Weekend on the Radio Recap: Fake Plastic Trees Edition

This week, we hang out with Bacchus at Oregon Ridge's Great Grapes festival, enjoy the calm before the storm of Senior Week, bid for a piece of Sowebo history at the Sowebo Poster Auction, take in some smooth jazz at Merriweather Post and marvel at Thom Yorke's herky-jerky movements at the Verizon Center.

All Weekend Long:

• Great Grapes Wine and Food Festival, Oregon Ridge, noon to 6 p.m.
• Capital Jazz Fest, Merriweather Post Pavilion, check website for details
• Ravens Beach Bash, Various places around Ocean City, check website for details

Friday, 6/1:

• Soulful Symphony, Hippodrome, 8 p.m. 

Saturday. 6/2:

• Super-Duper Flea Market, American Visionary Art Museum, 9 a.m. to 3 p/m.

Sunday, 6/3:

• Sowebo Festival Poster Auction, Maryland Biopark Building, 3 p.m. 
• Radiohead, Verizon Center, 7:30 p.m. 

Bob the Paper Guy's Greatest Year in the History of Rock and Roll

What was the best year in rock and roll? 

1967 saw the release of Sgt. Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band and Pink Floyd's debut The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. As Patrick Kapelanczyk wrote on our Facebook page,  "No contest. Monterey Pop Festival, Sgt. Pepper, and Cream . . . can't beat that!"

Prog rock lovers might pinpoint a year at the height of Jethro Tull and Yes powers. U2 broke through with Joshua Tree in 1987, and six years later Smashing Pumpkins put out Siamese Dream and Radiohead debuted with Pablo Honey. Is there any love for the aughts out there? 

At 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, Bob the Paper Guy weighs in on this week's Total Recall segment.

Mix Tape Thursday, 7/1/09

WTMD listeners take over the airwaves with three-to-five song sets on Thursday.

6 a.m. David Ziffer

In honor of Weezer, one of this year's Freefest performers, and their debut album, "The Blue Album", I've included a song from that album, a track from 311's self-titled debut, also known as "The Blue Album," and The Beatles' "Blue Album, 1967-1970."

* "My Name is Jonas," by Weezer
* "All Mixed Up," by 311
* "Across the Universe," by The Beatles


8 a.m. Kathy Marr

There are artists I heard for the first time on WTMD and songs that moved me deeply.

* "Forever My Friend," by Ray Lamontagne
* "Be Here Now," by Mason Jennings
* "Pride," by Daniella Cotton
* "You Dance," by East Mountain South
* "Gravity," by Bob Sima


10 a.m. Mary Zajac
A while ago, David Dye had Moby choose a Top 5 on the World Cafe. Moby's theme was "5 Songs That Would Sound Good in a Desolate Parking Lot of an Abandoned Factory at 4 AM." This is my take on that theme.

* "Over the Hillside," by The Blue Nile
* "All I Need," by Radiohead
* "Love Letter," by Nick Cave
* "For the Turnstiles," by Neil Young
* "Famous Blue Raincoat," by Leonard Cohen


12 p.m. Susan Atwell-Keister

Songs of freedom and America for the 4th of July

* "Freedom," by Melissa Ferrick
* "America," from West Side Story
* "This Land Is Your Land," by Woody Guthrie
* "Free Fallin'," by Tom Petty


4 p.m. Melissa Artnak

This is a, hopefully, not too sappy, but still pretty endearing mix tape that is a modern variant on the "I Like You" mix tapes we are all guilty of making as teens.

All of the songs have a summery feel, so the title written on the label of this cassette could be "Grown-up Summer Camp Love Songs," if that's not too cheesy.

* "Rave On," by M. Ward
* "Slow Show," by The National
* "French Navy," by Camera Obscura
* "All My Mistakes," by The Avett Brothers

Mix Tape Thursday, 4/23/09

WTMD listeners take over the airwaves with three-to-five song sets on Thursday.

Submit your own mixtape and enter a drawing to win a pair of VIP tickets to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN!

7 a.m. Bill Ritsin

This mix tape defines exactly what Bonnaroo is all about: an eclectic mix of people enjoying a weekend in the sunny mountains of Tennessee.

The selection of music combines a collection of 'Roo performers present and past, places no restriction on who can or cannot enjoy, and reaffirms that music does make the world go 'round.

My ideal mix contains Bonnaroo veterans such as TV on the Radio and Cypress Hill but also new and surely welcomed Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Phish to ensure nothing but pure enjoyment before, during, and after June 11-14.

* "Wading in the Velvet Sea," by Phish
* "Zero," by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
* "E-Pro," by Beck
* "Insane in the Brain," by Cypress Hill
* "Golden Age," by TV on the Radio


9 a.m. Katrina Balovlenkov

Falling In and Out of Love with my Ex

I recently spoke to an ex of mine, and remembering some of our favorite songs, the break up, and that bittersweet nostalgia after I talked just automatically made me think of these songs.

It's about being young and fun (goofy) and then being wiser and proud of the people you have both become independent of each other.

* "Brand New Key," by Melanie
* "First Day of My Life," by Bright Eyes
* "Such Great Heights," by Postal Service
* "Linger," by Jonatha Brooke
* "Someday You Will Be Loved," by Death Cab for Cutie


11 a.m. Bob Cohen

This June will be the 5th straight year my 19 year old son and I have gone to Bonnaroo. These are amongst my favorite songs I've heard from the first row up against the rail.

* "Betterman," by John Butler Trio
* "The Thrill is Gone," by B. B. King
* "A Million Miles from Yesterday," by Gov't Mule
* "Ain't Nothing Wrong Like That," by Robert Randolph and the Family Band
* "Yes I Will," by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Runners Up: "Is It Like Today?" by World Party;
"Where the Devil Don't Stay," by Drive By Truckers


1 p.m. Valerie Ann Lockett

I gave birth to my son on April 1, 2008, and I named him London. I have always been inspired by the music and the art that originates from London.

My beautiful baby boy is my SONshine, he makes my world brighter and he keeps me smiling. LONDON is my everything. I would love to enjoy this trip to enjoy more great music live.

WTMD stays on my radio, you all are amazing. I can't thank you enough. PEACE

* "London Calling," by The Clash
* "London," by The Smiths
* "LDN," by Lily Allen
* "Guns of Brixton," by The Clash
* "Last Train to London," by The Electric Light Orchestra


5 p.m. Megan Lahman

I picked songs that contained a certain spark of sexual tension or frustration. It might sound weird, but this mix works well.

* "Every Day is Exactly the Same," by Nine Inch Nails
I wanted something interesting so I could work in Nine Inch Nails. I find it amazing that they are a headliner of what used to be considered a "hippy" jam band festival.

* "Electric Feel," by MGMT
As for MGMT, I love their song "Electric Feel" and I felt it had the right spark to follow such a strangely sexy/sad NIN song.

* "Portions for Foxes," by Rilo Kiley
Since Jenny Lewis is performing this year's festival and her band has performed in the past, I thought Rilo Kiley's "Portions for Foxes" was a song that matched both the theme and the festival. Not to mention, it's a great segue from alternative/indie rock type fare into the singer/songwriters that follow.

* "I Want You," by Elvis Costello
I picked Elvis Costello's "I Want You" because of it's moodiness, honesty and the sound. The song was exactly what I wanted to play before my favorite Bruce Springsteen song.

* "I'm on Fire," by Bruce Springsteen
I chose this track because it's this perfect quiet finish to my set list. The angst and sexual tension is there, but it also has this sweet beauty to it, which makes the song the perfect final touch.


7 p.m. Tony Miller

I wanted to make a playlist of the best Bonnaroo performers from the past 5 years, including this year (in order). Some are bigger then others, but all in all they are genius musicians.

* "Banana Pancakes," by Jack Johnson
* "Faust Arp," by Radiohead
* "Better," by Regina Spektor
* "Flightless Bird, American Mouth," by Iron & Wine
* "Summertime Clothes," by Animal Collective

Mix Tape Thursday, 2/26/09

Our listeners take over the airwaves with three-to-five song sets all day Thursday. Check out a new mix tape every hour.

Plus, we wrap up the day with a celebrity mix tape from the Bacon Brothers starting at 8 p.m.

Submit your mixtape today. Here's today's lineup:

6 a.m. Leslie Eckard

I call this my War and Peace mix. It's about having your own mind and not letting others rule your thoughts, and being open-minded and seeking a peaceful solution to things instead of trying to get your own way.

• "Zor and Zam," by The Monkees
• "They," by Jem
• "Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong," by Michael Franti & Spearhead
• "Philosophia," by Guggenheim Grotto
• "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," by Tears for Fears

7 a.m. Brandon Hurley

These songs make me think of the financial crisis. We started with the flood of consumerism and high expectations, which have all come crashing down.

We all try to escape through different ways. Some react with medication, some pine for "good old days," others just try to deal with life and try to hang on to hope of a better place. But, at these times we all need to rally around each other.

• "First Day," by The Futurehead
• "Interesting Drug," by Morrissey
• "Compositions for the Young and Old," by Bob Mould
  
• "Fast Car," by Tracy Chapman
  
• "Under Pressure," by David Bowie

Make the Music Happen! Become part of the TMD 5,000 today.


8 a.m. Peter Ochano

It's almost spring! Let's have some songs about trees!

• "I am a Tree," by Guided by Voices
  
• "Fake Plastic Trees," by Radiohead
• "Evergreen," by The Fiery Furnaces
  
• "Apple Orchard," by Beach House
  
• "One Tree Hill," by U2

9 a.m. Steve Moles

All of these songs have a great groove but the artists are very different.

• "And She Was," by Talking Heads
  
• "Action Speaks Louder than Words," by Galactic
• "Too Damn Funky," by Tom Principato
  
• "Hello, Bonjour," by Michael Franti and Spearhead
  
• "Wake Up," by The Neville Brothers

10 a.m. Michael McLaughlin

Songs (and a singer) referencing wolves.

• "The Hungry Wolf," by X
  
• "Wolves," by Iron & Wine
  
• "Furr," by Blitzen Trapper
  
• "Will the Wolf Survive?," by Los Lobos
  
• "Spoonful," by Howlin' Wolf
  

11 a.m. Nikole DiVito

These are my sad, heartbreak songs.

• "Wicked Way," by Benjamin Taylor
  
• "Wash Away," by Matt Costa
  
• "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell," by The Flaming Lips
  
• "ATL," by Butch Walker
  
• "You Can Do Better than Me," by Death Cab for Cutie
  

Make the Music Happen! Become part of the TMD 5,000 today.

12 p.m. Charles Pekor

It's a mix of great tunes, a couple of which WTMD has turned me onto in recent years, and it's a mix of some trippy grooves interspersed by rockin' tunes from great bands. Just great music that fits my alma mater's station's style!

• "Rebellion (Lies)," by Arcade Fire
  
• "Eple," by Royskopp
  
• "Have You Once Recalled the Days?" by Warren Zanes
  
• "What Are You Afraid Of," by West Indian Girl
  
• "Valerie," by The Zutons
  

1 p.m. Kristin Symes

These are pretty much my top five favorite songs right now. I picked them because they are a great mix from a variety of different genres, with a progression from upbeat to soft and chill.

• "If She Wants Me," by Belle and Sebastian
  
• "Something to Talk About," by Bonnie Raitt
  
• "Staple It Together," by Jack Johnson
  
• "Give It Away," by Zero 7
  
• "Day Dreaming," by Lupe Fiasco and Jill Scott
  

2 p.m. Keith Pozanek

The "x" files + god & the devil. Most of these excellent songs received little or no airplay.
I am a closet DJ.

• "True Love," by X
  
• "X & Y," by Coldplay
  
• "Dear God," by XTC
  
• "Devil Inside," by INXS
  
• "We're Having Much More Fun," by X
  

Make the Music Happen! Become part of the TMD 5,000 today.

3 p.m. Robert Buckley

The theme may be obvious: all women! I think this lineup would go over well, and I love Ms. Sara's tune for local flavor.

• "9 to 5," by Ms. Sara and The Help
  
• "Lonely Love," by Juliana Hatfield
  
• "Hurt So Bad," by Susan Tedeschi
  
• "Rehab," by Amy Winehouse
  

4 p.m. Mary Thomas

Representative of the darker side of love and relationships.

• "We Both Go Down Together," by The Decemberists
  
• "Fly," by Moxy Fruvous
  
• "Cold Kisses," by Richard Thompson
  
• "Break Your Heart," by Barenaked Ladies
  

5 p.m. Amanda Krotki

These are all songs from Cameron Crowe movies and we're overdue for a really great new film from him.

• "I Can't Get Next to You," by The Temptations, Elizabethtown
  
• "Vanilla Sky," by Paul McCartney, Vanilla Sky
  
• "Tiny Dancer," by Elton John, Almost Famous
  
• "Dyslexic Heart," by Paul Westerberg, Singles
• "In Your Eyes," by Peter Gabriel, Say Anything
  

6 p.m. Laura McGuire

These are all artists I've seen live in the past year, courtesy of WTMD: emerging artist concerts, First Thursdays, member concerts, Baltimore Unsigned tapings, in-studio performances.

You guys bring great music to Baltimore!

• "Stop and Think It Over," by Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles
  
• "Good Day," by Jukebox the Ghost
  
• "Emancipated Minor," by Ani Difranco
  
• "Frera," by Fools & Horses
• "A Little Bit of Riddim," by Michael Franti and Spearhead
  

Make the Music Happen! Become part of the TMD 5,000 today.

Top Albums of 2006

whats kickin music people... Im BuG... you might have heard me fillin in for air people of most recently covering thursday nights.. well im actually the operations manager.. sweet behind the scenes stuff......2006 has definatly kept it rockin with tons of great albums released this year. It was to tough for me to pick the best albums of the year especially since there is so much music out there that i haven't herad yet... so i've compiled a list, in no particular order, of albums that will be the albums i remember from this year.

1) The Long Winters- Putting the days to bed

These guys came by the WTMD studio and let me tell you... John Roderick is a freakin riot... They rolled up in a van that looked like it was about to burst it was packed so tightly... then they came in to play a few songs for us... they did an acoustic performance for us but they didn't want to lezve the drummer out so they let him play some of the cardboard boxes we had lying around.. they also added some kazoo on a stripped down version of Teaspoon. You can hear the interview with the long winters at our podcast page.

2) Gran Bel Fisher- Full Moon Cigarette

From another artist who stopped by the WTMD studio, Full moon cigarette is an amazind album.. Getting some national recognition from Grey's Anatomy Gran Bel Fisher has been making quite a name for himself... When he came by the studio he was one of the nicest guys i ever had the pleasure of working with.. He played a couple songs in the studio with a small live audience compiled of WTMD Frontpersons. Heres a clip of him playing on the fox morning show...

3)Thom Yorke - Eraser

I don't think i even have to say anything about this one.... its Thom Yorke at his best.. with deep melodies and haunting lyrical stlye this album was one of my top favorites... Plus seeing Radiohead this past summer at Bonnaroo change my freakin life.....

4)The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

Frontman Colin Meloy continues to craft magically inventive, character-driven story songs rooted in British folk. i almost felt stupid putting this on here cause everyone else was but then i thought about it and it really was one of the best...

5) The Kooks - Inside in, Inside out

I just got these guys ablbum like a few weeks age but WOW...... Its freakin amazing... its everything you could ever want out of an album... In a world of pop and hip hop, its nice to know that somebody can still make a sweet rock album... Here's a clip of them playing for like over 100 thousand people...

This is only the beginning... keep an eye out for the rest of my top ten ... coming soon....

keep rockin music people

-BUG