Where's That Sound Coming From Podcast

03/09/2024

On the turntable:

Francois Hardy
Buzzcocks
Roger Miller
Love
Marcos Valle
REM.

29/08/2024

Now that summer’s almost gone, here’s the second summer rerun. A classic from 2013. “How Insensitive” was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, but inspired by Chopin. Its English lyrics aren’t a translation of its original Portuguese lyrics, but both tell a bleak story of love gone wrong. Besides Michael Nesmith’s 1968 country fusion interpretation, we’ll also hear versions by Astrud Gilberto, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra (with Jobim), Judy Garland, William Shatner (!), Sinead O’Connor (RIP), Iggy Pop and more…I’m currently acknowledging the end of summer and the need to get back to work! Now that summer’s almost gone, here’s the second summer rerun. A classic from 2013. “How Insensitive” was written by Antonio Carlos Jobim, but inspired by Chopin. Its English lyrics aren’t a translation of its original Portuguese lyrics, but both tell a bleak story of love gone wrong. Besides Michael Nesmith’s 1968 country fusion interpretation, we’ll also hear versions by Astrud Gilberto, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra (with Jobim), Judy Garland, William Shatner (!), Sinead O’Connor (RIP), Iggy Pop and more…I’m currently acknowledging the end of summer and the need to get back to work! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000666955899

14/08/2024

Tonight’s the night! I’ll be giving a short talk prior to this rare screening of Head on the big screen. I hope to prepare the unknowing for what is decidedly not a lighthearted trippy romp. Rather it’s a su***de note, forged by Jack Nicholson and Bob Rafelson, from The Monkees to their slowly-dwindling fanbase; as well as a cruel goodbye note from Rafelson and Bert Schneider to the four highly talented nobodies they’d turned into megastars. Framing it like this makes it less jarring when you realize The Monkees spend much of this movie being insulted, manipulated, ignored, shooed away, annoying everyone around them (including each other) etc. It’s dark and abrasive like The Beatles White Album is dark and abrasive. (Both were released in November 1968). Ok, I’ve said too much. Maybe I’ll see you there! https://amherstcinema.org/films-and-events/head

07/08/2024

I Can’t Reach You-The Who
May This Be Love-Jimi Hendrix
DCBA 25- Jefferson Airplane
Door into Summer-Monkees
Morning Dew (studio version) -Grateful Dead
Dandelion- Rolling Stones
¡Que Vida! - Love
Fresh Air-Quicksilver Messenger Service
That’s The Way - Led Zeppelin

I’m sunbathing at the moment and trying to recall the songs on the sunbathing mix tape I made when I was 15, when I’d lay out on our deck as often as possible to combat unsightly teenage complexion (which went great with the braces).

29/07/2024

Hiya kids! I’m honored to be doing a little intro talk at the August 14th screening of HEAD at Amherst Cinema! Should be a hoot! (El zoomos not provided 😝😎)

https://amherstcinema.org/films-and-events/head

07/07/2024

Your host (a few years ago).

01/07/2024

As promised! Summer re-run of a 2014 episode of my old podcast. Tune in to hear and learn about versions of “She/He Thinks I Still Care” by Cher, Flying Burrito Brothers, Leon Russell, Anne Murray, John Fogerty, Kirsty MacColl, Elvis Presley and more (including Nez, of course)! Link in bio. EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Overcome with the need to keep my audience engaged I realized that there are a few episodes of my old podcast that I could re-post, which deal with songs that most Nezheads should know well. Without bias, I still say that the Second National Band version is the best version of this heartbreaking song. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check out all the other versions featured here! Listening to this episode ten years later was a little mindblowing. I was bracing myself for some cringey moments, but I was mostly pleasantly surprised. I am a bit forceful in possibly trying to push Gram Parsons down a peg while waving my Nez freak flag and I’ve since mellowed in that regard. I hadn’t yet become his friend and employee. I’m a Parsons fan too and fully recognize his amazing talent and hate that he couldn’t get his life together and deliver on all he promised and live to see how much people still love and are influenced by his work. I think my agenda was to level the playing field and give Nez his due props in country-rock history. I’ve learned first hand that it’s easy to love Parsons while Nez is a more acquired taste. But right around this time, due to his triumphant return to the public eye, there seemed to be a positive re-evaluation of Nez’s musical achievements and he always seemed taken aback in the many interviews he gave in his final decade, to hear his work praised after assuming he’d been largely forgotten. This is why the First National Band Redux shows were so triumphant and beautiful. Who knew in 2014 what was going to happen? Crikey, that’s a loaded question. Anyway, enjoy! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000660745696

22/06/2024

Because I’m paranoid that all y’all will desert me if I take the summer off, I’m going to keep the programming going with SUMMER RERUNS! I’m dusting off a couple three four episodes of my old podcast that should be of interest to you Nezheads. The first two episodes I plan on reposting date back to 2013-2014. Pre-Covid. Pre-Trump. Pre-fatherhood. Feels like 100 years ago. But the music’s timeless. Here’s an old graphic. Summer rerun #1 will post July 1.

21/06/2024

Another shout out to Sir Ray on his 80th. He was 23 when he wrote this masterpiece.

21/06/2024

Ray Davies is 80 today!! Thank heavens for that guy and what he’s brought to the world. I admit, his June bday sometimes gets over looked by me because of the other Generational Gemini Geniuses in his field (McCartney, B. Wilson, Dylan) but there’s no excuse for that. Also, there’s only one Kinks album I listen to in the summer—Face to Face—and I still remember buying it and The Queen Is Dead on the same summer day in 1991, record shopping in Salem, MA w my sis.
Augmented lyric to the song below:
“There is no hope, no reasoning, forgetting Ray’s birthday in June..”

Provided to YouTube by Castle CommunicationsRainy Day in June (Stereo Mix) · The KinksFace to Face℗ 1966 Sanctuary Records Group Ltd., a BMG CompanyReleased ...

17/06/2024

I decided to sneak one more in before my summer break! It's short, like the episodes were supposed to be when I started this series.....What a perfect little power folk pop song this is, and the first song on the legendary Headquarters album (Nez thought up that title, ya know). The four Monkees, plus Chip Douglas, jangleburst their way through the door into real band-ness, saying "here we come, but FOR REAL this time!!". More Beatles talk on this episode, and if you know this song, you might be able to guess why. Plus I'll play and discuss the wacky Wichita Train verson and live versions recorded four decades apart.
Unless I get inspired to to a summer episode or two (you never know with me), see you this fall!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000659213777

12/06/2024

Adieu, Francoise

From the June 5, 1966 episode of Douches écossaises. Directed by Jean-Christophe Averty. Written by Adriano Celentano & Mariano Detto, with French lyrics by ...

28/05/2024

New episode is up!!
“The Girl I Knew Somewhere”, with special guest, Jonathan Pretus from the wonderful podcast, Ranking The Beatles! Plus you’ll hear some Greenbriar Boys, Cream and Paul and John. As well as several versions of our featured song and my usual blah blahs. Far out.

‎Show Where's That Sound Coming From Presents: Questions But No Answers with Brian Marchese, Ep Ep. 7 - The Girl I Knew Somewhere - May 28, 2024

25/05/2024

Hi all. I was the guest on the latest episode of this truly great podcast, Ranking The Beatles. I talk a lot about my own Nesmith-centric podcast, Where's That Sound Coming From Podcast Presents Questions But No Answers, and then we finally talk Beatles. Dig it! (ps, host Jonathan Pretus will be my guest on the upcoming episode of my show)

‎Show Ranking The Beatles, Ep #91 - Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey with guest Brian Marchese (host, Where's That Sound Coming From?) - May 23, 2024

25/05/2024

Hey look! I’m the guest on the latest Ranking The Beatles! I talk just as much about Nez as I do The Beatles. It’s a fun listen, and the host will be my guest on the next QBNA, which I hope to publish by Monday.

#91 - Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey
Out now at rankingthebeatles.com or wherever you get podcasts!

The longest titled song in the Beatles' catalogue is also one that maybe flies a bit below the radar. Buried on side 3 of the White album, "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me and My Monkey" is one of the heaviest rockers in the back half of their career. Inspired by the Maharishi, and also possibly by a growing drug issue, John leads the band through a frantic and hard tune with lyrics that maybe don't quite make sense. George's playing is at his heaviest and most guitar-hero, as if he's trying to claim his spot in the late 60s guitar world. There's so much to love on this track, from Paul's whoops and firebell frenzy to the brilliant beat swapping intro. This is one that I think can surprise people who don't think the Beatles could REALLY rock.

Speaking of monkeys, we're super excited to be joined this week by Brian Marchese, host of the podcast "Where's That Sound Coming From? presents 'Questions But No Answers,'" a brilliant show diving deep into the song catalogue of the late, great Michael Nesmith. If you've listened to our show, you know I love the Nez and the Monkees, so I was thrilled to have Brian join to talk about what inspired him to create his show, as well as his own history with Beatles. Be sure to check out "Questions But No Answers" anywhere you get podcasts, and follow along on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram.⁠ https://www.facebook.com/wheresthatsoundcomingfrompodcast

Wanna check out my own personal Nez playlist and see what makes his stuff so special? ⁠Here you go!⁠ https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/michael-nesmith/pl.u-kv9lbmmT6E3al

What do you think about "Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey" at #91? Too high? Too low? Or just right? Let us know in the comments!

17/05/2024

You kidding me, Jim Neill? Where else but on WRSI - 93.9 The River can I turn on my car radio at lunchtime and hear “For Pete’s Sake” by The Monkees? More specifically where else can I turn on my radio and hear the four Monkees playing as a real band on a song written by Peter (but Mike gave it the title). I love Micky’s bashy, intermediate level drumming on it. Even Davy’s tambo is killer! ❤️

08/05/2024

A couple years of my life were heavily influenced musically by
Pixies—Surfer Rosa
Breeders—Pod
Wedding Present—Seamonsters

RIP Albini

From their excellent debut cd "Pod"

26/04/2024

Hi all!! After an initial explosion of new year productivity, which coincided with a down tick in other commitments, things have slowed slightly here at QBNA HQ. My drumming and parenting services have had to take precedence for a bit, so the furious pace of the first six episodes will need to temporarily tap on the brakes. HOWEVER, Episode 7 is on its way, featuring a sweet conversation with Jonathan Pretus from Ranking The Beatles, ostensibly about “The Girl I Knew Somewhere”, but, you know me—I observe no conversational guardrails so we go all over the place. Plus we’ll hear the lifespan of “Girl…”, from the awesome acetate to M&M. It’s such an important song. Nez had to deliver the goods and he absolutely did. See you soon!

21/04/2024

Here is a super cool cover of an early Nez classic, covered by Lee Ranaldo, whom some of you might know from the amazing Sonic Youth. Fun fact: In October 1990, I saw Sonic Youth at the Boston Orpheum. The opening act was the equally legendary Redd Kross, who did a cover of "I Wanna Be Free", a la the Live 1967 arrangement. They also covered Love's "Andmoreagain" I was the only one of my posse who got excited about either cover. I would love to have Lee come on QBNA to talk about this cover. Hmm? Any help?

"Acoustic Dust" (El Segell del Primavera, 2014)

18/04/2024

Happy Friday. Here’s your new favorite song about Friday. Chilli Willi and the Red Hot Peppers were a UK band that was part of the “pub rock” scene (the post-hippie, pre-punk scene of the early-mid 70’s that produced folks like Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds and Dr Hook). They were big fans of Michael Nesmith and in 1974 asked him to produce them, hoping to get some of his cosmic country rock fairy dust production magic. However, the sessions were aborted after only four completed tunes because the Chilis were expecting a good time, but Nesmith happened to be in a sober, spiritual moment in his life and was a buzzkill. So they axed him. Still, they got four great songs, including this very “Grateful Burrito Brothers” sounding tune. Dig it! By the way, do you folks know that I’ve had a podcast dedicated to the music of Michael Nesmith? The only one of its kind that I know of..It’s called Questions But No Answers and details can be found at my podcast page, Where's That Sound Coming From Podcastre

Buy or Listen here: https://smarturl.it/cwsharp© Copyright: 2017 The Last Music Company Limited℗ Production: 2017 Chilli Willi And The Red Hot Peppers

08/04/2024

Have a good event!

Provided to YouTube by BMG Rights Management (US) LLCHere Comes the Moon · George HarrisonGeorge Harrison℗ 2004 G.H. Estate Limited under exclusive license t...

05/04/2024

Episode 6 is up! Where is Mary going to? Is she safe from the persistent creepo who won't leave her alone? Is this the same Mary as in "Walkin' the Dog"? Was Michael Blessing much more of a manufactured image than Monkee Mike? Is Bloomfield's guitar solo the best part of the Butterfield version? Why isn't Micky ready? How great of a live band were The Monkees on the 1968 fall tour? When is the only time that Nez seriously pi**ed off your host, Brian? Did Nez try to make "Mary, Mary>Circle Sky", The Monkees' version of "China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider"? And finally, WHY YA BUGGIN'????

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000651496203

30/03/2024

A few blatant clues re: the next episode of WTSCF Presents: Questions But No Answers. Coming Soon!

26/03/2024

I love accidentally connecting dots!! I came across this super swingin' 1940-something rendition of "Beyond the Blue Horizon" as performed by The Three Suns. Do you know who the guitar player was in this combo? Al Nevins, who went on to do quite well in the publishing business with....Don Kirshner! Together they founded Aldon Music in 1958 (Al-Don, get it? Kinda like how Highness Records got its name, if you remember what we learned in Episode 1).
Enjoy!

On the other side of the musical spectrum, here is the organ-accordion-guitar combo The Three Suns.Composed of Al & Marty Nevins on guitar & accordion and Ar...

11/03/2024

Episode Five is live!
Q: What happens when the most stubbornly independent Monkee is forced by a man he dislikes to do something he dislikes, such as co-write a song with strangers who happen to be one of the most successful songwriting teams of the century? A: We get a great song with a lot of versions to hear and discuss. What we don't get is a lot of facts, so this episode, while guest-free, does have some voice-acting and creative nonfiction. I try, semi seriously, to suss out who wrote what in the song. This episode also features lots of good music and two eye-opening interview clips. I hope you dig. Here are two ways to listen and subscribe.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000648719117

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/wheresthatsoundcomingfrom/episodes/2024-03-10T22_34_41-07_00

08/03/2024

Happy Birthday to the author of one of the two most whacked out songs in The Monkees catalog.
I hope tomorrow he’s told he had a good time today.

Provided to YouTube by RhinoShorty Blackwell · The MonkeesInstant Replay℗ 1969 Colgem RecordsViolin: Anatol KaminskyCello: Armand KaproffViolin: Bernard Kund...

05/03/2024

On the next QBNA: What happens when one of the most successful songwriting teams in 1960’s pop is assigned to write a song with the most difficult member of a yet-to-debut TV pop band? IE the Texan who generally hates anything associated with his new musical boss Don Kirshner and his stable of Brill Building songwriters? Did Carole King really leave the songwriting session in tears? And if so, don’t you think it might it have been something to do with her crumbling marriage to the recently psychedelicized Goffin, rather than due to anything a relative unknown like Nesmith could’ve said? Who wrote which part of said song? Who was Friar Tuck and his Psychedelic Guitar? What did John Ware think of the Velvet Underground? Was 60’s Nesmith a Beach Boys fan? How does Waylon Jennings fit into any of this? Oh boy, kids. No guests on the next episode, but there are some far reaching theories, dots connected, and even some actual facts. This will be a fun one. Hoping to find time to have it done for next Monday.

04/03/2024

It’s good to have bass nerd friends, otherwise I would have missed this. Serek Basses is a Chicago-based bass guitar manufacturer. Here’s their in-house band doing a flippin’ perfect rendition of “Calico Girlfriend”, FNB-style. (Hey Serek folks, if y’all are Nez Nerds, you might dig my new all-Nez podcast)

Thanks to Seth from Mind Left Body (the Grateful Dead cover band I play drums in. so now you know😬) for sending.

When I recently found some old countertop laminate at the local lumberyard I thought, "this would make a cool bass!" When Benny saw the laminates he thought,...

24/02/2024

NEZ ON TV ALERT!! .b.l just alerted me to this unexpected awesomeness in the closing credits of a recent episode of Life and Beth on Hulu! Last year was “Tapioca Tundra” on Better Call Saul, now this! Keeping the man’s music alive (and with a ~slightly~ larger audience than my podcast 😁). Well done and thank you, Amy Schumer!

19/02/2024

Papa Gene’s Blues” is one of Michael Nesmith’s most endearing and enduring songs. I didn’t set out to make this a 90 minute episode, but it’s an important song with a lot of history; plus I had two guests and they were both full of so much insight. Firstly there’s Lynda Wiles of Cornwall (UK), a Nezhead since the BBC debuted the Monkees television series on New Years Eve 1966. She runs multiple Nez-related web destinations that everyone should check out. Then there’s Ryan Quinn, a Massachusetts-based singer songwriter and band leader (Salvation Alley), who gives some professorial insight into the nuts and bolts of “Papa Gene’s Blues” as a musical composition. Along the way we’ll listen to six or seven different versions of the song, from 1966 to 2018. Enjoy! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheres-that-sound-coming-from/id665759667?i=1000645800887.