#102: A Conversation With Brian Fair

Episode 102 is a conversation with Brian Fair of the band Shadows Fall, in this episode we talk about the formation of that band from his time in his band before Overcast, the scene at the time in Massachusetts, Shadows Fall at the Grammys, as well as a mutual love for the band Into Another as well as the Grateful Dead and Phish, who we both share a love for, and nerd out quite a bit about towards the end. This was a great conversation, Brian is great and tells a good story and has a great outlook on life and performance. Would definitely have him on again!

I talk with author Jim Ruland about his novel Make It Stop, his obsession with ancient cities, recovery, healthcare vigilantes and how important writing is to him. Although we barely talk about his books on punk rock, his approach to life and his philosophies talked about here epitomize the punk rock spirit. Jim has written a number of books including My Damage - Keith Morris, Do What You Want - The Story of Bad Relgion, Corporate Rock Still Sucks - The Rise and Fall of SST Records, he writes for Razorcake zine, and has a Substack called Message From the Underworld.

In this 100th episode I talk about why this podcast that is mostly focused on hardcore, punk and metal is named after an REM song. Hiding your love for disco as a young Kiss fan, being saved by a Van Halen shirt, being a skinhead and a Deadhead at the same time and other things that make no sense.

Episode 99 is a conversation with Dana Bollen, Dana has two podcasts himself: Two Week Notice and Life Free or DIY which we talk about a bit here. Dana also has worked as a tour manager for bands like Piebald and Unearth, he tells the story of how he went from being a fan of Piebald to them asking him to manage a tour. Travel is a big theme in this episode, as well as the DIY ethic. This was my first time meeting Dana and he was down to earth, great storyteller and someone I would have on again. 

Episode 98 is a conversation with Brain Brannon, singer of JFA (Jodie Foster's Army) since 1981. We talk about his time in that band, skateboarding, writing for Thrasher Magazine in the 90's, joining the US Navy after 9/11 and of course more skateboarding. JFA were pretty much the beginning of the marriage of skateboarding and punk rock/hardcore music, or at least the first to wear it proudly. JFA are still playing and original guitarist Don Pendleton is also still in the band. Brian is humble, down to earth, and an amazing and hilarious story teller, he has some great views on life he talks about here. I appreciate Brian taking his time out to talk for a bit with me.

Episode 97 is a conversation with Aesop Dekker. Aesop has played drums for a number of bands like Hickey, Ludicra and Agalloch among many others. We talk about him growing up in Florida, moving to the Bay Area and then just talk about music in general. Everything from JFA to Pat Travers! Some great stories, and well thought out takes on music. This was an easy going, natural conversation and I hope to have Aesop on again some time. 

In this episode I talk about humor in music, from early artists like Martin Mull to punk and hardcore bands like The Dickies and Angry Samoans. I attempt to reassess my opinion of a popular band I long dismissed. And of course Frank Zappa is discussed. Humor is a huge part of music, and the answer to this question is obvious, here I give some examples of why. 

Episode 95 is a conversation with Graham McCulloch. Alongside his brother Rob he was in the hardcore band Negative Approach, playing on both of their records. Later moving on to The Meatmen, which is where we spend most of our conversation. From his first performance with Tesco to tours with the Meatmen in the 80's, there are some amazing stories here. Graham also worked with Void's Bubba Dupree in the rock band Earth Eighteen as well as other projects we talk about. Graham was a great guest and I was happy to have someone on who has made so much music I've listened to for the over 40 years. 

Episode 94 is a conversation with Dean Rispler. Dean is a NY native, and we talk about growing up on Long Island and discovering music there, a life changing Butthole Surfers show, eventually making his way to playing with Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, Murphy's Law, Dictators and Richard Lloyd among others. Dean is a great story teller and some of these stories are hilarious, some are crazy, most importantly they're all interesting and I look forward to having him on again. 

First episode back in a couple of years is a solo episode where I talk about music and it's relation to traveling. What's the best Dischord band for a road trip mix? Should you collaborate with a friend on a travel playlist? What Eagles songs was partly written in the parking lot of a fast food hot dog chain? Find out here!