Uncle Warren's Attic

Uncle Warren's Attic #58: The Pedestrian, and more

Mon, 9 Feb 2009 04:39:00 GMT

A dramatic reading of one of my favorite Ray Bradbury short stories anchors this session. Try to ignore the fact that I refer to a Bradbury "tune"; in fact, as musical as the master's prose is, it's probably as accurate a misstatement as you're ever going to hear.

Vintage ads for Coca-Cola and a prominent Illinois politician are also on the agenda.

Plus, I spend a couple of minutes reminding you that I'd love to sell you some musical fiction of my own ...

The songs:
She Said Her Name Was Saffron - Marc Gunn
You Bug Me Baby - Larry Williams
For Your Boy and My Boy - Peerless Quartet
God's Gonna Cut You Down - Odetta
Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits - Marc Gunn

UW Attic 57: A history of recorded music

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:13:00 GMT

A 3.5-minute journey through seven audio formats is featured in this particular trip through the attic - to wit:

"Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" - Odetta
"The House of the Rising Sun" - Jack Elliott
"Old Blue" - Cisco Houston
"In the Mood" (2 78s, a cassette, 45, 33, CD and download versions) - Glenn Miller
"Tar Paper Stomp" - Wingy Manone and his Orchestra

Along the way you'll hear clips from "The First Family" with Vaughn Meader and "Nick Fury Agent of SHIELD" starring David Hasselhoff.

Uncle Warren's Attic #56: New Year's Rocking Attic III

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:41:00 GMT

OK, maybe you don't "rock" when you're talking Ole Svenson & His Smorgasbord Band, Bing Crosby and Benny Goodman ... download and enjoy!

First off, I tell you about the tri-speed turntable that powers this podcast, and then Ole checks in with the now-classic "Yingle Yingle Yumping Beans." After a word from the company that brings you the very best chocolate, we check out a couple of Beatles covers from Bing Crosby ("Hey Jude") and Benny Goodman ("Octopus's Garden").

While we're on the subject (and after a commercial message a la National Lampoon Radio Hour), a brief introduction to Emitt Rhodes, who was marketed as a McCartney sound-alike but was quite an artist in his own right. The link takes you to a nifty interview that I discovered after the show was put to bed.

I had to hear the Ballad of Serenity again before bringing in Marc Gunn's version of "Hero of Canton," and then it was time for Rockosaurus Rex to ring in the new year a couple of days early.

Playing catch with my daughter

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:51:00 GMT

She came into our lives about 18 months ago, on Friday the 13th of July, 2007. As I turned onto the U.S. 41 on-ramp, a little black kitten darted across the road in front of me and disappeared into the brush on the side of the ramp.

I pulled over, thinking that she probably would just run away in the tall grass - but instead she popped back onto the shoulder and started croaking, like E.T., "Home! Home! Home!"

So I took her home. The vet said she was 5 weeks old and healthy.

I called her E.T. for a few days, until her dry throat healed and she started mewing like a normal kitten. Red named her Blackberry, and it fit.

The thing that became clear fairly quickly is that this cat is smarter than the others. All of our little beasts (yes, all seven) have their front claws removed - it's a defense measure to save our property. (We don't let them outside where they can become predators and prey, either.) The time for declawing is usually ripe when they start climbing the door jams and the patio door screen.

Well, after being stymied by the loss of her front climbing implements, this kitten learned to brace her back against the open sliding door and use her back claws to climb the screen - working her way down the same way. Smart kitten.

She has invented a game on the stairs. She will drop a little green Nerf ball down the stairs and try to catch it on the way down. It works better if I help. From the bottom, I'll toss it over her head so it bounces off a top stair, and she'll chase it down.

The other day, she stayed on a middle stair and pounced for the ball as it bounced past. When she caught it, she'd play with it for a couple of moments, and then bat it over the side so it bounced back down to me. Sometimes she'd whap it as it went by to give it extra momentum and try to get it past me.

We played the game for 10 minutes. I'd try to stop when she was chewing on the ball and say, "OK, I have to get ready for work," but after I took a few steps away I'd hear the ball bounce down the last few stairs. She wasn't ready to stop playing.

Why didn't I just keep walking? I don't have kids of my own, so the animals are the closest thing I'll have to children. About halfway through this episode, it struck me that this sweet joy I was feeling must be something like fathers feel when they're playing catch with their children. I wasn't ready to stop playing, either.

Uncle Warren's Attic #55: A Tale of Two Whaps

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 03:08:00 GMT

A special hat tip to Wally Conger, who influenced this show in ways you'll hear about. Wow, it's good to be back â I hope you agree.

Coming your way: Vintage ads for Camel and Budweiser, with The Crew-Cuts stepping in for the latter. Also ...

+ Sweet Dawn My True Love, a B-side from Crispian St. Peters
+ You Can Have Him, a lost treasure by Dionne Warwick
+ Railway Station, from Oshkosh's own Bill Waters Band
+ Sixteen Tons by Eric Burdon, the best thing about Joe Versus the Volcano

... and a lot of jabbering from yours truly.

UPDATE 12-17-08: Yumpin Yiminy, I went almost a week forgetting the "55" illustration I tracked down for this episode. Whatever. It's there now.

What I hope to be doing

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:30:00 GMT

I think back in September of '06 I had a different feeling when I sat down to do Uncle Warren's Attic #2. More relaxed, having more fun â it wasn't "I have to do a show." I think that's where I want to get back to.

So, while I'm assembling the new one, check out the old â #2. Or #3. Or Number nigh-yun.

Thanks for checking

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:09:00 GMT

It's nice of you to visit, even though I haven't been here for a while. So here's a secret you can tell your friends and family: Uncle Warren's Attic #55 will arrive soon.

I've spent the last couple of days listening to UWA #2-5, and I think going "back to the basics" may make the show fun to make again. I found some fascinating stuff poking around in the Attic last night, and I think you'll get a kick out of 'em.

So consider this viral marketing - if you know anyone who has enjoyed the show in the past or might like what I did back in those early shows, pass the word. Thanks!

In case you're wondering

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:52:00 GMT

It's possible you have heard that I'm bringing back Ikthuscast, my little "15 minutes of Jesus twice a week" celebration of independent Christian music. And that announcement may have caused you to wonder if there will be an Uncle Warren's Attic #55 and beyond. The answer to that question is: Yup. At least I think so. At least I plan to. The Attic is a little more labor intensive, so I can't say when fer sure. But I'll keep you updated.

What happened

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 23:16:00 GMT

I don't know what happened, really. I just woke up one morning, realized I hadn't done a podcast for a while, and my brain said, "That's OK, you're done for now."

I suppose I could write about the press of daily stuff â what B.W. Richardson refers to as "the quotidian' â but it's not that. Something inside just shifted and I didn't want to do podcasts. Nothing personal, I just had a "been there, done that" moment, and I don't have anything more to toss out.

Oh, The Imaginary Revolution thing? I suppose B.W. being weeks behind on that project had a little something to do with it, but the Attic could have gone on without him. Yeah, I'm irritated about that, but as you know it's hard for me to stay mad at Richardson.

When I'm having fun with Uncle Warren's Attic, there's no fun quite like it, so I'm not going to close the door and walk away forever. But I have closed the door and walked away. Sorry about that, and thanks to everyone who has sent words of encouragement over the course of my 53.5 episodes.

I like the idea of UWA too much to let go of it. I've just misplaced the spark for it. It's around here somewhere and I'll reboot down the road a ways, no doubt. After six weeks without a show, though, I figured I owed you at least a few words to say, yeah, the podcast is on hiatus or whatever you want to call it. Thanks for listening!

UWAttic 54/I-Revolution Chapter 1

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:33:00 GMT

"Chapter 1: The Matter of the Cookies" launches our dramatic recitation of the upcoming novel The Imaginary Revolution by my imaginary friend B.W. Richardson. Because he didn't quite meet the goal of having the first three chapters ready, B.W. opened his notebook and gave me a couple of mini-scenes to pique your interest for the rest of the story.

Also in this episode: "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Reinald Werrenrath ... "Harrigan/Yankee Doodle Dandy" from Fred Waring & the Pennsylvanians ... and "Two Dollar Shoes" by Rosie Thomas.

Promo for "The Imaginary Revolution"

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 01:10:00 GMT

You're going to want to have your podcatcher primed and ready for UWA #54, that's all I'm sayin' folks.

UW Attic 53: Monsters, Campaigns and An Imaginary Announcement

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:44:00 GMT

Barack Obama's comment about the need for "aggressive diplomacy" with Iran reminded me of an Anakin Skywalker line, which led to a little audio collage that also incorporates The Prisoner and that other guy running for Big Guy this year.

Other features of this 53rd trip to the Attic: Two versions of "I'm a Monster" by the inimitable Scotty MacGregor ... The memorable "Oh, The Thinks You Can Think" from the lost Dylan Hears A Who project ... "That's Cool" by Adam and the Couch Potatoes ... and a big announcement about upcoming episodes.

Project Reboot

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:11:00 GMT

I've been doing some musing of late about how to reboot my various creative efforts to improve the quality and consistency. The problem is not in your set. I hope to be completing the muse process in the very near future and bear some fruit.

Thank you for your patience, and feel free to browse to make sure you've sampled the entire set of 53 trips to the attic, starting from Day One â not to mention the semi-classic episodes of The Imaginary Bomb that started my podcasting career.

Meanwhile, please stand by.

UWA 52: From Independence Day to Orchestraville

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 02:50:00 GMT

Even if I'm a couple of days late for Independence Day, I have to read from the Declaration and play the Hurtado Brothers Royal Marimba Band version of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," don't I? I mean, it's tradition! Also within this slightly longer trip to the Attic are a couple of tunes by Red Ingle and his Natural Seven and the complete and unabridged Rusty in Orchestraville, one very interesting adventure. Oh, and there's a little Spike Jones in there, too.

UW Attic 51: RIP kyfho and Danny

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 22:09:00 GMT

What made me hesitate: eulogies to my friend kyfho and to Danny Federici, as we return to the Attic at last. Highlights include:

"Hold On To Your Freedom" from Jennifer Avalon ... quite a few clips from Firefly and Serenity among other memorable movie moments ... "Don't Let Us Get Sick" by Warren Zevon via the Internet Archive ... old ads for Rheingold beer and Good N Plenty ... "What Have You Got That Gets Me" from the Bob Crosby Orchestra with Marion Mann ... another Animal Story ... and "Undecided" by The Ames Brothers.

And I add this in memory of kyfho:

"As a juror, I will exercise my 1000-year-old duty to arrive at a verdict, not just on the basis of the facts of a particular case, or instructions I am given, but through my power to reason, my knowledge of the Bill of Rights, and my individual conscience. When needful, I will judge the law itself." -L. Neil Smith

The 51st visit

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:27:00 GMT

Yeah, yeah, I know, get up to the Attic, w.p., all that stuff is piling up and you haven't been sorting through it much lately. Spring cleaning reminds you about the accumulation of stuff like nobody's business.

There'll be a touch of sadness in this episode, as I'm going to devote a little time to the memory of a friend who passed away a couple of weeks ago â not to mention Danny Federici. But I found some fun stuff to remember them by, so you won't have to wear black to this gathering.

Maybe I take too much time putting these little adventures together, maybe I don't work on them fast enough, but I enjoy the finished product, and I hope you do, too. I just wish I could finish a little more frequently. Oh well, it's always fun or else they wouldn't get finished. Watch this space.

Amen!

Sat, 3 May 2008 15:38:00 GMT

The first review is in

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:33:00 GMT

A long time ago in a state far, far away, I somehow encountered a fellow teenager named Wally Conger, who like me was a comic book fan. Oddly, we became friends, odd because we never met (to this day!), he was a Californian and I was a New Jersey kid. There's something in our makeup that overcomes that little 3,000-mile gap (now more like 2,000 since I've become a converted Badger). He published fanzines, one of which was called Fantasy World and featured superhero and science-fiction stories. I contributed tales of a guy I named H-Man.

I mentioned FW and H-Man when I put Wally in touch with the world of Myke Phoenix, and he understood completely judging from the review he posted this week. Thanks Wally!

Branching into print

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:34:00 GMT

"The universe shifted, and something dark burst from a yawning crack in the nature of being."

That's how The Adventures of Myke Phoenix begins. What happens next is kind of fun, if I do say so myself. You should buy it (or download it) and check it out for yourself.

Go ahead. Check it out.

Uncle Warren's Attic #50

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:17:00 GMT

THE BIG 5-OH ... Oh boy ... 50 trips up to the Attic ... who woulda thunk. I'm rushing this up online and then taking off for a Saturday night date with Red â talk amongst yourselves and I'll be back with the show notes at a later date ...

UPDATE â OK, here we go. First, an authentic no-prize to the first person to name the five sources of the audio in my "explosive" introduction to the show. Hint: Four are movies.

As the show moves along, highlights include ads from Schaffer Beer, Doublemint gum, Mr. Clean and the new 1958 Edsel. The musical numbers:
+ Teddy Boy Stomp - The Buggs
+ I Can Always Find a Little Sunshine in the YMCA - Lambert Murphy with Orpheus Quartet
+ Who Could Be More Wonderful Than You - Aileen Stanley and Billy Murray
+ Always Love You - w.p. bluhm
+ Good Vibrations - James Gadson
+ Stardust on the Moon - Shep Fields and his Rippling Rhythm Orchestra
+ We Go Well Together - Cab Calloway and his Orchestra

Thanks for coming along for 50 episodes, and hang in for the next round of 50! Oh yeah, and about that other project I mention in this show: Check this out.

Coming Around Again

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 11:40:00 GMT

I decided to do a small celebration of UWA hitting the big 5-0. These are teeny-tiny works of art, doncha know, and producing 50 works of art is kind of something, more or less, isn't it?

Anyway, I'm planning a new theme song, an explosive kickoff, and musical selections from many of the folks who have made the first 49 shows so memorable. Watch, er, listen for Uncle Warren's Attic #50 sometime over the next few days!

UW Attic 49: A Bit of a Hoedown

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:27:00 GMT

After a false start by The King, we pull a bushel of corn down from the Attic, including a couple of Animal Stories by Uncle Larry and Lil' Tom, and a movie ad from the legendary National Lampoon Radio Hour. Our musical selections:

+ Peter Cottontail - Mervyn Shiner
+ Roving Gambler - U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd
+ Another Brew Bartender - Whitey Knight
+ Wang Wang Blues - Elliot Everett and his Orchestra
+ Easy - Harry James
+ When You Come Back - Raymond Dixon and Orpheus Quartet
+ Dirty Water - The WhizBang Shufflers

Uncle Warren's Attic #48: Myke Phoenix Rising

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:45:00 GMT

He's ba-ack ... with a sneak preview of the new book The Adventures of Myke Phoenix, along with a smattering of other shtuff: "In Malibu" by Johnny Proctor ... and off the 78's, "Learn to Do the Strut," written by Irving Berlin and performed by The Georgians ... "A Little Bit of Heaven" by Charles Harrison ... "My Eyes (Get Me in Trouble)" by the inimitable Muddy Waters ... and the "William Tell Overture" by the even more inimitable Spike Jones and his Orchestra.

Hiatus almost over

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:54:00 GMT

By now there's some fidgeting in the front rows as people figure out it's been more than a month since my little medical episode and still no sign of UWA 48. I went through my list of possible excuses and couldn't find one that would sound convincing.

It's funny, on New Year's Eve I set a modest goal of churning out a podcast every other weekend. That didn't seem so hard at the time. Still doesn't. I just have to sit down and do 'em. Maybe by setting a schedule, I doomed myself by making it seem like work or something. Whatever the reason, according to that schedule, Show #52 is coming up this weekend.

I keep doing things like write little posts about doing the show instead of actually doing the show. I don't know why I â oh, I'm writing a little post about doing the show, aren't I?

Hold that thought.

Video: Jay of Jay and the Americans: 'Cara Mia'

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:10:00 GMT

I saw Jay & the Americans somewhere around 1970 and remember being blown away by the live performance of "Cara Mia." That's not an easy song to sing! You can tell Jay Black was still blowing away audiences 30 or so years later when this recording was made ...

Video: Pre-Idol Brooke White

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:14:00 GMT

Guilty Pleasures: Red and I like to relax with American Idol, and this has been a pretty good season so far. (Holy moley, how 'bout that smokin' "She's A Woman" by Chikezie!)

One of the folks we're rooting for is the lovely Brooke White, who (like most people) had a life before we met her on TV ... This is a song for an independent CD she did in 2005 called "Songs From the Attic" (Hey, I do like this girl), which seems to be out of print now. I saw one copy online for $79 â OK, I don't like her that much ...

She's not getting old - she's getting better

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 10:09:00 GMT

Well, what's keeping me

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:32:00 GMT

So here I was, looking forward to doing a new UWA this weekend - the goal is to show up every couple of weeks now - and working along doing my thing, which got me home late Thursday night.

It seems I have a touch of stomach flu or something, and I didn't notice how queasy it was making me until I lost consciousness and landed with a thud on the bathroom floor. After a few minutes, I heard shouting in the distance, and as I became more aware again, I realized it was Red yelling at the 911 operator that launching the ambulance was more important than telling the operator what my birthday is. She's very practical that way. She had heard the crash, pushed her way into the bathroom and found me lying completely unresponsive with my head bent over the side of the tub. The poor thing thought I'd had a stroke, which runs in my family.

I'll spare you the gruesome details, but the bottom line seems to be that I had gotten myself dehydrated, and several hours and a couple of saline bags later, I came home for a long wintry weekend of convalescing. The experience has sapped some of my ambition for podcast-producing, so I hope you'll forgive a slight delay. Tank you berry much.

UW Attic 47: The Charlie Francis Story

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 21:55:00 GMT

Who is Charlie Francis? He had some surprisingly tasty tunes on a series of budget albums in the early to mid-1960s, and a search for Charlie resulted in a surprise I should've seen coming.

In this edition, we hear Charlie Francis sing "A New Love," "Mountain of a Man," "Just Tell Me When," "Believe in Me" and "Little Girl." If you haven't heard the show yet and want to be surprised with me, don't click on this, the link I refer to during the story.

Also, the megahit "I Got a Crush on Obama," thoughts on creativity by Dave Slusher of the Evil Genius Chronicles, and classic Robot Theater from the legendary Illinoise! podcast by Just Pete and NASA Janet.

Last but not least, an unabashed plug for The Imaginary Bomb by B.W. Richardson, edited and published by moi over at Lulu.com.

The Prodigal Podcaster Prepares to Return

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:43:00 GMT

OK, it's hard to get tanned and rested when you wake up Sunday morning and it's 13 below zero, but the vocal chords are rested, the cats have received enough attention, and I'm preparing for a return to the airwaves â err, to the podwaves â as February arrives.

In addition to playing with the kitten, I have been ramping up a venture that involves the ubiquitous Brian Wilson Richardson, whose novel The Imaginary Bomb was the subject of my first podcasting venture the summer before last. The I-Bomb is finally available in print form, and as editor and publisher I heartily recommend you consider parting with a modest amount of money so you can hold this little effort in your own hands. The goal is to publish four different books this year, and this is the first.

Watch for a resumption of podding behavior before the Super Bowl kicks off, alas without my beloved green-and-gold.

A break in the action

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Cross-posted to Ikthuscast

For a variety of reasons, I'm temporarily suspending my podcast activities, but I assure you the passion remains and I don't intend for this to be a lengthy break. I apologize to anyone who looks forward to these little bursts of creativity.

In the meantime, enjoy the upcoming NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field. Go, Pack, Go!

UWA 46: New Year's Rockin' Attic II

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 05:44:00 GMT

New Year's Eve is a time of review and renewal and resolutions, and I share some of my big plans for Ought-Eight in between fun shtuff, including:

Auld Lang Syne, Rockosaurus Rex
Hi-Diddle-Diddle, Guy Lombardo
Wildroot Cream commercial, King Cole Trio
Anybody Here Remember Radio?, Stan Freberg
The Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud, Hank Snow
Just Today, w.p. bluhm
Re: Your Brains, Jonathan Coulton
A Wee Deoch an' Doris, Harry Lauder

UWAttic 45: Scandinavian Zombie Holiday Greetings

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:33:00 GMT

Actually, no, Mary Woronov (pictured) does not appear in this episode, but we do share several clips from one of her greatest cult hits, when she played conflicted scientist hero Audrey White.

I spend most of the show rummaging through the Attic in search of this thing I saw in the newspaper once - UWA 45 is sandwiched between "A Laptop Like You" and "Podsafe Christmas Song" by Jonathan Coulton. Featured tunes include "Deck the Halls" by Rockosaurus Rex ... "Giggling Gertie" from Vaughn de Leath ... "O Lutefisk" by Molly and Sonny Boy ... "Emilia Polka (Laughing Polka)" by Lawrence Duchow ... my dramatc reading ... and "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas" by Yogi Yorgesson.

UWA 44: Life at 78 rpm

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 22:42:00 GMT

I emerge from the Attic covered with dust and shellac. We begin on a serious note, bringing renditions of "Trees" by John Charles Thomas and Ponchielli's "Dance of the Hours."

Moving from the sublime to the ridiculous, here are "I Want to Be Bad" by Helen Kane, who was boop-boop-a-dooping before Betty, and in fact she boops in this song at least once ... the immortal "I'm My Own Grandpa" by Lonzo and Oscar ... and "Yingle Bells" by Yogi Yorgesson.

If you're feeling a little down - we had six inches of snow over the weekend so I understand - The Revelers remind us that "Just Around the Corner" could be sunshine. And Jonathan Coulton offers the sounds of the season from "Chiron Beta Prime."

A little longer wait

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:39:00 GMT

Call it my ahtistic temperament. I finished Uncle Warren's Attic #44 and just decided it wasn't what I was shooting for. Hate to leave so much space between shows, but I'm going back to square one on this one. See ya soon - sorry about this!

Uncle Warren's Attic 43

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:36:00 GMT

Back to rummaging around the Attic. In addition to some lovely clips from It Happened One Night and other flicks, UWA 43 includes:

"Don't Blame Me for What Happens in the Moonlight," from Perry Botkin Jr. and friends ... "Hello Again" by Herb Oscar Anderson ... the immortal "Pachalafaka" from Soupy Sales ... "Great Balls of Fire" from the New Grass Revival ... a showdown between The Shadow and a nutcase ... "Sweet Potato Piper" with Bing Crosby featuring John Trotter's Pan Fried Five ... and our beloved Aileen Stanley and Billy Murray round it off with "When the Leaves Come Tumbling Down."

UWA 42: Remember, remember

Sun, 4 Nov 2007 19:53:00 GMT

Hi folks, I turn the microphone over to a special guest host in order to get out a Fifth of November edition of Uncle Warren's Attic. I hope you enjoy the change of pace!

Featured tunes:

"Free the People," Los Gallos
"Guy Fawkes Day," Paul Melancon
"1812 Overture," Amsterdam Concert Orchestra
"Ballad of Serenity," from the film of the same name

And if you don't own V for Vendetta yet, well, click here.

UW Attic 41: Back to the 78s

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:32:00 GMT

In addition to the usual collection of odds and ends, this edition brings you:

"March of the Toys," from Babes in Toyland, by the Victor Concert Orchestra conducted by Nathaniel Shikret

"Phonograph Blues," Robert Johnson from the Internet Archive

"Mama Don't Rush Me Blues," Willie Jones (whom you can also hear singing "Sweet Patunia" in UWA #19)

"You Blacked My Blue Eyes Once Too Often" by Lonzo and Oscar

"Chicken Reel" by Les Paul

"Oh! Sweet Mystery of Life," Bing Crosby

All of it brought to you by Fruity Oaty Bars - they'll make a man out of a mouse, etc.

Happy Halloween - again

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

Click here to download the now-famous Uncle Warren's Attic #6, featuring my hookup with an online news network that goes terribly wrong when Mars invades.

Where'd he go?

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:10:00 GMT

UWA 41 coming soon. Really! Would I make that up?

I don't know why I've been away from the microphone. No excuses. Just ... well, no excuses. When you hit a lazy streak, you're just lazy. That's all.

I've been accumulating a lot of them thar old-fashioned CDs that spin at 78 rpm and have only one song per side. Don't be surprised if the next show (or several of 'em) is (are) a bit heavy on those. But that's a good thing, I think.

Talk to ya soon.

UWA 40: Beedle-bees and Rum-a-doodle-dum

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 04:03:00 GMT

Uncle Warren unplugged: Red and I on the road, a couple of my old folk tunes ("You Can Tighten My Belt" and "Hi Horse Tweedledum Ladies"), and a taste of what the Attic might sound like if I paid the license fees and played non-podsafe stuff.

You'll hear "fair use" clips from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Judee Sill, Tommy James and the Shondells, Leahy and Copper Box, and a complete tune from podsafe bluegrass gods The WhizBang Shufflers. Enjoy!

UWA 39: Webby Wanderings

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:05:00 GMT

Itâs long past time I gave you a little more taste of Maria Daines with her partner and guitarist guitarist Paul Killington. After launching the show with Carne Crudaâs âAmazing Artichoke of World Peace,â? we dive into Mariaâs âTear Down the Wallsâ? and âAlright When The Morning Comes.â?

After we sing the praises of the 1960 Studebaker Lark, itâs time for Aileen Stanley and Billy Murray and the 1924 classic âYouâll Never Get to Heaven With Those Eyes.â? Then, from the Internet Archive, Warren Zevon sings âVeracruzâ? - thanks Kirsten for the heads-up on this terrific recording.

We extol the wisdom of saving Top Value Stamps, and then itâs time for a little Boo Boo Davis. The tasty blues tunes âTell Me What to Doâ? and âBooâs Boogie Woogieâ? close out our 39th adventure together. By the way, Maria and Boo Boo were last heard back in the legendary Episode #20.

UWA 38: I Like Ike - Jan. 17, 1961

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 22:49:00 GMT

We start out the show with an authentic recording of the Uncle Warren's Attic show from Jan. 17, 1961, as President Dwight D. Eisenhower presents his farewell speech to the nation. It's a historic address, and it provides a lot of room for thought about what's happened in the past 46 years or so.

Also on the show are a 1966 ad for the film "Lady L" from the Jean Shepherd show ... "Liar Liar" by singer-songwriter Julie Harris ... "Grow" by singer-songwriter April Start ... and "I'm Beginning to Remember" by Jimmy Lee and Johnny Mathis - no, not that Johnny Mathis.

It comes with a promise to be back in a week - what am I thinking?!?

State of the Podcast Address

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:23:00 GMT

Um, hi there, ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for stopping by to see if there's anything new. As you can see, well, here's something new.

I keep wandering up to forage around in the attic and I've found some cool stuff. I just haven't had time to put together a podcast.

You may have noticed that I've been keeping a steady dose of Ikthuscasts going, and maybe you suspect that I care more about that show than Uncle Warren's Attic. No, no, this is my first podcast and my first love, and if you're familiar with both you know the Attic is a much more complicated production. It takes 2-3 hours to finish a 30-minute UWA, compared with a matter of minutes for Ikthus. I often have a few minutes available, not so often 2-3 hours.

What I'm planning at this stage is to return with a weekly dose of UWA no later than early September. My best guess is "the new season" of UWA will start just before the regular season of the NFL opens. I'll try to keep you updated with a note or two or three here.

Thank you, and God bless America. We now turn to CNN, Fox News, et al, for instant analysis of how many times this speech was interrupted by applause and what that all means.

UWA 37: Featuring Sir Cedric Faintingmode

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:57:00 GMT

It's another dip into my pile of platters that spin at 78 rpm, including two peeks at the "Flying Saucer" mania of the mid-1950s.

I reprise Buchanan and Goodman's marvelous "Flying Saucer" record from 1956 to set you up for a (to any family members, I apologize) remarkable unfunny knock-off called "Out of This World With Flying Saucers" by Dave Barry and Sara Berner, who I'm sure were nice people.

Surrounding those are such lost gems as "Hotta Chocolatta" by the De John Sisters ... "Who's Sorry Now" by Les Stevens' Clover Gardens Orchestra ... "Hi Ho Trailus Boot Whip" by Anita O'Day ... "Oh Baby What a Night" by Billy Murray and Walter Scanlon ... and "Look Who's Talkin'" by Ted Daffan's Texans.

As usual the show is also peppered with other great moments from pop culture history.

UW's Attic #36: Pretensions of immortality

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:47:00 GMT

I'll give you eclectic, my pretty -- and your little dog, too! The lineup: "Immortality," William Jennings Bryan (1908) "Welfare Blues," Josh White (1934) "Address to American Indians," President Woodrow Wilson (1913) "Asleep in the Deep," William F. Hooley (1911) Live PSA for safe driving (1953) "Minor Swing," The WhizBang Shufflers (2004) "The Radio Guy," Warren Bluhm (1996; recorded 2007) "Destination Unknown," The Rebel Soul Band

UW Attic #35.5: The Radio Guy

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:15:00 GMT

This short story will be part of UWA 36, but I'm releasing it separately for those of you who like your tales to stand alone.

UW's Attic #35: The Aileen Stanley Story

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:22:00 GMT

From the wild and wooly 1920s comes the story of one of the era's biggest recording stars, who apparently lost a fortune in the 1929 stock market crash but is making a modest return to the spotlight thanks to intrigued fans like moi. I've been contemplating "The Aileen Stanley Story" ever since I started finding other tunes in the wake of the big reaction to "Keep Your Skirts Down Mary Ann" way back in UWA #3.

Here's the jazzage1920s.com biography that I lean on for much of the info in this episode ... and here's another interesting source. And if you'd like to explore more of her music, here and here are a couple of links to the Internet Archive.

UWA 34: Give me liberty or give me 'Wildflower Man'

Tue, 3 Jul 2007 02:57:00 GMT

For this Independence Day edition of Uncle Warren's Attic, and to make up for the long silence, this show features two dramatic readings - one many of you have heard before is my short story "Wildflower Man," and the other is a reading of a speech you may have heard some of, but may not have ever heard in its entirety - Patrick Henry's address to the Virginia House of Burgesses on March 23, 1775. It's still pretty electric.

Musical friends include the WhizBang Shufflers, who present the opening and closing tracks of their absolutely free album "Baffle the Bird of Death" - the irrepressible "It's All New" and the bonus track "bonus track."

We also hear from Five Star Fall and The Kokoon, whose work you can find at Magnatune, where the slogan is "We Are Not Evil." And we also have a reprise of Giles' rousing version of "Freedom." Oh, and thanks to Kirsten of Enjoy Every Sandwich for her kind words and actions.

I tried to make it worth the wait - let me know how I did!

While you're waiting ...

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:19:00 GMT

While you're waiting for a new edition of Uncle Warren's Attic (hey, it's summer, have you been outside lately?!?), here's a fantastic video of a fantastic Jonathan Coulton tune ...

UW Attic #33: The Sealed Weasels etc.

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 02:40:00 GMT

What has happened here is something which, up until a few days ago, was entirely beyond the scope of man's imagination ...

You have heavy doses of a sixties-style band called The Sealed Weasels (Remember "Zen Hot Dog" in UWA 20?), along with seasonings from movies and TV, a little Andy Partridge, Anna Burck, Eisenhowers, Carl T. Sprague and John Charles Thomas ... but not a great deal of Uncle Warren ... at least not Uncle Warren's voice, just Uncle Warren the sound editor.

What does this episode mean? Philosophers will be debating that question for centuries. I wonder why the wonder falls ...

PROMISED UPDATE: So what all was in there? Well, the Sealed Weasels sang "Cold Turkey Sandwiches," "The Illuminati and Me" and "Bionic"; That was the first verse of Carl T. Sprague's "Oh Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie"; Andy Partridge sang the theme from my second-favorite TV show of all time, "Wonderfalls"; Sonny Rhodes sang the theme from my all-time favorite, "Firefly"; and the Eisenhowers sang "Everything is Not Enough"; John Charles Thomas wanted to be "Home On The Range"; and a Marvel-style no-prize goes to anyone who can tell me where the "Alice, will you marry me?" clip comes from. There's other stuff in this show, but I hate to give away all my secrets ...

Oh! One last acknowledgement: Anna Burck's Music iQuiz is one of the funnest podcasts out there!!

Uncle Warren's Attic #32: Claim the Moon

Wed, 30 May 2007 03:23:00 GMT

Goodies I unearthed this week in Uncle Warren's Attic:

"The Mining Ship the Red Dwarf," by Marc Gunn & The Dubliners
"Excelsior," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, dramatic reading by moi
"Get Happy," Raymond Scott and his Orchestra
"Let's Claim the Moon for the U.S. - Now!" by Pierre J. Huss, Mechanix Illustrated, February 1957. Sharp-eared listeners will note that your humble host, who performs the dramatic reading, managed to throw in a sci-fi element by reading the headline as "Let's Claim the U.S. for the Moon." Not sure why moon beings would want to annex a piece of earthly real estate, but there you have it.
"We'll Be Dancing On The Moon," Trade Martin
"Ingrian Polka - Kuppari Eeva," Off to California. Yes, the reason the title isn't mentioned on the show is I wasn't sure how to pronounce it!
"Jasper Tabby Kitty Cat-y," Marc Gunn & The Dubliners

Uncle Warren's Attic #31: Name that voice

Mon, 21 May 2007 03:38:00 GMT

Can you identify the voice in the Peter Pan commercials? No big prize awarded, just the satisfaction of knowing his name before I tell you at the end.

Speaking of peanut butter, much tasty stuff in this edition, along with a semi-promise to drop by more often again!

The musical numbers: "Glow Worm" by Homer and Jethro ... "Ghost Riders in the Sky" by the Sons of the Pioneers and by Scat Man Crothers ... "Listening House" by Lazarus and the announcement of Ikthuscast ... "It's a Bloody War" by Homer & Jethro and "28th of January" by the Piney Creek Weasels ... "Pull the String" by Jonathan Coulton ... and "Bye Bye Blackbird" by Gene Austin.

Coming soon!

Fri, 18 May 2007 12:44:00 GMT

It's been a busy couple of months, but I expect to be back more frequently again soon. I apologize to the ever-shrinking but supportive bunch of you who keep checking back and stay subscribed. Coming soon, the long-awaited Aileen Stanley story, a look at the work of Scotty MacGregor, and a dramatic reading of an important 1957 essay about why the United States should claim the moon as its sovereign territory. What fun!

I also plan to debut a new project very soon, which I'll tell you about in Uncle Warren's Attic #31. Watch for UWA 31 sometime next week.

Have fun in the meantime!

UW's Attic #30: Digging through the 78s

Mon, 7 May 2007 02:53:00 GMT

A half-dozen gems uncovered during a trip to the antique store last week.

"Behind the Clouds (There's Crowds and Crowds of Sunbeams), Gene Austin
"Sailing Down the Chesapeake Bay," Pete Daily's Chicagoans
"Limehouse Blues," Curly Hicks and his Taproom Boys*
"O Sole Mio," Nat Shilkret and the Victor Orchestra
"Little Rock Getaway," Les Paul
"Over the Rainbow," Del Courtney and his Orchestra

Make sure you check the links this week ... lots of fun info!

*Couldn't find a link for these guys - best I found was a phorum entry where someone asked (at the bottom, "Anyone know anything about this group? They recorded a dozen or so discs for Bluebird around 1940. Can't decide whether they're a country band, a jazz band, or a polka band. Features accordion and vibraphone leads with guitar, bass, washboard and drum rhythm. Kind of addictive."

UW Attic #29: About that day job

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:05:00 GMT

Your Uncle Warren and Dave Slusher have thoughts (separately) about the value to the creative process of having a day job. Dave, of course, is the guy behind the Evil Genius Chronicles and other important endeavors, and in this particular episode he refers to Hugh MacLeod's "Sex and Cash Theory."

Along the way we bring you music from the Podsafe Music Network and myself: "Write About Me" by Jeff Coffey ... "The Future," an aural collage by w.p. bluhm ... "Slugbug" by The Egerton Boyz ... "The Maid on the Shore" by Ceili Moss ... "She's Wild" by People Coyote ... and finishing with "Sweet Sarah Wilde" by w.p. bluhm.

UWA #28.5: Special Edition - Farewell Sanjaya

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:45:00 GMT

If you haven't been watching "American Idol," this little seven-minute tribute will make no sense to you. If you have, it speaks for itself.

Back soon with a "real" episode.

UW's Attic #28: Parallelograms

Fri, 6 Apr 2007 02:50:00 GMT

Linda Perhacs made one of the great "lost" albums that has recently been found and re-released to great acclaim. This week's UWA gives you a mini-tour of Parallelograms. Then it's off to the late 1930s and Pretty Kitty Kelly. A little Ames Brothers ... a little Zax ... another taste of "The Dog Song" ... a Piney Creek Weasels encore ... and before you can say "Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters," we're outta there again. Have fun!

Uncle Warren's Attic 27: First Week of Spring Blues

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 16:06:00 GMT

A bevy of blues and other goodies off the old 78s and such. The show launches with a mystery track, though, followed by "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" by Jimmy Lee and the "other" Johnny Mathis.

Then there's the legendary Kelly Harrell recording of "I Wish I Was A Single Girl Again," recorded a half-century before Prince, retrieved from the Internet Archive.

It's mostly blues the rest of the way: Josh White and the "Stormy Weather Blues," Furry Lewis and "Mean Old Bedbug Blues," the "Phonograph Blues" from Robert Johnson, and finally "Whoa Back Buck" by Leadbelly with the Golden Gate Quartet. Which reminds me: This episode contains a small dose of "adult language."

The show closes with "The Vamp" from 1919, performed by the Joseph C. Smith Orchestra with Harry MacDonough and Billy Murray.

Uncle O'Warren's Attic #26

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 04:36:00 GMT

After a montage of great movie moments, Dennis Day sets the stage with his celebration of a jolly Irish hooligan, "Clancy Lowered the Boom."

In a track the Internet archive labels "Edison machine rehearsal (1914)," Harry Houdini offers a $1,000 reward to anyone who can reveal a certain one of his secrets.

I had a very odd dream the other day, and the only memory that lingers is the haunting melody in the background, which I recognized at once as "The Prisoner's Song," the 1924 Vernon Dalhart recording that (I'm told) was a huge hit in its day.

Another nod to March 17 is the Podsafe recording of "Leis A Lurrighan" by Ceili Moss, which oddly enough is a Belgian band. Then it's off to the instant classic "Green Eggs and Ham" by, um, Bob Dylan. I first heard this incredible recording on Jawbone Radio. Thanks, Len and Nora.

From there it's off to "Summertime" by Peach Stealing Monkeys - very compelling, says I - and all of a sudden we're out of time and all that's left to do is dance a "Night Dance" with Green Druid.

UW's Attic 25: Free The People

Thu, 8 Mar 2007 04:23:00 GMT

Freedom's on my mind a lot, and I got to thinking about freedom after reading about the Copyright Royalty Board and its ridiculous new fees for Webcasters. So this show includes a lot on that subject, including a huge tip of the hat to everyone participating in ventures like the Podsafe Music Network.

I have become an instant fan after hearing the Rebel Soul Band, and UWA 25 has two great tunes from this "groovin' rock 'n' roll band" devoted to "creating music with a message." I kick off the show with "Where You Going?" and move into a celebration of freedom with their song "Big Brother."

After a quick reminder about a certain important document of freedom, if you've listened before, you already know "Free the People" by Los Gallos, one of the best songs I've heard on this theme in a very long time.

Giles then wraps up the cycle by reinventing Richie Havens' classic tune "Freedom."

After I rave about the new TV show "Heroes," time has already run out, but not before we close with a cover by podsafe guru Jonathan Coulton. This edition also includes a small pile of goodies culled from old Mets broadcasts ... enjoy!

Uncle Warren's Attic #24

Fri, 2 Mar 2007 00:43:00 GMT

This week ... odds and ends ...

"I Found a Million Dollar Baby" by w.p. bluhm (1991)

"How'd You Like To Spoon With Me" by Franklyn Wallace (1905)

An interesting report from the early days of radio (1937)

"The Touchables," a seldom-heard novelty record by Dickie Goodman (1950-something)

"To Be An Angel," an often-played podcast hit by Uncle Seth (2006)

And Elmer Davis with news and commentary circa 1939.

#23 - Uncle Warren: The Early Years

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:35:00 GMT

Once upon a time there was a lovesick college student named Warren, his guitar named Herbie, and a pair of stereo cassette machines. The four of them spent quite a bit of time together.

For reasons I have yet to fathom, I hauled the old tapes out this week and decided to inflict some of my earliest songwriting and recording efforts on my small but patient audience. Here, then, are 1973 recordings of:

Bacon in the Jell-O
Pretty Baby
Emerald
Wish You Were There
Baby Baby
Do You Believe in Magic
Pleasant Mary

You may be able to detect, in these tapes, hints of what would come later, after I became an uncle and all. It'll either be interesting or excruciating, hopefully not boring. I will completely understand if you flee for your life - but please come back for #24.

Have fun!

What a pretty Speedbump

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:15:00 GMT

It has been a while since I provided an update about Pumpkin a k a Speedbump, the kitten whose discovery at 4 weeks along U.S. 41 I have chronicled here and here and here. With the hibernation of the Green Bay Free Radical, I move these musings into the Attic.

This morning I chased Pumpkin off the top of the fish tank, where he was nudging his nose along the 1-inch gap between the edge of the lid and the side of the tank. I thought I'd stop him before he realized his paw could fit in there - not that his declawed little appendage could cause any damage, but why tempt fate?

A remarkable side effect of having a new kitten is that the former kitten, 3 1/2-year-old Hemi, has become even more affectionate. Always a lover, Hemi has made more frequent trips to available laps, where he purrs as if to remind us that the orange one is not the only cute little friend in the house.

They say staring at fish for a time lowers blood pressure and relieves stress. I say the same thing about a houseload of cats. I don't necessarily say that while cleaning the litter box or investigating a 3 a.m. crashing noise, but on the whole I'm healthier for the feline companionship. At least I feel healthier. They're so cu-u-ute ...

Speaking of stress, while worrying about the podcast being late, I came to the sudden conclusion that Uncle Warren's Attic is not on a schedule. UWA 23 will be up soon. What does "soon" mean? It means "soon." I'll get back to you on that one!

And now a word ...

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:44:00 GMT

I just noticed that the cost of the Firefly DVD set has dipped down to Uncle Warren's recommended price for buying DVD sets - $19.99 or less. My attic is packed with stuff from Firefly and its cinema sequel, Serenity. If I had to toss away everything TV-related I own except one thing, this would be it.

(OK, now, ask for the sale, UW.) If you want to own what in my opinion is the best TV show ever to grace the tube, click here to purchase through the Uncle Warren's Attic A-Store. I'm not sure if this price is permanent or temporary, so I'd suggest doing it now. Thanks!

UW's Attic #22: Explosions of happiness

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 04:13:00 GMT

The name of the boys choir that performs "Gloria" and "Credo" on today's show is les troubadours du roi baudouin. I wasn't going to insult them by trying to pronounce that! The link will take you to the reproduced liner notes of their long-out-of-print LP, "Missa Luba."

I was surprised to see that Osibisa is still active, or rather that the band became active again about 20 years ago after its flurry of recordings in the early 1970s. The recording of "Che Che KulÃ on this show is from a somewhat worn copy of their album "Heads"; please forgive the pops and crackles.

After a commercial break from the immortal Jean Shepherd, Will Rogers submits some thoughts about Congress for us to mull, and then we head off to the battlefield singin' a song. From 1915 and the Great War, Albert Farrington sings "It's A Long Way to Tipperary," and then from 1942 and World War II, Carl Hoff and his Orchestra (featuring the Murphy Sisters) present an unpleasant little ditty directed at the rulers of the Japanese Empire. The words are unpleasant, but the music is sprightly.

This episode represents a return to normal (or what passes for such) after a couple of "theme" weeks. Enjoy!!

Check out Aunt Fritzi's chest

Wed, 7 Feb 2007 14:54:00 GMT

I'm on the verge of declaring Fritzi Ritz the official Aunt of Uncle Warren's Attic - OK, Red might object to that, so maybe I'll declare Aunt Fritzi the official cartoon mascot of the Attic. obviously Fritzi and I are kindred spirits - she talks about old music a lot, her T-shrts are a constantly changing homage to pop music (today "Property of Apple Records," yesterday "Del Reeves," last Friday "Wild Weeds Fan Club") and today, we learn that she has an attic full of old shtuff.

"I keep 'em all," Nancy's aunt says, "I've got 78s, 33 1/3s, 45s, 8-tracks, reel to reels, cassettes, Betamax, VHS, laser discs ..." Sigh! Why can't she be real? (Oops ... sorry, Red, just kidding!)

Nancy was one of the guilty pleasures of my childhood; even though it usually had a silly or even lame premise, I kept coming back to the adventures of Nancy, Sluggo and Fritzi Ritz, and Ernie Bushmiller became a name in the back of my mind. Bushmiller died in 1982 and the strip, when I checked in from time to time, seemed to be foundering. The current creators, Guy and Brad Gilchrist, have revived Nancy bigtime, and Fritzi has been reinvented as a very hip but aging baby boomer - not that you'd notice the "aging" part.

The Gilchrists have made Fritzi's chest a continuing homage to pop music - many's the time I've gone searching and found lost treasures by doing a Web search for the obscure reference on her T-shirt - such as the aforementioned Wild Weeds. Go ahead click the link; I never heard of these guys, but now I really want to hear them.

IMHO, Fritzi has supplanted Vicki, the biker alter ego of Rose Gumbo, as the sexiest babe on the comic strip pages. And now she has an attic, too. Sigh! Why can't she be real? (Oww! I said I was kidding, Red ...)

UW's Attic #21: The Batman Band Blowout

Tue, 6 Feb 2007 01:55:00 GMT

In addition to assembling the six remaining tunes in my Batman songs collection for you, this episode debuts Mobile Uncle Warren, as I introduce the songs while driving to work and talking to my new digital recorder. I promise not to use it too often - unless you want me to!

The songs, by The Meriettes or The Bats, if you will:

"The Battiest Car Around"

"Here Comes the Batmobile"

"It's the Batman"

"Ho Ho Ho The Joker's Wild"

"The Wonderful Boy Wonder"

"Look Out It's the Batman"

And once again, warning: Listening to these songs all at once may make your brain explode. I won't take responsibility if you ignore this warning.

P.S. I forgot to mention during the show that the sound quality of "The Wonderful Boy Wonder" suffers because the record was actually manufactured off center, so as the song progresses it develops a bit of a wobble. Hey, I bought it for 49 cents ...

And thanks again to Red for another stellar cameo performance, this time as herself.

UW's Attic #20: The Top 40 Show

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:59:00 GMT

Fair warning: This one is different from everything that came before.

Everyone who has ever been on the radio has a dark place in their soul. Maybe it comes out on the full moon, maybe it comes out when they realize how silly life in general is ... but every so often they sneak off to that dark place and become ... a Top 40 DJ.

Recently, listening to tunes I'd downloaded from the Podsafe Music Network and Sub Pop Records, I found myself falling into that dark place, and before I realized what was happening ...

It was too late.

UNCLE WARREN'S ATTIC TOP 7

1. Rollin' - Maria Daines

2. Sin City - The Legendary Hucklebucks

3. Zen Hot Dog - The Sealed Weasels

[tie] The Dog Song - Piney Creek Weasels

5. Say I Love You - Ruby James

6. Atlantica - Speed Limit 35

7. The Ghost of an Unkissed Kisses - Trembling Blue Stars

UPDATE: I can't believe I forgot to acknowledge the contributions of my partner, Red, who makes her podcast debut in the roles of news reader Red Roberts (not her real name!) and Jeanie, Caller #15. Thanks, hon! It wouldn't be the same without you.

Guy & Brad Gilchrist are music lovers

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 21:53:00 GMT

Coming attractions

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:13:00 GMT

For the first time, I have a clear idea what the next two shows will be like. Browsing through the songs at the Podsafe Music Network the other night, I suddenly started imagining them in the context of an oldtime top 40 show. If it's as much fun as it sounded in my brain, UWA 20 will be a milestone. I'm working up sounders and jingles right now, and I'm trying to recruit Red for her podcast acting debut; watch for it in a few days. There should be good rockin' that night.

Then I got a listener suggestion that instead of trickling out the remaining tunes in my collection of records in the Batman series of kids' 45 rpm tunes, I do a "Batman band blowout" episode. It has a certain appeal. He also let me know the songs were once collected in an album and the band has a real name: The Merriettes. They're not credited on the 45s. At the moment, I'm slating that one for UWA 21. But I have to admit, these little tunes are easier to take one at a time. When I digitized the remaining six tunes in one sitting, my brain exploded. I may yet chicken out on this idea.

UW's Attic #19: Historic sounds

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:48:00 GMT

This show ended up revolving around sounds that you don't hear much anymore: A telephone ringing, an electric typewriter, a steam engine. Along the way, as always, we unearth a few tunes.

The centerpiece - or the longest piece - is a 1993-ish radio report I did about the Milwaukee Road 261's visit to Green Bay. This magnificent steam engine was restored to its original working condition, and capturing its sounds was one of the highlights of my halcyon radio days.

Musical entries are "Hobo Bill's Last Ride," a 1930 recording by Jimmie Rodgers you can find at the Internet Archives ... "North of Milwaukee, South of Green Bay" by Big City Bob and the Ballroom Gliders. A Web search will land you a guy named Big City Bob, but this record seems to predate the contemporary Bob's musical activity ... "Sweet Patunia" by Willie Jones a k a Will Baker, a 1927 recording for which precious little info is "out there."

'America, where are you now'

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:31:00 GMT

My friend B.W. Richardson put down some good thoughts this morning about the classic Steppenwolf album "Monster." Now, my mind doesn't often go straight to Steppenwolf when I think about my favorite rock bands, but its stuff has weathered time well. "Monster," in particular, seemed to be outdated at one point in recent history, but revisiting it now, it may be more relevant than ever.

I sometimes forget that the first rock concert I ever attended was a Steppenwolf date. The memories are faded - I remember John Kay with his sunglasses - the fascinating instrument the guitarist put in his mouth that allowed his guitar to talk, literally - and something that you're not allowed to see anymore: a smoky haze over the whole auditorium. That last fact is indicative of why "Monster" is still a song for our times.

Eek! Where'd everybody go?

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:46:00 GMT

According to the stat machine, there's been a precipitous drop in the number of people downloading the show. This is what Dave Slusher must have meant when he said the true measure of a podcaster is what he would do when almost no one is listening: If he quits then, he wasn't in it for the right reasons. (I'm paraphrasing.)

Well, I'm doing this because it's just too darn fun. Maybe a poddy audience is like the proverbial bar of soap: If you try to hold it too tight, it slips away. Maybe I've been thinking too hard about how to keep the audience happy, when what made the audience happy in the first place was I was just having fun poking around in my attic. As long as most of you are gone, maybe I'll just throw what makes me happy into the next show.

Of course, the other possibility is that the stat machine is malfunctioning again and the audience is bigger than ever ... in which case, talk amongst yourselves and ignore this note.

UPDATE: OK, now I'm sure it's a malfunction. The counter hasn't changed for three days, and I've been getting comments from people who've downloaded the show within the last three days. Yippee! You still like me! You really like me! (Down, Sally.)

Uncle Warren's Attic #18: Fond memories

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 23:28:00 GMT

... of working in radio, covering the news and Studebakers are interspersed with some tasty music by Los Gallos, the Young Iroquois Drummers, Paul Whiteman and Melanie Lewis (pictured). The exact set list goes like this:

"Amor Prohibido," Los Gallos (from the Podsafe Music Network)

"Honor Song," Young Iroquois Drummers of the Oneida Nation, from UW's personal stash of tapes from his radio news career

Thoughts about radio and podcasting from Dave Slusher of the Evil Genius Chronicles, via the Podcast & Portable Music Expo

"Anything Goes," Paul Whiteman & his Orchestra, from the Internet Archive

"Satisfy Me," Melanie Lewis (from PMN)

"Golden Hawk," w.p. bluhm (from the forthcoming album "Songs From The Attic")

Enjoy!

UW's Attic #17: Hurry up

Sun, 7 Jan 2007 22:16:00 GMT

New music, live music, old music and a peek inside Spider-Man comics. What more could you ask for? It's UWA 17!

The musical features: The opening salvo of "Rama Lama Ding Dong" by The Edsels ... a brand-new version of "Hanky Panky" by The Vultures ... a smidgen of "Smile" by The Beach Boys ... the old chestnut "Gee" by The Crows ... the enigmatic "Double-Double: A Waltz for Voice" by Uncle Seth ... the psychedelic pop nugget "Sunday Girl"* by The Telling Eye ... and Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" by Greensky Bluegrass. And a couple of other surprises.

* On the show I identify it as "Sunday's Girl," but there is no apostrophe-s in the song title. I also didn't realize until later it's a cover of a Blondie song - a very good song, I might add.

Sources include the Podsafe Music Network and the Internet Archive.

Everything Aileen

Wed, 3 Jan 2007 08:31:00 GMT

I haven't been able to get that Billy Murray-Aileen Stanley song out of my head, so I went Googling for Aileen this morning and found this comprehensive review of her life. I'm drinking up the available recordings, so don't surprised if she turns up on the show sometime soon.

If you enjoyed "Keep Your Skirts Down, Mary Ann," make sure you check out "Bridget O'Flynn" at the bottom of the Jazz Age link!

UW's Attic #16: New Year's Rockin' Attic

Tue, 2 Jan 2007 03:18:00 GMT

Celebrating 2007 and the spirit of freedom with nifty stuff from 1922 to the present day! The show is peppered with moments from the classic James Stewart vehicle Shenandoah, which should be mandatory viewing for kids of all ages.

The picture of Hemi the cat in the sink has nothing to do with this show; I just think it's cute. Hemi occasionally drapes his body over my left arm and falls asleep while I'm typing, so he's kind of a silent partner to the podcast.

Courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network comes Rockosaurus Rex with "Auld Lang Syne," the only way to start the new year, says I.

After a Marines recruiting ad from Lefty Frizzell, we welcome back Billy Murray and Aileen Stanley, who spiced up UWA #3 with their rendition of "Keep Your Skirts Down, Mary Ann." This time around they perform a piece I found at the Internet Archive called "I'll Stand Beneath Your Window Tonight and Whistle." All that whistling inspired me to follow it up with a vintage excerpt from Lux Radio Theater; I bet you can guess what it is!

"I Wonder How You're Doing" is a song I wrote and recorded at home in 1985; it becomes the latest Uncle Warren project to be hauled out of the attic and shared with the world.

Then it's back to the present day for Jonathan Coulton's wonderful a cappella tune, "When You Go," and a brand-new piece by Los Gallos called "Free the People" - a terrific sentiment to start the new year with, says I.

After an ad for the new Sunday edition of Newsday, we close out with Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter doing his song "Where Did You Sleep Last Night," perhaps best known as the piece that Kurt Cobain made his own when Nirvana played MTV's "Unplugged."

All this and 22 seconds of Firefly, too - what are you waiting for? Download the darn thing!

Uncle Warren's Attic #15: Podsafe heaven

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:54:00 GMT

My little attic studio is still under reconstruction, so nothing from my collection this time, but lots from the Podsafe Music Network!

"The Awful Green Things from Outer Space," Clouseaux

"Joy," Michael Lucklow

"Married a Magician," Dust Poets

"Betty," The Lascivious Biddies

"Loopy" (GarageBand experiment), w.p. bluhm

"Rocking Harder," Lee Rocker

"WNBC," Gentlemen's Gun Club

Back to something resembling normal next time - in the meantime, Happy New Year and see ya soon!

Those incessant carols ...

Mon, 25 Dec 2006 04:18:00 GMT

It seems there are only about 20 Christmas songs, and they get repeated in endless permutations for six weeks. "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and the other 16 songs seem to have been recorded by every artist on Earth, and several times each.

But still ...

Today in church "Silent Night" reminded me of the glisten in my mom's eyes when she heard it sung ... by anyone.

And "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria, in excelsis deo" brought me back 23 years to the time a children's choir, string quartet and the adult choir sent my heart soaring and converted "Angels We Have Heard On High" from an also-ran into my favorite Christmas carol.

When the aches and pains of the years have healed or at least faded, the sweet memories remain. The familiar carols carry us back to happier times, comfort food for the soul.

Merry Christmas and/or any other holiday greeting you prefer!

UW Attic 14 - The Christmas Show

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 02:44:00 GMT

A new era begins in Uncle Warren's life as he produces his first GarageBand podcast. Bert, what do you know about that? Merrrrry Christmas!!!!

This is an odd one, because the musical selections are either from 78 rpm records or .mp3s - there's no in-between. Among the gems here:

"Joy to the World," Robert Shaw Chorale

"March" from "The Nutcracker Suite," Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy.

"Chiron Beta Prime," Jonathan Coulton

"The Cherry Tree Carol," Robert Shaw Chorale

"Twelve Days of Christmas," Robert Shaw Chorale

UW's Christmas memories, music "The First Noel," Mario Ajero
a nifty piece I found at the Podsafe Music Network

"Podsafe Christmas Song," Jonathan Coulton

UPDATE: Whoops! I forgot to mention Orson Welles and Lionel Barrymore from the 1939 radio performance of "A Christmas Carol"

"Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," Philly Orchestra

As I say in the podcast, this show is to celebrate the holiday season. If youÃÂÃÂÂÃÂÂre celebrating something besides Christmas, Happy Hannukah, or Merry Solstice, Awesome Kwanzaa - whatever greeting you prefer, consider yourself greeted. Pour out a glass of milk, grab some cookies, and settle in!

Are you kidding me?

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 02:07:00 GMT

I started trying to figure out how to produce a podcast using the GarageBand and iTunes software on my new iMac - my Christmas present to myself - and as often happens when I work with Macintosh stuff, I am overwhelmed with how downright easy it is.

My original plan was to record the UWA Christmas show the same as the first 13: Tape it on my trusty old reel-to-reel recorder, dub it to CD, and convert it to .mp3 on the sturdy old Windows 98 machine. That was based on the thought that I probably couldn't figure out a new program (GarageBand) quickly enough to do the Christmas Show justice.

My new plan is to use my new toy. I just love it! Why doesn't everybody own a Mac?

Uncle Warry's new toy

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:17:00 GMT

Well, this site is now powered by a lovely new iMac. I thought about it and researched for a very long time before pulling the trigger the other day. I'm still in the process of transferring files from one place to t'other, taking the software for a test drive and such.

This means at some point I'll be able to record the show directly on GarageBand without the intermediate steps of assembling it on the old Pioneer RT-707 reel-to-reel recorder and dubbing it onto a CD-RW, then walking it over to the computer to transform it into an .mp3. Whether that will improve your appreciation of my ancient recordings, or suck the analog joy completely out of the equation, remains to be seen.

I haven't started putting the Christmas show together yet, but I'd better get started before next Monday, hadn't I? Stay tuned! And/or stay subscribed!

Uncle Warren's Attic #13: The War Prayer

Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:22:00 GMT

Toss out the script and grab that guitar - it's Uncle Warren unplugged to start the night with (once more) "Seems Like Old Times."

After a word from our sponsor, we make a quick visit to the Evil Genius Chronicles to talk about podcasting for a spell.

Our first musical guests are Josh White, singing "Take a Gal Like You," and Josh White Jr. with "If I Knew Then."

Then let's gather around for a reading of Mark Twain's famous story "The War Prayer," written in 1905 but not printed until 1923.

While we're in the '20s, it's Paul Whiteman with the slightly naughty "Last Night on the Back Porch."

And after an important word from Johnson Wax, Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra, with help from the Pied Pipers, Connie Haines and a young man named Sinatra, bring us our musical finale, "Snootie Little Cutie."

Enjoy!

Evil Genius Chronicles

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:08:00 GMT

I've just discovered what, to me, is a new podcast - the Evil Genius Chronicles. Dave Slusher has actually done 191 episodes of his show, and while I can't yet speak for the first 190, I was extremely impressed by #191, which you can download here.

In addition to great tunes from Sufjan Stevens and Michelle Malone, the show has a number of interesting clips from other podcasts tied together with musings by Slusher about new media and the nature of art and creativity. How interesting? It influenced the way I think about Uncle Warren's Attic, in ways that likely will become apparent almost immediately.

I can't recommend the Evil Genius Chronicles highly enough - at least #191.

UPDATE: Whoops! I was sending you to the wrong link when you clicked on "Evil Genius Chronicles." Try it now. Sorry!!!

Uncle Warren's Attic #12: What a world

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 01:06:00 GMT

What it is:

Excerpt from radio dramatization of It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed

Theme: "Seems Like Old Times," w.p. bluhm

A plug for the new Uncle Warren's Attic a-store

"Tip Toe Through the Tulips," Johnny Marvin (pictured)

A collage from the CD A Guitar's Carol by Keith L. Cooper

"Toastin' Marshmallows," Judy, Johnny & Billy (1959)

Vintage radio ad: Spry

"Melting," w.p. bluhm

"There Goes Robin" by "the Batman band." On the show I say this is the song that taught me the words pugilist and philanthropist, but when I listened again I see I misremembered. The mighty Robin is not described as a philanthropist in the song.

Coming soon: The "first annual" Uncle Warren Christmas Show.

Soft opening

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 05:01:00 GMT

So that you can browse and shop in time for Christmas, here's the work in progress known as the Uncle Warren's Attic astore.

Uncle Warren's Attic #11: Spigot lines

Tue, 5 Dec 2006 12:52:00 GMT

Odd that DVD troubles would delay an audio podcast, but that's what happened - I finally decided to go on with the show despite a pesky machine that only played half of the movie clips I wanted to use to explain "spigot lines," those miraculous movie moments when someone turns the spigot on your tear ducts. Musical moments:

New theme: "Seems Like Old Times," w.p. bluhm

"The Christmas Song," King Cole Trio, off an authentic 78 rpm record.

"Riders in the Sky," Spike Jones

"The Day John Glenn Came Home," Fifi Barton

Watch for "Uncle Warren's Attic," the astore, coming to a Web site near you, hopefully in time for Christmas!

A new Christmas voice

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 12:26:00 GMT

I played you a piece by guitarist Keith Cooper back in Uncle Warren's Attic #3. Now he's put together a CD called "A Guitar's Carol," which has 11 wonderful tracks, ranging from amazing solo efforts on "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "We Three Kings of Orient Are" to festive arrangements of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" to an atmospheric rendering of "Carol of the Birds." It's the best new Christmas music I've heard in a long time.

It's only available now in "pre-release" form, as an insert to a Christmas card that's available only at Keith's concerts (we saw him over the weekend) and over the Web. You absolutely should check it out.

La de da, la de da, talk amongst yourselves ...

Sat, 2 Dec 2006 05:43:00 GMT

It figures, after I bragged about my amazingly retro equipment last week, that my amazingly retro equipment would start rebelling as I attempt to throw together UWA #11. I believe it's in the category of temporary setbacks, but it's a tad irritating nonetheless. But never fear, the problem is not in your set, we'll be up and at 'em in no time ...

UW's Attic 10: No Man is a Pizza

wpbluhm@netnet.net — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:01:00 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving! This episode contains:

A scene from March of the Wooden Soldiers

"Perry Shriner: Court-Appointed Lawyer" from the National Lampoon Radio Hour, Nov. 2, 1974

"How Do You Do, Mr. Sponsor" - unidentified jingle

"Hot Pretzels" - The Glahe Musette Orchestra

"Der Froehliche Wanderer" - Obenkircher Children's Choir

"At the Ball, That's All" - Sons of the Pioneers

Daughtry rocks

wpbluhm@netnet.net — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:46:00 GMT

I made a good on a promise Tuesday. It wasn't a big promise, but it was.

Last winter Red and I were watching the early stages of the annual "American Idol" competition when I sat up and took notice of a young man who was helping his lady raise her two kids. She wept with gratitude about how the man was willingly giving up his dream of doing something with his music, in order to take care of her and her children in a more "practical" way.

It was a sweet story of sacrifice, typical of the heart-tugging tales that make the show so appealing - until he began to sing. Nothing typical about that voice, a powerful rock and roll voice dripping with passion.

"That guy's going to win," I said to Red. "And I can't wait to buy his album." This was the beginning of the competition, where they cull out the best 200 or 300 or however many it is who are "going to Hollywood, baby." But from the moment I heard that story and heard him sing, I expected Chris Daughtry to win.

Every week the guy was head and shoulders the best performer on the show - not the flashiest or the prettiest, just the one who left everything he had on stage, just the one who kept me coming back to watch and to listen. From the buzz around the show, I wasn't alone. Even the judges started saying they couldn't wait to buy his album.

Daughtry is the best rock voice I've heard in five (!) years of on-and-off viewing of "Idol." Maybe that's what happened - they're looking for a pop music icon, not a rocker.

When he was eliminated four spots from the end, Red and I looked at each other in shock. In hindsight, it probably was a blessing. Judging from past entries by "Idol" winners, I can't imagine winner Taylor Hicks being able to turn in an album as free-wheeling and passionate as "Daughtry," the album that came out Tuesday. The "Idol" machine just likes its idols to be more polished and predictable than this.

Turns out Daughtry's a pretty good writer, too - his name is in the credits on 10 of the 12 songs. First impression: Not disappointed. Very tasty, hard-driving, passionate rock, just what you'd think he'd deliver with his new band. In his acknowledgements he thanks his wife, Deanna, for her support, and tells her and the kids how much he loves them.

He also begins by saying, "I'd like to thank God for the gift of music and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for being the greatest example of love I know." Huh. Now that I didn't expect, but I guess I'm not surprised. He never preached a word, except in the way he loved his family.

Yeah. I bought his album the day it came out. Had to. Needed to. I promised.

Uncle Warren's Attic Number Nine

wpbluhm@netnet.net — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 02:40:00 GMT

After opening with a blip from the immortal "Revolution 9," we revisit the Beatles mono vs. stereo phenomenon with the near-breakdown that made it onto the official stereo version of "Please Please Me." Then it's on to Uncle Warren's homage to "Revolution 9," a little number called "I Can't Do That."

Next up, John Kongos' tender ballad "Tomorrow I'll Go," not from his cult classic album Kongos but from an earlier album called Confusions About A Goldfish. Then, after a vintage ad for the new RCA Victor 45 rpm music system, it's time for the centerpiece of this visit to the Attic.

Jean Shepherd is best known as the author/narrator of the wonderful 1983 movie A Christmas Story, but from 1957 to 1976 he was a fixture on WOR radio, New York, where he established himself as (IMHO) the best storyteller in radio history. Here he gives a dramatic recitation of "The Face Upon the Barroom Floor," an 1887 poem by Hugh Antoine d'Arcy, illustrative of how his show was a fantastically eclectic mix of stuff that we'll no doubt share in future episodes. For now, your best bets in learning and hearing more from Shep are FlickLives.com and the Shep Archives.

After a complete left turn to bring you an unforgettable moment from Gammera the Invincible, we close with a lovely tune called "Whatever Happened" by Lazarus, a very fine folk band from the 1970s.

Technical note: You may notice (but hopefully not) a drop-off in audio quality this week - a few hiccups occurred on the way to converting the analog tape recording into an .mp3. But on a show that likes to keep the wear and tear of old recordings intact, it should not inhibit your enjoyment of the ride.

I've got nothing to say but it's OK

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 13:08:00 GMT

If I've piqued your interest about the mono versus stereo versions of Sgt. Pepper, there are a few places out there where it's all documented. Here's a good one.

A new place to stay

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:40:00 GMT

I'm still not completely "at home" with the Liberated Syndication blog software, but it has a huge advantage over Blogger - I haven't figured out how to attach an .mp3 player to the blogspot page. So I'm moving unclewarrensattic.com over to libsyn for people who'd rather just listen to the show than download it, but I'm keeping unclewarrensattic.blogspot.com for the time being for folks who like the pictures. Wherever you find it, the show is the same. Enjoy!

Uncle Warren's Attic #8

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:23:00 GMT

Another Sunday night visit - I may be back Wednesday again, but let's enjoy this trip first. The long-awaited Sgt. Pepper tracks, Lonnie Donegan, Leadbelly, Connie Francis, Wilfred Glenn and Glenn Miller all are part of this trip - oh, and hey, hey, it's a radio ad from the Sixties, too.

Sorry the show notes are a little sparse today - I'll try to fill them out as the week wears on.

Uncle Warren's Attic #7: Things Are Looking Up

Mon, 6 Nov 2006 04:07:00 GMT

For a time I thought we'd never get this show going again, but here 'tis, the seventh edition of Uncle Warren's Attic. Just in time for Election Day, we have some deep thoughts about freedom from William Wallace, V and Malcolm Reynolds sprinkled among some fun old tunes, mostly from the 1960s and 70s this time. And even a couple of memorable moments from the so-bad-it's-good classic "The Creature with the Atom Brain." And you might want to try a drinking game: Take a shot of your favorite beverage every time I say "Anyway." Just don't drive afterwards, unless your favorite beverage is Pepsi.

The musical features: From U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd's immortal album, "Mountain Fiddler," the confessional "Rye Whiskey."

The return of The Morgan Brothers, central Wisconsin's tastiest 1970s bluegrass band, and their take on "As Tears Go By."

It wasn't exactly the hula hoop, but at least the 1960s 10-minute craze the "Jingle Jump" had a catchy, er, jingle.

According to the record collectors newspaper Discoveries, "No Vacancy" is just about the only song Neil Sedaka released on vinyl that hasn't been collected on CD yet ... It reminds me a little of "Splish Splash," the Bobby Darin hit from the same general era.

Reminiscing about Neil Sedaka's multi-tracked tunes gives me a chance to segue into one of my own little efforts, "Sha-la-la-la-la-la."

And finally, the late, great, underappreciated Judee Sill with "Things Are Looking Up," one of the unfinished tracks from her never-completed third album. You really, really have to hear Judee Sill's stuff.

Thanks for your patience, and enjoy UWA #7! See ya again soon.

Please stand by

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 12:03:00 GMT

Something went kerflooey with the file when I tried uploading the next edition of "Uncle Warren's Attic" Wednesday night. I don't have the time to try it again this morning, so I will work on the problem Thursday night. Meantime, talk amongst yourselves, play a game of Scrabble, and watch this space for another exciting episode of UWA. Humble apologies.

Uncle Warren's Attic #6

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 03:06:00 GMT

In this special edition of UWA:
Flying Saucer, Part 1 - Buchanan and Goodman
Not to Return - Randy Bachman
Any Road - George Harrison
I Don't Want to Know - The Donnas
Joe - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
The Rollicking Man From Mars - Scotty MacGregor
Flying Saucer, Part 2 - Buchanan and Goodman

Uncle Warren's Attic #5

wpbluhm@netnet.net — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:33:00 GMT

"Nothing came at all, I just got stuck on these two chords and a phrase ..."
I had a lot of fun putting this one together - thanks for coming by for a visit! Oh, and you need this link for sure to order a few pounds of Sunni's caramels: SunniMaravillosa.com
I was a huge New York Mets fan growing up. Not so much nowadays - I didn't watch any of the recent games when they came within a game of the World Series - but as a kid I was nuts about 'em. The 1969 World Series was one of the great highlights of my kid-dom. So I shouldn't have been surprised when I remembered all the words to the "Meet the Mets" theme that started out all their radio broadcasts back then. For all I know, it still does. Haven't been out there to listen for a while.
I don't know why I decided to share the beer sounds with you. It was an impulse. It adds to the show's atmosphere, though, don't ya think?
While on the subject of my childhood, I also loved comic books, which is how the Batman records got into my attic. The songs were somewhat disappointing, as you'll no doubt hear, but the packaging was pretty nifty and well worth the 49 cents each (I think this was before the New Jersey sales tax was invented, too! so it wasn't 52 or 53 cents, it was what the label said: 49 cents.) It was tough picking out which song to inflict on you, but "The Joker Gets Trumped" won out.
Reminiscing about my childhood morphs into discussion of caramels, with a hearty recommendation from your humble host.
This week's foray into the mid 20th century brings us Nat Gonella and his New Georgians with an infectious tune called "I'se a Muggin'" - I figured you might need another infectious tune to get "The Joker Gets Trumped" out of your head. Gonella's has the advantage of being a tasty jazz recording.
After a brief interlude, we move into the tale of how "Wanting to Live Forever" was composed. "WTLF" is the true story of a morning in January 1986 when I sat down with my guitar with a goal to write a new song, got stuck on two chords, and found myself wondering what the point was. As I wrote, I ended up with some words of encouragement for anyone who ever wonders why they're following whatever dream they're pursuing.
Once again Kirsten contributes a valuable piece of the podcast - thanks! - when I mentioned the other day I wasn't sure which version of "Wanting to Live Forever" I was going to play - the 1986 recording, which I made about four months after writing it, or the new version I'm just polishing now, she wrote, "I'd like to hear both." Why not? It means postponing a bit from the National Lampoon Radio Hour for a couple of weeks, but it was fun to spend time talking about the creative process and sharing the evolution of a song I'm kind of proud of. I hope you like it. Next week should be a fun one - y'all come back now, here?
Download .mp3

Uncle Warren's Attic #4

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 20:06:00 GMT

Show notes at UncleWarrensAttic.com.

Uncle Warren's Attic #3

Fri, 6 Oct 2006 04:22:00 GMT

Show notes are at unclewarrensattic.com.

Uncle Warren's Attic #2

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 18:47:00 GMT

Another episode of my new podcast while we wait for B.W. to finish writing ... Warren

"The Cliff," by Warren Bluhm
Theme, "Not to Return," Randy Bachman
1966 ad: Palisades Park
Pet Peeve: The mangling of "Devil with a Blue Dress"
"Happy Talk," w.p. bluhm
"Toot Toot Tootsie," Arthur Lange's Orchestra
"Two for the Road," The Morgan Brothers
"Branded" TV theme

Nice folks mentioned on the show: Wally Conger and Sunni Maravillosa.

Uncle Warren's Attic #1 ("pilot episode")

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:06:00 GMT

Hi folks, Warren Bluhm here -- while waiting for The Imaginary Lover "This time fer sure, Rocky" edition, I sat down to tinker with the tape recorder and came up with a "test" version of Uncle Warren's Attic, a little podcast that shares stuff I've accumulated in my lifetime as a packrat. If you like it, I'll do more. In fact, I'll probably keep trying until I come up with something you do like, either here or at its own site.

Stuff I've packed into this trial run:
Take 1 - Take 2 - Take 3
Theme: "Not to Return," Randy Bachman
An update on plans for The Imaginary Lover
Vintage ad for Miller High Life
"Harmonica Player," John Sebastian
Alternate fadeout of "God Only Knows," The Beach Boys
"There's Nothing Else to Say," The Incredibles
"First Date," w.p. bluhm
Vintage ad for Blue Coal

If you like the show, let me know by e-mailing me at wpbluhm@netnet.net or just click on "Comment." Thanks!

The Imaginary Lover #1.5: We interrupt this program ....

Mon, 4 Sep 2006 04:13:00 GMT

There are two things you can do when you see a train wreck about to happen. In real life, you just kind of watch in fascination and wish there was something you could do to stop it, knowing you're helpless.

But when you're an author and the train wreck is going to happen to your beloved characters, you can turn into Superman, throw yourself in front of the train and stop the durn-fangled wreck from happening.

Here's what happened: Warren Bluhm and I promised Chapter 1 of The Imaginary Lover, the second story of The Imaginary Age, would appear in a podcast Sept. 1. We did it. No sweat, really. I was cheerfully rolling along writing subsequent episodes when I spotted the oncoming train.

This is a very nifty story about the three unlikely heroes of The I-Bomb and how they help their friend Snooky when her bar becomes the acquisition target of some unsavory characters. But just as I reached the place where I hit writer's block when I first wrote the story 15 years or so ago, I realized why I hit that roadblock: There's a better story that could be told starting with the same premise.

Options: 1. Tell Warren to keep on telling the story as I first wrote it, and switch gears at an appropriate spot in the action. Or 2. Put the podcast on hiatus and start revising the story from scratch.

As you know, at first we picked Option 1, and the plan was that I was going to keep writing on the fly. It actually sounded like fun, trying to finish the novel while the early chapters were being released a day at a time. The reason this quickly started looking like an oncoming train wreck is that as I fleshed out the new scenarios, I saw ways that I should be setting the stage way back in those early chapters. Warren thought we could get around that by simply explaining that the podcast will be kind of a "first draft" but on second thought I think you, the reader/listener, deserve the polished draft, not a half-baked early stab at it.

So, quicker than some maniac Fox executive, we're canceling the show, pulling the plug, so that I can have the luxury of working this little tale out the way it deserves to be worked out. I owe no less to my good friends Bob, Pete, Baxter, Snooky and Eddie.

Wait a frickin' minute, you ask - who's Eddie?

Hee hee hee. I'll let you know in a few weeks.

-- B.W. Richardson
12:01 a.m., 9/4/2006

The Imaginary Lover #1

Fri, 1 Sep 2006 04:01:00 GMT

Chapter 1. The players. George Hermann bats in the bottom of the ninth with the Series on the line. Bob Whelan buys a gun.

Well, here we are again, folks. I'm Warren Bluhm serving as the voice of the very shy B.W. Richardson, author of The Imaginary Bomb and now its sequel, The Imaginary Lover. I have two interesting and potentially exciting facts to share with you before we leap into the action.

First, this sequel was begun shortly after The I-Bomb was completed back in the late 1980s. If you've joined us before, you know that B.W. shopped the book around a little bit and then put it in a box for about 18 years. Only with the advent of the Internet and podcasting, which allowed us to tell the story without convincing a publisher to print it first, did the world of imaginary physics finally see the light of day.

But because the sequel was only half-completed, that means the finished story will bear the distinctive mark of present-day B.W. Richardson. His modesty prevents me from suggesting what that means, but at the very least it means we might expect a bit of a statement about liberty, and courage in the face of tyranny, themes that The Imaginary Bomb only hinted at.

The other interesting and potentially exciting fact to share is that, as we begin the podcast, The Imaginary Lover is not complete. He's been working on and off all summer, but B.W. is still moving through the middle and late chapters as of the start of recording. That very likely means there will be some revisions of the early chapters when the story makes it into print someday, to smooth out continuity and insert some foreshadowing. It also means this will be a fresh and somewhat raw experience - I half suspect that B.W. will be ripping pages off the printer and handing them to me as we record Chapters 11 and beyond. But we'll cross those bridges when we get to them.

Wildflower Man: A Short Story by Warren Bluhm

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 14:14:00 GMT

While waiting for The Imaginary Bomb II or whatever it's to be called, here's a gentle little story I wrote about the power of a free man. No production values, no music, first take, no edits, and even some jostling around the wires by Speedbump the kitten. I hope you like it.

A small but ambitious announcement

Wed, 9 Aug 2006 13:29:00 GMT

"The bar! Youâve got an answer about the bar!"

"Yes, sir," said the man who had tapped George on the shoulder. "But Iâm afraid itâs still bad news. She absolutely, positively refuses to sell."

The jagged scar under George Hermannâs mouth twitched. "Youâre kidding me. How could a trailer-trash barmaid refuse that much money?"

It was a rhetorical question, but the messenger wasnât bright enough to catch that. "She told our people to stick the money where the sun donât shine -- um, doesnât shine -- and had her bouncer escort them to the door. So you see, we have a little bit of a problem."

"Itâs no problem at all," George Hermann said as he accepted a towel from the other, silent man. "Send one more, especially persuasive salesperson. And if that still doesnât do the trick," he added with a wink, "have her killed."

* * * * *

I'm still typing furiously and barely 20 percent finished, but here's the deal: The first chapter of sequel to The Imaginary Bomb, tentatively titled The Imaginary Lover, will debut Sept. 1, 2006. Same setup as last time: Words by B.W. Richardson, voice and music by Warren Bluhm. It'll be available at the I-Bomb site, where other surprising aural pleasures may be forthcoming before that date.

This is probably going to be an interesting fall for me and Warren. But patience, my friends. These things must be done delicately ...

The Complete I-Bomb

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 12:31:00 GMT

Now that the story is completed, here's a handy-dandy place to get all of the episodes from the beginning ... and keep your ears open for future announcements!

Imaginary Bomb #12: Chapter 27

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:00:00 GMT

Chapter 27. Parting shots and new beginnings. The guys wrap things up, hint at sequel possibilities and head off to buy a drink.

Hang around after the story concludes for some random announcements and a lovely parting gift. It's been a fun ride and we sure hope you enjoyed it. Check back here for future announcements about The Imaginary Bomb and B.W. Richardson's Imaginary Age. And, if you're subscribed, stay subscribed; your podcatcher just may surprise you someday soon.

Keep up with your author:
Montag by B.W. Richardson
Send e-mail to bwrmontag@yahoo.com

... and your narrator and podcast producer:
Green Bay Free Radical by Warren Bluhm
Send e-mail to wpbluhm@netnet.net

Imaginary Bomb #11: Chapter 26

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 23:18:00 GMT

Chapter 26: The power of the imaginary bomb. In which we get a detailed look at what happens if you set off one of these puppies.

Author's note: When I started writing The Imaginary Bomb, I had two little scraps of words. First, I had an opening sentence, "The ship was rushing through space at twice the speed of imagination." I started fleshing out in my mind what that first sentence could mean, and I thought about moving spaceships through the use of "imaginary physics," that is, vessels operating by imagination as a power source. When I thought about how through history, new technology has usually been converted into weaponry, I realized I had my title and a hazard for my heroes: The Imaginary Bomb. Finally, I started thinking about what an imaginary bomb could do, and what came to mind eventually became the last paragraph of Chapter 26. Writing the story, then, became an exercise in linking the first sentence to that paragraph. Out of that exercise sprang Bob Whelan, Pete Wong, Linda Franco and Walter, Lt. Joshua True and, last but certainly not least, Baxter Hetznecker. I hope you've had as much fun hearing about their adventure as I did when they first jumped out of my keyboard. -- B.W. Richardson

Here are links to the two Web sites mentioned in the closing remarks:
Out of Step - Wally Conger (and his review of The I-Bomb)
Sunni Maravillosa and the Conspirators

And be here again Wednesday night for the final chapter, a few random announcements and a lovely parting gift.

Imaginary Bomb #10: Chapter 25

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:13:00 GMT

The chapters tonight and tomorrow night take us to where our little adventure has been moving all along!

Chapter 25: Surprise within a surprise. The final showdown leads to the final countdown.

Stay tuned after Wednesday night's last chapter for news and thoughts about where your author and your humble podcast producer go from here.

To vote for The Imaginary Bomb at Podcast Alley, visit here and click on "Vote Now!" You're allowed one vote per month. Thanks!!

Imaginary Bomb #9: Chapter 24

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 15:24:00 GMT

Chapter 24. Meanwhile, back at the Quonset ... It's a standoff! Bryzynski's mercenaries are holed up with Linda and an ImagCorp employee named Dave in the military room at the company's Lunar Research Center, surrounded by a Special Forces team led by Lt. Joshua True. They've armed the imaginary bomb to detonate in 100 seconds when Bryzynski gives the command or is killed. All this has happened while Bob Whelan and PeteWong were tied up (loosely) with one armed guard at the mercenaries' Quonset hut headquarters.

Imaginary Bomb #8: Chapter 23

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 00:11:00 GMT

The opening of today's show features special guest Pumpkin the Speedbump, who readers of my blog will recognize as Speedbump from last weekend. This is his world podcast debut.

Chapter 23. The bomb. Linda, Walter and Todd reach the room where the imaginary bomb software is stored, and Manuel Bryzynski's mercenary band interrupts with dire results.

Change of Plans - Imaginary Bomb Chapter 22

Sat, 8 Jul 2006 04:22:00 GMT

Surprise announcement: Instead of six chapters in one day, we're going to give you one chapter a day for six days! Details in the show.

Chapter 22. Martyrs. Linda, Walter and Todd reach the room where the imaginary bomb is stored. People start dying.

Thanks for your patience

Tue, 4 Jul 2006 22:30:00 GMT

OK, I hedged my bet - remember I said the Imaginary Bomb finale would be available "on or around" July 4. It looks like it's going to be "around," not "on." Sorry, just had too much fun celebrating Independence Day with friends and family - but come back in a day or two and we'll have The Big Finish for you. Thanks! Warren

Imaginary Bomb #6: Chapters 19-21

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:34:00 GMT

In which we start rushing toward a conclusion to this little story.

Chapter 19: You can't tell the bad guys without a scorecard. An explanation for the surprise that concluded Chapter 18.

Chapter 20: The usual suspects. We meet the mastermind behind the surprise, and Major Strasser is shot.

Chapter 21: Desperate invasion. Linda, Walter, Todd and Matt enter the ImagCorp Research Center on the moon.

On or about July 4, the final six chapters will arrive in one big finale. You'll be amazed at how fireworks can be delivered so quietly and without fanfare. And after that - ?

The Imaginary Bomb #5: Chapters 16-18

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 18:40:00 GMT

Chapter 16: Assessing the options. Bob tries to enlist Baxter's help, and Linda offers an apology.

Chapter 17: Matt, Todd and Walter. Bob chats with the other two remaining members of Linda's gang, and has a conversation with Walter as the Betsy Ross approaches Earth.

Chapter 18: 12 seconds from home. Our stalwart crew drops Linda and company off on the moon, head for Seattle, and get one more surprise.

Watch for Chapters 19-21 in just a few days, followed by our grand finale - we'll be packaging the climactic six chapters in one big concluding episode.

On behalf of B.W. Richardson and myself, I want to thank you for hanging with us so far in our little adventure. If you're so inclined, please remember to vote for The Imaginary Bomb at Podcast Alley - you need to re-vote after the 1st of every month. Thanks!

The Imaginary Bomb #4: Chapters 10-15

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 19:54:00 GMT

We're back! And thanks for your patience during the hiatus caused by the unexpected death of Warren's mom. To show our appreciation for your hanging in there with us, I-Bomb #4 is packed with six (count 'em) chapters of adventure.

Chapter 10. An imaginary firefight. Baxter Hetznecker surprises Bob and Pete, who are tied up as a squad from Sirius faces off against Linda Franco's little team.

Chapter 11. Rushing through space. Part of Baxter's secret is revealed, and Bob has an intimate conversation with Linda. (Don't get yer hopes up; this isn't that kind of novel!)

Chapter 12. Quarreling over dinner etiquette. Linda discovers that the cargo ship Betsy Ross is not equipped to be vegetarian-friendly.

Chapter 13. Role-playing games. Bob and Pete are greeted, but not exactly welcomed, to Sirius 4.

Chapter 14. True confessions. Bob and Pete are interrogated by Lt. Joshua True, Special Forces. The plot thickens a bit.

Chapter 15. Linda can't get Sirius. It appears the roles of Bob Whelan and Pete Wong in this little adventure are finally coming to an end, but as you may recall, there are 27 chapters, so something must happen to get them back on the hook.

As the Imaginary Bomb podcast resumes, the rest of these recordings are dedicated to the memory of Hilda Bluhm, a sweet lady who was born Dec. 14, 1923, and died June 6, 2006. And thanks to everybody for understanding.

The Imaginary Bomb #3 - Chapters 7-9

Mon, 29 May 2006 17:59:00 GMT

Chapter 7. Off to Barnard's Star. In which our heroes set their sights on the planet BS-2, reminisce on Bob's past with Linda and speculate as to why Linda has abandoned a good job working for ImagCorp and taken to a life of thieving and killing.
Chapter 8. Linda. Docking at the Holo-LuYa Resort on BS-2, Bob and Pete drop Baxter off at the ImagCoaster, the hotel's imaginary roller coaster, and go to the cabin where they suspect Linda and her crew are quartered.
Chapter 9. Sirius Business. Their suspicions having proven correct, Bob and Pete finally find out what all the fuss is about, and then the conversation is rudely interrupted.

How can 20 minutes go by so quickly? When is Bluhm going to retrieve his once-smooth radio delivery? Will we really be back with Chapters 10-12 before next Monday? Only one way to find out, but first you have to download and catch up to Chapters 7-9! Have fun!

Good news and bad news

Sun, 28 May 2006 13:30:00 GMT

First, Chapters 7-9 might be a little delayed this week, and it's my fault. When I first wrote The Imaginary Bomb back in 1989, my views on certain subjects were a little different, and the story you're hearing now has been revised in a few ways - especially to clarify who's ultimately responsible for the mayhem that occurs here and there.

When he started working on this week's chapters, Warren found a few places where I should have made some of those revisions, so he placed them back in my hands to make those clarifications. Well, now he has a family thing out of town Sunday, and he might not be able to get Episode 3/Chapters 7-9 done by the end of the day Monday. But it'll get done!

Which leads us to the good news - it seems to us that waiting a whole week between episodes is a tad long, so we're going to step up production. Chapters 7-9 may not be ready by the end of the Memorial Day weekend, but Chapters 10-12 very likely will be ready before Monday, June 5, and Chapters 13-15 will definitely be out before Monday, June 12, etc. Our nine-week adventure is going to be quicker than the original plan, and we hope that meets with your approval!

-- B.W. Richardson

The Imaginary Bomb Chapters 4-6

Mon, 22 May 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Chapter 4. Oh, by the way. While we have a moment, here is a brief primer on the history and essential elements of imaginary physics. You'll finally understand the oldtime movie serial rocketship pictures!

Chapter 5. A small misunderstanding. Bob and Pete arrive on Proximi Centauri 3 and stop at Snooky's Tavern for a brew. Instead they have an encounter that will change their lives.

Chapter 6. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Does Baxter Hetznecker come along for the ride? That is the question. Say yes, OK? Please?

The Making of The Imaginary Bomb

Sun, 21 May 2006 16:19:00 GMT

Even by podcast standards, The Imaginary Bomb is not intended to be a slick, perfect production. It's a homemade project and, as such, I leave my share of stutters and clicks in there, although I'm trying to make them fewer and farther between. When episode 2 is posted later today, for example, you'll notice I don't own a filter that screens out popping P's. I'll try to be more careful starting with episode 3.

Part of the reason why the show sounds the way it does is that I don't own a fancy Garage Band system or even a computer that's less than five years old. And I use the type of equipment that I used for 22 years before I left the radio business 10 years ago: Analog stuff!

The main workhorses are a Pioneer RT-707 reel-to-reel tape deck that I bought new in 1977; a Radio Shack SSM-60 stereo sound mixer; and, for the voice processing, a Marantz PMD 740 mixing board and Yamaha EMP100 multi-effect processor that I got off eBay a couple of years ago. Now, folks who know what all those numbers mean know they're pretty cool toys, but this being my first podcast I'm just taking baby steps with this stuff so far.

Once it's all recorded, it's a simple matter to dub the whole shebang onto a CD and convert it to .mp3 on the Dell. In fact, there's probably a simpler way to do all of this, but I'm comfortable doing it this way, so what the hey.

-- Warren Bluhm

The McGuffin

Wed, 17 May 2006 14:43:00 GMT

The plot revolves around this thing. When I wrote the novel, it looked like a floppy, 5-inch-square piece of plastic. No doubt when they make the movie the technology will have evolved to something else. And when the events of the novel come true, it'll be a whole 'nother thing. But this is approximately what it looks like today.

-- B.W.

The Imaginary Bomb - Chapters 1-3

Mon, 15 May 2006 00:15:00 GMT

The Imaginary Bomb begins NOW!

I can't really explain the feeling when I heard Warren Bluhm's voice pronounce those words. This story has been sitting in a file in my basement for 18 years, enjoyed by the small handful who read it but not marketed especially well by me. Through the miracles of the Internet and podcasting and a little bit of encouragement from friends, it's finally out in the sunlight. I'm overwhelmed. But enough maudlin stuff. This first edition of the podcast features:

Chapter 1. An unfortunate incident. Cargo spaceship owner Bob Whelan and his co-pilot, Pete Wong, are doing their civic duty after their ship is commandeered for purposes of planetary security to transport an envelope containing ... something ... to Proximi Centauri 3. After an unfortunate, deadly incident, the envelope finds itself in the hands of ... someone else.

Chapter 2. Additional unexpected visitors. As Bob and Pete await a rescue from - oddly enough - a squad from Special Forces, they speculate as to the identity of the "someone else" who intercepted their ship. But nah, it can't be her.

Chapter 3. Intensely awkward moments. The commander of the Special Forces unit and Bob Whelan don't exactly become fast friends. And, of course, it's all because of her.

Tell us what you think, do the voting thing at Podcast Pickle and Podcast Alley, and help us get the word out about imaginary physics. Oh, and if you don't understand the reference to Scott Sigler in Warren's introduction, check this out. Chapters 4-6 should be up by Monday morning, May 22, at the latest. Thanks for checking us out!!!

-- B.W. Richardson

Life is what happens ...

Sat, 13 May 2006 02:11:00 GMT

... while you're busy making other plans.

Oh, the cute little teasers we had planned for this week.

* We were going to post a picture of a flash drive with a label marked "ig 5.0.1" and let you try to figure out what the heck that is.

* We were going to write little introductory essays explaining who B.W. Richardson and Warren Bluhm are.

* We were going to construct a third "trailer" to get you really psyched for Monday's debut episode of the podcast.

* In short, we were going to have daily updates designed to get you thinking and talking to your friends about this new podcast novel that everybody in their right mind oughtta be downloading.

Then the next thing we knew, it was Friday night. Where'd all that time go!?!?!?!

Keep checking back, though, just in case - especially Monday. If nothing else, we will definitely drop Chapters 1-3 of the iBomb into your hands on schedule. That's a Lord-willing-and-the-crick-don't-rise promise!

Podcast producer's note

Tue, 9 May 2006 02:43:00 GMT

Brian Richardson claims he was conceived to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, which means he was born no earlier than 1967, but every so often he comes out with a comment about the late 1960s and early '70s that could only be made by someone who was there, so I think he just likes the image that the first thing he heard as a zygote was the strains of "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times."

As a writer he's a little more brash than I am, but not excessively so, and we seem to see the universe through similar eyes, so it probably is natural that we'd collaborate on a project like this. As an incurable editor, I've suggested a tweak or two in the dialogue and some of the themes, but this is primarily the novel that Samantha heard on B.W.'s couch lo, these 18 years ago. It's hard to believe this nifty little story has been sitting in a box in B.W.'s basement all this time, but then again, I'm a born procrastinator, too, so I can imagine how it may have happened.

It's been nine years since last I played with recording equipment and reading out loud, so please forgive any awkward pauses or inexact edits. This is strictly a homemade production but hopefully won't sound too much like one.

The theme music is a recording I made back in 1982 of an instrumental I named "Shadazar" after Robert E. Howard's immortal city of decadence. I am a frustrated rock star who has all the tools needed for stardom except a voice, musical ability and a desire to sing in front of a crowd, but at least that hasn't stopped me from laying my little ditties down on tape, and now on CD. Someday maybe I'll put them out there for download and see if I can't make a few pennies. The opening and closing strains of The Imaginary Bomb podcast will be w.p. bluhm the musician's international debut.

As a frustrated writer myself - you should see the novels and short stories I hide under my own bushel baskets - I'm proud to help B.W. get his effort out to an audience. Maybe if this is a success, we'll follow up with some of my own work. But one step at a time. First let's get this spaceship fired up and ready to be hijacked by government agents who are transporting - oops, let's not get ahead of ourselves.

- Warren Bluhm

Imaginary Bomb Trailer #2

Sun, 7 May 2006 15:39:00 GMT

Another little teaser for the big show coming up May 15. Watch this space over the coming week for more info about "The Imaginary Bomb," B.W. Richardson, Warren Bluhm, imaginary physics in general, and maybe even Baxter Hetznecker.

Imaginary Bomb "trailer"

Mon, 1 May 2006 00:57:00 GMT

Testing .. Testing ... Is this on? Oh! Hello - Here is a little four-minute preview of what lies ahead in B.W. Richardson's "The Imaginary Bomb." Watch this space for more teasers and, starting May 15, our first podcast novel together!

- Warren Bluhm

Tenets of Imaginary Physics - and author's note

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:28:00 GMT

TENETS OF IMAGINARY PHYSICS:

1. The power of the imagination is unlimited.

2. Matter still can't be created or destroyed.

3. What's done is done.

It's funny how the creative process works. Those dozen words formed themselves into a sentence, a surge of adrenaline raced through my veins, and a few weeks later I had a 24,000-page novel - well, maybe that's a novella - or maybe even a long short story - called The Imaginary Bomb.

I'm a terrible procrastinator. Once I had the idea, I needed a way to keep the juices flowing, so that I wouldn't set the thing down for 18 years and never come back to it.

So I made a pact to myself that every time I got together with my girlfriend, let's call her Samantha, I would have another chapter finished and would read it to her. Sam started looking forward to snuggling on the couch with the next stage in the adventures of Bob Whelan, Pete Wong and the mighty Baxter Hetznecker. She was a kid at heart and really enjoyed having a bedtime story, as it were - that's one of the things I loved about her (and the fact that I didn't tell her the many things I loved about her is among the reasons why she's a figment of my past - but in memory of those times, I frequently tell Sweetie what I love about her, so I guess I've learned that lesson - but I digress).

I sent the finished product out to two or three publishers, and each time it came back with a "thanks anyway" note. I meant to send it out again, but instead I set the thing down for 18 years and never came back to it.

Enter Warren Bluhm. We got to talking to each other late in 2005; we're both free-radical libertarian near-anarchists who like to write essays about liberty and freedom and were born in New Jersey, so it was perhaps inevitable that we'd get to know each other. Sometimes we think so much alike we may as well be the same person. Like me, he is an ex-radio guy, but in his case he still likes the sound of his own voice. Me, I'd rather hide away in my hermitage and write. He's been itching to get into podcasting but couldn't settle on an idea for one, and I've been itching to haul The Imaginary Bomb back out and get it to the world. I also remember how entertained Sam seemed to be as she heard the story told out loud. The various interests seemed to fit together like peas in a podcast.

We conceived this idea. I would revise the novel to clean up the clunky spots, and we'd put out a podcast with Warren reading the story. Maybe we'll take donations to fund the self-publication of the book, or maybe some publisher who's into podcast novels will say, "Whoa baby! This is the project my company has been waiting for!" or even better, some movie producer will buy up the rights and I can retire and give up this life of crime (a little Serenity reference there for you).

So I've been revising away, and Warren's been clearing his throat and reading Podcasting for Dummies, and we're just about ready to launch - aiming for around May 15. The 27 chapters of The Imaginary Bomb are kind of short, so we're thinking we'll split the story into nine three-chapter sections, but we won't know for sure until we see how long it takes him to read a chapter. We're thinking 20-minute segments, so however many chapters (up to three) he can spit out in about 20 minutes, that's what we'll do.

We're at least a couple of weeks away from having our ducks in a row. So why are we telling you this now? That's easy - if we don't, we'll just end up setting the idea aside for 18 years, and then what?!?

B.W. Richardson

Cross-posted to Montag and the Green Bay Free Radical

Welcome to Liberated Syndication

support@libsyn.com — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 22:09:00 GMT

This default podcast was automatically generated by the libsyn system. They told us to feel free to delete it at any time, but until we're up and running it's the only thing at the site that you can download, so go fer it, we say. Welcome to Liberated Syndication and The Imaginary Bomb, and check back here for updates about a very nifty podcast book coming soon!

B.W. Richardson and Warren Bluhm