Starting out Black History Month with a BANG! Sweet sounds of funk and soul punctuate more than the first half of the show, and I know I'm going to have to keep this going all month. And why wouldn't I?

Growing up I was always put off that Black History Month was during the shortest month of the year. I thought it was an insult to African-Americans! Being a history teacher I learned this started out as Black History Week by Carter G. Woodson in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is in February to commemorate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

I've got some classic soul and funk peppered throughout the sets.

The second half of the show features some library adds (meaning not new, but new to me), including the first Shannon and the Clams release, French Punk/New Wave Plastic Bertand, early Barbara Manning World of Pooh and more.

It's always a pleasure bringing music to you, week after week. I truly live for this. Your contributions help keep Radio Valencia rolling. We are wrapping up our very first "on air" fundraiser, which has brought in $2000+. This is a really great start, and we will use each dollar to pay for upkeep of the equipment, purchase new tech, pay for streaming and website needs, and any emergencies that pop up (and they always pop up).

We had a blast entertaining the masses at The Kilowatt last Thursday for the Pavement afterparty. Thanks to everyone who came out. We sold a bunch of Radio Valencia shirts!!! We have more! Want one? Let us know.

Just because the live fundraiser is coming to an end this weekend doesn't mean we won't take your money. Please click on the link to our PayPal and help keep Radio Valencia's turntables spinning. You can find it on our homepage.

Think you have what it takes to host a weekly radio show? No experience necessary. We can train you! Send us a show proposal to station@radiovalencia.fm

Coming up Monday, February 10th I'm interviewing members of the SFUSD Palestinian Support Committee about the work they are doing supporting Palestinian teachers during this horrible time in Gaza and the West Bank. They'll be on during the first hour talking about their work and an upcoming event that you are invited to.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron
Compared To What: Les McCann and Eddie Harris

The Hands of Time: The Perfect Circle
Suicide: Ice

Funky Woman: Parliament
Mighty Mighty (Spade and Whitey): Curtis Mayfield
Black People Whatcha All Gon' Do: The Last Poets
Don't Tell It: James Brown

Don't Call Her No Tramp: Betty Davis
Hey Pocky Way: The Meters
Brother's Gonna Work It Out: Willie Hutch

Fulton Street: Eddie Gale
You Don't Belong Here: Fantastic Negrito

Bambino: Plastic Bertrand
The Cult Song: Shannon and the Clams
Someone Wants You Dead: World of Pooh
Child Heart O'Dirt Pump: Caroliner

Gotta Get Back: Chuck Prophet
Halloween: MX80 Sound
Eye-Shaking King: Amon Duul II

Well, January arrived, so I figure I better pull out what I bought last year and give all a spin.

King Gizzard released its 26th album in 2024. And what an amazing show they put on at The Frost. Dale Crover came back from neck surgery to record and tour with Redd Kross, put out his third solo album and 27th with the Melvins. I can't wait to see them in April and again coming up in June. I love me some Melvins!

Nick Cave seems to be emerging from his deep grief-stricken period with Wild God. I'll be seeing him in May. Great albums from Billy Strings, WAND, Ty Segall, OSEES, GOAT (so many bands using allcaps?!?!?!), Shannon and the Clams, and more!

Monday night I'll be back with new music and music that's new to you.

Tune into the station you have come to rely on to play the best of whatever genre you're into.

And while you're listening we could really use your support. We have been around since 2010 and keeping our equipment operating, along with increased costs for just about everything, makes it a challenge to keep paying for this out of our pockets.

This is why we decided to have an "on air" fundraiser, through February 8th. Head over to Radio Valencia's website, scroll down and click the PayPal link on the right to show us a little love. This is a tax deductible donation, and every dollar goes straight to paying to keep our radio home running.

Thanks in advance.

Enjoy and please share the Best of 2024.

jh

Hog Calling Contest: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Resolution/Revolution: The Linda Lindas

Bean Fields: Shannon and the Clams
I Waited Forever: Dale Crover with (Ty Segall)

Stunt Queen: Redd Kross
Snakes: Bell Rays
My Alice: Billy Strings
Luck and Strange: David Gilmore

Void: Ty Segall
Smile: WAND

Also the Gorilla...: OSEES
Silly Cybin: Meatbodies
Ouroboros: GOAT

Wild God: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Grind: The Jesus Lizard

She's Got Weird Arms: Melvins
Confluence: Slift

Me and the Girls: Amyl and the Sniffers
How To Ruin Your Life: False Flag
Comme Tu Le Souhaites (Ding Dong): Population II

Psycho Killer (Acoustic Version): Talking Heads

What a treat having my fabulous daughter Lauson in the studio tonight. This was her first visit to Radio Valencia since December 2023. I'll share the links to all of her previous shows at the end of this post.

I have always had a lot of music playing around the house, so I did my best to raise her on lots of great music from as many genres as I could fit in. I knew I was doing well when I heard the Beastie Boys bumpin' from her room during high school. Though she still gives me a hard time for the Sex Pistols lunchbox she carried in elementary school. What parent does that to a child?!?!?!?

Tonight Lauson pulled out a lot of artists she was listening to when she was 7-10 years old, told lots of silly stories, and held me to task for not giving her enough space to talk on the mic. Sorry about that, Lauson.

I placed an "L" next to her selections.

Lauson is also a state licensed cosmetologist in San Francisco. She does her own hair!!!! And she's a recognized make up artist as well. I love her so much!

It was also MLK Day, so I peppered in a few tunes in celebration of Dr. King.

Enjoy and please share

jh

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

History Repeating: Propellerheads with Shirley Bassey - L

Supersonic Rocket Ship: The Kinks - L
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Gil Scott-Heron

1985: Paul McCartney and Wings - L
Crocodile Rock: Elton John - L
Obl Di Obla Da: The Beatles - L

That's Not My Name: Ting Tings - L
Girls: Beastie Boys - L
Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud): James Brown

Art Pop: Lady Gaga - L
Gravel Pit: Wu Tang Clan - L
Move On Up: Curtis Mayfield
People Get Ready: Aretha Franklin

Istanbul: They Might Be Giants - L
Sloop John B: The Beach Boys - L
Somebody To Love: Queen
Moondance: Van Morrison

Why?(The King of Love is Dead): Nina Simone
It Was A Good Day: Ice Cube

Ball and Chain: Big Brother and the Holding Company - L

Being the resident non-holiday-celebrating host that I am, I figured I'd host a holiday show. Go figure. I'm no bah humbuger however. Oh no, far from it. I was married to two, count them TWO women who were both very much into the decorate-the-house-get-a-tree and all that jizzy jazz. And who did most of the decorating with glee? Me! Your own Hellacious Claus.

And I have the collection of holiday music to go along with it. This is merely a tiny drop in the bucket of what I had to offer.

HUGE thanks goes out to the late great Mikl-em for providing much of what you heard tonight. What a fabulous human he was, and we're still at a great loss without him. FUCK CANCER!

So twinkle your lights and go drink something that'll make you merry. I'll take care of the next two hours for you.

If I'm in next week it'll be a sort of Best of 2024. There was a lot of great music this year. See you then.

Enjoy and please have a safe and a reflective holiday season.

jh

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

Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto: Belle and Sebastian
The Christmas Song: James Brown
Father Christmas, Do Not Touch Me: The Goodies

Run Rudolph, Run: William Shatner
Yingle Bells: Yogi Yorgesson
You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch: Thurl Ravenscroft

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Ray Charles with Nina Simone
Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
Little Drummer Boy: David Bowie and Bing Crosby
Christmas Wrapping: Kylie Minogue with Iggy Pop

Merry Christmas From The Family: Robert Earl Keen Jr.
Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy: Reverend Horton Heat
'Zat You, Santa Claus?: Louis Armstrong
Father Christmas Dressed in Green: Wild Billy Childish and the Musicians of the British Empire

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen: Jerry Garcia and David Grisman (December 09, 1991)
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem: Emmylou Harris

Allen Toussaint: Silent Night, Holy Night
Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope: Martin Mull
Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis: Tom Waits

Father Christmas: The Kinks
Jingle Bell Rock: The Fall
I'll Be Home For Christmas: Doris Day
Santa Claus and His Old Lady: Cheech and Chong
Up on the Housetop: The Jambalaya Cajun Band

Fairytale of New York: The Pogues
Zan Vevede: Angelique Kidjo

Frosty the Snowman: Los Straightjackets
Carolina Christmas: Squirrel Nut Zippers
We Wish You Merry Christmas: John Denver and the Muppets
Auld Lang Syne: Chriss Issac
Hanukkah Schmanukkah: Rachel Lark
Silent Night: Brian Wilson

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Hot damn, it was cold in the Radio Valencia studio on Monday night. It took a real hot set of music to turn up the heat. I often walk the line of telling it like it is and just getting the heck off the mic so you can enjoy the music. I even have a music bed, performed by the magnificent singer/songwriter Adam MacKintosh, that keeps me honest at about three minutes in length. There's a method to my madness. I need more than three minutes to tell it like it is.

Each week I go through my record collection searching for whatever is tickling my fancy this week. I'm also listening to a lot of radio (Radio Valencia, KFJC, KALX, KEXP, WFMU, and others as I commute daily). There are so many great DJs turning me on to new music.

If you're thinking of what to get your loved ones for a gift, I strongly encourage music. No albums in the house? Buy a turntable! Only listening via an app? Get the Bandcamp app and support the artists directly. But let's all agree that cassettes were wrong the first time around (other than mix tapes) and should never make a comeback. This coming from the guy who worked the cassette room at Tower Records, and owned thousands of bootleg tapes. There is nothing redeemable about cassettes. Though there is something to be said about buying an off-brand best of southern rock cassette while on a road trip.

I do have a few boxes of my airchecks from my many years at KFJC. Those have to be incredibly embarrassing to listen to. There was a show I hosted in 1991 (one of my early graveyard shifts when I was the Reverend Dah Wave), when I was taking call in confessions (I didn't know it was a priest that took confessions, so there ya go). We didn't have a delay at KFJC, so I took a real risk that the callers weren't going to swear. Luckily no one did. And many of the callers were my friends, up late and very imbibed. The great Oz, the Watermonk of Dah (aka Noa Oz Appleton) was in the studio with me. We took a few very hilarious calls.

Unbeknownst to me, my program director was listening in too. I got a stern talking to (understatement of 1991) and was lucky to keep my shift. I listened back to that aircheck a few years later. It was so cringey that I took the tape out of my car stereo and threw it in the back seat. I wonder where that thing is??? Do I dare listen back? Should I digitize it? Should I share it on Radio Valencia?!?!?!??!

As for this show, I'm as cringey as ever, but I own that now.

All vinyl. Nothing new. Many genres. All worth your time.

I'll be hosting an alternative XMas show on Monday, December 23rd. Tune in and enjoy the hot cocoa on me. Maybe that'll heat up the studio this time around.

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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I Fuck Around: Melvins
We're a Happy Family: Ramones

Gone Daddy, Gone: Violent Femmes
Midnight Special: Harry Belafonte
On The Sunny Side of the Street: Ella Fitzgerald

Inner City Blues: Grover Washington Jr.
Othelia: Yusef Lateef
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry: Bob Dylan
Go To Satan: Rube Waddell

Down, Down, Down: Tom Waits
In Heaven There Is No Beer: Polkacide

To Defy The Laws of Tradition: Primus
Eminence Front: The Who
Broken Hands: Mudhoney

Notes and Chords Mean Nothing to Me: Monkeywrench
Deuce: Redd Kross
Backdoor Medley: ZZ Top

Vacancy: Neil Young
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night: Iggy Pop
Sunday Morning: Velvet Underground with Nico

Uh Oh, Loves Comes To Town: Talking Heads
This Is Not A Love Song: Public Image Ltd.
Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis: Neko Case

Call me LuigiHell because I'm slaying tonight!

Seriously though, what's it going to take to wake people up...to the fabulous music that's being played on Radio Valencia? And to the Hell that awaits soulless CEOs and corporations that suck off the teet of the common people?

I really hope that Africaaner leech oligarch is looking over his shoulder right now. That guy needs some comeuppance.

As for the music, holy moly this was a fun show to produce!

You got you some folk, blues, jazz, funk, punk, psych, garage, post-punk and more! All that you've come to know and love on Hell's Kitchen Radio.

Now, let's cook us up some oligarchs!

Conservative, Christian, Right-Wing, Republican Straight White American Males: Todd Snider
Mojo Hand: Lightnin' Hopkins

Little Red Rooster: The Grey Ghost
Be Proud To Be A Black Man: Bee Houston

Ida Mae: Sonny Terry
The Cosmos: Sun Ra
The White Man's Gotta God Complex: The Last Poets
You Better Have A Gun: Fantastic Negrito

Whatever Turns You On: The Bell Reys
The Assembly Line: Commodores

P Funk: Parliament
Pass the Peas: The JBs

Doing In My Head: Amyl and the Sniffers
Lights Out/She Don't Want That: Midnight Snaxx
Excuse Me: The Linda Lindas
I Dream of Jesus: Dead Milkmen

Goatbrain: GOAT
Plastic Plant: Oh Sees
Reputation: CIA
Sex Bomb: Flipper
Meathouse: Negative Trend

Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks: The Rapture
Marques Cha-Cha: The Fall

Send Me A Postcard: Shocking Blue
Daylight: The Kinks

Inspiration comes in many forms, but for tonight it was a pile of vinyl and an old friend. We held a very rare in-person Radio Valencia meeting before my show with 18 members of our staff (35 current shows). One of our staffers, the Alchemist, Saturdays 6-10pm, has been a close friend of mine since we first met when working at Tower Records back in 1989. Yes, that's a longterm friend right there.

I recruited him over two years ago, since I knew he had excellent taste in music, and if he was interested, would host an impressive show. He has yet to disappoint.

After the meeting I invited the Alchemist to hang out in the studio with me for my show, and it pushed me to bring an even better show than I already strive for. This guy has taste and I did not wish to disappoint.

Plenty of new songs, including Robin Coomer, WAND, GOAT, the Linda Lindas, and Lorde covering Talking Heads.

Dig This Inspired show.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Dicks Hate The Police: The Dicks
What Do You Want From Life: The Tubes

Me and the Girls: Amyl and the Sniffers
Where Eagles Dare: Misfits

Whoopie Chateaux: Sgt. Splendor
In Dream Every Home A Heartache: Roxy Music
Attractive Target: Negativland
Isotope: McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson

Yo Me Estreso: The Linda Lindas
I Will Kill for Suzy: Catheads

Close Call: Robin Coomer
High Time: WAND
The Rain: Eddie Gale

Dollar Bill: GOAT
Tally Ho: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

Chaise Lounge: Wet Leg
Bodies: Sex Pistols
Eagles Over America: ShitKid

Pushing the Extremes: Wipers
Take Me To The River: Lorde

Cream Puff War: Widespread Panic
In The Great Gettin' Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

It's time for my 14th annual Annual Annual! This is where I choose one year to focus on for two hours. I like to put this out to my music-loving friends before I make a choice. I've covered a couple years from the 90s in the past, including 1991 last year. This time around I'm going with 1994.

My memories of 1994, when I was turning 24, are murky at best. In my own life I was single, living in Redwood City, on the air at KFJC and working at a small local record label/music distributor: Tandem Records/The Remix Club (TRC). I ran the warehouse before becoming the promotions director of the label. I recall us courting The Mermen, though I'm fairly confident we didn't get much farther than a meeting with them.

That was a challenging job. Most of the music the label had was in the Pop R&B genre, and I think you know what I think about anything Pop. And my boss was dating a young singer, who was marginal in talent to say the least...not to mention at least 20 years older than her. It was my job to get her played on R&B stations around the country and to take her to events in the Bay Area. There wasn't a lot of success there, in her music or the relationship.

I also didn't appreciate how my boss liked to yell at his staff, either. Ooh, I do remember that we watched the OJ Simpson trial in the office though. HA!

It was while I ran the shipping and receiving department that I learned of Kurt Cobain's death. I can picture that moment well: working in the warehouse and the announcement came on the radio. I saw Nirvana at the Warfield Theater in October 1991 for the Nevermind tour. TAD and Sister Double Happiness opened. I was on the floor for the openers, but it was so packed (oversold?) and my shoelaces were united, that I decided to bodysurf my way out of there. I ended up on the first tier with a perfect view of the stage for the Nirvana set. I always liked that band.

Like my previous annual specials there's more to share than just the music: film, news and culture are included throughout the night, and there's never enough time to get to all the music I want to.

Though there wasn't a lot of strong releases in 1994 (I blame the major record labels), there were a number of notable debuts: Notorious BIG, Jeff Buckley, Fu Manchu to name but a few.

Let's get on with the show.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Follow me on Instagram @johnhell

Miserlou: Dick Dale (Pulp Fiction Soundtrack)
Juicy: Notorious BIG (Ready to Die)
Give It Up: Public Enemy (Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age)

Get It Together: Beastie Boys (Ill Communication)
The Man Who Sold The World: Nirvana (MTV Unplugged)
Royal With Cheese (Pulp Fiction Soundtrack)
Grace: Jeff Buckley (Grace)

Revolve: Melvins (Stoner Witch)
Timeline: 1994
Ojo Rojo: Fu Manchu (No One Rides for Free)
Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop: Kyuss (Welcome to Sky Valley)
Buenas Tardes Amigo: Ween (Chocolate and Cheese)

Baddest of the Bad: Reverend Horton Heat (Liquor in the Front)
Gringo Honeymoon: Robert Earl Keen Jr. (Gringo Honeymoon)
Pendulum: Mark Lanegan (Whiskey for the Holy Ghost)

Timeline: 1994
Bull in the Heather: Sonic Youth (Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star)
Violet Eyes: Meat Puppets (Too High To Die)
Fuel My Fire: L7 (Hungry for Stink)
Do You Love Me: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (Let Love In)

Free As A Bird: The Beatles (Free As A Bird)
Zed's Dead, Baby/Bullwinkle Part II: The Centurions (Pulp Fiction Soundtrack)
The Dishwasher: King Missile (S/T)

She Gave Good Sunflower: Black Crowes (Amorica)

I take all the responsibility. Blame me. It's OK, I've been blamed before. No need to carry all of this on your shoulders. I took the night off before the election to go see King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and I was not able to share with you how to vote. I know, I know, I'm to blame.

Shower me with your insults.

What now? How do we carry forward knowing half of our country thinks the other half is bat shit crazy? This is the most polarized our nation as been since the civil war. This is no hyperbole!

How long is it going to take until those who voted for he-who-shall-not-be-named realize they've been duped? And how many will continue to defend him even when their own house is on fire? This remains to be seen.

In the meantime, you didn't come here to receive a politicized tantrum, you came for the music. And the music I shall deliver. Yes, the first set is a bit pointed, but then again, isn't everything political in the end?

New music from Amyl and the Sniffers, GOAT, OSEES, Dale Crover, and False Flag. I also play a sweet suite from the King Gizzard show I attended at The Frost last week. Holy Hell that was one fine show.

Monday, November 18th I'm hosting my 14th annual Annual Annual! This is when I focus two hours on one great year in music. This time around I'll be throwing 1994 up against the wall. Tune in and reminisce 8-10PM Pacific.

I'll see you on the radio.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

The Common People: Leonard Nimoy
Nazi Punks, Fuck Off: Dead Kennedys
Fascists Eat Donuts: Pop O Pies

Big Dreams: Amyl and the Sniffers
The Green Manalishi: The Flesh Eaters
Grinder Man: John Lee Hooker

One More Death: GOAT
Tour de Force: Dizzy Gillespie

Lears Ears: OSEES
Hitler Was A Vegetarian: The Residents
Ziggy Stardust: Bauhaus

Spoiled Daisies: Dale Crover (ft. Ty Segall)
You're Gonna Get What's Coming: Thee Headcoatees
Red Cobra #9: The Mummies
Where Eagles Dare: Bratmobile
Green Hell: Misfits
Welcome to the Dust Ward: Fear

Gone Sexual: False Flag
Fly on the Wall: Jesus Lizard
Get Me Religion: Scott H. Biram

I'm In Your Mind/I'm Not In Your Mind/Cellophane/I'm In Your Mind Fuzz: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (Live at The Frost Amphitheater - November 4, 2024)
Gimme Danger: Iggy and the Stooges

White Linen: Blüchunks
What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrongblue

Well crap, this was bound to happen, right? Everyone dies. When you're a kid and you discover your heroes you think they're going to live forever. You don't want to imagine a day when they won't be around to inspire and excite you.

I remember being in my 20s think that some day every member of the Grateful Dead will be dead and gone. That seemed like such a long way off. Jerry Garcia passed shortly before I turned 25. I got to see a good many shows between my first on December 30, 1985 and my final show on September 19, 1994.

Going to Dead shows were all about getting up near the front for all the spectacle. This was before I had the knowledge of finding the sweet spot. When I had the chance I preferred to situate myself it was was commonly called The Phil Zone; directly in front of bassist Phil Lesh.

My finest memory was at the Earthquake Benefit Show on December 06, 1989. I was standing up at the stage railing with friends. We saw Phil and a few others standing back stage smoking a joint getting ready to come on stage. As Phil made his way forward, myself and a few others made the universal sign for smoking a joint. Phil responded by throwing that sign right back at us with a huge smile. That is something I will take my own grave.

Thanks for all the music, Phil. So many great memories.

As for the music I shared tonight, it's a mixed bag of what Phil and the boys put forth over the year. Phil didn't sing much more than backup over the years, and not at all in the mid-70s into the mid-80s. He's known mostly for dropping bombs! Mad bombs. He was never your typical bassist, keeping the beat. He was a lead bassist. He weaves his way through the music as much as Jerry every did. And his style was more akin to neo-classical and the avant garde.

Check out the Phil and Ned (aka: Seastones) sets from the summer and fall 1974 shows. You think you know the Grateful Dead? This ain't no Touch of Grey.

There are two particular passages here tonight that I think are super tasty. The first is the Spanish Jam from January 22, 1968. What they do with this theme is really beyond compare. The second piece is a 35+ minute Other One from the Europe 72 tour: April 26, 1972. The song is all over the place and showcases the brilliance of Mr. Lesh and how he can drive the band as much as any other player. This is improvisation at its finest. Even you skeptics will agree this is fine art.

There are also some lead vocals from Phil including his classic "Box of Rain" which was written in memory of his father. There's an early 1966 tune "Cardboard Cowboy", which Phil explains. I took the passage from his audio book/memoir "Searching for the Sound". There are also some alternative mixes from the 50th anniversary Mars Hotel: "Unbroken Chain" (first performed live in 1995) and "Pride of Cucamonga", a song the Dead never performed live. I also throw in a Dylan cover: "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues", that I loved to hear Phil sing.

His voice leaves a lot to love, and that's being polite. Being a Dead Freak we just kinda let that go. HA!

OK, enough for the lead up. Click on the link and enjoy the show.
Box of Rain (Alternative Mix): Grateful Dead

Comments on Cardboard Cowboy/Cardboard Cowboy: Grateful Dead (1966)
Born Cross-Eyed->Feedback->Spanish Jam: Grateful Dead (January 22, 1968)

Unbroken Chain (Alternative Mix): Grateful Dead (Mars Hotel 50th)
Hard to Handle: Grateful Dead (August 6, 1971)
The Music Never Stopped: Grateful Dead (July 17, 1989)

Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues: Grateful Dead (March 15, 1990)
Cryptical Envelopment->The Other One: Grateful Dead (April 26, 1972)

Easy Wind: Grateful Dead (May 15, 1970)
Pride of Cucamonga (Alternative Mix): Grateful Dead (Mars Hotel 50th)

Cosmic Charlie: Grateful Dead (Aoxomoxoa 50th)

Well Hell, here we go again. There was a time, from the age of about 5 - 30 that I really thought I wanted to be a professional radio DJ. I loved the thought of playing my favorite music for a wide audience. If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, then you loved your local DJ, who you thought was programming their own shows.

Silly me. And silly you if you thought they had total autonomy. I learned by the age of 18, when I was interning at KRQR that it was up to the Music Director, or Program Director what was going to be played. They also told you what you were going to say.

DO. NOT. DEVIATE.

Damn.

Still, I wanted in on the game. The way I figured, it was more about me calling the shots after I'd been there 10-20 years. And I wanted to be there for life. By the time I left KRQR I knew I wasn't going to love all of the music being played, but I also thought I would have more say about programming once I was in the chair.

I couldn't have been more wrong about that.

I ended up a button monkey (board op) at Alice-97.3 (KLLC). Coincidentally the same station that was once KRQR. This time I actually had a show. Still, here's what you play and here's what you say. And after the Telecommunications Act of 1996, companies began buying up the competition, so there was no need to take the risks they once had.

Here's what you play. Here's what you say.

DO. NOT. DEVIATE.

This was in 2002. And this is when I decided to leave my dream of corporate radio dominance behind for the greener and much more poor pastures of non-commercial radio. I was actually still at KFJC when I was at KRQR. And I was hosting a show at the now-defunct pirate station San Francisco Liberation Radio when I was at Alice-FM. You can take the boy out of the subversive medium, you can't take the subversive medium out of the boy.

Once I left KLLC I dove head first into SF non-comm/pirate culture, and I'm glad I did.

I may not host a daily radio show, but that also means I don't have to pretend to like the Eagles and AC/DC, or some pop crap. Can you even imagine?

My air name would probably be something like "Mike Alan". HA!

At least I can sleep peacefully knowing that all the Music and Program Directors have been replaced by Spotify and AI.

I'm not bitter. I'm a DJ who programs their own show and you get to benefit from that. I guess I really am living the dream.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

Bad Indian: Dead Pioneers (2023)
The Rain: Eddie Gale (1968)

Gild the Lily: Billy Strings (2024)
Happiness is Drumming: Diga Rhythm Band (1976)

Song of the Lake: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (2024)
Regiment: Brian Eno and David Byrne (1981)
Black Silk Stocking: Chrisma (1977)
I Got Rhythm: Django Reinhardt (1938)

Glossolalia: Dale Crover (2024)
Black Moon Spell: King Tuff (2014)

Grind: The Jesus Lizard (2024)
My Man: Shannon and the Clams (2015)
Did You Hear About Jerry: Harry Belafonte (1962)
Reasonable World: The Blind Shake (2016)
Cold Bear: The Gators (1970)
Gimme My Wife: Bruce Marshall (1970?)

One More Death: GOAT (2024)
Strange: Wire (1977)

Pigs (Three Different Ones): Pink Floyd (1977)
Dragonaut (live 1992): Sleep (1992)

Oh Allah: Alice Coltrane (1971)
White Bird: It's A Beautiful Day (1969)

In That Great Getting Up In The Morning: The New Gospel Keys

Some interviews are just that much more special. Monday night was twice as nice. I was honored to have Jack Napier from the Billboard Liberation Front in house to talk about his history of "improving" billboards, laughing all the while. Jack was also kind enough to bring along a representative from the artist activist collective INDECLINE, who are currently celebrating their 24th year of upsetting the status quo. You may recall their life sized statues of a nude Donald Trump that were placed around the country in the lead up to the 2016 election. Yeah, that INDECLINE.

The conversation went from the history of this clandestine cabal, to how they recruit members, skirt thelaw (they don't always), find inspiration, explore the difference between art and graffiti, and what's coming up next. Even our old friend Jack is coming out of retirement; he's been so inspired.

INDECLINE in San Francisco this week for a few nights in celebration of their art.

You can catch them at The Roxy on Wednesday, October 9th, starting at 6pm, where there will be a double feature of their films "The Art of Protest" and "Side Hustles". A Q&A will follow, featuring members of INDECLINE, Jack Napier, Winston Smith, and moderator Broke-Ass Stuart.

Thursday INDECLINE will be celebrating the release of their new book "Control Alter Delete" at City Lights Bookstore in North Beach at 6pm. Jack Napier will also be in attendance.
This event will be followed at 7:30 pm by an art installation at Studio Fall Out, 50-A Bannam Place, San Francisco.

Friday and Saturday there is more INDECLINE at Studio Fall Out.
First, on Friday night there is a "Control Alter Delete" film screening, that features behind-the-scenes footage of billboard liberation adventures from 2000-2024. This runs from 7-9pm.

And finally on Saturday night INDECLINE, in collaboration with Studio Fallout presents: “Liberation Vinyl” an intimate creative workshop giving guests the unique chance to create and take home their own custom art on liberated billboard vinyl. THERE ARE TICKETS NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT.

There is a lot of subversive and silly fun to be had this week in San Francisco. Go out and make your mark.

Thanks to Chick and Winston Smith for improving my show image at the top. I'm honored.

See you at the show.

Enjoy and please share.

jh

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

How To Ruin Your Life: False Flag
Christianity is Stupid: Negativland

Interview with Jack Napier - Billboard Liberation Front

Confluence: Slift

Interview with Jack Napier and rep from INDECLINE

Mountain: Meatbodies
Do You Like To Eat A Cow: Paul Leary

Interview with Jack Napier and rep from INDECLINE

Hide and Seek: The Jesus Lizard
Be My Enemy: The Bobby Lees

Interview with Jack Napier and rep from INDECLINE

Queen: Melvins
Leaning on a Travelin' Song: Billy Strings
Total Destruction of your Mind: Swamp Dogg
Roadrunner: Modern Lovers

Pressure Drop: Toots and the Maytals
Rudi, A Message to You: The Specials
Beer Drinking Woman: Memphis Slim

Happy birthday to MEEEEEEEE!

It's my birthday, and here I am alone in the studio giving back to YOUUUUUUUUU. And why not? It's a real treat being able to do this every week. Two hours is never enough, and I never come with a plan. I start with a song and go from there. I let the music move me, and since I wasn't focusing on playing anything new tonight, I was digging into my vault to pull out some tunes that have moved me over the years.

Take a look at the playlist and click the link to play the show.

Enjoy this birthday gift I made just for you.

jh

Metal Guru: T Rex
Powerman: The Kinks
Five Years: David Bowie

Poor Elijah/Tribute to Johnson: Delaney and Bonnie with Eric Clapton
Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?: Derek and the Dominos

Can't You Hear Me Knocking?: The Rolling Stones
Sister Morphine: Marianne Faithfull
Slip Inside This House: 13th Floor Elevators

I Come From The Mountain: Thee Oh Sees
Licking Stick - Licking Stick: James Brown

Rise Up With Fists: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Only Son Of the Ladiesman: Father John Misty
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song: First Aid Kit

Lilac Wine: Jeff Buckley
The Pusher: Nina Simone

Southern Girls (Albini Recorded): Cheap Trick
I Wanna Be Your Dog: The Stooges
Rock and Roll: Velvet Underground

Red Right Hand: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Right On For The Darkness: Curtis Mayfield

Chocolate Jesus: Tom Waits
Rebel Girl: Bikini Kill

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