The Hustle

Like it or not, this is the year of Redd Kross! This underappreciated power pop band is coming at you with an assault of good stuff in 2024. They have an incredible new self-titled album, a memoir called Now You're One of Us, and a fantastic new documentary called Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. Jeff and Steven McDonald started out as pre-teens in the hardcore scene in Southern California, but matured into one of the great, if unsung, bands of the 80s and 90s with albums like 1990's Third Eye and 1993's epic Phaseshifter. As is so often the case, mainstream success never came knocking, but the band has carried on for decades consistently releasing great music. Steven joins us this week with the film's director Andrew Reich to discuss the whole career, being kidnapped at 12 (crazy story), how to deal with success not happening, and tons more. If you don't know Redd Kross, now's the time to get involved!  www.reddkross.com www.reddkrossfilm.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

This week is synth pioneer Peter Godwin! In the 70s he was a part of the very arty and European band Metro who are best known for being the originators of the song "Criminal World" that was covered by Bowie for the Let's Dance album. Peter went solo and recorded the worldwide hit "Images of Heaven" that still lives on today as well as an album and some EPs, but the rest of his career has been sort of mysterious. Recently, Cherry Red released a 2-disc set of this fruitful period called The Polydor Years that includes all the songs and remixes you could want. We also discuss other artists he's worked with like Steve Winwood, his songs being placed in TV shows, and how living in France energizes him. Enjoy!    www.cherryred.co.uk/peter-godwin-the-polydor-years-2cd?srsltid=AfmBOopTpSlkuNEUi_0JND1IajHqkFBpsYnfePYGbhrhv99NRqTpk3AX   www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

The Blue Nile would never be accused of being overly prolific. In 20 years of activity, they only managed four albums, two of which, 1984's A Walk Across the Rooftops and 1989's Hats, are absolute masterpieces. Ask Taylor Swift if you don't believe me. The hallmarks of their unique sound is part Paul Buchanen's soulful voice and part PJ Moore's wholly unique synth work. In 2023 PJ Moore and Co. finally released his first solo album, When a Good Day Comes, that is just what you would want from someone of his caliber. He joins us this week to explain the working habits of the Blue Nile, how technology affected their creativity and where he goes from here. If you don't know them, you're in for a treat. Your life will never be the same. www.pjmooreandco.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

We all miss Prince. It's a hole that will never be filled. Imagine what it would have been like to be a part of the Revolution during his peak 80s period. He can play every instrument better than his band members, but he's reliant on them to put on incredible concerts and keep his musical instincts in check. It's not an accident that he made his best music when he had them as collaborators  "Dr." Matt Fink was at Prince's side playing keyboards for over a decade. Who can forget the cool guy in scrubs and shades in all the videos! Matt joins us this week to discuss his time with Prince - how the songwriting worked, life at Paisley Park, the craziness of Purple Rain, where the band members fit in with the overall sound, and more. Enjoy!  www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Author Graeme Thomson returns this week to discuss the updated release of his 2012 book, Under the Ivy: The Life & Music of Kate Bush. He had no idea when he finished that book 12 years ago how Kate's profile would change in the next few years. From induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, to the rediscovery of "Running Up That Hill" by millions of new fans, to her Before the Dawn concert residency at a time you assumed she'd never perform again, it's as if her story was just beginning. We discuss why her career seems almost "critic-proof", why she remains so elusive, and what the music she makes now says about her place in life. She's definitely one of the most interesting artists ever and Under The Ivy captures our fascination incredibly well.  https://www.amazon.com/Under-Ivy-Music-Omnibus-Remastered/dp/1915841356 https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod    

Music writer Chris Charlesworth joins us to discuss his new book, Just Backdated, which depicts his years writing for Melody Maker in the seventies. Every music lover would kill for a job like this and Chris was the lucky guy that had it. He befriends his favorite band (the Who), sleeps with groupies, parties with everyone, lives the high life in NYC, goes to concerts every night, and hangs out with all the rock stars of the decade. The book is so fun you won't believe it or put it down. Enjoy!  https://www.amazon.com/Just-Backdated-Melody-Maker-Seventies/dp/1915858259 https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod    

We've got a unique twofer for you this week. First up is Mr. Big frontman Eric Martin! Eric had been at it for a decade before Mr. Big happened. He fronted bands in the Bay Area and recorded a solo albums that were as poppy as it gets. Luckily, Mr. Big worked out and they just completed their "last" tour and released the live album, The Big Finish as a memento. They've been extra busy beecause they also released a new album earlier this year. He didn't have much time, but we get into his early days, the post "To Be With You" period, and what his plans are now. Then we hear from Bossa Nova royalty Bebel Gilberto! Her dad was the legendary Joao and her step mom was Astrid, but she's built her own incredible career taking her native music into the future. She chats with us for a bit while making lunch about it all. Enjoy!  www.mrbigsite.com www.bebelgilberto.com

The wonderful Carlos Alomar returns to discuss the new Luther Vandross documentary, Luther: Never Too Much. Carlos and his wife Robin Clark have been friends with Luther since high school and that friendship extends from their first group together, Listen My Brother, to them all being introduced to David Bowie for the Young Americans album and beyond. The film shows his launch as one of the greatest male r&b vocalists in history, his many talents as a writer and arranger, his battles with weight, his untimely death, and his complicated personal life. You only have to hear Luther's voice to recognize he's one of the best there's ever been. This incredible film allows us to get to know the man who was as beautiful as his voice and Carlos fleshes it all out for us. 

The Bolshoi flirted with Goth and synth pop in the late 80s, but what they ended up doing was releasing some great alternative rock songs. "A Way", "Lindy's Party" and "Sunday Morning" still hold up and tours with Peter Murphy and Sisters of Mercy should have propelled them further, but it didn't happen. Eventually the band splintered with lead singer Trevor Tanner moving to FLA and going solo and keyboardist Paul Clark doing his thing in Seattle. Those two have partnered up over the years as the Bolshoi Brothers and are about to release some new music. They join us this week to discuss their journey and where they are today. Enjoy!  www.thebolshoibrothers.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Ska Week concludes with author Daniel Rachel and our discussion on his fantastic new book, Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story. This essential document tells the story of one of the most revolutionary record labels created to release some of the most revolutionary music ever made. Created by Jerry Dammers in the late 70s, 2 Tone was meant to be a safe place for interracial bands like the Specials and the Selecter to release the hottest ska music happening at the time. Eventually, the label launched other legends like Madness and the English Beat as well, but only lasted a few years. This discussion gets deep on the issues of race and class and how they play a part in the story. The book is as incredible as the movement and music itself. Enjoy!  www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/too-much-too-young-the-2-tone-record-story/ www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod