Mike Pell's Blog (1,448)

MELLENCAMPCOUGARJOHN PT.3

I started this one out using a record executive’s buzzword, just for fun.

We are up to John’s 1985 LP Scarecrow, a classic American rock album.

That year was also the start of Farm Aid, and I remember the hours & hours long telecast.

Farm Aid continues to this day, and while I do not doubt John’s concerned sincerity, it also marked the beginning of…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on January 11, 2011 at 3:34am — 10 Comments

MELLENCAMPCOUGARJOHN PT.2

Continuing on, John Mellencamp’s breakthrough album was American Fool.

He won a Grammy and had his only # 1 song on Billboard.

I mentioned in this episode that in my life I have always been known to be somewhat rebellious.

Engineer Ken started laughing hysterically.

Even after the show, and I had forgotten about it, he was still laughing and breaking my…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on January 6, 2011 at 12:58am — 10 Comments

MELLENCAMPCOUGARJOHN PT.1

First off, I was disappointed that as I got to the radio station it wasn’t snowing.

I had a brought a song with me to play, and the forecast was for wonderful snow!

However, I was able to open the show with a rare demonstration of my excellent interviewing ability- something I just don’t often

get to do, lol!

The featured artist is John and the Cougars and Mellencamps and Smiths and Jones…

His first album was a total failure, and his manager had…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on January 4, 2011 at 2:14am — 4 Comments

HAPPY “NEW” YEAR PT.2 END

In this ending chapter, I will take a look at the making of New Year’s Resolutions.

Some New Beginnings.

I can understand the idea of a new year being a time of reflection on the past, and an attempt to go in a different

direction for the future.

But in point of fact, New Year’s Day is just another day- and any day can be a day for making a lifestyle change that will

make you a better, healthier person.

I will show you that in song- and use more “NEW” songs…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 30, 2010 at 12:07am — 4 Comments

HAPPY “NEW” YEAR PT.1

For those sharp-eared listeners, I confess, this two-parter is a repeat from last year.

I didn't have the time or energy to do another one for this year- and that blizzard we had didn't help.

But maybe you didn't hear last year's, or maybe it will be fun to listen again.

Give it a shot!

In my never-ending attempt to bring you music that is different from commercial radio, I thought for New Year’s 2011 I would play you some…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 29, 2010 at 12:29am — 5 Comments

THE ROCKOLLECTIONS 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY PT.4 END

DEDICATED TO FAY CINCO

Like any Party, there can be some unforeseen incident that threatens to put a damper on it- an argument, an accident, someone getting…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 22, 2010 at 10:01pm — 4 Comments

THE ROCKOLLECTIONS 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY PT.3

One of the things I have noticed over the years with these Christmas shows is that I am a great stater of the obvious.

I like to begin shows by telling you it's Christmastime (and THERE...I've made a decision, but you'll have to listen to understand what that means).

So I will do it again with the BEST NEW Christmas song I have heard in the last…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 21, 2010 at 1:48pm — 6 Comments

ROCKOLLECTIONS: CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 PT.3 & PT.4 END

Here are the the last parts I did for Christmas last year.

It's a long story, but because of my love for Christmas, they are notable for being the FIRST shows I did from home- with a mixing board, padded mic, etc.

You will hear me complaining about it, I was VERY uncomfortable back then, lol!

It is typical of the annual Christmas presentation- songs you will know and songs you will be introduced to- but all picked for a free-form reason.

Hope…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 19, 2010 at 1:37pm — 5 Comments

THE ROCKOLLECTIONS 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY PT.2

Continuing on with our 2010 Christmas Party, a tradition on the show that I don't even remember how it started.

Engineer Ken and I played a version of Run Rudolph Run, and the next year we did a different version, and on and on.

This time I am playing a rare old 45 RPM single by the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards from 1978.

I suspect if you…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 16, 2010 at 1:27am — 2 Comments

THE ROCKOLLECTIONS 2010 CHRISTMAS PARTY PT.1

As I write this on a late Monday evening, it is snowing here in New York City.

Perfect for the opening chapter of our annual Christmas Party!

However I don't feel like writing, as I have one eye looking out the window waiting for enough snow to stick so I can go out and throw snowballs- those of my…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 14, 2010 at 1:00am — 6 Comments

ROCKOLLECTIONS: CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009 PT.1 & PT.2

Here are the the first 2 of 4 parts I did for Christmas last year.

It's a long story, but because of my love for Christmas, they are notable for being the FIRST shows I did from home- with a mixing board, padded mic, etc.

You will hear me complaining about it, I was VERY uncomfortable back then, lol!

It is typical of the annual Christmas presentation- songs you will know and songs you will be introduced to- but all picked for a free-form…

Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 12, 2010 at 12:37pm — 6 Comments

ROCKOLLECTIONS: BEATLE JOHN LENNON ON THE BBC, AND MORE

We move on to John Lennon in our annual remembrance of the lives of two men who were a part of something that probably will never happen again, the phenomenon that was the Beatles.

Dec.8th is the 30th anniversary of John's death, just astonishing to me, where has the time gone?

I won't bore you again with my personal memories of that night, but it was a shocker.

John is 30 years gone...for most of us, that's almost twice as long as he was an active, significant part of our… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 9, 2010 at 1:26am — 7 Comments

ROCKOLLECTIONS: BEATLE GEORGE HARRISON ON THE BBC, AND MORE

I don't know why it took me so long to listen to the Beatles BBC Sessions, guess I thought it would be dull, and besides, I had those new re-mastered CD's they put out last year to listen to.

Well, looking for a new approach for this year's annual remembrance of the deaths of George Harrison and John Lennon, I finally gave the BBC tapes a shot.

And these selections from 1963 are a JOY, a REVELATION!

Full of humor, they play so many both known and obscure old American Rock &… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 7, 2010 at 12:59am — 10 Comments

‘ERMAN’S ‘ERMITS PT.2 END

Like all the British bands, Herman’s Hermits were no exception when it came to doing good old American Rock & Roll.

But these bands would put their own unique stamp on them, making them sound fresh and new.

So, I will open this episode up with the Hermits interpretation of a Rays song done here in the 50’s.

The next one I call the CPR song.

After that they had a big hit over here with a tune that was written and originally done by my man Ray Davies, with the… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on December 3, 2010 at 3:18am — 10 Comments

'ERMAN'S 'ERMITS PT.1

The featured artists for this week are Herman’s Hermits, one of the early British Invasion bands that swept this country.

They were considered part of the Merseybeat Sound despite being from Manchester and not Liverpool.

These 2 parts are dedicated to a great friend of mine, Denise.

And you will hear me debating with myself just how important a group they were.

Didn’t want to tick Denise off, lol!

Ironically, the more serious songs they did were relegated to… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 30, 2010 at 11:42pm — 6 Comments

HOME FOR THANKSGIVING 2010 PT.4 FINAL

This final chapter is out here a bit early because I am traveling for Thanksgiving myself.

My favorite shows to do are the Thanksgiving and Christmas ones.

I get to make a statement, send a message- as I have said before, music is my form of a Western Union telegram.

This episode definitely feels like Thanksgiving Day to me!

I'll start this finale off with a beautiful song by Lucy Kaplansky, with some noticeable help from Richard Shindell.

Then, saving the best for… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 24, 2010 at 2:01am — 7 Comments

HOME FOR THANKSGIVING 2010 PT.3

Oh baby, Thanksgiving is getting real close now!

We have been listening to songs about going Home, Home For Thanksgiving.

But what if the Home is YOURS?

So I'll start off with songs for people who have guests coming to their Home.

Got a true story in here too, a dumb drunken story regarding inviting semi-strangers to my house from a Manhattan bar that does actually make for a fun memory.

Damn, I didn't think they would really come, and I couldn't even introduce most of… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 23, 2010 at 5:17am — 6 Comments

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: AUTOMOBILES PT.3 & PT.4 FINAL

Here are the final two halves of the Trains, Planes & Automobiles series.

Hope I haven't overloaded you.

And tomorrow we begin to wrap up Thanksgiving 2010.

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: AUTOMOBILES PT.3

Moving on down the highway in our Automobiles, as we get closer to Thanksgiving you may find yourself in a Traffic Jam.

Lots of other cars out there, so I’ll try to musically help you avoid that Road Rage.

After that, a song written by Woody… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 22, 2010 at 12:29am — 2 Comments

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: AUTOMOBILES PT.1 & PT.2

Well here are the first two halves of the Automobile portion of Trains, Planes & Automobile.

Although we commonly call them Cars, lol!

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: AUTOMOBILES PT.1

Alright, after playing those Trains & Planes, based on the movie Trains, Planes & Automobiles or something like that, lol, we are caught up and ready for 2008 with Automobiles.

You might say, this year’s model!

By the way, Automobiles are the overwhelming choice for… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 21, 2010 at 2:43am — 6 Comments

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: PLANES PT.3 & PT.4 END

Funny to put this up now, when everyone is so worked up about the TSA and their new scanning/groping techniques!

These are the final two halves about Planes.

GETTING HOME FOR THANKSGIVING: PLANES PT.3

I think I figured out why I used so many vinyl records in this series.

The holidays seem to subconsciously bring back memories of happy times past, so I think I just decided to do “Throwback Shows”- back to a time before CD’s, internet downloads, etc.

Good old… Continue

Added by Mike Pell on November 20, 2010 at 1:34am — 2 Comments