The Best Show on WMFU is something I only recently discovered via the magic of the Internet. For that, I am both saddened and delighted--saddened because it's taken so long for this comedic genius to become a part of my life and delighted because it finally has. The Show is hosted by Tom Scharpling, a comedy writer and music guy, on free form radio powerhouse WFMU Tuesdays at 8PM EST. It consists mostly of random call-ins by listeners, a smattering of music, funny rants by Tom, and a roster of regular callers. The highlight, and the real meat of the show are the calls from characters played by Jon Wurster (aka the drummer from Superchunk). Wurster typically plays some bizarre person with a weird background or idea to which Tom plays straight man. My favorite Wurster character is called Philly Boy Roy, a silly, bragging asshole of a guy who works at the Wawa selling hoagies and Tastykakes and speaks with Tom in a most obnoxious South Philly accent about how much better things are in Philadelphia than in New Jersey. It's funny, trust me.
The show is broadcast live online in iTunes (and of course over the air in NJ/NY), but is also available as a podcast now. In addition to the weekly broadcasts, Scharpling and Wurster release the best bits of their broadcasts on CD via their label, Stereolaffs. They also have a sharp new website at scharplingandwurster.com
Here's a track from their latest release, The Art of Slap. It really hit home for me since I do computer stuff for a living. Too bad I can't bench more than a few pounds.
Bonus Links:
Check out the podcast in iTunes
Read some interviews on Fluxblog [1,2,3]
I bought a scooter recently. Just a 49cc deal, but it's pretty damn cool not having to take the bus everywhere. It's silver and pretty and the first brand new vehicle I've ever owned. And with the appropriate soundtrack, it sometimes makes me feel like a badass.
Yep--as fun as it is to ride (when it's not raining, at least), I still gots to have my music. I've been honing a little road mix playlist lately and aim to share with you some of my favorite scooter music here. I recommend taking these tracks on the road with you (you can listen in a car if you have to).
If you're like me and you love The Clean (the best band to come out of New Zealand), chances are you'll like the Bats. Their vocalist, Robert Scott, is/was a member of that awesome band (playing bass, mostly), and they have similar jangly sound. This particular song is one of many that I enjoy from the Bats. It came to me on the excellent compilation Thousands of Tiny Luminous Spheres (2000, Flying Nun) but originally appeared on their fifth album, Couchmaster (1995, Flying Nun). It's great for riding, and not just for the oh-so-appropriate lyrics. Not so much jangle here, but some great distorted/wah-wah guitar and the perfect tempo for spinning wheels.
The Black Angels: "Black Grease"
What
better song to listen to while riding around town than this, a song
that would make even a guy riding a busted 10-speed feel like a badass. The Black Angels
are from Texas. This makes little sense to me, but ok. They have a big
sound...Texas = big...ok, I'll give you that. But what about the psych
stuff? These guys sound like hog-ridding, peyote-pounding desert
nomads.
If you like this song, definitely check out their debut record, Passover, on Seattle's own Light in the Attic. It's like a soundtrack for the Hell's Angels.
I will post more here! Indeed.
Next up: Scooter Music - Songs You Can Listen to While Riding My Scooter
