFM
Winnipeg, Manitoba
www.tellthebandtogohome.com
Artist: Album (Label) *JR
1. Carolyn Mark & NQ Arbuckle: Let’s Just Stay Here (Mint) *JR
2. Jory Nash: New Blue Day (self)
3. Joshua Cockerill: The Trick with your Heart I’m Learning to Do (self)
4. James Keelaghan: House of Cards (Borealis)
5. Lucero: 1372 Overton Park (Universal Republic)
6. Bob Schneider: Lovely Creatures (Shockorama)