This is one of those times when I really count my blessings. Everyone has their struggles, so don't let me start getting into my own. Does any of it really matter? No. None of it matters. Holding a grudge does nothing but take the time away from having a really good time. And isn't that what we want: to have a really good time?

Why suffer? What does it bring? What have we gained by our own suffering? Experience? Isn't there any other way to grow? I've learned more lessons than blah, blah, blah. Is this what life is all about: learning lessons so as not to repeat the same mistakes over and over again? What if I learned a lesson, put in my best effort, asked all the right questions, opened myself up to scrutiny and vulnerability, articulated my boundaries, and still tripped?!

What then?

Throw it all away? Remain alone for the sake of caring for my heart? Risk appearing aloof or uncaring just so I don't have to clean up a mess that I worked diligently to avoid happen in the first place? We're not a solitary species? But what's so bad about being alone? I have my music to keep my warm. Even the kids grow up to live their own lives.

Enjoy the moment. That's all we have. Meditate on that. You can do your best to make up for the past. Take accountability even when it feels impossible. Make amends. Speak your truth with the most compassionate head and heart. Be the best listener. Ask the deeper questions. Be vulnerable and available for the criticisms that will come your way (and they will come!).

Prepare for the future, knowing as hard as you do, life has a way of throwing a lot of curveballs at you. Be calm through the storm. Flow like water. Respond, don't react. Breathe. Always breathe. And know that everyone else is going through the shit too.

All we have in now. It's only now. It's always now. Bring your best now. Now. And do not beat yourself up if the best you have now is not the same as what others are bringing. Never compare yourself to others, ever. You'll lose that battle. So don't do it. Rise above that. You're not rising above others, you're rising above the idea that others are above you. No one is above anyone else. We're all treading water in our own way. Our job is to do it as calmly as possible. Don't fight the waves. Don't fight the tide.

Flow like water.

Forgive.

Love.

Be. Here. Now.

And listen to good music.

There's some pretty good music here. New The Jesus Lizard, Ty Segall, Dale Crover, WAND, and a bunch of other stuff I think you're going to love. I love it, anyway.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Kasalefkut-Hulu: Mulatu Astatke
Sevda Olmasaydi: Altin Gün

Theme de Yoyo: Art Ensemble of Chicago
Down Home Girl: The Coasters

Help Save The Youth of America: Billy Bragg
Youth of America: Melvins
Bang Bang: Nancy Sinatra
The Tide is High: The Paragons

High Time: WAND
Enemy Destruct: Thee Oh Sees

Teenie Weenie Boppie: Free Kitten
Purple: Ken Nordine
Golden Gate Park: The Catheads
2 Drunk 2 Fuck: Avenue D
Fuck the Police (edit): NWA
Rudy, a Message to You: Dandy Livingstone

Lord Godiva: The Jesus Lizard
Blood Like Cream: Red Fang

I Waited Forever: Dale Crover (ft. Ty Segall)
Killer: Alice Cooper
Gathering of the Ancient Tribes: GOAT

The Dance/Walk Home Pt.2/First Touch: Ty Segall
Rise: PIL

I was this close (you'll have to imagine me holding my fingers really close together) to playing only three or four tunes for the entire two hours. And then I realized that's foolish when I brought a whole stack of albums with me.

The first hour was only about four tunes though. Hard Bop (I originally wrote that as "Hard Bob" and that would have probably lost me a few listeners...or added a few), Free Jazz, Kraut Rock and modern Free Jazz/Electronic. Then I realized I really had to start sharing some other treats, including new Nick Cave, The Bell Rays and King Gizzard. There's also a 50th anniversary remaster of the Frank Zappa classic Apostrophe that I threw in. It's the album that got me into Zappa, though I admit I'm not as obsessed as my boy The Alchemist (Saturday nights on Radio Valencia).

If you like what you're hearing, please check out our other shows. This station was started with the mission of having real live DJs curate shows from their own deep knowledge of music, not from some algorithm. We're proud of the work we've put in.

And if you want to support what we're doing, please consider donating. This is labor of love, and we all pay monthly dues to keep the lights on and the turntables spinning. We need help maintaining the equipment we have, and regularly replacing worn out parts. We also have a deep desire to update our website. If you know anyone that can donate items for a raffle please let me know. There's a Paypal link on the RV homepage. Thanks in advance.


Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Suite Sioux: Freddie Hubbard

Selflessness: John Coltrane

Flowers Must Die: Ash Ra Temple
London: Angel Bat Dawid

Wild God: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Killer of Peace: Crow Jane
Children of the Grave: Brown Sabbath
Reoccurring Cave: Pancho and the Wizards

Wolf's Sun: The Bell Rays
Crash Dancing: Sgt. Splendor

Apostrophe (Side One): Frank Zappa
I'm Feeling Alright: Big Mama Thornton

Antarctica: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Goo Goo Much: The Cramps

You all need an exorcism from streaming services. The withdrawal is worth every drip of sweat and sleepless nights you are bound to experience. Those terrible voices in your head that will keep you up at night reminding you of the next recommended track you are missing when you cut them off cold turkey are going to hurt really bad. The headaches. The night sweats.The terrible desire to log back into your dealer, your pimp, the one who tells you they know what's best for you, for the low low price of $10 a month, but really, at the end of the day, all they want is your SOUL!!!! and $10 a month.

It's worth the pain.

Quit your dealer. Leave them on the street. Live on the right side of musical history.

I've got two hours of aural pleasure that will leave you wondering why you ever doubted the power of radio.

New music from The Bell Reys, and The Bell Reys who I saw at The Stork Club last weekend, along with Middle Aged Queers. GO SEE THAT BAND!!!

Lots of blues, funk, soul, punk, psych, metal, rock, and so much more than would ever be recommended for youknowwho.

Enjoy and please be the one who tells your friends they too need to drop the apps...except ours.

jh

Theme Song: Middle Aged Queers
Peace Train: Cat Stevens
Tater Pie: Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee

Howlin' Wolf: Muddy Waters
Preachin' The Blues: Son House

13 Is My Number: Dave Alexander
Don't Tell It: James Brown
What It Is: Apollis

Whatever Turns You On: The Bell Rays
Azeta: Lafayette Afro Rock Band

Talk To God (Live): GOAT
Lament for the Aurochs: The Sword
People Who Died: Jim Carroll

Frogs: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Chasing the Bee: Mercury Rev
Roomful of Mirrors: The Pretenders
Chaise Lounge: Wet Leg

Daily Blues: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Drugs on the Bus: Crystal Fairy

Since there isn't a holiday for Hell Day...yet, I figured I should pay tribute to all the great laborers out there who never get the appreciation they deserve.

I've hosted a lot of Labor Day shows over the years, and I think it's my favorite holiday to celebrate. I've been a union member for most of my working career, being a teacher, and before that in the grocery industry. At the age of 21, I was a shop steward at a grocery store I worked at. I was a member of the Union Building Committee at the school I teach at for nine years, meeting weekly with the administration, keeping them true to the contract.

I have never had a hard time speaking truth to power. If I have learned anything it's how to finesse how I articulate the message that's needed to be said; all of which in support of the workers.

I will never cross a picket line.

The music tonight is all in celebration of the workers, most of whom are paid far below their value.

I shared a lot of worker history during the show as well. I'm guessing you aren't aware of a lot of the what I spoke about.

Don't like the way you're treated at work, then join a union.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Heartbeat of America: Billy Strings
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out: Nina Simone

Work Song: The Animals
You Gotta Go Down and Join the Union: Woody Guthrie
Nine Pound Hammer: Johnny Cash

The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol: Bob Dylan
Run Devil, Run/The Big Guns: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore: John Prine
Career Opportunities: The Clash
Let's Lynch the Landlord: Faith No More

Mansion on the Hill: Bruce Sprinsteen
Do You Want New Wave, or Do Want the Truth: Minutemen
Crazy Baldhead: Bob Marley

Hey Joe: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Graveyard Shift: Uncle Tupelo
This is Not a Song, It's an Outburst (or Establishment Blues): Rodriguez
War Pigs: Black Sabbath

Get Behind the Mule: Tom Waits
In The Pines: Fantastic Negrito

Inner City Blues: Gil Scott Heron
Wild and Free: Curtis Mayfield

Get Back in Line: The Kinks
Cumberland Blues: Grateful Dead

This Land is Your Land: Woody Guthrie
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

What team are you on: play only the most subversive sounds that may draw in listeners hungry for something new and challenging, but may push some away? Or are you in the camp of play a lot more accessible sounds so as not to push too many listeners away?

I struggle with this, week-to-week, as I'm putting my shows together. I really want to turn you on to music you've never heard, that is knocking me out, but I also know that if I play too much subversive sounds, I may only end up with my mother listening. She really digs that Throbbing Gristle (HA!).

Really though, if you had your choice, which kind of radio show are you more likely to stick around for and tune into each week.

I aim to please, which still pushing your comfort zone.

That was not meant as a euphemism, but you know...

In the meantime, I think this show won't cause any anxiety any time soon. New King Gizzard, OSees, Redd Kross, and Linda Lindas. Newly released remasters of John Lennon and Alice Cooper. Newly found recordings from Johnny Cash and Neil Young.

Enjoy and please let me know how Hell can please you.

jh

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

Good Times, Bad Times: Led Zeppelin
Bumpin' On Sunset: Wes Montgomery

So Lucky: Shannon and the Clams
School Days: Dizzy Gillespie

Raw Feel: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Trailer Trash: MV and EE
Boulder Holder: MF Doom and Madlib
The Harder They Come: Jimmy Cliff

Termination Officer: OSees
Feel: Ty Segall

Queen of the Underground: GOAT
Eyevoid: Heavy Blanket
Found A Job: The Linda Lindas
Room Service: Rap Riplinger

Born Innocent: Redd Kross
I Like It Small: Mudhoney

Love Tsunamu: The Darts
Magic: Zig Zags
Capitol Radio: The Clash
Have You Ever Been To Little Rock: Johnny Cash
Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown: Neil Young

Mind Games (Take 7): John Lennon
Beer Drinkin' Woman: Memphis Slim

Gutter Cat vs. The Jets: Alice Cooper
From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye: Jane Morgan

Dagnaabit! I hate when I fall behind in posting my shows for you, especially when it's such a tasty treat like this one here. I got into a punk, grunge kida thing at the start. And I kinda kept it going for the first hour. Honestly, I would listen to this mixtape.

Mixtape? Christ, I really know how to date myself.

Mix CD?

Playlist?

I still do not have a Spotify account, and never plan on having one. You know they barely pay the content creators, but whom I mean the artists.

New music from OSees (or OCS, Thee Oh Sees....) and JD Pinkus. The rest is just pure gold.

Enjoy and I'll do better getting my shows up sooner for you all.

jh

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

Swampland: The Scientists
Living Wreck: Mudhoney

School: Nirvana
You're Gonna Miss Me: Mono Men
Ass, Gas, or Grass: Men's Club

Rocket Reducer (Rama Lama Fa La La): MC5
Tom Violence: Sonic Youth
Money (That's What I Want): Flamin' Groovies
When the Levee Breaks: Memphis Minnie

Lear's Ears: OSees
1991 A Cappella Mix: Negativland

I Would Like To Pet It: JD Pinkus
Glow in the Dark: Death Valley Girls
Che: Suicide
Blackboard Jungle (DJ Mix): Less Perry and King Tubby

Too Rolling Stoned: Robin Trower

Gangbou-Ki: Boris
Do You Like To Eat A Cow: Paul Leary

I Hate Work: MDC
I've Got A Tiger By The Tail: Buck Owens
Bike: Pink Floyd

Shakedown Street: STS9

Have you been enjoying the Olympics as much as I have?

I am curious though about some of the track and field events. Who wakes up in the morning and decides they are going to put themselves on the world map by throwing the shotput? I'm just curious. In my younger concert-going days (I still go to a lot of live shows) there were moments when the music moved me to jump quite a bit. More pogoing than anything. I could catch quite a bit of air. Maybe I missed my calling?

Either way, the Olympics has been brilliant and a real highlight of my summer break.

Doing a radio show at a free form station is like a participating in some kind of competitive sport. There's always this need to one up another DJ when it comes to obscure artists.

I went to the "Art of Noise" exhibit at the SF MOMA a week ago with three KFJC alumni: Dominic Trix, Mark Dharms, and Claud Maul. It is an incredible show, and I encourage you all to go if you live in the Bay Area. At lunch, before we went to the museum, much of the talk was about music, of course. And it was hilarious the obscure artists we brought up. Such is the life in competitive DJing.

As for this show you are about to enjoy (I enjoyed bringing it to you), there are a few spotlights in there. I start off with a tribute to MCA from the Beastie Boys, follow it up with a John Mayal tribute, and then I focus on King Buzzo and Trevor Dunn who I saw at the Chapel last Tuesday night, by playing Buzzo and Dunn-related tunes.

There is a method to my madness after all.

Where's my medal?!

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Darkest Light: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
Live at PJs: Beastie Boys

Loren's Dance: Idris Muhammad
All Your Love: John Mahal and His Bluesbreakers (ft. Eric Clapton)

Got To Better In A Little While: Derek and the Dominos
Heavy Music: Bob Seger

Six Pack: King Buzzo with Trevor Dunn
Let Me Roll It: Melvins
Book 1, Page 4: Fantomas

Eracist: Mr. Bungle
You Look Funny When You Cry: JD Pinkus
I'll Take Your Word For It: Redd Kross

Bean Fields: Shannon and the Clams
Rock n Roll McDonalds: Wesley Willis
Ha Ha Ha: Flipper
The Lady Loves Me: Elvis Presley and Ann Margaret

String Along: Heavy Blanket
Side Two (Themes 2): Psychic TV
Find Me A Woman: John Lee Hooker

Pontiac Blues: Sonnyboy Williamson with the Yardbords
My Way: Elvis Presley

This past Monday I had a new Radio Valencia staffer come in for training, so I didn't promote the show. When I have to divide my attention I don't feel that it's worth putting out the word. That being said, the music was on point even if my announcing wasn't. And you're here for the music.

Honestly, for a show that promises a diverse selection of genres, tonight cannot be beat.

Garage punk, psych, proto-punk, country, Jazz, SF punk, Aussie psych, obscure 70s funk, 80s electronica, singer-songwriter, pop-punk, Sinatra and too much more to describe. Just look at the playlist below and click on the link to hear the show!

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Hey Joe: The Leaves
Spanish Castle Magic (Stockholm Concert): Jimi Hendrix

Rock and Roll Nigger: Patti Smith
Politician: Betty Davis

Hello Out There: Johnny Cash
Nuclear War: Sun Ra
Plastic TV Land on LSD: Pope Paul Pot

Dali's Clock: Shannon and the Clams
Sloop John B: Three Stoned Men
Nootmare (K.I.L.L.I.N.G.) Meow: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

Soul Makossa: Lafayette Afro Rock Band
Sweet Jane: Mott the Hoople
Dots in the Fog: The Blind Shake
Around and Around: The Rolling Stones

Black Eyes: The Darts
Golden Dawn: GOAT

Pancho and Lefty: Willie Nelson and George Strait
Interlocking: Marissa Nadler
Lycee: Chrisma
Beautiful Strangers: Kevin Morby

Terrible Band: Red Kross
Found A Job: The Linda Lindas

I Get A Kick Out Of You: Frank Sinatra

I've got a fun time set up for you! All you need is two hours, a comfy blanket, food, toys, enhancements, trash talk, crippling depression, a jones for talking dirty and retribution, along with a lifetime supply of Q-Tip brand q-tips, lavender oil, rechargeable AAA batteries, snakeskin from a Burmese Python, slightly used cat toys, a roll of quarters, and an unwatered plant of your choosing.

Now, gather all of this, sort it by age, weight, height, and ability to bring you happiness. Make sure you put your phone on do-not-disturb, (as you will not want to be disturbed).

In the event of a flash flood, earthquake, twister, tsunami, tax audit, intervention, or chem trails, you will want to note your evacuation routine.

This show is not for the faint at heart.

Enjoy and please share.

Pee Wee Herman Theme: Mr. Bungle
Shit Luck: Modest Mouse
United States of Whatever: Liam Lynch

Don't Want You No More/It's Not My Cross To Spare: Allman Brothers Band

Total Eclipse Out Of Hell: Enrique
Trickle Down System: Giant Sand
This is Love: Eric McFadden

Miss You: The Concretes
Sun King: Beatles
Satisfaction: Bjork and PJ Harvey

Television, Drug of a Nation: Disposable Heroes of Hiphopracy
Space-Age Couple: Captain Beefheart
Earth People: Dr. Octogon
Slow Right Hand: Califone

Talk to God: GOAT
Heart of the Sunrise (2024 remastered): Yes
Bugs: Charles Mingus

ICNNVR2: Meatbodies
(Theme) The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Ennio Morricone
History Lesson Pt. 2: Minutemen

Girlfriend: The Modern Lovers

June was Black Music Month. I took Monday night to play a number of Black Power music. Honestly, I could host a weekly show of this and not nearly scratch the surface.

Some of this you'll recognize, but I bet dollars to donuts (mmmm donuts) you haven't heard it all.

I shared some Soul, Funk, R&B, Hiphop, Reggae, Dub and Jazz. I then pivoted to some brand spankin' new Redd Kross, that may be my favorite record of theirs! No kidding! Also, some new Shannon and the Clams and recent Iggy Pop. I close out the show with a little tribute to Kinky Friedman, who passed away last week.

Once again, i'm back in the studio every Monday after hosting live in the studio every other Monday for the past year. It's so much fun doing this show every week. I really feel that I can get into a better groove for you. Pun intended!

Enjoy this holiday this week, regardless of what the Supreme Court ruled this week. In the words of the brilliant Apu Nahasapeemapetilon celebrate the birth of the country by blowing up a small part of it.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

If There's A Hell Below (We're All Gonna Go): Curtis Mayfield
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron

When The Revolution Comes: The Last Poets
A Change is Gonna Come: Aretha Franklin

The World is a Ghetto: War
Freedom: Richie Havens
Mississippi Goddamn: Nina Simone
God Bless the Child: Kenny Burrell

My Favorite Mutiny: The Coup
Fight the Power: Public Enemy

Crazy Baldhead/Running Away: Bob Marley and the Wailers (June 2, 1977)
Young, Gifted and Broke: Aura and Lee "Scratch" Perry
War: The Mighty Two - Joe Gibbs

Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud): James Brown
Fuck the Police: NWA
Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday

Candy Colored Catastrophe: Redd Kross
Frenzy: Iggy Pop
Sweet Jane: Lou Reed

Real or Magic: Shannon and the Clams
They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore: Kinky Friedman

Do you ever have days when you just can't get a song out of your head? I have many days like this. Oftentimes it's when my 6-year-old son, Bodhi is singing "The Wreck of the Old 97", but then there are days when I hear a phrase and it leads me right to a song. More often than not I like the song. I heard the best way to get these songs out of your head is to sing it, start to finish. That works when I know all the lyrics, obviously. I prefer my method: share it with you on my show.

I couldn't get "White Girl" from X out of my head all Monday, so it's only fitting that I started my show with it. As usual I did some record shopping recently, so I had to share some fun crate-digging scores. There's the new Shannon and the Clams, which is breathtaking. If you know, you know.

I also have some new Melvins and Oh Sees later in the show. As for new-to-me, I found the GOAT Levitation Sessions, which I'm quickly wearing out from so much play at home. Zig Zags put out a new album full of recently re-recorded classics. I also have some classic San Francisco Punk with Inflatable Boy Clams and Fuck-Ups. Not to be missed!

And continuing with my love for religion (blech) there's some Negativland and Butthole Surfers to bless you.

Something for the entire family, every Monday 8-10PM Pacific.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

White Girl: X
My Dear Watson: The Headcoats
Ramblin' Man: Hank Williams

The Hourglass: Shannon and the Clams
Take a Letter, Maria: RB Greaves
Little Red Rooster: Big Mama Thornton

Under No Nation: GOAT
Islands in the Sky: Death Valley Girls
Blue Jay Way: The Beatles
Chifara: Mulatu Astatke

Marin: Inflatable Boy Clams
Christianity is Stupid: Negativland
Bar-B-Q Pope: Butthole Surfers

Brainded Warrior: Zig Zags
Nisaba in the Grass: Luna
Midnight Steamer: Jerusalem

Void: Ty Segall
Pain Equals Funny: Melvins
Powerman: the Kinks

Cassius, Brutus & Judus: Oh Sees
White Boy: Fuck-Ups

Last Monday I had some bug up my butt about playing a bunch of local punk and then the whole thing went sideways, as it should. I'm a creature of habit and my radio habit is to keep myself guessing as much as you. I bring a stack of vinyl and throw something on. It's not rocket science! But the fun comes when I have to figure out what I'm going to play next.

If I'm having a special or a tribute, then I have an idea of what I'm going to play set-by-set, but even writing that I'm giving myself more credit than I deserve. Really, I just throw a record on and let it direct me; sometimes it actually works!

Tonight I started out with some 70s punk, thinking it was going to rule the night, before I took a left turn with Sonic Youth. Then I wanted to get to current garage-psych-punk, so check out San Luis Obispo's Pancho and the Wizards, who I saw open for Australia's Psychedelic Porn Crumpets at The Independent a few weeks back.

Then I jumped back to the punk with classic San Francisco's Pop-O-Pies. I was crate-digging at a store I will not divulge, and grabbed this treat. Hot damn, it's a fun one.

I opened the next set with a gift to my little one, Bodhi. He's six years old and obsessed with steam trains, and that's putting it lightly. The Amtrak conductors know him by name. I'm not joking. I used to tale him to a local station to watch the trains go by almost daily for three years. He wants to rebuild old steam trains. I truly believe that he believes one day he will do this. Adorable. Anyway, I played his latest jam: "Wreck of the Old 97", as sung by the late great Johnny Cash.

I hate this song now. Don't tell Bodhi

After a couple Americana and Swing tunes I jumped back into the subversive punk, before celebrating Jello Biafra's birthday with a few tunes.

I closed out the night with some of my more preferred garage-punk from the past few years.

Why did I write all this? No real clue. Just started typing and here ya go.

I'm back doing a show live in the studio each week, so please set your calendars for Mondays 8-10PM Pacific.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

Pablo Picasso: The Modern Lovers
Subway Train: Johnny Thunders

Waiting For The Man: David Bowie
Superstar: Sonic Youth

Die By The Sword: Pancho and the Wizards
Bill's Mandolin: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
The Catholics Are Attacking: Pop-O-Pies

Wreck of the Old 97: Johnny Cash
King of California: Dave Alvin
Teardrops From My Eyes: Ray Condo and His Ricochets

All the Girls Cry: Toiling Midgets
Swastikas On Parade: The Residents
Diamonds in the Rough: Dead Moon

Kill The Poor: Dead Kennedys
Sharks in the Gene Pool: Jello Biafra with Nomeansno
Lost Orgasm: Jello Biafra
Will the Fetus Be Aborted: Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon
My Biggest Mistake: Joan of Arkansas

Toe Cutter/Thumb Buster: Thee Oh Sees
Handglams: Ty Segall
Pink Gorilla/Enthusiasm/Be Right Too: White Fence

Chaise Lounge: Wet Leg

Ever in search of a special that I can curate for you all, an idea hit me last winter to research great second releases. It can take a band years to craft a first record. It's pretty simple to name a dozen debut "masterpieces". What you may not notice is the pressure placed on a band, or artist, by the record label, to reproduce that magic quickly. This often leads to the sophomore jinx. Many of these bands are considered "one-offs", never to be heard from again; tossed on the scrapheap of musical history.

Then there are the artists who appear to have untold magic dripping from their fretboards, leading to dynamic second records, and perhaps more!

I put out the word to friends and listeners to share what they considered epic second records, and I was not disappointed. Much of what you hear on this six hour show is a culmination of almost six months of research.

Yes, much of this music comes from the "golden age" of the major label era of the 60s and 70s. But there is so much more.

I only planned on doing four hours, but the show that follows mine kindly stepped aside allowing me to round out this show with six solid hours of truly impressive fare.

Yes, there are countless releases I did not share. I often started a set with a specific song and allowed that to inspire what followed. That's often how I choose my sets.

Check out the playlist below, which includes the album title and the year it was released.

Enjoy and please share.

She Watch Channel Zero: Public Enemy (It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back 1988)
Shadrach: Beastie Boys (Paul's Boutique 1989)
Millie Pulled A Pistol on Santa: De La Soul (De La Soul in Dead 1991)

Funky Dollar Bill: Funkadelic (Free your Mind... and your Ass will Follow 1970)
He Was A Big Freak: Betty Davis (They Say I'm Different 1974)
Thirty Dirty Birds/Yertle The Turtle: Red Hot Chili Peppers (Freaky Styley 1985)

Mr. Pitiful: Otis Redding (The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads 1965)
Tommy The Cat: Primus ft. Tom Waits (Sailing the Seas of Cheese 1991)
Depot Depot: Tom Waits (The Heart of Saturday Night 1974)
California: Joni Mitchell (Blue 1971)
Memory of a Free Festival: David Bowie (David Bowie 1969)

Territorial Pissings: Nirvana (Nevermind 1991)
Dirt: Iggy and the Stooges (Fun House 1971)
Bring on Home: Led Zeppelin (II 1968)

Don't Keep Me Wonderin': Allman Brothers (Idlewild South 1970)
Workin' For The MCA: Lynyrd Skynyrd (Second Helping 1974)
Levitation: 13th Floor Elevators (Easter Everywhere 1967)
New Potato Caboose: Grateful Dead (Anthem of the Sun 1968)
Call Any Vegetable: Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (Absolutely Free 1967)

Marie Marie: The Blasters (s/t 1981)
The Devil's Chasing Me: Reverend Horton Heat (Full Custom Gospel Sounds of... 1993)
Hare Krishna: Hüsker Dü (Zen Arcade 1984)
50ft Queenie: PJ Harvey (Rid of Me 1993)
Tupelo: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (The Firstborn Is Dead 1985)
Snake Mountain Blues: Townes Van Zandt (Our Mother The Mountain 1969)

Dirty Old Town: The Pogues (Rum, Sodomy and the Lash 1985)
Tommy Gun: The Clash (Give 'em Enough Rope 1978)
Private Idaho: B52s (Wild Planet 1980)
Addicted: Amy Winehouse (Back to Black 2006)
Here She Comes Now: Velvet Underground (White Light/White Heat 1968)

Vicious: Lou Reed (Transformer 1972)
Pissing in a River: Patti Smith (Horses 1975)
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight): Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle 1973)
Parasite: Kiss (Hotter Than Hell 1974)

The Ripper: Judas Priest (Sad Wings of Destiny 1976)
My Lighter: Zig Zags (Running Out Of Red 2016)
Creeping Death: Metallica (Ride the Lightning 1984)
Disco: Death Valley Girls (Glow in the Dark 2016)

At A Crawl: Melvins (Ozma 1989)
My Eyes Have Seen You: The Doors (Strange Days 1967)
Death Letter: The White Stripes (De Stijl 2000)
Death Train: The Bobby Lees (Bellevue 2022)

Just Got Paid: ZZ Top (Rio Grande Mud 1972)
Bomber/Closet Queen/Cast Your Fate to the Wind: James Gang (Rides Again 1970)
The Motivator: T Rex (Electric Warrior 1971)

Don't Blame the Buzzard: Sgt. Splendor (Death of the Hoochie Koo 2023)
Who You Driving Now?: Mudhoney (Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge 1991)
Self Hypnosis in 3 Days: WAND (Golem 2015)
Freaks to the Front: Amyl and the Sniffers (Comfort to Me 2021)
Rice Pudding: Jeff Beck (Beck Ola 1969)

Morning Theft: Jeff Buckley (Sketches (For My Sweetheart the Drunk) 1998)
Girl From North Country: Bob Dylan (Freewheelin' Bob Dylan 1963)

Helplessness Blues: Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues 2011)
Willow Weep for Me: Nina Simone (The Amazing Nina Simone 1959)
Devil in Her Heart: The Beatles (With the Beatles 1963)
Roscoe: Midlake (Trials of Van Occupanther 2006)

Electric Funeral: Black Sabbath (Paranoid 1970)
Love Canal: Flipper (Blow’n Chunks 1984)
Lake of Fire: Meat Puppets (II 1984)

Motorbike: Wooden Shjips (Dos 2009)
If 6 Was 9: Jimi Hendrix (Axis: Bold As Love 1967)
Forty Thousand Headmen: Traffic (Traffic 1968)

The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil: Jefferson Airplane (After Bathing At Baxters 1967)
Saucerful of Secrets: Pink Floyd (Saucerful of Secrets 1968)
Cody, Cody: Flying Burrito Brothers (Burrito Deluxe 1970)

Across the Great Divide: The Band (The Band 1969)
Oh Caroline: Cheap Trick (In Color 1977)
Pinhead: The Ramones (Leave Home 1977)
Beat My Head Against The Wall: Black Flag (My War 1984)
White Girl: X (Wild Gift 1984)
Distinct Complicity: Bikini Kill (Reject All American 1996)

Cat Food: King Crimson (In The Wake of Poseidon 1970)
About a Girl: Sex Mob (Solid Sender 2000)
Funky Miracle: The Meters (Look-Ka Py Py 1969)

Harmonika: Kraftwerk (2 1972)
The White Rider: Camel (Mirage 1974)

Long Division: Fugazi (Steady Diet of Nothing 1991)

If I've said it once, I've said it a three or maybe four times: radio is the art of the segue. You don't need to listen to a work I say on this show, but you do need to listen to these sets of tunes. Hot damn these are some fine songs I have for you tonight.

New music from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Kevin Abstract, Population II, and Slift. There's a lot of psych and dark-psych throughout, and it really moves through you. I enjoyed the hell outta bringing you this show.

I don't do a lot of pre-planning when it comes to my sets. I generally just grab a bunch of vinyl and my external hard drive and head to the station. Once I get there i take a look at what I brought with me, and choose my first song that is to represent "the sounds of Hell". That's always a hoot.

I think it was this first set that really got my engine revving.

Take a look at the play list below and click on the link to listen to the show.

Enjoy and please share...and go support live, local bands!

jh

Bad Indian: Dead Pioneers
Institutionalized: Suicidal Tendencies

Night Gnomes: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Nice, Nice, Very Nice: Ambrosia

Once In A Lifetime: Kevin Abstract
Home Affairs: Osibisa
Wake Up The Sun: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Mutantes e Seus Cometas no Pais: Os Mutantes

Le Serpent: Population II
Solen Stiger Upp Del 1 and Del 2: Dungen
No Good Trying: Syd Barrett
Free The Skull: Moon Duo

Confluence: Slift
Dance of the Bacchantes: Dead Can Dance

Gathering of Ancient Tribes: Goat
Environs: MV and EE
IV: Aluk Todolo
Bring It On Home: Bo Diddley

Why Don't You Smile Now: Spiritualized

No guests. No training. Just you and me and a whole hell of a lotta music. Musically speaking this may be my best show of the year so far. There are some inspired sets I think you're gonna love. And these are some of my longest sets too!

In my early radio days at KFJC we had to follow the clock and break at :10, :20, :40, and :50, as well as play a legal ID at top of the hour. Each break we had business to attend to: announcing other shows , public service announcements, ticket giveaways, and other bits and bobs. This gave us a 20 minute sweep at the bottom of the hour, and one at the top (except for that pesky legal ID).

I've kept to that clock pretty much throughout the years. I like the idea of stopping often enough for you to know who I played, while also having a few longer sets where I can stretch out some. I often get a bit more dissonant during these sweeps.

I wasn't strict with the clock tonight.

I also went shopping at Stranded Records on Sunday. New music from Goat, Melvins (best album since the Big Business days IMHO), and Meatbodies. Lots of music to drop your panties to. A brief tribute to Steve Albini (more to come on that loss). And so much more. Take a look at the playlist below. Click the link above to listen in.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

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Fight the Power: Brownout
Louder Than A Bomb: Public Enemy

Munaye: Mulatu Astatke
Behind the Wall of Sleep: Jazz Sabbath

Timeless Awareness: Goat
30 Seconds Over Tokyo: Pere Ubu
America's Most Blunted: MF Doom and Madlib

She's Got Weird Arms: Melvins
The Pharmacy: Crow Jane

Bulldog Front: Fugazi
Heartattack and Vine: Lydia Lunch and Nels Cline
Tupelo Blues: John Lee Hooker
Golden Hair: Hope Sandoval and Warm Inventions
Mind Daze: Psychic Ills

Radio Friendly Unit Shifter: Nirvana
Pink: Boris
Anlatmam Derdimi: Altin Gün
Slip It To The Android: Chrome
Float Along - Fill Your Lungs: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Gate: Meatbodies
Moonage Daydream: David Bowie
From the First Hello to the Last Goodbye: Jane Morgan

It would appear I went a bit long and neglected my responsibility of posting my show. Sorry about that folks. I had a new Radio Valencia DJ in the studio for the night, training for his new show. You can check out The Final Step with Izzy Tuesdays 10-midnight. Nice guy. I'm looking forward to his show.

We have a lot of really great shows on Radio Valencia. And I'm nit just saying that. When I started this station I had a vision of a freeform station that allowed DJs to not only share the music they love, but to also continue to explore music of many genres, ready and excited to play what they find on their show, just for you.

That's what still excites me about hosting a radio show after all these years.

So, even though I was distracted training our new host, I made certain to have some great music ready for you over two hours. New music from the Murlocks, Melvins with Helms Alee covering some early Scorpions, new Meatbodies, Population II from Montreal, Slift, Kim Gordon, and Psychedelic Porn Crumpets whom I'm seeing in San Francisco next week!

There's also some rare San Francisco punk with pre-Flipper band Negative Trend, as well as some SF funk/punk with Dread Zeppelin, and many other treats sprinkled about.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

The Payback Mix: James Brown
A Change is Gonna Come: The Gits

Virgin Criminal: The Murlocs
Big Boss Man (with Hope Sandoval): Mercury Rev

Talk to God: Goat
Crossing: Wooden Shjips
The Sails of Charon: Melvins and Helms Alee
Dragonaut: Sleep

April in Paris: Billie Holiday
How Blue Can You Get: BB King

Silly Cybin: Meatbodies
Now: Negativland

Hélène: Population II
Nimh: Slift

The Believers: Kim Gordon
Hey, Hey What Can I Do?: Dread Zeppelin
Meathouse: Negative Trend

Nightmare (K.I.L.L.I.N.G.) Meow: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Meet Me At The Bottom: Pink Anderson
Rock A Bye Baby: Big Mama Thornton

Beat Club: A/LPACA

Monday night I was thrilled to welcome sex, intimacy and relationship coach "Shameless" Heather Atles into Hell's Kitchen. Having researched Heather, and knowing a bit about her background. this already promised to be an entertaining interview.

We spoke about everything from shame resiliency and pleasure mapping, to the importance of mindfulness in intimacy. She touched on common patterns and dynamics with her clients, who range from singles to traditional and non-traditional couples, and polycules.

The topic of mismatched libidos came up, as well as jealousy, and the difference between rules and boundaries. I think my favorite part of the night was talking about erotic intelligence, thank you very much.

What was planned for one hour spread across the entire two hour show, with some apropos music sprinkled in between, so we could come up for air.

I think you're going to enjoy this as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM
Radio Valencia in SF

There She Goes My Beautiful World: Nick Cave
Cryin' My Eyes Out: Shannon Shaw
Interview with Heather Atles

I Put A Spell on You: Nina Simone

Interview with Heather Atles

So Real: Jeff Buckley
No Ordinary Love: Sade

Interview with Heather Atles

Come On Over (Turn Me On): Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan
Wicked Game: Chris Issac

Interview with Heather Atles

Babydoll: Eric McFadden and Robin Coomer
If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up: Betty Davis

Interview with Heather Atles

Erotic City: Prince

Never draw attention to the mistakes.

That's really good advice. Don't let them see what's behind the curtain, and all that jazz.

Unless you can make it an art form.

I like to think I have made it some kind of art form, and not just roommate radio.

I don't often bring CDs into the studio; it's almost exclusively vinyl for this dude. But tonight I wanted to play a few tunes to celebrate Bunny Day and St. Stupid's Day, so I brought a few CDs along just to find out the CD player was not in operating condition. And I didn't bring nearly enough vinyl to fill two hours. I did have my trusty 5GB external hard drive filled to the brim with tasty musical treats, but I hadn't prepared to pull anything from there, so there was more improvisation on this night than I am used to.

You can probably hear it in my delivery.

And I had a friend in the studio I forgot was coming by, and I like to play the good host, all the while troubleshooting the CD players, which I was unable to do.

Taking a look at the playlist looks pretty satisfying though. I may sound a little cringe on the mic. Let me know. I can take it. My dad always told me it's healthy to embarrass yourself from time to time: it builds character. If that's the case, John Hell was certainly representing tonight!

Come look behind the curtain.

Enjoy.

jh

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

White Man's Got A God Complex: Last Poets
Religious Vomit: Dead Kennedys
Faith in My Pocket: Mark Growden

Imagine (Take 1): John Lennon
Loose Lucy: Grateful Dead
I've Got A Tiger By The Tail: Buck Owens and His Buckaroos

Gila Monster: King Gizzard
In and Out of Grace: Mudhoney
I Don't Wanna Walk Around with You: Ramones
Stunner: OSees

Psychedelic Orgasm: Kim Gordon
Know Your Rights: The Clash

No Place To Fall: Kevin Morby
She Don't Care: Ty Segall
Jesus Was Way Cool: King Missile
Built For Speed: Howlin' Wolf
Mercy: John Cale

Amphetamine: Rocket From The Tombs
Sister Morphine: Marianne Fatihfull
Gates of Eden: Bob Dylan
White Linen: Blüchunks

Bedside Manners: The Black Crowes
Downtown: Johnny Thunders
Walk On: Dave Alvin and Jimmy Dale Gilmore

Chocolate Jesus: Tom Waits

Monday night I was excited to host songstress Robin Coomer into the Radio Valencia studio, sharing a few new tunes from her upcoming solo release. As always her voice is in top form. Really, there's nothing quite like it.

From Robin's days in Birdsaw, through to LOOP! Station, Shake Well (er, ummm, that's actually a relative of hers I believe???), to inspired collaboration in Secret Songs, and now to a long overdue (IMHO) solo effort, due out this spring.

Check out my interview with Robin the first hour, as well as a few new tracks she shared.

The remainder of the night continues my focus on great female artists in celebration of Women's History Month.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Femme Fatale: Velvet Underground
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys: The Space Lady

Interview with Robin Coomer

Inside Gun: Robin Coomer

Interview with Robin Coomer

Close Call: Robin Coomer

Interview with Robin Coomer

Smoke In Mirrors: Robin Coomer

Send Me a Postcard: Shocking Blue
How Little Men Care: Margaret Cho and Neil Hamburger
Young, Gifted and Black: Aura and Lee Perry
Tryptich: Prayer/Protest/Peace: Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach

Bridge Over Troubled Water: Aretha Franklin
Wild: The Nuns
Original Sin: Peach Kelly Pop

AirBnB: Kim Gordon
Centrate: Podium
Le Ju de Telephone: Caroline
I Get A Kick Out Of You: Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

Little Red Rooster: Big Mama Thornton
Mad Moth: The Bobby Lees
Carletta's In Hats Again: Brigid Dawson and the Mother's Network

The Lady is a Tramp: Ella Fitzgerald

Let John Hell care for the kitchen while the ladies let it all hang out. This is Women's Month, and I love to celebrate all that is women. When it comes to music, there really is no dearth in aural options. I have strived to balance my shows out with quality female fare over the years.

This has been hard, but not for the reasons you think.

Not surprisingly, the music industry has been run by male chauvinist capitalists for over one hundred years. And like the casting couches of Hollywood, along with the color line, getting enough quality female representation in music has been hair raising.

Still, there is so much to continue to choose from in female-fronted artists of many genres. What I have for you tonight is only a small sampling of what has been in rotation in the Hell household (and on this show) over the years.

Enjoy this, and join me Monday, March 18th, when I welcome Northern California singer, songwriter, artist, designer Robin Coomer back into the studio to talk up her new solo release.

Tune in and please share.

jh

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

Ball and Chain: Big Mama Thornton
Summertime: Big Brother and the Holding Company

People Get Ready: Aretha Franklin
Hypocrisy: Millie Jackson

Babydoll: Eric McFadden Trio with Robin Coomer
Don't Blame the Buzzard: Sgt Splendor
Do You Take This Man: Diamanda Galas with John Paul Jones
The Devil Has Thrown Him Down: Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Nov 1943)
Do I Want To Stay: Shannon and the Clams

I Swallowed a Dragonfly: Heartless Bastards
Waitress Song: First Aid Kit

Tattooed Love Boys: Shitkid and Melvins
Bring Me the Head of the Preacher Man: Siouxsie and the Banshees
Celebrity Compass: Bongwater
Come On Over (Turn Me On): Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

Magic Powers: Death Valley Girls
Cross the Breeze: Sonic Youth
California (Demo): Joni Mitchell
Money: The Flying Lizards

Kung Fu Girls: Blondie
Lilac Wine: Nina Simone
Crazy He Calls Me: Billie Holiday

Control: Amyl and the Sniffers
Paint it Black: Avengers
I Like Boys: Missing Persons