Collective Unconscious-CSNY Deja Vu

They've been performing together for a decade in Minnesota. Collective Unconscious is a group of musicians, and really, friends...who believe in the power of good music and how we're all connected deeper because of it.

They're presenting their lastest tribute show at the Pioneer Place on 5th in March 2010.  Jo McMullen chats with these chaps about Crosby Stills Nash and Young's Deja Vu album. The album was released 40 years ago and still has relevance today.  The Collective Unconscious have treated us to the Beatles Abbey Road, Pet Sounds from the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson and Simon and Garfunkels Bridge Over Troubled Water.  Check out how they're going to treat us next with this podcast.  McMullen apologizes for giggles.

Crispy Critics Gets in the Mood for Some Pulled Pork

This week on Crispy Critics, Max and Ben decide to ask questions now and shoot later. First, they bring you the most technical segment of Crispy Critics ever recorded while pondering the concept of "off-kilter" vocals with Thomas Function. Then, they delve into the psyche of depressed hip-hop with Slug and Murs (a.k.a. Felt) by exploring the difficulty of sad music. Penultimately, Ben interrogates Max on the latter's love of mountain-based music with Capybara. And lastly, they get all excited over some upcoming releases while Ben shows why he is not a singing/rapping star:

Tokyo Police Club:
Blog: http://lookuptobicycle.wordpress.com/
Site: http://tokyopoliceclub.com

Spoon: http://www.spoontheband.com/

Good Shoes: http://goodshoes.co.uk/

Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip: http://lesacvspip.wordpress.com/

George Maurer's Wayward Journey

George Maurer's journey is one we've been proud to tag along with at KVSC.  In this podcast, one of Minnesota's most talented and respected jazz performers shares his story--and his latest CD that represents the last five years of his sojourn.

George Maurer is a classically trained composer whose talent travels well beyond jazz. Listen to enjoy an intimate story of hard work, love of music and respectful collaboration.

Crispy Critics Go Punk with Bad Religion

In a special edition of Crispy Critics, the duo of Ben Prchal and Mike Jones interview Jay Bentley of Bad Religion for half the show. Bentley, the bassist and one of the original founders of the world famous rock group has been with Bad Religion for over 25 years.

Leading up to this exclusive interview with Jay Bentley, they start with a review of the lighter side of punk with the rock trio Vivian Girls. Then, Mike and Ben continue with their punk theme as they discuss The Bomb, the punk group out of Chicago. Ending this special edition of Crispy Critics is the exclusive interview.

Crispy Critics go European!

In this edition of Crispy Critics, Ben and Mike do up an (accidental) all-European show! First, they take a look at the latest from French hip-hopper Wax Tailor (a.k.a. Jean-Christophe Le Saoût), which causes both to marvel at the awesomeness of European electronica and imitate a beer commercial. Then the duo swims across the Channel to the UK for the debut from grrl rock trio Pens wherein they construct a mighty metaphor with sausage. Finally, they bring up another Brit, namely Fink (or Fin Greenall, as his parents may call him), mostly so Ben can go all gushy about his voice*.

*may or may not be true
 

Crispy Critics--Arctic Monkeys, fun. & more

This week, in the inaugural edition of Crispy Critics for Fall 2009, Your Humble Music Director, Ben Prchal and Co-Host, Max Brown dig into a couple of debut releases, and the latest from an emerging/established band. First, we review “Why There Are Mountains,” the first release from New York band Cymbals Eat Guitars, wherein Max speaks of punching the sky to watch space bleed. Then we dive into fun.’s debut, “Aim and Ignite,” and I wonder if they can be booked for bowling alley birthday parties. Finally, it’s Arctic Monkeys and their third album, “Humbug,” which caused me to have a crisis of sorts.

Greg Brown Podcast with Jo McMullen

Greg Brown has been a prolific songwriter--fans of his work know how his words can feel just right. During this interview Brown discusses his view on the war in Iraq, the changing tone of America, and his personal little record label housed in an Iowa trailer. The podcast offers a charming insight into this very creative and admired musician.

Brown was feeling upbeat on this summmer day, coming off visiting friends in Superior, Wisconsin and on his way to investigate some nearby lakes for their fish content.

Fred Eaglesmith Podcast with Wayne Bergerson

Wayne Bergerson, KVSC folk music host of 25 years, sat down with an artist he has long admired. Wayne interviews Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith at the 2006 Winnipeg Folk Festival. Eaglesmith hopped a western bound train as a young man and hasn't stopped writing songs since.

You can sense the connection Wayne and Fred make in this personal interview about the subject matter of Eaglesmith's songs (trains, guy stuff, farms, drinking), work ethic and life experiences.

Junior Boys Crispy Critics Podcast

KVSC's Music Department reviews the latest album from the Junior Boys. The 2006 release So This is Goodbye is in the Crispy Critics spotlight.

The Canadian electronic duo has released three albums and a few other exclusive tracks. KVSC's Chris Hontos says the album as perfect for driving around the city at night.

Xiu Xiu Crispy Critics Podcast

KVSC's Music Director, Jason Schueppert, talks to Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu, about the evolution of bands, covers and touring.

The Oakland-based group has been creating music since its beginnings in 2000. Xiu Xiu music has evolved with the band, drawing on experimental percussion, punk and folk rock sounds. 

David Dondero Crispy Critics Podcast

KVSC's Music Director, Jason Schueppert, talks to David Dondero about the troubadour's latest release, Simple Love, Myspace, touring, and his record label, Team Love.

Few songwriters have experienced and expressed the sinking depths and uplifting optimism of humanity like David Dondero, and his ability to shine a light on the human condition (his own included) is inspiring. Dondero is best known for his narrative tales of America. Having spent most of his life on the road, Dave uses his staggering lyrical talent to paint tales of life in the US of A through clever word play and sarcastic humor (as represented in the album title) about some of life’s most sensitive subjects.

Crispy Critics Hold Steady Podcast

KVSC's Music Department reviews the latest album from the Hold Steady, Boys and Girls in America.

Cloudcult's Craig Minowa Interview Podcast

In April of 2009 KVSC's Music Director Max Brown talked with Craig Minowa, the founding member and lead singer of Minnesota band Cloud Cult. Listen as they discuss Minowa's take on music and environmental activism. They also chat about the nonprofit label he founded, Earthology Records, based out of his organic farm.