The Davenports’ Scott Klass Visits Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, and an All-New Pop Tunes Deejay Show Spins a New Weeklings Single and Much More

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

The Davenports’ Scott Klass brings melodic joy and talk to this week’s Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation, and the new single from the Weeklings powers an all-new edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show. In other words, it’s another wonderful week of catchy pop on Pure Pop Radio’s specialty shows.

in conversation new graphic blue

the davenports don't be mad at me album cover Tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 9 pm ET, the Davenports’ Scott Klass joins me for for a typically in-depth hour on the latest Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation program. The Davenports’ new album, Don’t Be Mad at Me, is another feather in the band’s cap, offering up 10 melodically-charged, literate pop songs for your listening, dancing and romancing pleasure.

The lovely title song, one of my favorites from Klass’s esteemed catalog, and one of the finest melodic pop songs in recent memory, barely scratches the surface of the joys that this album brings. “I Don’t Know What to Do,” a miraculous Klass and David Myhr cowrite, and the first single, a fine ballad called “Where Shall We Hang Elena?”, are two more gems that will no doubt burrow in your brain upon first listen.

pop tunes disc small An hour’s worth of songs that will also burrow in your brain will happily spin during this Thursday night’s all-new Pop Tunes Deejay Show (8 pm ET), which offers up new and new-to-you tunes from the Weeklings–a tantalizing cover of the Beatles’ “Baby, You’re a Rich Man”–and three more Weeklings classics; new tracks from Nick Piunti, Bubble Gum Orchestra, Farrington, Dana Countryman, Ginger Root, Sean Solo, Astral Drive, and Vanilla; and classics from Harpers Bizarre, Jim Boggia, Matthew Sweet and Susannah Hoffs. Plus: a fun set devoted to the music of NRBQ.

Don’t miss this week’s Pure Pop Radio specialty shows, broadcast as always on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio. Also make note of Pure Pop Radio’s 24-hour stream of the greatest melodic pop in the universe from the ’60s, ’70s and today; click on the Live 365 Listen Now button below to take our mix for a spin. Enjoy!

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!

July 17, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

The Weeklings’ New Single (and More) Spin on this Week’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show, and Two Als Talking Tunes Spins Summer Songs on Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation

By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

We’ve got another pair of fun Pure Pop Radio specialty shows for you this week. Do you like summer songs? We’ve got you covered. How about a new Weeklings single? We’ve got you covered there, too.

in conversation new graphic blue

The fun begins this Wednesday, July 11 at 9 pm ET, when Beatlefan Executive Editor Al Sussman joins me for one of our every-once-in-a-while, just-for-fun episodes of Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation we call Two Als Talking Tunes, during which we each pick a bunch of songs and talk about and play them.

This time around, Al and I take a look at summer songs that are about and were popular in the summer. Well, it is that time of year! Al goes in-depth on summery tunes from Nat King Cole, the Fantastic Baggys, and Aretha Franklin, and I play summer faves from Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Association. Grab your sunscreen and join us!

pop tunes disc small On Thursday night at 8 pm ET, an all-new edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show rolls with the brand new single from the Weeklings, a typically Weeklings-ized version of a Beatles tune. This time around, they’ve made “Baby, You’re a Rich Man” their own, and embedded an Easter egg–the Weeklings’ specialty–that you have to be paying close attention to catch. But don’t worry–I’ve provided a clue for you all.

Also on this week’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show: the latest from Poppermost, Farrington, My Little Brother, Nick Piunti, Lannie Flowers, the Crushing Violets, Astral Drive, William Duke, Andy Partridge, Paul McCartney, and the Doughboys, along with classic tracks from the Fab Four, the Honeycombs, and Status Quo. An eclectic mix? For sure. And a fun listen, too.

Don’t miss this week’s Pure Pop Radio specialty shows airing exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio. And don’t forget to tune into Pure Pop Radio’s 24-hour stream of melodic pop music from the ’60s to today, with a special emphasis on new releases. We’re on the air right now; click on the link below to listen.

Enjoy!

July 10, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

Sweet Tuesday Surprise: The Pop Tunes Deejay Show and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation Return to Pop that Goes Crunch Radio

alan headshot from school By Alan Haber – Pure Pop Radio

Now, as before, we’ll be heard here and there: In addition to Pure Pop Radio’s 24-hour stream of the greatest melodic pop music in the universe on Live 365, our signature shows–Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show and Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation–will once again be heard each and every week exclusively on Pop that Goes Crunch Radio.

in conversation new graphic grey

The fun begins anew on Wednesday, July 11 at 9 pm ET, when Beatlefan Executive Editor Al Sussman joins me for one of our every-once-in-a-while, just-for-fun episodes of In Conversation we call Two Als Talking Tunes, during which we each pick a bunch of songs and talk about and play them.

This time around, Al and I take a look at summer songs that are about and were popular in the summer. Well, it is that time of year! Al goes in-depth on summery tunes from Nat King Cole, the Fantastic Baggys, and Aretha Franklin, and I spin summer faves from Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Association. Grab your sunscreen and join us!

pop tunes disc small We continue spreading the melodic joy on Thursday, July 12, when an all-new edition of Alan Haber’s Pop Tunes Deejay Show rolls at 8 pm ET. The contents of this show are a mystery at this time (even to me, because I haven’t recorded the show yet!). You can expect the usual mix of new and new-to-you classics from across the decades, with a special emphasis on the latest releases. It’s going to be the usual hour full of fun!

Help welcome back Pure Pop Radio’s specialty shows to the Pop that Goes Crunch airwaves next week. We’ll see you there!

ppr radio purple background - inset Pure Pop Radio on Live 365 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!

July 3, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

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

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

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!

in conversation new graphic grey

Jeffrey Foskett

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!

June 19, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

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

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.

in conversation new graphic grey

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.

June 12, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

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

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.

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.

in conversation new graphic grey

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.

June 8, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio Leave a comment

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

in conversation new graphic grey

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.

June 4, 2018Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio 2 Comments