ANNNNND! we’re back!!! Hello students of music. Summer break is over and class is (virtually) in session. What better way to get back to the music than a show to get your school spirit going? We can’t think of one. Straighten out your pencils and your books, your classmates at Balcony Radio have Lesson 149 of the 101 Series on your schedule. For first period of the new 17th season, we’re playing all the best songs about school we could find. Get ready for AP Music. Don’t be tardy.
101 Series
101 Series Lesson 148 – The Year 1991
Time to get in the ol’ way back machine with your pals at Balcony Radio. This time out, we set our sights on 1991 . . .the year of Nirvana, Using Your Illusion, and heading out in the great wide open. Join us for Lesson 148 of the 101 Series, as we sample tunes turning 30(!) this year. Thirty! Man . . .
101 Series Lesson 147 – John Prine
Hey there, buddy . . . why don’t you join your pals here at BalconyRadio as we pay respects to one of the greatest songwriters America has ever produced: Mr. John Prine. In Lesson 147 of the 101 Series, we take a stroll through the man’s impressive discography and find out that he never put out a bad record. That’s hard to do. Roll one up, have some peaches, try to find Jesus and get ready for some of the best music you’ll hear all week long.
101 Series Lesson 145 – Van Halen/Hagar
Help us as we join together both the Roth and Hagar eras to praise him: EVH. Many people have picked up the guitar, but few pushed at its boundaries like one Mr. Edward Van Halen. It’s Lesson 145 of the 101 Series, and this time out we’re playing the tastiest licks tapped out over multiple generations of rock kick-assery. From the humble streets of Pasadena, to arenas everywhere, spark one up for Eddie. Turn this up to 11, let the neighbors know about it.
101 Series Lesson 145 – Woodstock 1994
It’s been 26 years since Woodstock ’94 and the mud has finally been completely washed off . . . time to celebrate a time when people could stand near each other. Jump the chain link with us for Lesson 145 (though your hosts misspeak and name it Lesson 144) of the 101 Series, covering one of the better sequels (don’t bother with part three) in music history. Join Balcony Radio and 1/2 million of your closest friends in the mud to hear two dozen of the best tracks over one long weekend upstate. Leave your car on the turnpike, it’ll still be there Monday.
101 Series Lesson 48: The Doors
Hello, we love you, listen to our show. We’re still on hiatus, but the music never stops. Break on through to the past with a classic Balcony Radio broadcast. This week, we open up the best of The Doors. We’ve got the best live, in studio, and postmortem recordings of L.A.’s house band. Grab a jug of wine and a fist full of peyote, you need to catch up.
101 Series Lesson 50: Surf’s Up!
Hello, students. Time to gas up the Woody, break out the Sex Wax and pack up the cooler with beverages. The weather is getting warmer and the waves are getting higher so it’s time for some sun and sand in your sandwiches. Lesson 50 of the 101 Series says it’s “Surf’s Up!” – we get out of the classroom and on the road to beaches around the world – or maybe right down the 101 Freeway – and listen to lots of twangy guitar. Get your sunscreen and zinc oxide and hop in the back. Time to use some vacation time!
101 Series Lesson 80 – Baseball Melodies
It’s a couple months later than usual, but who cares . . . Baseball is back this weekend to provide a little bit of sunshine during this pandemic-era terribleness. To celebrate the (truncated) season, we’ve got a couple dozen of the best country, rock, pop, and r&b songs about baseball for you to do the wave to at home. This episode was recorded a few years ago, but the songs are as timeless as the game itself. Let’s play two. Choke up. Get ready for one high and inside.
101 Series Lesson 144 – The Music from Laurel Canyon
Certain places where time, energy and good drugs meet are magical. One of those spots was a certain zip code in the hills above Hollywood from 1965-1975. In Lesson ??? of the infinite 101 Series, we take a geography lesson with the best music of Laurel Canyon. Harmonize with the wind and the trees and the bees landing on the flowers. (And don’t pay attention to the scruffy hippies coming up the driveway . . .)
101 Series Lesson 59: Songs About The Presidents
It’s time to celebrate a certain someone’s 244th birthday. Despite everything going on in the 50 states, July 4th is still happening . . . Join your fellow Americans at BalconyRadio.com for a show about the person steering the freedom ship: el presidente. In honor of the holiday, tune in to a classic Balcony Radio is episode we call “Songs About the President.” We pay tribute to Resident #1 and a few of the people who’ve tried to kill him….skip the primaries, drop out of the electoral college, light up a sparkler and enjoy the show.
