Shows
CaropopDave Wakeling (The English Beat)The English Beat—or, if you live in England, the Beat—was one of the key bands of the late ‘70s/ early ‘80s British ska-punk scene. Guitarist/songwriter Dave Wakeling sang most of this interracial, socially conscious group’s songs, with Ranking Roger toasting, and he takes us inside the making of the band’s brilliant debut album, I Just Can’t Stop It (out in an expanded edition for Record Store Day Black Friday). Wakeling tells how the bass-driven “Mirror in the Bathroom” came together and digs into the band's relationship with Specials, the Beat's breakup, and songs such as “Save It f...2023-11-161h 23
ReadJunk PodcastStephen Shafer (Moon Records, Duff Guide to Ska)Episode 62 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Stephen Shafer who worked at Moon Records for many years, started the excellent ska blog Duff Guide to Ska and last year released a book, Duff Guide to 2 Tone, which you can buy at Amazon.com now.
Steve was a pioneer, in a way, with starting a digital record label way before its time. Plus, he started the fun ska concert series Electric Avenue in Manhattan with Marc Wasserman. Not to mention he was a founding member of Rude Boy George. So it's safe to say we had a...2021-05-262h 13
ReadJunk PodcastThe Mandalorian Season 2 Recap, Future Star Wars Series & Movies, Galaxy's EdgeEpisode 61 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Bryan and Frank. We recap season 2 of The Mandalorian (SPOILER ALERT), talk about that wild finale, our favorite moments & episodes, our complaints and nitpicks. We also discuss what the future holds for the series and all the other Disney Plus Star Wars series that were announced. We end things with a quick chat about our experiences visiting Galaxy's Edge/Batuu down in Walt Disney World.
The transition track done is by Aaron Kenny and it's called "Saving the World." I got the track on YouTube Audio Library.
Subscribe to...2020-12-211h 18ReadJunk PodcastAlternative Christmas Movies with Bryan, Eric & RyanEpisode 60 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Bryan, Eric and Ryan and we talk Alternative Christmas Movies. We debate and discuss whether certain movies like Die Hard 1 and 2, Lethal Weapon, Shazam, Batman Returns, Gremlins, Silent Night Deadly Night, Trading Places and others are legitimate Christmas movies or just movies that take place during the holiday season.
The transition track done is by Aaron Kenny and it's called "Christmas Vilage." I got the track on YouTube Audio Library.
Subscribe to the ReadJunk Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, Stitcher, etc. or you can even listen to th...2020-12-081h 27ReadJunk PodcastThe Future Of Concerts?Episode 59 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with hosts Bryan and Chris, featuring Chris's buddies Drew and Jason (Devil's Due Podcast). We talk about the future of concerts and what's that going to look like post-COVID. We talk about the current state of things, how shows and concerts could be improved in the future, live streaming concerts happening now, how Brexit could be a big problem for UK bands post-pandemic and other things along those lines.
The transition track is from Chris Taylor.
Subscribe to the ReadJunk Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube, Castbox, Stitcher, etc. or...2020-11-171h 22ReadJunk PodcastMovies That Scared Us As Kids with Bryan, Ryan, Eric & ChrisEpisode 58 of the ReadJunk Podcast is all about movies or scenes that have scared us as kids...or in my case, still scare me. I'm joined by Ryan Miller (DJ Ryan Midnight, 100% Ska Podcast), and journalist Eric Althoff (Washington Post, LA Times, ReadJunk)and ReadJunk metalhead Chris Taylor. We talk about IT, Nightmare on Elm Street, The Witches, Fire in the Sky, Return to Oz, Willy Wonka, Ernest Scared Stupid, The Blob, and even G.I. Joe. It was a fun chat discussing scary, freaky scenes and movies!The transition track is called "Fun House" by Coyote...2020-10-271h 33
ReadJunk PodcastMusic, Politics, TV, Halloween Movies & More with Bryan, Chris, Joe and RayIt's been about 5 months since the last podcast episode of the ReadJunk Podcast but we're back! Just been keeping myself focused on work and personal life and not being so stretched thin with a lot of things. Believe it or not, it takes some effort putting the podcast together so just needed a little bit of a break.
I figured I'd get the usual gang back for some catching up. We discuss the music industry and what's going on in the world of COVID-19. When it will be time to go back to shows, when will you f...2020-10-121h 38ReadJunk PodcastMarc Wasserman (Rude Boy George, Heavensbee, Bigger Thomas)Episode 56 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Marc Wasserman of Rude Boy George, Heavensbee, Bigger Thomas and the author of the upcoming book: Ska Boom: An Oral History About the Birth of American Ska & Reggae. I'm joined by co-founder of ReadJunk, Adam Coozer, who also is RBG's merch guy. We talk about pandemic life, Heavensbee's new album, Rude Boy George's new EP, 80s music, picking the songs to record, Morrissey / The Smith discussion, a discussion about Sonseed's "Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine," Marc's awesome sounding upcoming ska oral history book, Scars from Mars and we finish things up...2020-06-2200 minReadJunk Podcast80s & 90s Movies We Grew Up Watching with Bryan, Ryan & EricEpisode 55 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Ryan Miller (DJ Ryan Midnight, 100% Ska Podcast), and journalist Eric Althoff (Washington Post, LA Times, ReadJunk) and it's all about 80s and 90s movies. Movies we grew up watching all the time on TV, not necessarily good movies. The movies we discuss could be considered underrated, under-appreciated, obscure but they were movies we watched a lot regardless of quality. We talk about Krull, Highlander, BMX Bandits, RAD, Tremors, Only The Strong, PCU, Airborne and many more movies.
The transition track done is by Vibe Mountain and it's called "AI 2." I g...2020-05-0400 minReadJunk PodcastRobert Julian (Rude Boy George, The Zensies)Episode 54 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Robert Julian of Rude Boy George and The Zensies. We talk about keeping busy and creative in quarantine, homeschooling, his latest reggae project The Zensies, Rude Boy George, playing in the UK, Adobe Creative Cloud (of all things), the Hudson Valley scene, the latin music scene, and we finish things up with a brief discussion on politics and what we have been watching on TV.
The transition track is done by The Zensies and it's called "We Can Still Dance." The song was used with permission by Robert Julian and yo...2020-04-1500 minReadJunk PodcastQuarantine Catch Up With Bryan, Ray & JoeEpisode 53 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Bryan, Ray and Joe and we just catch-up a bit talking about how surreal everything is right now. We discuss what's happening in the world, we talk a little bit about Star Wars, what we have been watching, what were the last shows we went to before the pandemic. Plus we discuss whether or not New York Comic Con will be postponed or canceled.
The transition track done is by Everet Almond called "Catch A Way." I got the track on YouTube Audio Library.
Subscribe to the ReadJunk Pod...2020-04-0400 minReadJunk PodcastCassie and Becky (Ska Box)Episode 52 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Cassie and Becky of Ska Box (https://skaboxrox.com/), the monthly all ska merch box that is being sent out right now! We talk about being in quarantine and what that's been like, Ska Box, how they go into ska, being too old for shows, and we finish things up with a fun game of Jeff Goldblum Trivia!
The transition track done is by Text Me Records called "Skanada." The interlude track is by Wayne Jones and it's called "Brain Trust." I got the tracks on YouTube Audio Library.
S...2020-03-2800 minReadJunk PodcastFavorite SNL SketchesReadJunk Podcast has returned! This time with my twin brother Matt and our friend Chris and we discuss our favorite SNL sketches, cast members, seasons or eras, and other things that come to mind. Figured I haven't done an episode since January and since everyone is stuck at home from the Corona Virus, now would be a good time to get some episodes under our belt. Have a listen, and be sure to spread the word about the podcast if you haven't already!
The transition track done is by Kevin MacLeod and it’s called “B-Roll (ska) - Is...2020-03-2100 minReadJunk Podcast2020 Oscar Nominations with Bryan and Adam CoozerIt’s the first ReadJunk Podcast episode of 2020 and Episode #50 of the podcast as well! It’s with my buddy Adam Coozer, who co-created ReadJunk with me. He started Read Magazine, I started Ska, Punk And Other Junk and then we merged the sites about 15-17 years ago. This is actually the first time Adam has been a guest on the podcast and figured it would be a good time to discuss the 2020 Oscar Nominations. We usually do an article about our snap judgments of the Academy Awards but think it’s better to just discuss it over a podcas...2020-01-2700 minReadJunk PodcastYear In Review 2019 with Bryan, Ray and JoeEpisode 49 of the ReadJunk Podcast is our last episode of 2019 and the decade. It's our Year In Review of 2019 episode with Bryan, Joe and Ray. We give our lists for Top 10 Favorite Movies, TV shows, Concerts, Albums and Joe gives a quick list of his favorite Video Games as well. We start things off by talking Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker for a few minutes, nothing too spoilery. Then we get into our lists.
Thanks for listening to the podcast this year and we should have more episodes for you in 2020! Keep listening and spreading the wor...2019-12-3100 minReadJunk PodcastArtist Ryan (Honorary Android)Episode 48 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with artist Ryan (Honorary Android), who has designed some really cool ska/punk, Disney/theme park mash up shirts. We discuss how Ryan got into shirt designing, Teepublic, and just designing in general. The conversation soon steers into a ska and punk conversation. We talk about what were some of Ryan's favorite albums of the year and what shows he's attended.
Since Ryan is a Florida resident and frequent Walt Disney World visitor, I talk with Ryan about Disney World, Galaxy's Edge and the new hit Star Wars attraction Rise of t...2019-12-1700 minReadJunk PodcastDirector Ian McFarland (The Godfathers of Hardcore, Blood for Blood)Episode 47 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with director Ian McFarland, who directed the awesome Agnostic Front documentary 'The Godfathers of Hardcore.' He's also in the Boston hardcore band Blood For Blood, has directed numerous music videos for bands like The Unseen, Terror, Killswitch Engage and lots of others. He's doing other documentary projects as well, so we talk about that, Blood for Blood, Agnostic Front and the documentary obviously, as well as some other things.
Thanks to Ian & Tim for making time to chat with me, and re-scheduling after I ended up in the hospital in t...2019-11-2100 minReadJunk PodcastRock and Roll Hall of Fame Warped Tour Exhibit & Ska / Punk InfluencesEpisode 46 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with me and Steve Bauer, a fellow ReadJunk writer. We discussed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Warped Tour Exhibit that featured two of my photographs, we reminisce some more about the Vans Warped Tour as well. After that, we talked about our punk and ska influences, what bands & albums made an impact on us earlier on, as well as ways of discovering new music back in "our day."
Transition track done is by Huma-Huma and it's called "Grassy Hill." Something free on YouTube Audio Library. If you want to...2019-11-1300 minReadJunk PodcastThe Misfits at Madison Square Garden Concert ReviewEpisode 45 of the ReadJunk Podcast is Me (Bryan Kremkau) and Chris Taylor recapping and reviewing the Misfits reunion concert at Madison Square Garden. The Damned and Rancid were the openers. We discuss a little bit about the history of Misfits that lead to these reunion shows, getting to MSG, obnoxious people in the crowd, Jerry Only breaking over 7 bass guitars, if the Misfits will be doing more of these reunion concerts and some other random stuff sprinkled in the conversation.
Transition track done by Ethan Meixsell and it's called "Demilitarized Zone."
Be sure to subscribe and...2019-10-2200 minReadJunk PodcastNYCC 2019 & Joker Non-Spoiler Review with Bryan, Ray and JoeEpisode 44 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Me (Bryan Kremkau), Ray Manuud and Joe Fogle. We discuss them going to New York Comic Con 2019, a Joker non-spoiler movie review, Disney+ a little bit, plus some other odds n ends.
Ray and Joe talk about NYCC's booths, the cosplay, interviews Joe did, I talk about my twin brother Matt's take on NYCC since he went for the first time and all I could talk about was the last few years I went since I was on vacation NYCC happened.
Transition track done by The Dubwegians with a c...2019-10-1700 minReadJunk PodcastTV & Movie Talk with Bryan, Ray and JoeEpisode 43 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Me (Bryan Kremkau), Ray Manuud and Joe Fogle and it's all about TV and Movies! We talk about TV shows that we've been watching this Summer and back in the Spring, shows like The Boys, Deadly Class, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Stranger Things, Doom Patrol, Game of Thrones, Yellowstone, and some other stuff. Then we talk a little bit about movies at the end like Spider-Man: Far From Home, Hellboy, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, and some other things.
Please note we talk about Spoilers a little bit w...2019-08-0500 minReadJunk PodcastTravis Nelson (Hub City Stompers)Episode 42 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Travis Nelson, aka Rev. Sinister of Hub City Stompers, formerly of Inspecter 7.
We talk about the upcoming Radicsfest show at Gramercy Theatre on July 19th, Hub City Stompers west coast tour, City Gardens, Travis's introduction to ska and punk, Inspecter 7, Hub City Stompers, how I7 got their cover of "One Step Beyond" in the Wolf of Wall Street and a lot more! Check it out!
Be sure to subscribe and download the episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever else you can get podcasts. Spread t...2019-07-1600 minReadJunk PodcastChris Malone (The Pandemics)Episode 41 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Chris Malone of the NY ska band The Pandemics, formerly of Rudie Crew, Bigger Thomas, Spider Nick and the Mad Dogs and loads of other bands.
We talked about The Pandemics Going Viral tour, touring in general, visiting Tokyo, Chris playing in Spider Nick and the Mad Dogs, The Rudie Crew, Pilfers and Bigger Thomas, as well as his current band The Pandemics. We briefly talk about him playing as a backing band for Pete Porker of the Porkers and Roddy & Lynval of the Specials as well. At the end, I...2019-07-1300 minReadJunk PodcastCoolie Ranx (Pilfers, The Toasters, Grand Theft Auto)Episode 40 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with my buddy Coolie Ranx of Pilfers, formerly of the Toasters, and of Grand Theft Auto fame (Little Jacob!). My twin brother Matt and I talked with Coolie at my apt in NJ for a good hour and 40 minutes and had a blast! Lots of laughing in this episode.
We discuss the upcoming RadicsFest, happening at Gramercy Theatre on July 19th that will feature Pilfers, Mephiskapheles, Spring Heeled Jack, Hub City Stompers, Rude Boy George and Sgt. Scagnetti. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Roy Radics family as w...2019-06-2500 minReadJunk PodcastA Look Back At The Vans Warped TourEpisode 39 of the ReadJunk Podcast is a look back at the Vans Warped Tour. I paid tribute to the long-running tour last year since it ended, but I removed the episode since it had music in it. Vans Warped Tour are doing special events in Atlantic City and California soon so figured I'd talk about the tour again.
I'm joined by fellow ReadJunk colleague Joe Fogle / Creature of War and we reminisce about the good and bad of the Warped Tour, our first Warped Tour concert, things we will miss but mostly won't miss, and other things...2019-06-2100 minReadJunk PodcastMatt Collyer (The Planet Smashers)Episode 38 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with Matt Collyer of the Canadian ska band The Planet Smashers and Stomp Records. I've been listening to the band since I've been listening to ska since 95/96. They have a new album coming out on May 10th called 'Too Much Information' and it's another awesome album that was added to their discography.
In this episode, we talk about their new album, the early days of the band, Stomp Records, New England Ska Fest, Canadian ska scene, Planet Smashers songs and music videos and yes, even a little bit of hockey.
...2019-05-0600 minReadJunk PodcastAvengers: End Game And Game of Thrones Season 8 SPOILER Review & RecapEpisode 37 of the ReadJunk Podcast is another movie & TV themed episode! I'm joined by special guest Checker Phil (of the Checkerboard Kids). We give our SPOILER review of Avengers: End Game and then discuss Game of Thrones: Season 8, mostly episode 3 of the season. We even discuss a little bit of ska at the very end.
You can also watch us talking on Skype on Checker Phil's youtube channel for Checkerboard Kids.
Be sure to visit ReadJunk.com for news, reviews, articles and other junk. Follow the site on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter too! Spread the w...2019-05-0100 minReadJunk PodcastShazam Review & Summer Movie PreviewEpisode 36 of the ReadJunk Podcast is all about movies! Chris Taylor and I give our review of Shazam (we didn't spoil anything, at least nothing too important) and then we run down all the movies that are coming out this Spring and Summer that we're looking forward to. Movies like Avengers: End Game, Spider-Man: Far From Home, IT: Chapter 2, John Wick 3, Toy Story 4, and lots of other films.
Before the conversation started, I talk about the big show happening on my birthday, July 19th. Radicsfest is happening in NYC at Gramercy Theater and features bands Pilfers, Mephiskapheles, S...2019-04-1000 minReadJunk PodcastArtist Matthew LinehamEpisode 35 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with artist Matthew Lineham. You might know his new wave ornaments, Valentine's Day and Halloween cards, plus lots of other new wave & 80s inspired artwork. We had a great chat about 80s music, other decades of music, conventions, art thieves, dealing with intellectual property in artwork, Matthew's process on how he creates art, ska music, and loads of other things.
Check out Matthew's awesome artwork at http://www.mlinehamart.com and buy some stuff too while you're there.
Be sure to visit ReadJunk.com for news, reviews, articles and othe...2019-02-2600 minReadJunk PodcastGary Mastriano and Becky Sudul (Backyard Superheroes)Episode 34 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with sax players Gary Mastriano and Becky Sudul from the NJ ska punk band Backyard Superheroes (facebook.com/backyardsuperheroes).
We talk about the band's history, Gary breaking his foot playing on top of a bar top at Starland Ballroom, almost dying in PA, and their new album Never Give Up, Never Surrender. Later on in the conversation, we geek out and talk about MCU, DC comics, video games, Star Wars and we finish up the talk with a game of Goldblum Trivia!
Check out the band online and if th...2019-02-1900 minReadJunk PodcastTaylor Morden (Pick It Up: Ska in the 90s, The Last Blockbuster)The first ReadJunk Podcast episode of 2019 is with filmmaker Taylor Morden, who is releasing two documentaries, Pick it Up: Ska in the 90s and The Last Blockbuster. Both movies sounds awesome and I can't wait to see them!
I talk to Taylor over Skype about both documentaries and filming process, licensing songs, is the movie mainly focusing on West Coast bands or East Coast bands as well, reason why some ska bands made it into the mainstream and others didn't, Taylor briefly talks about touring in Japan, then we talk about Blockbuster, video stores in general and s...2019-01-2900 minReadJunk PodcastYear in Review 2018The last podcast episode of the year is our Year In Review for 2018. I talk with my twin brother Matt about our favorite albums of the year, as well as our favorite shows that we attended. Then the second half of the episode is our favorite movies and tv shows of the year. There's even a singing cameo from my son Connor around the 10 minute mark.
Let us know what you thought of our choices and visit readjunk.com for more of my Year In Review picks. Happy New Year!2018-12-3000 minReadJunk PodcastFavorite Christmas Movies And MusicIt's a special episode of the ReadJunk Podcast as it's all Christmas episode! I discuss with my wife Kristen, twin brother Matt and friends (Chris, Joe, Brian, and Ray) what their favorite Xmas movies and music are.
I give my Top 10 favorite Xmas movies are with Kristen, Chris and I discuss metal and other random things, I talk with Joe about seeing Christmas Vacation at a screening in Pittsburgh, I talk with Brian about the muppets, and his favorite songs in his holiday playlist, Matt and I talk about Christmas Vacation and memories of our Dad, as...2018-12-2200 min
ReadJunk PodcastJohnny Christmas (Reel Big Fish)Episode 30 of the ReadJunk Podcast is with trumpet player Johnny Christmas from Reel Big Fish. My twin brother Matt and I went down to the Skanksgiving show in Sayreville, NJ at Starland Ballroom. We talked with Johnny about the band, their new album and single, music videos, Johnny appearing in Galaxy Quest, we talked about Queen and the movie Bohemian Rhapsody, Warped Tour, Rock cruises, Zorba The Greek and a bunch of other things. Thanks to Tom and Mike for setting it up, and thanks to Johnny for sitting down with us for an hour.2018-11-2700 minReadJunk PodcastRay Manuud (ReadJunk, Moon Records)On this episode (#29) of the ReadJunk Podcast, I chat with my buddy Ray Manuud who works on the site, but also worked at Moon Records. We talk about the ska scene, Mustard Plug stories, the recent podcast format change, Before the Concert sessions and then we change gears to talk about TV shows and Star Wars. 2018-11-2000 minReadJunk PodcastChris Taylor & Drew CelestinoEpisode 28 of the ReadJunk Podcast is guest host Chris Taylor talking with his buddy Drew of the Devil's Due Podcast, a Marvel Netflix/Daredevil themed podcast. They discuss his show as well as other superhero shows, plus a review of the Metallica show in Buffalo that they attended on October 27th. In addition to other Metallica experiences they both have had over the years.
Check out Drew's podcast: http://thedevilsduepodcast.com
Also check out his band's The Long Cold Dark tunes: https://thelongcolddark.bandcamp.com
2018-10-3000 minReadJunk PodcastPodcast Update: Format is ChangingThe Podcast format is changing. I explain a little bit why in this mini-podcast episode and also on ReadJunk.com. I'll have a new episode up soon, hopefully within the next 2 weeks! 2018-10-2600 minReadJunk PodcastHangin' Out With Frank FroeseOn this bonus episode (Episode 26) of the ReadJunk Podcast, I sat down with my long-time buddy Frank Froese and we talk about the PA music scene, going to college together at Keystone College, the paranormal activities that happened to him/us while at college. Then we discuss some Star Wars, Marvel and whatever else is on our minds. Plus, I do some impressions of Big Bird and Bob Dylan singing "The Rains of Castamere."
2018-10-1800 minReadJunk PodcastSteve Lonergan (Sgt. Scagnetti)Episode 17 of the podcast is my conversation with frontman of Sgt Scagnetti (https://www.facebook.com/SgtSCAG), Steve Lonergan. I drove over to Clifton, NJ to see the band perform at The Clash Bar. You can check out my photos on SkaPunkPhotos.com.
Before the show, we talked for about an hour in my car and had a great conversation about the band, the scene, why New Haven has the so-called best pizza, Sea Sea's in Moosic, PA and it's owner Vince, Murder Houses, and at the end, we play another game of Goldblum Trivia.
B...2018-08-2100 minReadJunk PodcastHudson Valley Scene with Chris TaylorEpisode 10 of the ReadJunk Podcast is all about my old scene, the Hudson Valley in New York. ReadJunk Reviewer and our resident metalhead Chris Taylor stopped by Jersey City and we talked about the scene, venues in the area, some record shops in the Hudson Valley, The Big Orange Bonanza of 2007 and other things.
This show is the edited version since we removed all the songs from the show. So some things might not flow as well but ah whatever, it works.
Be sure to visit http://www.readjunk.com for updates, as well as visit...2018-07-1000 minReadJunk PodcastRoger Apollon, Jr. (Rude Boy George, Bigger Thomas)My first guest on the ReadJunk Podcast (episode #8) is Roger Apollon, Jr. of Rude Boy George, Bigger Thomas, and Heavensbee. We had a great chat after having some food in Jersey City. We talked about Rude Boy George's new album and the band, Bigger Thomas, Supernova Ska Fest, the ska scene, a little bit about The World Cup, and Roger's new venture, Four City Brewing Company.
At 2 points in the conversation, my damn phone rang twice (robocalls of course), but I left those parts in because it was funny I thought. At the end of the episode...2018-06-2900 min