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November 2005

John Vanderslice

Sunday, November 27, 2005

John Vanderslice writes songs that are like short stories. Instead of writing directly about himself, his lyrics tell of other people's lives, or are first-person narratives from an invented character's point of view. And as with a good short story, a lot of information--and a lot of feeling--gets communicated by inference and in the small details. John is also a wonderful singer and guitarist, and musically his songs mix directness and experimentation. While some of his recordings are rich in unusual sounds, Vanderslice brings just his guitar, his voice, and cellist Eric Friedlander into the WNYC Studio, for a live set of his songs. He joins host David Garland to talk about and perform his work.

» Slideshow: John Vanderslice on Spinning on Air


Tim, Tim, and Vashti

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Three songwriters from the '60s are featured: Tim Hardin, Tim Buckley, and Vashti Bunyan. Hardin and Buckley both had very distinctive voices and creative, exploratory approaches to songwriting; both were "folk" singers who were improvisors and experimentalists; both made some great recordings, and both died young. British songwriter Vashti Bunyan has just released her second album--35 years after her first. The new album picks up the delicate threads of that first one, and offers new material with the familiar, gentle, lovely qualities of her early work, but with a worldly perspective that makes it even better. Host David Garland presents some of the best work by each of these musicians.


Brian Lipson

Sunday, November 13, 2005

A computer purchase that led to a call from the Secret Service; the five best things in the world; the importance of nightmares; the solace of playing a trumpet—these are topics of songs by Brian Lipson. Brian hones his austere songs to a sharp edge, yet they have a friendly, homemade quality. Accompanying himself on guitar, Brian sings his songs in the WNYC studio and talks about them with host David Garland. David stumbled on a micro-release CDR of Brian's songs and is pleased to offer them wider exposure on Spinning On Air. Also included are songs by other composers who are getting maximum effect by paring down their music: The Robot Ate Me, Jana Hunter, Vashti Bunyan, and Brian's sister Rachel Lipson.

» Slideshow: Brian Lipson on Spinning on Air


The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Performing their dramatic, mysterious, politically-charged songs, the seven members of The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band (all of whom sing) bring their violins, cello, double bass, drums, and electric and acoustic guitars all the way from Montreal to the WNYC studio for Spinning On Air. Host David Garland welcomes them and discusses with them their songs about citizens, missiles, electric chairs, beauty, and strength.

» Slideshow: The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra and Tra-La-La Band