Best Wlup Podcasts (2025)

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The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088) 46:29

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10h ago46:29

46:29

The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members. They put out a few major label albums in their prime (Columbia, Mercury) … then, just as quickly as they came on…

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175: "A 20,000-year-old porta potty." 29:17

2d ago29:17

29:17

What'd you like? Send us a text. We are back!! Whoo! Hoo! We took a little break but now we’re back at it this week. We talk about the surgeries we got while we were out, a weekend by the lake, and Jim’s new on-line Master's degree. Then Tim recounts his rearend’s run-in with a yellow jacket and, of course, soup for cats… Then Edie, the Breakfast F…

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Are the Volo Antique Malls haunted? (Episode 1087) 21:59

5d ago21:59

21:59

This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me to talk about collectibles and antique culture, as well as the fact that their buildings are “haunted.” Seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the latter, as paranormal tour…

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wht.rbbt.obj delivers fuzzed-out, torchy & sexy new album, ‘Oscar Bravo Juliett’ (Episode 1086) 40:26

9d ago40:26

40:26

Frank and River of wht.rbbt.obj are back to talk about their excellent new album, “Oscar Bravo Juliett.” As I mention early in this episode, the new album is a collection of songs that are alternatingly (sometimes all at once) fuzzed out, torchy, sexy, and searing. We met at Charlie Beinlich’s in Northbrook for burgers (and a tuna salad sandwich) -…

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Oops! All talking #6: "My grandfather's got pigs." 15:55

9d ago15:55

15:55

By Duck Logic

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Noon Whistle: ‘Who wants chili-infused Malort?’ Everyone: ___ (Episode 1085) 13:35

9d ago13:35

13:35

By James VanOsdol

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HellsGate Haunted House with clubdrugs (Episode 1084) 32:23

10d ago32:23

32:23

By James VanOsdol

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The Ooozin’ Ahhhs have emerged from their hellholes and crypts (Episode 1083) 14:42

16d ago14:42

14:42

In what’s accidentally become an annual tradition, I’m joined by America’s favorite monster band, the Oooozin’ Ahhhs. We met at the wonderful Cigars and Stripes (6715 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 // stripesbbq.com) for the episode, and recorded at the bar. Looking for spooky monster rock this Halloween season? Check out the Ooozin’ Ahhhs all October …

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Oops! All talking #5: "There's a raccoon in my beard!" 17:47

16d ago17:47

17:47

What'd you like? Send us a text. In this week’s flashback, the Duck Logic guys talk about the start of the all-body, “butt deodorant” craze and how Walter swam naked in high school gym class. Then Jim wears googly eyes and we talk about Bob Dylan.By Duck Logic

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Venus Club goes to ‘dark places’ on dreamy new EP (Episode 1075) 22:52

22d ago22:52

22:52

I’m joined by Emilie and Josh from Venus Club — they’re a dark wave Chicago band that I absolutely adore. The new EP, Extended, is dreamy, haunting, and well positioned for your autumnal listening pleasure. We met in a south side parking lot, as people do, and chatted about their sound, their drunken origin story (subject to debate?), Ace of Base’s…

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Bass Drum of Death at Beat Kitchen (Episode 1082) 19:56

23d ago19:56

19:56

Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage. We talked about: *Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let Die” album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge. *The new album, “Six,” a fuzzy, garage rock, banger. *What major lifesty…

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Are you ready for Nü-yacht music? - Jacob on the Moon (Episode 1081) 19:12

24d ago19:12

19:12

Indie-soul band, Jacob on the Moon, recently released their new EP, “The Gemini Club,” and it’s absolutely excellent. Band mastermind, Jake Dineen, joins to talk about the EPs concept and the band’s infectious, unique sound (Nü-yacht?). Keep an eye out for upcoming shows from Jacob on the Moon - this is clearly a band meant to be seen live. Car Con…

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Oops! All talking #4: "Go for the ribs!" 19:13

23d ago19:13

19:13

What'd you like? Send us a text. We’re still on break, sorry. Just gettin’ back from 3 days of fresh air, liquor, and videos games… You? You get a flashback to the show where we improvised a fuzzy memory of the children’s TV show we did (or didn’t do) in a “Fowl Memory” extended cut segment.By Duck Logic

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The Pulsars return! (Episode 1080) 21:41

26d ago21:41

21:41

“This is a very nice day, yeah. Hugs and kisses all the way to Wisconsin” Not to bury the lead: synthy, new wavey, indie rock favorites, the Pulsars are back and moving forward. Full disclosure: I love this band and have waited decades to hear what band leader Dave Trumfio had to say on this podcast episode. The Pulsars will be releasing more music…

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Troubled Hubble at Bay View Bash (Episode 1079) 18:18

26d ago18:18

18:18

Troubled Hubble is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its wonderful “Making Beds in a Burning House” album, and the band joined me in the car before their (long-rain delayed) set at Bay View Bash in Milwaukee! Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space…

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Devon Kay at Bay View Bash (Episode 1078) 15:52

26d ago15:52

15:52

I’m joined for this episode by “one of Chicago, Illinois' biggest crybabies,” Devon Kay. Devon’s a favorite of mine, and it was fun to connect before the band’s (weather abbreviated) set at the Bay View Bash in Milwaukee. We talked about the band’s Harvey Danger cover, their status as “world’s greatest band,” the latest on their next (ska-free) alb…

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The pinball episode! (Episode 1077) 43:59

25d ago43:59

43:59

Warning: This episode will make you want to play more pinball. This episode was recorded outside the perfectly-curated pinball cafe, Pin Grounds (31 W. Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL). Thanks to Art for his hospitality, and for opening up on an off night to host this podcast and its guests. Thanks also to Dan Lewis of Easy Automation for hosting this…

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Oops! All talking #3: "I think something's growing in your brain." 18:59

1M ago18:59

18:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys are taking a break so they’re sending along a few “best of” talkie bits from previous shows for your enjoyment. Walt tells us about his “meat detective” dream. Then they remember the musical they did (or didn’t do) based on their cable TV show. Or not. It’s fuzzy. It might’ve happened. Probably not.…

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Iconic guitarist Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Nick Cave, Gun Club) talks storied career (Episode 1076) 30:35

1M ago30:35

30:35

Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller. His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds. He’s a prolific recording artist whose …

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Oops! All talking #2: "Jesus was the original Long John Silver." 17:00

1M ago17:00

17:00

What'd you like? Send us a text. Okay, we seriously needed a break so we’re dropping a “best of” from the archives--- That time we uncovered the truth behind Amelia Earhart’s disappearance and how there was someone with her on the plane! That time we did a show with a young Andy Dick. And then a church on TV calls their viewers “shut-ins.”…

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Gina Barcal is ‘Midwest ‘til the End’ (Episode 1074) 28:34

1M ago28:34

28:34

“I could barely stop from grinnin’, and I’m sorry, Jesus, but tonight I’m sinnin’” Gina Barcal has moved away from her punk and indie roots (Venom Lords, Pillowmints, etc.) to create a solo EP of authentic, no-kidding, Americana songs. “Midwest ‘til the End” comes out on November 7, followed by a show at Fitzgeralds Sidebar on November 8. Well befo…

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Never mind the existential dread, here’s Alexis Plaen (Episode 1073) 34:17

1M ago34:17

34:17

Alexis Plaen releases her sharp, conceptual, and beautifully constructed pop debut, “Enjoy the Void,” on 10/10/25. In advance of that, she joined me for a conversation in Avondale that covered: *The pervasive album themes of existential dread and finding oneself *The devastating (and perhaps suspect) house fire that changed everything for her *The …

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Oops! All talking #1: “You don’t want a bent carrot following you.” 17:05

1M ago17:05

17:05

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys are taking a much-needed break but didn’t wanna leave their loyal listeners hangin’, so here’s a little replay from the archives--- That time they talked about the pharma commercial with a cure for “crooked carrot” disease and Jim gettin’ lucky with a girl on the kitchen floor. Enjoy!…

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Broken Robots meet challenge of ‘The Great American Struggle’ (Episode 1072) 39:33

2M ago39:33

39:33

I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation. The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length about the meaning and construction of the songs and how…

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Cinematic, avant garde, band Friend of a Friend eats tacos (Episode 1071) 26:48

2M ago26:48

26:48

Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by Claire Molek and Jason Savsani. Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it. They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake Street) for a conversation about their history, “Des…

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174: "The traditional William Shatner film festival." 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Living in an empty Hobby Lobby. A used pornography store. Betty Page. Elvis movies for the 21st century. And we question Jim’s “friendship” with the kids in his neighborhood. SKETCHES: Canadian Labor Day. Larry David meets Zendaya. Kenny has a bonfire. Our audio centerfold. And a newsman tells a joke. Plus a f…

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‘If NPR’s Tiny Desk grew up, got day-drunk, and moved to the South Side’ - Wonderlick (Episode 1070) 25:21

2M ago25:21

25:21

I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield in person. We met at the wond…

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Live at Legit Dogs + Ice (Episode 1069) 36:58

2M ago36:58

36:58

This episode had a long, strange journey. Recorded at Legit Dogs + Ice in South Elgin less than 48 hours before the restaurant closed for good, this episode features guests Lollygagger, Coyote Man, flowersatherfeet, Chris Baker from Ink 180 and Brennan Weaver/Phil Lisiecki of Wild Dogs Comedy. The recording started an hour later than scheduled, due…

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173: "I fed a banana to a goose." 27:20

2M ago27:20

27:20

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Crappy movie previews. “Poop coffee.” A zoo in Demark that’ll feed your pets to their lions. Farting at Veggie Fest. And Jim tells us about his best moment. SKETCHES: Not-so-monster trucks. Franz Kafta’s bucket list. A song about lawyers. And whale farts.By Duck Logic

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Busy Beaver celebrates 30 years of buttons (Episode 1068) 21:24

2M ago21:24

21:24

Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will feature performances by Sharp Pins (GBV set), the Hent…

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Chicago food icon Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest reset (Episode 1067) 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was the Hungry Hound on ABC, the Food Guy on NBC and now he…

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172: "There's no telling where my penis will end up." 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Billy Jack, Kung Fu, Oddjob, Pale Rider, Buford Pusser. And Lollapalooza. SKETCHES: Pajamas. Dudes in college. A hairbrush that works underwater. Flying Bad Boys.By Duck Logic

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Comedian Kristen Toomey heads to Apple TV with new special (Episode 1066) 29:01

2M ago29:01

29:01

This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it. We met in Bensenville (home of Victory Auto Wreckers!) for a fun, smart, sharp conversation covering the art and science of being a working comic today, wh…

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‘Americana with teeth’: Dave Suh and the Dirty Wings (Episode 1065) 36:45

2M ago36:45

36:45

After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for August 12 and will be followed by a record release show at Montrose Saloon on August 15 (also playing: The Bon Mots, badcandy, & Cis…

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171: "That's exactly how roast beef sounds." 25:55

2M ago25:55

25:55

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Our Last Supper musical. Ozzy’s funeral. Food touching. Chicago diners. Mohicans. And Billy Joel’s drinking, um, issues. SKETCHES: Side Tracker, a detective who can't stay on task. The elephant in the room. A pretty complete back-to-college sale. And unless business advice. Plus more!…

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Time Thieves steal my power-pop heart (Episode 1064) 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Jonathan, Tim, and Mustafa of Time Thieves are my guests for a new episode recorded on the NW side of Chicago. We talk about the band’s power-pop leanings, emergence from much noisier bands, both 2025 EP releases (“If You Survive” / “Come Home”), gambling, concert etiquette, and Manowar. I enjoy these guys as musicians and people, and hope you have…

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170: "We were getting along but we changed our mind." 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about Walt’s new haircut. Ozzy, of course. Old geezer musical acts. Judgmental state fairs. And comedians lip-syncing jokes. THEN sketches: Limericks from Pipefitters Union 597. Mini memorabilia. And an audio art project.By Duck Logic

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169: "I had a music teacher named Mr. Fluff." 27:39

3M ago27:39

27:39

What'd you like? Send us a text. TALK: Shopping on the cheap. Defective foods. The passing of a stand-up we knew. Way too alternative bands. Roller rink tunes. And the tiny civilization that lives under a theater stage. SKETCHES: Tales from the last tollbooth attendant. A highly opinionated traveler. A filter for the dumb things you say at work. An…

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DIY post-punk band Staring Problem talks ‘Equinox’ (Episode 1063) 16:07

3M ago16:07

16:07

The wonderful DIY post punk band Staring Problem joins me to talk about their bewitching album, “Equinox” on this episode. I’m joined by Lauren Owen and Mike Erickson for the conversation, which covers topics ranging from MTV, long distance drummers, the joys of nature, and the perils of digital living. ## Looking to transform your home, office, or…

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168: "The ass-less chaps were a nice touch." 26:00

3M ago26:00

26:00

What'd you like? Send us a text. Talk: Jurassic Park sequels. The joy of scooterboards. The violence of The Honeymooners. Old TV war shows. Spinoff podcasts like: shirts vs. screwdrivers. Sketches: Disinterested theater productions. Incoherent political shows. Suburban bars. Questionable grocery stores. Realistic porn.…

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Lucky Boys Confusion announces opening act ‘live’ on CCC (Episode 1061) 48:21

3M ago48:21

48:21

Lucky Boys Confusion returns to the House of Blues on 11/15/25 for The Soapbox Spectacle Vinyl Release Show. As I type this, the show is pretty much sold out, meaning if you waited on tickets, you may kick yourself early on during the listening of this episode.Stubhy from Lucky Boys Confusion is back on the show to reveal LBC’s opening act - and th…

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‘4-night spree of suspense, sleaze, and stylish psychosis’ planned for Logan Theatre (Episode 1062) 15:45

3M ago15:45

15:45

GIALLO GELATO Logan Theatre 2646 N. Milwaukee A 50th Anniversary Giallo Celebration July 18-21 | 11 pm | The Logan Theatre | Chicago Four nights of killer Italian movies celebrating their 50th anniversary will be featured at Logan Theatre next weekend for “GIALLO GELATO,” a cinema event curated and hosted by Stephanie “La Gialloholique” Sack. GIALL…

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Smoking Popes: Song-by-Song through ‘Lovely Stuff’ (Episode 1060) 43:00

3M ago43:00

43:00

The Smoking Popes released the excellent “Lovely Stuff” a few months back, which was the perfect excuse to have frontman Josh Caterer return to the show for his 14th (!) time. With the new album top-of-mind, we go song-by song through all 10 songs. I loved having the opportunity to hear about the songwriting process and behind-the-scenes stories th…

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167: "They're like furries but with pigeons." 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

What'd you like? Send us a text. The guys talk about A.I. rock bands, A.I. commercials, and A.I. manifestos. Plus, crop dusting (the smelly kind), Jayne Mansfield, mac and cheese gummies, and Tim has mic trouble. Then sketches… Poetic tributes to Benny Hill, notes from Walter’s brain, summer bars, and ancient poop.…

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Flake Michigan performs in a parking lot (Episode 1059) 17:19

4M ago17:19

17:19

Flake Michigan is a self-described, five-person, “Midwest Indie Saxy band from Chicago.” I’m joined by Sergio, Laura, and Dave just days before “Flaketoberfest” at Chop Shop (July 10), where they’ll celebrate the one-year anniversary of their “Ottawa” album. We talk about how Flake Michigan started, their hyperlocal approach to songs, their collabo…

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166: "As long as the bat wears a teeny, tiny condom." 25:59

4M ago25:59

25:59

What'd you like? Send us a text. Insects in basements. Bats in toilets. Laser scopes. Really bad movies. Watching the neighbor’s TV. Then: the truth about the constitution, jacked up mid-summer sale prices, a fool’s errand. Plus, more.By Duck Logic

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Face to Face at Motoblot (Episode 1058) 18:03

4M ago18:03

18:03

Trever Keith of Face to Face joins me for an interview recorded inside Loud Pizza Records, located inside Salt Shed in Chicago. The interview happened during Motoblot weekend at Salt Shed, a day before Face to Face’s headlining set on the final night. We covered a lot of the band’s storied history, some ties to Chicago music icons, comic books, and…

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Live at Legit Dogs - Glory Days, Heligoats, Chad the Bird, badcandy, Eric Oren (Episode 1057) 1:10:51

4M ago1:10:51

1:10:51

Wrapping up a spectacular three-month run of live events at Legit Dogs + Ice, my guests for this special recording include Glory Days, Chris Otepka (Heligoats, Troubled Hubble), Chad the Bird, Alex Subak (badcandy) and comedian Eric Oren. Thanks to everyone at Legit Dogs for making these events and episodes happen - I had a lot of fun working on th…

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165: "Their poop is very nutritious." 28:44

4M ago28:44

28:44

What'd you like? Send us a text. The Duck Logic guys talk about worm farmers, competitive kite flying, grocery stores on wheels, and the children’s show Diver Dan. Then: rhetorical questions, mushy cigarettes, a needless health class film, and a must-have unless kitchen item.By Duck Logic

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Gird your loins: The new Daisychain album rips (Episode 1056) 27:07

4M ago27:07

27:07

Nickole Regala, Sophia Williams, and Frankie Sripada of the bluesy, psychedelic, raw and authentic, band Daisychain join me for a chat just days before their album release show (6/20) at Sleeping Village and a week in advance of the release of the new album, “All in a Name.” This one was recorded outside local treasure Reed’s Local in Avondale, and…