Category: Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Airdate: May 2, 2018)

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alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Roger Joseph Manning Jr., late of Jellyfish and now a once-again solo artist (his terrific new EP Glamping releases via PledgeMusic on May 18), joined me on a very special edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation on May 2 to talk about his new release, and a whole lot more.

roger joseph manning jr. glamping coverGlamping’s four hooky songs lasso a variety of pop styles from pure to power for an exhilarating listening experience, helped along by friends such as Chris Price, Jason Falkner and Bleu McAuley. “Operator” tells the sweet story of a lonely man aching for a relationship with a telephone operator. “Funhouse” injects a rock stance into the pop proceedings with Jason Falkner’s guitars and Freddie Mercury-style background vocal harmony stacks. “Is It All a Dream” is an uptempo pop ride, and the closing power ballad “I’m Not Your Cowboy” rides to its finish atop a 10cc-esque approach.

During this program, Roger went in-depth on the making of Glamping, his work on Emitt Rhodes’ 2016 record Rainbow Ends and Secret Friend’s new release, The Divorce Album. He also talked about his time in Jellyfish, and helped me discover the engine that powered one of the band’s most inventive songs, Spilt Milk’s “Sebrina, Paste and Plato.” Plus: What exactly is glamping?

Check out Roger’s PledgeMusic store for the latest availability information on the Glamping EP.

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pprListen to my interview with Roger Joseph Manning Jr. from the May 2 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 


Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

ppr radio purple background - insetPure Pop Radio plays the greatest melodic pop music from across the decades, 24 hours a day. Listen by clicking on the Live365 Listen Now button at left. Hear us once and you’ll be a listener for life. Join us, won’t you? You’ll be glad you did!

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Michael Carpenter (Airdate: April 25, 2018)

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alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Longtime Pure Pop Radio favorite Michael Carpenter took to the road, literally, and on the way to a gig spoke with me about his latest musical endeavors on the April 25 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation.

coverTop of our agenda was the Supahip’s terrific new album, The Two Sided Face. Michael has crafted, with Mark Moldre, a classic collection of songs incorporating such varied influences as rock, pop, and country. Michael and Mark entered the studio each day without a written song to sing; by the end of each day, a song was written, performed and mixed. Working without a net has never sounded so good.

Michael and I also talked about creativity, the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney, and a whole lot more. We played three songs from The Two Sided Face: the upbeat, joyous “With the Radio On,” the country toe-tapping (and Rolling Stones leaning) “Fourarms,” and the four-on-the-floor rocker “Motor” (Listen to these songs from Big Radio Records’ Bandcamp page). Plus: we played Michael’s rousing, one-man-band cover of the Beach Boys’ “You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone” and a surprise track from Beatle Paul.

Purchase the Supahip’s The Two Sided Face here (get the digital download right away; the CD will be available June 1).

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pprListen to my interview with Michael Carpenter from the April 25 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 


Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

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Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Anton Barbeau (Airdate: April 18, 2018)

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alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

anton barbeau natural causes cover from cd babyOn April 18, singer-songwriter and longtime Pure Pop Radio favorite Anton Barbeau guested on an all-new edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation to talk about his latest album, the fantastic Natural Causes.

During this in-depth hour, you will hear Anton wax poetic about three of the songs on Natural Causes: the wild and woolly “It’s the Coffee that Makes the Man Go Mad,” “Down Around the Radio,” and a remake of “Creepy Tray,” which first appeared as an upbeat bubblegum track on Anton’s 1999 release, Splendid Tray, and is recast in a new version as…well, you’ll have to listen to find out. It’s a truly heartfelt story.

Listen to the songs played from Natural Causes during this program by clicking here.

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pprListen to my interview with Anton Barbeau from the April 18 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 


Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

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Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Secret Friend’s Steven Fox (Airdate: April 4, 2018)

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alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

secret friend divorce albumSecret Friend’s new record, The Divorce Album, may well be the ultimate breakup long player, but it sounds like a happy, peppy pop album, and I predict it will be a favorite of many pop fans this year.

Falling somewhere sound-wise between the expansive second Secret Friend album, Sleeper, and the Linus of Hollywood-produced pure pop debut, Time Machine, The Divorce Album serves up six Secret Friend songs, written and produced by Steven Fox, and six reinventions of those songs produced by other artists. It’s a fascinating approach, heady lyrically but effervescent musically. It’s a clear winner by an artist not afraid to stretch and keep things interesting.

secret friend steven foxDuring this lively edition of In Conversation, you’ll learn about the origins of this album and hear all about the writing and production of the songs. Direct from Thailand, meet Secret Friend’s Steven Fox as you listen to this in-depth podcast, originally broadcast on April 4.

Secret Friend’s The Divorce Album is available from a variety of e-tailers at the album’s website.

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pprListen to my interview with Secret Friend’s Steven Fox from the April 4 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 


Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Kyle Vincent (Airdate: March 21, 2018)

~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

kyle vincent miles and an oceanKyle Vincent sat in front of the Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation microphones on March 21 to talk with me about his new album Miles and an Ocean. We discussed a variety of topics, including the wonder of Barry Manilow and working with the Rubinoos’ Tommy Dunbar. We also played, and talked about, songs from Miles and an Ocean and 2016’s Kyle Vincent Sings the Great Manilow Songbook. Soft-pop, and Kyle Vincent, fans will not want to miss this show.

Kyle Vincent’s Miles and an Ocean is available in the store at kylevincent.com, and on Amazon and iTunes.

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pprListen to my interview with Kyle Vincent from the March 21 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 


Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

 

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Michael Simmons (Airdate: April 11, 2018)

~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

michael simmons album front coverMichael Simmons, long-standing member of the west coast melodic pop community, crafted his smash, just-released solo album, First Days of Summer, at home, recording in sparkling Kitchen-o-Phonic sound (guess where the studio resides). The results are no less than magical.

michael simmons photoMichael joined me in a spirited conversation about First Days of Summer on the April 11 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation. We talked about how he wrote and recorded his new songs, and played three of them: “Fuzzy Green Hat,” the roots of which were in a dream; “Let’s Fall in Love,” a song that would rightly be thought of as Prince Pop; and “Bucket List,” a song that happily circles a mix of NRBQ, Nick Lowe and Rockpile vibes.

First Days of Summer is available in a variety of bundles, each featuring the vinyl and CD versions of the album. Get yours at Michael’s Bandcamp site (where you can listen to the songs played during this program).

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pprListen to my interview with Michael Simmons from the April 11 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Linus of Hollywood (Airdate: March 28, 2018)

~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

alan headshot from schoolBy Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

LOH - Cabin Life Cover V2-3Linus of Hollywood’s fifth album, Cabin Life, is yet another fine offering from an artist whose mastery of the melodic pop form continues to dazzle. Linus visited with me on the March 28 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation to talk about his new songs and revisit some of his musical history, charting a course from his Florida roots to his time in Los Angeles and a life spent luxuriating in the many-tiered world of music.

Linus of Hollywood
Linus of Hollywood

During this typically in-depth interview, Linus talked about his time in the punk-pop group Size 14, his reinvention of Nick Gilder’s classic song “Hot Child in the City,” his first solo recordings, and the rich textured compositions that fuel Cabin Life, the songs for which were written in cabins in the Lake Arrowhead, California area. Five songs were played amidst the detailed conversation: “Let’s Rob a Bank” (Size 14), “Hot Child in the City,” “Sunday Morning,” “Cabin Life,” and “It Was You.”

Linus of Hollywood’s Cabin Life is available for purchase from the artist’s web store; Bandcamp, where you can listen to the songs played from Cabin Life during this program; Amazon, and iTunes.

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pprListen to my interview with Linus of Hollywood from the March 28 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

 

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Dana Countryman (Airdate: November 8, 2017)

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By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio alan headshot from school

dana countryman the joy of pop coverAs I wrote this past January in my Favorite Records of the Year: Stars of 2017 feature, “The fourth time’s the charm, although it certainly can be said that the previous three times have been equally charming; The Joy of Pop is nothing less than a joy, another in a growing line of wonderful retro-pop albums from a master of melody.”

dana-countryman-bw
Dana Countryman

Dana Countryman was my guest on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation last November 8 to talk about The Joy of Pop, a lineup of great songs made stronger with the help of compatriots like Matt Tyson, Dana’s wife Tricia and Klaatu’s Dee Long. Lovely  songs such as “August Dream,” a Broadway-styled creation influenced, no doubt, by the work of Richard Carpenter, Burt Bacharach and Gilbert O’Sullivan, and “Can’t Stop Thinking ‘Bout You,” a jangly number graced with Dee Long’s beautiful guitar work, barely scratch the surface of this wonderful collection.

Listen to the songs played during this interview–“August Dream,” “Tell Me that You Love Me,” and “Can’t Stop Thinking ‘Bout You”–by clicking here.

Click here for a fine lineup of retailers from which you can purchase The Joy of Pop.

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pprListen to my interview with Dana Countryman from the November 8, 2017 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 

 

Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

 

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Andrew Taylor (Dropkick) (Airdate: March 14, 2018)

~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio alan headshot from school

dropkick longwave 2018 coverDropkick is one of the current kings of melodic pop, showcasing their glorious rich harmonies on album after album of winning sounds. The group’s Andrew Taylor, direct from Scotland, talked to me on March 14 on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation about his group’s fantastic new album, Longwave.

Andrew and I spoke about, and we played, three of Longwave’s glorious songs: “It’s Still Raining,” “See You There,” and “Out of Tune.” Other topics covered in this fascinating interview: Andrew’s influences, as diverse as Tom Petty and Green Day; recording Longwave virtually live; and the striking cover design by Alan Lennon. (Listen to “It’s Still Raining” by clicking here.)

Longwave releases on March 23. Vinyl, CD and digital downloads can be pre-ordered on Dropkick’s Bandcamp page. An offer featuring a special bonus disc is available from Kool Kat Musik.

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pprListen to my interview with Dropkick’s Andrew Taylor from the March 14 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

 

 

Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button:

 

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Terry Draper (Airdate: February 14, 2018)

~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio alan 5 small

terry draper memory layout photoKlaatu’s Terry Draper returned to Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation on February 14 to speak with me about his latest top-flight collection, Once Upon a Memory.

terry draper in studio
Terry Draper

The Terry and Alan Show, the moniker that our frequent freewheeling and mirthful on-air chats have come to be known by, centered this time around on three songs from Once Upon a Memory including “All Over Morocco,” a song written in 1979 that was brought up for inclusion on Klaatu’s Endangered Species record but ultimately given a thumbs-down from producer Chris Bond. The recording, which originally appeared on Terry’s Civil War album, features Dee Long on classical guitar and vocals, and John Woloschuk on bass and vocals.

It’s always a joy to talk to Terry; I look forward to his next appearance on the Terry and Alan Show…also known as Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation.

Sample the songs played during this show: “Myrlindale,” “All Over Morocco,” and “Once Upon a Memory” at Terry’s online digital store. Purchase Once Upon a Memory on a 4 GB memory stick with a 47-page booklet, five videos in high definition, and a collectible postcard here. Fancy a download? Go here.

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pprListen to my interview with Terry Draper from the February 14 edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation by clicking the play button on the following player, or click on the Pure Pop Radio button to the left to download (then right click and choose “Save audio as” to save the file to your computer). (This interview is presented in scoped format; the songs have been removed due to copyright concerns.)

Listen to a wide selection of previously-aired Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation interviews by clicking here.

alanhaberspurepopradiographiclarge1-wp header

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, playing the latest and greatest melodic pop songs from today and across the decades, and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, the premiere Internet melodic pop talk show, air weekly on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc smallin conversation new graphic blueListen to the Pop Tunes Deejay Show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm ET (two different shows every week); In Conversation airs every Wednesday night at 9 pm ET. Don’t miss a minute!

Tune in to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio by clicking on the following snazzy-looking button: