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“I’ll Be Bahk,” or….

what I learned on my Spring Fling

WIUP is the nearby college station that airs The Soul Show, about an hour from Pittsburgh. I was invited by media prof Dr. Gonzo to participate in their first 48-hour Vinylthon , coinciding with National Record Store Day. Having pre-recorded TSS since the outset of the pandemic, a live broadcast felt exciting and nostalgic, so saying no was impossible.


Reflections

  • As expected, every on-air studio is set up a little differently, and there’s a short learning curve.
  • The butterflies came back, just like they used to when I was an early live host.
  • Pre-production allows for seamless song transitions, but live vinyl is quirkier – both are good.
  • Lugging 35 records would have been hard, so I picked a lot of albums with multiple favorite tracks and/or extended tracks.
  • During host breaks, it felt intimate to actually call out the top-of-hour Station ID with call letters!
  • The three hours went quickly.
  • Not having archived the episode made it feel more precious.
  • I may go out to IUP a couple times per year to train back up on live broadcast, and I can’t wait for the ’25 Vinylthon.

Playlist

ArtistTrackAlbumRemarks
Booker T. & The MGsHang ‘Em HighSoul Limbo
Emma Donovan & The PutbacksBlack WomanDawnTSS album debut
Brian Auger’s Oblivion ExpressSecond WindLive Oblivion
The O’JaysFor The Love Of MoneyCollector’s Item (compilation)
The Allman Brothers BandIn Memory OfElizabeth ReedIdlewild South (half of my “Beginnings” compilation album)in memory of Dickey Betts
MandrillHang LooseComposite Truthflowing right into…
MandrillFencewalkComposite Truth
Dionne WarwickMake It Easy On YourselfVery Dionne
Bob Marley & The WailersNo Woman, No CryLive (at The Lyceum)flowing right into…
Bob Marley & The WailersI Shot The SheriffLive (at The Lyceum)
The Isley BrothersThat Lady3+3
Nation BeatForró de Trois AmigosThe Royal Chasea TSS debut for this band
The SupremesLove Childfrom a Motown compilation
Sly & The Family StoneHigherDance To The Music
Jimi HendrixWho KnowsBand Of Gypsysflowing right into…
Jimi HendrixMachine GunBand Of Gypsys(beginning of an all-Pittsburgh set, with Billy Cox on bass)
Betty DavisIf I’m In Luck (I Might Get Picked Up)Betty Davisfresh vinyl gifted by Betty’s bestie, Connie Portis (Pittsburgh)
George BensonThe World Is A GhettoIn FlightPittsburgh
Phyllis HymanThe Answer Is YouSomewhere In My LifetimePittsburgh
Captain SkyWonder WormThe Adventures Of
Rufus (feat. Chaka Khan)Please Pardon MeRufusizedflowing right into…
Rufus (feat. Chaka Khan)Stop On ByRufusized
The Allman Brothers BandWhipping PostThe Allman Brothers Band (half of my “Beginnings” compilation album)more Betts tribute
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian JacksonGuerillaThe First Minute Of A New Day
SlaveComing SoonThe Concept

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