I give away some radio DJ secrets throughout this show. There are also some running themes. And there's some questionable language (you may not want the kids listening to the Ben Folds cover).

I've been meaning to host a covers special for a while now. Perhaps next Monday I will do so. Tune in and find out. I played five covers tonight, if you're keeping score.

There are some posts during the year that jus seem sparse, but I can assure you that this show is not! Tune into Radio Valencia regularly and you'll discover artists you never knew you would love. Seriously, this place is life-altering. Take a chance on us.

Enjoy.

jh

Dead Man's Gun: Thee Oh Sees
Wynona's Big Brown Beaver: Primus

Shadrach: Beastie Boys
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: Nina Simone
Soul Rebel: Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry

She: Ty Segall
Pornography: Bongwater
Pussy: Brazilian Girls
Bitches Ain't Shit: Ben Folds

Rebel Heart: First Aid Kit
Albuquerque: Josh Tillman
Wonderwall: Cat Power

Stop Moving To Florida: Melvins
If I Like It I Do It: Jamiriquai

I Love My Wife: Frank Sinatra
Within You Without You: The Beatles
Call For All Demons: Sun Ra

Jesus: The Velvet Underground
Heart of the Sunrise: Yes
Blue Domes of Isfahan: Cornflower Suite

Jet Airliner: Paul Peña
I Got Everything I Need (Almost): Downchild Blues Band

John Perry Barlow was a maverick in the ways of songwriting and internet freedom. Called “the uncrowned poet laureate of cyberspace,” and "equal parts beat poet and P.T. Barnum", co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Barlow understood the importance of a free and accessible internet, open to all. As songwriting partner of the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir, he collaborated on some of the band's most beloved tunes. He was a gentleman, a showman, a rowdy conspirator, and jack-of-all trades. The world is a better place because of him.

We'll carry on the fight from here, John. RIP.

The tunes below are some of the absolute best versions performed. Links are provided for each show at my blog: http://hellskitchenradio.blogspot.com

Enjoy.

jh

Feel Like A Stranger: October 12, 1984 Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME

Mexicali Blues: October 26, 1971 The Palestra, Rochester, NY
Looks Like Rain: April 08, 1972 Wembley Arena, London, England

Just A Little Light: March 26, 1990 Albany, NY
I Need A Miracle: September 16, 1978, Giza, Egypt
Heaven Help The Fool: October 30, 1980 Radio City Music Hall, NYC, NY

Lazy Lightning/Supplication: November 02, 1977 Field House, Seneca College, Toronto, Canada
Black Throated Wind: August 27, 1972 Veneta, OR

Cassidy: October 12, 1983 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY
Estimated Prophet: February 3, 1978 Madison, WI
The Music Never Stopped: May 9, 1977 Buffalo, NY

Throwing Stones: September 20, 1990 Madison Square Garden, NYC, NY

Hell in a Bucket: March 26, 1990 Albany, NY

John Perry Barlow wrote the Principle of Adult Behavior as standard code of conduct when he was 30 years old.
1. Be patient. No matter what.
2. Don’t badmouth: Assign responsibility, not blame. Say nothing of another you wouldn’t say to him.
3. Never assume the motives of others are, to them, less noble than yours are to you.
4. Expand your sense of the possible.
5. Don’t trouble yourself with matters you truly cannot change.
6. Expect no more of anyone than you can deliver yourself.
7. Tolerate ambiguity.
8. Laugh at yourself frequently.
9. Concern yourself with what is right rather than who is right.
10. Never forget that, no matter how certain, you might be wrong.
11. Give up blood sports.
12. Remember that your life belongs to others as well. Don’t risk it frivolously.
13. Never lie to anyone for any reason. (Lies of omission are sometimes exempt.)
14. Learn the needs of those around you and respect them.
15. Avoid the pursuit of happiness. Seek to define your mission and pursue that.
16. Reduce your use of the first personal pronoun.
17. Praise at least as often as you disparage.
18. Admit your errors freely and soon.
19. Become less suspicious of joy.
20. Understand humility.
21. Remember that love forgives everything.
22. Foster dignity.
23. Live memorably.
24. Love yourself.
25. Endure.
HOW MANY OF THESE RULES DO YOU STRIVE TO LIVE BY?

After so many shows where it feels like I'm paying tribute to some lost musical genius, I needed to cleanse my Hellish soul. This show is sure to get your toes tappin'. On the menu are some classics and some tracks that are soon to be classic in your collection.

I also take a few minutes in the middle of the program to discuss my current thoughts on the state of commercial radio (one of my favorite topics), and the possible (and hopefully impending) bankruptcy of iHeart Radio (formerly Clear Channel). I'd love your thoughts on this. Feel free to leave a comment.

Just take a look at this playlist. Curtis, JB, Fela, Beasties, Brother Ray, Last Poets, The Meters, Aretha, Toots, Parliament, NWA!!!!!!!

DAMN, GET ON THE GOOD FOOT!

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
http://hellskitchenradio.blogspot.com


Right On For The Darkness: Curtis Mayfiled
Lickin' Stick Lickin' Stick: James Brown

Let's Start: Fela Kuti and Ginger Baker
Hit It And Pass It: Rasputin Stash

Make It New York: Ghostface Killah
Sure Shot: Beastie Boys
Investigation: Carl Holmes
I Get A Kick Out Of You: Tony Bennett

Moonlight Mile: Lee Fields and the Expressions
There Is A Mountain: Jo Jones

Got What It Takes: Lord Loves A Working Man
Can't Help Myself: Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Orchestra
Drown In My Own Tears: Ray Charles

F.U.N.K.: Betty Davis
The White Man's Got A God Complex: Last Poets
Darkest Light: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
Ride Your Pony: The Meters

Funky Kingston: Toots and the Maytals
People Get Ready: Aretha Franklin
Chocolate City: Parliament

Express Yourself: N.W.A.

Sometimes a show just hits right away. Tonight was one of those nights. I have never made it a habit of preparing much for my show. I usually have an idea for a theme, but there are many shows, including this one, where I had a few songs I knew I wanted to share, but other than that I go by feel.

I believe this was a standout show, and I hope you agree. Take a look at the playlist below, and stream or download to your heart's content.

Join me on Thursday, February 1st at the SF Eagle for a memorial for our late friend, and horniest horn man, Ralph Carney. Ralph-A-Palooza promises to be a great show, with some brilliant and talented performers.

Everybody's Clown: Lucifer's Friend
Rhapsody in Blue: Sergio and Odair Assad

Fine and Mellow: Billie Holiday and Lester Young
Dance on the Volcano: Gomorrha

Give Up The Ghost: Hans Chew
South of the Border: Frank Sinatra
White Minority: Black Flag
You're A Big Girl Now: Bob Dylan

Work Song: Nina Simone
Pissing in a River: Patti Smith Group
Buenos Tardes, Amigo: Ween
Rebel Rebel: Seu Jorge

God's Been Drinking: Bernadette Seacrest And Her Yes Men
God's Away On Business: Tom Waits

Alta: Ty Segall
Rollin' and Tumblin': Muddy Waters

It's Good To Be King: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1999-04-12 Irving Plaza, NYC, NY)
St. James Infirmary: White Stripes

First live show for the new year and of course it's a tribute. Duh! Michael "The Professor" Shannon, co-host of Sex Cels (10-midnight Monday's on RV) passed away last month after a long bout with melanoma. I cannot say enough great things about The Professor. My regular interactions with him came during our weekly show transitions. Michael would start Sex Cels each week with a three-song opening theme. He would have me guess the theme and try to stump me. More often than not I would guess correctly. I am a walking musical encyclopedia after all. ;)~ He was a devout atheist and would proudly wear that on his sleeve. He was also a serious Star Wars fanatic. I still liked him though. I can't imagine being in the studio without his smiling face to greet me before taking over the board. Night night, Michael.

Another punch in the gut came a few weeks back when I heard about the passing of another friend, musical stalwart and jack of all musical trades, Ralph Carney. Ralph passed away following a fall down his stairs in his home in Portland, Oregon. He lived in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco for many years, where he was known lovingly as the Mayor of Bernal. Ralph was often found sitting in with local bands throughout the week at clubs like Amnesia or Club Deluxe. He had recorded sessions possibly numbering in the thousands with bands such as the B52s, Elvis Costello, Les Claypool, Stan Ridgeway, and of course Tom Waits, who he spent about 15 years with. Ralph was such a cornball. His personality really shone through his music. Listening to him it made sense that his music was just an extension of his personality. He was like a walking cartoon character; very rubbery. The final twenty minutes of my show is a tribute to Ralph. Another great has left the building. Ralph-a-Palooza will be held on Thursday February 1st, 8PM-2AM, at SF Eagle. Performers include Robin Coomer, Gaucho, The Extra Action Marching Band, The Cottontails, Allison Lovejoy, Griddle, and many more special surprises (no Tom Waits will probably not be one of those surprises).

The first hour features new music from King Gizzard as well as OCS (formerly Thee Oh Sees). Hour two has a lot of tasty live treats from my vault. The playlist follows.

Join my this Sunday afternoon starting at 4PM at Thee Parkside in SF for a live memorial to International Rock Poster artist Ron Donovan. There will be rock posters made in his honor by acclaimed artists including Chris Shaw, and Ron's former partner Chuck Sperry. We're going to send Ron out the only way he would allow: drunk and very very late to the party.

Enjoy.

jh

Why (Is the King of Love Dead?): Nina Simone
A Night out With Jay: Epsilons
Hey Mr. DJ: Bobby Moore

Satan's Stomp: The Flesh Eaters
The Passenger: Iggy Pop

The Book: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Fist City: Loretta Lynn
Marijuana: Reverend Horton Heat
Convenient: Sun Kil Moon
Master Pretender: First Aid Kit

Snortin' Whiskey: Honky
Red Hot: Jurassic 5
Memory of a Cut off Head: OCS

Crossroads: Cream (1968-10-20 San Diego)
Pinhead: Ramones (1977-11-14 Utica, NY)
Don't Let It Bring You Down: Neil Young 1971-02-23 BBC)

Police and Thieves: The Clash (1978-12-28 Lyceum Theater, London, UK)
Goin' Down the Road Feeling Bad: Grateful Dead (1972-08-22 Berkeley Community Theater)
Overture/It's A Boy: The Who
It's Only A Bargain If You Want It: Des Ark

Pink Panther Theme: Oranj Symphonette
Blow Big Ralph: Ralph Carney's Serious Jass Project
Bojack Horseman Theme: Ralph and Pat Carney

Digital Witness: St. Vincent
Way Down In The Hole: Tom Waits

Love How In Love With Love You Are: Adam Mankintosh ft. Storm Large

Sometimes it hits a little too close to home.

Rock poster artist and friend Ron Donovan passed away last week after losing his liver to too many years of alcohol abuse. I loved Ron like anyone did, which meant it was a love-hate relationship. He was funny, talented, smart, and charismatic. He was also selfish, often tardy, never with the tools he needed to do the job, full of excuses and a real pain in the ass. He burned more bridges than most. That being said, he was ubiquitous. There was no one like the Hobbit, "Rotten" Ronnie Donovan.

For over six years he was my foil when we co-hosted the 6 hour bootleg battle "Rock Fight". Ron and I had perhaps the largest combined bootleg collection anywhere. It was easy to pull out brilliant live versions of tunes to one-up each other. He was always late to these shows, rarely had the material he needed, and would often pass out on the couch before we were through. I ended up having a strict "no hard alcohol" rule for these shows, which paid off as they were the finest we did together. We also hosted a few live bands and interviews during these marathon shows.

In 2011 Ron volunteered his services to make us a poster for Radio Valencia, which he was going to present at a big fundraiser of ours. He was four hours late and the poster had the incorrect URL and frequency on it! Oh, and he misspelled "commercials. HA! In typical Donovan fashion he just shrugged it off with a smile. I still have about a dozen of those posters somewhere.

Ron was mostly known through his great rock poster art. I met him when he and Chuck Sperry ran Firehouse Kustom Rock Posters. I would hang out at their warehouse and watch the magic happen. Ron was always the life of the party and often would bring the party with him. I'll miss seeing him in his ink-covered shorts-over-thermals, and socks/sandals ensemble, riding along on his Powell/Peralta board looking for a free drink at any one of many bars or "offices" he had around town.

Tonight's show is a tribute of sorts to Ron. I'm not sure he would have approved of every track, but he would have liked that they were all songs that one would want played as they passed on.

Yours truly,

jh

Never Talking to You Again: Husker Dü
Dirt: The Stooges

I Wanna Rock: Twisted Sister

Purple Rain: Prince
Heaven: Talking Heads
Teenage Kicks: The Undertones
People Who Died: Jim Carroll

In My Time of Dying: Led Zeppelin (03/19/75 Vancouver, Canada)
Rock and Roll Suicide: David Bowie
Carrickfergus: Van Morrison and The Chieftains

The Bones in the Ground: Robyn Hitchcock
I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You: Louis Armstrong
One More Cup of Coffee: Bob Dylan
Jig of Life: Kate Bush

Mea Culpa: Brian Eno and David Byrne
Highly Illogical: Leonard Nimoy
Hooray For Me: Bad Religion

Highway To Hell: AC/DC (12/17/81 Rochester, NY)
Watermelon in the Easter Hay: Frank Zappa

Black Peter: Grateful Dead (12/14/71 Ann Arbor, MI)
Happy Boy: Beat Farmers

Rock on, Rotten Ronnie. I hope you make it to your destination...eventually.

I found Judge Roy Moore's iPod and you would not believe what he has on this thing! He has a playlist called "Statutory Rock". It's all songs about sex with underage girls, mostly. Dude! I just had to play it on my show. Who knew there were so many songs about having illegal sex with people underage? If you lived in the 70s then you pretty much figured that was happening all the time. And if you live in Alabama today then you probably have kids with someone who is currently underage, and it's possible your sister or brother or some kinda relative anyway. Yes, I went there.

Enjoy and please vote.

jh

Teen Angel: Mark Dinning
Christine Sixteen: KISS
Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight: Spinal Tap

Jailbait: Motörhead
Jailbait: Aerosmith
Jailbait: Ted Nugent

Statutory Date: Twisted Sister
Mellow Yellow: Donovan
Sweet Little Sixteen: Chuck Berry

Goin' Blind: Melvins
Whistle Bait: Lorrie and Larry Collins
Thirteen: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl: The Yardbirds

Young Girl: Gary Pucket and the Union Gap
Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon: Neil Diamond

Cypress Avenue: Van Morrison
Claire: Gilbert O'Sullivan
Do You Wanna Touch Me: Gary Glitter

Gypsy, Tramps and Thieves: Cher
Stray Cat Blues: Rolling Stones
Flower: Liz Phair
He Made A Woman Out Of Me: Betty LaVette

Does Your Mother Know: ABBA
Mexicali Blues: Grateful Dead
Francine: ZZ Top
Lemon Incest: Serge Gainsbourg
The Wanton Song: Led Zeppelin

(How To Keep Your) Husband Happy: The Cosmopolitans

Having spent almost 30 years in community radio, I've seen plenty of fresh young faces cross into the medium, where I have been asked to train them in the technical aspects of running the board, as well as how to announce during a mic break. There is an art to this. There is a flow. More often than not I am in the flow. I certainly know when I'm not. I tell the new DJ when it comes to the mic break, just do the business (back announce what you played, read a PSA, front announce and get off mic). Once you have more time in the studio under your belt, then you can wax poetic about the artist you just played and the label they are on, and connect it to some current issue, or talk about the band that's coming to town and the place they're playing and some history connected to the label you're about to play. All of this takes time and experience.

I trained a new DJ on my recent show: Johnny Fuzz; no relation. His set is labeled below. Great guy, great choices. He'll be getting a show soon, so please show him some love and tune in.

My next show is pretty timely. I call it "Statutory Rock"! You can only guess what I'll be playing.

Finally, send some healing thoughts to Hell's Kitchen Radio alum, and legendary rock poster artist, Ron "Rotten Ronnie" Donovan. He's in the hospital with lived failure after living the life of a rock start, too hard, for too long. We love you Rotten Ronnie. Don't make me host a tribute to you any time soon.

Check out the playlist below and click the stream or download button above to enjoy this great show. There's some kind of tribute??? to Charles Manson at the beginning.

Enjoy.

jh

Never Learn to Love: Beach Boys
Cease to Exist: Charles Manson
Mayla: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

20th Century Boy: Ty Segall
Destination Unknown: Missing Persons

Kings Lead Hat: Brian Eno
The Eureka Garbage Lady: GTO's

***Johnny Fuzz Set***
Caroline: Chrome
Allas Sak: Dungen

Vitamin D: Can
We Are Time: The Pop Group
I Don't Like Linoleum: The Dancing Cigarettes
Creature That I Am: Cool Ghouls

Lucid I Would Dream: Miranda Lee Richardson
***John Hell***
Raw Optics: Oh Sees

Timid Scripts: HRVRD
Warm Piston: Monomen
She's Got Balls: AC/DC
The Bomber: Joe Walsh and Barnstorm (09-24-73 Arlington, TX)

The Beacon: Golden Void
Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite (Take 4): The Beatles
Bad As Me: Tom Waits

Jesus Didn't Die For Me: Rube Waddell
Sugaree: Grateful Dead (May 6, 1978 Patrick Gym, U of Vermont)

It's that time once again when I get to indulge my inner Dave Morey and focus my show on one special year. This is my seventh annual Annual Annual, and this year it's all about 1992. I turned 22 in late September and was deeply involved at KFJC as well as attending countless live shows around the Bay Area.

The club scene was really good to me too. South Bay spots like Marsugi's and One Step Beyond were regular hot spots for us KFJC folks. I also spent a lot time at The Stone in SF, Paradise Lounge, Above Broadway, Slims, um, er, my brain is hurting trying to remember all the places. I recall The Omni, Gillman Street, Berkeley Square, and Freight and Salvage in the East Bay too. And of course many many Grateful Dead shows up and down the west coast. 1992 was a really fun year for me.

As for the music, the indie scene was at a peak since Nirvana went super duper platinum (is that a ranking?) the previous fall with Nevermind. Major labels were doing everything they could to swipe up the next big thing. Some really horrible knockoff bands were popping up on commercial radio during this time. Some things never change.

I was hosting the 6-10AM morning show on Wednesday's at KFJC. The music below feels like I took it straight from one of my playlists from that time. It's possible I did. Granted we weren't allowed, by FCC rules, to play any music with naughty language, so there are a few tracks on here that I would have loved to have played back then, but could not. Count yourself lucky for the advent of internet radio!

Take a walk down memory lane for the next two hours and enjoy 1992 like it never left us.

Enjoy.

jh

I Say Fuck: Supersuckers
Spear and Magic Helmet: The Gits
Ghettos of the Mind: Pete Rock and CL Smooth

California Uber Alles: Disposable Heroes of Hiphopricy
Love American Style: Mr. T Experience
Professor Booty: Beastie Boys

I Ain't No Nice Guy: Motorhead
Papa Won't Leave You, Henry: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Skeeter: King Buzzo (Melvins solo EPs)

Suck My Left One: Bikini Kill
Everything's Ruined: Faith No More
Caliente: Supersuckers
Stranded on Death Row: Dr. Dre

Youth Against Fascism: Sonic Youth
Officer: The Pharcyde
Murder in the Red Barn: Tom Waits
Always Something: Yo La Tengo

Sweet Old World: Lucinda Williams
Summer Babe (Winter Version): Pavement
Living Wreck: Mudhoney

Sandusky: Uncle Tupelo
Your Ass Is Next In Line: The Mummies
Merry Muthafuckin' Xmas: Eazy-E
Have A Cigar: Primus

Time Will Tell: Black Crowes

I'm sleep deprived, so don't hold me too accountable for what follows. ...I'm trying hard to think of something witty to say. Hmmm. Who knew sleep was so damn important?

Ah yes, my show this week! I was able to get to my Fats Domino tribute. You probably only know him through his seminal hit "Blueberry Hill", but his sound helped define early rock and roll, rhythm and blues, with a touch of jump swing. His stride piano style was always evident in the New Orleans sound, whether he was playing one of his own songs of love and heartbreak, or a carefully chosen cover. I grew up in a household where my dad (born 1941) played a lot of blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Fats played a central role in my early musical development, which I'm certain I didn't realize until he passed away a few weeks back at the age of 89.

The balance of my show features new music from King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (their third full-length release of 2017!) and Boris. There's some long noisy jams via Aluk Todolo, a jazzy cover by Sex Mob, a "weird" cover by The Residents, stoner spacey jams from Sleep, and an Op/Ed from John Lennon. There's more as you'll see below. Also, I gave tickets away to see Fu Manchu. Did you know that I often have tickets to local shows I give away on my show? You didn't?!?!?! Tune in and WIN!!! There's so much winning. You're going to get tired of all the winning, I promise you.

I've been spending too much time on Twitter lately. There are links below.

Next Monday night is my 7th annual Annual Annual!!! That's two hours from one year. I'm thinking about hosting 1992.

Enjoy.

jh

It's Hard to be Humble: Mac Davis
Jambalaya: The Residents

Ain't That A Shame: Fats Domino
Bad Luck and Trouble: Fats Domino
Good Hearted Man: Fats Domino

You Win Again: Fats Domino
Your Cheatin' Heart: Fats Domino
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans: Fats Domino

The Book/A Journey to (S)Hell: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Walking in the Park: Colosseum

Aquarian: Sleep
I Don't Want To Be A Soldier: John Lennon
I Want You/She's So Heavy: George Benson

Ampn': Fu Manchu
The Horned Goddess: The Sword

Deadsong/Absolutego: Boris

IV: Aluk Todolo
Volpina: Sex Mob

You would think since I'm only getting about four hours a sleep, having a newborn in the house, I wouldn't be up for doing my weekly show. You would be incorrect. What the hell do you know anyway? It's not like I was looking to run out on the little one and my bride. No, no, no. It's more about taking the time away so when I come back I'm even more hot to care for all-things-baby!

It was so great getting back on the horse tonight after three weeks away. The playlist felt fresh, and your comments kept me on edge...er, I mean happier than a baby with a fresh boob in the mouth!

You'll have to forgive me, I have baby-brain right now. That being said, I think you will agree that I can still throw together one hell of a playlist. Oh, I'm thinking about starting a campaign to get a local commercial radio station (107.7 The Bone, KFOG, Live-105) to allow me to program their station for one hour during the evening drive. I promise not to play anything with bad words...in English. Really though, the dreck they are playing is insulting. Give me one hour and I know you're going to have listeners hungry for more.

Until that day, keep tuning in Monday's 8-10PM and I'l give it my best; baby-brain and all.

Enjoy.

jh

Common People: William Shatner
Earthquake: Butthole Surfers
Someday Soon: The Doors

Grateful: Patti Smith
What Goes On: Velvet Underground

Vitamin C: Can
Free Your Mind and your Ass Will Follow: Funkadelic

Lord of Lightning: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (World Cafe-Bakehouse Studios-Melbourne, Australia-January 25, 2017)
A Lotus on Irish Streams: Mahavishnu Orchestra (Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, CA November 9, 1972)
Frankie and Albert: Leadbelly (1940-12-12 - WNYC Radio - Folk Songs of America - New York, NY)

Eric's Trip: Sonic Youth (November 26, 1992 - Teatro Tenda Strisce, Roma, Italia)
When I Met You: David Bowie

Celluloid Heroes: The Kinks (BBC 1974)
Black Magick: Ty Segall

Last Looks: Lee Renaldo
The Static God: Oh Sees
Moon Tattoo: Sofi Tukker

Evil Ways: Santana (Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA, February 14, 1969)
Brown-Eyed Women: Grateful Dead (October 21, 1971, Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, IL)

Is he or isn't he? Apparently he is. Dang. I saw Tom Petty three times in the late 80s and early 90s, including the very first Bridge School benefit in 1986, which is the only one I attended. I also was able to see him with Lenny Kravitz opening (the Let Love Rule tour). Petty always put on such a great show. I gave up going to shows in large venues many years ago, but I always felt that I seeing Petty again would be fun, regardless of the size of the venue.

There are few artists I would see in a large venue today. I would see Neil Young in a large venue if Crazy Horse was backing him. Other than that I prefer a venue ranging from a size 50-1500 people. The more intimate the better.

Speaking of an intimate setting, my bride took me to see Thee Oh Sees last week at the best venue in SF: Great American Music Hall. Not only was it a brilliant show, it was without a doubt, the loudest show I have ever been to. Even guitarist/lead singer John Dwyer was heard to ask if that show wasn't louder than the previous night's? I'm seeing them again in December at the Chapel. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Last night I was lucky enough to catch what has been marked as the "Last Polka" of the great SF punk-polka band, Polkacide, at Bottom of the Hill. After 30+ years they're hanging up their lederhosen. I spent a good 30 minutes in the polkapit. and boy did I feel it. The four original members are grandparent age now, and I'm guessing that having 10 people in the band makes it difficult to make the scene too often. I'm hoping for an annual reunion at the very least.

On a completely unrelated note, my bride Catherine gave birth to our little boy, Bodhi Miles Hell this past Thursday! We couldn't be more excited about this fella coming into our lives. I'll be taking a few weeks off from my show so I can be home with the little fella, fitting him with black t-shirts and guitar picks, and singing to him my favorite Melvis and Grateful Dead tunes. I can't wait to have him and Little Lauson Hell both in the studio with me in the years to come.

Check out the playlist below. There's a live Tom Petty tribute, new music from Ty Segall and Thee Oh Sees, as well as Boris. Lots of great live treats in there as well.

Enjoy.

jh

Porno: Limbomaniacs
Pan: Ty Segall

Plastic Plant: Thee Oh Sees (September 28, 2017 Great American Music Hall, SF, CA)
Jack the Ripper: Link Wray

Young, Gifted and Black: Aretha Franklin
Radebe: Johnny Dyani
Dead Flowers: Townes Van Zandt
Rise Up With Fists: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins

American Girl: Tom Petty (April 23, 1977 The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA)
Even the Losers/The Waiting/So You Want To Be A Rock and Roll Star: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Bob Dylan (June 26, 1986 HHH Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN)
Something in the Air: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Keys to the Castle: Thee Oh Sees
Dystopia-Vanishing Point: Boris

Ride Into the Sun: The Velvet Underground
My Favorite Things: John Coltrane (October 26, 1963 Tivoli Koncertsal, Copenhagen)

I Loved Another Woman: Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac (June 9, 1968, Carousel Ballroom, SF, CA)

I promised I wasn't going to go on a rant tonight. I almost got through the entire show too. It was worth it. But it's all about the music, right? That's why you tune in. You want to hear what I'm going to play, and in what order I'll be playing it. I get it. That's why I listen to quality radio programs, and often with a pen and paper at hand. I want to get excited about a tune I haven't heard before so I can run on out and purchase it, and perhaps get turned on to an artist that has deftly escaped my attention until now.

Recently, a friend of mine was telling me that I should contact a commercial radio station and ask for the opportunity to be their music director for one day. Yes, the music heard on most commercial stations, most of the time, makes me want to puke. Much of what I'm perplexed about is the order of their songs. They can hand me the list of all artists/songs they want played for that day and allow me to place it in an order that actually makes sense. Don't hold your breath for me to do this anytime soon, but I do like the idea.

If you have been enjoying the second hour live sets I've been doing then I believe you're really going to enjoy what I have in store for you on this show. Check out the playlist below, and click the stream/download links above.

Enjoy.

jh

Some Context/The Acrid Corpse: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Powerman: The Kinks
Time of your Live: Daevid Allen
Repo Man: Iggy Pop

Rodeo Chica: Boss Hog
That's Not My Name: Ting Tings
Let It Bleed: Goat

Plastic Plant: Thee Oh Sees
Death Sound Blues: Country Joe and the Fish
The Same Thing: Muddy Waters

Jeun Ko Ku: Fela Kuti

Keep on the Sunny Side: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Roadrunnre: Jerry Garcia Band (August 1, 1974 - Keystone, Berkeley, CA)

Head Home: Midlake
Visions of Johanna: Bob Dylan (May 26, 1966 Royal Albert Hall, London, England)

Sweet Jane: Lou Reed (October 27, 1974 Palace Theater, Dayton, OH)
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere: Neil Young (February 19, 1970 KQED TV, San Francisco, CA)

Messin' With the Kid: Rory Gallagher (July 10, 1972 Bob Harris Show, BBC)

When you start out in non-commercial radio today there's such a learning curve when it comes to deep musical knowledge and history of the many genres one can investigate. When I started in 1988 I never thought that I would be able to conquer that mountain of musical mayhem. Almost 30 years later I find that I have a fairly intimate knowledge of many genres: early Jazz, Bebop, Post-bop, Chicago Blues, 60s/70s neo-Punk, 70s Classic Rock, 60s/70s Underground Funk, 60s American Psychedelia, Kraut Rock, 2000s Stoner Rock, all-things James Brown, Miles Davis, Grateful Dead, Melvins, and on and on and on...

I really feel for the new breed DJs who want to break into this scene today. There's just too much damn great music to listen to. I was looking at a collection of digitized music of mine recently, and I cannot believe how much I haven't even spent time listening to and getting to know on a deeper level. What the hell is wrong with me?!?!?! I really think that I need a gofundme for people to contribute to so I can take time off work so I can be able learn all this music to better entertain you.

There's a world of great music out there to enjoy. I appreciate you tuning in every Monday night, and/or streaming/downloading these shows to help you broaden your musical horizons.

Enjoy.

jh

New Day Rising: Husker Dü (October 17, 1987 The Ritz, NYC)
Eye Shaking King: Amon Dull II
Stop the Pusher: Bo Diddley

Moth Tongue: Crystal Fairy
The Pusher: Nina Simone
Detachable Penis: King Missle

High Heel Sneakers: Rahssan Roland Kirk
Sophisticated Sissy: Rufus Thomas
She Caught the Katy: Taj Mahal
Big Chief: The Meters

Aquarian: Sleep
Moving to Florida: Butthole Surfers
Wealthy Man: Cat Power

Sea of Joy: Blind Faith
Out of Focus: Blue Cheer
Mr. Brown: Bob Marley

Messin' with the Kid: Buddy Guy and Junior Wells
Machine Gun: Jimi Hendrix
Oh Me: Meat Puppets

Neptune's Convoy: Fu Manchu
The Klan: Gil Scott-Heron

Bitches Brew: Miles Davis

What was your favorite childhood toy? I used to love my Space 1999 spaceship. Loved it! I loved it more than the Star Wars toys I accumulated, probably because I really didn't care so much for the Star Wars franchise. I know, I know, shoot him now! I was more of a Trekkie. Did anyone own a Barbie? Did you own more than one? Did you own a Ken? Did you make them swap clothing? Did you have them make out? Did you take them apart and turn them into grotesqueries? My guest Monday night is all about turning Barbie and her friends into works of contemporary art.

Julie Anderson has curated "Altered Barbie" since 2003, hosting many multi-media artists who use Barbie as their muse, their canvas, their medium. We take the first hour and talk to her and singer Ethel Merman (who is performing at the opening reception this Saturday night) about the history of the event, the history of Barbie, legal issues and great art experiences.

I'm planning on attending the opening reception this Saturday night and I strongly urge you to come down and have a great night. It's absolutely worth every second, and you can walk out with some great art!

The gallery is located at Back to the Picture, 934 Valencia Street in San Francisco
Gallery hours: Monday - Saturday 10AM-6PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM

The remainder of the night focuses on recent live acquisitions that I'm excited to share with you.

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
https://radiovalencia.fm

In The Flesh: Pink Floyd
This Year's Kisses: Billie Holiday + Lester Young
Buckets of Rain: Bob Dylan

Stormy Monday: Allman Brothers
I Don't Want to Talk About It: Delaney, Bonnie and Friends

Interview with Julie Anderson and Ethel Merman of Altered Barbie

Barbie Girl: Aqua
Million Dollar Babies/I Love the Dead/Million Dollar Babies: Alice Cooper (June 4, 1980 El Paso)

Stinkfoot: Frank Zappa and the Mother's of Invention (November 9, 1974 Orpheum Theater, Boston, MA)
Into the Groovy: Sonic Youth

You Know You Know: Mahavishnu Orchestra (April 21, 1972 Music Hall, Cleveland, OH)

Lusitanos: Weather Report (May 4, 1975 Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, CA)
Dancing in the Streets: Grateful Dead (January 3, 1970 Fillmore East, NYC)

Do we get to listen to music in the afterlife? I sure hope so, or it's going to be seriously boring. Or maybe when we die we can travel anywhere in time, so we can go see all those concerts that we were too young to attend when we were alive. That would be pretty awesome!

Who would you go see?

I'd see all the obvious 60s and 70s rock bands that I never got to see, but add to that Nina Simone, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Maybe Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams and Johny Thunders. Too many great artists to count, really.

Tonight's show wasn't about a lot of dead rock stars. No. There's lots of life in this here show you're about to listen to. Oh it's got its share of dead musicians, but don't let that get you down.

Enjoy.

jh

Common People: William Shatner
The Cactus: 3rd Bass
Get It Together: Beastie Boys

Dirty Women: Black Sabbath
Little Child Running Wild: Curtis Mayfield
Skull Ring: Iggy Pop

Catholic School Girls Rule: Red Hot Chili Peppers
John the Fisherman: Primus
Cosmic Slop: Funkadelic

Too Young To Die: Jamiroquai
Shocks (Almighty Mix): Bob Marley and Lee Perry
Night Destroyer: Red Fang

A New World/Altered Beast: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out: Nina Simone

China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider: Grateful Dead (August 27, 1972 Old Renaissance Fairgrounds, Veneta, OR)
Life on Mars: Seu Jorge

Natural Born Lover: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
The Shape I'm In: Bo Diddley
Baba Diddy Baby: The Mummies

Lauson spent the night in Hell's Kitchen this past Monday night and was more than her usual kooky self. Little Lauson Hell is about to enter 8th grade and I'm not really certain how I feel about all this growing up stuff. She knows that when it comes to the playlist to make make her choices a wee bit more left of maintstream. That being said, she's her father's daughter: she just knows what she likes. Almost all of her selections (designated by "L") are fairly outside the norm of what a 12 year old probably listens to. Does your kid flip for Nina Simone?

Some new music from Ty Segall from an oddly digital-only release (where's the vinyl, Ty?), and Dale Crover has graced us with what he claims is his first full-length solo effort, Fickle Finger of Fate, but I consider the classic Kiss-style Melvins solo EP of his to be his real first solo release. Whatever. Speaking of the Melvins, their documentary, Colossus of Destiny is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray and we're all better for it. I saw the film at a s showing at the Swedish-American Hall in SF last Fall and the boys performed an acoustic set and did a Q&A following the film. It's chock full of great interviews and music. Check it out!

I've got way too much music to share with you this coming Monday night. Two hours really isn't enough time, but it'll have to do. See you on the "radio".

Enjoy.

jh

Common People: William Shatner
Love of the Common People: Leonard Nimoy
Bo Diddley: Bob Seger

Lose Yourself: Eminem - L
Nice Nice Very Nice: Ambrosia

Don't Stop Me Now: Queen - L
Baby's On Fire: Ayers-Eno-Cale-Nico
Man Thinks Woman: Mecca Normal
She's An Angel: They Might Be Giants

None, No More: Dale Crover
The Room Where It Happens: Hamilton - L
I Put A Spell On You: Leon Russell
You Don't Own Me: Grace ft. G-Easy - L

Dust: Ty Segall
The Runaway: Danny O'Keefe
Feeling Good: Nina Simone - L

Mayla: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
Kisah Sedih Di Hari Minggu: Koes Barat
That's What I Like: Bruno Mars - L

Foolish Heart: Grateful Dead (June 19, 1988 Alpine Valley Music Center)
Eight Miles High: Husker Dü

Intergalactic: Beastie Boys - L

Tonight I'm training a new Radio Valencia DJ: Andre Champaign. Andre took over the first 30 minutes of my show, and it was a dub-lovers delight! Two sweet sets that'll get your toes a-tappin'. and your body swaying.

Andre also inspired my sets. Since my recent move I've been finding items in my library I had forgotten all about. I was told in my radio youth to never draw attention to a mistake; the listeners won't notice anyway. I took that to heart, but added never draw attention to a mistake UNLESS you can make it an artform! You can hear what I mean in my final mic break of the evening. HA!

I was hoping to do a 7" special soon called "The Return of the Magnificent 7", but in my recent move I lost a box of items, including ALL of my 7"s. I cannot begin to tell you how sore I am about this loss. I also lost a few DVDs and important books. Ugh. I hate the idea of having to rebuild my collection. But that's how it goes. As bad as I fee about this, I cannot define my identity by what I own. In the end, I still love music; it's my drug of choice. You can count on me to continue to curate two hours of aural bliss every Monday night.

I do still have a John Zorn special that I'm planning for this Fall. I'm still not certain how many hours and how many parts it will be. There is so much good music to choose from this grand composer/musician. So we have that to look forward to, which is good.

Check out the playlist below and click the stream or download link above to listen.

Enjoy.

jh

Andre Champaign Set:

Airbag: Easy Star All Stars
Safe from Harm: doublestandart
Speak to Me/Breathe: Easy Star All Stars
A Little Dub From My Friends: Easy Star All Stars

Night Nurse: Cottonbelly
Teardrop: Massive Attack
Diffraction: Com Truise

John Hell Set:

Double Six: Lee "Scratch" Perry
George Bush Don't Like Black People: Legendary KO
Do I Look Like A Slut: Avenue D

Turku: Erkin Koray
Ocean Breathes Salty: Sun Kil Moon

You Can't Catch Me: Chuck Berry
Dirt: The Stooges
Buck Whylin': Terminator X

A Better Tomorrow: Dan the Automator and Kool Keith
Hallogallo: Neu!

Killer Sounds From Outer Space: Turn Me On Dead Man
Half Way To A Threeway: Jim O'Rourke
The Passenger: Wall of Voodoo

Que Sera Sera: Doris Day

I took off for a mid-week trip after this show. This is why you are seeing it so late in the week. That's just the way I roll.

No special on this night, just some fine tuneage. And just take a look! I was obviously looking to mix it up a bit. These sets are totally worth your time to check out. You know you want to. Right? RIGHT?!

New music from The Melvins and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. A brilliant cover from Camper van Beethoven (thanks Doug), some metal, a couple 1967 leftovers, some psych, some glitter-pop, a few choice covers, and a David Lynch tune to boot!

A few specials I have in mind for the next few months include a covers special, and my third John Zorn special to soothe your earholes.

Tune in Monday 8-10PM (PDST) for another tasty treat on Hell's Kitchen Radio.

Enjoy.

jh

Common People: William Shatner
An Open Letter to My Teenage Son: Victor Lundberg
1977: Thee Headcoats

Give It To Me: The Melvins
Interstellar Overdrive: Camper van Beethoven
I Have A Radio: David Lynch

Black Sabbath: Black Sabbath
The Embryo: Pink Floyd (BBC 07-16-1970 Paris Cinema, London, England)

Han-Tyomi and the Murder of the Universe: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
En Gang Om Aret: Dungen

Kathy's Song: Simon and Garfunkel (dedicated to my bride on her birthday)
Take a Letter, Maria: RB Greaves
Summer Babe (Winter Version): Pavement
1976: Redd Kross

Burning Spear: Thee Oh Sees
Sticks and Stones: Jo Jones
Can You Get To That: Funkadelic
Albuquerque: Josh Tillman

ACDC: Sweet
Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite: The Beatles
Let's Go Hunt for Grandpa: Goober and the Peas

Hate the Police: The Dicks

I grew up wishing I had graduated from a San Francisco high school in 1964 so that by the Summer of Love in 1967 I would 21 years old and able to fully immerse myself in everything that era had to offer. It's the music of that time that influenced me the most during my adolescent years, when I was moving past what played on the home hi-fi and more into discovering my own likes. It was that swirling psychedelic music and it was that message of change and opportunity that grabbed me most.

My family moved to the Bay Area in late 1982 when I was 12 years and I knew right away what a special place San Francisco was. In our first excursion into the city my parents wanted to tour Fisherman's Wharf, I wanted to go to the Haight. Of course by 1982 the Haight was long past its hippy prime and deep in its lost years of heroin and speed and closed storefronts. That didn't stop me from searching this great city and colorful neighborhoods for any crumb that remained from the vibe that the Summer of Love hoped to propagate following 1967. Today the area is inundated by boutiques and way too many Tibetan importers and head shops; not to mention countless tourists, who, like me, are looking for a shred of evidence that there was once an energy of love that attempted to take our nation to a higher level, overcoming war and grief and capitalism. And let's not forget the number of homeless teens and 20-somethings who have been termed out of foster care, who call the doorways of Haight Street their home.

It was the swirling music, colorful fashion, and risk-taking youth that took precedence at that time. It was the music industry that bastardized it and made way for the punk movement of the 70s/80s. But before that all came to pass we have to appreciate what the bands of the time were doing. San Fransisco was one hell of a great scene. Great clubs, like the Avalon Ballroom, Carousel, Fillmore, Family Dog at the Great Highway had the best bands playing their stages night after night. And promoters like Chet Helms and Bill Graham were pairing local rock bands with legendary blues and jazz artists, opening the ears of the audience to sights and sounds they may never have taken the time to check out on their own.

We are all better for 1967 and San Francisco.

Two books I'd like to recommend that will shed much better light on that era include Joel Selvin's"Summer of Love", and David Talbot's "Season of the Witch". The latter starts in 67 and works its way up through the first 49er Super Bowl win in early 1982. Both are definitely worth your time, especially if you hold a place in your heart for San Francisco.

As for the music I chose for this show, it's all from 1967, and most are west coast American bands. in retrospect I could have chosen more obscure acts from that year, or other, more current bands, covering these songs, below. Instead I played music that really moved me as I was growing up. And isn't that the job of the DJ, to move you the way they have been?

My friend Linda Kelly, managing editor of the local rag Haight Street Voice was hanging out in the studio with me too. She was interviewing me for the August issue. It's a free paper, so pick it up when you see it, or go online to check it out. I hope she doesn't make me sound too bitter. It's been a challenging year when it comes to my love for SF. But isn't that like all relationships? We'll see it through to the end.

Wednesday I had the chance to take in the Summer of Love exhibition at the deYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. It was more than I could have hoped for. If you live in the Bay Area make sure you get to this show before it closes, August 20th.

Next Monday night is lots of new music and the return of Little Lauson Hell!!!

Enjoy.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF
https://radiovalencia.fm

Follow me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
Follow Radio Valencia on Twitter
Follow Radio Valencia on Facebook
Follow me on

Time Has Come Today: The Chambers Brothers
Bass Strings: Country Joe and the Fish

Omaha: Moby Grape
Season of the Witch: Donovan
Down on Me: Big Brother and the Holding Company

Plastic Fantastic Lover: Jefferson Airplane
The Golden Road: Grateful Dead
San Francisco Nights: The Animals
You Keep Me Hanging On: Vanilla Fudge

Astronome Domine: Pink Floyd
Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite: The Beatles
Stroll On: Yardbirds
I Feel Free: Cream

Waterloo Sunset: Kinks
Pleasant Valley Sunrise: The Monkees
Dear Landlord: Bob Dylan

I Was Made To Love Her: Stevie Wonder
Cold Sweat: James Brown
Before You Accuse Me: 13th Floor Elevators
Heroes and Villians: The Beach Boys

It's A Happening Thing: Peanut Butter Conspiracy
Friday on my Mind: The Easybeats
I'm Waiting For The Man: Velvet Underground

Foxy Lady: Jimi Hendrix
Paint It Black: Rolling Stones
I'll Never Fall In Love Again: Tom Jones

San Francisco (Flowers in your Hair): Scott McKenzie