This Week’s Specialty Shows: An All-Star Pop Tunes Deejay Show Premieres New Terry Draper Song, and In Conversation Serves Up Iconic Jeffrey Foskett Interview from 1997

June 19, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

This week’s Pure Pop Radio specialty shows satisfy your pop cravings with an all-star, all-new edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show and an iconic Jeffrey Foskett interview from 1997 on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation. Both shows air exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc small terry draper latitude adjustment A brand-new, hot off the mixing board catchy nugget from Klaatu’s Terry Draper is the centerpiece of this Thursday night’s edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show (8 pm ET). “Altitude Adjustment” is the perfect earworm for the rapidly approaching summer season; I would be surprised if you’re not singing along upon first listen. We’ve got the exclusive world premiere of this terrific new song that is slated for inclusion on an upcoming vinyl retrospective from Terry entitled In My Garden.

Caper Clowns-Sacre Bleu-Singlecover — Caper Clowns

Also on this week’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show: “Sacre Bleu,” the very Paul McCartney-esque new single from Pure Pop Radio favorites Caper Clowns; “Carry Me,” a choice track off of Bird Streets’ forthcoming self-titled pop platter (Bird Streets is John Brodeur and Jason Falkner); “The Bridesmaid’s Song,” the tasty b-side of Bill Lloyd’s new single backing It’s Happening Now’s “Pedal Tavern Girl”; “Alone (Radio Edit)”, the b-side to Kai Danzberg’s “My Beautiful Day,” which we premiered on last week’s show; Dana Countryman’s delicious new summer single, “Summer Sand”; and a deep spin set celebrating the birthdays of three legends: Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Todd Rundgren. Plus…my snappy deejay patter, and lots more!

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jeffrey foskett thru my window original cover — Jeffrey Foskett’s Thru My Window (Original Cover)

This Wednesday night at 9 pm ET on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, we send the WABAC machine to January 19, 1997 for my very first interview with Jeffrey Foskett, well known, of course, for his great solo records and for playing live with the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson. During this show, Jeffrey goes deep into his musical history, talks about first meeting Brian, and the value of sleigh bells. Yes…sleigh bells! You’ll hear songs from the two releases then available from Jeffrey: Thru My Window and The Other Takes. (Jeffrey Foskett’s new CD with Jeff Larson, ‘Elua Aloha, has just been released.)

Don’t miss this week’s Pure Pop Radio specialty shows. We pop your world!

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation (Wednesday, 9 pm ET) and Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show (Thursday, 8 pm ET), air exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

ppr radio purple background - inset Pure 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!

Boss Sounds Abound This Week on Pure Pop Radio’s Specialty Shows: Dee Long Looks Back at Klaatu’s Sir Army Suit and Kai Danzberg’s New Single with Dana Countryman Gets Its World Premiere Broadcast on the Pop Tunes Deejay Show

June 12, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

This week on Pure Pop Radio’s specialty shows, Klaatu’s Dee Long looks back at the band’s classic album Sir Army Suit on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, and Kai Danzberg’s summer single with Dana Countryman gets its world premiere airing on the Pop Tunes Deejay Show.

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klaatu sir army suit cover Klaatu alert: Dee Long’s visit to Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, first aired November 6, 2013, zeros in on Klaatu’s classic album Sir Army Suit, which is celebrating its 40th trip around the sun this year. Tomorrow night, June 13, you will hear Dee look back at the making of Sir Army Suit and talk about three of his songs included on the album: “Everybody Took a Holiday,” “Perpetual Motion Machine,” and “Cherie.” It’s fun to go in-depth on this classic album from one of the great melodic pop bands of all time. Tune in at 9 pm ET on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

pop tunes disc small kai danzberg and dana countryman song cover This Thursday night at 8 pm ET, the 56th edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show rolls with the world premiere of Kai Danzberg’s new summer single with Dana Countryman, “My Beautiful Day.” A wonderful, tuneful celebration of all things melodic and, of course, Beach Boys-y, the song was co-written with Dana. Dana’s wife Tricia is also present with some lovely background vocals. “My Beautiful Day” will be available to purchase, and I highly recommend that you do so, from this Friday, June 15 on Kai’s Bandcamp page.

Also on this week’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, you will hear new and new-to-you tracks from Eric Carmen; the Beach Boys; Klaatu; a triple play from the Davenports, whose lovely new album, Don’t Be Mad at Me, is about to be released; Lia Pamina and Radio Days’ Dario Persi; Lisa Mychols; Caper Clowns; Anton Barbeau; Super 8; Wilkerson; Dave Sheinin; Diamond Hands; Lou Christie; the 4 Seasons, and Kurt Baker. It’s an hour-long cornucopia of melodic delights, delivered along with the usual amount of snappy deejay patter from me.

Don’t miss this week’s lineup of Pure Pop Radio specialty shows. And don’t forget to tune in to our 24-hour-a-day serving of melodic pop delights from across the decades on Live 365. Link to our mix below.

Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show | Playlist: Show #55 | 6-7-18

June 10, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Hey, Kats and Kittens! Dig this:

Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show #55 | 6-7-18

The Playlist:

1. Dana Countryman | Pop Tunes Theme
2. Andrew Gold | “Heartaches in Heartaches” | Andrew Gold, 1975

Set Close:
17. The Spongetones | “On the Wings of a Nightingale” | Odd Fellows, 2000

Plus: Alan’s Snappy Deejay Patter!

Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show | Playlist: Show #53 | 5-17-18

June 10, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Hey, Kats and Kittens! Dig this:

Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show #53 | 5-17-18

The Playlist:

1. Dana Countryman | Pop Tunes Theme
2. Jellyfish | “Baby’s Coming Back” | Bellybutton, 1990

Set Close:
19. Donovan | “Jennifer Juniper” | The Hurdy Gurdy Man, 1968

Plus: Alan’s Snappy Deejay Patter!

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Astral Drive’s Phil Thornalley (Airdate: June 6, 2018)

June 8, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Fans of 1970s Todd Rundgren will thoroughly enjoy my in-depth interview with Astral Drive’s Phil Tornalley, which aired June 6 on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation.

astral drive phil pose photo — Mr. Astral Drive

Longtime producer and songwriter Phil Thornalley has made nothing less than the Todd Rundgren album that Todd Rundgren never made in the 1970s. Astral Drive, the album, being released on July 6 by Lojinx, is nothing less than one of the best albums of the year.

astral drive cover Astral Drive finds Phil Thornalley doing most of the heavy lifting for a joyous tour de force composed of original songs that echo the catchy sounds that the Hermit of Mink Hollow made all those many years ago. Thornalley, a legendary producer and songwriter whose lengthy list of credits includes co-writing Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” producing the Cure’s album Pornography when he was 21 years old, and working as an engineer at London’s RAK Studios for producers Mickie Most, Steve Lillywhite and Alex Sadkin, fell in love with Todd Rundgren’s music when he heard Todd’s song “Useless Begging.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Within Astral Drive’s catchy, Rundgren-esque grooves, Thornalley celebrates the sound of Rundgren’s ’70s work with 11 original compositions. Standout songs like the album’s first single, the infectious, ultra-catchy and so-much-fun-to-listen-to “Summer of ’76” (watch the official lyric video below) might as well come with a singalong module; the songs don’t invite listener participation so much as pretty much require it. And mark my words–you will want to sing along, whether you know the words or not.

During this supersized edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, which began with Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” Thornalley talked about, and we played, three of Astral Drive’s standout songs: the aforementioned “Summer of ’76,” which you can now hear playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio; the warm ballad “Wishing I Could Change the World,” which honors the classic Todd-meets-Philly-Soul bond; and the glorious, melody-infused upbeat number “Love is Real.” You’ll hear Thornalley talk about how he wrote these songs, and take a tour through his illustrious career. Towards the beginning of this typically in-depth In Conversation back-and-forth, Thornalley charted the path that “Torn” took prior to being recorded by Imbruglia.

Help celebrate the wonder and joy delivered by Phil Thornalley by way of the lovingly-rendered songs on Astral Drive by listening to this very special episode of In Conversation. Prepare for one of those very special experiences that only great melodic pop music can provide.

Preorder Astral Drive at the Lojinx shop, Kool Kat Musik, Amazon, and iTunes.

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Listen to my interview with Astral Drive’s Phil Thornalley from the June 6 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.

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: The Quick’s Danny Benair (Airdate: May 30, 2018)

June 6, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

During the second part of a doubleheader Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation broadcast on May 30, Danny Benair, from ’70s power pop band the Quick, joined me for a fun talk about Mondo Deco, the band’s 1976 classic long-player melding pop, rock and classical influences. Mondo Deco was just re-released with a bounty of bonus tracks by Real Gone Music.

Danny and I talked about the origins of the Quick, recording Mondo Deco, and other timely topics, including how he came to get Rolling Stone Charlie Watts’ drum sticks (hint: Charlie gave them to Danny). Plus, we played three songs from Mondo Deco, including the Quick’s mondo-creative cover of the Beatles’ “It Won’t Be Long.”

Purchase Real Gone Music’s welcome reissue of the Quick’s Mondo Deco at Kool Kat Musik, Amazon, and Real Gone Music.

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Listen to my interview with the Quick’s Danny Benair from the May 30 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.

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: Goran Hjertstedt (Airdate: May 30, 2018)

June 6, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

The Grand Leve’s Göran Hjertstedt was my very special guest on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation on May 30. This show was, in fact, the second of two, back-to-back episodes broadcast that evening.

TGL-Recovered Göran, formerly of Pure Pop Radio favorite band Longplayer and now the creative force behind the Grand Leve, has produced yet another marvelous mix of melodic pop and roll, performed by Göran, Ulf Holmberg (ex-Longplayer), and Ian Haugland, the drummer for Swedish rockers Europe.

Grand melodies abound in this new collection, a must for fans of melodic pop music. Göran and I talked about the Grand Leve, and surveyed his musical journey from his time in the hit pop band Visitors to his work with Ian in Brains Beat Beauty and his time with Ulf in Longplayer and, subsequently, the Longplayer Orchestra.

During this hour-plus program, we played songs from Visitors, Brains Beat Beauty, Longplayer, and, of course, the Grand Leve. Göran related the stories behind these terrific numbers (click on the links to listen to samples):

Visitors | “Do Do Do Do (You Love Her)” | Visitors
Brains Beat Beauty | “Steinway and Sons and Me” | First Came Moses, Now This…
Longplayer | “Won’t Let You Down” | Longplayer
The Grand Leve | “Free” | The Grand Leve
The Grand Leve | “Yesterday Man” | The Grand Leve

You can, and should, purchase the Grand Leve’s debut album at Amazon.

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Listen to my interview with the Grand Leve’s Göran Hjertstedt from the May 30 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.

This Week’s Specialty Shows: Phil Thornalley Celebrates the Sound of ’70s Todd Rundgren on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, and a Host of New and New-to-You Tunes Spin During an All-New Pop Tunes Deejay Show

June 4, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ 2 Comments

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By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Fans of 1970s Todd Rundgren will want to gather in front of their Internet radio receptacles this Wednesday night (June 6) at 9 pm ET for an all-new edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation. Longtime producer and songwriter Phil Thornalley has made nothing less than the Todd Rundgren album that Todd Rundgren never made in the 1970s, and it is nothing less than one of the best albums of the year. Read on to find out why.

Astral Drive | Astral Drive (Lojinx, 2018)
astral drive cover The self-titled Astral Drive finds Phil Thornalley doing most of the heavy lifting for a joyous tour de force composed of original songs that echo the catchy sounds that the Hermit of Mink Hollow made all those many years ago. Thornalley, a legendary producer and songwriter whose lengthy list of credits includes co-writing Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” producing the Cure’s album Pornography when he was 21 years old, and working as an engineer at London’s RAK Studios for producers Mickie Most, Steve Lillywhite and Alex Sadkin, fell in love with Todd Rundgren’s music when he heard Todd’s song “Useless Begging.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Astral Drive finds Thornalley celebrating the sound of Rundgren’s ’70s work with 11 original compositions. Catchy songs like the album’s first single, the infectious “Summer of ’76,” might as well come with a singalong module; they don’t invite listener participation so much as pretty much require it. And mark my words–you will want to sing along, whether you know the words or not.

During this supersized, 74 minute edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, which begins with Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn,” you will hear and listen to Thornalley talk about three of Astral Drive’s standout songs: the aforementioned “Summer of ’76,” which you can now hear playing in rotation on Pure Pop Radio; the warm ballad “Wishing I Could Change the World,” which honors the classic Todd-meets-Philly-Soul bond; and the glorious, melody-infused upbeat number “Love is Real.” You’ll hear Thornalley talk about how he wrote these songs, and take a tour through his illustrious career. Towards the beginning of this typically in-depth In Conversation back-and-forth, he charts the path that “Torn” took prior to being recorded by Imbruglia.

On this very special edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, we celebrate the wonder and joy delivered by Phil Thornalley by way of the lovingly-rendered songs on Astral Drive. Prepare for one of those very special experiences that only great melodic pop music can provide.

black box Now Playing in Rotation on Pure Pop Radio: “Summer of ’76” (Check back soon for more additions to our playlist)
Where to Get It: Preorder at the Lojinx shop, Kool Kat Musik, Amazon, and iTunes

Don’t miss producer-songwriter Phil Thornalley talking with me this Wednesday night at 9 pm ET on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation. I believe this is a shining highlight of this year’s crop of shows–one you won’t want to miss.

pop tunes disc small While you’re scribbling down a reminder to listen to this week’s all-new edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, why not add a note to dig the scene on Thursday night at 8 pm ET, when the 55th Pop Tunes Deejay Show airs, with lots of new and new-to-you songs from Astral Drive, Wilkerson, Blaine Campbell, Peter Holsapple, Lannie Flowers, Arthur Alexander, the Davenports, Dave Sheinin, Ian Thompson, Tom Guerra, Lisa Mychols, Starbelly, Zuider Zee, and classics from Andrew Gold, Paul McCartney, and the Spongetones. You won’t to miss this hour-long spin, punctuated by spirited and snappy deejay patter from yours truly. And who wouldn’t want to enjoy a spot of spirited and snappy deejay patter?

There’s this week’s nighttime listening sorted, then. Don’t miss a minute!

Pure Pop Radio’s signature shows, Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation (Wednesday, 9 pm ET) and Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show (Thursday, 8 pm ET), air exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

This Week’s Pure Pop Radio Specialty Shows: An In Conversation Double-Shot, and Peter Noone Pushes the Red Button on the Pop Tunes Deejay Show

May 29, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

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By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

This week’s Pure Pop Radio specialty shows, broadcast exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio, offer up a powerful Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation twofer and an all-new Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show with a new release featuring guest vocalist Peter Noone from Herman’s Hermits.

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This week’s special Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation twofer delivers a total of two-plus hours worth of joyous chat and music from two longtime melodic pop denizens. First, tomorrow (Wednesday) night at a special time–8 pm ET–Danny Benair, from ’70s power pop band the Quick, joins me for a fun talk about Mondo Deco, the 1976 classic long-player melding pop, rock and classical influences.

cover The Quick, which featured Danny Wilde, later of the Rembrandts, as lead vocalist, were shepherded by the legendary Kim Fowley and producer and engineer Earle Mankey, who was a member of Halfnelson, which later became Sparks. The Quick’s one and only album, featuring clever arrangements and harmonies galore, pops and rocks with abandon. Danny and I talk about the origins of the Quick, recording Mondo Deco, and other topics, including how he came to get Rolling Stone Charlie Watts’ drum sticks (hint: Charlie gave them to Danny). Plus, you’ll hear three songs from Mondo Deco, including their mondo-creative cover of the Beatles’ “It Won’t Be Long.”

Following tomorrow night at 9 pm ET, the second half of our In Conversation twofer stars Göran Hjertstedt, formerly of Pure Pop Radio favorite band Longplayer and now the creative force behind the Grand Leve.

TGL-Recovered The Grand Leve’s self-titled album is a wonderful mix of pop-rock songs performed by Göran, Ulf Holmberg (ex-Longplayer), and Ian Haugland, the drummer for Swedish rockers Europe. Grand melodies abound in this new collection, a must for fans of melodic pop music. Göran and I talk about the Grand Leve, and survey his musical journey from his time in the hit pop band Visitors to his work with Ian in Brains Beat Beauty and his time with Ulf in Longplayer and, subsequently, the Longplayer Orchestra.

During this hour-plus program, you’ll hear songs from Visitors, Brains Beat Beauty, Longplayer, and, of course, the Grand Leve. Göran will relate the stories behind these numbers, all of which will become your favorites.

pop tunes disc small This Thursday night at 8 pm ET on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio, I’m back with another all-new edition of the Pop Tunes Deejay Show, this time around featuring the Red Button’s latest release, “Ooh Girl,” featuring Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone on lead vocal. You won’t want to miss this one.

Also on the docket on this edition of the Pop Tunes Deejay Show: Astral Drive, Lisa Michaels, David Myhr, Ken Sharp, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Matt Tyson, the Oohs, Richard Harris, and a set of California-themed tunes from the Beach Boys. It’s another hour-long spin you won’t want to miss.

Join me for a Wednesday night In Conversation twofer with the Quick’s Danny Benair at 8 pm ET and the Grand Leve’s Göran Hjerstedt at 9 pm ET, and come back on Thursday night at 8 pm ET for an all-new Pop Tunes Deejay Show. Both shows are proudly and exclusively broadcast on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio. Mark your calendars!

Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Podcasts: David Myhr (Airdate: May 16, 2018)

May 24, 2018May 17, 2021 ~ Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio ~ Leave a comment

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

On May 16, David Myhr was my very special guest on an all-new hour-long edition of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation. The topic of conversation, fittingly, was David’s wonderful new album, Lucky Day, which was released by Lojinx. A festival of pure pop pleasures, Lucky Day presents eight songs co-written with some of the best and brightest pop song scribes working today, from Bill DeMain to Linus of Hollywood. The other two tunes are solo Myhr compositions, one of which, “The Perfect Place,” is pretty well perfect.

LJX115 David Myhr - Lucky Day During this program, we played, and David spoke about, three songs from Lucky Day: “Room to Grow,” written with Pure Pop Radio favorite Bill DeMain; “Lovebug,” co-written by David and another Pure Pop Radio favorite, Linus of Hollywood; and the aforementioned “The Perfect Place.” (Listen to each of these songs on Spotify by clicking on the song titles.)

David also spoke to me about the trip he took from Sweden to the United States, during which he met with his co-writers to come up with snappy songs, some of which appear on Lucky Day. Also on our agenda: David’s work as a senior lecturer at a music university in the north of Sweden, and the big musical surprise in store for folks who purchase the CD version of Lucky Day.

Don’t miss this information-packed and delightful conversation with one of melodic pop music’s great talents. Purchase David Myhr’s Lucky Day at the Lojinx store, and at Amazon and iTunes.

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Listen to my interview with David Myhr from the May 16 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.