Wednesday MidDay Medley
TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio
Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning
The 112 Best Recordings of 2012
The 112 Best Recordings of 2012 are based on the playlists of Wednesday MidDay Medley. In 2012 Wednesday MidDay Medley has featured hundreds of New & Local Releases, we’ve featured dozens of LIVE in-studio performances from area performers, and we have interviewed over 150 local and national artists. 70% of the recordings on our list are locally produced. Tune in Wednesdays in December, on 90.1 FM, for our annual 4-week special event. We’ll play nearly 8-hours of representative tracks from our favorite recordings. It’s all good!
Tune into 90.1 FM, Wednesdays in December, on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. We’ll play nearly 8-hours of music that represent: The 112 of Best Recordings of 2012!
1. Iris DeMent – Sing The Delta / Flariella / October 2, 2012
[Iris Dement previewed many of her new songs when she was in concert with husband Greg Brown, last year for their 11-11-11 show at The Folly Theatre to benefit St. Mark Child and Family Development Center. Now those songs are part of her brand new release that includes a total of 12 new songs. It is her first full-length release of original songs since 1996. The new record, has been critically acclaimed, by the music-press, on both sides of the Atlantic. Iris DeMent was our special guest on our October 10, Wednesday MidDay Medley.]
2. Ghosty – GHOSTY / More Famouser Records / April 17, 2012
[3rd full-length release from Lawrence and KC area band. Ghosty is Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte an Bill Belzer who recorded their new album themselves over the last couple of years with help from David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Connor, Kirsten Paludan, and Dan Talmadge. The new release was pressed on vinyl and available on LP and digital download. More info at ghostysounds.com.]
3. Schwervon! – Courage / Olive Juice Music / September 28, 2012
[Schwervon! is a two piece rock band. Nan plays drums and Matt plays guitar and they both sing. They lived in NYC for 15 years and have just relocated to Kansas City. Last year they opened for both The Vaselines and Belle & Sebastian. They recorded Courage with Memphis-based engineer Doug Easley who has worked with Pavement, Sonic Youth, Cat Power.]
4. The Hearts of Darkness – Shelf Life / Shipshape Records / August 25, 2012
[The 15 piece ensemble welcomed 6 additional musicians to record “Shelf Life” their 2nd full-length release, 2 years in the making. Recorded live at the Cooler Studio in Kansas City, Kansas, with Chad Meise, and mastered by Collin Jordan at the Boiler Room in Chicago, using both vintage analog and modern digital technologies. The album was released on CD and as a limited edition collectible vinyl LP at local music stores, and also available on iTunes. Contributing musicians to “Shelf Life” include: Bob Asher – Trumpet, Sean Branagan – drums and percussion, Rachel Christia – Vocals, Andrew Ford – Trombone, Brandy Gordon – Vocals, Richard Gumbel – Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Sam Hughes – Baritone Saxophone, Les Izmore – Vocals, Pete Leibert – Bass Guitar, Jolan Smith – Tenor Saxophone and Vocals, Miko Spears – Congas, Erica Townsend – Vocals, Ken Walker – Valve Trombone, Brad Williams – drums and percussion, Hermon Mehari – Trumpet, Shawn Hansen – Alto Saxophon, Phil Keegan – Bass Guita, Chris Meck – Rhythm Guita, Josh Mobley – Keyboards, Guitar, Alex Smith – Tenor Saxophone, Mark Vick – Rhythm Guitar. In 2011, the band opened for Huey Lewis and the News, for Snoop Dogg, played w/ Willie Nelson & Neil Young at Farm Aid and performed at the Kanrocksas Music Festival, and won “Best Jazz Ensemble” by the Pitch Music Awards. In 2012 the band released a new single, played the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, shared the stage with Seun Kuti & the legendary Egypt 80, played the Wakaursa Festival, Kauffman Stadium, Davey’s Uptown in a benefit for 90.1 FM KKFI, the recordBar, KC Crossroads, and Knuckleheads. Members of The Hearts of Darkness: Bobby Asher and Peter Leibert joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on August 22.]
5. John Velghe & The Prodigal Sons – Don’t Let Me Stay / Lakeshore Records / March 13, 2012
[John Velghe – vox, guitars, keyboards. The Prodigal Sons: Mike Alexander – guitar, mandolin, backing vocals; Chris Wagner – bass, backing vocals; GoGo Ray – drum set; Hermon Mehari – trumpet; Sam Hughes – saxophone; Mike Walker – trombone. With: Kirsten Paludan – vocals; James Mitchell – cello; Whitney Williamson – violin; Catherine Root – violin. John Velghe was our special guest on Wednesday MidDay Medley on March 21.]
6. Hidden Pictures – Rainbow Records / Golden Sound Records / July 17, 2012
[Richard Gintowt – vocals/guitar, Michelle Sanders – vocals /glockenspiel, Cameron Hawk – drums, Erik Voeks – bass, Nate Holt – piano/keys. Richard Gintowt who was formerly in the band OK Jones, has been a frequent music writer and reviewer for The Pitch and other publications. Richard also operates his own DJ company. Richard Gintowt joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on July 25.]
7. The Caves – Duplexiaville / Golden Sound Records / November 24, 2012
[KC based: Andrew Ashby on Guitar & Voice, David Gaumé on Bass, Elizabeth Bohannon on Keyboards, Percussion & Voice, Jake Cardwell on Drums & Percussion.]
8. Molly Picture Club – Molly Picture Club / Independent / March 3, 2012
[The power trio of Molly Picture Club were our guest on April 18 on Wednesday MidDay Medley. Aniko Adany: vocals, plays synthesizers, keyboards, & the omnichord; Matthew Hayden: drums, & drum sequencing; and Michael Tipton: vocals, guitar, & bass. The album was mixed & mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab in KC. Mike Tipton was one of our first guests on WMM, in 2004, when he was part of the band Tabla Rasa. Aniko Adany was born in Budapest, and was influenced greatly by 80s and 90s punk. Aniko was in the KC band Raising Grey. Members of MPC also play in the Talking Heads tribute band: Found A Job. MPC also played “A Story in A Song” Post Story Dance Party in July.]
9. The Latenight Callers – Easy Virtues [EP] / TLNC / February 25, 2012
[Formed in Lawrence by baritone guitarist, Krysztof Nemeth, and vocalist Julie Berndsen, With the addition of Guitarist Ellen O’Hayer, Bassist Gavin Mac, and Nick Combs on keyboards. This band is constantly perfoming live in the KC area, and their new recording continues their reputation as being “the perfect band for a David Lynch pool party.”]
10. Thee Water MoccaSins – From The Rivers of Missouri and The Banks of Fear / Independent / February 22, 2012
[Thee Water MoccaSins is comprised of KC musicians Billy Smith on Guitar and Vocals; Steve Tulipana on Vocals, Guitar and Bass; John Bersuch on Drums and Percussion; and Wade Williamson on Guitar, Keyboards, and Bass. All musicians are currently involved with, or have been involved with: Roman Numerals, Season to Risk, Olympic Size, Dirt Nap, Stella Link, Bacon Shoe, Minds Under Cover and Starhaven Rounders. Billy Smith, now living in NYC.]
11. Grand Marquis – The Sun Session [EP] / Grand Marquis / January 13, 2012
[Recorded live, February 1, 2011 at Sun Studio, 706 Union Avenue, in Memphis Tennessee. This song is on their CD plus their limited edition 2 song 7 inch single on vinyl. Bryan Redmond – lead vocals, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones; Chad Boydston – trumpet, backing vocals; Ryan Wurtz – guitar; Ben Ruth – upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals; Lisa Mckenzie – drums, washboard.]
12. The B’Dinas – Morning Party [EP] / Independent / February 25, 2012
[The B’Dinas joined us LIVE on our February 22, Wednesday MidDay Medley. Katy Guillen (guitar/vocals/harmonica), Meredith McGrade (guitar/vocals), Peter Lawless (bass/vocals/saxophone), Katelyn Boone (keys/vocals/bass), and Tess Jehle (drums). “Morning Party,” (follow-up to their 2010 debut “Homemade Rock & Roll.” The B’Dinas also played “A Story in A Song” Post Story Dance Party in July.]
13. The Cave Girls – The Cave Girls / Cave Out Records / February 4, 2012
[TCG played LIVE on our April 18 Wednesday MidDay Medley. The Cave Girls include: Robin Campbell, Sara Teasley, & Stephanie Williams. Their debut recording was produced by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios in KC. Robin Campbell was formerly the lead singer of The Last Call Girls. Robin shared with host Mark Manning their shared love of Loretta Lynn, when she gave Mark a special Loretta Lynn coloring book.
14. The Brannock Device – Into The Witness Chamber / Independent / May 15, 2012
[The Brannock Device is Jason Beers, Bernie Dugan, Marco Pascolini & Elaine McMilian. Members of the band joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on June 20. Bernie Dugan told the story, with an almost perfect vocal interpretation, of how guitarist – Marco Pascolini asked band founder – Jason Beers, if he could join the band. Bernie Dugan also plays drums with The Quivers, and Cher UK. Marco Pascolini, considered one of the best guitarists in the area, played guitar with Expassionates, currently he also plays with Mr. Marcos V-7, and Dead Voices. Elaine McMilian has performed with several KC area bands including: Easterday, Swinging Six, and last year she released a solo recording.]
15. Making Movies – A La Deriva / Independent / December 21, 2012
[Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard). Their new full length was produced with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. The band is on tour: Nov 29 – Prophet Bar – Dallas / Nov 30 – Club Rio – San Antonio / Dec 7 – The Playhouse – San Jose, CA / Dec 14 – El Callejon – Salinas, CA / Dec 15 – Sandrini’s – Bakersfield, CA. Then back in KC with a CD release December 21 at the recordBar. They also released the EP “Aguardiente” this year. The Record Machine pressed a limited number of the 7-inch vinyl, 4 song EP. More info at makingmoviesband.com]
16. Dream Wolf – Dream Wolf / Independent / December 1, 2012
[Full length debut from: Christian Tady – Electric Guitar, Tess Jehle – Drums, Megan Zander – Vocals, Katelyn Boone – Keyboards, Brent Jamison – Bass. Recorded by DEERWOLFANIMALBEAR and mastered by Element Recording Studios. Includes 9 songs, photos by Meredith McGrade, design work by Katelyn Boone, logo design by Michael Schultz, and disc artwork by Janelle Day.]
17. Tame Impala – Lonerism / Modular Records / October 9, 2012
[Trio from Perth, Australia.]
18. Alejandro Escovedo – Big Station / Concord Music / June 5, 2012
[San Antonio, Texas native, singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo’s third album working with both writing partner Chuck Prophet and producer Tony Visconti. ]
19. First Aid Kit – The Lions Roar / Wichita / January 17, 2012
[A duo of two sisters Johanna (keyboards, autoharp, and Vocals) and Kiara Soderberg (guitar & Vocals). They are from Sweden Their album was recorded in Omaha.]
20. Father John Misty – Fear Fun / SubPop / May 1, 2012
[1st album by Seattle-born musician Josh Tillman (born May 3, 1981), under the pseudonym Father John Misty. Joshua Tillman is the former drummer the Seattle-based band Fleet Foxes (2008 to 2012). He departed the Fleet Foxes to focus on his solo album under the moniker Father John Misty.]
21. Frank Ocean – Channel ORANGE / Island Def Jam / July 10, 2012
[Debut studio album of American singer-songwriter, born October 28, 1987, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ocean’s early career was as a ghostwriter for artists such as Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend.]
22. Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas / Columbia-Sony / January 31, 2012
[Born in Montreal in 1934, this is the 12th studio album from the famed Canadian singer-songwriter. It is Cohen’s highest-charting release in the United States, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200, 44 years after the release of his first album. The album topped the charts in nine countries, including Finland, where Cohen became, at the age of 77, the oldest chart-topper, during the album’s debut week.]
23. MeShell Ndegeocello – Pour une ame sourveraine – A Dedication To Nina Simone / Naive / October 9, 2012
[11th studio album from Meshell Ndegeocello, born Michelle Lynn Johnson, August 29, 1968. An American, singer-songwriter, rapper, bassist, and vocalist. Her music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, R&B, rock, and jazz. She has received significant critical acclaim throughout her career and has had ten career Grammy Award nominations. She has been credited for having “sparked the neo-soul movement.” She honed her skills in the DC Go-Go circuit.]
24. Best Coast – The Only Place / Kemando / May 15, 2012
[From wikipedia.org: American surf pop band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2009. The band consists of duo Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno, with several drummers having joined the band for live performances, most notably former Vivian Girls drummer Ali Koehler. The band’s music is often categorized under the subgenres of garage rock, surf pop, and lo-fi.]
25. Laetitia Sadier – Silencio / Drag City / July 24, 2012
[Stereolab frontwoman Laetitia Sadier solo follow up to her excellent 2010 record The Trip. Silencio features former Stereolab member/founder Tim Gane, the Zincs’ James Elkington, & The Sea and Cake’s Sam Prekop.]
26. Sharon van Etten – Tramp / Jagjaguar Records / February 6, 2012
[3rd studio album, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, and recorded in his studio over the period of several months. Sharon van Etten was born & raised in New Jersey. She moved to Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University, where she discovered a variety of influential music. After moving back to New Jersey, Van Etten was encouraged by Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio to pursue a career in music.]
27. The Grisly Hand – Western Avenue [EP] / Independent / February 1, 2012
[The band is working on a new full length recording.The Grisly Hand includes: Jimmy Fitzner (Guitar and Vocals), Lauren Krum (Vocals and Percussion), Johnny Nichols (Bass and Vocals), Matt Richey (Drums), Mike Stover (Steel Guitar), and Ben Summers (Guitar and Mandolin).]
28. Amy Farrand – Amy Farrand (hearts) You [EP] / Independent / March 14, 2012
[Ernie Locke on harmonica. Recorded and mixed by Chris Meck. After three years of producing and hosting “The Weirdo Wednesday Supper Club,” every Wednesday night at Davey’s Uptown, Amy Farrand announced live on our November 14, Wednesday MidDay Medley, that at the end of the year she is taking a “hiatus” on Wednesdays at Davey’s.]
29. The Quivers – I Gots To Have It! [EP] / Independent / August 1, 2012
[Terra Peal- Vocals & Bass, Todd Grantham- Keys & Vocals, Abe Haddad- Guitar & Vocals, Bernie Dugan- Drums. Terra Peal and Bernie Dugan joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley on August 15.]
30. Deco Auto – Past Mistakes and Hauntings [EP] / Independent / July 6, 2012
[Steven Garcia – guitar, vocals; Tracy Flowers – bass, vocals; Michelle Bacon – drums. Recorded by Pat Tomek. Produced by Steven Garcia with Pat Tomek at Largely Studios, 2012, in Kansas City, MO. Steven Garcia was a founding member of the bands: Armchair Martian and Knee Jerk. Michelle Bacon played with The Threes and currently with Drew Black & Dirty Electric and Dolls on Fire. Flowers and Bacon were both founding members of The Straight Ups. All songs by Steven Garcia, notdeadyet music (ASCAP). All songs performed by Steven Garcia (guitar/vox), Tracy Flowers (bass/vox), Michelle Bacon (drums).]
31. LAZY – Obsession / Independent / June 1, 2012
[Recorded by Ashley Miller, Mixed by Ashley Miller and LAZY, Mastered by Ashley Miller. LAZY includes: Brock Potucek, Zach Vanbenthuzen, Sarica Douglas, Billy Belzer]
32. SSION – Bent (Bonus Track Versions) / Dovecote Records / September 18, 2012
[Written by Cody Critcheloe, produced by J. Ashley Miller, this new bonus track versions release features 4 additional remixes. SSION, (pronounced “shun”) was formed in 1996, in Kansas City, by multi-talented vocalist, visual artist, musician, performance artist, music- video director, Cody Critcheloe. SSION, have been known for their extravagant live shows and amazingly crerative and hilarious videos. SSION has toured with Gossip, Fischerspooner, CSS, and yeah yeah yeahs. Cody Critcheloe has served as Music Video Director music videos from Santigold, CSS, Peaches, Gossip, and Tilly and the Wall. Ssion recently toured, doing shows in San Francisco, Arizona, Texas, New Orleans, Atlanta, DC, Baltimore and Brooklyn.]
33. Dollar Fox – Little Mother’s Things I Am Keeping / Money Wolf Music / Oct. 27, 2012
[“Letter” is included on the Midwestern Audio Vol. 1. Recorded by Patrick Meager at Fuzz Bomb. Produced by Meger and Dollar Fox. Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. This is the 7th release from Money Wolf Music. Dollar Fox is: Tommy Donoho, Justin Penney, Nick Dothage, Ethan Taylor, Ryan Watkins. Members of Dollar Fox joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley for our Band Auction on April 18, and October 24 before the release of their new recording.]
34. Richard Burgess – Midwestern Wind / Independent / June 23, 2012
[Richard Burgess played live on our show, June 20, he played bass in the bands Expassionates and Hadacol.]
35. Ernest James Zydeco – 3 Steps From La La / Jam Rat Records / November 31, 2012
[From KC Missouri, the band lineup has been constant since 2008: Ernest James on accordion and vocals, Barry Barnes on washboard, Jaisson Taylor on drums, Mike Stover on bass guitar, and Tony LaCroix on guitar. This album also includes 4 songs featuring KC’s own Betse Ellis (of The Wilders). Recorded and mixed in KC, at Markosa Studios, with Mark Thies. The album was mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room in Chicago. Ernest James and Jaisson Taylor co-wrote and co-produced the songs. Members of Ernest James Zydeco joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on November 22.]
36. Appropriate Grammar – Lies and Stories / Independent / April 21, 2012
[Their song “Six Foot Dreams” is on the Midwestern Audio Vol. 1 compilation. Appropriate Grammar includes: Nick McKenna – Guitar/Vocals, Alex Dunsford – Lead Guitar, Claire Adams – Bass/Vocals, and Steve Gardels – Drums.]
37. The Shins – Port of Morrow / Columbia a division of Sony / March 20, 2012
[4th studio album by indie rock band The Shins. Co-produced by Greg Kurstin and frontman James Mercer, it is the band’s first studio album in five years, following the release of 2007’s Wincing the Night Away.]
38. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace / Proper -Parlour Door Music / April 9, 2012 UK]
[Kansas City’s very own: Krystle Warren, a Paseo Arts Academy Graduate was signed to a French label and is has been touring Europe opening for Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle Warren’s new album came from a 13 day recording session in Brooklyn, where she recorded the songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections. Krystle wrote the songs, and produced the double vinyl release.]
39. Sam Billen – Places / Primary Colors Collective / September 15, 2012
[From Lawrence, Kansas, In 2009, Sam Billen released Headphones & Cellphones with The Record Machine. It was his first his first solo record in 5 years since leaving Northern Records who also released his decade-long band, The Billions, who disbanded in 2008. After the break up of the Billions, Sam took some time to focus on making his own music and starting a family. Sam works full time at the University of Kansas, and started a new business, Primary Colors Music. Sam joined us live on Wednesday MidDay Medley on November 22 and Sam played LIVE in our studios.]
40. Beach House – Bloom / SubPop / May 15, 2012
[4th studio album by American dream pop duo formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland, consisting of French-born Victoria Legrand and Baltimore native Alex Scally.]
41. Purity Ring – Shrines / 4AD / July 20, 2012
[First single from debut album from Canadian indie electronic band based out of Montreal who formed in 2010. The band consists of two members: Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (instrumentals).] [One of Chris Haghirian’s favorite shows/albums/songs of the year at the Jackpot]
42. Patti Smith – Banga / Columbia Records a Division of Sony / June 1, 2012
[Lead single off the 11th studio album by Poet / Biographer / Musician / Artist / Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee: Patti Smith. Recorded throughout 2011 at New York’s Electric Lady Studios and Hoboken’s Hobo Recorders, Banga was produced by Smith, Tony Shanahan, Jay Dee Daugherty and collaborator Lenny Kaye. with guest musicians: Tom Verlaine of Television and Smith’s own children, Jackson and Jesse Paris.]
43. Cat Power – Sun / Matador / September 4, 2012
[9th studio album by Chan Marshall, also known by her stage name, Cat Power. Her first album of all-original material since 2006’s The Greatest. The album was issued in a variety of formats, including a limited edition deluxe LP containing a 7″ vinyl of bonus tracks. Sun is being included on many, end of year, “Best of” lists.]
44. Two Headed Cow – Zen Again / Saunders Street Records / December 15, 2012
[Tod Davis and Bj McArthur moved to KC from Pensacola, Florida several years ago. Once in KC they changed the band’s name to: Two Headed Cow, for a more regional appeal. Their new release “Zen Again” is their follow up to 2008’s “Safe As Milk.” The release also features Glen Hockemeier on Drums and Matt Waddell on Bass. Two Headed Cow performed LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 14.]
45. The Sea and Cake – Runner / Thrill Jockey / September 18, 2012
[10th album from Chicago indie band formed in the early 1990s from members of The Cocktails, Shrimp Boat, and Tortoise. Sam Prekop (vocals, guitar), Archer Prewitt (guitar, piano, vocals), John McEntire (percussion, drums, some synthesizer), Eric Claridge (bass, synthesizer).]
46. Cate Le Bon – Cyrk II / The Control Group / August 20, 2012
[Based in Cardiff, Wales, she sings in both English and Welsh. Singled out by critics for her dark lyrical content, and “haunting voice.” She released one of our favorite records of 2012 so far Cate Le Bon has announced the new release of a five-song follow-up to the 10-track CYRK. According to her label, CYRK II serves as an “older sister” to the original release, “bearing songs of a more starkly confessional nature.”]
47. Capybara – Dave Drusky / The Record Machine / February 7, 2012
[Lifelong friends Mark Harrison, Jared Horne, Darin Seal, and Joel Wrolstad formed Capybara in January, of 2009. This is their follow up to their debut: “Try Brother.” ]
48. The Brian Jonestown Massacre – Aufheben / ‘a’ Records / April 30, 2012
[13th studio album by The Brian Jonestown Massacre, released on band leader Anton Newcombe’s A Records label. The album was available for free streaming prior to its release, and was recorded in Berlin at Anton Newcombe’s studio and the East German Radio Station “Studio East”. The title of the album comes from a German word. It has several meanings, such as “to lift up” or “to abolish”. In philosophy, it is used by Hegel to explain what happens when a thesis and antithesis interact.]
49. David Byrne & St. Vincent – Love This Giant / 4AD / September 11, 2012
[Made in collaboration between Byrne and St. Vincent aka Annie Clark who began working together in late 2009, using a writing and promotion process that Byrne had previously used on his 2008 collaboration with Brian Eno on Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. The two artists first met in 2009 at a Radio City Music Hall benefit concert for the AIDS/HIV charity Dark Was the Night. The collaboration stemmed from their second meeting, at the New York bookstore Housing Works, where Björk and Dirty Projectors were performing. A concert organizer suggested that Byrne and Clark try a similar collaboration. Their work was initially slated just for a single live performance, but Clark suggested adding brass to their line-up and the two realized they could write original music around horns. The musicians composed lyrics in person and via e-mail, which resulted in an entire album’s worth of material. The performers enlisted a variety of brass musicians to augment their songwriting and have embarked on a tour to promote the album.]
50. Victor & Penny – Side By Side / V & P Productions / November 24, 2012
[2nd release from Erin McGrane & Jeff Freling who joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley on November 22 to discuss “Side by Side,” inspired by their experiences on the road. Jeff, originally from Kansas City, calls Chicago home most of the time where he performs regularly with Blue Man Group, Tributosaurus, Mar Caribe, the Tom Waits tribute band B1G T1ME, and has performed alongside Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices). He began furiously studying the guitar at the age of 10 when he first heard Jimmy Page’s guitar solo on “Whole Lotta Love” and has considered himself a guitar geek ever since. In the late 80s and early 90s Jeff was the guitarist and co-songwriter for two of KCs favorite bands: The Mongol Beach Party and Grumpy. He studied at the Conservatory at UMKC and at the Berklee School of music in Boston. Erin has been an active performing artist in the KC arts and music scene for many years. She currently divides her time equally between Chicago and Kansas City, but calls KC home. Erin is a film, theater and commercial actress; a musician and songwriter; and one of the co-hosts of the new TV program CINEMAKC. Most notably, Erin appeared in the Emmy-winning web series THE UNREAL HOUSEWIVES OF KANSAS CITY and in the Oscar-nominated film, UP IN THE AIR alongside George Clooney. Look for Erin this year in the soon-to-be-released thriller feature film NAILBITER. As chanteuse Ruby Falls, she fronts the cabaret act Alacartoona who was awarded a 2009 Inspiration Grant from the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. She is proud to say she mis-spent her youth singing in a rock band and was named Kansas City’s sexiest musician in the Pitch Magazine’s “Best of KC 2005”. Victor & Penny played a CD release show, Friday, Nov 23, at 8:00 PM, at The Living Room Theatre, 1818 McGee St , Kansas City, with special guests Annie Cherry & Damian Blake.]
51. The Sexy Accident – Ninja Ninja Fight Darth Vader / Independent / April 21, 2012
[The Sexy Accident’s new full length release, “Ninja Ninja Fight Darth Vader” os available through their website and a local independent record stores. The band’s new music video for their song “What We’d Do” is available for download at music.sexyaccident.com. All of the song’s proceeds go to charity. The Sexy Accident joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley on May 2.]
52. David George & The Crooked Mile – Going Underground [EP] / Independent / June 21, 2012
[The follow up to David’s 2010 “Love/Life.” EP contains 5 songs pulled from a 15 song session leading to a full length that will be released tnext year. Featured on “Cold Rain” is Danielle and Jacob Prestidge of The Blackbird Revue. Danielle is also the featured vocalist on “Lift Me Up.” All songs written by David George, except track 3, “I’m a Believer” was written by Neil Diamond.]
53. Lee Fields and The Expressions – Faithful Man / Truth & Soul Records / Mar. 13, 2012
[Since the late sixties, the North Carolina native Lee Fields has amassed a prolific catalog of albums and has toured and played with such legends as Kool and the Gang, Sammy Gordon and the Hip- Huggers, O.V Wright, Darrell Banks, and Little Royal. With a career spanning 43 years, releases on twelve different record labels, and having toured the world over with his raucous-yet- tender voice, itʼs mind-blowing that the music heʼs making today with Brooklynʼs own Truth & Soul Records is the best of his career.]
54. The Empty Spaces – Party Line / Golden Sound Records / July 24, 2012
[KC based band formed from a studio band that recorded Mat Shoare’s solo album The Empty Spaces in 2010. Mat Shoare is a founding member of Everyday/Everynight and a founding partner in Golden Sound Records. Mat Shoare, along w/ Jerad Tomasina, Ross Brown, & Evan Ashby, joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on July 4, to talk about the Crossroads Summer Block Party hosted by Golden Sound Records & Mildred’s.]
55. Ross Brown – Small Victories / Golden Sound Records / October 16, 2012
[We first met Ross Brown on our February 15, WMM. He is co founder of Golden Sound Records, lead singer of the band Fullbloods, and drummer for The Empty Spaces. Ross started playing trumpet in junior high school band and continued through high school playing euphonium, guitar and bass in jazz band, and singing in choir. Music classes were all I took from “public school” during high school. He started writing music when he picked up guitar around 12 years old. Ross went to DeSoto high school for a year and home-schooled the rest. After that I took a two-year audio engineering course at BRC Audio Productions, where he met Jerad Tomasino and everyone in Fullbloods.]
56. Thee Oh Sees – Putrifiers II / In The Red Records / September 11, 2012
[14th album from San Francisco based band that began as a way for John Dwyer to release his instrumental, experimental home recordings, and over the course of several albums it evolved into a full band.]
57. The xx – Coexist / The Young Turks / September 11, 2012
[English indie pop band, formed in London in 2008. The group released their debut album, xx in August 2009. In 2010, the band won the Mercury Music Prize for their debut album. The band met while studying at Elliott School, the same school that produced Hot Chip, and Four Tet. Oliver Sim and Romy Madley-Croft started the band as a duo when they were 15. Guitarist Baria Qureshi joined once they began performing in 2005, with Jamie Smith joining a year after.]
58. Regina Spektor – What We Saw From The Cheap Seats / Sire / May 25 , 2012
[6th studio album from Russian–American alternative singer-songwriter Regina Spektor. Recorded in Los Angeles during the summer of 2011, the album is a collection of new material along with the very first studio recordings of several of Spektor’s older live songs. The album’s second single, “Don’t Leave Me (Ne me quitte pas)” is a song originally from Spektor’s 2002 album Songs. One of our first phone interviews ever on WMM. ][Regina Spektor played Kansas City at The Music Hall November 7.]
59. The Magnetic Fields – Love at The Bottom of The Sea / Merge / March 6, 2012
[The band’s 10th full-length album is their first release of new material with Merge since 1999’s highly acclaimed 69 Love Songs. After putting out their “synth-free trilogy,” The Magnetic Fields are returning to their signature mix of synth and acoustic sounds. Merritt notes about the new album that “Most of the synthesizers on the record didn’t exist when we were last using synthesizers.” The Magnetic Fields went on a North American tour and the closest they got to KC was: IOWA CITY, Iowa, March 28, at the Englert Theatre. More info at houseoftomorrow.com website for The Magnetic Fields]
60. Eleni Mandell – I Can See The Future / Yep Roc / July 10, 2012
[We interviewed Eleni Mandell for a second time. Her recent tour and musical release came from the legendary indie singer songwriter who seemed happier than we’ve ever seen her before. The music created while she was pregnant, was, after the birth of her twins, released with an extensive tour in support of the new music. We talked with Eleni on our August 1 Wednesday MidDay Medley, about touring with the babies, her ex boyfriend that she hired as her nanny, and the inspiration for the new songs. Eleni Mandell played Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, on Aug 4, with Mikal Shapiro and Ruddy Swain.]
61. Organic Proof – Johan [EP] / Independent / February 21, 2012
[Acoustic song-writing project of multi-instrumentalist Brandon Draper, along with Barclay Martin and Rick Willoughby. Johan was inspired by the writings of Brandon’s 4th great grandfather Johan Augustin Pihl, a Swedish Immigrant that settled in the Kansas Plains in 1860. On Nov. 12 Organic Proof released a new single track called “Simple” at organicproof.bandcamp.com. Rick Willoughby works with Quixotic and he also plays with The Snow Globes, with Barclay Martin, and he joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley, on November 21, with Victor & Penny, another KC based band where Rick plays bass.]
62. Eric Voeks – Free Range [EP] / Independent / March 30, 2012
[Produced by E. Voeks, Patrick Hawley and Troy Van Horn, drums and percussion by Patrick Hawley, steel guitar by Mike Stover, all other instruments and voices by Erik Voeks. All songs were written by, Erik Voeks. The drums and percussion recorded by Joe Thebeau ay Victory Over Gravity Productions. Steel Guitar recorded by Mike Stover at The Stoverdome. Everything else was recorded by E.Voeks at Sandusky Sound Co.]
63. Dolls On Fire – Ladies and Gentleman… / Independent / November 13, 2012
[Debut album, recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Dolls on Fire at Atzero Studios in Lee’s Summit, MO. Dolls On Fire include: Zach Hodson, Rachel Jaggard, Michelle Bacon, and Mark Johnson. All songs were written by Hodson, except “Minotaur,” that was written by Hodson/Jaggard/Johnson. Michelle Bacon joined us on November 7 on Wednesday MidDay Medley.]
64. Alacartoona – Fantoche / Money Wolf Music / September 14, 2012
[We broadcast the radio premiere of this song on our September 12 Wednesday MidDay Medley. This album is one of four new Money Wolf Music releases on our list. Alacartoona includes: Ruby Falls – vocals/guitar, Providence Forge – bass/vocals, Overton Wooldridge – accordion/vocals, Billings Marland – drums/percussion]
65. Thom Hoskins – Still Feeling Bronze [EP] / Independent / April 7, 2012
[Former lead singer and guitarist for The Buffalo Saints, singer-songwriter, Thommy Hoskins has just released his new solo EP. Thom was our guest on Wednesday MidDay Medley on July 11, where he performed LIVE.]
66. Bobby Womack – The Bravest Man in The Universe / XL Records / June 8, 2012
[First album of new material in over 13 years. Earlier this year, the 68-year-old Bobby Womack was released from the hospital following a successful recovery from pneumonia. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has also been battling cancer and was scheduled to undergo surgery this year and looks forward to touring in support of his album.]
67. Eyelit – The Woe Dies / Independent / June 22, 2012
[Their song “Motionless” is on Midwestern Audio Vol. 1. Formed in Saint Joseph, MO, in 2008 by Austin (songwriter) and Dansare (voice). They released their first EP “Elephant” in early 2010. “The Woe Dies” was inspired by: Bob Dylan, Iron & Wine, and Bright Eyes.]
68. Cher UK – Little Blue Soldier [EP] / Independent / October 20, 2012
[Founded in 1990 by Mike McCoy who grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. Cher U.K. filled venues in Kansas City playing punk rock music. Mike McCoy, now lives in Austin Texas and fronts his band the Service Industry. Mike is the founder of The North vs. South Music Festival. Cher UK reunited to play the Middle of the Map Festival in April. While in KC, Mike McCoy gathered up several musicians to record a new Cher UK EP. Mike McCoy – Guitar & Vox, Mark Reynolds – Bass, Bernie Dugan – Drums. Mike McCoy, Mark Reynolds, Bernie Dugan, Lyle Wells of Cher UK & Matt Kesler of The Pedaljets joined us live on Wednesday MidDay Medley on October 17 to talk about their CD Release show at Davey’s Uptown October 20.]
69. The Sleazebeats – The Sleazebeats / Independent / January 1, 2012
[Charlie Colborne – keyboards, guitar, vocals; Bill Belzer – drums; Jeff Harshbarger – bass; Recorded at More Famouser Studios w/ Mike Nolte engineer, mixing, mastering the recordings. The Sleazebeats have played Live on the show on several occassions.]
70. She’s A Keeper – Live From Midwestern [EP] / Independent / March 12, 2012
[All songs written by She’s A Keeper, 2012, Recorded live at the Midwestern Musical Co. in Kansas City, MO. (midwesternmusic.com) Engineered by Dave Guame, Matt Kesler, & Cody Wyoming. Mixed and mastered by Steve Phillips. Band photo by Emmett Merrill. Design by Eric Lindquist.] [5-piece band from Kansas City, includes: Fritz Hutchison – vocals, banjo, percussion; Zac Jurden – vocals, guitar; Colin Nelson – vocals, guitar; Elliott Phillips – bass, mandolin; Kate Sopcich – cello, keyboard. She’s A Keeper has just recently recorded their first music video in promotion of a live EP recorded at Midwestern Musical Co. in KC. The band is currently working on a second full-length album.]
71. Antennas Up – The Awkward Phase / Plastic Artifice / April 24, 2012
[Formed in KC in 2008. The band has played South By Southwest and over 30 Universities and toured w/ Girl Talk, Electric Six, Flogging Molly, Matt & Kim, Ha Ha Tonka, and Company Of Thieves. Kyle Akers – Lead Vocals/Bass; Bo McCall – Guitar/Vocals; The Ryantist – Drums/Vocals; Jonny Universe – Guitar/Keys/Vocals]
72. White Girl – White Girl Vol. Two [EP] / Independent / October 5, 2012
[White Girl is the brain-child of Martin Bush, a dance infused pop romp through eternal fields of post punk grasses and rolling new wave hills. He is joined by Marc Pepperman (the Republic Tigers); Nick Organ (Beautiful Bodies, Various Blonde); Skyler McClun; and Matt Epstein.]
73. Laura Spiegel – The Expanding Universe / Unseen Worlds / September 25, 2012
[Classic 1980 debut album by composer and computer music pioneer Laurie Spiegel. The album is reissued here for the first time in a massively expanded two-CD set, containing all four original album tracks plus an additional 15 tracks from the same period, nearly all previously unreleased! Chicago born, composer. She has worked at Bell Laboratories, in computer graphics, and is known primarily for her electronic-music compositions and her algorithmic composition software Music Mouse. Spiegel was seen by some, as a pioneer of the New York new-music scene. Spiegel’s piece “Sediment” was used in the “cornucopia scene” of the 2012 movie The Hunger Games.]
74. Power and Light – EP / Independent / January 14, 2012
[A collaboration between Nathan Readey (production), and Andrew Connor (songs, vocals). Andrew Connor saw the potential of Readey’s work and because of the success of Kansas City based bands like Ssion, he wanted to encourage Readey by allowing him to remix and release several new Ghosty songs, before Ghosty released them in their own new album. Even though we think they really need to change their name, Power and Light were nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Electronic Band.]
75. Forrest Whitlow – Ghosts From The Old Country (Double Album) / eternal return music / November 8, 2012
[Originally from Greensburg, Kentucky, Forrest Whitlow is now based in Kansas City, KS. 90.1 FM’s Signal To Noise host Barry Lee describes Forrest Whitlow as, “David Lynch meets Neil Young.” This is Forrest’s ninth studio album.]
76. Katy & Go Go – When I Get Away / Independent / April 19, 2012
[Katy & Go-Go is vocalist and guitarist Katy Guillen (of The B’Dinas) and drummer extraordinaire Go-Go Ray (of Mike Dillon’s Go-Go Jungle, Samantha Fish, John Velghe). They hit the KC stages in January of 2011, securing a steady monthly gig at The Brick’s Rhythm, Roots, & Soul Saturday Matinee. Nominated for a Pitch Music Award for Best Blues Band. Band-leader Katy Guillen has told us that Go-Go is on the road for an indefinite amount of time. Before he left to tour the country and Europe he replaced himself with an awesome drummer: Kelsey Cook, and Tim Braun of Good Foot has joined the band on bass.]
77. Helen Gillet – Helen Gillet / Independent / June 8, 2012
[Recorded by Chad Meise in Kansas City, MO. Photography by Zack Smith; Graphic Design by Kourtney Keller, Mastered by John Fishback (New Orleans); Produced, Composed and Performed by Helen Gillet. A familiar face in New Orleans’ experimental-jazz scene. Her first New Orleans-recorded album, “Running of the Bells,” was released last year. Helen Gillet’s new album has been compared to intensity and grace of John Cale and the recordings of the Velvet Underground and Nick Drake. Hellen Gillet was part of WE an art/performance/installation created last year by Jane Gotch and Mark Southerland who brings Gillet to KC, for live shows with is band Snuff Jazz.]
78. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again / Polydor / May 1, 2012
[24-year old British soul musician has been compared to Bill Withers, Randy Newman, and Otis Redding, he grew up in North London, the son of Ugandan parents who had escaped the Amin regime.]
79. The Clementines – The Clementines / Independent / August 18, 2012
[We first met The Clementines as a duo Tim Jenkins & Nicole Springer when they played LIVE on our April 25 show. Since then they’ve added Stephanie Williams on Drums, and Travis Earndshaw on Bass. Nicole Springer grew up in Oak Grove, MO, and graduated H.S. in 2004. She studied Music-Vocal/Choral at Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO, and studied Special Education with Music at Metropolitan MO CC, in KCMO. Nicole told The Pitch (Jan. 10, 2012 article): “I grew up singing in gospel choirs,” she says. “And I still love gospel music, though I’m not religious or anything. I did musicals throughout high school, and I went to school for a year at Missouri State for music education. But I’ve never been in a committed band before this one.” Nicole told David Hudnall of The Pitch: that her vision for the Clementines was initially inspired by the Irish folk duo the Swell Season. “I had just seen them in concert before I put up that ad,” Springer says. “They’re just so passionate, and I wanted to do something that had that much soul in it. It’s the same reason I like Aretha or the Gossip.” Tim Jenkins grew up in KC. Studied at UMKC. He has been playing music for over 10 years. He is a fan of “geek rock, like ’70s prog stuff.” “I usually bring in a song,” Springer says, “and Tim will tweak it and add solos and sometimes a riff — he helps complete it.” More info at: reverbnation.com/theclementinesnicoleandtim]
80. Gossip – A Joyful Noise / Columbia Records a division of Sony Records / May 11, 2012
[Formed in 1999 in Olympia, Washington with vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell and drummer Kathy Mendonca. All 3 were originally from Searcy, Arkansas; Mendonca moved to Olympia to attend Evergreen State College and Howdeshell and Ditto followed. Drummer Kathy Mendonca left the band to pursue a career as a midwife. Established punk drummer Hannah Blilie joined to replace her.]
81. Folkicide – The Genocide is Mean [EP] / Independent / August 18, 2012
[Follow up to “Devotional Hymns From the Church of the Darwinian Snuff Film.” Folkicide is the outlet for Kansas City songwriter Burnie Booth’s vision of constructive pessimism that he hopes in time will be recognized as a new acoustical genre fully devoted to the documentation of the delightful futility of existence. Folkicide continues their pessimistic exploration into the decaying frame of Western Civilization. Most of the music was recorded on May 11, 2012, by Chubby Smith at his magical tractor shed in Perry, Kansas. Folkicide also released “Folkicide’s Night at The Opera,” this year. Recorded April through August, 2012, mostly in Folkicide’s basement. Engineered and Mastered by David Moore at Merriam Shoals Studios. All songs were originally written by members of Queen, and then strategically deconstructed by Folkicide Mercury, without disrespect or irony, because he truly loves Queen (pre-Hot Space) and “Night at The Opera” in particular.]
82. Alt-J – An Awesome Wave / Infectious Records / September 18, 2012
[Debut. Winner of the 2012 British Mercury Prize. Pronounced “alt-J”, the delta sign is created when you hold down the alt key on your computer keyboard and punch ‘J’ on a Mac computer. The symbol has a deeper meaning, the band explains that, “in mathematical equations it’s used to show change.” Gwil, Joe Newman [guitar/vocals], Gus Unger-Hamilton [keyboards] and Thom Green [drums] met at Leeds University in 2007.]
83. Gemini Revolution – Gemini Revolution / Upstairs Recordings / September 20, 2012
[This year they also released: EPs: “Informal Revolution” “Sizuka.” Gemini Revolution is: Dedric Moore, Delaney Moore, Mika Tayana. They were asked to perform at this year’s Pop Montreal Festival in September 20. Upstairs Recordings of Vancouver, Canada, released their full-length debut to coincide with the festival.]
84. Black Moth Super Rainbow – Cobra Juicy / Rad Cult / October 22, 2012
[5th, and some say finest, album to date from the psychedelic-electronic-experimental band from Pittsburgh. Their sound is characterized by analog, electronic, instruments including the vocoder, Rhodes piano, and Novatron. Little is known about band members who’re all something of an enigma, keeping their true identities hidden behind monikers like: Tobacco, Bullsmear, The Seven Fields of Aphelion Fields. One critic described their music this way: “Imagine that disco put on a blonde wig, a denim jacket, and roller-skates; then proceeded to do a considerable quantity of acid and dance around in the abandoned roller rink in your hometown.”]
85. Danny McGaw – Eccles Road / Zoe Records / October 27, 2012
[Born and raised in Northern England, Danny wrote his first song when he was 12 years old. He spent his childhood pursuing a professional football (with the feet) career. Danny left Manchester to travel at 18. His unique journey led him to Los Angeles where he recorded with the late Terry Melcher (producer of The Byrds, Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder).]
86. Grimes – Visions / 4AD / February 21, 2012
[3rd album from Grimes aka Claire Boucher who was born March 17, 1988 and was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. After Secondary School she moved to Montreal, Quebec to attend Montreal’s McGill University. It was during her studies that she began to record and perform under the name Grimes.]
87. The Hillary Watts Riot – A/S/L / Money Wolf Music / April 20, 2012
[First single from their debut album, THWR include: Hillary Watts Bird, Christian Hankel, Tommy Donoho, Sergio Moreno, Justin Penney. They describe their music as “freak pop.” This band is so fun to see live.]
88. Sarah Jaffe – The Body Wins / Kirtland Records / April 24, 2012
[2nd full-length release. Produced by John Congleton, showing another side of the amazing, 26 year old singer-songwriter from Denton, Texas. Very different from last year’s “Suburban Nature,” the new release shows the part of her that liked to dance and listen to hip-hop and cover Robyn songs live. Sarah Jaffe was on tour with Norah Jones and Blitzen Trapper in June and July.]
89. Dent May – Do Things / Paw Tracks / June 12, 2012
[Based in Oxford, Mississippi. Signed to Animal Collective’s Paw Tracks label while the group was in Oxford recording Merriweather Post Pavilion. Dent May played every part on “Do Things” and recorded it at his home, the Cats Purring Dude Ranch. An NYU film school drop-out, this is his follow up to the critically acclaimed, Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele.]
90. O, Giant Man – Our Friend Goes West [EP] / Independent / January 4, 2012
[Christopher Robbins – Lead Vocals, Guitars; Jake Schulenberg – Bass Guitar, Vocals; Andy Wendling – Percussion, Vocals; Rick Schulenberg – Keys, Vocals, Percussion.]
91. Rumblejetts – Motor Honey / Spinjet – Money Wolf Music Records / Sept. 12, 2012
[Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Justin Penney at Money Wolf Music. Rumblejetts include: Jim Holopter- Guitar, vocals; Jud Kite – Drums, vocals; Chad Hasty – Bass and Vocals. Rumblejetts were nominated this year for a Pitch Music Award for Best Country/Rockabilly Band.]
92. Shearwater – Animal Joy / Sub Pop / Feb. 15, 2012
[7th studio album from American indie rock band formed in Austin, Texas in 1999 by Okkervil River members Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff, although Sheff is no longer with the band.]
93. Secret Handshakes / Golden Sound Records + The Record Machine (12″ Split Release) / Apr. 21, 2012
[Nathan Reusch from The Record Machine, and Jerad Tomasina and Ross Brown from Golden Sound Records joined us LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley on April 11, to discuss Record Store Day and their special vinyl release that combined 6 special new tracks from each of their KC based labels.]
94. Jason Beers – No Banjo is An Island / Independent / April 11, 2012
[Jason Beers is almost everywhere these days. Playing the saw, on the big stage at The Folly Theatre, with The New Century Follies, and on the small stage at The Fishtank for Mel Neet’s annual anti-Valentine’s Day Show. Jason was seen playing on top of a downtown building, in a train car, with Betse Ellis, for the Prairie Logic Opening. Jason played in the Dead Voices band with Tiny Horse and Betse Ellis for Wednesday MidDay Medley’s LIVE show “A Story In A Song” in July at the recordBar. Jason also plays with his own band The Brannock Device, who released their own new album this year too. That’s Elaine McMilian singing harmony with Jason]
95. Tina And Her Pony – Tina And Her Pony / Independent / March 9, 2012
[Tina Collins and Quetzal Jordan perform as Tina And Her Pony, a critically acclaimed, alt Americana band. We interviewed them LIVE on Wednesday MidDay Medley on August 22. Tina And Her Pony joined Victor and Penny in concert, Aug 25, at The Kansas City Academy, Grassroots Concert Series.]
96. The John McKenna Band – Beautuful Dangerous [EP] / Independent / Jan. 25, 2012
[Born out of a conversation between McKenna and Jeff Larison (Blackbird Revue, Oriole Post, Sara Swenson, Red Guitar). Ryan Green (Satellite Soul) was quickly brought into the discussion and the three eventually started working on old and new McKenna tunes. Todd Way (Beggar’s Table, Satellite Soul) was brought in to play bass, but it wasn’t long before he was playing other instruments as well, namely piano and some guitar from time to time. Eventually, the sound was rounded out, by an old friend of everyone in the band, Allison Cloud. Current line-up: John McKenna- guitars & vocals; Jeff Larison- lap & pedal steel, guitars; Ryan Green- drums; Todd Way- bass, keys, & vocals; Allison Cloud- vocals; Nick “Pick” Pickrell – bass.]
97. The Ned Ludd Band – Spacebar / Independent / November 17, 2012
[Recorded by DEERWOLFANIMALBEAR. The Ned Ludd Band includes: Clint Hoffmeier, Jordan Carver, Aaron Fuhr. Produced by Brent Jamison who now plays drums w/ the band. Clint Hoffmeir joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on September 12.]
98. Sons of Great Dane – You Can’t Lose It All, All At Once [EP] / Sharp County Records / September 4, 2012
[Brent Windler: Guitar/Vocals, Nolle Bond: Bass, Evanjohn: Guitar, and Brendan Culp: Drums. Recorded and Mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound. Mastered by Mike Nolte at West End Studios. ]
99. The Casket Lottery – REAL FEAR / No Sleep Records / Nov. 3, 2012
[KC based band was formed by Nathan Ellis (guitar/vocals) and Stacy Hilt (bass) in July of 1997 while Nathan was in the band COALESCE. Nathan “Junior” Richardson joined in on drums. They toured with other late 1990s bands: GIANTS CHAIR, BOYS LIFE, and SHUDDER TO THINK. In the band’s initial 5 years they created over 50 songs, including three full length albums, three EPs, numerous 7″, split 7″, and compilation appearances. After one last tour to the West Coast in support of their 2006 release “Smoke and Mirrors,” the band called it quits. Now a 5-piece band, the group has returned like a phoenix with new music that was recorded with Ed Rose, at Black Lodge Recordings, in Eudora, KS, during the Fall and Winter of 2010 – 2011.]
100. Sneaky Creeps – The Thin Man Wigs Out [EP] / Independent / Jan. 8, 2012
[The 2nd EP from band formed by, Max Crutcher, Andy Davis, Andy Erdrich who all met while going to KCAI. Andy Davis moved away, making the Sneaky Creeps a duo of Max Crutcher on Drums and Yell/Talk, and Andrew Erdrich on Guitar and Yell/Talk. Recorded by Ashley at Infoaming Vortex. All material was written by Sneaky Creeps. Andy Erdrich, who is also a co-founder of BREAD KC! was happy to report that we were the very first to download their new, release, “The Thin Man Wigs Out,” through Bandcamp. Sneaky Creeps joined us several times throughout the year as our guest producers.]
101. Himanshu – Nehru Jackets / Greedhead / January 23, 2012
[Himanshu Suri, aka Heems, from Queens Hip Hop band Das Racist, releases his own solo album-mix tape.]
102. Dirty Projectors – Swing Low Magellan / Domino Recording Co. / July 10, 2012
[6th studio album by American experimental rock. The album was written, recorded, produced and mixed by Dirty Projectors frontman Dave Longstreth in Delaware County, New York.]
103. Gentleman Savage – Gentleman Savage [EP] / Independent / Oct. 12, 2012
[Psychedelic-pop band from Kansas City with: Holden Simpson on Vocals/Guitar/Keys, Kyle Anthony on Bass, and Nick Talley on Drums/Percussion.]
104. Ruthie Foster – Let It Burn / Blue Corn Music / Jan 31, 2012
[Texas born Ruthie Foster’s new album features special guests The Blind Boys of Alabama, soul legend William Bell, and the rhythm section of The Funky Meters (bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste). Recorded in New Orleans with producer John Chelew (The Blind Boys of Alabama, John Hiatt, Richard Thompson), Let It Burn also includes New Orleans-bred guitarist Dave Easley, renowned saxophonist James Rivers and Ike Stubblefield (Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, and Eric Clapton) on organ. Ruthie Foster played Kansas City with Paul Thorn, March 28, at Knuckleheads.]
105. Caul – Let The Stars Assume The Whole of The Night / Hypnos / March 29 2012
[12th full length album from Caul aka Brett Smith, a prolific musician based in Baldwin City, Kansas, who has been releasing music since 1996 on various electronica labels. Caul began in 1993, while he was playing guitar in John Bergin’s band Trust Obey.]
106. Daughn Gibson – All Hell / White Denim / March 26, 2012
[Carlisle, Pennsylvania based singer/songwriter, was formerly the drummer for the band Pearls and Brass. His debut solo album “All Hell” has received critical acclaim. Sub Pop records has signed Gibson \where is is working on a full-length Sub Pop debut to be released next year. Gibson has recorded a new song called “Reach Into the Fire” that samples his new labelmates Shabazz Palaces and Tiny Vipers (above). He’s also added more dates to his U.S. tour.]
107. Jason Vivone & The Billy Bats – Lather Rinse Repeat / Independent / May 4, 2012
[Jason Vivone (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harp, cigarbox guitar, diddley bow, piano) ; Ben Hoppes (vocals, banjo, guitar) ; Imani Glasgow (vocals, fiddle, percussion); Jeremy Clark (bass); Matt Bustamante (vocals, drums); Paula Crawford (vocals, guitar). Jason Vivone joined us on Wednesday MidDay Medley on May 2.]
108. The Kinsey Sicks – Electile Dysfunction / The Kinsey Sicks / May 8, 2012
[Based on their hit musical, “ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION: THE KINSEY SICKS FOR PRESIDENT,” The Kinsey Sicks were formed in 1993, by original members: Ben Schatz (“Rachel”) is a Harvard-trained civil rights lawyer, former Director of the national Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, and one-time presidential advisor on HIV issues, who created the first national AIDS legal project and authored Clinton’s HIV policy during the 1992 presidential campaign, and Irwin Keller (“Winnie”) is a University of Chicago-trained lawyer and linguist and former director of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel of the San Francisco Bay Area, who authored Chicago’s gay rights ordinance, passed into law in 1989. In 2004, the Kinsey Sicks were joined by actor/singer/designer Jeff Manabat, who is responsible for Trixie’s inordinate glamour and soaring counter-tenor, as well as the entire group’s hot couture. Beginning in October of 2008, the Kinsey Sicks are joined by the hilarious and talented Spencer Brown (“Trampolina”), a Kansas City-based actor and singer, already known for his drag character Daisy Buckët (pronounced, of course, “bouquet”).]
109. SoundsGood – Goodbye / Innate Sounds / March 1, 2012
[Vocals – Joe Good, Beats – Miles Bonny. Third and final album, from this legendary KC Hip Hop band. Miles Bonny and Brenk Sinatra released S3 “Supa Soul Sh*t” in Nov.]
110. Flying Lotus – Until The Quiet Comes / Warp Records / October 1, 2012
[Flying Lotus is Steven Ellison the great-nephew of the late jazz pianist Alice Coltrane, wife of saxophonist John Coltrane and cousin of musician Ravi Coltrane. Flying Lotus has released 4 studio albums and has produced much of the bumper music on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming block. He also contributed remixes for fellow Plug Research artists including Mia Doi Todd.]
111. The Bad Ideas – Worse Thoughts [EP] / Independent /January 22, 2012
[Britt or Dare (guitar), Break-A-Dawn (vocals), the Caitlin Curry Implosion (bass), and Brittain Lawlessness (drums) joined us live on Wednesday MidDay Medley, July 11.]
112. Eternal Summers – Correct Behavior / Kanine Records / July 24, 2012
[This is the second proper full length from Virginia based Eternal Summers who have previously released a handful of 7 inches, EP’s and one debut as a duo. Now a power trio.]
Note: Sources for notes: artist’s websites, wikipedia.org
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