- #757Yesterday · 1 hr 37 min
- TH
#756Wednesday · 3 hr 1 minEpisode 598 - Peter Lubin
We've got another fascinating episode with a decorated A&R man. This week it's Peter Lubin! Peter's career includes stops at Mercury, Columbia, Polygram, RCA and Elektra and features stories with the likes of John Hiatt, Peter Gabriel, the Moody Blues (he signed Peter and the Moodys on the same day!), Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, the Everly Brothers, and the Eagles. He also discusses what went into signing acts like Robert Cray, the Ocean Blue, Michelle Shocked, Martin Briley and more. There is so much here and it's all pure gold. Enjoy! www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#755November 1 · 43 minPromo Mode - Dave Robinson director of Take It of Leave It
Stiff Records founder and label chief Dave Robinson returns this week to discuss the Madness "documentary" he directed back in 1981 called Take It Or Leave It that has recently been restored and released on DVD/Blu-Ray and is currently playing special screenings in theaters across the UK. Dave made this film - part scripted narrative/part origin story documentary - 45 years ago as a way of telling the story of how the band came together during their first wave of massive success. This fascinating piece of rock history shows the seven distinct personalities of the Nutty Boys as well as some of the studios and small clubs where they got their start. Not to mention the gray and somewhat depressing UK of the early 80s. The film has been newly restored in gorgeous 4k and available for purchase for the first time. He's also hoping to get more special screenings scheduled around the world. If you care about Madness, you have to see this movie! https://www.madness.co.uk/2026/07/30/madness-take-it-or-leave-it-1981-film-restored-by-bfi/ https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-film-releases/madness-take-it-or-leave-it-4k-restoration https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#754October 28 · 1 hr 20 minEpisode 597 - Bruce Cockburn
Songwriter Bruce Cockburn remains one of Canada's finest musical exports. His unique vision and approach to songs has been there since his debut album in 1970. Always more interested in talking about the state of the world than the state of the heart, Bruce has recorded thought-provoking classics like "Lovers in a Dangerous Time", "Wondering Where the Lions Are" and "If I Had a Rocket Launcher." He joins us this week to talk about his new album (his 26th!) called The Blood of Others, which sees him covering songs he grew up on in a stripped back style. To honor Bruce, we're joined this week by our friend Ben Montgomery, host of the Records Revisited Podcast (and the biggest Bruce fan we know). It's fascinating to hear how this legend's mind works. Enjoy! www.brucecockburn.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#753October 27 · 1 hr 3 minRIP Donnie
In memory of former guest, Donnie Iris, who passed away, October 26
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#752October 21 · 1 hr 35 minEpisode 596 - Danny Klein of the J. Geils Band and Gary Trainer and Roy Stein of New Math/Jet Black Berries
We have a twofer this week for the deepest of music lovers. First up is Danny Klein, bassist for the incredible J. Geils Band. Legend is they were one of the greatest live bands of all time and were finally starting to have huge hits in the early 80s when lead singer Peter Wolf left for a solo career. Danny tells us about the band's history and what he's up to these days. Then things get interesting. In the early 80s there was a great (though largely unknown) post-punk band out of Rochester New York called New Math. They released a couple albums, but then they decided to completely change their sound, which led to a name change. Now known as the Jet Black Berries, the band had more in common with groups like Social Distortion and Jason and Scorchers. Unfortunately, as great as both bands were, neither lit up the charts and the group faded away. Thanks to a remastering and re release campaign by Propeller Sound Recordings, the band is seeing some new interest. Guitarist Gary Trainer and drummer Roy Stein tell us all about it this week. Enjoy! www.jgeilsband.com www.thejetblackberries.bandcamp.com www.propellersoundrecordings.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#751October 19 · 1 hrBook Club - Austin McCoy author of Living in a D.A.I.S.Y. Age: The Music, Culture, and World De La Soul Made
Out of the gate, De La Soul changed the rules of hip-hop with their revolutionary debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. The D.A.I.S.Y. Age was just starting to blossom when Trugoy, Posdnuos, and Mace (with the help of producer Prince Paul), began deconstructing the movement they had just started. Although they released several incredible rap albums after that, they never stayed in one place for long and continue to push the limits of what hip-hop can be, but never as much as those early days. Were they "bullied" into going in different directions? Were they not adequately displaying "black masculinity"? Author Austin McCoy's new book dissects their career, what it's meant in the black community, and how it influenced him to become who he is. If you were impacted by De La Soul back in 1989, this book might tell part of your story too. Enjoy! www.austincmccoy.com www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Austin-McCoy/212730757 www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#750October 13 · 59 minEpisode 595 - Colin Moulding of XTC
Colin Moulding's contributions to the great XTC were crucial to making that band what they were. Andy Partridge's leadership, personality and songwriting was the main driver, but Colin had a bigger pop sensibility and is responsible for some of the band's most enduring radio songs like "Making Plans for Nigel," "King for a Day," and "General and Majors". Colin has stayed largely out of the spotlight since the band ended in the 90s and has been happy working with friends on various projects here and there. He recently released a new single called "Want It Bad (The Pep Talks of Playing Fields of Old England)" which was inspired by a chat he had with a grandchild. Colin joins us this week to discuss the new song and why he's comfortable exactly where he in his in career right now. His answers might surprise you. Enjoy! www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#749October 7 · 1 hr 25 minEpisode 594 - David Gamson of Scritti Politti
Musician David Gamson was just a guy who really liked r&b. His love for the genre compelled him to write songs, produce artists, and make music that pushed the boundaries of what it could be. Nowhere is this more obvious than when he worked with Green Gartside on Scritti Politti's second album, Cupid & Psyche 85, one of the greatest albums of the decade. Their partnership carried over to the less successful follow up, Provision, and the 1999's Anomie & Bonhomie. But, the success of C+P made David in demand with artists like Al Jarreau, Sheila E., Donny Osmond, Michal McDonald, Angie Stone, Chaka Khan and - the biggest successes of his career - Kesha and Kelly Clarkson who recorded "Stronger" and changed his life. In this very loose and fun conversation, we discuss how these each happened, his feelings about his older material, the new Deluxe Edition of C+P, and his long partnership with Meshell Ndegeocello, including her new album, Synonym. Enjoy! www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#748September 30 · 1 hr 29 minEpisode 593 - Joey Tempest of Europe/Kevin Martin of Candlebox
When you're given the chance to talk with Joey Tempest for a few minutes you take it! Europe just released another strong album last week called Come This Madness and are about to hit the road (mainly in Europe at first) so he chats with us briefly about it all. Then, we settle in with Kevin Martin of Candlebox who are also on tour right now and hitting the states with some of their fellow 90s friends (Local H, Sponge, etc). Kevin talks about the evolution of the band from multi-platinum grunge guys, so solid AOR rock lifers. If you stopped paying attention to Candlebox after the first couple albums, it's time to fix that. They've been on a roll for a while. www.europetheband.com www.candleboxrocks.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#747September 25 · 1 hr 6 minBook Club - Pat Gilbert author of Passion is a Fashion: The Real Story of the Clash
The Clash were labeled "the only band that mattered," but why? Yes, Joe, Mick, Paul and Topper represented an anti-authoritarian stance, but what was at the core of their rebelion? Author and insider Pat Gilbert joins us to discuss his book Passion is a Fashion that is probably the most detailed Clash book you'll ever read. Each member comes to life - for better or worse - and their progress from punk rockers to world music alchemists is laid out in full. Pat knows the entire Clash family intimately and gives us his take on the machinery. And, there's a giveaway! Enjoy! www.quarto.com/books/9781805704133/passion-is-a-fashion https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#746September 22 · 2 hr 2 minEpisode 593 - Joey Tempest of Europe and Michael Boddicker
Our guest this week is noted session keyboardist Michael Boddicker, but before we get to him, Joey Tempest of Europe joins us for a few minutes to talk about their new album Come This Madness out this weekend. Europe has been on a creative high for the last couple decades and the new album keeps the streak going. They're about to embark on a European tour, so Joey and I discuss the latest work and also his thoughts on their peak 80s period. Then Michael sets the pod on fire with his manic energy! Stories (the ones he remembers anyway) include EWF, Lionel, MJ, ONJ, Donna and tons of others. He also shouts out scores of names you've seen on liner notes your whole life. He's a force of nature! Enjoy! www.europetheband.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#745September 18 · 1 hr 17 minBonus - Mick Wall Returns
The inimitable Mick Wall returns to shoot the shit with us this week. Topics include: Motley, GnR, Jimi, Kalodner, Duran Duran, Simple Minds, Billy Squier, never-ending farewell tours, concerts in general, books, podcasts and anything else we (he mostly) could think of. We had a blast!
- TH
#744September 16 · 1 hr 45 minEpisode 592 - Gary Numan
This week it's the legendary Gary Numan! Spenwood Books is at it again with the recent publication of Gary Numan - A People's History. The hook for the book is that it tells Gary's story through the words and memories of "Numanoids" who bought the albums, saw him in concert, met him, and have stayed loyal over almost 50 years. Gary joins us this week to talk about his incredible journey. His evolution from synth pioneer, to pop has-been, to icon has been dramatic and triumphant. If all you know is "Cars," you need to explore everything else this man has to offer. Enjoy! www.garynuman.com www.spenwoodbooks.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#743September 8 · 1 hr 20 minEpisode 591 - Wesley Stace aka John Wesley Harding
Whether he goes by his long running stage name, John Wesley Harding, or his often used real one, Wesley Stace has built an unexpected career over 40+ years. He starts out like a storyteller in song form, politically minded and with a busker's spirit, but that has evolved over the years to include different styles and expressions that have always remained a level of quality. He just put out a new album, as Wesley Stace, called The Last Heist, which sees him carrying on with the slight jazz vibe he's been into the last few years. Wesley joins us this week to discuss his different personas, his years at Sire Records with Seymour Stein and Howie Klein, curating his Cabinet of Wonders variety show, and tons more. Enjoy! www.wesleystace.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
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#742September 1 · 1 hr 7 minEpisode 590 - Dennis Drew and Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs
This week we welcome Dennis Drew and Steven Gustafson of 10,000 Maniacs. It hasn't been easy for this excellent band. They got off to a slow start, but broke through on their magical third album In My Tribe with enduring singles like "What's the Matter Here" and "Like the Weather". But after a couple more studio albums that kept the success growing and a hugely successful Unplugged album, lead singer Natalie Merchant left the band. The guys quickly replaced her with Mary Ramsey and continued to record and tour, just not at the same trajectory. This Labor Day weekend the band will celebrate their 45th Anniversary at the Jamestown Arts Festival, where it all began. Dennis and Steve reflect on the journey and share some incredible stories. Enjoy! www.maniacs.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#741September 1 · 1 hr 12 minBook Club - Brad Tolinski & Chris Gill authors of Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story
For our latest Book Club we're welcoming authors Brad Tolinski and Chris Gill of the fantastic new book, Blow By Blow: The Jeff Beck Story. Admittedly, I've always respected Jeff more than enjoyed him, so to help with this conversation I invited the biggest Beck fan I know, Brad Page, host of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast. Together we hear all sides on Jeff, the good and not-so-good, and the case is made whether he's one of the greats. The book is excellent and this conversation should get you thinking and maybe even inform your opinion as well. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KPbR0LRmyVjkh3G4v58GZ?si=8tSDWIMVTxeuiESaO80Hwg&nd=1&dlsi=7728a2cca267487c www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod www.dacapopress.com/titles/brad-tolinski/blow-by-blow/9780306836589/
- TH
#740August 26 · 1 hr 9 minEpisode 589 - Lou Gramm of Foreigner/Solo
Lou Gramm has been one of rock's greatest voices for 54 years. Foreigner's finally in the Hall of Fame and he's celebrating an amazing legacy with a deserved farewell tour happening now and a new solo album called Released. The album is made up of stray songs from his heyday that were unfinished until now and a few new songs done in the style of AOR's 80s peak. Lou joins us this week to discuss these things as well as his current relationship with Mick Jones (things are good right now), his health, Foreigner's well-documented finances, his faith, and lots more. Lou has left an indelible mark on rock music and has always been an example of how good the genre can be. He deserves all the respect there is! www.lougrammofficial.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#739August 18 · 2 hr 10 minEpisode 588 - John Kalodner
John Kalodner, famous for his long beard, white suit and magic ears, is one of the most famous and influential non-musicians in music history. He's the famous A&R man that brought us groups like Foreigner, Asia and Survivor and guided the rebirth of legends like Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Journey and Cher (which he has some salty feelings about). Maybe only Clive Davis has brought bigger songs and careers to life over the last 50 years. John joins us this week to spill on dozens of the artists he's worked with including Heart, Wang Chung, Kenny Loggins, REO Speedwagon, XTC, Billy Idol, Berlin, Madness, GnR and tons more. We didn't even bother including music this time - just let the stories flow. It's an instant classic! www.johnkalodner.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
- TH
#738August 12 · 1 hr 37 minEpisode 587 - Barry Eastmond
You may not know the name Barry Eastmond, but chances are good if you were paying attention to r&b hits in the 80s that you know a bunch of his songs. He started out as a session keyboardist playing with greats like Change and Starpoint, but his big breakthrough was when he penned "You Are My Lady" for Freddie Jackson and watched it climb the pop and r&b charts. He went on to have a long and fruitful partnership with Freddie and Billy Ocean, who he continues to work with on new material right now. For Billy he wrote hits like "When The Going Gets Tough" and "There'll be Sad Songs". We also hear about Anita Baker, Jeffrey Osborne, The Temptations, Aretha, Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Steve Perry, Britney Spears and tons more. It's rare we get to go deep on soul music on the podcast, so we're especially grateful to hear from Barry. Enjoy! www.barryeastmond.com www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod