Episode 59 - Is it Local?
Alex J. Lyons & Xavier sit down to discuss local music from the Chicago area and yes, I still have to mention Wilco even if it is for 5 seconds.
Check out the music mentioned on the show:
Xavier welcomes Fredo back to the show after a short absence and the two discuss the HBO film Phil Spector. Fredo does a lot of heavy lifting in the conversation and they talk about the man, the movie and a get into a small argument of Let It Be, an album Spector had a hand in producing.
Since Xavier did such a poor job of explaining Spector’s “Wall of Sound” technique, here is a better description:
Spector’s signature sound, his arrangements called for large ensembles (including some instruments not generally used for ensemble playing, such as electric and acoustic guitars), with multiple instruments doubling many of the parts to create a fuller, richer sound. Spector also included orchestral instruments - strings, woodwind, brass and percussion - not previously associated with youth-oriented pop music and reverb chambers re-amping the sounds to create a larger soundscape.
Episode 57 - Sound City
Veteran sound engineer Scott Ragsdale sits down with Xavier Mendes (Jim Galvin) to talk about the new movie Sound City. The film documents the rise and fall of the Van Nuys, CA studio that recorded artists like Rick Springfield, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers to Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against The Machine. Many classic rock records were recorded on analog tape in the studio. They discuss the film, music and their personal experiences recording and performing music.
Song list:
Cut Me Some Slack - Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, Krist Novaselic,Pat Smear
Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac
Lithium - Nirvana
*Note: Scott’s pick was recorded at The Record Plant in Sausalito, CA.
The Buckingham/Nicks album was recorded at Sound City; an album that
lead Buckingham and Nicks to join Fleetwood Mac and make Rumors
ENJOY!
Episode 56 - Musicals
After a confrontation with the TSA and hours of tiring work for the President of the Virginia commonwealth, Xavier Mendes and guest Alex J Lyons sit down at the airport to talk about musicals. Mostly Lay-Miz and Blues Bros are discussed, but Xavier Mendes squeaks in a little discussion of Jon Brion & Aimee Mann. This is one of the few episodes that has semi-poor sound quality, so understand that as you listen, because it was actually recorded in an airport.
ENJOY!
I’m giving away my debut album over at noisetrade! You should get it & tell your friends. Yes, it’s free!
Photo by Tim Navis
Episode 55 - Listener’s Picks of 2012
Your top albums of 2012
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Xavier Mendes’ 2012 Show List
Music:
Vanilla Ice* (Target Center, Minneapolis)
Dave Mattews Band* (Alpine Valley, Wi)
The Black Keys (United Center, Chicago)
David Bazan - (Madison, Wi)
Cotton Jones (Turner Ballroom, MKE)
Father John Misty (Lincoln Hall, Chicago & Wonder Ballroom, Portland)
Mavis Staples (Chicago Bluesfest)
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Verizon Center - Little Rock, Arkansas)
Wilco & Andrew Bird (Geneva, IL baseball stadium)
Fiona Apple (Murat Theater, Indianapolis)
M. Ward (Vic Theater, Chicago)
Wiitala Brothers (Ace Bar, Chicago)
Comedy:
Greg Proops (Comedy Central stage, Los Angeles)
Louis CK, Patton Oswalt, Chris Hardwick, Steve Agee (Largo, Los Angeles)
Fred Armisen (Conan, Los Angeles)
Doug Benson, Pete Holmes, TJ Miller (UCB, Los Angeles)
Dan Telfer, Natasha Leggero, Nick Thune (Mayne Stage, Chicago)
Marc Maron (Magic Bag, Detroit)
*free
Episode 54 - Best Music of 2012
Fredo sits down with Xavier Mendes to discuss the top albums of 2012.
01. Father John Misty - Fear Fun [Sub Pop]
02. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist [Macklemore LLC]
03. Aimee Mann - Charmer [SuperEgo]
04. The Killers - Battle Born [Island]
05. Norah Jones - Little Broken Hearts [Blue Note/EMI]
06. Grizzly Bear - Shields [Warp]
07. Divine Fits - A Thing Called Divine Fits [Merge]
08. Fiona Apple - The Idler Wheel… [Epic]
09. Dr. John - Locked Down [Nonesuch]
10. Ben Gibbard - Former Lives [Barsuk]
Honorable Mentions:
M. Ward - Wasteland Companion [Merge]
Jack White - Blunderbuss [Columbia]
Bob Dylan - Tempest [Columbia]
Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Americana & Psychedelic Pill [Reprise]
Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
Biggest disappointments:
Best Coast
Sleigh Bells
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Episode 53 - One Year Announcements (minisode)
Xavier Mendes and Fredo reflect on the year that was.
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Best Video of 2012: Aimee Man - Charmer
In an unprecedented unanimous vote, both Xavier Mendes and Fredo agreed this was the best video of 2012.
