Side Tracks with Rusty Pate

"Side Tracks with Rusty Pate" is a pop culture podcast that focuses on music, films, stand up comedy and so much more.

Talking Wild Sweet Orange with Paul Monnin (Ep. 30) 03/13/2019

Talking Wild Sweet Orange with Paul Monnin (Ep. 30) is a relatively young band. Formed in Dayton, Ohio in 2017, the Americana-leaning quintet has been far from complacent. They are set to release their debut album “Airport Sounds” on March 23, and already have the makings for a follow-up well underway. Paul Monnin serves as the singer/songwriter of the group. He also plays keyboards for another Dayton band . On this episode, we deep dive on the 2008 release “We Have Cause to Be Uneasy” by . I also take some time at the top to discuss two documentaries – one you shouldn’t watch (“Leaving Neverland”) and one you definitely should (“Free Solo”). As always, thanks to for use of their track “Cut You Loose” from their 2017 EP “.” /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/8985464

Talking Kanye West with Don Thrasher (Ep. 29) 12/08/2018

Talking Kanye West with Don Thrasher (Ep. 29) Don Thrasher’s status on the Dayton, Ohio rock scene is unquestioned. He’s been making and writing about music for decades now. However, it might surprise people to know that Thrasher has an intense love for hip hop. The bulk of the episode is devoted to an album that Thrasher describes as virtually perfect, Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” from 2010. The discussion took place this summer. Before we dive into that, I give my thoughts on the new Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While audiences have loved it – my wife included – I had some problems with it and felt like the pod was the perfect place to air those grievances. As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” from their 2017 EP “WARPIG.” /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/7847990

Talking Coldplay with Kyleen Downes 11/29/2018

Talking Coldplay with Kyleen Downes I’m not waiting for Dec. 31 to make a New Year’s resolution. I’m vowing to put one of these “shows” up every week for the foreseeable future. Put it on the board – commitment = made. I kick things off this week by recommending a few podcasts. They are by no means new, but they are new to me. The first is hosted by Roman Mars. I couldn’t remember Mars’s name while I was recording, and rather than editing out my ignorance, I leaned into it. It’s a great show that tells engrossing tales about seemingly mundane topics. It is flawlessly executed and always enlightening. As I was catching up on a few shows I missed, Mars recommended hosted by Nate DiMeo. DiMeo deals in more long form essays rather than relying on interviews. His writing style is pretty phenomenal. Check them both out. My guest is the incredible . Downes released her latest EP “FRIENDS” earlier this year. We talk about how these songs were written and if her relationship with the songs has changed after eight months of playing them live. She performs the track “Six Years.” We then deep dive on the 2002 album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” As always, thank you to for use of their song “Cut You Loose” from their 2017 EP “.” /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/7728341

Talking Mavis Guitar with Travis Talbert (EP. 27) 11/22/2018

Talking Mavis Guitar with Travis Talbert (EP. 27) Well, well, well... look who's back. After a long hiatus, Side Tracks is back in your eardrums with a brand spanking new episode. This special Thanksgiving edition is chock full of goodness. If you need a break from your family and all the Trump talk, you've come to the right place. On this episode, I talk about the HBO series “The Deuce,” before bringing back friend of the show Travis Talbert. Travis is the lead guitarist for the band Frontier Folk Nebraska – which you may recognize from the pod’s theme music – and he has a new album under the moniker Mavis Guitar. “Porch Songs” is a collection of meditative and cerebral songs that draws from a wide range of influences. We talk about the differences between how the two albums came into the world, how Travis began playing music like this for a yoga class and the creative advantages of putting yourself at a disadvantage. We also get into a truncated discussion about steel guitar players and the gospel tradition where that instrument has quietly thrived. As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song "Cut you Loose" from their 2017 EP "WARPIG" as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/7658126

Talking Pere Ubu with Don Thrasher (Ep. 26) 08/22/2018

Talking Pere Ubu with Don Thrasher (Ep. 26) As this little show continues to Little-Engine-That-Could its way up the Podcast Mountain, I’ve started to look at how I can make things better. That means it’s time to start experimenting. I have some big plans for 2019, but I felt like episode 25 was a good time to mix things up. I added a short intro last week before getting into the interview segment. I’ve started trying to bank as many interviews as I can – doing a bunch and having them in reserve. As such, sometimes the conversation veers into current events which make no sense when the pod finally posts. This intro gives me a chance to fill in those blanks. I can also use this to address any issues that might have popped up from previous episodes. This week doesn’t really fall into either of those categories, so I came up with a new segment. The Random Shuffle Re-Discovery Song of the Week needs a more catchy title. For my first selection, I pick the track “Smile” by Smith Westerns from their 2011 album “Dye the World.” My guest this week is Don Thrasher. Thrasher is a musician and journalist from Dayton, Ohio. He is a tireless champion of local music. We talk quickly about his band Smug Brothers before deep diving on the 1978 album “Dub Housing” by Pere Ubu. As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6955503

Talking Spirit with Neal Casal (Ep. 25) 08/15/2018

Talking Spirit with Neal Casal (Ep. 25) If I never get to do another podcast episode, this is the one I would want to go out on. Neal Casal has always had a restless musical spirit. He has released a string of acclaimed solo albums. He played with Ryan Adams & the Cardinals for a stretch. He was a founding member of Hard Working Americans. Since 2011, he has traveled the world with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. On Aug. 17, 2018 yet another of his bands, Circles Around the Sun, will release their sophomore effort “Let it Wander” via Rhino Entertainment. A side note, I was nervous for this one. I practiced the pronunciation of his name for two straight days and still screwed it up once the recording light had gone red. We talked about the origin story of CATS, the process behind the new album and how the legendary Chuck D of Public Enemy got involved. We also hear the track “One for Chuck.” Normally, my guest and I will deep dive on an album that deserves more attention or love in the second half of the show. Casal chose the 1968 self-titled debut from California band Spirit. Admittedly, we didn’t really spend enough time on this delightfully weird and complex offering. The story of guitarist Randy California would make for a great documentary. He played in Jimmy James and the Blue Flames with Jimi Hendrix. Spirit’s original drummer, Ed Cassidy, was also Randy’s stepfather. He had played with Thelonious Monk, Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal. Suffice to say, it was a topic that deserved more discussion. However, we did talk about the mythology of California and what it’s like to make music there. Also, Casal gives an update on the progress of the new CRB album. As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6928355

Talking Leigh Stephens with Ethan Miller (Ep. 24) 07/31/2018

Talking Leigh Stephens with Ethan Miller (Ep. 24) Ethan Miller’s band Howlin’ Rain has been making incredibly soulful psychedelic music since forming in 2004. Their latest album “The Alligator Bride” has been described by NPR as “Howlin’ Rain in full-on Crazy Horse mode.” We talk about the new album, hear the cut “Alligator Bride” and deep dive on the 1969 Leigh Stephens album “Red Weather.” As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6872219

Talking R.E.M. with Kent Montgomery (Ep. 23) 07/28/2018

Talking R.E.M. with Kent Montgomery (Ep. 23) Kent Montgomery is the lead guitarist for the Dayton, Ohio band The New Old Fashioned. Their latest release “Small Town, Midwest, USA” is the band’s first full-length effort in three years. We talk about the new record, hear the Montgomery penned track “Simpler Time” and deep dive on the 1996 R.E.M. album “New Adventures in Hi-Fi.” As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6860623

Talking Vetiver with Sam Moss (Ep. 22) 07/25/2018

Talking Vetiver with Sam Moss (Ep. 22) Sam Moss is a singer/songwriter/guitarist from the Boston area. Growing up in Connecticut, he began playing violin at an early age. He eventually found his way to guitar and began composing hauntingly introspective songs. His latest release is “Neon.” We talk about “Neon” and hear the track “Flowers.” Sam then discusses the 2006 album “To Find Me Gone” by Vetiver. As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6849241

Talking Randy Newman with Michigan Rattlers (Ep. 21) 07/17/2018

Talking Randy Newman with Michigan Rattlers (Ep. 21) It’s not really fair to lump Michigan Rattlers into the world of country music. While elements of that genre are certainly present, it’s more by association that through intent. Beneath the harmonies and great stories lies a folksy sensibility that has more to do with rural American side roads than the beer-soaked streets of Nashville. It makes sense that such an American band would love Randy Newman. We talk about their upcoming album before diving into the 1974 Newman album “Good Old Boys.” As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6819746

Talking Sugar with Joe Anderl (Ep. 20) 07/11/2018

Talking Sugar with Joe Anderl (Ep. 20) Joe Anderl is the front man for the band The 1984 Draft. They have been making music in Dayton, Ohio since 2013. Their latest release “Makes Good Choices” features some of the strongest songs the band has ever released. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6797482

A Tale of Two Stories: Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone magazine 06/30/2018

A Tale of Two Stories: Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone magazine In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine celebrated its 50 th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, many tributes took place. Two of the most exhaustive were the documentary “Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge,” directed by Alex Gibney, and “Sticky Fingers: The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone,” written by Joe Hagan. I watched the movie and read the book, noticing some points that I felt deserved a closer examination. As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6761292

Episode 19: Talking The War on Drugs with Billy Swayne 06/26/2018

Episode 19: Talking The War on Drugs with Billy Swayne Billy Swayne is the leader of the Neo American Pioneers. That group is preparing to release their sophomore album “Beginning to Unfold.” Billy stopped by to talk about the new album, his approach to songwriting and we focus on the 2008 debut album from The War on Drugs titled “Wagonwheel Blues,” which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6744898

Episode 17: Talking Dwight Yoakam and Velvet Underground with Charlie Jackson 05/08/2018

Episode 17: Talking Dwight Yoakam and Velvet Underground with Charlie Jackson Charlie Jackson and the Heartland Railway released their debut effort in March of 2018. After years of self-recording solo efforts, Jackson hooked up with Brad Bowling, Denny Cottle and Ricky Terrell for a more fleshed out sound. He was kind enough to perform "Days of Wine and Roses," the opening track from the album. We then talk about two albums that influenced his music: Dwight Yoakam's "Blame the Vein" and Velvet Underground's 1969 self-titled release. As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track "Cut You Loose" from their 2017 EP "WARPIG." /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6568185

Episode 16: Talking Superdrag with Tim Pritchard 05/07/2018

Episode 16: Talking Superdrag with Tim Pritchard Tim Pritchard has been making music for a long time. In 2005, his band Flyaway Minion released "Fair Travels." He released a solo album in 2012 titled "It Shall be Revealed" before forming The Boxcar Suite. The band released their latest record "Further In and Farther Out" in April of 2018, their first foray into the world of vinyl. Tim stopped by to talk about the new album, play the song "Never Say Anything" and to deep dive on one of his favorite albums: Superdrag's 1998 disc "Head Trip in Every Key." As always, a special thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song "Cut You Loose" from their 2017 EP "WARPIG" as our theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6566603

Episode 15: Rolling Solo on "Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Live 1966" by Bob Dylan 05/01/2018

Episode 15: Rolling Solo on "Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Live 1966" by Bob Dylan After a long break, the podcast is back!!! This week, I go at it alone and talk about the 1998 release from Bob Dylan “Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Live 1966 Royal Albert Hall.” I also talk about a few concerts I’ve been to recently and my recent Record Store Day purchases. As always thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as the show’s theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6540849

Episode 18: Talking Eric Clapton with Travis Talbert 04/30/2018

Episode 18: Talking Eric Clapton with Travis Talbert In his triumphant return to the show, Travis Talbert has a lot to say about Eric Clapton. Talbert is the lead guitarist for Frontier Folk Nebraska, and we talk about their latest EP “Foolish Frank.” He also lets us in on the band’s upcoming full-length release. The Clapton conversation centers around the recent documentary “Life in 12 Bars.” For more information visit: /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6540716

Episode 14: Talking guitar with Travis Talbert 12/06/2017

Episode 14: Talking guitar with Travis Talbert Travis Talbert has been the lead guitar player for Frontier Folk Nebraska for more than a decade. He also has released the album “Louisville via Boston” with his project Mavis Guitar. He tells us about FFN’s 2017 release “WARPIG” (2:19) and talks about going into the studio for some 2018 releases (4:26). We tackle the wide lens issue of guitar players. Talbert talks about his personal history with the instrument (9:14), how he discovered Stevie Ray Vaughn (19:40) and how that led him to the world of Albert King, Freddie King and so many other blues greats (25:26). As always, a special thanks to for use of their track “Cut You Loose” off their “” EP. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/6016207

Episode 13: A solo take on Leon Russell 12/01/2017

Episode 13: A solo take on Leon Russell My series of pods focusing on music that matters to me comes to a triumphant conclusion with a Leon Russell monologue. After a recent purchase of the documentary “A Poem is a Naked Person,” I felt like this was the most natural way to wrap up the music that formed me. I talk about that doc (3:34) and give a much too short biography (10:51). I then launch into my favorite albums from Russell, beginning with his self-titled release (13:12). I then move to “Leon Russell and the Shelter People” (19:38), the incredible “Leon Live” (22:50) and wrap up with the album that always reminds me of my dad “Will O’ the Wisp” (30:02). As always, a special thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” off their “WARPIG” EP. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5998920

Episode 12: A solo take on "Tommy (OST)" by The Who 11/15/2017

Episode 12: A solo take on "Tommy (OST)" by The Who On this edition of “Side Tracks with Rusty Pate,” I talk about “Tommy” by The Who. Rather than focusing on the 1969 album version, I look at the 1975 soundtrack for the Ken Russell film. I talk about the strange and disjointed story (15:00) the questionable inclusion of torture and molestation imagry (21:25) and Pete Townshend’s 2002 child porn allegations (21:57). As always, a special thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” off their “WARPIG” EP. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5947721

Episode 11: A solo take on "The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion" 10/28/2017

Episode 11: A solo take on "The Southern Harmony & Musical Companion" This week I dive into one of my favorite albums of all time – The Black Crowes “." The early 1990s were a strange time. The American festival scene began to take it’s baby steps with the first Lollapalooza tours, the pop charts were ruled by country music for the first time and the entire rock world focused it’s glare on a community of musicians in Seattle. In this pod, I talk about 1992. I give a brief history of the Crowes, a track-by-track rundown of “Southern Harmony” and talk about how this album shaped my outlook on music and art. As always, a special thanks to for use of their track “Cut You Loose” off their “” EP. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5886201

Episode 10 - A solo take on Kiss "Alive II" 10/05/2017

Episode 10 - A solo take on Kiss "Alive II" This week, I’m rolling solo. For the next few weeks, I will be in full monologue mode discussing the albums that shaped my love for music. First off is from 1977. This was the first album that I picked out on my own and my first proper introduction to heavier music than I had heard. I talk about why the album was so important to me, how the death of Elvis and the rise of punk fit into the Kiss universe and the problems I have with the band’s later era. I also draw heavily from a article published on Grantland.com. Everyone should read it. As always, thank you to for use of their song “Cut You Loose” as the theme music. That track is available on their 2017 EP “.” Pick up your copy today from their Bandcamp page. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5810479

Episode 9: Talking music with Izzy Rock 09/27/2017

Episode 9: Talking music with Izzy Rock Izzy Rock has been a podcast host since 2012, first on his own "Tales from the Hardside" and later as a co-host and producer of "The Gem City Podcast." His "Storytellers" pods are an incredible resource for the vibrant Dayton, Ohio music scene. We talk about what Izzy has been listening to lately, what he listened to in his formative years, his passion for the Dayton music scene and he revisits some of his favorite concerts he's attended. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5781644

Episode 8: Talking Big Star with Don Thrasher 08/23/2017

Episode 8: Talking Big Star with Don Thrasher This episode features the triumphant return of Don Thrasher. Thrasher has written about music in Dayton, Ohio since the early 1990s. He has also played drums for influential bands like Swearing at Motorists and Guided by Voices. He currently mans the skins for Smug Brothers. Under the microscope this time: Big Star’s 1970s albums. Thrasher begins with a thorough history of the band and talks about why he loves them so much. Album discussions include: “#1 Record” (29:26), “Radio City” (39:50) and “Third/Sister Lovers” (45:46). As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” as the theme music. That track is available on their 2017 EP “WARPIG.” Pick up your copy today from their Band Camp page. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5669317

Episode 7: Talking singer/songwriters with David Payne 08/17/2017

Episode 7: Talking singer/songwriters with David Payne For episode seven, David Payne joins the show. The front man for The New Old-Fashioned has a lot going on at the moment. Preliminary work has begun on that band’s next release, but Payne has kept busy in the meantime. An impromptu home demo recording session turned out so well that he has decided to release the tracks. On this podcast, Payne talks about that new EP “Cheaper than Therapy” (0:40). He performs the songs “Cheaper than Therapy” (6:04) and “Silver & Gold” (18:18). We talk about John Prine’s 1971 self-title debut release (23:00), Ryan Adam’s 2002 album “Demolition” (40:30) and Shrug’s 2005 release “Whole Hog for the Macho Jesus” (56:42). As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” as the theme music. That track is available on their 2017 EP "WARPIG." Pick up your copy today from their Band Camp page. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5643002

Episode 6 - Talking The Monkees with Chad Wells 08/01/2017

Episode 6 - Talking The Monkees with Chad Wells For episode 6, Chad Wells drops in. Wells currently helms the psychedelic-tinged band Cricketbows. We kick off the conversation with talk about their new EP “Communion” (1:00) and their full-length film “Where the Ocean Meets the Sky” (3:15). Chad also plays an exclusive solo acoustic performance of the track “Games People Play” (8:14). Chad tells us why The Monkees are the “cornerstone from which all other music is judged” for him (12:33). The deep dive into the albums begins with “Headquarters” (19:14), “Pieces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, LTD” (42:00), “The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees”(52:05) and the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to “Head” (1:02:09). As always, thank you to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” as the theme music. That track is available on their 2017 EP WARPIG. Pick up your copy today from their Band Camp page. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5597237

Episode 5: Talking Inspiration with Harold Hensley 07/26/2017

Episode 5: Talking Inspiration with Harold Hensley In episode five, Harold Hensley stops by. Hensley is the guitarist and singer for The Repeating Arms. He also has a new solo album coming out in the fall of 2017. In a “Side Tracks” first, Hensley played a couple tunes for us. “Songs of Home” (6:21) and “Pose” (16:10) will both be featured on that forthcoming solo effort. We dive into Hensley’s album choices with Bright Eye’s 2005 masterpiece “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” (19:20). We then move to Monsters of Folk’s self-titled debut (29:10) from 2009, Matt Costa’s 2006 debut “Songs We Sing” (41:36) and Doug Martsch’s “Now We Know” (57:08) from 2002. Thanks as always to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track “Cut You Loose” from their 2017 EP WARPIG. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5580170

Episode 4: Talking comedy with Chef Ja 07/19/2017

Episode 4: Talking comedy with Chef Ja Episode four features Jason Mosely (Chef Ja). We kick off with a discussion of the “Game of Thrones” season seven premiere (2:18) before jumping into a new batch of stand up specials. We talk about Rory Scovel’s new hour “Tries Stand Up for the First Time (22:50). Our classic choice this time is Patrice O’Neal’s “Elephant in the Room” (34:38). We talk a little about the forthcoming “Destiny 2” video game (50:10) and Mosley gives a prediction about Detroit’s future (52:57). /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5554353

Episode 3: Talking Brian Eno with Don Thrasher 07/12/2017

Episode 3: Talking Brian Eno with Don Thrasher Don Thrasher stops by for the first edition of a new segment dubbed "From the Used Bin," where we find some underappreciated artists or works and discuss why they deserve more attention. This episode focuses on Brian Eno's four mid-1970s vocal albums. Don talks about when he discovered these Eno albums (1:34) and gives a brief overview of what makes Eno such a unique figure in music history. We briefly talk about Smug Brothers latest album "Disco Maron"(7:03). The deep dives into the Eno albums kicks off with "Another Green World" (10:35), followed by "Here Come The Warm Jets" (16:51) "Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)" (27:01) and finally touching on some of Eno's producing credits and "Before and After Science" (35:24). As always, thanks to Frontier Folk Nebraska for use of their track "Cut You Loose" as the theme music. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5531093

Episode 2: Talking Comedy with Chef Ja 06/30/2017

Episode 2: Talking Comedy with Chef Ja Chef Ja (Jason Mosley) is back to talk about more stand up comedy. We dive into Sarah Silverman's newest hour "A Speck of Dust" (1:50) and George Carlin's 1996 HBO special "Back in Town" (15:03). Mosley breaks down the "Black Panther" trailer(48:50) and his thought on this year's E3 (52: 54). Theme music is "Cut You Loose" by Frontier Folk Nebraska. /episode/index/show/sidetrackswithrustypate/id/5496854

Side Tracks with Rusty Pate

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