Category: News & Notes

CP S15 EP08 2021

FEB 22 2021 – The TOP 5 this week flipped, with only one entry returning from the past two weeks – The Grand Alliance.  It should not be a surprise, following last Saturday’s appearance on SNL, that Nathaniel Rateliff‘s latest single, Redemption is #1 this week and is likely to stay there for the next several weeks.

This week’s featured station is KDNK, one of the first stations to air the Colorado Playlist. KDNK was founded by volunteers in 1983 and now reaches over 100,000 people around the state, along with their international Internet listenership.  Listen at:

    • 88.1 in Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and Rifle;
    • 88.3 in Aspen and Glenwood Springs,
    • 88.5 in Basalt and Redstone,
    • 93.5 in Leadville,
    • 94.7 in Old Snowmass,
    • 94.9 in Thomasville,
    • 99.9 in Snowmass Village
    • on your smart speaker,
    • and at kdnk.org
    • The Colorado Playlist airs every Sat and Sun mornings at 5am.

You can also track what KDNK plays via their Spinitron page, here.  Spinitron is a supporter of the Colorado Playlist.

Are you a working musician in Colorado, or a soundperson, stage hand, etc employed pre-COVID but seriously struggling to pay for rent, utilities or food?

Rocky Mountain Music Relief can’t meet all your needs, but we can offer some help. There’s an application at the bottom of the page.

The Colorado Playlist is provided to member stations at no cost.  Your support is deeply appreciated and will help to keep the program on the air.

Middle Class Rock Star is a podcast hosted by  Andy Sydow.  Every week or so I feature a 7 to 8 minute segment featuring  a conversation Andy has with some of our scene’s top music makers and industry personalities.  This week’s guest is Andy Frasco.

TOP FIVE WEEK ENDING FEB 20 2021

Spinitron  Designed to benefit non-commercial public and college radio stations. Record promoters and artists are among those most likely to benefit from the detailed search function. Currently 11 Colorado radio stations utilize Spinitron.

TOP 5 and TOP 30 charts are culled from published spins at 13 Colorado non-profit community/public and college radio stations.

1. NATHANIEL RATELIFF – Redemption SINGLE (Dec-20)
2. THE GRAND ALLIANCE – The Grand Alliance LP (Jan-21)
3. JOHNNY & THE MONGRELS – Creole Skies LP (Jul-20)
4. A MEAZY – I Can’t Breathe (Again) SINGLE (Jun-20)
4. ANDY EPPLER – Broke Down Deluxe LP (Nov-20)

MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING (MMMM)

The Mishawaka is a legendary music venue, restaurant and bar located 13.7 miles up the Poudre Canyon Highway (CO 14) in the stunning Poudre Canyon in Bellvue, CO.  CURRENTLY OPEN FOR DINING.

A REMINDER:  Please listen to ALL of the songs and rate them.  Thanks🙂

(D) = debut LP/EP or single
(N) = new track from previously debuted LP/EP
(P) = Colorado Playlist premier / not available online

HOUR 1

Monocle/Higher Elevation – The Diamond Mine (1964)
The Rainy Daze – That Acapulco Gold (1967)
(D) Zoe Berman – Lilac Hour (2021)

Pink Hawks – Elote! (2020)
Whiskey Blanket – Pound Boom – No Object (2010)
(N) David William’s Trickster Carousel – Freak – Snake Oil (2021)

J-Calvin – Your Soul Knows (2021)
Liz Barnez – River Road – Liz Barnez Band (1993)
Gregory Alan Isakov – Amsterdam – The Weatherman (2013)
Danny Shafer – Small Town Blues – Weddings, Floods And Funerals (2015)
(D) Duke Justice – Startup (2021)

Petals of Spain – Daydream – Daydream (2016)
Taylor Scott Band – Curiosity – All We Have (2019)
Dana Landry Trio – Transfusion – Memphis Skyline (2014)

HOUR 2

Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy – Stand In the Fire (1980)
(D) Five Iron Frenzy – So We Sing – Until This Shakes Apart (2021)

My Body Sings Electric – Step Into The Light – Changing Color (2011)
Bud Bronson & The Good Timers – End Of Our Lives – Between the Outfield and Outer Space (2018)
Andy Frasco – I’ve Got a Long Way to Go – Keep On Keepin On (2020)
Andy Frasco – Love is a Gun – Keep On Keepin On (2020)
The Lonesome Days – Chasin Down The Whiskey – The Lonesome Days (2017)
(D) The Grand Alliance – Chakra Khan (f. Kayla Marque) – The Grand Alliance (2021)

The String Cheese Incident – Sing A New Song – Outside Inside (2001)
Caitlin Cannon – Toolbag – The TrashCannon Album (2020)
Scott Martin – The Meaning of Midnight – Alone at Sunset (2018)

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE

CP S15 EP06 2021

FEB 08 2021 –We’re three months, 1/4 of a year, into the new release year that began in November and already I’m seeing a record number of new releases from here in Colorado.  It may be the result of COVID isolation, or simply that there are more ways to produce new records.

I can say I’m fitting new tracks into show outlines four weeks in advance from now.  This week I managed to get in new music from David William’s Trickster Carousel, Isadora Eden, Zembu, House Painter Music, and The Barlow.   

The big news this past week is that venues will be able to open to 50% capacity, depending on social distancing criteria.

Westword outlined the specifics: “At indoor unseated events, venues can host up to 50 percent capacity — but no more than fifty or a hundred people, depending on the size of the space and using the state’s Social Distancing Space Calculator.

Indoor seated events can have up to a hundred people or 50 percent capacity — whichever is smaller. Outdoor events can have up to 175 people or 50 percent capacity — again, whichever is smaller. Venues operating as indoor restaurants can have 50 percent capacity or fifty people (or even up to 150, based on the state’s calculator).”

The verdict is still out on whether or not we’ll see any type of large outdoor gatherings this season.  Major events such as Bohemian Nights at New West Fest in Fort Collins, the Greeley Blues Jam and Greeley Stampede have yet to announce one way or another how they will proceed.

Even with more people being allowed into our smaller venues many of our local musicians are still struggling.  Our non-profit, Rocky Mountain Music Relief receives two or three requests a week for help.

Are you a working musician in Colorado, or a soundperson, stage hand, etc employed pre-COVID but seriously struggling to pay for rent, utilities or food?

Rocky Mountain Music Relief can’t meet all your needs, but we can offer some help. There’s an application at the bottom of the page.

The Colorado Playlist is provided to member stations at no cost.  Your support is deeply appreciated.  Your support will help to keep the program on the air.

Middle Class Rock Star is a podcast hosted by  Andy Sydow.  Every week or so I feature a 7 to 8 minute segment featuring  a conversation Andy has with some of our scene’s top music makers and industry personalities.  This week’s guest is Antonio Lopez.

TOP FIVE WEEK ENDING FEB 06 2021

Spinitron  Designed to benefit non-commercial public and college radio stations. Record promoters and artists are among those most likely to benefit from the detailed search function. Currently 11 Colorado radio stations utilize Spinitron.

TOP 5 and TOP 30 charts are culled from published spins at 13 Colorado non-profit community/public and college radio stations.

1. ANDY FRASCO & THE U.N. – Keep On Keepin’ On LP (Apr-20)
1. WELLINGTON BULLINGS – Because I Want To LP (Jul-20)
2. ATOMGA – Which One Are You SINGLE (Nov-20)
3. CITRA – Ocean SINGLE (Feb-20)
3. DAVID LADON – So Inert (or Reflections on a Perpetual Campaign Cycle) SINGLE (Jan-21)

MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING (MMMM)

The Mishawaka is a legendary music venue, restaurant and bar located 13.7 miles up the Poudre Canyon Highway (CO 14) in the stunning Poudre Canyon in Bellvue, CO.  CURRENTLY OPEN FOR DINING.

A REMINDER:  Please listen to ALL of the songs and rate them.  Thanks🙂

(D) = debut LP/EP or single
(N) = new track from previously debuted LP/EP
(P) = Colorado Playlist premier / not available online

HOUR 1

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Make A Little Magic – Make A Little Magic (1980)
(D) David William’s Trickster Carousel – Cradle to the Grave – Snake Oil (2021)

Kiltro – The Hustle – Creatures of Habit (2019)
Michael Trent – The Winner – The Winner (2010)
(D) Isadora Eden – Ghosts – Allnight (2021)

Monica Marie LaBonte – River Song (2020)
Acoustic Junction – Think About It – Acoustic Junction (1996)
The Subdudes – Sarita – Primitive Streak (1996)
(D) Zembu – Overgrown – Recall (2020)

John Common And Blinding Flashes Of Light – Same Scar – Beautiful Empty (2010)
Brent Loveday & the Dirty Dollars – Shut Up and Drive – Hymns for the Hardened (2019)
Adam Bodine – Swamp Stomp – Scenes of Changery (2020)

HOUR 2

Earth Wind & Fire – Devotion – Open Our Eyes (1974)
(D) House Painter Music – God Was Born In NYC – Scream Inside Your Heart (2021)

DeVotchKa – Let Me Sleep – This Night Falls Forever (2018)
SHEL – You Could Be My Baby – Just Crazy Enough (2016)
Andy Frasco – Love is a Gun – Keep On Keepin On (2020)
Antonio Lopez – Roots and Wings – Roots and Wings (2021)
Antonio Lopez – ’42 Ford – Roots and Wings (2021)
(D) The Barlow – Horseshoe Lounge – Horseshoe Lounge (2021)

The Still Tide – High Wire – Run Out (2017)
Churchill – Change – Change EP (2012)
Ryan A Fourt – Grapple At The Snapple – Big Slick (2015)

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE

CP S15 EP05 2021

FEB 01 2021 – Well, that month went by fast.  WOW.  The biggest news as I enter February is that the Colorado Playlist will no longer be aired on the station that it launched from in April 2006, 88.9FM KRFC Fort Collins.  It’s been a great run there, and I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career to have my show be on two or more competing stations in the market simultaneously.

KRFC is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise their signal strength from 3kw to 50,000 watts.  I wish the station and all of my decades long friends there good luck.

On Jan 30, I FINALLY got the license plates I ordered last year! If you see these plates on the highways of Colorado, you’ll know it’s the “goat-mobile.”

If you’re missing going out to see live music, you’re not alone.  There is live music taking place, however.  It’s just not at any of the major venues like the Levitt Pavilion, Red Rocks or the Mission Ballroom.  It’s at small places with 20 to 50 people spaced out 6 to 10 feet apart.  When will see elbow to elbow audiences?  Probably not this year according to several sources I’ve spoken with in the industry.

In the meantime, please visit and support the CIVA (Colorado Independent Venue Association) website.  CIVA has partnered with the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts to present monthly panels on issues the local independent venue industry is facing during this pandemic.

The Colorado Playlist is provided to member stations at no cost.  Your support is deeply appreciated.  Your support will help to keep the program on the air.

Are you a working musician in Colorado, or a soundperson, stage hand, etc employed pre-COVID but seriously struggling to pay for rent, utilities or food?

Rocky Mountain Music Relief can’t meet all your needs, but we can offer some help. There’s an application at the bottom of the page.

Middle Class Rock Star is a podcast hosted by  Andy Sydow.  Every week or so I feature a 7 to 8 minute segment featuring  a conversation Andy has with some of our scene’s top music makers and industry personalities.  This week’s guest is Brody Danger.

TOP FIVE WEEK ENDING JAN 30 2021

Spinitron  Designed to benefit non-commercial public and college radio stations. Record promoters and artists are among those most likely to benefit from the detailed search function. Currently 11 Colorado radio stations utilize Spinitron.

TOP 5 and TOP 30 charts are culled from published spins at 13 Colorado non-profit community/public and college radio stations.

1. BUD BRONSON & THE GOOD TIMERS – Manifest Destiny EP (Dec-20)
2. KATIRIA – Mientes SINGLE (Dec-20)
3. (tie) CAITLIN CANNON – The Trash Cannon Album LP (May-20)
4. (tie) DANIEL RODRIGUEZ – Sojurn of the Burning Sun LP (Jun-20)
5. XIUHTEZCATL – Runway Tapes LP (Oct-20)

MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING (MMMM)

The Mishawaka is a legendary music venue, restaurant and bar located 13.7 miles up the Poudre Canyon Highway (CO 14) in the stunning Poudre Canyon in Bellvue, CO.  CURRENTLY OPEN FOR DINING.

A REMINDER:  Please listen to ALL of the songs and rate them.  Thanks🙂

(D) = debut LP/EP or single
(N) = new track from previously debuted LP/EP
(P) = Colorado Playlist premier / not available online

HOUR 1

John Denver – My Sweet Lady – Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971)
(D) The Regular – Don’t Let Me Go (2020)

The Patti Fiasco – Saved By Rock And Roll – Saved By Rock And Roll (2016)
Dispatch – May We All – Phase 1 (2020)
(P) Lady Gang – Trying To Get By – Full Throttle (2021)
CITRA – Ocean (2020)
Stephen Stills – Circlin’ – Illegal Stills (1975)
Tommy Bolin – Teaser – Teaser (1975)
(D) David Ladon – So Inert (2021)

Philip Bailey – Won’t Waste Time – Love Is Real (2010)
Ghost Tapes – Good News – FIG (2020)
The Chip Stephens Trio – Up a Lazy / Sweet Georgia Brown & Dig – Holding on What Counts (2007)

HOUR 2

The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band – Trouble in Paradise – Trouble In Paradise (1975)
(D) Many Mountains – What Used to Be – Endless Time (2021)

Robert Shredford – Queen Elizabeth Corgis – Robert Shredford (2020)
Big Head Todd & The Monsters – Josephina – Black Beehive (2014)
Chella & The Charm – Good Gal (2019)
Wildermiss – Supermagical (2020)
Andy Frasco – Keep On Keeping On – Keep On Keepin On (2020)
(D) Plume Varia – Hold On To Me (2021)

DeVotchKa – The Common Good – 100 Lovers (2011)
The Reminders – Dust and Bones – Unstoppable (2019)
Keith Oxman – Memphis Gene – Doing All Right (2009)

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE

*Not all titles played on the show are available on YouTube*