Rock Is Lit

Christy Alexander Hallberg, Instagram/Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Episode of Drinks With Tony featuring Christy Alexander Hallberg

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Michael Parker: His New Novel, Lead Belly, The 1970s, And More

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Michael and I talk about

the genius of Mick Taylor and Taylor’s short stint with the Rolling Stones
North Carolina barbecue vs. Texas barbecue
the image Michael saw one day while swimming that inspired his novel ‘I Am the Light of This World’
why the early 1970s was such an interesting time culturally and why Michael chose it as the backdrop for a big part of the story
the significance of the title of the novel
the North Carolina Piedmont Blues scene of the 1930s, the Folk Music revival of the 1960s, and Rev. Gary Davis and the artists he influenced
Michael’s relationship with music, on a personal level and as a writer
how the songs Michael references in certain scenes complement those scenes perfectly, like “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones, “The Crystal Ship” by The Doors, “The Same Situation” by Joni Mitchell, “Walk Away” by The James Gang, ‘The Zombies’ Greatest Hits’, “No Quarter” by Led Zeppelin
Michael's use of song lyrics in the novel
the significance of Lead Belly—the mythological figure and music of—to the protagonist, Earl, and to the author, Michael
the role Hank Williams’ music plays in the story
the “happy accidents of making art”

Jeff and I talk about Lead Belly’s

history
prison record
music catalogue
artists he influenced
Lead Belly’s death and his legacy

MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Time Waits for No One” by the Rolling Stones
“Can’t Hardly Wait” by The Replacements
“I Am the Light of This World” by Rev. Gary Davis
“She Loves You” by The Beatles
“Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones
“The Same Situation” by Joni Mitchell
“Walk Away” by The James Gang
“Good Mornin’ Blues” by Lead Belly
“Love in Vain” by Robert Johnson
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” by Hank Williams
“The Gallows Pole” by Lead Belly
“Goodnight Irene” by Lead Belly
“Black Girl (In the Pines)” by Lead Belly
“Midnight Special” by Lead Belly

LINKS:

Michael Parker’s website, https://www.michaelfparker.com/

Michael Parker, Instagram, @texheel22

Jeff Place/Smithsonian Folkways website, https://folkways.si.edu/

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

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Rock is Lit Bonus Episode: Uncut Charles R. Cross Interview About Kurt Cobain

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Episode 10 of Rock is Lit features Jennifer Haupt’s novel ‘Come As You Are’, a story set against the backdrop of the Seattle grunge scene of the early 1990s.

Joining Jennifer and me on that episode to share their memories of that pivotal moment in music history to add real-world context to Jennifer’s novel are Nabil Ayers, co-founder of Seattle’s iconic record store Sonic Boom and author of the memoir ‘My Life in the Sunshine’, about his efforts to connect with his father, the funk, soul, and jazz legend Roy Ayers; and Charles R. Cross, author of the award-winning 2001 biography on Kurt Cobain, ‘Heavier Than Heaven’.

My conversation with Charles went on much longer than I’d anticipated when we began talking, and I could only fit a fraction of it in the regular episode. What Charles had to say about Kurt Cobain was so fascinating and astute, based on his extensive research into Kurt’s life and career, Charles’s extraordinary access to Kurt’s private papers via Kurt’s widow, Courtney Love, and Charles’s unique position as the editor of the Seattle music magazine ‘The Rocket’ before, during, and after the Seattle grunge explosion of the early ‘90s, a position that put him in direct contact with Kurt Cobain several times, that I decided to make the whole uncut interview with Charles available here.

There are short outtakes from my interviews with Jennifer and Nabil in the Vault as well, which I hope you’ll listen to. But for now, light a candle, drop the needle on track three of ‘Nevermind’, and come as you are to hear Charles R. Cross talk about the genius and demons of Nirvana’s front man and primary songwriter, Kurt Cobain.

KEY QUOTES AND TEASERS:

What was Kurt’s relationship with Courtney Love like? What did Kurt think of the Weird Al parody of “Smells Like Teen Spirit? Why does Charles think Nirvana never could have happened in the Facebook era? Listen to the uncut interview to find out why.

Charles: “[Nirvana] weren’t great at the start. They were not the best band in Seattle in 1988, 1989, and 1990. They were the best band in Seattle in 1991.”

Charles: “Kurt’s greatest gift is that when he sang, you felt like he was singing to you.”

MUSIC AND MEDIA THAT APPEAR IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Come As You Are” by Nirvana
Clip of Kurt Cobain talking about his lyrics
MTV announcement of Kurt’s death, April 8, 1994
“Lithium” by Nirvana
“Serve the Servants” by Nirvana
Clips of artists praising Nirvana and Kurt: Jewel, Henry Rollins, Robert Plant
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” performed by Nirvana
Michael Stipe: “Kurt, we miss you.”

LINKS:

Charles’ website, https://charlesrcross.com/

Charles on Twitter, @charlesrcross

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Rock is Lit Vault, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitvault

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Rock is Lit Bonus Episode: Nabil Ayers on 'My Life in the Sunshine' and Rockin' With Joan Jett

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Episode 10 of Rock is Lit features Jennifer Haupt’s novel ‘Come As You Are’, a story set against the backdrop of the Seattle grunge scene of the early 1990s. Nabil Ayers, author of the memoir ‘My Life in the Sunshine’ and co-founder of Seattle’s iconic record store Sonic Boom, shares his memories of that pivotal moment in music history in the full episode. Here are two outtakes from my interview with Nabil, in which he talks about his new memoir about his efforts to connect with his father, the funk, soul, and jazz legend Roy Ayers, and Nabil’s experience meeting Joan Jett when his band opened up for her back in the day.

Check out other bonus material from Episode 10 in the Rock is Lit Vault, including my full, uncut interview with Charles R. Cross about Kurt Cobain, and outtakes from my interview with Jennifer Haupt about her novel ‘Come As You Are’.

MUSIC AND MEDIA THAT APPEAR IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers
“Running Away” by Roy Ayers
“I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

LINKS:

Nabil’s website, https://www.nabilayers.com/

Nabil on Twitter, @nabilayers

Nabil on Instagram, @nabilayers

Link to Nabil’s ‘Rolling Stone’ article on Nirvana’s OK Hotel show, “The Night Nirvana Changed Everything,” https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/nirvana-smells-like-teen-spirit-first-performance-1154128/

Link to Nabil’s ‘The Stranger’ article on Soundgarden, https://www.thestranger.com/music/2017/05/18/25153388/soundgarden-will-never-be-the-first-seattle-band-anyone-mentions-but-for-me-soundgarden-was-the-first-band-that-changed-everything

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Rock is Lit Vault, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitvault

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Rock is Lit Bonus Episode: Jennifer Haupt on Lost Dreams and the Publishing Experience

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Episode 10 of Rock is Lit features Jennifer Haupt’s novel ‘Come As You Are’, a story set against the backdrop of the Seattle grunge scene of the early 1990s. In this outtake from that interview, I talk with Jennifer about lost and deferred dreams—for the characters in her novel and for herself—and the difference in her reaction to publishing her first novel and this one.

Listen to Episode 10, then check out other bonus material in the Rock is Lit Vault, including my full, uncut interview with Charles R. Cross about Kurt Cobain, and outtakes from my interview with Nabil Ayers about his memoir, ‘My Life in the Sunshine’, and his experience meeting Joan Jett back in the day.

MUSIC AND MEDIA THAT APPEAR IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“All Apologies” by Nirvana
“About a Girl” by Nirvana

LINKS:

Jennifer’s website, https://www.jenniferhaupt.com/

Jennifer on Twitter, @Jennifer_Haupt

Jennifer on Instagram, @jenniferhauptauthor

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Rock is Lit Vault, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitvault

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Jennifer Haupt, Author of 'Come As You Are', with Charles R. Cross and Nabil Ayers

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Jennifer Haupt is here to talk about her new novel, ‘Come As You Are’. Set against a backdrop of Seattle in the early '90s, ‘Come As You Are’ is a compelling love story and family drama that addresses the question: Can we alter our dreams and stories from the past to create a better future for our children?

In the second half of the show, we’re joined by two giants of the real Seattle grunge world: music journalist Charles R. Cross, author of the award-winning 2001 biography on Kurt Cobain, ‘Heavier Than Heaven’, and Nabil Ayers, co-founder of Seattle’s iconic Sonic Boom Records store and author of the new memoir ‘My Life in the Sunshine’. Charles and Nabil share their memories of and insight into that pivotal moment in music history.

Listen to the episode then migrate to the Rock is Lit Vault for the uncut interview with Charles R. Cross and outtakes from the Jennifer Haupt and Nabil Ayers interviews: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit

MUSIC AND MEDIA THAT APPEAR IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Come As You Are” by Nirvana (instrumental)
“Piggy” by Nine Inch Nails
“Hurt” by Oliver Tree
“About a Girl” by Nirvana
“Come As You Are” by Nirvana
“Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam” by Nirvana
“Something in the Way” by Nirvana
“I Hate Myself and Want to Die” by Nirvana
Audio clip of Kurt Cobain talking about his stomach problems, drug use, suicidal thoughts
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (Kurt solo), MTV Unplugged
“All Apologies” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” live at the OK Hotel, 17 April 1991
Clip of Michael Stipe inducting Nirvana into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014

LINKS:

Jennifer’s website, https://www.jenniferhaupt.com/

Jennifer on Twitter, @Jennifer_Haupt

Jennifer on Instagram, @jenniferhauptauthor

Charles’ website, https://charlesrcross.com/

Charles on Twitter, @charlesrcross

Nabil’s website, https://www.nabilayers.com/

Nabil on Twitter, @nabilayers

Nabil on Instagram, @nabilayers

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Rock is Lit Vault, https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislit

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Dana Spiotta, Author of 'Eat the Document', with Lucas Hare

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Rock is Lit, Dana Spiotta joins me to talk about her National Book Award-nominated novel ‘Eat the Document’. If your jam is ‘70s and ‘90s radical activism, political fugitives (think The Weather Underground), lost and obscure albums (such as The Beach Boys’ ‘Smile’), bootleg recordings, underground filmmaking, and a ton of classic rock, you’re gonna love this novel.

Later, Lucas Hare, co-host of the Is It Rolling, Bob? Talking Dylan Podcast, joins me to share his thoughts about Bob Dylan’s unreleased documentary called ‘Eat the Document’, which is where Dana’s novel gets its title.

HIGHLIGHTS:

DANA

What Dana’s reaction would be if she could meet Paul McCartney
The extensive research she did for her novel ‘Eat the Document’
Our thoughts on the question that’s central to the novel: Can you really reinvent yourself?
Famous real-life 1960s and 1970s militant groups and fugitives, such as Katherine Ann Power and Bill Ayers
Why Dana chose ‘Eat the Document’, the unreleased documentary about Bob Dylan’s 1966 UK tour, as the title of her novel
Our shared love of Gram Parsons, the band Love, Bob Dylan, and music and literature and film in general
My short story about Gram Parsons, “Grievous Angel,” published in ‘Still: The Journal’
Dana’s connection to legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola
The allure of underground and lost films and bootleg records like The Beach Boys’ ‘Smile’, which one of the characters in her novel is obsessed with
Why denigrating someone’s obsession and passion is really s@&*$*
Dana’s Largehearted Boy playlist for ‘Eat the Document’
What we really think of Mike Love

LUCAS

What Bob Dylan’s career looked like in 1966, the year the documentary ‘Eat the Document’ was filmed
Dylan’s 1966 UK tour
Dylan’s 1966 motorcycle accident
Context for the film ‘Eat the Document’ and why it was never released

MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

Clip of Beatlemania: “I love you, Paul!”
“You’re My Everything” by Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye
“I Shall Be Released” by Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons
“Who Are You” by The Who
“Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire
“Farewell My Friend” by Dennis Wilson
“Alone Again Or” by Love
“Heroes and Villains” by The Beach Boys
“Little Hands” by Alexander “Skip” Spence
“Return of the Grievous Angel” by Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
“Our Prayer” by The Beach Boys
“If You See Her, Say Hello” by Bob Dylan
“Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan—live, “Judas!”
Clip from ‘Eat the Document’—John Lennon and Bob Dylan in car 1966
“You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” by Bob Dylan
“I Shall Be Released” by Bob Dylan

LINKS:

Dana Spiotta website, https://danaspiotta.com/

‘Eat the Document’ playlist at Largehearted Boy, http://www.largeheartedboy.com/blog/archive/2007/01/book_notes_dana.html

Is It Rolling, Bob? Talking Dylan Podcast, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-rolling-bob-talking-dylan/id1437321669

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Link to “Grievous Angel” short story about Gram Parsons by Christy Alexander Hallberg, http://stilljournal.net/christy-alexander-hallberg-fiction2021.php

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Tony DuShane, Author of 'Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk'

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS:

Drinks With Tony podcast hostTony DuShane and I talk about his novel ‘Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk’, what it was like for him growing up a Jehovah’s Witness, his worst experience going door to door as a Jehovah’s Witness, how/why Tony left the religion, how music and literature saved his life and the role both play in his novel, Tony’s experience working on the film adaptation (directed by Eric Stoltz).

Because Tony has written so much about music as a journalist, he is his own music guru in this episode. We talk about some of the most well-known Jehovah’s Witness musicians (think Michael Jackson and Prince).

MUSIC AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

Billy Childish with his wife, live at Sala Rossa (Montreal) in 2005
“Blackstar” by David Bowie
“The Heart Part 5” by Kendrick Lamar
“Loverman” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Bad” by Michael Jackson
Clip from ‘Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk’ movie adaptation—Gabe gets disfellowshipped
Clip from ‘Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk’ movie adaptation—Bill confesses to masturbating
“Into My Arms” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
“Damaged I” by Black Flag
“Give Me The Night” by George Benson
“Erotic City” by Prince
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Clip of Eric Stoltz interview about making the movie
“1999” by Prince

LINKS:

Drinks With Tony podcast, drinkswithtony.com

Tony on Twitter, @tonydushane

Tony on Instagram, @tonydushane

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

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Celebration of the 1st Birthday of 'Searching for Jimmy Page'

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS:

In this episode of Rock is Lit, some special guests and I celebrate the first book birthday of my rock novel, ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’. First, my close friends and colleagues Margaret Bauer, Randall Martoccia, and Liza Wieland interview me about my novel. Later, former President of Atlantic Records, manager of Nirvana, PR man for Led Zeppelin then Vice President of Swan Song records, Danny Goldberg, joins the podcast to talk about his experiences working with Led Zeppelin in the 1970s.

Check out the Rock is Lit Vault for bonus material from this episode, including my responses to readers’ questions about ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’ that folks were kind enough to message me, AND an outtake from my interview with Danny Goldberg concerning his thoughts about such Led Zeppelin nonfiction books as the notorious ‘Hammer of the Gods’ by Stephen Davis, plus a few anecdotes involving a young Cameron Crowe.

SONGS AND MEDIA PLAYED IN EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Most High” by Page and Plant
“Good Times, Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin
“Four Sticks” by Led Zeppelin
“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin
“The Song Remains the Same” by Led Zeppelin
“Thank You” by Led Zeppelin/from Page and Plant Unledded
“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
“Over the Hills and Far Away” by Led Zeppelin
May 5, 1973 news clip of Led Zeppelin’s Tampa concert
“Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin
“In the Mood” by Robert Plant
“Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin

LINKS:

Margaret Bauer Twitter, @QueenBofNC

Margaret Bauer Facebook, @Margaret Bauer

Margaret Bauer Instagram, @queenbofnc

North Carolina Literary Review, https://nclr.ecu.edu/

Randall Martoccia Facebook, @RandallMartoccia

Randall Martoccia YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/rmartoc

Liza Wieland Twitter, @LizaWieland

Liza Wieland’s website, https://www.lizawieland.com/

Danny Goldberg’s website: https://www.dannygoldberg.com/

Danny Goldberg Twitter: @DannyGoldberg67

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

Rock is Lit Vault: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/rockislitvault

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Rock is Lit Vault Bonus Episode, Danny Goldberg and Christy Alexander Hallberg

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS:

In this bonus segment from Episode 7 of Rock is Lit, Danny Goldberg, former President of Atlantic Records and manager of Nirvana, as well as PR man for Led Zeppelin then Vice President of Swan Song records at the height of the band’s fame, shares his thoughts about some of the nonfiction books on Led Zeppelin by music journalists, including the infamous ‘Hammer of the Gods’ by Stephen Davis. He also mentions journalists the band favored, such as Ritchie York and Chris Charlesworth. Finally, Danny shares some anecdotes about a young Cameron Crowe and his association with Led Zeppelin.

Later, Christy Alexander Hallberg responds to readers’ questions about her rock novel ‘Searching for Jimmy Page’.

Listen to the full Episode 7 here.

SONGS AND MEDIA PLAYED IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Communication Breakdown” by Led Zeppelin
“I am a Golden God!” clip from ‘Almost Famous’
“Tangerine” by Led Zeppelin
“Four Sticks” by Led Zeppelin

LINKS:

Danny Goldberg's website: https://www.dannygoldberg.com/

Danny Goldberg Twitter, @DannyGoldberg67

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website: https://www.christyalexanderhallberg.com/

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfSnRmlL5moSQYi6EjSvqag

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Zachary Lazar On His Rock Novel 'Sway', with Zeena Schreck on Kenneth Anger & Tony Sokol on The Stones & Their Involvement with the Occult

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS:

Zachary Lazar and I talk about his extraordinary rock novel ‘Sway’, a story that reimagines the early days of the Rolling Stones, including the romantic triangle of Brian Jones, Anita Pallenberg, and Keith Richards; the life of avant-garde filmmaker Kenneth Anger; and Charles Manson and his followers. We also talk about the Stones at Altamont, Aleister Crowley, the Jewish mystical tradition, poets William Butler Yeats and William Blake, the difference between the Christian idea of Lucifer and the mythological Lucifer, the challenges of writing about real people in a fictional setting, my family’s tangential connection to the Manson murders, Joyce Carol Oates’ short story “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, Joan Didion’s titular essay from her book ‘The White Album’ and the moment the 1960s ended.

Later, two special guests drop by to add real-world context to the fictional story presented in ‘Sway’:

First, playwright, journalist, editor, and musician Tony Sokol briefly talks about the Stones’ involvement in the occult and with Kenneth Anger.

Then, Zeena Schreck, who is an artist, musician, Tibetan Buddhist yogini, and the goddaughter of Kenneth Anger, as well as former High Priestess of the Church of Satan (founded by her late father Anton LaVey), shares her memories of Kenneth Anger, including how her father made him her godfather and her personal and working relationship with Kenneth. She also talks a bit about her background and rebuilding her life as a Buddhist in Germany. In addition to this, Zeena discusses Kenneth’s interest in Aleister Crowley; the making of and background on some of his iconic films, especially the 1969 film ‘Invocation of My Demon Brother’ (a movie that figures large in Zachary Lazar’s novel ‘Sway’); Kenneth’s relationship with Anita Pallenberg and her influence on the Rolling Stones; and how Kenneth’s work influenced MTV and music videos.

For bonus material featuring Zeena Schreck, visit the Rock is Lit Vault.

SONGS AND MEDIA IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones
“Torn and Frayed” by the Rolling Stones
Clip from ‘Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome’
“Mr. Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne
“Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones
Clip of the real Charles Manson speaking
“Sway” by the Rolling Stones
“Dancing With Mr. D” by the Rolling Stones
Clip of Mick Jagger’s soundtrack to ‘Invocation of My Demon Brother’
“Ruby Tuesday” by the Rolling Stones
“2000 Light Years From Home” by the Rolling Stones
Theme from ‘The Godfather’
Clip from ‘Blue Velvet’
“Midnight Rambler” from the Rolling Stones Hyde Park Show, Live 1969
“Summer Swelter” by Zeena Schreck
“Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones

*All images, music, and mementos of Zeena Schreck are used with her approval and cannot be reproduced without her permission.

LINKS:

Zachary Lazar’s website

Zachary Lazar, Facebook, @ZacharyLazar

Tony Sokol, Twitter, @tsokol

Link to Tony’s article “The Occult Influences of Sympathy for the Devil” in ‘Den of Geek’

For news of Zeena's current public activities and releases, subscribe to the e-newsletter at https://www.zeenaschreck.com/subscribe.html

Zeena’s website: www.ZeenaSchreck.com

Zeena’s blog: https://www.zeenaschreck.com/blog

Zeena on Bandcamp: https://zeenaschreck.bandcamp.com/releases

Zeena, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeenaschreck_art/

Zeena, YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ZeenaSchreckOfficial

Zeena, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZEENA.Official.ZeenaSchreck

Christy Alexander Hallberg, Instagram/Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast

Link to Christy Alexander Hallberg’s essay on the Manson Family, “Shifting Phantasmagoria”: http://storysouth.com/stories/shifting-phantasmagoria/

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Mac B. and Action Jackson from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast Talk Rock Movie Soundtracks

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

“It’s all happening!”

If it sounds like there’s a party going on, you’re right, and you’re invited to join the fun on this special episode of Rock is Lit. My rock ‘n roll bruthas Mac B. and Action Jackson, from The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast, and I talk about what makes a great movie soundtrack and our criteria for choosing the movies/soundtracks that made each of our top-four lists. We discuss how these films are timeless but also capture a moment in time.

Then we do a deep dive into our shared number one pick, going song by song, exploring how the songs capture the tone and spirit of the scenes they’re featured in—in effect, how the convergence of fiction and music elevates the movie to modern classic status.

What’s our first choice for our favorite rock movie soundtrack? Here’s a hint:

“Air raid!”

You’ll have a blast hanging out with us—three pals grooving on a great movie with a great soundtrack. You might even take your own trip down memory lane as you listen to us relive our experience with the film and clips of some of the songs from the movie.

SONGS PLAYED IN THIS EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

“Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds
“The Pusher” by Steppenwolf
“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
‘Think’ by Aretha Franklin
‘Sweet Emotion’ by Aerosmith
“School’s Out” by Alice Cooper
“Free Ride” by Edgar Winter Group
“Low Rider” by War
“Hurricane” by Bob Dylan
“Never Been Any Reason” by Head East
“Slow Ride” by Foghat
“Rock And Roll All Nite” by Kiss
“Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways
“Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts
“Slow Ride” by Foghat

LINKS:

Christy Alexander Hallberg’s website

Christy Alexander Hallberg, Twitter/Instagram: @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg, Facebook: @ChristyAlexanderHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg, YouTube

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Rock is Lit Vault Bonus Episode, Pleasant Gehman on 1980s L.A. Punk

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS:

Pleasant Gehman is a Hollywood rock ‘n’ roll icon. During the 1970s, she was one of the first punks in Los Angeles, documenting the scene she helped create in her fanzine ‘Lobotomy’,which led to writing for many of the top mainstream rock publications.

In this outtake from my interview with Pleasant for the Rock is Lit episode that features Janet Fitch’s rock novel ‘Paint it Black’, Pleasant talks about some of the hottest punk bands in L.A. in the early ‘80s, when ‘Paint it Black’ is set, including The Cramps, The Weirdos, The Germs, Blondie, The Nerves, The Zeros, The Damned, and Black Flag; seeing X’s very first show; working for a booking agency called Hollywood International Talent owned by Marshall Berle (nephew of Milton Berle) with Belinda Carlisle. We also talk about the decline of the L.A. punk scene in the very early ‘80s and how Janet Fitch’s rock novel ‘Paint it Black’ accurately depicts this shift.

SONGS PLAYED IN THIS EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

"A Life of Crime" by The Weirdos
"Los Angeles" by X

CONTACTS:

Pleasant Gehman’s website

Pleasant Gehman Twitter, @PleasantGehman1

Pleasant Gehman Instagram, @princessofhollywood

The Devil's Music With Pleasant Gehman podcast

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Janet Fitch’s website

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Janet Fitch: Author of 'Paint it Black', with Pleasant Gehman and Nicole Panter

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EPISODE 4:

Janet Fitch talks about seeing a three-hour concert with Leonard Cohen; Joni Mitchell; what she’d ask Patti Smith, Björk, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen if she could; creating an “I will survive” music playlist; Amy Winehouse; Janis Joplin; X; Nico; Jackson Brown.

Janet and I talk about some of the major themes of her novel ‘Paint it Black’; grief and the aftermath of suicide; the significance of the title of her novel; the freedom that punk rock gives fans and musicians alike; why ‘Paint it Black’ is a punk rock novel as opposed to a more generalized rock novel; how each of the three main characters in ‘Paint it Black’ has their own distinct soundtrack; classical music and early 20th century Americana music; L.A. punk, especially The Germs and The Cramps; the deaths of John Lennon and Darby Crash; the changing punk scene in L.A. in the early ‘80s; how the Ingmar Bergman film ‘Persona’ influenced the creation of Janet’s novel; Janet’s experience as a student filmmaker in the ‘80s; the 1913 poem “Trans-Siberian Prose and Little Jeanne from France”; the movie adaptation of ‘Paint it Black’.

Pleasant Gehman talks about the beginning of the L.A. punk scene and her involvement in it. She mentions various bands and iconic L.A. punk rock venues, becoming friends with Darby Crash and Pat Smear of The Germs before they were in The Germs and dating Pat Smear, smoking pot with Tony Curtis, rooming with Belinda Carlisle and smoking pot with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins at Disgraceland, hanging out with Joan Jett.

To hear more from Pleasant about her involvement with some of the hottest punk bands in L.A. in the early ‘80s, including The Cramps, The Weirdos, Blondie, The Damned, X, and Black Flag, and how the scene began to deteriorate, listen to the outtake from this episode in the Rock is Lit Vault.

Nicole Panter shares her memories of being friends with and managing The Germs; Darby Crash’s childhood; why Germs shows were a trainwreck; Darby’s abuse of alcohol and drugs; the making of The Germs’ album, including Joan Jett’s involvement; ‘The Decline of Western Civilization’ documentary, in which Nicole and The Germs are featured; why Nicole stopped managing the band; Darby’s fascination with Adam Ant; how Nicole heard about Darby’s death; Nicole’s dislike of the biopic about Darby and The Germs, ‘What We Do Is Secret’, and The Germs reunion tour with the actor who played Darby in the film, Shane West; the legacy of The Germs.

CLIPS OF MUSIC PLAYED IN THE EPISODE IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE:

"Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones
"Land" by Patti Smith
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major Op. 82, played by Yuja Wang with the Munich Philharmonic, conducted by Valery Gergiev, Dec 1, 2018
“West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong
“What We Do Is Secret” by The Germs
“Human Fly” by The Cramps
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: ‘Kings Row’, Main Title, music for the 1941 film
“Our Way” by The Germs
“Media Blitz” by The Germs
“American Leather” by The Germs

Two short clips from the 1981 documentary 'The Decline of Western Civilization', directed by Penelope Spheeris, featuring Darby Crash and The Germs appear in the episode.

CONTACTS:

Janet Fitch Twitter, @JanetFitch323

Janet Fitch Instagram, @janetfitch323

Pleasant Gehman’s website

Pleasant Gehman Twitter, @PleasantGehman1

Pleasant Gehman Instagram, @princessofhollywood

The Devil's Music With Pleasant Gehman podcast

Belle, Book, and Candle, Instagram, @belle_book_and_candle

Nicole Panter Instagram, @poseyp

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes podcast

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Chris Charlesworth: Music Journalist, Who Producer, and Author of 'Caught in a Trap: The Kidnapping of Elvis'--with Stephanie Myers

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Rock is Lit, Chris Charlesworth talks about Elvis’ Gold Records album, when Chris’ dad took him to see The Beatles in England in 1963, seeing The Who with Keith Moon on drums, what he’d ask Elvis if he could, one of the inspirations for his novel 'Caught in a Trap: The Kidnapping of Elvis'—the novel 'The Fan Club' by Irving Wallace, published in 1974—and the research Chris did on Elvis for his novel, mixing fact with fiction, the significance of the year 1975 for Elvis and in 'Caught in a Trap', Elvis’ relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker, the Memphis Mafia, what it might have been like for Elvis if he’d been able to step outside his insulated bubble, what the Baz Luhrmann movie about Elvis got right and wrong.

In the final segment, Stephanie Myers talks about real-world examples of kidnap plots against Elvis, including one that happened in the mid-1970s in Las Vegas and an attempt to rob Elvis’ grave after his death.

Elvis songs in the episode in order of appearance:

"That's Alright, Mama"
"Kentucky Rain"
"Suspicious Minds"
"Burnin' Love"

Links:

Chris Charlesworth’s blog, ‘Just Backdated’

Chris Charlesworth's reviews and interviews on Rock's Backpages

Chris Charlesworth, Instagram

Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes, Instagram

Stephanie & Stephanie Talk Tunes, Twitter

Christy Alexander Hallberg website, christyalexanderhallberg.com

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/christyhallberg

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Jeff Jackson: Author of 'Destroy All Monsters', with Nathan D. Duvall

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Rock is Lit, I’m thrilled to welcome novelist, playwright, visual artist, and songwriter Jeff Jackson, author of the novel 'Destroy All Monsters: The Last Rock Novel', which centers around the killing of bands as they perform on stage by members of their own audience. Later, Nathan D. Duvall, host of the Lucid show on 103.3 Asheville FM, joins the podcast to talk about real-world examples when this kind of violence has erupted at live shows.

Highlights:

Jeff and I talk about some amazing musicians/bands, including Wire, The Raincoats, Throbbing Gristle, Dog Faced Hermans, Destroyer, Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground, Suede, The Smiths, Johnny Ace, Fugazi, The Beatles, Pavement, and Robert Johnson.

Jeff and I discuss what makes a good rock novel and list some examples, including 'Paint It Black' by Janet Fitch, 'Black Card' by Chris L. Terry, 'The Ruins' by Mat Osman, and my own rock novel 'Searching for Jimmy Page'.

Additional topics Jeff and I cover include the style and narrative of Jeff’s book 'Destroy All Monsters: The Last Rock Novel'; the link between violence and music; fandom and obsession; the primal nature of music; mythology surrounding certain musicians; the diminishing power of music in the culture; Jeff’s band Julian Calendar.

For more examples of Jeff's favorite rock novels and for a bonus interview with Jeff about Julian Calendar's political songs, bop on over to the Rock is Lit Vault.

Nathan and I talk about real-world historical precedent for the fictional premise of Jeff’s novel, fans attacking musicians as they perform on stage, and give some examples, including the murder of Dimebag Darrell of Pantera and Damagebag.

Songs played during the episode in order of appearance:

"Keep Your Laws Off My Body" by Dog Faced Hermans
"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace
"Blue Boys" by Julian Calendar
"In Your Love" by Julian Calendar

Contacts:

Jeff Jackson’s website, http://deathofliterature.com/

Jeff Jackson Instagram, @deathofliterature

Jeff Jackson Twitter, @DeathofLit

Julian Calendar at Bandcamp, https://juliancalendar.bandcamp.com/

My review of 'Destroy All Monsters' in 'North Carolina Literary Review'

Nathan D. Duvall’s Lucid show, https://www.ashevillefm.org/show/lucid/

Nathan D. Duvall Facebook, @nathan.duvall1

Christy Alexander Hallberg website, christyalexanderhallberg.com

Christy Alexander Hallberg Instagram, @christyhallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg Twitter, @ChristyHallberg

Christy Alexander Hallberg YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/christyhallberg