Re-Broadcast: The Shredders Show

To continue our All Prog Summer, we're re-broadcasting our show entirely dedicated to that rare breed known as "shredders." Yes, those guitar wizards that are faster than a speeding bullet and sometimes think that they can jump over tall buildings and don’t always play well with others.

Musical heroes, and in some instances villains, cut a large swath through the heart of modern music and its many diverse layers. Names like Gilbert, Malmsteen, MacAlpine and Petrucci, who stand toe to toe unleashing a pyrotechnic display of fret board virtuosity and sometimes even get around to penning the odd song or two.



So step away from the sunscreen and beach umbrella and join co-hosts J Hoskins and guitar maverick and composer of the album, "Decade," Jeff Pearson, as they introduce you to a hybrid of Rock, Classical, Jazz and Alternative six string alchemists that define the very essence of what prog and progressive music is and what it continues to be …. Fearless music

. 

This is all part of the service from your friends at the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show... 

We wouldn’t have any other way.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<
***Or if you're Flash challenged, listen HERE***

Jeff Pearson - Decade

Check out our co-host's album.

--

Featured on the show are:

Dream Theater

John Petrucci

Greg Howe

Tony MacAlpine

Yngwie Malmsteen

John 5

Re-Broadcast: The Really Big Prog Show

While we are busy working away stitching together the final bits and pieces of our upcoming new show called the "Women of Classic Prog," we thought it would be a great time to pull out another one of our favorite past broadcasts, aptly entitled "The Really Big Prog Show."

And big it certainly is, crammed full of all kinds of musical goodies including the Strawbs, X World 15, Diagonal, Riverside and even a little bit of Emerson, Lake and Palmer on the side.

From our house to your house, enjoy...

>> LISTEN HERE <<<

>>> OR HERE IF YOU'RE FLASH CHALLENGED <<<

"The Really Big Prog Show," which originally aired on the April 12, 2009 edition of The Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show was the first of a series of shows fully dedicated to progressive rock, both classic and new.

Progressive folk rock pioneers, The Strawbs, are featured in this show, including a discussion of their "The Broken Hearted Bride" album, released in September 2008.

The Strawbs are also the focus of a "Retro Perspective" discussion of their career by J. Hoskins & Krafty.

You'll find lots more info about The Strawbs on their extensive website.

Other show highlights include "Crossfire" in which two new albums are showcased and debated.

In the Crossfire on this show are the debut album from Diagonal, and X-World/5's "New Universal Order."

For more on the Diagonal debut album, check the reviews on Progarchives

Check out X-World/5's website here

Another feature of IRRMS is the Find of the Week, in which great albums that may have been overlooked are featured. On this show we uncover "Second Life Syndrome" by Riverside, which was released in 2005.

You'll find more info on this Riverside on their website and also at Progarchives.

Also included in the show is our Alternative Classic Rock Track, "Knife Edge," by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, from ELP's 1970 debut album.

Enjoy the show!

Re-Broadcast: "The Branches of Genesis: Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips"

If you want to hear the reason why Prog Rock magazine choose Steve Hackett as best progressive guitarist of the year, lend an ear to one of our favorite previous broadcasts entitled “The Branches Of Genesis”. 

The show features not only the esteemed Mr. Hackett, but also his predecessor, the very talented, Anthony Phillips, who was no slouch on the six string instrument as well.

Two of progressive rocks' most inventive and distinctive musical journeymen display a varied catalogue that will have you broadband surfing and rooting through your local record store for many months to come.

And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

>>> LISTEN HERE <<<

You can also listen from the direct links here:

PART 1

PART 2

The Shredders Show

Okay, batten down the hatches, it’s time for the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show's very special Second Edition of the All Prog Summer.

I can’t think of a better way to kick off the festivities than to feature a segment entirely dedicated to that rare breed known as "shredders." Yes, those guitar wizards that are faster than a speeding bullet and sometimes think that they can jump over tall buildings and don’t always play well with others.

Musical heroes, and in some instances villains, cut a large swath through the heart of modern music and its many diverse layers. Names like Gilbert, Malmsteen, MacAlpine and Petrucci, who stand toe to toe unleashing a pyrotechnic display of fret board virtuosity and sometimes even get around to penning the odd song or two.



So step away from the sunscreen and beach umbrella and join co-hosts J Hoskins and guitar maverick and composer of the album, "Decade," Jeff Pearson, as they introduce you to a hybrid of Rock, Classical, Jazz and Alternative six string alchemists that define the very essence of what prog and progressive music is and what it continues to be …. Fearless music

. 

This is all part of the service from your friends at the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show... 

We wouldn’t have any other way.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<
***Or if you're Flash challenged, listen HERE***

Jeff Pearson - Decade

Check out our co-host's album.

--

Featured on the show are:

Dream Theater

John Petrucci

Greg Howe

Tony MacAlpine

Yngwie Malmsteen

John 5

Neil Young: "This Note's For You" - Part 2: Side A - The 1980s

Holy Freakin’ Hanna, it’s finally here! 

The long-awaited part 2 of "Neil Young: “This Note’s For You" - Neil in the 1980s show (Side A)

Stuffed full of all kinds of facts, rumours, and lots of great music. Journey through the past with J Hoskins and Dr. Christopher Rutty as they both take you on a rollercoaster ride through one of Neil’s most angst-ridden but also most artistically creative periods, as we tear another page from the archives:  

“Live music Is better, Bumper stickers should be issued."

Truer words were never spoken. Enjoy. 

>>> LISTEN HERE <<<

Or if you're on a mobile device and are Flash challenged, listen from here

Listen to Part 1 HERE

This episode features discussions about and musical selections from:

"Where the Buffalo Roam" soundtrack (1980)

"Hawks & Doves" (1980)

"Re-ac-tor" (1981)

"Trans" (1982)

"Everybody's Rockin'" (1983)

"Old Ways" (1985)

"A Treasure" (Live 1984-85) (released in 2011)

"Landing on Water" (1986)

"Life" (1987)

"This Note's For You" Part 3: Side B will be ready soon and will cover Neil's albums from the late 1980s.

Stay Tuned...

2013 International Record Store Day - Long Playing Extended Edition

Here’s the 2013 edition of the Long Playing Extended Record Store Show stuffed to the gills with musical suggestions and useful info for celebrating International Record Store Day.

Join J. Hoskins & John Howarth as they feature music from Emitt Rhodes, Kieran Leonard, Babe Ruth, Warren Zevon and the J. Geils Band, plus a few surprises.

So make us proud go out and support your local record store on this special day, and every day, and discover, hug and buy a vinyl album. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy all over.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<

Sonic Boom

Great independent music store in Toronto, 782 Bathurst Street @ Bloor Street West.

Did You Hear That?

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of the dedicated personnel of the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show busily working away on three brand new shows for April. 

Included are the 2013 edition of the extended long playing Record Store Show, as well as the eagerly awaited Part 2 of Neil Young’s “This Notes for You” retrospective that we promised you a long time ago. 

All of this and a whole lot more great music is coming at you in the next thirty days from the friendly folk at the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show.  

Never mind trying to figure out what it means. Just listen to it.

>>>> LISTEN HERE <<<<

The International Record Store Day Show, Part 2

Okay it’s finally here, the 2^nd part of the extended long playing record show 2012 edition, in which hosts J Hoskins and John Howarth continue spinning out the tunes from Yes, Ryan Adams and former Sharks and Baker Gurtvitz Army vocalist, Snips. 

They also take a moment to give out some props to Toronto’s Sunrise Records and lament the loss of Peter Dunn’s Vinyl Museum. 

Not be outdone, Dr Prog reveals his ongoing quest to remove Yes’ “Tales From Topographic Oceans” from the dreaded "Wall of Shame." Worth waiting for you betcha. 

All part of the service from your friends here at "The Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show."

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<

TAKE THE WALL OF SHAME CHALLENGE AND RECIEVE SOME FREE MUSIC ON US

Help Dr Prog in his quest to remove "Tales From Topographic Oceans" from the Irrelevant Rock & Roll &Music Show "Wall of Shame."

If you are one of the first fifty people who contact us through the Irrelevant Rock & Roll Music page or the blog and cast your vote either yeah or nay along with a short explanation  of why this misunderstood Yes classic should be rescued from musical purgatory.

producers@virtuallyaudio.com

We will send you a Virtually Vinyl sampler featuring TRIP2MARS, Alan Lee, Jeff Pearson, and the Reverend Johns on us.

New Episode: Scary Halloween Show

While everyone eagerly awaits the arrival of the 2^nd part of the Extended Long Playing Record Show, dig into the musical morsel of our first official Halloween Show, a ghoulish tribute to the late Rue Morgue Radio. 

The show features special guest host singer and songwriter Nikki Benton, a woman who is intimately acquainted with the various ins and outs of All Hallows Eve, both musically and genre spherically.

Join Nikki and regular host J Hoskins as they lead you down dimly lit corridors and through creepy graveyards on a exciting program featuring Alice Cooper, Ministry, Enno Morricone, The Cure, and lots of other things that go bump in the night.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<

NEW SHOW! International Record Store Day, Part 1

Holy Freakin’ Hanna!!


It’s finally here, the 2012 edition of the Post Op long playing extended Record Store Show. So Chock full of music and suggestions from hosts J Hoskins, John Howarth and Dr Prog, we had to break the show into two parts  


Featuring tracks from Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, Screaming Blue Messiahs, Paul Weller, Dion, The Sutherland Brothers and Quiver and lots more stuff to keep you happily crate digging all Summer Long. 


All this plus we kick off the 2^nd edition of the all Prog Summer in a few weeks. 


Freakin’ unbelievable! Were back baby.


>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<

RE-BROADCAST: The Record Store Day Shows and an Update From Our Host

Having been informed of the sudden end of the seven year run of Rue Morgue Radio, which aired their last transmission this past weekend, I thought it's a appropriate time to come clean about some recent developments.

First Let's make it perfectly clear, the "Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show" is not going off the air now or anytime in the near future. But let's face it: shit happens. And when it happens at our little rock and roll show it sometimes hits with the force of a Tornado and kicks like a freakin' mule.

As well as breaking in a new co-host, a really added bonus was a particularly nasty and malicious computer virus that arrived just before Christmas which struck the Virtually Audio nerve center and laid waste to our post production facilities.

So as we take a deep breath, survey the damage and attempt to right the broadcast boat, we are going to continue to do what we do best which is letting you know about great music and where to get it. 

Enjoy the re-broadcast of our fabulous two part incredible ever expanding Record Store Day Show to get you all reved up for International Record Store Day in April.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOWS HERE & HERE <<<

And as for the crew of the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show, we will be back with all new shows in March with new co-host John Howarth, a man who has a much bigger record collection than most of us and isn't afraid to share it.

See you then. we promise, really we do.

J Hoskins, Dr Prog, and John Howarth

Off The Radar: Great Independent Music To Check Out

Check out the new section at top left of the main blog page to sample some great albums from independent musicians that have pleased our ears, including:

The Progressive Metal of 19 A.D.D.

The Symphonic Prog of Willowglass...

The Progressive Guitar of Jeff Pearson...

Re-Broadcast: The Christmas Show: 2008

In a effort to wind down and say goodbye to Krafty's tenure on the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show, while still maintaining the festive spirit of the season, we resurrect our Yule time show from two years ago.


The show features music from the Ontario Music Awards, The Hee Haw Gospel Quartet, and the ten albums we think you should have under your tree this December.


Happy holidays indeed, courtesy of your friends at the Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music Show.

>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<

The Once & Future Icons Show

In preparation for Krafty's final regular show at the end of the month, and the debut of new co-host John Howarth, J and Krafty take a trip to the vaults to re-broadcast one of their favorite shows from last year: "Once and Future Icons."

On this show, Krafty reveals his strange obsession for Lady Gaga while navigating the music of Jimmy Page, Bob Seger, the awesome sound of the Black Crowes, the progressive blues of Joe Bonnamassa, and who knew The Damned could sound as relevant today as they did in the early eighties.

So pull up a chair and settle yourself in for a wild ride. 

This is full throttle rock'n' roll to the max with a dash of nostalgia on the side. 

>>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<<<

The Branches of Genesis - Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett, Part 2

J. Hoskins & guest host, Christopher Rutty (aka "Dr Prog"), continue their unique in-depth examination of the solo careers of ex-Genesis guitarists, Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett. 


The show picks up their parallel musical paths in the mid-1990s and traces their extensive studio album output to the present, closing the loop when Ant played on Steve's "Out of the Tunnel's Mouth" masterpiece. 

The distinctive paths of Phillips' and Hackett's post-Genesis musical journey clearly reflects, continues and expands on the original Genesis spirit they both helped forge. Moreover, as this special extended episode illustrates, their solo albums underscore a vital, yet sensitive, progressive music fearlessness that both of these guitar geniuses have maintained to this day. 

>>>> LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE <<<<

To keep up to date on all things Steve Hackett & Anthony Phillips, visit their websites.

Steve Hackett's site

Anthony Phillips' site

Steve Hackett live in Rome, May 2011

Anthony Phillips in Steve's studio, June 2009

>>> You can listen to PART 1 Here <<<

4th Season Kick-Off!

In October we kick off our 4th season! Here's what we've got planned:

Oct 3rd: The Branches of Genesis: Part 2 (with co-host, Dr. Prog)

Featuring the words & music of former Genesis guitarists, Steve Hackett & Anthony Phillips.

Oct 9th: The Return Of The Roots Of Rock Show (with the return of Krafty)

Featuring: Black Country Communion, The Black Crowes, the Faces inspired tunes of Saint Jude, and a special tribute to the late great Gary Moore.

Oct 16th: The Progressive Choice Cuts Show

J & Chris (Dr. Prog) look at the discs that get their progressive juices humming and that have remained a fixture on their turntables for many, many years. Featuring: Riverside, FM, Tangerine Dream, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and latter day King Crimson.

Oct 28th: The First Official Halloween Show (with singer/ songwriter Nikki Benton)

Featuring: the Top 5 of music that really scares you, plus a spooky retrospective of King Diamond, classics from Alice Cooper, a blast from the past from Cradle of Filth, horror movie theme music and lots more stuff to keep you awake at night.

Click to see our press release for more details

Rebroadcast: "Another Really Big Prog Show"

This week we are rebroadcasting "Another Big Prog Show" with a little new, a little old, and a bit retro.  It was originally broadcast in March 2010.

Stay tuned for the Branches of Genesis Part 2 coming in the next week or two!

Until then this show features Big Big Train, Frost, Abigail's Ghost and The Lee Saunders Project. 

The two co-hosts, J. Hoskins & Krafty, also lock horns over the definition of what is progressive and what is prog. 

For the icing on the musical cake, they advise you how to spend your hard earned money on early Jethro Tull.

>>> Listen to the show here <<<

Big Big Train: The Underfall Yard (2009)

Frost: Experiments in Mass Appeal (2008)

Abigail's Ghost: D_LETION (2009)

The Lee Saunders Project: A Promise of Peace (1995)

Prog Summer Update

Its been a busy summer for everyone at IRRMS and the frequency of shows for the All Prog Summer has not been as often as planned, but will extend through September.


However, Part 2 of "The Branches of Genesis Show: Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett" will be completed in another week or so and its sounding very good.


In the meantime, you can browse through the many past episodes of the IRRMS that are listed along the left side of the blog, several of which are prog-focused.


Also, following in the more symphonic prog vein of Anthony Phillips, as well as Steve Hackett, I invite you to check out "Willowglass." 

1st Willowglass album (2005)

Here is an excellent description of what you'll hear as outlined on Progarchives.com:

WILLOWGLASS is solo artist/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marshall who lives in Yorkshire, England. Although involved in music from a young age and has played in various local groups over the last 20 years, the self-titled debut is his very first solo outing. Andrew's work blends 1970's style progressive rock with elements of classical music, adding a colourful palette of emotions & mood to his compositions, which have a uniquely English pastoral feel. It is clear that his inspiration has come from numerous symphonic prog rock bands since the 60s/70s and there are notable references to early GENESIS, YES, CAMEL and even a touch of PINK FLOYD thrown in for good measure. 

The self-titled debut (2005) contains ten instrumental tracks recorded between September 2004 and April 2005, with lashings of mellotron, flute, 12-string acoustic & electric guitars. If you listen carefully you may find references to other works such as : CAMEL- "Rain Dances", GENESIS- "Selling England By The Pound", BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST - "Everyone Is Everybody Else" and YES - "Fragile". However, this is NOT just a hackneyed clone of past Classics, it is a sophisticated, graceful & intelligent interpretation of these, taking the lucky listener on a journey into lush green pastures where we can forget the busy world and almost believe we are back in 1970's again ...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who like any of the 1970's classic prog bands mentioned above and especially for those who like the style & mood of Anthony PHILLIPS' "The Geese & the Ghost".

2nd Willowglass album

Book of Hours (2008)

Visit the Willowglass website for more background, sound samples, reviews, and how to get the albums. They are both downloadable via iTunes.

All Prog Summer Music Series

Special Announcement for all Lovers of Innovative Music

In early July, The Irrelevant Rock & Roll & Music show will commence It's first "All Prog Summer Music Series" with three new shows each month dedicated to that unique corner of music known as Progressive Rock.

Join J Hoskins and guest host Christopher Rutty (aka) "Dr Prog," as they take you on a musical journey that is guaranteed to open your mind as well as your ears. The special shows being planned include: "The Branches of Genesis, (Parts 1 and 2)" "The Headphone Show", "The New Face Of Prog," and lots more neat stuff.

The Branches of Genesis - Anthony Phillips & Steve Hackett, Part 1

To kick off their "All Prog Summer Series," J Hoskins and guest host Christopher Rutty delve into the multi-faceted careers of former Genesis axemen Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips. 


This "Branches of Genesis" show traces the sounds they continued to forge after they left the mother ship and cut their own unique musical paths.

>>> Listen to the show here <<<

Downloadable mp3 version now available, or subscribe to the show in iTunes

Anthony Phillips, 2008

Steve Hackett, 2010

Part 1 of the show focuses on the dynamic and often similar solo paths Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett followed after they each left Genesis, which was in 1970 for Phillips and 1977 for Hackett. 

The discussion includes a selection of definitive tracks from Phillips' and Hackett's many albums up to the early 1990s and traces how through their distinctive electric and acoustic guitar styles and sensitivities continued and expanded the original Genesis progressive music spirt they played such an essential role in developing.

Part 2 will take their solo stories up to the present, when they finally connected and Phillips played on Hackett's latest album.

For details on all things Phillips and Hackett, be sure to visit their websites,

http://www.anthonyphillips.co.uk/

http://www.hackettsongs.com

>>> LISTEN TO PART 2 HERE <<<<