K is for Michael Kiwanuka

“Love & Hate” is a fantastic song. Mr. Kiwanuka really moves me with these lyrics. And the quietly soaring guitar toward the end raises the hair on my arms. If you play the video, be warned that the sound gets muffled when the point of view shifts behind the sound booth (there is nothing wrong with your speakers).



For K, I’m going to make up Knotty Pine, my ode to the final episode of “American Horror Story: Coven”. Hearing Jessica Lang’s evil character howl upon recognizing her eternal afterlife always makes me grin. My fake Knotty Pine foursome, however, plays old school country and western. One of the guys plays a wicked banjo.
I can’t resist sharing the great Johnny Cash covering Trent Reznor’s “Hurt”. 



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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

J is for Joseph

These three sisters from Portland, Oregon once again bring female representation to the challenge. I had the immense pleasure of hearing a live performance of “White Flag” early one Sunday morning and knew they had to be included in this. Their harmonizing blew me away. Also of note, Joseph isn’t the only folk act making an appearance (See Dawg Yawp under D). Am I mellowing as I age? Maybe a little, but I still listen to Marilyn Manson on a regular basis.

My fake band Jam Joy changed their name from Joy Jam as a self deprecating joke. The original salacious pun got switched when fifteen years at small venues failed to produce any studio interest. These aging artists insist they will continue to jam live for their loyal fans as long as they are able to stand upright and play. They sound a little like Cute Is What We Aim For.

WARNING: Not safe for work due to sexual content.

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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

I is for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

I must confess to having some difficulty finding a band for the letter I. So I did a search through the WNKU playlist. Hopefully, ‘the 400 Unit’ following his name doesn’t technically make this for the letter J. I all ready had one for that letter! But this rock flavored country sound had me bobbing my head. I hope you enjoy the tune with its bittersweet message.



My artificial group today goes by the name Invisible. They play music much like classic Skid Row, complete with power ballads.
 



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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

H is for The Heavy

I am listening to “How You Like Me Now” while typing this.  The Heavy is a British band, a fact that stunned me.  I pictured them hailing from the southern United States, maybe Louisiana. Apparently the tune has been sampled in the media numerous times. Somehow I missed out hearing the funk rock tune until more than six years after its 2010 release.

WARNING: this might not be safe for work. There is some nudity, though it’s cartoonish (!). I had a blast watching this one.

For a phony music group, I’d like to introduce you to Heartfelt.  Two female cousins started a tribute band honoring sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart.  They have been playing small venues nearly as long as their heroines.



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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

Warming My Sci Fi Heart

My partner earned a lot of points the other night. I wanted to watch a movie but nothing came to mind. Enter a moment of evil genius.

“How about Mystery Science Theater riffing ‘Manos, the Hands of Fate’?”

“But you never watch MST3K,” said I.

“Maybe I should start.”

Yeah. Cool. But start with possibly the worst movie the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew ever riff-tracked? It warmed my heart.

DVD Set Includes Mini Movie Poster Featuring
Robots Tom Servo and Crow

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G is for Al Green

I have to give a shout out to The Reverend Al Green, so nicknamed because – why not? The man needs some sort of title with all that talent. “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” came out at the end of 1973. Wrongfully, I believe, that was his last album to be certified gold. The man’s music is not in my collection, something I ought to rectify.



Today’s manufactured band is called Ground Zero. Born in the Cold War era, they continue touring on material from a single album. And that can happen. Just check out the Skatenigs (WARNING: the video below has mature language and is definitely NOT safe for work).



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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

F is for Fitz & the Tantrums

I have heard Fitz and the Tantrums on other stations, but not their song “HandClap”. Their neo pop and indie soul stylings shine in the 2016 single. It makes me want to dance like crazy. I am reminded of the fabulous “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

 

My phony group? Falling Faster. This five piece group performs post punk revival alternative tunes much like She Wants Revenge. The lyrics are heavily romantic yet fatalistic, their name implying a tendency to fall in love ever more quickly with each failed relationship.

 

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As previously mentioned, all the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. Anyone interested can find the website here. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.

E is for Eclipse Movement

I am not a huge fan of rap music but the fat horns in Eclipse Movement's “Blind” really hooked me. They don’t have a Wikipedia page, I was sorry to learn, but they are Cincinnati natives.

 

Today’s made up band is Everready. The battery company’s iconic wind-up rabbit featured on the cover of their first album until said corporation sued. Their sound harkens back to Radio Werewolf, which totally didn’t fit the album cover anyway. ~grin~ Their self titled freshman release ended up featuring the band in zombie makeup.

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All the real tunes air on member supported WNKU out of the University of Northern Kentucky. The web page features the current playlist and live streaming.