Shows
Living in Hi-FiBongo Rock by Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo BandThis week we feature the source material of some of the most influential tracks in hip-hop.
2017-08-1936 min
Living in Hi-FiAion by Dead Can DanceDo you sometimes expect whistles and instead it's flutes? Yeah, same.
2017-08-0831 min
Living in Hi-FiCowboy Favorites by Clint EastwoodWhat is a dogie, anyway? Cowboy Favorites LP on Real Gone Music Cowboy Favorites on AppleMusic Music of Clint Eastwood on Wikipedia Dogie on Free Dictionary The King of Tears on Malcom Gladwell's Revisionist History Podcast Clint Eastwood Sings on Rawhide on YouTube
2017-08-0125 min
Living in Hi-FiBelly Dance from Lebanon by Omar Khorshid and His Magic GuitarThis week we bring you magic (psychedelic) guitar from Lebanon Belly Dance from Lebanon on Amazon Omar Khorshid on Wikipedia Omar Khorshid Fan Website Omar Khorshid Solo Guitar on YouTube
2017-07-2423 min
Living in Hi-FiMusic for an Arabian Night by Ron Goodwin and His OrchestraThis album has nothing to do with Middle Eastern music ... or does it?
2017-07-1729 min
Living in Hi-FiMaggot Brain by FunkadelicWe straighten out once and for all these eleventeen million of George Clinton projects, or at least we try.
2017-07-1031 min
Living in Hi-FiBattle Hymn of the RepublicHappy 4th of July! Nothing says patriotism like racism and suppressing civil rights. Wait, what?
2017-07-0327 min
Living in Hi-FiCugat Cavalcade by Xavier Cugat and His OrchestraA solid compilation of one of our favorite latin style big band artists.
2017-06-1920 min
Living in Hi-FiDance Again by Edmundo Ros and His OrchestraSome good old hi-fi shenanigans featuring sound zooming across channels, and lots of cha-cha-cha!
2017-06-1221 min
Living in Hi-FiVelvet Carpet by The George Shearing QuintetWe're considering renaming this podcast "The Dinner Music Podcast." What do you think?
2017-06-0520 min
Living in Hi-FiSigns of the Zodiac: GeminiHappy birthday, Geminis! Here's your psychedelic horoscope.
2017-05-2920 min
Living in Hi-FiHarp by Harpo MarxWe're going to Hollywood! This week we feature serious harp playing by a legendary comedian.
2017-05-2219 min
Living in Hi-FiHypnotique by Korla PanditExotica gets meta in this episode! You won't want to miss the biography of this artist! Korla Pandit on Wikipedia Korla Pandit Bio on Fan Webpage Korla Documentary Teaser for Korla Documentary Korla Pandit Cameo on Ed Wood
2017-05-1524 min
Living in Hi-Fi3:47 by KlaatuSlightly psychedelic prog rock allegedly recorded by The Beatles. Spoiler alert: nope, but still, recommended listening!
2017-05-0820 min
Living in Hi-FiMadness by MadnessWelcome to the 80s and songs about houses! It's the Living in Hi-Fi version of VH1 "Where are They Now?"
2017-05-0117 min
Living in Hi-FiRain Forest by Walter WanderleyA staple of our easy listening collection! Upbeat, loungey, bossa nova and pop on a Hammond organ.
2017-04-2420 min
Living in Hi-FiFolk Songs for the 21st Century by Sheldon AllmanThis week we feature post-apocalyptic satire from an era we more often recognize for its optimism. Folk Songs for the 21st Century on AppleMusic Folk Songs for the 21st Century on Amazon Folk Songs for the 21st Century on Radioactive Green LP Sheldon Allman on Wikipedia
2017-04-1720 min
Living in Hi-FiSail Out by Lord Cody and the CoralitesYou're probably not on vacation in the Caribbean right now, but you can imagine that you are listening to this album! Listen: Sail Out on Discogs More information: Baby's on Fire Record Cafe in Baltimore, MD Video: Lord Cody and the Coralites
2017-04-1023 min
Living in Hi-FiThank You, Music Lovers by Spike JonesIn honor of April Fools' Day we discuss puns, satire, and fart noises. Listen: Best of Spike Jones on AppleMusic Best of Spike Jones on Amazon More information: Spike Jones on Wikipedia Video: Der Fuehrer's Face Sabre Dance
2017-04-0323 min
Living in Hi-FiRecorded in Rio de Janeiro by Herbie Mann and João GilbertoThe best in American-Brazilian bossa nova collaboration. We only bust on Stan Getz a little bit.
2017-03-2729 min
Living in Hi-FiHeads Up! by Baja Marimba BandWherein we profess our undying love of 1960s A&M (despite it being problematic). Maybe Herb Alpert is over the top for you, you need something more chill? Baja Marimba Band is the answer! More information: Baja Marimba Band on Wikipedia Julius Wechter on Wikipedia LIHF Episode 35: Winchester Cathedral by The New Vaudeville Singers LIHF Episode 25: Going Places by Herb Alpert Video: Baja Marimba Band on Hollywood Palace with Herb Alpert
2017-03-2023 min
Living in Hi-FiStar Wars and Other Galactic Funk by MecoScience-fiction themes, atom punk, listener request, oh yeah and DISCO... this episode has it all. Listen: Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk on AppleMusic Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk on Amazon More information: Meco on Wikipedia Meco Interview on Disco Disco
2017-03-1323 min
Living in Hi-FiMagic Sword Volume 1This album is outside of our normal easy listening because it is both a new release and EPIC. It's got a comic book that accompanies it and musicians veiled in anonymity. We're so into it and hope you are too. Listen: Magic Sword Store Volume 1 on AppleMusic More information: Official Website Shay Plummer Interview on The Seventh Hex Tender Loving Empire Video: Sword of Truth Live at Treeport 2016
2017-03-0622 min
Living in Hi-FiCalypso Classics from Trinidad by Wilmoth HoudiniWe discovered Wilmoth Houdini way back in episode seven! This album is a compilation of Calypso music recorded in the 1930s. Listen: Wilmoth Houdini on AppleMusic Wilmoth Houdini on WFMU More information: Wilmoth Houdini on Wikipedia Episode 7 Living in Hi-Fi Video: "Bobby Sox Idol" sampled by The Avalanches "Frankie Sinatra" by the Avalanches
2017-02-2721 min
Living in Hi-FiEncore by John GaryA new to us crooner found via digital and acquired on vinyl. You'll love his wide range and clear tones covering some lovely vocal standards. Listen: Encore on AppleMusic Encore on Amazon More information: John Gary on Wikipedia Tribute Website Video: Poor Butterfly with Arthur Godfrey and Dorothy Collins from Hollywood Palace TV show
2017-02-2020 min
Living in Hi-FiHer Nibs by Georgia GibbsThis album looks like it might be a romantic pick for Valentine's Day. Is it? And what exactly is a nib anyway? Listen: "Her Nibs" on Amazon More information: Georgia Gibbs on Wikipedia Video: Medley of Million Sellers
2017-02-1320 min
Living in Hi-FiAfternoon in Paris by Stephane GrappelliSome cheerful hot jazz violin will cure what ails ya. Listen: Afternoon in Paris on AppleMusic Afternoon in Paris on Amazon More information: Stephane Grappelli on Wikipedia 1989 Interview on NPR Video: Quintette du Hot Club du France Stephane Grappellie playing "Nuage" by Django Reinhardt with Julian Bream
2017-02-0628 min
Living in Hi-FiWinchester Cathedral by The New Vaudeville BandA certain podcast host loves some affected man-singing voices, but does she love fake megaphone songs? Tune in this week for a novelty hit plus random songs from the 60s with vaudevillian affect. Listen: Winchester Cathedral on AppleMusic Winchester Cathedral on Amazon More information: New Vaudeville Band on Wikipedia See us at the Baltimore Record Bazaar! Video: New Vaudeville Band at the Hollywood Palace Mr. Show Monsters of Megaphone
2017-01-3026 min
Living in Hi-FiSamba '68 by Marcos ValleYou are in for the most precious husband and wife duo, ever, and perhaps the best Brazilian bossa nova album recorded in the US. Listen: Samba 68 on AppleMusic Samba 68 on Amazon More information: Marcos Valle on Wikipedia Marcos Valle on VinylFactory Video: Marcos Valle and Quarteto Em Cy on Andy Williams Show
2017-01-2322 min
Living in Hi-FiSavage Island by the BomborasWe thought this would be an exotica album but it's some lo-fi punk surf rock revival. Fire up your tiki torches anyway and have a listen! Listen: Savage Island on AppleMusic Savage Island on Amazon More information: The Bomboras on Wikipedia Video: The Bomboras Live 1997
2017-01-1618 min
Living in Hi-FiCheerful Little Earful by Johnny GuarnieriWe got this album in a super roundabout way, but we finally got it! Some swinging intrepretations of jazz standards by a prolific, but under-recognized pianist. Listen: Cheerful Little Earful on AppleMusic More information: Johhny Guarnieri on Wikipedia Johnny Guarnieri on JazzProfiles Blog Video: Maple Leaf Rag in 5/4
2017-01-0914 min
Living in Hi-FiPamyu Pamyu Revolution by Kyary Pamyu PamyuKawaii! Harajuku! J-Pop! We shake things up a little with a newer release. Apparently this business went viral in 2011 but we're nerds so we're just finding out about it now via listener contribution. Listen: Pamyu Pamyu Revolution on Amazon Pamyu Pamyu Revolution on AppleMusic More information: Official Site Kyary Pamyu Pamyu on Wikipedia Video: Ponponpon Candy Candy
2017-01-0221 min
Living in Hi-FiChristmas 2001: A Space Age Adventure by Flo PriceTeaser: Truly, this album has all the warning signs of being terrible. Christmas in the distant future of 2001, missionaries to outer space (?), low budget children's music… But it's actually pretty good! More information: Christmas 2001 on Discogs 2001 Songbook (put on the show for yourself!) Ralph Carmichael Video: "Robots" Flight of the Conchords
2016-12-2616 min
Living in Hi-FiA Merry Mancini Christmas by Henry ManciniPart two of our holiday series, we bring you a low-key, yet festive Christmas album from movie composer extraordinaire, Henry Mancini. Listen: A Merry Mancini Christmas on AppleMusic A Merry Mancini Christmas on Amazon More information: Henry Mancini on Wikipedia Henry Mancini on Space Age Pop A Carol for Another Christmas (on TCM)
2016-12-1917 min
Living in Hi-FiWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by Ray Conniff and the Ray Conniff SingersPerhaps the quintessential Christmas album? We encourage you to start your own Ray Conniff style caroling flash mob and take advantage of these extraordinarily festive arrangements of classic holiday songs. Listen: We Wish You a Merry Christmas on AppleMusic We Wish You a Merry Christmas on Amazon More information: Ray Conniff on Wikipedia Ray Conniff International Fan Page Ray Conniff on Space-Age Pop Video: Christmas TV Special
2016-12-1217 min
Living in Hi-Fi3rd Festival da Música Popular BrasilieraIt's a special birthday episode! To celebrate co-host Steve's birthday, we count down the top four songs from the 3rd Festival Da Music Popular Brasiliera from 1967, via the 3-LP collection. Stay tuned for a most epic geek-out about Brazilian music and history. Listen: Uma Noite Em 67 Documentary DVD on Amazon More information: Caetano Veloso on Wikipedia Chico Buarque on Wikipedia Gilberto Gil on Wikipedia Edu Lobo on Wikipedia Órfãos do Loronix Video: Caetano Veloso - Alegria Alegria Caetano Veloso - Alegria Alegria (another version) Chico Buarque & MPB4 - Roda Viva Fernanda Port...
2016-12-0549 min
Living in Hi-FiElektra Folk SamplerA listener request brings us folk songs from all over the world and we trace the path of a one-man recording operation to booming multimedia empire. More information: Elektra Records on Wikipedia The Elektra Story by David Edwards, Mike Callahan and Patrice Eyries Follow the Music by Jac Holzman, et. al. Video: Los Gitanillos de Cadiz
2016-11-2826 min
Living in Hi-FiGoing Places by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana BrassA staple of your local thrift store-dollar bin, and a long-time favorite artist of Living in Hi-Fi, Herb Alpert! All the upbeat, easy-listening brass you can handle, and some trivia about Herb Alpert's diverse artistic interests. Listen: Going Places on AppleMusic Going Places on Amazon Going Places LP on Music Direct More information: Herb Alpert on Wikipedia Video: Silly Animated Short featuring "Spanish Flea" and "Tijuana Taxi" 1967 BBC Special
2016-11-2128 min
Living in Hi-FiReturn of the Parche by Steve JordanOn this week's episode, we feature a listener contribution! Pour yourself a margarita and settle in for some lively Tex-Mex accordion. Listen: Return of El Parche on AppleMusic Return of El Parche on Amazon More information: Steve Jordan on Wikipedia Steve Jordan on NPR Video: Steve Jordan in Born in East LA
2016-11-1424 min
Living in Hi-FiRagtime Jug Stompers by Dave van RonkThis album could totally have been made today by some earnest hipsters. It could be you and your neighbor who home-brews playing jugs and washboards on the porch. But no! It's from 1964. A playful and timeless album of early jazz, blues, and folk tunes. Listen: Ragtime Jug Stompers on AppleMusic Ragtime Jug Stompers on Amazon More information: Dave van Ronk on Wikipedia Video: Dave Van Ronk "St James Infirmary" for Folkways
2016-11-0717 min
Living in Hi-FiBlues for Dracula by Philly Joe Jones SextetWe love Halloween! A rather silly impression of Bela Lugosi as Dracula introduces a solid hard bop jazz album from 1958. Listen: Blues for Dracula on AppleMusic Blues for Dracula on Amazon More information: Philly Joe Jones on Wikipedia Video: Drum Solo (maybe with Thelonius Monk?)
2016-10-3121 min
Living in Hi-FiWest Side Story's Dynamic George ChakirisGeorge Chakiris is a highly underrated vocalist. Best known for his role as Bernardo in West Side Story, in this self-titled album, George Chakiris sings effortless renditions of some pop standards. Listen: George Chakiris on AppleMusic More information: George Chakiris on Wikipedia George Chakiris Sterling Silver Jewelry Video: Opening Scene of Young Girls of Rochefort "America" from West Side Story
2016-10-2416 min
Living in Hi-FiSoftly by Wanda SáWanda Sá (AKA Wanda de Sah) has the quintessential bossa nova singing voice: so sweet and gentle! It's showcased beautifully in this American production on Capital from 1965. Listen: Softly! on AppleMusic Brasil '65/Softly! on Amazon More information: Wanda Sá on Wikipedia Wanda Sá on NPR Video: Agua De Beber Wanda Sa with Roberto Menescal "Telefone"
2016-10-1717 min
Living in Hi-FiThe Joy of Belly Dancing by George AbdoLet's head to the 1970s, the golden era for… belly dance? Indeed! This classic belly dance album that could be considered early "world fusion" with its traditional songs from the Middle East repackaged for American night clubs. Listen: Joy of Belly Dancing on AppleMusic Joy of Belly Dancing on Amazon Joy of Belly Dancing LP on Smithsonian Folkways More information: About Juliana on the Occidental Dancer Liner notes from Smithsonian Folkways release Video: My friend, Shems, choreography to Misirlou A lovely performance to Ya Mustapha by Naima
2016-10-1024 min
Living in Hi-FiVolume 4 for Living in Hi-FiListening to records isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. A selection from RCA victor's Hi-Fi Living series sets the mood for lounging and romance. More information: For Hi-Fi Living (blog post series)
2016-10-0317 min
Living in Hi-FiThe Surfers at High TideYou'd think that by this album cover, you're in for some surf rock, but in fact, you'll find a collection of exotica themed pop songs with traditional Hawaiian vocal stylizations and sweet harmony. Easy listening for your next luau! Listen: The Surfers at High Tide on AppleMusic The Surfers at High Tide on Amazon More information: The Surfers on Oldies Connection The Surfers on Heros 5-0 Video: Not The Surfers you are looking for, but amazing nonetheless.
2016-09-2618 min
Living in Hi-FiFoggy Mountain Banjo by Flatt and ScruggsShredding on the banjo? Yeah, that's a thing. Let's take a trip to Appalachia with some instrumental bluegrass from 1961 by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Listen: Foggy Mountain Banjo on Amazon Best of Flatt and Scruggs TV Show on DVD More information: Earl Scruggs on Wikipedia Lester Flatt on Wikipedia Video: Flatt & Scruggs on Grand Ole Opry
2016-09-1914 min
Living in Hi-FiLook Around by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66One of our all-time favorite albums! A staple of our collection from A&M records, Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 perfectly fuse bossa nova and american pop. Stellar arrangement and crystal clear lady vocals make this album shine. Listen: Look Around on AppleMusic Look Around on Amazon More information: Look Around on Wikipedia Sérgio Mendes on Wikipedia Video: Sergio Mendes on "Hollywood Palace" with host Herb Alpert
2016-09-1222 min
Living in Hi-FiDancing at the Grosvenor House by Sydney Lipton and His OrchestraThis week we deliver a charming collection of foxtrots and such for dancing or for a simply sophisticated evening at home via London's long-time dance band leader, Sydney Lipton. Listen: Sweet Harmony & Dancing at the Grosvenor House on AppleMusic Sydney Lipton on Wikipedia Sydney Lipton on AllMusic More Information: Stay at the Grosvenor House The Grosvenor House on Wikipedia Video: NPF ball at the Grosvenor House
2016-09-0516 min
Living in Hi-FiRhapsody in White by The Love Unlimited OrchestraThere's more to Barry White than just his sexy baritone voice. This episode, we check out his masterful and funky proto-disco instrumental arrangements. Listen: Rhapsody in White on AppleMusic More Information: Love Unlimited Orchestra Barry White Monster Mini Golf Video: Live on Soul Train
2016-08-2915 min
Living in Hi-FiCha-Cha on the Rocks by The John Buzon TrioHave we mentioned that we love cha-cha? And Hammond organs? This rare release from 1959 on Liberty is the height of Latin-flavored easy listening with its nonchalant solos and minimalist instrumentation. Listen: John Buzon Trio on AppleMusic Ultra-Lounge on Wikipedia The Tonga Room
2016-08-2217 min
Living in Hi-FiTwist by Fats and the ChessmanCome on everybody, let's do the twist! But in a really low budget kind of way. This 1962 album insists that you enjoy the first international dance craze. Listen: Twist on AppleMusic More information: The Twist dance Somerset Records Video: Peppermint Twist by Joey Dee and the Starliters
2016-08-1512 min
Living in Hi-FiMambo by Yma SumacAn exotica staple! Yma Sumac is most recognized for her extraordinary five octave vocal range. This diva is an Incan princess (true!) and her talent is showcased in traditional and not-so traditional latin music and backed by a hollywood-style orchestra. Listen: Mambo on Apple Music More information: Official Bio Yma Sumac on Wikipedia Buddies Lounge Podcast Video: Yma Sumac's Vocal Range Yms Sumac on David Letterman, 1987
2016-08-0818 min
Living in Hi-FiFrankie Yankovic and HIs Yanks' Greatest HitsDo you like polka? Beer? Did you steal the keeshka? What is a keeshka, anyway? Answers to all these questions and more as we check out the best of Frankie Yankovic. Listen: Frankie Yankovic on AppleMusic More information: Frankie Yankovic on Wikipedia Polka on Wikipedia I stole the Keeshka T-Shirt: Ladies or Unisex Video: Pennsylvania Polka as featured in Groundhog Day Frankie Yankovic & Weird Al Yankovic
2016-08-0116 min
Living in Hi-FiGetz au Go Go by the New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud GilbertoYou can't really go wrong with a Verve recording! This episode's featured album will appeal to both jazz lovers and bossa nova fans. We'll share with you a great introduction to Brazilian music of the 1950s and 60s. Listen: Apple Music Vinyl from Music Direct More information: Astrud Gilberto Stan Getz Bossa Nova Getz/Gilberto Album Video: Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto performing the Girl from Ipanema
2016-07-2524 min
Living in Hi-FiWildflower by the AvalanchesThis is our first time featuring a review of a new release on the podcast! As lovers of old funky records, we have mad respect for the Avalanches whose love of music is obvious in their ability to scout out only the most awesome bits of obscure music and show it off in groovy new compositions. Even if you think you're not into electronic music, we bet you'll dig the psychedelic feel of Wildflower. Listen: Wildflower on Apple Music Order the LP from the Avalanches Chandra 1980 on Bandcamp
2016-07-1827 min
Living in Hi-FiAt the Organ Grinder, Volume 1In this episode we learn that Pizza and Pipes was apparently a thing in the pacific northwest in the 1970s? Who knew. This episode may give you nightmares due to the shaky audio transfer or creepy movie themes or both. Browse Northwest Organists page for more about: Paul Quarino, David Lee, Jonas Nordwall, and Don Simmons David Michael Lee Way out Wednesday: At the Organ Grinder Vol. 2 on Pop Dose Pipe Organ Pizzerias Briefly Explained at Serious Eats Video: Organ Grinder Pizza Commercial David Lee at the...
2016-07-1118 min
Living in Hi-FiFolk Songs from the Tyrol by Inge and Rudi MeixnerYodeling gets a bad rap. It really can be quite lovely. We cheerfully sing along with chickens and things that sound like amusement park ride theme songs and you should too. Or at least that baby chicken song is going to be stuck in your head wether you like it or not. More information: Billboard, December 24, 1966. Westminster Satellite series announced Yodeling on Wikipedia Yodel-Ay-Ee-Oooo: The Secret History of Yodeling Around the World by Bart Plantenga "One Little Spark" by the Sherman Brothers on Apple Music Video: M...
2016-07-0414 min
Living in Hi-FiTche Belew by Hailu Mergia and the Walias BandTurns out that this episode's featured artist is a local DC treasure. We'll introduce you to some super funky, 1970s Ethiopian jams by Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band. Listen: Buy Hailu Mergia Albums from Awesome Tapes from Africa More Information: Hailu Mergia Official Facebook Page Hailu Mergia and his Classical Instrument Review on Pitchfork Beirut (the band) Video: Interview/Documentary by Far Out Sounds
2016-06-2713 min
Living in Hi-FiMr. Bongo by Jack CostanzoThis cha-cha album goes by many names in multiple releases. You'll love Mr. Bongo, Mr. Piano, and lively vocals, too. Listen: Buy Mr. Bongo Plays Cha-Cha-Cha on Amazon (same track list, different release) Jack Costanzo on Apple Music More Information: Jack Costanzo on Wikipedia Review of Learn-Play Bongos Video: Jack Costanzo at 95 playing congas
2016-06-2016 min
Living in Hi-FiGuantanamera by the SandpipersSpanish language easy listening versions of pop songs? Why? Why not?! This episode features a classic recording from our extensive collection of A&M records. Listen: Guantanamera on Apple Music Buy Guantanamera on Amazon More Information: The Sandpipers on Wikipedia The Sandpipers Guantanamera on Way Back Attack Roberta typeface for your 60s design needs Video: Sandpipers - La Bamba (a very earnest rendition)
2016-06-1319 min
Living in Hi-FiThe Fiddling Viking by Svend Asmussen and his Dancing StringsThis episode features a 1959 recording by Danish violinist Svend Asmussen. We name drop some other hot jazz violinists, and talk about our eclectic record collection. Audio: Download The Fiddling Viking on Amazon Svend Asmussen on Apple Music More Information: Svend Asmussen on Wikipedia "Svend Asmussen: Phenomenal Jazz Fiddler" by Richard Brooks for Fiddler Magazine The "Svendex" (a fan page) Video: Swe-Danes - Georgia Camp Meeting Eddie Lang with Joe Venuti - Dinah Stuff Smith - Skip It
2016-06-0616 min