Generation X Offender

Lou Reed Part One

Unravel the myth behind the man behind the music. 
Revisit the Velvets. All four mad albums. Two Velvet Underground albums with John Cale & Andy Warhol and two without. 
The fifth and final Velvet Underground album without any original band members at all!
Explore the golden trifecta of Andy Warhol, Lou Reed & Iggy Pop and how Bowie used it to create the Ziggy Stardust character.
Find out how Pork's 1971 Andy Warhol Superstar Revue at the Roundhouse in London altered David Bowie's career trajectory forever.
That time Lou Reed moved back home to live with his parents in the suburbs of Long Island, New York.
That time Iggy Pop moved back home to live with his parents in Detroit, Michigan.
And the two albums that will forever link David Bowie with the career's of both Iggy Pop and Lou Reed.
All this and more on the latest Episode of Rock N Roll Fashionistas!
OPENING TRACK: Keith Richard's of The Rolling Stones covers Lou Reed's "I'm Waiting For The Man" originally from The Velvet Underground's 1967 debut album on Verve Records The Velvet Underground & Nico. Richard's cover is the opening track to the 2024 Lou Reed tribute album The Power Of The Heart - A Tribute To Lou Reed https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-power-of-the-heart-a-tribute-to-lou-reed/1732584171
CLOSING TRACK: "Work" from the 1990 Andy Warhol inspired Songs For Drella collaboration album between former Velvet Underground bandmates Lou Reed & John Cale https://music.apple.com/ca/album/songs-for-drella/979404543
 

Head First: Jim Morrison's Deep Dive

The final 24 months of Jim Morrison's all too short life were filled with endless stress and legal troubles resulting from his arrest in Miami and the criminal proceedings that followed.
Join us as we immerse ourselves in this final chapter of Jim Morrison's life. Hell bent on a crash course of self destruction fueled by bad behavior, impaired judgement and poor examples set by his literary heroes Arthur Rimbaud and the similarly ill-fated Percy Bysshe Shelley, Morrison sought refuge in Paris for what would be the final six months of his life. 
Decipher Jim's favorite anagram Mr Mojo Risin'
Unravel the mystery of The Lizard King.
And his beautiful friend.
The end.
All this and MORE in the latest installment of the Rock N Roll Fashionistas podcast!
Please note: Audio portions for the opening sound collage have been reproduced under the fair use doctrine. This use is intended to be transformative, adding perspective to the original work, serving an educational purpose rather than commercial gain. This use is aimed at an academic audience and does not serve as a substitute for the original.
Music from the following artists was used in the making of this podcast:
"Breakn' A Sweat" by Skrillex & The Doors from their 2012 EP Bangarang https://music.apple.com/ca/album/bangarang/491596645 
"Is Everybody In?" by William S. Burroughs & The Doors from the 2000 tribute album Stoned Immaculate: The Music Of The Doors https://www.discogs.com/release/3220997-Various-Stoned-Immaculate-The-Music-Of-The-DoorsT
"The End" by Robotic Dub featuring Jim Morrison from their 2025 EP of the same name https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-end-feat-jim-morrison-ep/1796021447

Sex Pistols: Rock N Roll Can Kill Ya

1977. Eleven years old and discovering the Sex Pistols.
Find out how Sex Pistols' manager Malcolm McLaren set them up to fail in America.
The tragic last days of 21 year old Sid Vicious and his murdered girlfriend.
New York's iconic Chelsea Hotel and all its rock n roll sleaze.
The Warholian Universe of Candy Darling, Edie Sedgwick, Nico, The Velvets.
CBGBs
Max's Kansas City
and MORE!
OPENING TRACK: The Passenger by Iggy Pop from his 1977 David Bowie produced album "Lust For Life" https://music.apple.com/ca/album/lust-for-life/1440882892
CLOSING TRACK: My Way sung by Sid Vicious credited to the Sex Pistols from the 1978 soundtrack to the Sex Pistols' movie "The Great Rock N Roll Swindle" https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-great-rock-n-roll-swindle/1440806959

RIP New York Dolls

With the passing of David Johansen, the last living member of the New York Dolls, we dedicate an entire episode of Rock N Roll Fashionistas to the memory of all five fabulous individuals who made up the legendary New York group.
Johnny Thunders Lead guitar
David Johansen Lead vocals
Sylvain Sylvain Rhythm guitar
Arthur Kane Bass
Jerry Nolan Drums
The New York Dolls, a pioneering glam rock band composed of five influential members, each with their own remarkable stories and achievements.
Johnny Thunders (1952-1991) Born John Anthony Genzale, Thunders was born on July 15, 1952, and died at 38 under mysterious circumstances on April 23, 1991. Known for his captivating guitar work and as a charismatic frontman, Thunders earned his fame as a member of the New York Dolls before going on to play with the Heartbreakers and pursuing a solo career. His untimely death took place in his hotel room at The Inn on St. Peter (formerly known as St. Peter Guest House) in New Orleans, Louisiana. The cause remains controversial; while some reports indicated an overdose of cocaine and methadone, others suggested that advanced leukemia could have contributed to his decline. A theory put forth by Dee Dee Ramone alleges that Thunders was murdered when robbed of the abundant supply of methadone he required when on the road. Despite numerous calls from his family for a formal investigation into his death, the New Orleans police department has not acted.
Jerry Nolan (1946-1992) was born on May 7, 1946, and passed away on January 14, 1992, just months after Thunders. Renowned as a powerful rock drummer for both the New York Dolls and the Heartbreakers, Nolan was a noted steadying figure in bandmate Johnny Thunders’s often chaotic life, being six years his senior. When working on new music, Nolan became gravely ill with bacterial meningitis and pneumonia. During treatment at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York, he suffered a stroke that left him in a coma, ultimately leading to his death. He was laid to rest at Mount Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Flushing, New York, leaving behind a legacy of drumming that defined an era.
Arthur Kane (1949-2004) was born on February 3, 1949. He was the bass guitarist and a founding member of the New York Dolls. He played a crucial role in the band’s formation in 1971 but was forced out in 1975, shortly after Thunders and Nolan departed. In a poignant twist of fate, Kane reunited with his former bandmates in 2004 for a concert in London that was later featured in the documentary New York Doll. On July 13, 2004, just 22 days after Kane’s performance with the New York Dolls, he began to feel unwell. Thinking he may have caught the flu while in London, he checked himself into a Los Angeles hospital, complaining of fatigue. He was quickly diagnosed with leukemia and died within two hours. He was 55 years old. Former bandmate, David Johansen, described him as “nonjudgmental, bawdy and holy.”
Sylvain Sylvain (1951-2021) Born Sylvain Mizrahi on February 14, 1951, he was a pivotal member of the New York Dolls, contributing his guitar talents and flamboyant style. After living in Atlanta for several years, Sylvain moved to Nashville in 2015. On the 27th of April, 2019, Sylvain went public with his cancer diagnosis, setting up a GoFundMe page to help cover treatment costs. He died from cancer at his home on January 13, 2021, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of rock music that continues to inspire new generations.
And finally, David Johansen (1950-2025) Born on January 9, 1950, Johansen was the charismatic lead singer of the New York Dolls, later gaining fame as Buster Poindexter. His vibrant career spanned decades. In 2020, Johansen was diagnosed with stage four cancer and a brain tumor, effectively bringing an end to his music career. His health declined further after a fall in November 2024, when he broke his back in two places and required surgery. His step-daughter launched a fundraiser to help with his treatment on January 10, 2025. He died on February 28, 2025, at the age of 75, in Staten Island, leaving behind an indelible mark on the music world.
Opening track "You Can't Put Your Arms Round A Memory" by former New York Dolls lead guitarist Johnny Thunders from his 1978 debut solo album So Alone: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/so-alone/285601659
Closing track "Dance Like A Monkey" by the New York Dolls from their 2006 third studio album One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This, their first release of original material since their 1974 sophomore album Too Much Too Soon: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/one-day-it-will-please-us-to-remember-even-this/214472611
Don't miss a beat! Subscribe to our weekly podcast and blogs by entering your email at https://rocknrollfashionistas.com

Rock N Roll And Black History Month Part 2

Opening with the latest in new music, Malmo, Sweden's Fat Brain get things ripping with a scorching track from their NEW RELEASE vinyl debut EP Death To False Zamrock. 
Wrapping up Black History Month, a meditative rumination follows touching on key moments in the history of Rock N Roll.
Mary Lou Williams and her decision to quit music in order to help others
Retracing Lennon's last ride
What the heck is Zamrock anyway?
The Great Vinyl Purge of the mid 90s
1987's 20th Anniversary of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper
McCartney's recent pre SNL50 Bowery Ballroom pop up shows
A tale of three Rock N Rollers who worked themselves to death 
How Woodstock not only ended a decade but ended an era and so much more!
Opening track: "Devil's Son" by Fat Brain from their debut EP Death To False Zamrock https://music.apple.com/ca/album/death-to-false-zamrock-ep/1780524150
Closing track: "Abraham, Martin & John" by Marvin Gaye from his album The Very Best Of Marvin Gaye https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-very-best-of-marvin-gaye/1434917803
 

Rock N Roll And Black History Month Part One

Welcome back Rock N Roll Fashionistas! In this weeks episode we explore the intrinsic link between Rock N Roll music and Black History Month, how the very roots of Rock N Roll evolved out of the magic that emerged from the 1940's Chicago blues scene and the development of Rhythm & Blues music as an offshoot of the popular Swing jazz music of the era.
We reveal the very first Rock N Roll song ever!
We reveal the very first use of guitar distortion ever!
Join us on numerous stops around the dial visiting the legendary Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee with none other than Sam Phillips and and his young protégé Elvis Presley.
We visit Polish immigrant World War II veterans the Chess brothers, Leonard and Phil, along with their cavalcade of stars including Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and Etta James at the legendary Chess Records in Chicago.
We dig into the Birth Of The Electric Blues, the lasting legacy of Mary Lou Williams, the First Lady of Jazz Piano, Bebop and so much more!
"Say it loud, I'm Black and I'm proud!" - James Brown
Opening track: "Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton, recorded on August 13, 1952 and released as a single 45 RPM by Peacock Records in late February1953. From the Big Mama Thornton album Hound Dog: The Peacock Recordings https://music.apple.com/ca/album/hound-dog-the-peacock-recordings/1444120044.
Both 19 years old at the time, songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote the song Hound Dog n August 12, 1952 after being asked by R&B bandleader Johnny Otis to drop in on a Big Mama Thornton rehearsal and watch her work. They wrote the song the same day and recorded it the next. Written specifically for Thornton, Hound Dog was intended to reflect the 22 year old Thornton's personality, brusque and badass. Her recording of the song went on to Top seven Billboard Charts at the time including going #1 in the Billboard Top 100 and #1 in Billboard's Top Selling R&B Singles chart. At the time it was released it spent over three months in the R&B charts.
 
Closing track: "Rocket 88" 1951 Chess Records single attributed to Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats. Sax player Jackie Brenston sang lead vocals on this track written by Ike Turner and recorded by Ike Turner & His Kings Of Rhythm at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, produced by Sam Phillips. Guitar distortion by Willie Kizart with tenor saxophone solos by 17 year old Raymond Hill. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/youre-drivin-me-insane/299062706 Please note that lead vocalist, sax player Jackie Brenston's name is spelled incorrectly on this Apple Music album listing as Jackie Brenson. Apologies to the Brenston family and those who cherish Mr. Brenston's timeless legacy. 
 
 
 

Imani Coppola: One Hit Wonderful!

Imani Coppola is not a one hit wonder. Far from it. Imani Coppola has been and continues to be an inspirational trailblazer, for 30 years now and counting.
Poet, vocalist extraordinaire, Emcee, visual artist, working artist, painter, collaborator, New Yorker, songwriting workshop facilitator, film actor, Top 40 Hit Maker, composer, arranger, recording artist, record producer, guitarist, keyboardist, pianist, violinist, cellist, IG content creator, accredited Reiki practitioner, tarot card reader, influencer and so much more! 
Find out how...
Also in this episode you will hear how half of Led Zeppelin came to record the first ever hit psychedelic 45 with Donovan and his 1965 track Sunshine Superman.
Step into Jim Morrison's soul kitchen and grab yourself a bite!
Who knew? Ringo Starr WAS NOT The Beatles first drummer? 
Why did George Martin REALLY sign The Beatles? 
Is Live At Leeds by The Who the GREATEST Rock N Roll LIVE ALBUM ever recorded?
The linguistic brilliance of published author and poet John Lennon explored.
Waiting for art to come to you: Why I still haven't watched A Clockwork Orange.
Why Samo by Imani Coppola is the most important song of the century and so much more!
 
Opening track: "I'm A Tree (The Soul Kitchen Mix)" by Imani Coppola taken from her EP of the same name https://music.apple.com/ca/album/im-a-tree-ep-ep/1591482445
 
Closing track: "Samo" by Imani Coppola from her most recent 2019 full length album The Protagonist https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-protaganist/1475041445
 
 

The Rheostatics Are Canada's Beatles

During the 1970's Canadian rock gods Max Webster filled arenas in Canada but were virtually unknown in the United States. Over a decade later The Tragically Hip, arguably Canada's Band, suffered the same fate. So where do The Rheostatics fit in?
Who are The Rheostatics? Canada's other band that didn't fill arena's, unless they were, ironically enough, opening for The Tragically Hip.
In this episode we explore the ethos of indie music culture in Canada in the 1990s through he lens of the era's maverick music pioneers, The Rheostatics: Canada's Beatles
Opening track: Fan Letter To Michael Jackson from The Rheostatics album Introducing Happiness https://music.apple.com/ca/album/introducing-happiness/599829365
Closing track: You Are A Treasure from The Rheostatics album Introducing Happiness https://music.apple.com/ca/album/introducing-happiness/599829365

Remembering The Band's Garth Hudson

End of an Era, loosing the multi-instrumentalist mastermind responsible for the music education of not just his bandmates but of a generation.
In this episode we revisit some of the Band's triumphs from their longtime association in late 1950s Toronto with legendary rockabilly Arkansas rocker turned Canadian citizen Ronnie Hawkins through to their turn as Bob Dylan's back up band, the communal home at Big Pink near Woodstock, New York, helping give rise to the storied Woodstock Music Festival, The Last Waltz and so much more!
Along the way we make stops in...
Mono vs Stereo
Phil Spector's epic 60s flop and the meteoric rise of Beatlemania 10 weeks after the assignation of President Kennedy
The invention of the Teenager in 1950s America
The two pre-Boomer generations who helped shape Rock N Roll 
Six Shooter Records and their moto "Life Is Too Short To Listen To Shi*ty Music"
The Greatest Canadian Album You've Never Heard Of (being issued for the FIRST TIME on vinyl later this month)
Nick Buzz (HINT HINT HINT) and so much more!
Opening track: "The Day Rick Danko Died" by Luke Doucet from his 2008 Six Shooter Records album Bloods Too Rich https://music.apple.com/ca/album/bloods-too-rich/1416212205
Closing track: "That's What You Get For Having Fun" from Rheostatic Martin Tielli's solo side project Nick Buzz and their 1997 Six Shooter Records debut album Circo https://music.apple.com/ca/album/circo/1410327843
View Martin Tielli's stunning artwork and music canon at https://martintielli.ca/ 
"There's a monkey in my underwear and I don't really care about nothing"
 
 

Grammys Snub Beatles John Lennon & George Harrison

It's been a BIG record setting year for The Beatles, 2 Grammy nominations, a #1 hit song, a third Grammy nomination for John Lennon's Mind Games box set and two Top 10 hit singles this past Christmas for Lennon & McCartney. 
Hot on the heels of his first #1 hit song with writer's credit, Ringo Starr, fresh from his debut performance at the storied Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrates the release of his 21st studio album Look Up, currently #1 in both the UK Americana Albums and Country Albums charts.
PLUS!
The RNRF debut of Cambridge, England's RJ Archer & The Painful Memories with the lead single "Get It Together" from their upcoming album The Cost Of Loving Crisis out everywhere January 31, 2025.
In a deep dive Pop Culture riff we word weave a tapestry tracing the lineage of today's blockbuster comic book movies all the way back to the very first one, Marlon Brando's Superman. With The Godfather, Last Tango In Paris and Apocalypse Now stops along the way.
Francis Ford Coppola
George Lucas
Star Wars
American Graffiti
Banksy
All of this and World War II
And so much more!
Opening song: "Get It Together" by RJ Archer & The Painful Memories from their upcoming album The Cost Of Loving Crisis https://music.apple.com/ca/album/get-it-together-single/1771073190
Closing song: "I Am The Walrus" by Fathom from her YouTube single https://youtu.be/JGXz9Jo6o78?si=czalid_Gk-P7RO8Q