John Richards

Today is John Coltrane's birthday! He would have been 95. John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, recorded near the close of 1964 and released early the following year, inhabits an exalted plane beyond the realm of most other albums, in any musical genre. Easily one of the most celebrated jazz recordings ever made. The Antibes recording has stood as the lone living document of Coltrane's suite — until today, when Impulse! announced the October release of A Love Supreme: Live in Seattle. Recorded at the end of a weeklong residency at The Penthouse by Joe Brazil, one of Coltrane's trusted friends, it presents this music in a glorious new light, and with remarkably clear sound. (Brazil used the club system, two microphones and an Ampex reel-to-reel, and then preserved the tapes for nearly half a century, as if guarding a Holy Grail. They were found in his archive after his death in 2008.) www.npr.org

Happy birthday Bruce! Springsteen came up with this song in the studio during recording sessions in early 1982. He was playing around with a slow Johnny Cash rhythm which he put to some lyrics he had already written. In 2000, Johnny Cash covered it on Badlands: A tribute to Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska.

Future Islands is an American synth-pop band based in Baltimore, Maryland, comprising Gerrit Welmers, William Cashion, Samuel T. Herring, and Michael Lowry. The band has released a new one-off single, “Peach,” marking their first music of 2021.: www.youtube.com NME called the new track "a series of meditative observations on the nature of life": bit.ly Check out Live Video from Future Islands' Live on KEXP at Home performance last November: bit.ly futureislands.bandcamp.com

Loma’s Dan Duszynski says of the song, “Songs are like cats—sometimes they just pick you. Emily and I first heard "Going Out" while we were playing at a record store in Austin a few years ago. I went to the counter to ask who it was, and the album (Dinner’s Three EPs) is still in rotation at our home/studio. We couldn't resist making our own version because it always cheers us up. Who doesn't need that right now?" - lomamusic.bandcamp.com You can watch the video for "Going Out," which was directed and edited by bandmember Emily Cross: youtu.be

Mazzy Star's Seasons of Your Day was released 8 years ago today. The album charted at a career-high position of number 24 on the UK Albums Chart, while also peaking at number five on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart.

Chris, aka Christine & The Queens, performed an exclusive set for Live on KEXP at Home, back in May. Savor the performance (and delightful interview with DJ Morgan!): bit.ly.

Perfume Genius is playing November 13th and 14th at The Showbox! bit.ly Perfume Genius, aka Michael Hadreas, describes "Queen" as a song inspired by "gay panic", and the power one can derive from knowing their mere being is making everyone around them extremely uncomfortable. Watch this live from KEXP's VIP Club Concert Series in 2018 www.youtube.com

Indigo De Souza will be live at the Vera Project on Saturday, October 9th

John, I saw Charles Bradley in the new gathering space the very last time he played. I was moved to tears with the words and power of his voice. Since I had a meeting downtown I frequently hang at KEXP prior to those, I hung out after the show and when Charles came out after changing into his jeans and jean jacket, I got to meet him, we shared kind words, a handshake that lead to a hug, he was genuinely one of the kindest people I have ever met. We need more of those. I'm not alone thanks to you and KEXP, much love Styk --------------------------- We lost Charles Bradley on this day in 2017. “A lot of artists is out there, but when they get out in the lamp lights they just want to sing and make money,” Bradley said from a hotel where he was taking a brief break during a 2016 European tour, his voice raspy but soft. “Yes, I want to sing and make money, but I want to give [audiences] something too, and thank them for the opportunities that I’m given. I want to give up the depths of my soul. I want to let the world know me as a person and an artist. The things that my eyes, my heart, my soul have seen while walking this planet.”

Yola will be playing on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at The Showbox. bit.ly his was KEXP's Song of the Day in June: www.kexp.org

Perhaps most famously known for its use on the Empire Records Soundtrack (1995), this song comes from prolific Scotsman Collins' third solo studio album, Gorgeous George (1994). The song samples the drum track of Len Barry's single "1-2-3" (1965), and features The Sex Pistols' drummer Paul Cook on vibraphone, as well as Vic Godard with backing vocals on the outro.

Today is my, gulp, 51st birthday. I’ve spent a lot of time lately looking back at life & music. I’m so happy to have you & KEXP not only helping us appreciate the past, but also to look forward at all the great new music being created! In that spirit, if it’s possible, I’d love to hear that new Breeze song “Come Around” leading into something off Primal Scream - Screamadelica, which came out 30 years ago today. Perhaps Happy Monday’s/Andrew Weatherall could be a segue? Thank you & KEXP for always being so open and creating a spirit of community! Eric from Portland ============== Breeze, the project of Toronto-based producer Josh Korody, has teamed up with Cadence Weapon. www.handdrawndracula.com --- "“Come Around” is about someone that has done something horrible and has not shown any accountability or true remorse and the fear they – or have the nerve – to be able to jump back into a community that no longer feels comfortable around them." - bit.ly

Screamadelica is 30 YEARS OLD TODAY. 30. For the anniversary three special editions have been released - a 12" singles boxset, a 12" picture disc, and Demodelica, a 2X LP of all the Screamadelica demos and work-in-progress mixes. store.primalscream.net

Jungle play the Paramount on October 22! bit.ly

The night before they recorded this song, Paul McCartney created 16 tape loops of guitar sounds and odd vocals that he brought in to the studio to create some of the effects. Several people remember standing around the room holding pencils for the tape to loop around and back into the recording machine as the various sound effects and instrumentation were faded in and out. www.songfacts.com

The latest volume in Habibi Funk’s compilation series of Middle Eastern music habibifunkrecords.bandcamp.com

From Nicolas Jaar's surprise release of 2018. nicolasjaar.net --- Enjoy a KEXP album review of this terrific album: www.kexp.org

Found on the Australian band's debut album 'Blue Planet Eyes', released in 2014. See the video for "Is This How You Feel?" here: www.youtube.com

Hello John, wondering if you can help an Amplifier out this morning….I just signed up for Dr. Amy’s upcoming nutrition course and am excited for a fierce approach to body positivity and an expletive-ridden kick to the ball sack of diet culture. Would you please play “Sit Down”’ by James for her, as the song embodies the inclusivity and compassion she extends in her work? And can’t pass up an opportunity to convey my gratitude to you, John. Pretty sure you’ll never know the true reach and depth of your humble efforts, but karma will find you. I’ll break open the wallet for the Fall Drive. As I say to (most!) of my foster dogs: namaste, I see the light in you. Caley in Walla Walla =============

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, a limited marbled green vinyl pressing of Pixies 1991 album Trompe Le Monde is being released on September 24th. bit.ly

On this day in 1996 Fatboy Slim released their debut studio album "Better Living Through Chemistry" on Skint Records. The piano sample in “Song for Lindy” is from the song “Better Days” by Jimi Polo (1989) which was also sampled by Congress in their track “40 Miles” (1991).

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is the fifth studio album by Outkast and was released 18 years ago today. Issued as a double album over two hours long, it is spread across solo albums from both of the group's members. Big Boi's Speakerboxxx is a Southern hip hop album with a P-Funk influence, while André 3000's The Love Below features psychedelic, pop, funk, electro, and jazz styles.

"Jungle Love" was initially written by Jesse Johnson, with later contributions by Morris Day. Prince under the pseudonym Jamie Starr, wrote the lyrics and came up with the melody. It was co-produced by Morris Day and Prince using the name The Starr Company. In 2019, Prince's own version was released as the second track on the posthumous album Originals, with Prince, Morris Day and Jesse Johnson credited as the authors of the song. www.princevault.com

Good morning! Today is my partner Kyra's birthday. Over this last year and half she has been the sole provider for our family. A therapist by trade, her practice began to boom when everyone else's came to a grinding halt (including mine). Because of her hard work and sacrifice we have been able to fulfill a 5 year dream of moving to Seattle a few months ago. Unfortunately, the work doesn't stop and K has been having to spend more time back in the office than she has been able to explore and meet new people. She left a lot of friends back in our old home and is feeling a bit anonymous/invisible. I want to let her know that she is a caring and loving and amazing and when she's not taking care of her kids she helps other people through many a crisis. All in all a great person. If you have a second to give a shout out it would mean a ton. She not only got us up here but introduced me to KEXP many years ago and the station is on constantly at the house. If you have space for a music request Talking Heads, David Bowie, New Order, Archers of Loaf, The National (anything dancy) are appreciated. I know y'all are bizzay. Anyhoo, y'all awesome and we really appreciate everything you're doing over there both in the music playing and the tackling mental health issues. Thanks! Terry ============= Speaking in Tongues is the fifth studio album by Talking Heads. The album crossed over to the dance charts, where it peaked at number two for six weeks. It is also the group's highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200, peaking at number 15.

Despite the disparity between Bowie’s public image and his love of American garage rock, he strove to perform the music of the Velvet Underground with his 1967 bands The Buzz and The Riot Squad. In 2003 he recounted the circumstances to Vanity Fair magazine: [The album was] brought back from New York by a former manager of mine, Ken Pitt. Pitt had done some kind of work as a P.R. man that had brought him into contact with the Factory. Warhol had given him this coverless test pressing (I still have it, no label, just a small sticker with Warhol’s name on it) and said, “You like weird stuff – see what you think of this.” What I “thought of this” was that here was the best band in the world. In December of that year, my band Buzz broke up, but not without my demanding we play ‘I’m Waiting For The Man’ as one of the encore songs at our last gig. Amusingly, not only was I to cover a Velvets song before anyone else in the world, I actually did it before the album came out. Now that’s the essence of Mod. www.bowiebible.com

Greetings from Bainbridge Island! My 17 year old daughter has started listening to the Pixies (bless her little heart). She asked me what else is cool. Who would have thought my nerdy late-80s self would have been considered cool... Anyway, instead of just playing her a song on a device I think it's far better to hear it on the radio. Would you be able to play Waiting Room by Fugazi? Thanks! Tom ============

As summer turns to fall and on a particularly gloomy and stormy day in Philly I needed to hear something to push my energy level up. I immediately remembered the KEXP live performance of The Joy Formidable at Mellow Johnny’s a decade ago. I love the admonition to “turn the dial” in the lyrics of Whirring. Turning the dial made me think about the powerful metaphor of turning the dial. Turning the dial to KEXP has gotten me through the darkness. It’s created the soundtrack for moments of elation. Remembering that not everyone has access to simply pulling up the internet to watch a video I was hoping you could play Whirring for listeners today since we all turned the dial to KEXP to help us get through darkness, celebrate life, or simply feel connected. Kyle in Philly =============== You can find that SXSW performance of "Whirring" at Mellow Johnny's here: www.youtube.com

Punk supergroup OFF! Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Autry Fulbright II, and Justin Brown are back with a Metallica cover: www.offofficial.com

"We had the title written down for quite a few years," UK duo JOHN explain, "and it seemed to perfectly fit the sentiment and structure of the music as lyrics. These words guided us to a narrative image: a driver who is so wrapped up in themselves and their journey that they don’t seem to realise that the car is slowly filling with water. I guess it can be read as a slightly barbed reminder to have a sense of responsibility within the world...": www.youtube.com

According to their bandcamp page, "Bristol’s wych elm play scrappy, menacing and contemplative grungy indie rock with a touch of the macabre. The band’s obsession with dark, haunting tales works its way into every facet of their music, with howled vocals telling the stories of a murderous mother and issues around their own mental health sitting above ear shredding guitars, rumbling bass and rattling drums." wychelm666.bandcamp.com

As you undoubtedly know, their song "Mind Your Own Business" is now well-known thanks to the recent iPhone commercials. But I first learned about Delta 5 thanks to my BFFs at KEXP. Hopefully the band got some nice royalties from the commercial. Anyhow ... in memory of Julz, howsabout playing "Mind Your Own Business"? RIP Julz. Thanks, Junu Kim A card-carrying Gold Club member in Chicago ============ Julz Sale, the lead singer and guitarist of UK post-punk band Delta 5, has died. No cause of death was given. Sale co-founded Delta 5 in the late 1970s in the same scene as the Mekons and Gang of Four. Delta 5 only released one full-length album—1981’s See the Whirl—but released a number of singles later compiled by Kill Rock Stars on Singles & Sessions: 1979-1981.

In this interview, Ari Up, Viv Albertine and Tessa Pollit speak about how The Slits proved that young women could be responsible for some of the most influential and innovative music of the punk movement.: www.loudandquiet.com

saultglobal.bandcamp.com The Guardian reviewed both 5 and 7, giving them each five stars out of five, writing that both are "fantastic, walking an idiosyncratic path that zig-zags between ESG-esque post-punk funk, early 80s boogie and something approaching neo-soul, without ever really fitting into any of those categories or sounding like straightforward homage".

Manchester, England-based dance-rock band W.H. Lung were releasing a new album, Vanities, on September 3 via Melodic, but they have pushed it back to October 8 due to COVID-19 and pressing plant issues. To tide fans over, they have shared the album’s third single, “Gd Tym,” which was shared via a video starring a drag queen named Dylan as she wanders a small town in Northern England. Watch the video here: youtu.be

Trent Reznor wrote "Head Like a Hole" in 1988, after touring with Skinny Puppy. Flood, Adrian Sherwood, and Keith LeBlanc were co-producers of the song, and it was recorded in 1989. "Head Like a Hole" was one of the last songs completed for the album, since Flood did not arrive to the studio until the completion of Depeche Mode's Violator (1990). bit.ly

You won't believe this, but Pond's new album "9," due out on October 1st, is their NINTH studio album! Nick Allbrook said "We'd settled into a pretty tight routine with the last few albums and wanted to shake a boat with this so we started off with filling a few tape reels with some absolutely heinous improvised sonic babble which, after much sifting, became the first few songs of the album. We also wanted to up the tempo.

Geese will be at Barboza on March 29th! The latest single from Projector is its title track. Here’s what frontman Cameron Winter had to say about it: The opening riff on “Projector” was the first thing we ever wrote for the record. When the song was finished, it became a jumping off point for the rest of the album. We liked it because it was something decidedly different from the music we had been writing up to that point. Though we didn’t know it then, it’s fitting that “Projector” became the title track on the record; it’s the song that ushered in the album’s sound.