KOOP Stronger Than Dirt

18/06/2025

Cover art of the week: The Unicorns were a Canadian indie rock and avant pop trio that were known for diverse and sometimes quirky tunes as well as crazy live shows. Formed in 2000, they disbanded in 2004 and reformed briefly in 2014, leaving behind two studio albums and a couple singles. Their second and final studio album, “Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone,” was released in 2003 on the Alien8 label in North America and on Rough Trade in Europe. The cover art and design was uncredited. (Maybe credited somewhere in the indecipherable liner notes?)

16/06/2025

This week's Dusty Diamond (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): Long time Stronger Than Dirt listeners will be well familiar with Dead Moon, the legendary garage punk band from Portland OR. Comprised of husband-and-wife Fred and Toody Cole and drummer Andrew Loomis they cranked out stripped down dark themed garage rock from 1987 until 2006. “Black September” is classic Dead Moon, a gritty full-blast rocker with wailing guitar, ominous lyrics and Fred Cole’s expressive vocals. It appeared on a 1989 single on their Tombstone record label. Listen to it here:

Provided to YouTube by Virgin Music GroupBlack September · Dead MoonBlack September / Echoes to You℗ 1989 Tombstone RecordsReleased on: 1989-09-04Writer: Fre...

15/06/2025

You can listen to last night's show here:

Some featured artists on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt include the Electric Prunes (RIPJames Lowe), Brigitte Bardot, Come On, Wire, Wild Giraffes, The Last, Fastbacks, Dead Moon, Rip Offs, and Melenas, as well as lots of new music.

15/06/2025

Here's the playlist from last night's show.

14/06/2025

Some featured artists on tonight's show include the Electric Prunes (RIP James Lowe), Brigitte Bardot, Come On, Wire, Wild Giraffes, The Last, Fastbacks, Rip Offs, Melenas, as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond. Also new music by Ideal Body, Les Rencards, Johnny Maraca and the Marockers, Metdog, Artificial Go, Fabulous Downey Brothers, Cheap Fix, Graphic Violets and How Yes No. That's tonight at 8 right after The Clear Spot on KOOP Radio 91.7 and streaming at koop.org. (Pictured from top left clockwise: Come On, Fastbacks, Electric Prunes, The Last, Melenas, Rip Offs)

13/06/2025

Welcome to this week's STD name the band contest! The first person to correctly identify (in comments) the band that provided this week's pilfered promo art will receive an impassioned democracy affirming and fascism resistant shout-out on tomorrow night's show. As always, previous winners are welcome to hold off for a bit. Good luck! (Edit: Congrats to Patrick Nelson for IDing the Rip Offs. Original promo art from their 1994 “Got a Record” album on Rip Off Records. Photography by Jennifer Simpson.)

11/06/2025

Cover art of the week: The Last were one of many bands that sprang up in the fertile and diverse Los Angeles music scene of the late 70s. Featuring a line-up with three brothers, Joe, Mike, and David Nolte, they favored a garage pop and rock sound inspired by earlier bands like the Modern Lovers. They in turn, were a major influence on bands like the Three O’ Clock and Bangles and others in the Paisley Underground scene of the 80s. After disbanding, and various line-up changes, they were still active as recently as 2020. Their debut album, L.A. Explosion! was released in 1979 on Bomp! Records and featured a cover design by Mick Toohig and band photography by Robert Bruce.

09/06/2025

This week's Dusty Diamond (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): Impala were a prolific instrumental rock and roll band from Memphis. Like many of the instro bands that were active during the 90s garage scene, they were influenced by the 60s surf and spy movie soundtrack sounds. They had numerous releases throughout the decade and put out an EP as recently as last year. “Ltd A Go-Go” is a high energy beach party ripper with Dick Dale inspired guitar licks and nice accompanying keyboard. It appeared on their very first record, a 1993 EP on The Power of Bob label. Listen to it here:

Provided to YouTube by Redeye WorldwideLtd. A-Go-Go · ImpalaNight Full of Sirens: Anthology '93 -'97℗ Eliminator Music, BMIReleased on: 2010-11-30Artist: Imp...

08/06/2025

You can listen to last night's show here:

Some featured artists on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt include the Beau Brummels, Judy Carne, The Quick, 20/20, Magazine, X, Miracle Workers, Lost Sounds, Schla La Las, Hierophants as well as lots of new music.

07/06/2025

Some featured artists on tonight's show include the Beau Brummels, Judy Carne, The Quick, 20/20, Magazine, X, Miracle Workers, Lost Sounds, Schla La Las, Hierophants, as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond. Also new music by Artificial Go, Roberta Lips, TY, Sexfaces, Salem Trials, Jocks, Kilynn Lunsford and Number Ones. That's tonight at 8 right after The Clear Spot on KOOP Radio 91.7 and streaming at koop.org. (Pictured from top left clockwise: Lost Sounds, Hierophants, The Quick, Schla La Las, Beau Brummels, X)

06/06/2025

I've got Friday on my mind which means it's time for name that band! The first person to identify (in comments) the band that provided this week's pilfered promo art will receive a consensus building focus group tested shout-out on tomorrow night's show. Previous winners are welcome to hold off for a bit. Good luck! (Edit: Congrats to Doug Niemczura for IDing X. Original art from their 1982 “Under the Big Black Sun” album on Elektra. Illustration by Alfred Harris and back cover photography by Frank Gargani.)