How It Went Down - December 17, 2010

Last TGIFR of the year since both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fall on Fridays this year and there will be seasonal programming preempting regular shows for both those days (though DEFINITELY tune in for NYE since Station Manager Jared McKetiak and I will be doing a mega-countdown of our Top 20 songs and albums of the year).

This was a bit of an early Christmas present for me as I was joined in the booth by two of my favourite guests: Christopher Samms who was talking about the dissolution of Not Animals and their last show on December 22nd at the LO. Dane, aka Birdapres, came by with preview tracks from Catch an L, his new record due out in 2011, and some choice vinyl from his forays as a crate-digger.

Also, R.I.P. to Don Van Vliet, who died on the 17th...

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - I'm Glad [Buddha Records]
Not Animals - Magical Yes [Independent]
Not Animals - All My Hearts [Independent]
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (End Titles) [Walt Disney Records]
D-Sisive - First Winter [Urbnet]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Ed Peekeekoot - Huron Carol [Independent]
Ox - Good King Wenceslas [Cosmic Dave's Record Factory]
Rev. Louis Overstreet - Holiness Dance [Mississippi Records]
Birdapres - Busy Signal [Marathon of Dope]
Jay Bolotin - It's All In That [Locust]
Birdapres - Hayseeds [Marathon of Dope]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Birdapres - The Best Reuben [Marathon of Dope]
Mousso Doumbia - Yeye Mousso [Mississippi Records]
Gil-Scott Heron and Brian Jackson - Angola, Louisiana [Arista]
Pumpkin - King Of The Beat [Profile Records]
Slick Rick - It's A Boy (Large Professor Remix) [Def Jam]
Ricki Ilillonga & Musi-O-Tunya - Mpondolo [Stones Throw]

Back on January 7th when I'll be joined in studio by Romi Mayes for a live session and interview!!

How It Went Down - December 10, 2010

A busy show that was supposed to be busier. The Afterbeat (who are holding a CD release party this Saturday, December 18th, for their self-titled record) didn't end up making it down to the station, but I was still joined in studio by Gareth Williams of True Hussars who played some new material due out early 2011, and by drummer Curtis Nowosad and Ismaila Alfa of Magnum KI to talk about their performance as part of the Jazz Winnipeg Nu Sounds Series. Good times talking about the intersections between jazz and hip-hop.

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

French Horn Rebellion - This Moment [Independent]
True Hussars - Forever Ending [Grumpy Cloud]
Interview with Gareth Williams
True Hussars - Pulled To It
Beekeeper - Pinwheel Revolution [Independent]
Michael Rault - Call Me On The Phone [Pirates Blend]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Robyn - Indestructible [Konichiwa/Cherrytree]
Jamie Woon - Night Air [Polydor]
DJ Kutdown - Just Another Fool, Instrumental [Foultone]
Abstract Artform - Understand (feat. Flo Soul & Birdapres) [Independent]
McEnroe - Keeping The Faith [Peanuts & Corn]
Cadence Weapon - On With A +1 (feat. Derek from Northcliffe) [Upper Class]
Antiphony - Such Great Heights [Independent]
Cradle Orchestra - The Night Is Right feat. Giovanca [Palette Sounds]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

The Afterbeat - Worth A Try [Independent]
Mise En Scene - Red Lips & Ray Bans [Independent]
Russell Gunn - Epistrophy [Justin Time]
Interview with Curtis Nowosad and Ismaila Alfa
Flying Lotus - Do The Astral Plane [Warp]


This Friday, the 17th, I'll be joined by some long-time favourite guests: Christopher Samms (formerly of Tigerrr Beat and soon-to-be-formerly-of Not Animals, since we'll be talking about NA's last show) and Birdapres, who'll be bringing in his brand-new album and some choice finds on wax to regale us with.

How It Went Down - December 3, 2010

Because it coincided with a workplace Christmas party, the December 3rd edition of TGIFR was a pre-recorded affair with some interviews I conducted during the few weeks I was preempted by Bison Hockey. That and my now-annual-tradition of "Dave Cooks A Turkey." Podcast is available in the usual spot...

Here's the rundown:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Unknown Mizery - "Empty Handed Warrior" [Independent]
Stuart McLean - "Dave Cooks A Turkey" [CBC]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Cris Derksen - "Smile At Me" [Independent]
Interview with David Sedaris about Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Interview with Ken Dryden about Becoming Canada

How It Went Down - November 12 2010

Spoke to John K. Samson about the Correction Line Ensemble and the EP Provincial 222, joined by Aaron and Jaxon of the D. Rangers to talk about their LAST show and a phoner with Edmonton husband & wife act F&M who are playing Ragpickers on Friday the 19th.

The next two weeks TGIFR will be preempted for Bison Hockey broadcasts, but we'll be back in full force in December with some special guests and interesting interviews...

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Bent By Elephants - I Can't Have You [Independent]
Correction Line Ensemble - Petition [Independent]
Interview with John K. Samson
Correction Line Ensemble - The Last And [Independent]
Phono D'Enfant - A Loving Part [Independent]
Kacey Johansing - Many Seasons [Porto Franco Records]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

D. Rangers - Cherokee Surf [Dollartone Records]
Interview with Aaron & Jaxon of the D. Rangers
D. Rangers - We Stay High and Lonesome [Dollartone Records]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Michael Rault - The Things You Said [Pirate's Blend]
Interview with F&M
F&M - This Winter Revisited - Sincerely, F&M [Shameless Records]
Lauren Mann and the Fairly Odd Folk - Speak to Me [Independent]
Norah Jones & Talib Kweli - Soon The New Day [Blue Note]

How It Went Down - October 29 2010

So, for the first time in a while, the show went exactly as planned. I had Maygen Kardash from SK band Violent Kin (playing the LO Pub on November 3rd) join me by phone and the folks behind Call/Response talked about the progress for the project and their big fundraiser next Friday and lastly we had Amanda Yusishen, the organizer of Tell - Tales from the 204.

Here's what I played in between interviews:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Len Bowen - Big Dreamer [Urbnet]
Teen Daze - Everywhere [Independent]
Violent Kin - Wolf [Independent]
Sun Airway - Shared Piano [Dead Oceans]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Breathe Owl Breathe - Own Stunts [Hometapes]
Bokononists - The Future Is Dead [Independent]
The Details - Surface Breaks [Independent]
The High Dials - I'm Over You (I Hope It's True) [Rainbow Quartz]
Eskmo - You Go, I See That [Ninja Tune]
Humans - Mon Ton Ton II [Blood & Water]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Jess Reimer - Sweet Darling and Sorrow [Independent]
Sara Mitra - Sunday Morning [Build An Ark]
Grimes - Sagrad [Arbutus Records]
Little Dragon - Runabout [Peacefrog]
The Very Best feat. Mo Laudi - Angonde (Remix) [Crammed Discs]

Next week we'll be talking to Winnipeg MC Len Bowen about his new EP and my interview with John Ralston Saul will likely air as well.

How It Went Down - October 22 2010

No interview with Andrew Collier about the American Association move for the Goldeyes, but hopefully in the near future we can catch up with him about what that entails. We did talk to Jen McDonald, one of the Red River College Cre.Comm. students behind MyTweet5 and the interview with Jeff Rubin about his scarily interesting book was equally interesting.

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Dirty Projectors - I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine [Unreleased]
The Winks - Bookface [Oh!]
Interview with Jen McDonald
Amanita Bloom - Something You Said [Machette Records]
Open Fields - Son, You Better Wake Up [Independent]
The Mohawk Lodge - Let Go [White Whale Records]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Women - Heat Distraction [Flemish Eye]
Avey Tare - Ghost Of Books [Paw Tracks]
Interview with Jeff Rubin

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Violent Kin - Wolf [Independent]
The Hundred In The Hands - Young Aren't Young [Warp]
Diamond Rings - You & Me [Secret City Records]
Cloud Nothings - Can't Stay Awake [Carpark]
Construction & Destruction - Nightshade [The Quarantine]
Ebo Taylor - Mizin [Strut]
El Guincho - Bombay [Young Turks]

Confirmed for next week is Amanada Yusishen talking about TELL - Tales From The 204, and my interview with John Ralston Saul has been recorded and is ready for air (sadly, Joseph Boyden couldn't join us) and I'm looking at also having Violent Kin on the phone prior to their show in Winnipeg on November 3rd.

How It Went Down - October 15 2010

Friday was a fairly packed show that included an interview with Jim Demos of the Dead Letters (and formerly of National Monument) who played Freud's Bathhouse on Friday night. We were also joined in the studio by Mike Petkau Falk of Head In The Sand who talked about the label/collective and premiered a new Les Jupes track.

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Mama Cutsworth - These Eyes remix [Unreleased]
DJ Brace - NH1 [Independent]
DJ Brace - NH2 [Independent]
Interview with Jim Demos of Dead Letters
Dead Letters - War [Independent]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Sunbears! - Desert Valley Nights [Lost Cause Records]
Belle and Sebastian - Come on Sister [Matador]
Olenka & the Autumn Lovers - Odessa [Oh!]
Allie Hughes - Not The Stars [Musebox]
Wolf People - Tiny Circle [Jagjaguwar]
Deerhunter - Revival Sailing [4AD]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

K. Frimpong and his Cubano Fiestas - Me Yee Owu Den [Analog Africa]
The Meligrove Band - Make Believe It [Nevado Records]
Les Jupes - The Mountain [Head In The Sand]
Interview with Mike Petkau Falk
Clinic & Sui Zhen - Tell Me Once [Red Bull Music Academy]

Coming up this week, we're going to be talking to a group of CreComm students at Red River about a project they've created called MyTweet5, Dom Lloyd (my co-host on the Bench Jockeys) and I will talk to Andrew Collier about the Winnipeg Goldeyes moving to the American Association and there may be interviews with economist & author Jeff Rubin about his book Why Your World Is About To Get A Whole Lot Smaller and possibly Joseph Boyden and John Ralston Saul about the two latest entries in the Extraordinary Canadians series written by the pair.

How It Went Down: September 24, 2010

Tonight on the show, I spoke to Randy Frykas, director of Call To Arms, a documentary about the fabled Royal Albert Arms about the DVD release of his film. Joined in the studio by my brother-in-law Kevin Klimczak, we talked about his experience biking the Manitoba portion of the Trans Canada Trail and auditing the current condition of the trail. Finally I spoke to acclaimed author (and former Winnipegger) Sandra Birdsell about her latest novel, Waiting For Joe.

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

The Baseball Project feat. Craig Finn - Don't Call Them Twinkies [Yep Roc]
Hot Panda - Evil Nature [Mint Records]
Interview with Randy Frykas
Kids On Fire - Pure Passion For The Desperate Masses [Transistor 66]
Paper Lions - Lost The War [Common Law Records]
Rah Rah - Arrows [Young Soul Records]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Interview with Kevin Klimczak
John Legend & The Roots - Wake Up Everybody (feat. Common & Melanie Fiona) [Columbia]
Teen Daze - Saviour [Arcade Sound]
DVAS - Ambient Room [Upper Class Recordings]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Interview with Sandra Birdsell


Next week's show will be preempted by the Bison Football broadcast so unfortunately we won't be able to sit down with Mat from Boats, but I'm working on some great stuff for the 8th of October including the Mennonite Godfather, Mike Petkau discussing the latest Head In The Sand goings-on, Library Voices talking about their latest Denim On Denim and more. Stay tuned!

How It Went Down - September 17, 2010

Realized I haven't recapped last week's episode yet, but here goes:
Spoke with Dave Monks, the bassist for Tokyo Police Club, who are playing the Garrick on September 26th about charity work, rewarding their audience and more. Then I talked to local artist Mr. Ghosty about the Nuit Blanche event at the WAG called "Gr8 Bits" - it's all about video game art and sounded pretty cool from what I could make out with Ghosty's phone connection.

As for what I played, here's the set list:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Teen Daze - No Regrets [Arcade Sound]
Billy Rockwell - Slomo [Balanced Records]
Crush Buildings - The Minutes [Independent]
Electric Sunset - Palace [K Records]
Revolver - Leave Me Alone [Astralwerks]
Allie Hughes - Not The Stars [Independent]
Dinosaur Feathers - Vendela Vida [Independent]


Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Tokyo Police Club - Bambi [Dine Alone Records]
Mice Parade - In Between Times [FatCat Records]
Secret Cities - Slacker [Northern Vinyl]


Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Andreya Triana - A Town Called Obsolete [Ninja Tune]
Chocolate Genius - Enough For You [One Little Indian]
Jamie Lidell - It's A Kiss [Warp]
Citizen Sound - Trouble (feat. Ammoye) [Balanced Records]
J57 - Frogger [Balanced Records]
Mind Kontrol Ultra - Genuine Beef [Independent]

This coming Friday (September 24th) I'll be joined in the studio by my brother-in-law Kevin Klimczak who is in the midst of a 'trail audit' of the Manitoba portion of the Trans-Canada Trail. He's biking hundreds of kilometers taking notes and photos of the condition of the trail to help make improvements for users going forward and has some interesting stories from his journey.
I've also got an interview with acclaimed novelist Sandra Birdsell (a former Winnipegger) about her new novel, Waiting For Joe, that I just conducted this afternoon in which she delves into the inspiration for the book.
I'll also be giving away tickets to see Hot Hot Heat, so tune in from 6:30 - 8pm CST to win!


In coming weeks, I'll be talking to Library Voices, Head In The Sand's Mike Petkau, Boats, DVAS and more, so stay tuned!

How It Went Down: September 10, 2010

Back after a wonderful holiday with the family with a busy show. Talked to Maya of B.C. punk duo The Pack A.D. about contests, touring with Nomeansno and coming to Winnipeg. Also had a lengthy conversation with award-winning novelist Jane Urquhart about her latest book, Sanctuary Line.

Here's what I played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Aloe Blacc - Take Me Back [Stones Throw]
Dubmatix - Struggle (feat. Dennis Alcapone) [Renegade Rocker]
Interview with The Pack A.D.
The Pack A.D. - B.C. Is On Fire [Mint]


Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Prince Rama - Raghupati [Carpark Records]
Miesha & The Spanks - Mean Face [Transistor 66]
Interview with Jane Urquhart

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Azure Ray - Make Your Heart [Saddle Creek]
Depatterning - The Veteran's Land Act [Independent]
Four Tet - Angel Echoes (Caribou Remix) [Domino]
Tokyo Police Club - Breakneck Speed [Dine Alone Records]

How It Went Down: August 27, 2010

No guests or interviews tonight, but plenty of new music so here's the rundown...

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Jukebox The Ghost - Schizophrenia [Yep Roc]
Rich Aucoin - Push [Sonic Records]
LeBeato - Sunny Places [Dublum Records]
Bear In Heaven - Drug A Wheel (High Places remix) [Hometapes]
O Paon - Raffinerie (metal sur mer) [Independent]
Gianna Lauren - Become What You Can't Be [Forward Music Group]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

High Watt Electrocutions - The Bermuda Triangle [Introspection Records]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Les Savy Fav - Sleepless In Silver Lake [Frenchkiss Records]
Eels - Spectacular Girl [E Works]
PS I Love You - 2012 [Paper Bag Records]
Film School - Heart Full Of Pentagons [Hi-Speed Soul]
Common Grackle - Thank God It's Monday (feat. Kool Keith) [Fake Four]

How It Went Down, August 20 2010

So we talked to Winnipeg's Crooked Brothers tonight about their Vinyl-release-party on August 27th at the Park. The band is excited to be re-releasing Deathbed Pillowtalk in 12-inch glory. Other than that, there was a whack of new music at the station and a valiant attempt was made to get through some of it...

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Lady Daisey - Soul Strut [BBE]
!!! - Steady As The Sidewalk Cracks [Warp]
Cryptowen - Xylem Phloem [Independent]
Miles Davis - Spanish Key (Alternate Take) [Columbia/Legacy]
Winter Gloves - Use Your Lips [Paper Bag Records]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

The Gertrudes - Blackbird and Cedar [Apple Crisp Records]
Rodney DeCroo - River Boat [Northern Electric]
Crooked Brothers - You Can't Tell Me [Transistor 66]
Luke Doucet & the White Falcon - The Ballad of Ian Curtis [Six Shooter]
Land Of Talk - Quarry Hymns [Independent]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Ami Saraiya - Lullaby Song [Team Clermont]
Eric Chenaux w/ Ryan Driver - Warm Charleston [Constellation]
Siskiyou - Everything I Have [Constellation]
Royal Wood - When Nothing's Left [Maple Music]
Quest For Fire - Confusion's Home [Tee Pee Records]
Comeback Kid - The Concept Stays [Distort]

Thanks for tuning in, and remember that podcasts of past episodes are available here.

How It Went Down, August 13, 2010

So tonight's episode didn't end up featuring the director of the documentary Babies as we couldn't coordinate an interview. However, I did manage to connect with Devon of Pop Winds and Claire of Grimes who are on tour and rolling through Winnipeg on August 20th at the LO Pub for a decent chat.

Winnipeg's own Crooked Brothers are confirmed for next week with more to come...

Here's the playlist from tonight's episode:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Matthew Larkin Cassell - Heaven [Stones Throw]
Nick Rosen - African Sun [Porter Records]
Brian Browne Trio - And I Love Her [CBC JazzImage]
Edward Sharpe & The Magnificent Zeros - Home [Vagrant]
S. Carey - We Fell [Jagjaguwar]
Damien Jurado - Cloudy Shoes [Secretly Canadian]
The Baseball Project - (Do The) Triple Crown [ESPN]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Pop Winds - Fools [Arbutus Records]
Interview with Devon (Pop Winds) & Claire (Grimes)
Grimes - Grisgris [Arbutus Records]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Common Grackle - At The Grindcore Show [Fake Four]
Woodpigeon - I Love U When You're Walkin' Away [Gooseberry Records]
Firebonfire - Interview [Independent]
Beauchamp - Pigeons (JPEG remix) [Independent]
El Michaels Affair - Hung Up On My Baby [Fastlife]
Katherine Penfold - Please Forgive Me [Independent]
Azaxx - Autumn Dreamy (Hint remix) [Tru Thoughts]

This week, last week and the one prior...

Well, I may or may not have an interview with the director of Babies on the show this Friday (lucky August 13th...), as well as Grimes and Pop Winds who are playing the LO Pub on the 23rd. The details of all these interviews have yet to be confirmed so tune in from 6:30-8pm CST to find out.

_________________________________________

As for the past two weeks, well on the All-Islendingadagurinn episode on July 30th, I spoke to Bryce of Vitaminsforyou, Tyler of Said the Whale and Robbie Rousseau of Gimli's Alternative Folk Fest (aka the man who put it all together.

Here's what I played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Beauchamp - Pigeons [Independent]
Said The Whale - Plans For The Future [Hidden Pony]
Stornoway - Zorbing [4AD]
Jens Lekman - The End Of The World Is Bigger Than Love [Unreleased]
The Swell Season - Young Hearts Run Free [Levi's Sessions]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Rae Spoon - We Can't Be Lovers With These Guns On Each Other [Saved By Radio]
The Provincial Archive - Trading Thrills [Bedrooms & Basements]
Shapes & Sizes - Time Has Practically Stopped [Asthmatic Kitty]
Half-Court Prayer - The Right Word For The Job [Independent]
Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Hurrah [Dead Oceans]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Jackpine - Abe [Dollartone Records]
Modern Field Recordings - Make A Life [Independent]
Will Bonness - It Never Entered My Mind [Independent]
Light Pollution - Good Feelings (CSLSX remix) [Unreleased]

_____________________________________________

On Friday August 6th, my guests were Devon Latimer from the Trout Forest festival, and Ben Jones with the Rainbow Trout fest (all sorts of trout...). Here's what I played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Cyclist - Point Blank [Dublum Records]
Best Coast - When The Sun Don't Shine [Mexican Summer]
Del Barber - Coming Home With The Summer [Broken Ground]
Pearly Gate Music - Navy Blues [Barsuk]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Nestor Wynrush - So High [Marathon of Dope]
Foals - Miami [Sub Pop]
Sonny Hennig - 1000 Tips zum Uberleben [B-Music/Finders Keepers]
The Birthday Cakes - Poltergeist [Musebox]
Crabskull - Sacred Herbs Dub 1 [Independent]
Luisa Maita - Mire E Veja [Cumbancha]
Dean & Britta - I Found It Not So [Double Feature]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Colleen & Paul - The Ladybug Song [Boompa]
Versus - Invincible Hero [Merge]
Cheering For The Bad Guy - Friday Nights [Independent]
Eamon McGrath - Dark End Of The Street [White Whale Records]
The Darby and Joan Club - Lost My Stereo [Independent]

Get thee to Gimli...

This Friday's TGIFR is shaping up to be an all-Islendingadagurinn episode with an interview with Vitaminsforyou, Said the Whale and the brains behind all the great music featured as part of the shenanigans, Robbie Rousseau.

Tune in at 6:30 PM on 101.5 FM or at umfm.com as usual!

First comment wins a prize...

That's right. Like I annouced on TGIFR this evening, first person to comment on this episode will win a pair of tickets to see interview subject The Wilderness of Manitoba play the West End Cultural Centre on July 31 courtesy of the good folks at the WECC. Tell me what you thought of the show, or if you have any suggestions or criticisms - it's all welcome.

To recap tonight - we talked to Melissa Dalton from the aforementioned Wilderness of Manitoba, as well as to 20-year-old singer-songwriter Daniel Moir who is on the road in support of his album (called, fittingly, Road) and coming to Winnipeg August 1st at the Park Theatre.

Here's what I played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

News - Ooo La La [Yoga/Riverman]
The Mountains & The Trees - Goodbye Little Town [Independent]
Interview with The Wilderness of Manitoba
The Wilderness Of Manitoba - Summer Fires [Verite]
Cheering For The Bad Guy - Jesus Was A Cowboy [Independent]
Effect & Cause - Lost [Independent]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Mats Oberg Trio - Lullaby Of Nerdland [Svensk Music]
School Of Seven Bells - Dust Devils [Vagrant]
Menomena - Tithe [Barsuk]
Black Mountain - Old Fangs [Jagjaguwar]
Ultra Mega - Yeah [Independent]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

The Provincial Archive - You Roll Like Raindrops [Bedrooms & Basements]
Matthew and the Birds - Raining Meow [Independent]
Daniel Moir - Sundrunk [Independent]
Friendly Rich & The Lollipop People - The Grapefruit League [Pumpkin Pie Corporation]
Said The Whale - This Winter I Retire [Pop Machine]

So far for next week, I've confirmed an interview with Bryce from Vitaminsforyou and we'll likely be talking to Rob Rousseau about this year's amazing Islendingadagurinn line-up (which features Vitaminsforyou) and possibly one more act from the bill. Stay tuned!

How It Went Down - June 18 2010

So, lots of music on the most recent show, jammed in between two solid interviews. We talked to Tillie of Montreal band Valleys about their album Sometimes Water Kills People and their upcoming show at the LO (Wednesday, June 23rd with Jane Vain). We also spoke to Elisapie Isaac about her two shows at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and what she's been up to since she released There Will Be Stars last year.

[**Just a heads-up. In addition to the Valleys show, local act From Giants will be releasing their great new record, Wake Up Oh Sleeper, at the Park Theatre that night and two great out-of-town acts - Field Assembly & Gianna Lauren will be performing at Ragpickers. Get out and see one of these shows!!**]

Here's what was played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Aloe Blacc - Take Me Back [Stones Throw]
The Budos Band - Hidden Hand [Daptone Records]
The City Streets - Irish Rose [Clamour Records]
Interview with Valleys
Valleys - Tan Lines [Semiprini Records]
From Giants - Something About A Kingdom [Trailer 10]
Jose James & Jef Neve - Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You [Impulse]


Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

The Wilderness Of Manitoba - Hardship Acres [Delaware House Records]
Christopher Smith - Paper Chains [Boompa]
Interview with Elisapie Isaac
Elisapie Isaac - Turning My Back [Universal/Pheromone]
Tame Impala - Alter Ego [Modular Records]
Tokyo Police Club - Breakneck Speed [Dine Alone Records]
Teenage Fanclub - Shock And Awe [Merge]


Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Robyn - Dancing On My Own [Konichiwa/Cherrytree/Interscope]
Ratatat - Neckbrace [XL Recordings]
Sam Spence - Ringo [B-Music/Finders Keepers]
Here We Go Magic - Hibernation [Secretly Canadian]
Polymaths - The Longest Bridge Over The Shortest Expanse Of Water [Urban Planning Records]
Bishop Morocco - White City [Hand Drawn Dracula]
SSRIs - You And I [Independent]
La Strada - Go Forward [Ernest Jenning Co.]
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra - Granada Pt. 2 [Musebox]

The episode is available as a podcast on UMFM's website.

Recapping June 11th and looking ahead...

So I dropped the ball on Friday. I was supposed to have local rapper Pip Skid on to talk about the Marathon of Dope 2nd Anniversary bash, but I couldn't find his # to give him a call. I feel pretty bad about that one and I hope if you went to the bash on Saturday that you had a great time.

The show was pretty busy anyway with both James Struthers and Del Barber dropping by for a chat. Del brought his guitar in and played a little live number for us as well which was a treat.

This Friday we'll be joined by Winnipeg Jules who is gearing up to take over Free Range Monday starting on June 28th, we'll have Semiprini artists Valleys (who are playing the LO Pub on June 23rd) by phone [**and we have guestlist spots and a copy of their great album for giveaway**], and we'll have a look at the sure-shot picks for this years Jazz Winnipeg Festival.

Here's what was played on last week's show, which is available as a podcast:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Sugar & Gold - Sneek Freq [Antenna Farm]
James Struthers - Tanqueray Blues [Pipe and Hat]
Interview with James Struthers
James Struthers - Speed On Home [Pipe and Hat]
Library Voices - Bookish [Young Soul Records]
Freelance Whales - Hannah [Frenchkiss Records]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Young Galaxy - Buzz In My Flesh [The Musebox]
Del Barber - Chicago [Broken Ground]
Interview with Del Barber
Del Barber - Miles and Years [Live on TGIFR]


Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Villagers - Set The Tigers Free [Domino]
Raul Midon - Everyone Deserves A Second Chance [Blue Note/Manhattan]
Forest City Lovers - Minneapolis [Out Of This Spark]
The Acorn - Misplaced [Paper Bag Records]
Light Pollution - Oh, Ivory! [Carpark]
The Glitch Mob - A Dream Within A Dream [Glitch Mob Unlimited/Glass Air]

Tune in to win...

So. If you happen to live in Winnipeg (or, I suppose, within driving distance) and want to attend the Jazz Winnipeg festival later this month, have I got some good news for you. Over the next two weeks (tomorrow, June 11th and next Friday, June 18th) I'll be giving away pairs of tickets to some of the fantastic Club Series acts the fine folks at Jazz Winnipeg have lined up.

Listen in to win!!
To whet your appetite, here are a couple acts I'll have tickets for:
SUGAR & GOLD


THINK ABOUT LIFE


RAUL MIDON


JOSE JAMES & JEF NEVE

Change of Plans: June 4 Show

So I just heard from James Struthers that he will be performing an in-store at Lucky Jeans tomorrow and can't make TGIFR so he's been rescheduled for next week (June 11th). But it looks like we'll have a couple guests added to the bill for tomorrow in his stead. One is Montreal band BRAIDS who are playing at the LO Pub tonight and I'm also firming up something with the folks involved with the 100 Mile Musical Diet project.

In other news, last week's episode is now up as a podcast on the UMFM website.

Last week, this week, every week.

Wow. Apparently I've been pretty bad about updating this here show blog. Apologies if you follow me!

So I just wanted to recap last Friday's (May 28th) show and make mention that my confirmed guests for this Friday (June 4th, birthday of my boyhood baseball idol Tony Pena) are James Struthers and Keith Price. Price will be holding a fundraiser show on June 7th at the Park Theatre to raise money for his group to attend the Montreal Jazz Festival. Struthers, meanwhile, will be launching his fantastic EP Nadia at the Park on June 12th. Both shows are highly recommended.

Here's what I played last week (a whole lot of music and one guest: Sarah Michaelson, co-editor of 1234V):

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Murs & 9th Wonder - Fornever [SMC Recordings]
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Give It Back [Daptone]
Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek are Reflection Eternal - Ends (feat. Bilal) [Blacksmith]
Courier News - We're On The Horizon [Independent]
Royal Wood - Do You Recall [Six Shooter]
The Telepathic Butterflies - Elegy [Rainbow Quartz]
Lab Coast - Happy Go Lucky [Independent]
The Black Keys - Everlasting Light [Nonesuch]
The Mohawk Lodge - A Crime Of Passion [White Whale]


Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Interview with Sarah Michaelson
Deer Tick - I Will Not Be Myself [Partisan]
Bent By Elephants - Can't Have You [Independent]
Factor - Ain't Nothin' Gonna Change [Fake Four]
Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Jaykub (feat. Jason Lytle) [Lex/Capitol]


Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Pearly Gate Music - Gossamer Hair [Barsuk]
Telegraph Canyon - Into The Woods [Spune]
Broken Social Scene - World Sick [Arts & Crafts]
Bark Hide and Horn - Animal Mind [Swollen Nation Music]
Broken Bells - The High Road [Sony]
The Flaming Lips - Powerless [Warner]

Coming this Friday...

Well things look pretty well sewn up for TGIFR this week and so I'll give you a little heads-up as to what will be on.

First up will be an interview with Mat and Ashley from Boats talking about Cannonballs, Cannonballs and the CD release show for that album.

Then we'll have a special in-studio performance and interview with Tim Crabtree (UK by way of Halifax) who performs under the moniker Paper Beat Scissors. I recently wrote about his EP Flicker on my music blog, Ear To The Sound. Tim stopped into the studio recently and we had a great chat and I was fortunate enough to also get him to perform some songs live.

Lastly, we'll be talking to Weakerthans front-man John K. Samson, but the subject of our talk has nothing to do with his band and everything to do with Iceland. Samson is one of the organizers of the fourth-annual Nuna Now Festival and we'll be talking about FM Belfast (playing Friday at the Albert) and the rest of the schedule for the fest.

Tune in this Friday, April 30th from 6:30 - 8 PM!

The 28th will be busy, the 23rd is busy.

So tonight's episode is hella busy with talk and a touch of music.
Joining me in-studio is long time TGIFR favourite and local legend Greg MacPherson. He just released his new album Mr. Invitation on Smallman Records two weeks ago and stopped by the station to talk about the album and play a couple songs for us.
By phone we've got Olga from the Besnard Lakes who are playing the Royal Albert on the 28th with Hollerado and locals Absent Sound. The band just got back from a European tour of their new album The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night.
We've also got a phoner with Nick from Plants and Animals who are ALSO playing in Winnipeg on the 28th, at the West End Cultural Centre. Plants and Animals will be playing material from their new album La La Land.

Here's what I played in between all the talk about new albums...

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar [Stones Throw]
Plants and Animals - Game Shows [Secret City]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Greg MacPherson - Smoke Ring [Live at UMFM]
Greg MacPherson - Ukranians [Live at UMFM]
Greg MacPherson - Broken Dreams [Smallman]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Besnard Lakes - The Lonely Moan [Outside]
Jose James - Love [Brownswood]

Online, but not online...

So I had hoped to post the download link to Thank God It's Free Range's first podcast in quite a while, but unfortunately due to some technical difficulties the files are unavailable. Hopefully you heard the show live because it was a doozy. By phone we had Jeff Innes from Kelowna, BC band Yukon Blonde (who are playing the LO Pub here in Winnipeg tomorrow night). I had a taped phoner with East Coast singer-songwriter Rose Cousins (who will be in town April 29th playing the Park Theatre with Amelia Curran) and joining me in the studio was author David Robertson who has written a four-part graphic novel about seven generations of an aboriginal family - the first book is called Stone and it was just released by Portage & Main Press.

Strong interviews all, and a shame that I can't share 'em with you here.
Anyway, here's what I played:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Library Voices - Haunt This House [Young Soul Records]
Balkan Beat Box - Move It [National Geographic Records]
Interview with Rose Cousins
Rose Cousins - I Were The Bird [Old Farm Pony Records]
Horse Feathers - Starving Robins [Kill Rock Stars]
The Tallest Man On Earth - The Wild Hunt [Dead Oceans]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

Interview with Yukon Blonde
Yukon Blonde - Brides Song [Bumstead/Nevado]
Waving Hand - The Man Living On The City Landfill Site [Independent]
Tony Allen - Busybody [World Circuit/Nonesuch]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

Erykah Badu - Window Seat [Universal Motown]
Interview with David Robertson
Vesely Couture - Tasty Crumpet [Independent]

Back in the saddle.

Well I've been doing my show intermittently while on parental leave, but I'm back at it and have all sorts of things planned in the coming weeks (Greg MacPherson performing live in-studio, Hannah Georgas on the phone, graphic novelists David Robertson and Scott Henderson, and much more).

As for what I had on last Friday (which will be up as a podcast on the UMFM website SOON), the show included an interview with Tyler Shipley (Consumer Goods), talking about his solo album Sentinel Road, an interview with novelist Drew Hayden Taylor - who discussed his 're-telling' of the Nanabush legend in Motorcycles & Sweetgrass, as well as a host of new music.

Here's the setlist:

Set One: 6:30 - 7 PM

Magnum K.I. - Eyes On Fire [Independent]
Interview with Tyler Shipley
Tyler Shipley - A Woman In The Strike [Grumpy Cloud]
Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore - Sweet Marie [Sub Pop]
Bird Of Wales - My Lady In July [Sparks]
Ryan McGrath - Way West [Independent]

Set Two: 7 - 7:30 PM

The Sea & Cake - Exact To Me [Thrill Jockey]
Interview with Drew Hayden Taylor
Sally Seltmann - Harmony To My Heartbeat [Arts & Crafts]

Set Three: 7:30 - 8 PM

The Apples In Stereo - Dream About The Future [Yep Roc]
Mantler - Breaking Past The Day [Tomlab]
Woodhands - Talk [Paper Bag Records]
Booka Shade - Havanna Sex Dwarf [Physical Records]
Nice Nice - One Hit [Warp]
Lullabye Arkestra - The Icy Hand That Guides Us [Vice]