The Hustle

Songwriter Bruce Cockburn remains one of Canada's finest musical exports. His unique vision and approach to songs has been there since his debut album in 1970. Always more interested in talking about the state of the world than the state of the heart, Bruce has recorded thought-provoking classics like "Lovers in a Dangerous Time", "Wondering Where the Lions Are" and "If I Had a Rocket Launcher." He joins us this week to talk about his new album (his 26th!) called The Blood of Others, which sees him covering songs he grew up on in a stripped back style. To honor Bruce, we're joined this week by our friend Ben Montgomery, host of the Records Revisited Podcast (and the biggest Bruce fan we know). It's fascinating to hear how this legend's mind works. Enjoy!

www.brucecockburn.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

In memory of former guest, Donnie Iris, who passed away, October 26

We have a twofer this week for the deepest of music lovers. First up is Danny Klein, bassist for the incredible J. Geils Band. Legend is they were one of the greatest live bands of all time and were finally starting to have huge hits in the early 80s when lead singer Peter Wolf left for a solo career. Danny tells us about the band's history and what he's up to these days. Then things get interesting. In the early 80s there was a great (though largely unknown) post-punk band out of Rochester New York called New Math. They released a couple albums, but then they decided to completely change their sound, which led to a name change. Now known as the Jet Black Berries, the band had more in common with groups like Social Distortion and Jason and Scorchers. Unfortunately, as great as both bands were, neither lit up the charts and the group faded away. Thanks to a remastering and re release campaign by Propeller Sound Recordings, the band is seeing some new interest. Guitarist Gary Trainer and drummer Roy Stein tell us all about it this week. Enjoy! 

 
www.jgeilsband.com
www.thejetblackberries.bandcamp.com
www.propellersoundrecordings.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Out of the gate, De La Soul changed the rules of hip-hop with their revolutionary debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. The D.A.I.S.Y. Age was just starting to blossom when Trugoy, Posdnuos, and Mace (with the help of producer Prince Paul), began deconstructing the movement they had just started. Although they released several incredible rap albums after that, they never stayed in one place for long and continue to push the limits of what hip-hop can be, but never as much as those early days. Were they "bullied" into going in different directions? Were they not adequately displaying "black masculinity"? Author Austin McCoy's new book dissects their career, what it's meant in the black community, and how it influenced him to become who he is. If you were impacted by De La Soul back in 1989, this book might tell part of your story too. Enjoy! 

www.austincmccoy.com

www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Austin-McCoy/212730757

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Colin Moulding's contributions to the great XTC were crucial to making that band what they were. Andy Partridge's leadership, personality and songwriting was the main driver, but Colin had a bigger pop sensibility and is responsible for some of the band's most enduring radio songs like "Making Plans for Nigel," "King for a Day," and "General and Majors". Colin has stayed largely out of the spotlight since the band ended in the 90s and has been happy working with friends on various projects here and there. He recently released a new single called "Want It Bad (The Pep Talks of Playing Fields of Old England)" which was inspired by a chat he had with a grandchild. Colin joins us this week to discuss the new song and why he's comfortable exactly where he in his in career right now. His answers might surprise you. Enjoy! 

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod