Never Mind the Mainstream Gets Spooky!

The largely anticipated NMTM Halloween Edition (2009) airs TOMORROW, 6-9 PM, streaming LIVE @ kur.kutztown.edu! We've got a ghastly group of terrifying tunes from some of the best alternative and indie rock artists to ever write a haunting jingle; and we're not afraid to unleash them on all your innocent souls! As always, we'll have our usual segments and specials, but we're gearing everything we play and everything we talk about towards Hallow's Eve, the most frightening of all the holidays. Let us be your Mischief Night soundtrack and stay with us for the whole two hours, as we'll tell ghost stories (maybe...) and likely make fun of you for your weak Halloween costume ideas (fear not, our's aren't much better). We'll give you a bit of a preview: we're spinning Gnarls Barkley, Interpol, Morrissey, The Specials, Tegan & Sara, Wolfmother, and so much more. And yes, you can expect "The Monster Mash". Tune in and call or IM us. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

The Specials - "Ghost Town"

Morrissey Passed Out On Stage

Taken from CCN.com:

"London, England (CNN) -- British singer Morrissey was hospitalized overnight after reportedly collapsing on stage during a concert, medical officials said Sunday.

Morrissey was discharged about 1 p.m. (9 a.m. ET) on Sunday, "much improved," said Great Western Hospital manager Teresa Harding.

"He was admitted ... as a precautionary measure," she said, refusing to reveal anything further about his condition or the reason he was hospitalized."

Scary thought. We've lost too many entertainers this year -- we can't afford to lose another. But I imagine this was just a fluky thing. The Moz could have just been exhausted. I'm sure he's in good health; I mean, he's a vegetarian, anyway. Those people always seem to be in prime condition. Anyway, he's a workhorse and has plenty of plans and concerts coming up, so he'll be in tip-top shape for all those events. The man is still kick ass. Best wishes.

Morrissey Collpases


Morrissey - "Still Ill"

October 23, 2009 (Playlist)

October 23, 2009 (Playlist):
"Our Twenty-Ninth Show!"

Bell X1 – The Great Defector
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart – Young Adult Friction
Social Distortion – I Was Wrong
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – My Love Won’t Let You Down
The Gaslight Anthem – Old White Lincoln
Jemina Pearl (Feat. Iggy Pop) – I Hate People
Animal Collective – My Girls
A.A. Bondy – I Can See The Pines Are Dancing
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": The Kooks – Victoria (The Kinks Cover)
The Antlers – Sylvia
Hockey – Too Fake

Dead Man’s Bones – My Body Is A Zombie For You
The XX – Crystalised
Pela – Juarez (Live)
Maritime – Don’t Say You Don’t
The Mountain Goats – Psalms 40:2
*"Punk Trunk!": Richard Hell & The Voidoids – Blank Generation
*"Punk Trunk!": Black Flag – TV Party
*Indie Rock News
They Might Be Giants – Birdhouse In Your Soul
David Greenwald Interview Snippet
Elliott Smith – Stickman

*Background music consisted of various cult classic tunes from the 1980s. They ranged from After The Fire to Toto, from cheesy to epic, covering multiple genres.

Never Mind the Mainstream rocked this day with our unofficial theme for this week's show, "New Music Central". Almost all of Jim's and my songs were from this year. NMTM always showcases new music and offers listeners the chance to hear the potentially next big thing. Highlights from the show include fresh tunes from Bell X1, Jemina Pearl with Iggy Pop, Animal Collective, Dead Man's Bones, The XX, The Mountain Goats, and more. Our cover this week went out to all our older listeners out there, as we spun The Kooks playing The Kinks' "Victoria". Jim chimed in with concert reviews, as he witnessed both Dead Man's Bones and The Boss live last weekend. He also played a snippet from his interview with fellow indie rock blogger, David Greenwald (www.rawkblog.net), regarding the 6 year anniversary of the death of Elliott Smith, a truly talented singer/songwriter who was taken too soon. We had a great time in the studio, talking with our fans through the studio line and on our AOL Instant Messenger - so we must say thank you to all those who listened and acted. You guys make the show amazing. Tune in next week for another great set (it'll be our annual Halloween edition, so you do not want to miss this spooky edition of NMTM)!

The Gaslight Anthem - "Old White Lincoln"


Jemina Pearl (Feat. Iggy Pop) - "I Hate People"


Maritime - "Don't You Say You Don't"

NMTM Rocks This Day

Never Mind the Mainstream will air tonight, 6-8 PM, on KUR! Jim has returned and now we are both ready to power this, our 29th show, for two hours, spinning great college rock. This week's unofficial theme is "new music central". We're got new tracks by Bell X1, Animal Collective, St. Vincent, The Mountain Goats, The XX, Dead Man's Bones, and more! Jim has concert reviews to fill us in on and I've got a slue of classic alternative tracks that rightfully deserve a place on FM radio. All of this plus requests, studio calls, "The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune", "The Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week", "The Punk Trunk!", and "Indie News". You do not want to miss this show! We stream live @ kur.kutztown.edu starting at 6. Call into our phone line or instant message us; we'd love to hear from you. Talk to you then!

Social Distortion - "I Was Wrong"

New Motion City Soundtrack - "Disappear"

Who remembers MCS? I do. Commit This To Memory was one of my favorite records during my junior year of high school, back in 2004. The songs seemed just right for a lovestruck high school hotshot (so I thought) who was weary about the following year, let alone the next day. Teenage angst, for sure. But now that I'm older, I can look back on those days and be thankful I had those uncertain and awkward experiences. Anyway, Minneapolis, Minnesota's Motion City Soundtrack are gearing up to release My Dinosaur Life, their fourth full-length since 2007, in the near future. Standard delay from album to album. The latest recorded song for the record is "Disappear". The iTunes explicit track is typical MCS work. Nothing new, nothing shocking. But loud from the start, and something to be happy about. The lead singer's had his struggles in life, but the band seems to be his rock, and his creative outlet. I, for one, am ready for new MCS material.

Motion City Soundtrack - "Disappear"

New Music Video: Weezer - "I Want You To"

Despite what jaded music junkies might believe (or hope to believe), good bands can redeem themselves. Good bands can also make good music videos after more than 15 years into their career; it can most certainly be said for Weezer. They've got a new video out for their upcoming album Ratitude, which I'm sure you've heard by now, has it's title inspired by Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office, US version). This video shows the gang playing "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To" for 4 kids at what appears to be a desolate county fair, then all of the guys encounter a beauty, and try to win her heart. There's some blood and some laughs, but the important message comes at the end, and it's the classic standard: bros before hoes. Some longtime Weezer fans seem to not hate this one so much - and why should they? It's a good tune. And the video is a cool twist on the usual 1950s spoofs. See for yourself:

Weezer - "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To"

Their videos never disappoint me. Ratitude is out November 3rd, via Geffen.

NMTM Nominated For AIR Award

That's right: Jim and I, with our show Never Mind the Mainstream, have been nominated for Best On-Air Personalities at the Philadelphia Achievement In Radio Awards (AIR Awards). That's a mouthful. But it is exciting. We'll be heading to the Hilton on City Avenue in Philly on November 5th for a banquet and some other award festivities. We're up against 3 other shows from 3 other schools, but we're optimistic. If you've listened to our show (which we hope you have), we're confident in our product being top dollar for college radio. When you're proud of your work, you're allowed to feel lucky. We'll cross our fingers and hope for the best.

We're not entirely sure what it means win this award at this event. Or what we'll win (if anything), but we're pumped to find out. We'll let all of you know how it goes. This nomination isn't just for us, but for all our listeners and supporters who make NMTM the mighty show it's become. Award or not, our goal remains simply this: to play the best alternative and indie rock on college radio.

For more information on The AIR Awards and it's work with The March Of Dimes, check out their website, here.

Paul Westerberg - "Left Of The Dial"

Elliott Smith: Six Years After

Six years ago today, we lost an amazing man, musician, and songwriter. Elliott was 34 when he died and working on his most ambitious album of his career. We will never get to hear the undoubtedly amazing music that would have come from his future, but we have all the music he left behind to remember him by. Beautiful, fragile, heartbreaking, and hopeful; Elliott's songs captured all the emotions of life itself, putting them into short Beatles-esque pop songs and acoustic tunes. In my opinion, the best songwriter to ever live, we will never see a talent like his again, but I am just happy to have shared in his gift, his music.

A special post is coming soon with Dave from The Rawking Refuses To Stop about the best unreleased Elliott tunes. Until then, hop on over to YouTube, or your local record store and just enjoy what he left behind. I will.

October 16, 2009 (Playlist)

October 16, 2009 (Playlist):
"Our Twenty-Eighth Show!"

Coldplay – Life In Technicolor II
Peter Gabriel – Red Rain
The Fratellis – Chelsea Dagger
*"Punk Trunk!": The Stooges – Search & Destroy
*"Punk Trunk!": Rancid – Last One To Die
Silversun Pickups – Substitution
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Heads Will Roll
Muse – Uprising
Glassjaw – Cosmopolitan Blood Loss
Tool – Schism

Public Image Ltd. – Public Image
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – Lonesome Day
The Replacements – Merry Go Round
Bloc Party – Tulips (Minotaur Shock Remix)
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Oasis – I Am The Walrus (Live) (The Beatles Cover)
Death Cab For Cutie – Meet Me On The Equinox
The Smiths – Frankly, Mr. Shankly
*Indie News
R.E.M. – Until The Day Is Done
The Clash – Train In Vain (Live)

*Background music consisted of various tunes from Tycho (Scott Hansen), a talented San Fransisco ambient DJ. His latest single is called "Cascade" and it's the opening track on the Ghostly Swim compilation.

After controlling the board, computers, and players in the on-air room for the entire 2 hours, I realized how tough it is to manage the show solo. Nevertheless, the 28th edition of NMTM rock and rolled this past Friday with little fault. Jim was absent from the program, as he witnessed Dead Man's Bones live in Philadelphia (and will see The Boss in Philly on Monday night; a report will follow on next week's show). Just as I was beginning to think I'd be by myself, KUR newcomer, Jay, popped in and shadowed my show for the first hour. Fair enough - I hope he learned a thing or two from me. Long tracks occupied most of the show. I was finally able to play a song I've been aching to play since the show began, with Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain". Fall tunes also appeared on the playlist in the form of The 'Mats and Bloc Party. I also included some classic standards (PIL, Tool), oven-fresh tunes (SSPUs, Muse, DCFC), deep tracks (Smiths, R.E.M.), and two recorded live (Oasis, Clash). Plus, the usual segments and specials. All in all, it was a very personal and fun program (with exceptions for the two requests: The Fratellis and Glassjaw). Tune in next week when Jim comes back to the program and we reign supreme from 6-8 PM. And as always, tune in for another great set!

Muse - "Uprising"


Tool - "Schism"


The Clash - "Train In Vain"

Flyin' Solo On The 28th Show!

The 28th installment of 88.3 FM KUR's Never Mind the Mainstream airs tomorrow night, 6-8 PM. Sure we may be getting show in the middle of October no matter where you live. And sure midterms may be slowly creeping up in your schedule. But here's a show to get you pumped and feeling right for the weekend, before winter and bad grades strike. Big Jim will be missing out this week, as he's seeing two concerts this weekend, so I've got the board to myself and will be spinning some very rad alternative tunes. Make sure you call in or IM me tomorrow night - you know I'll be lonely. Thanks again for your support and enjoy the show!

Interpol - "No I In Threesome"

"New Shit, New Shit!" - Funkmaster Flex

Hey, we got some new music videos/live performance videos/TV appearance(s) videos in the world of indie and alternative rock. Some of your favorites are releasing these cinematic productions in rock 'n' roll fashion, so here they are, easily laid out for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy:

Basement Jaxx (Feat. Kelis) - "Scars"


The Flaming Lips - "Watching The Planets (Live On The Tonight Show)"


Sonic Youth - "Star Power (On Gossip Girl)"

All of this, plus more obscure videos (new Girls video for "Laura") and some new music (New Moon soundtrack has leaked! "ZOMG!") at Stereogum and/or Pitchfork. They are the grandaddys of music blogs, anyway.

October 9, 2009 (Playlist)

October 9, 2009 (Playlist):
"Our Twenty-Seventh Show!"

Billy Bragg – Accident Waiting To Happen
Jay Reatard – Before I Was Caught
Say Hi – But She Beat My High Score
Imogen Heap – First Train Home
Sia (Feat. Beck) – Academia
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Michael Stipe – Everything’s Coming Undone (Mark Mulcahy Cover)
The Hold Steady – Girls Like Status (Live)
*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – The Promised Land
Wilco – Theologians
Modest Mouse – I’ve Got It All (Most)
Jamie T – Chaka Demus
Black Lips – Bad Kids

Vampire Weekend – Horchata
Gogol Bordello – Start Wearing Purple
*"Punk Trunk!": Fucked Up – Son The Father
*"Punk Trunk!": The Ramones – Beat On The Brat
Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place (Naïve Melody)
Girls – Darling
*Indie News: Pavement playing & curating ATP in England (May), Nirvana’s new video for "School"/Live at Reading DVD, New Radiohead album in 2010?, Alice In Chains back with "Check My Brain" @ #5 on Bill. Hot 100, B-Days (Shelby, Johnny Ramone, John Lennon, PJ Harvey)
Arcade Fire – My Body Is A Cage
Eels – Saturday Morning

*Background music consisted of various cult classic tunes from the 1980s. They ranged from The B-52's to Soft Cell, from cheesy to epic, covering multiple genres.

As each week passes, we lose track of time. I mean, this Friday was our 27th show? Unbelievable. Time truly flies. Anyway, the duo (Jim and myself) was back this week, bringing you prominent solo artists in hour one, and then killer bands in hour two. New music dominated in the early goings, with Imogen Heap, Jay Reatard, Michael Stipe, Modest Mouse, and Jamie T, all with promising tunes. These are the artists and bands to really keep your eye on. Additionally, we were very excited to play the latest from Vampire Weekend, a major buzz band that is ready to release their second LP in January. Throw in our special segments, phone calls, and music discussions - and we had ourselves one hell of a program. Jim will be out next week, as he is attending Dead Man's Bones concert in Philadelphia (followed by the Bruce Springsteen show on Monday night - lucky man), so I'll be running the board by myself. Feel free to call in or IM me with your requests (you know the drill by now). Tune in next week for another great set!

Black Lips - "Bad Kids"


Gogol Bordello - "Start Wearing Purple"


Eels - "Saturday Morning"

You Sending Us Your Music = Us Playing It

That's right. If your in a band or a solo artist (or if you're just very music-savvy and know of a band or artist we should be hearing), send us some of your material and we'll spin it on our show! It's so simple. We've already gotten submissions from bands like O'Brother, Greenland Is Melting, and MillionYoung. We like what we're hearing and they'll find a place on our college radio show. Please send your submissions to my e-mail: mpops88@yahoo.com or Jim's: jimadair3@gmail.com and we'll get back to you. Plus, we could also do some interviews and other cool things that. College radio is the only chance you can get this much freedom so take advantage of it!

O'Brother - "Division Of Man"

NMTM's 27th Airs Tomorrow!

The 27th episode of Never Mind the Mainstream airs tomorrow, 6-8 PM! After being absent from the last show, I am once again uniting with Jim to bring you the best of yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's alternative and indie rock. We promise new music from Imogen Heap, Jamie T, Jay Reatard, Modest Mouse, Michael Stipe and Vampire Weekend. And don't forget our many segments: "The Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week", "The Punk Trunk!", and "The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune". All this and more on 88.3 FM KUR tomorrow night. We'll be streaming live @ kur.kutztown.edu. Call in @ (610)-683-4058 or IMing us @ KURRequest. We hope you join us for two hours of the best rock 'n' roll college radio has to offer.

Imogen Heap - "Last Train Home"

New Music Video: Death Cab - "Meet Me On The Equinox"

For all those Twilight fans out there, this is the music video you've been waiting for. With clips from the new movie, New Moon, Death Cab For Cutie's latest video for "Meet Me On The Equinox" matches performance with cinema. The band plays in their cliched eerie, haunting room. The video displays a fair amount of Vampire snippets, too. It's a simple soundtrack concept, but the Real Deal Holyfield is the song itself. It's such a strong track, musical and lyrically: "Everything, Everything ends". Draws me in every time. For me, Death Cab has a standard guitar sound made famous by Chris Walla and it's well expressed throughout this one. Here's the video:

Death Cab For Cutie - "Meet Me On The Equinox"

You can pre-order theTwilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack on their website here.

October 2, 2009 (Playlist)

October 2, 2009 (Playlist):
"Our Twenty-Sixth Show!"

Colour Revolt – Naked And Red
TV On The Radio – Dancing Choose
*"Allen Reed Memorial Cover Of The Week": Cursive – The Lovecats (The Cure Cover)
Editors – An End Has A Start
Dirty Projectors – When The World Comes To An End (Live)
The Antlers – Shiva
A.A. Bondy – American Hearts
The Tallest Man On Earth – Honey, Won’t You Let Me In
Passion Pit – Little Secrets
Discovery – Swing Tree
Tom Waits – Anywhere I Lay My Head
Joanna Newsom – Peach, Plum, Pear

*"The Mighty Mighty Boss-Tune": Bruce Springsteen – Out In The Street
The National – Friend Of Mine
Company Of Thieves – Oscar Wilde
*"Punk Trunk!": The Clash – Guns Of Brixton
*"Punk Trunk!": Bad Brains – FVK (Fearless Vampire Killers)
Radiohead – Airbag
The White Stripes – Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground
*Indie News
Neutral Milk Hotel – Ghost
Grizzly Bear – While You Wait For The Others
Ryan Adams – My Winding Wheel

*Background music consisted of various tunes from R.E.M., spanning their entire career (1980–present). A truly legendary alternative rock band that received a wider audience thanks to college radio. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

This, the 26th edition of NMTM, truly shined the spotlight on some of the most underrated names in indie rock. Artists and bands that have been creating masterworks of music for years were showcased all show long. Just take a look at that setlist: TV On The Radio, Editors, Neutral Milk Hotel, Ryan Adams, and more. Get to know these acts. You'll never know when one of them will blow up and become the next big thing. Jim had the show to himself this week, while I ventured home to attend to some important family business. I, among others, called into the show to keep Big Jim company. The man did a "crackerjack job" and turned out a solid solo program. Tune in next week, as we'll be back together with another great set!

TV On The Radio - "Dancing Choose"

Company Of Thieves - "Oscar Wilde"

The White Stripes - "Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground"

I missed it :(

New Vampire Weekend - "Horchata"

Salute! Drink up that which Wikipedia defines as "[a] name for several kinds of traditional beverages, made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley, or tigetnuts (chufas)," because Vampire Weekend is giving us a studio taste of their latest, "Horchata". It's a good one, folks. No guitars on this number. And how long have we been waiting for new material from this major buzz band anyway? Answer: too long. Say what you will about these kids, but Contra will be, if it isn't already, one of the most anticipated records in recent years. It comes out 1/12 on XL. These kids stand a chance (sorry, I couldn't help myself).

Vampire Weekend - "Horchata"

That's an Ivy League lingo if I ever heard one. There's so much good stuff coming out right now and I know I've got a lot to blog about, but it's a Monday and I'm going back to enjoying Ezra Koening in Discovery's "Carby". What a great age for music, no?

Commercials That MUST Die

Hey folks. It's been a while, has it not? Nothing too exciting has been going on in the indie rock world this week, with the exception of Thom Yorke and Flea's new band project. Jim had the show to himself yesterday. And for me, I actually left Kutztown on Wednesday to come back home to New Jersey. A family member passed away. He lived long and well, all the way to 92. This man was always as sharp as tack. So I've been slacking with the blog this week. I'll start up again on Monday, when I head back to school.

Anyway, it's time for another random post about things that irritate me. Today, it's commercials that MUST die. Now. Ugh...these commercials make me want to break my TV, then go on a fighting rampage. Here are just a few:

The latest Papa John's and Pizza Hut commercials



Papa John tries to come off as a man of the people (little girl's soccer teams and frat boys, rather), by showing up uninvited and giving people cinnamon flavored pizza or whatever. I bet he's an ass of a boss. Just comes off that way. And also, in the newest one that I couldn't find, this little girl who goes "your pizza is the story of my life" - what an awkward and stupid comment to make. How can pizza be this 9 year old girl's life? I hope she's embarrassed.

Jim Breuer is at his most annoying in this new one from Pizza Hut. "JACKPOT!" - yes, that catchphrase will catch on, Pizza Hut. And what sucks is that it airs EVERY commercial break, no matter what show, on Comedy Central. I'm usually watching Comedy Central at night for South Park and Futurama, and nothing takes me more out of my funny mood, then "JACKPOT!" Damn good pizza, though.

Palm Pre Ginger Girl


Why is she the model for this thing? She's so pasty and creepy that I just want to cry. She gazes at you, like she's undressing you with her eyes. But what she's really doing, is putting you through an awful commercial. Sometimes a tan is a good thing.

KGB answers your dumb questions


I hate these two idiots. But I hate the people who use KGB (are there people who do it?) even more. It's so ridiculous. You don't know the answer to a question? Well shit, use Wikipedia, don't spend a dollar texting it to some crappy cell phone service. However, I will say this: at least we're nearing the end of those ringtone commercials. I hope to God Jamster went out of business.

Flo...from Progressive


I despise this woman the most. These commercials need to stop. Flo sucks. She's so awkward and unfunny. She isn't the slightest bit witty or cool or even "nerdy cool". I don't even know what else to say. These commercials are endless, on every station, and I just think the world would be a better place if she got replaced. I'll take anything over her. She annoys me beyond belief.

Those were just some of the commercials that piss me off. Do they make you want to pull your hair out, too? Let us know!

The 26th Installment Is Tonight!

Join Jim Adair tonight for Never Mind the Mainstream, 6-8 PM, streaming live @ kur.kutztown.edu. He's got the show all by himself tonight, so be sure to keep him company by calling in to the studio: (610)-683-4058, or IMing him: KURRequest. Plus, he's got a great show lined up, packed with indie rock, special segments, and much more. Tune in tonight!