Your Trip is Short

It's been 3 months to the day from my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, and I've learned now more than ever, that life is a series of ups and downs. The downs of my paint, the ups of the diagnosis and feeling better, the downs of the meds stopping, the passing of my aunt from cancer and receiving bad news at work. It's about balancing them when they're dealt to you. I did join RevDawg and Pauly V. on episode 49 of No Thought Required, which you can grab here: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-49  I have been enjoying The Genius Life podcast with Max Lugavere, which you can find anywhere you listen. Also at https://www.maxlugavere.com/podcast-1 

I had a few chances to do "that thing" that brings me joy over the past few days - see live music. I hope you have that thing in your life. Or you're searching for it. Whether it's recording podcasts, seeing music or visiting with friends, it's the thing that you always want more of, no matter how often you do it. 

Today marks day 60 since I've had to give up drinking due to my diagnosis and prescribed medication. Having a hard time adapting to the situations where I used alcohol as a social lubricant... With that, I guested on 'No Thought Required' once again with Troy Millette: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-48 And BIG congratulations to my friend, Mel Allen, and bringing his "Highway to Mel" show on 106.7 WIZN to the MORNINGS! https://www.wizn.com/mel-allen/ 

With yet another musician - Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters - being taken from us much too soon, it's hard not to mention him here. Nine other bands or musicians whose lives were taken from us abruptly are also featured on this episode.  And Episode 47 from No Thought Required is out now, featuring yours truly and Troy Millette on the guest mics. If you need a laugh or just a new pod to check out, please do so: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-47. 

Ever since my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis on 2/2/22, and I've had my medication, I've done my best to not let it limit me. Why let my thinking be limited as well? The brain is one powerful being. Don't let yours limit you. 

It's the first full day or Spring! Thankfully, another Vermont winter seems to be behind us. This one, though not typically bad - temperature or snow-wise - it was horribly long due to how I spent a few months - stuck on my rear. 

Starting your week off with a musical Monday. 10 new artists to you perhaps? Hopefully at least 10 new songs. Had a great weekend, as I hope you did. They've been recharging as of late. Reminder that Troy Millette is still raising funds for his SXSW trip (he's going!) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/get-troy-millette-to-sxsw-in-austin-texas#/ And the Brunch Bunch got back together for a No Thought Required podcast yesterday: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-46 

My friend Troy Milette has an opportunity of a lifetime, but he needs help. South by Southwest, or SXSW, is one of the biggest music "festivals" on the scene. It's the OG. And Troy has the opportunity to fill in two singer/songwriter slots in 10 days, but could use a hand raising some funds to make the trip. Have a dollar to spare? Or $20? Or more? He has started an Indiegogo to get there and if you're able, PLEASE lend a hand: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/get-troy-millette-to-sxsw-in-austin-texas#/ There are some great perks, including custom merchandise, house parties and more as thank yous for the funding. I've guested with Troy a few times on the No Thought Required Podcast, and they're helping out by promoting this as well on an episode you can grab here: https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-45  Thank you very much for listening and for helping one of the good guys out.  https://troymillettemusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/troy_millette

After a very enjoyable visit with my eldest daughter, who is travelling back home to Long Beach, California, back behind the mic for a quick episode. It's Town Meeting Day in Vermont, and it shouldn't take a Presidential Election for you to vote. Do it! And if you have children under 18, bring them along and tell them the importance. Also, be sure to check out Pauly V. and Rev on The No Thought Required Podcast.  https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes Peace.

We're in the start of nine consecutive palindromic days - they are the same backwards and forwards. Think of these dates like you can live your life. You can live in backwards - in thoughts, in memories or days past - or you can live it forwards. With new thoughts, new experiences, new habits, new beliefs. I'm choosing the latter.

A hump day episode of Your Trip is Short. Four in one week! Shaking up the normal schedule as of late and celebrating the small wins. The end of winter is right around the corner, so celebrate accordingly. 

Why must love be celebrated on Valentine's Day annually? If you know love or have love or emit love, why not show it daily? Weekly? Monthly? Why must one wait for a Hallmark Holiday? Enjoy these 10 songs.  For some levity in lieu of love, check out the latest No Thought Required podcast that I guest on:  https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-43

Two days in a row? It's a 2022 miracle! I talk about my voice, my want to do this more and my friends Troy Milette and Andrew James and their brand new Warped Record Podcast.  Listen to that hear on Spotify Premium https://open.spotify.com/show/6QDqPD6vpAcJS5NDj1dYz2?si=a56a05b5caa14623 or Anchor here: https://anchor.fm/warpedrecordpodcast?fbclid=IwAR0rBP3ZAMV1VSSzrDKWP630O92gQRoxBts2dTMyqfHdtb_nIBTSIfwsnPU 

Yes, I know. It's been a while. Yet again. I've got good reason this time. A rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Listen on if you want. Or, skip right to the music.  Check out the No Thought Required Podcast at www.ntrshow.com

October is just about here and just like that, our leaves are changing in Vermont. Jeans and hoodie weather has arrived, baseball season is wrapping up and football is in full swing. So many great 1991 album releases that I'll be revisiting that year on its own episode soon.

September 8, 2021 and it's Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day for Derek Jeter, Larry Walker and Ted Simmons.  After sitting in on the No Thought Required Podcast over the weekend (https://www.ntrshow.com/episodes/episode-26) with Paulie V. and Rev Scoop, I was inspired to release another podcast.  Also been re-focusing on my walks and my health since September arrived and continuing to hope for some motivation to release more episodes here. Thanks for listening. 

Back and recharged a bit after two great weekends, including one Atlantic City seeing Phish with friends, and then another with a going away gathering of old friends and a great beer festival. Feeling a bit more like myself and trying to get out of this rut that I've found myself in for a few months.  Enjoy twenty songs that Phish has covered over the years. 

Jim Kwik said today: "Most of the time we feel burnt out and tired not because we've done too much, but because we've done to little of what makes us come alive" and I heard that. After seeing some live music and baseball games of late, it's returning me to normal, but not fast enough. 

Been hard to find solid footing and create a good groove for the podcast since I stopped around Christmas after the Musical Advent.  Going to do my best to put out at least a few a week. It's all about finding some music to share. Have a suggestion? Drop me a line at yourtripisshortradio@gmail.com

Finding excuses has been easier than finding time when it comes to podcasting. My apologies on the lengthy between 57 and today. Thank you Andy James for the push. Time to find some flow. 

Apologies on the audio of my intro from Monday's podcast and the lack of back selling.  It's been an interesting five days to say the least. Thank you to my friends for being there, as well as for music. Music is always there. It's great for a mental reset. And it only takes a song. A brief moment. Be music. Music is love. 

Monday, March 15, 2021.  What a year it has been. We're ALL dealing with it. We're all in this together. The light IS at the end of the tunnel. Turn to the support you need. Is it music? Is it friends? Is it therapy? You do you. Whatever that is. 

I know, I know, I know. It's been a while.  I'm not sure why that is. Time seems to be flying, even though the last year has taken forever. AMIRIGHT?  I have a ten-year-old son at home, Winter is on it's way out and March is marching. I'm trying to get some things behind me, including my barrier to produce more, speak more, record more, share more.  Hope this is a start. 

It's been a hot minute since I've hosted a podcast and I apologize.  Unfortunately, things haven't changed much all in all, other than that we're going through this impeachment thing - again.  Been in a pretty confusing, complicated place of late and my tone in this podcast matches.  I apologize.  We all need a friend right now. An ear. Patience. And it's hard at times to make it day to day.  Be sypathetic. Be patient. We will get by. Sometimes you just need to get some aggression out. 

What a relief this past week has been. Even though COVID hasn't gone anywhere and we've had celebrity deaths with Larry King and Hank Aaron, it seems like it's been a collective PHEW from not only the Nation, but the World, as we survived four years of the Orange one. Even social media seems to be cheerier as of late with him being banished. I had to respond to my friend Andy James when he posted his "My top 5 hair band songs", as glam metal was a big part of my youth. Many nights cranking Poison, Bon Jovi and certainly Guns N' Roses in my bedroom. So, this was a fun 20 song set of music to put together. I hope you enjoy. 

I deem it almost impossible to record a podcast on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and not make it political in nature. For it is The Last Night of the biggest mistake that America could have ever made. The cancer leaves the White House and DC tomorrow and hopefully is never heard from again. Let's put these days behind us. Push the hate back into their caves and back under their rocks and try to heal. It's the only thing we can do right now. 

Another demonstration why #YourTripIsShort was shown to me as my lady had a co-worker pass suddenly over the weekend. 10 tracks of funk and joy to close your Monday after a reminder of why you should live and love big.

A piece of music news shared on Twitter caught my eye today and it struck me that I could start developing themes of the music playlist, as well as know more of what I'm going to say when I open my mouth if I do my part to share a bit of news. So, when I read that Billy Strings will play The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY for "The Déjà Vu Experiment" a 6 show residency to mark the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead's six-night run there in February 1971, it got me thinking.....  While these shows are all going to be live-streamed, with the first and last on Twitch for free, how long until we start seeing limited capacity shows where the venue also produces a live stream and the venue makes that available for "admission"?  With no immediate 100% capacity shows in sight, I think that any venue that can flex to this model is going to reap the benefits of our desire to see any live music played out live and produced to a high level of audio and video quality.  That's just my opinion, but I believe it has potential as a legit musical outlet in 2021 and maybe even beyond. Enjoy ten songs from the aforementioned Billy Strings, interspersed with 10 different bluegrass legends in this episode 51 of Your Trip Is Short. 

I've hit the mid-century mark in podcast episodes since November 9th and would probably have a good dozen more if I hadn't taken three weeks off! Maybe it's just me, but turns out the Anchor / Spotify interface on the desktop just got easier, so perhaps the song selections may be easier in the future.  Dropping 20 funk-infused tracks as we celebrate the BIG 50 here on Your Trip Is Short. I hope you enjoy this long twenty song set. 

I so did not mean to take a three week bread after wrapping the Musical Advent on December 24, 2020. But, sh*t happens, right? Unfortunately, 2020 didn't seem to magically go away on January 1st, but what can we do? Counting down the days until 46 is inaugurated and 45 (hopefully) goes away forever, I promise I will do my best to get back on the airwaves more consistently. Enjoy this ten song set that sees the YTIS debut of Fantastic Negrito, Lauryn Hill and Upstate. 

The Musical Advent wraps on Christmas Eve, with this episode barely going up before midnight EST. Santa comes in just minutes to our house, hence the delay in getting things posted. It's been a fun 23 days trying to decide what artists to share with you. While I had thoughts on Zeppelin or The Doors,  and had a few others that I wanted to get to throughout the month, the 24 day wraps with the one and only Grateful Dead. 13 studio albums to the credit, starting in 1967 and going through 1989 and I hope you enjoy one track of each. Wishing you a very Jerry Christmas! I hope you enjoy the Grateful Dead.

Just one day remains of the Musical Advent after today. 2020 has taken many things from many of us, including these ten musicians. I could have picked more, but these ten stood out for me from the list of all of them that reviewed, including one who just passed away today - December 23, 2020. A toast to ten lost too soon - Neil Peart, Kenny Rogers, Bill Withers, John Prine, Little Richard, Charlie Daniels, Justin Townes Earle, Toots Hibbert, Eddie Van Halen and Leslie West.

Heading into the Christmas break soon at a good time. Need a quick break. A recharge. An excuse to do nothing. The gifts are about wrapped. A wee bit of shopping left to do. Some shipping, as well, but that is going to have to wait until after the Holiday as the USPS is backlogged with packages.  Day 22 of the Musical Advent features Widespread Panic. 12 studio albums to their credit, we hear one track from each. A dozen from WSMFP on Your Trip is Short, Episode 46.

The 2020 Musical Advent is quickly wrapping up with only 3 episodes left after today as it is already Christmas on Friday. Selected today's songs before I sat down to record, which is a little backwards for me. An interesting change to know what I'm playing in advance. Jamiroquai is the 21st artist selected, with 8 studio albums under their belt, you get a track from each with two albums getting a second selected. Whether a Jay Kay fan or a newbie, I hope you enjoy.

Another weekend coming to a close, this time the last one before Christmas. What did this Vermonter due on Sunday afternoon in a small snowstorm? Why, drove a half hour for a maple creemee! That's a soft-serve for all you non-Vermonters. Because, why not? Your trip is short. DO THE THING!  I also ramble about a new brewery just launched in Vermont, Mount Holly Brewing out of Mount Holly. I'm a bit of a beer guy and run the socials for @LoveVermontBeer, which is an off-shoot from Vermont Beer Week, which I co-founded in 2015 and ran in 2016 as well. By suggestion from a friend, day 20 of the Musical Advent is Umphrey's McGee. A band I have been following for close to 20 years, I play a track from all 11 studio albums that are on Spotify. I hope you enjoy!

Fitting in episode 43 of the podcast at 9pm on a Saturday evening that found the day filled out with work, some grocery shopping, Christmas shopping and... painting?  Yes, I have a man-lounge coming to be and I'm prioritizing painting that room over the bathroom that has to be done.  For Day 19 of the Musical Advent I'm featuring a band that has taken advantage of the lemons dealt in 2020 and that is Norwalk, Connecticut's Goose. From opening for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong as COVID struck to atrium acoustic sets, a double live CD, a studio EP, to a Bingo "Tour" and multiple Drive-In shows, this now 5-piece is going places in 2021 and beyond. Check out 10 cuts featuring the original lineup to the current line up, both studio releases and plenty of live. Enjoy!  

When I hear the number 42, immediately the name Mariano Rivera comes to mind. Being a Yankees fan, Mo was the last Major League Baseball player to regularly wear the number 42, as MLB retired it baseball-wide for Jackie Robinson.  On todays 42nd episode of the Your Trip is Short podcast, it is Day 18 of the Musical Advent. It is difficult to do a best of or recollection list without involving The Beatles. Earlier this month was the the 40th anniversary of John Lennon's murder and today Paul McCartney released a new album. So to properly celebrate The Beatles, here are 16 versions of their songs as performed by other artiest.  I hope you enjoy!

Never a big fan of winter, this is the only time of year I actually want to see snow. And Winter Storm Gail completely stayed to the south of us and we only got a few inches outside of Burlington, VT.  Some parts of the Northeast got absolutely NAILED and there is surely a guarantee of a white Christmas in more than a few parts. But, I'm hoping to do some snowshoeing sometime this year when we get a good base. We're one week away from Christmas Eve and there are only a handful of artists left as part of the Musical Advent. Today for day 17 is Jacksonville, Florida's Tedeschi Trucks Band. Fronted by Susan Tedeschi and her husband Derek Trucks, they are an 11-piece touring juggernaut and a MUST SEE on the live music scene.  Enjoy!

Ever see a band live for the first time while not knowing much about them or not knowing what to expect?  Whether an opening act for someone, or somebody else drags you along?  Then you are blown away unexpectedly? Perhaps what enamors you is that you had no expectations, no preconceived notions. It worked for me with Twenty One Pilots. After getting a pair of floor seats on Craigslist the day of a show, I saw them in Newark, NJ on January 21, 2017. I was mesmerized by the crowd, the production, the band, the songs. I've never looked back. I hope you enjoy Day 16 of the Musical Advent with Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun: Twenty One Pilots

So many artists left that I could cover in this Musical Advent 2020, and so little time left.  I'll have to choose wisely, as there are only 9 days left after today.  An artist that some have heard, but probably not nearly enough, is Tyler Childers.  A Spotify algorithm led me to him and I haven't looked back. I've been fortunate enough to see him live twice (thank you CashOrTrade.org!) and look forward to seeing him again.  Call him country, call him folk, call him Americana. Call him Tyler Childers. Enjoy!

Another Monday in the books with Christmas right around the corner. Starting off the work week back on a daily workday schedule goes a long way to consistency, motivation and better sleep. It's the elliptical, breathing and gratitude for me, all before 7.  The Musical Advent is past the halfway point and today is Jacksonville, Florida's JJ Grey & Mofro. Dirty blues, funk, soul and sweat all tied up into one, JJ Grey is one of the great frontmen on the scene. I hope you enjoy these tracks.

Almost let the day get past me without recording for Day 13 of my Musical Advent. The weekend is for resting, rejuvenation and preparing for Christmas.  Mission almost accomplished. Still some work to do there.  Wanting to share a band that has wide recognition in Vermont due to our proximity to Canada, but may not be as widely known outside of the Northern states is The Tragically Hip.  One of biggest bands ever to come out of our neighbors above us, 1 EP, 13 full length releases and one official live CD gives us 15 tracks of The Hip.

2020 has allowed us quiet and personal time, whether wanted or not. Fortunately, I have used that time to energize myself, whether it was with walks in the morning, or now on the elliptical. Take advantage of it. Enjoy those times with loved ones without distraction. I know I have. I wanted to get Musical Advent Day 12 out early today so that I could enjoy some of that time. But also so you can enjoy todays band, Vulfpeck. A core quartet from Michigan, they have become marketing maniacs and their story is a fascinating one. Check them out on the web at vulfpeck.com and also here with 13 tracks. Enjoy.

Where is the time going exactly?  We're not doing anything out of the normal. Well, it's Friday and Musical Advent Day 11 and a New Release Friday. In this day where media is everywhere, it's hard to keep secrets. Well, today's artist has done that TWICE this year with Sturgill Simpson releasing his second bluegrass album in two months completely unannounced. Cuttin' Grass Volume 1 and now 2 both find reworked versions of his songs from his first few albums (and a few surprises) performed bluegrass style. And they RIP. Enjoy the original version, immediately followed by the bluegrass version on today's episode.

Working in a position that doesn't light all of your fires and inspires your energy and momentum 24/7 is not a new thing. Most of us are that way in life. Finding the energy to record the podcast after a day of traditional work, which can be stressful at times can make this difficult. But I want to do more of this - podcasting, sharing music, inspiring others, and less of what I'm typically doing. So, cheers to more of that! Day 10 of the Musical Advent is Soulive. Neal and Alan Evans and Eric Krasno. Suit funk for 21 years now. Enjoying a track from all of their releases on Spotify plus a live track. I hope you dig.

One of the best rock and roll bands of the past 30 years, in my humble opinion, is The Black Crowes. And I've often wondered if the tumultuous relationship between Chris and Rich Robinson added to their legacy, or detracted from it. Thoughts? Enjoy the 9th day of my music advent.

Day 8 of the Musical Advent and I admitted to myself that there were two easy answers - either Jim Morrison and The Doors, due to Jim's birthday, or John Lennon and The Beatles, due to the 40th anniversary of John's murder. I went neither of those roots, and went with Jason Isbell. Not familiar? You need to me. Incredible songwriter, well thought out story-telling lyrics and a fantastic musician. I hope you enjoy.

A random conversation with a work ally today who is entering retirement is the same age as my folks, who retired in the last few years - 67 and 65.  I said aloud to him "We work much too hard. We work much too long. To enjoy life much too little". It feels so true. Money is a necessary evil, but I'm trying to put less of an emphasis on it. Why live to work when we can work to live? Enjoy The California Honeydrops on this Day 7 of the Musical Advent. I can think of no other band to brighten your mood on a Monday. 

Almost a full day got away from me before I had the chance to record Day 6 of my Musical Advent. Consistency is key to get things done on any day of the week and the weekend could be difficult to carve out a little time. Better late than never today, I'm happy to feature the first rap/hip-hop group during these 24 days, Jurassic 5. 4 MCs, 2 DJs. Plenty of soulful and thoughtful harmonies. If you've never had the chance to hear them before, I hope you enjoy!

So much music, so little time. How do you decide what new music to listen to? Spotify told me I listened to 500 new artists in 2020. And truthfully, I want to listen to more. So, I'm going to do my best to start sharing new to toy music. Today, on day 5 of this Musical Advent, I share Milton Busker. A friend, an incredible talent, a gifted songwriter. I hope you enjoy! MiltonBusker.com 

No rock and roll band has been founded, rised, and rocked harder and more importantly to me over the last 30 years than Pearl Jam. The "Seattle Sound" hit when I was 15 and PJ was always at the forefront. I'm grateful to follow along all these years, including induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. With 11 studio albums under their belt, I chose one from each, plus one from the "Singles" Soundtrack as the release fell in between "Ten" and "Vs.", when they were already gaining momentum as one of the biggest bands on the scene. Enjoy!

A Spontaneous decision as the 5th anniversary of the news of Scott Weiland's death reminded me what a great rock and roll band STP was. Overshadowed by many on commercial radio, they could write great songs and Scott was a commanding frontman. 10 choices from their 6 releases together, along with a cover of The Beatles.

I was questioning what to do for day 2 of this #musicaladvent. When I was thinking it should be Phish, a message from the universe said YES. December 2nd is the anniversary of the first ever Phish show, a semi-formal at UVM, which for 36 years was billed under Blackwood Convention. According to Trey and Jon, that was never true. But are they pulling our leg? Who knows. Enjoy 10 live Phish tracks on day 2.

I love giving and sharing music. It's why I went to school to be a DJ. It's why I launched this podcast. Last year, I shared a Musical Advent. 24 different new artists I wanted you to know. This year, new or old to you, I hope you listen. Day 1 is Ryan Montbleau. @RyanMontbleau on social and www.RyanMontbleau.com on the web. Enjoy!

Energy. All about establishing it and maintaining it. 10pm on a Monday night isn't the time to record a podcast, but I stood up and did so. I speak a little about morning routines and getting some exercise and movement under your belt to help with maintaining energy and focus.

A long Holiday weekend is wrapping with warm weather, some energy rejuvenation and high hopes to close out the year strong. Be safe, be well, be focused. Enjoy the somewhat mellow song selection that I picked on a Sunday night.

COVID, while mucking up the year and many lives, has also demonstrated to me that it doesn't take money or trips to have an experience. Little events and experiences are being lived out daily nowadays, and they're now more important than ever to have.

Celebrating the last night of #TheBeaconJams from Trey Anastasio with all Trey 10 song set. Check out what Trey is doing with the Divided Sky Fund - raising money for an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility up here in Vermont.

Thanksgiving 2020! Incredibly, the year is wrapping up soon. And while we all look forward to 2021, there is no immediate end to our COVID-life. Stay strong, follow instructions, keep your eyes on the prize and be safe and thankful.

Thanksgiving Eve should not be a reason to remind you to give thanks. You should do so everyday. Inspired by an email from Deep Banana Blackout's Road Manager, E!, I blab on family and friends and importance of showing thanks.

Inspiration from a seven year old today. How to be a family. And as far as I am concerned, how to be a friend. 1. LOVE 2. KINDNESS 3. SHARING 4. CARING

Dedicated to my good friend Sonya with a reminder that it only takes a few minutes and a small gesture to make somebody's day. Say please and thank you. Tell someone they are loved. Buy a cup of coffee for a stranger. Live a grateful life.

We lost another one. Class of 1993 Milton High School fellow graduate, Matt Jewell. Marine. Father. Husband. Yellowjacket. #YourTripIsShort

Why is it so hard to find something to watch when it should be so easy? Like finding a book at the library when you don't know what to read? Or what to listen to when the sky is the limit? I don't know, either. Here is some funk for my friends Sara and Amy.

Take just a minute to hold a door, offer an ear, give a smile, to brighten someone's day. It doesn't take much and we could all use a little joy in our lives. Dedicated to Eric Caswell.

I trip to Beer mecca, Hill Farmstead today and then a private stop at one of our newest breweries, Lucy and Howe Brewing of Jericho. Vermont is truly an embarrassment of riches when it comes to our liquids. Enjoy!

On the night of the NBA Draft, I delve into Twitter and social media in general and why it's great, but also dangerous. Also, fleets? WTH. 10 songs. Lots o rock.

The description is an afterthought, just like my talking. It's about the music. Some old school (4 tracks) and some lesser knowns. Enjoy!

On the 34th anniversary of 'License to Ill' being released, this is all Beastie Boys. A track from each studio release (except The Mix-Up - my bad), it's the least I can do to pay tribute to the great Mike D., MCA and Ad-Rock.

Fueled by a lovely message from a friend, I had to get back behind the mic and spread some songs wide on a Saturday night. COVID may be locking us down again, but no reason to be sad. Turn to music, turn to joy.

Music brings us many things. Joy, sorrow, release, laughter... It's unlimited. On this New Release Friday where the Vermont Governor just announced some closures, music is offering distraction. Featuring four new releases from Chris Stapleton, as well as more from Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson, I hope this episode brings you the same.

Trying to find my groove with the new medium and podcast. A little funk for your Thursday, along with some reggae and a smidgen of hip-hop.

Trying out a new audio input and releasing some steam. Ten instrumental tracks from artists you may or may not know.

I dig into the beauty that is music and diversity that is is. Hopefully out of these 10 artists, most are new to you.

Feeling things out with how this will roll going forward. Figuring out the Spotify interface in Anchor is big obstacle right now. Featuring the music of The Record Company from Los Angeles and Smooth Hound Smith of Nashville.

As a recovering commercial radio listener growing up, I talk about two stations that shaped me, 97.7 CHOM-FM out of Montreal and 106.7 WIZN The Wizard out of Burlington. I then play some of the music that has shaped me since college, featuring Phish, moe., Percy Hill, Grateful Dead and more and ending with Goose.

Consider this a Prologue. An introduction to me, Eric Lussier, my background, music philosophy and a disdain for country music. Which has changed.