Blue Island Radio Podcast

Hi, this is Brandon, and on today's episode I'll be speaking with musician "Scary" Larry Montet, who has been in and around the Chicago music scene for more than 30 years. Not only that but he is also my cousin. We talk about some the bands that were in and around Blue Island back in the early days, some of the joints he hung out at on the north side, and the difficulties of keeping a band together. His long running band The Gravetones have a new record that they are up and we'll take a quick listen to one of the tracks 2 pennies 1 ride. Thank for listening.    

On today's episode Brandon offers up twenty-one songs in the key of mama. That's right, just in time for mother's day, twenty-one songs about your mutha, sort of . . .  You will hear songs by Black Nasty, The Ramones, Wilson Pickett and more. But if you're still not satisfied and looking for more songs about ya mama then check out episode #23 of the Blue Island Radio Podcast RED HOT MAMAS & ICE COLD BEER!  

Andre Williams made music for more than 60 years and played everything from soul, to country, to garage and more. Even though he co-wrote one of the most used songs movies & TV his contribution to the world of music is often over looked. Not only that but his raw brand of soul, humor, and crude talking style of singing is often sighted as an early influence on rap. In other words, this episode is long over due and I apologize.  

On today's episode of the show Brandon makes some calls and to old friends in different parts of the country, people he hasn't spoken to in years, and checks on their well-being. He finds out how they are navigating through the treacherous circumstances we are all currently facing and then asks them to tell an embarrassing story about Brandon. Thanks for listening.  

  For April Fools Day, a day I never understood, we decided to shake things up a bit; do something a little different. It's nutty, it's wild it's . . . well, it's a podcast so try and keep your expectations in check. Anyway, this was recorded in the waning days of "normalcy", before the creeping death swept in and took over our lives, sweeping us into an existential crisis that can only be solved by hording toilet paper!!! So enjoy the show.

Don't let the name of today's show fool you. This is a MUSIC episode. 21 songs and sound clips about different ailments, medicines and calamities. And of course it is called STAY HOME & WASH YOUR HANDS, because that's exactly what people show be doing.  

This is a special mini-episode where Brandon & AP Lindsay take calls and talk about "Social Distancing" and state ordered closure of the bars in Illinois. ** The Rock Island Public House will be open today MARCH 16th. Then it will be closed until April. Please, if you are healthy, and want to support the business before they are forced to close go there tonight!

On today's episode Brandon & AP Lindsay welcome Blue Island musician and part-time impresario Gus Fuller to the studio to talk about The Repellents, The Soda Jerks, Brad's House, bad shows and more. Thanks for listening. If you like the show please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram or leave us a review on iTunes.

On today’s episode of the podcast Brandon turns his attention to the great state of Minnesota. He has a special place in his heart for the 32nd state, particularly Minneapolis where he spent his sophomore year of high school going to shows at First Ave. 7th St. Entry and playing pinball at that one arcade that used to be a few doors down from the Gay 90s Bar whose name he unfortunately can’t remember. Can someone please remind him what it was called? Anyway, you will hear 21 songs from bands and musicians from Minnesota; everything from Augie Garcia to The Libido Boyz, which is where we got the title of the episode. #BIRP #BlueIsland #Radio #Podcast #Minnesota #Minneapolis #Mankato #Duluth #StPaul #StillWater #AugieGarcia #TheTrashmen #NightCrawlers #Gestures #Amazers #Valdons #LutheranHeat #TheLitter #SuicideCommandos #HuskerDu #SoulAsylum #TheSuburbs #Replacements #LibidoBoyz

Shane and Sam from Jared Langworthy return to the studio to unveil their revolutionary new dating app, talk about safe words, and talk about their upcoming album. There's also a call from listener Lisa!

Better late than never but today’s episode is a tribute to the musicians that left the planet in 2019. This, of course, is not a complete list; that would be impossible. But the people featured on today's episode are favorites of the podcast and people we consider to be important contributors to the vocabulary of music, at least for the language that we speak. To the graduating class of 2019, those who moved us, who inspired us, who rocked us and became a part of our live’s narratives, we solute and thank you. Thank You!  

Happy New Year and welcome to the first Best of the Blue Island Radio Podcast episode; it only took us four years. Anyway, this is the story from episode #58 where "Little" Dave Merriman recalls an encounter with fellow Blue Islander and musician Chip Z'Nuff from the band Enuff Z'nuff.   

On today's episode Brandon & Lindsay travel to Chicago to visit the practice space of the dynamic duo Lemon Knife. They talk about Guitar Hero, the meaning behind some of their songs, their mutual love for cheese and so much more. But wait, they also play some songs including a cover of Pulp's "Common People" and one from their latest album I know that this is Vitriol. Listen to the episode and then go check them out on Band Camp our where ever you purchase your music.

Continuing what will hopefully become an annual tradition, Brandon and the Blue Island Radio Podcast Players get together to do a reading of the classic "holiday" Seinfeld episode: The Race. Perfect with that glass of lukewarm eggnog that you like to drink while wrapping presents. Enjoy!  

On this week's Saturday Soundcheck Brandon asks: what are you putting in your time capsule. 

This week Brandon hits the streets to ask the people of Blue Island the all important question of what vinyl record would you like your ashes to be pressed into when you die. The answers range from a McDonald's promotional flexi disc to Tesla.

Welcome to the first episode of Saturday Soundcheck, which will be recorded every Saturday morning. On this episode Brandon talks about making commitments and Weird Paul. He also tries to solicit suggestions for his running playlist.

BIRP 103 - The Devil's Harvest  In anticipation of January 1st and the legalization of recreational marijuana the BIRP gang discusses the possibility of bringing a dispensary to Blue Island.  

It's October, which means it's time for the latest installment of Blue Island Radio Podcast's Halloween extravaganza where Brandon plays songs about ghoosts, goblins, phantoms, creeps, frankensteins, vampires, zombies, demons and all the other things that you can think of that go bump in the night.  

Joliet rock outfit Death & Memphis join Brandon in the studio to talk about music, The Replacements, Joliet, IL and more. And they have a new album out called Exhausted. Check it out!