5 years ago

Ep 36: Trigger Happy with Ben Weasel

Did we create a Frankenstein-esque monster when w…

Did we create a Frankenstein-esque monster when we created the 21st Century man and is he interesting enough to give him his own Netflix series? What are the BEST song-rhyming practices (according to Mr. T Experience’s Dr. Frank)? Why are millennials so obsessed with outdated musical formats? How can we continually strive to express the inexpressible through art—-and why should we keep up that fight (even as the world so dramatically crumbles around us)? What was it like to work with 80s New Wave icon Josie Cotton? Pretty good answers to all of these riveting queries are explored on today’s Sparkle and Destroy podcast, where I find myself quarantined with Ben Weasel as we chat about his rad new album, Some Freaks of Atavism! YES, pioneering Chicago pop punk Screeching Weasel can totally brag about being the first non-West Coast Band to join the ranks of the legendary LOOKOUT! Records clubhouse. Now, Ben Weasel can attempt another first: FIRST DUDE interviewee to plant his tattered flag on Sparkle and Destroy’s glittery moonscape (well, besides a few cameos by Dr. Cain). Yes, it’s one small step for this 21st Century man; one giant leap for formerly closeted pop punk feminists everywhere. Songs played on this episode: Losing My Mind Problematic Back of Your Head Turn it Around Not Even Close Brain in a Jar Listen to Some Freaks of Atavism: https://ffm.to/j2goknv Screeching Weasel updates: http://screechingweasel.com/news Listen to Hayley and the Crushers and get updates www.hayleyandthecrushers.com

5 years ago

Ep 35: Some Sort of Rock n Roll Jamie Radu of Pale Lips

The COVID 19 Apcolypse is upon us, but we’re stil…

The COVID 19 Apcolypse is upon us, but we’re still allowed to giggle, right? NOTE: This episode was recorded way before things went totally sideways. Our hearts go out to everyone dealing with this horrific pandemic and we hope this episode brightens your day a bit. Bass player and Reta Records Founder Jamie Radu calls in all the way from Montreal Canada for a few drinks and a whole lot of DIY music talk! We sure do have a peachy time catching up on her band, Pale Lips, what she’s currently listening to, the punk rock utility of a simple spreadsheet and why EVERYONE should own a rabbit. Played on this episode: Pale Lips tunes “Some Sort of Rock n Roll,” “You’re a Doll,” “The Kids” and “Doo-Wop Showaddywaddy” from their incredible Pale Lips album AFTER DARK (which you should go check out right this second. Go! Run! Now!). PALE LIPS: https://palelips.bandcamp.com RETA RECORDS: https://retarecords.bandcamp.com HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS Hayley and the Crushers’ new album, “Vintage Millennial” is out NOW on Eccentric Pop Records. Stream here: https://www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/new-release Due to the pandemic, Hayley and the Crushers tour dates have been postponed for the time being. Get updates at www.hayleyandthecrushers.com. Connect! [email protected] @hayleyandthecrushers on Instagram www.isyourboyfriendintheband.com

5 years ago

Ep 34: Alone in your room?

Welcome to 2020, officially THE FUTURE!!!! On thi…

Welcome to 2020, officially THE FUTURE!!!! On this episode, some inspiration for getting your art out of your head and into the real world. Also, Hayley's meeting with legendary KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, and hear the Crushers new single "Kiss Me So I Can." Hayley and the Crushers are on Tour Now! Jan. 31 - O'Sullivan's Pub, Santa Maria, Ca https://www.facebook.com/events/487864245157552/ Feb. 1 - Mercury Lounge, Goleta, Ca https://www.facebook.com/events/2513671345588004/ www.hayleyandthecrushers.com Email the podcast! [email protected]

5 years ago

Ep 33: K Bye, 2019! - Sparkle in the Van

Hayley ordered a glass of tequila and country dan…

Hayley ordered a glass of tequila and country danced with 1970s Real Estate Agent Santa! Dr. Cain won #1 Grand Champion on the Twilight Zone Pinball (his white whale)! Our window spontaneously combusted! Yep, it's a Sparkle in the Van holiday special! Wishing you an amazing 2020. Thanks for listening! Hayley and the Crushers new album Vintage Millennial drops 1-21-20! (Disregard Hayley's error in the intro, she's bad with important dates). Enjoy Hayley and the Crushers new single, "Gabbie is a Domme" at the top of the episode. Pre-order the LP and tee from Eccentric Pop Records until 12-31-19! PRE-ORDER HERE https://eccentricpop.bigcartel.com/product/lp-t-shirt-pre-order-hayley-and-the-crushers-vintage-millennial Hayley and the Crushers is on tour now Friday 1-31 O'sullivan's Pub - Santa Maria, CA Saturday 2-1 Mercury Lounge - Goleta, CA More show and album release info: www.hayleyandthecrushers.com

5 years ago

Ep: 32 Death by Coney Dog - Sparkle in the Van

Pour some coney on meeeeeee (in the name of chub)…

Pour some coney on meeeeeee (in the name of chub)! The conclusion of Hayley and Dr. Cain's "Sparkle in the Van" series: No Coast Tour edition. We've traveled 8,000 miles in total on this trip and consumed 8,000 pounds of meat (OK, it just kinda feels that way). On this episode, we, learn about Dr. Cain's "Saddest Halloween Costume Ever," Hayley's fateful meeting with Dan Vapid and Ben Weasel, the glory of super old bowling alleys, who jumped off a tree stump like a CHAMP, our new obsession with "loose hamburger," and which Elks Lodge we won't be visiting ever again. Also, hear Hayley and the Crushers new single, Poison Box https://open.spotify.com/track/2D12LjPK0NYWrhqArh17GE?si=WAXu7N1eRKC5RtZJz7-YTw Hayley and the Crushers are on Tour! Friday, Dec. 13 - Lucky Liquor - Seattle, WA Saturday, Dec. 14 - Twilight Cafe - Portland, OR Learn more! www.hayleyandthecrushers.com Contact the podcast [email protected] @hayleyandthecrushers on Instagram

5 years ago

Ep 31: Too Old for this Burrito - Sparkle in the Van

Episode 31: Van Life - Too Old For This Burrito …

Episode 31: Van Life - Too Old For This Burrito A special edition of the podcast recorded from the road during Hayley’s vantastic voyages across the United States of America! Featuring her co-pilot Dr. Reid Cain Esquire (the dogs have been left with granda and grandpa). In this episode, we travel from Colororado to Nebraska and reflect on the Denver area shows. We are also too old for Chubby’s famous Mexican hamburger burrito. Learn why Dr. Cain lives by the old addage: “Buy a man a fish and he eats for a day. Buy a man a large pizza and he will eat for the rest of his life!” It will make sense when you hear the episode. I think? Hayley and the Crushers is on tour across the midwest! 10-17 Ferndale, MI - The Loving Touch 10-18 Columbus, OH - Tree Bar 10-19 Fort Wayne, IN - The Glory Hub 10-20 Madison, WI - Crucible Madison 10-24 St. Louis, MO - Fubar 10-25 Chicago, IL - Reed's Local 10-26 Indianapolis, IN - Melody Inn Learn more: www.hayleyandthecrushers.com @hayleyandthecrushers

5 years ago

Ep 30: She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy - Sparkle in the Van

A special edition of the podcast recorded from th…

A special edition of the podcast recorded from the road during Hayley’s vantastic voyages across the United States of America! Featuring her co-pilot Dr. Reid Cain Esquire and road dogs Mavis Crusher and Peyton Manning. Expect weird facts, random thoughts and lots of diner coffee! Look for future Van Life episodes coming soon. Hayley and the Crushers is on tour in Colorado and across the midwest! 10-2 Carbondale, CO - Black Nugget 10-4 Denver, CO - Streets of Denver 10-6 Denver, CO - Nude City Relief Center (all ages) 10-9 Fort Collins, CO - Surfside 7 10-17 Ferndale, MI - The Loving Touch 10-18 Columbus, OH - Tree Bar 10-19 Fort Wayne, IN - The Glory Hub 10-20 Madison, WI - Crucible Madison 10-24 St. Louis, MO - Fubar 10-25 Chicago, IL - Reed's Local 10-26 Indianapolis, IN - Melody Inn Learn more: www.hayleyandthecrushers.com @hayleyandthecrushers Contact the podcast at [email protected]

5 years ago

Episode 29: Punkette in a One Horse Town w/ Madelyn "Lucy Mad" Ropner

I bumped into today's guest Madelyn “Lucy Mad” Ro…

I bumped into today's guest Madelyn “Lucy Mad” Ropner,” vocalist of the late 70s San Luis Obispo, CA punk band Publik Enema, at an X show in Morro Bay California in July 2019. She was holding a flier that was some 40 years old. Being a fellow punkette in a one horse town, I had to hear the story behind the flier—especially about how her band had helped bring LA bands like X to the region way back when. Luckily for us, Lucy Mad was down to come over with a stack of zines, and a lot of crazy stories to tell! We had a grand time and she spun some long yarns about punk rock, drugs, leopard print, small town shows, and DIY. Whether or not you grew up in a small town or not, I think you will totally enjoy this episode, which also features the Rotter’s tune, “Sit on My Face Stevie Nix.” Unfortunately, none of Lucy Mad’s music can be found online—it’s all gathering dust on reel-to-reel (someone better get on that). Read more about this story and see photos from back in the day at http://www.isyourboyfriendintheband.com/blog/2019/9/18/punkette-in-a-one-horse-town-episode-29 Contact: [email protected] @hayleyandthecrushers @sparkleanddestroypod Hayley and the Crushers are on tour now! www.hayleyandthecrushers.com Oct 02 The Black Nugget Carbondale, CO Oct 04 Streets Denver Denver, CO Oct 06 Nude City Relief Center Denver, CO Oct 09 Surfside 7 Fort Collins, CO Oct 17 The Loving Touch Ferndale, MI Oct 18 The Tree Bar Columbus, OH Oct 20 Crucible Madison Madison, WI Oct 24 Fubar St Louis, MO Oct 25 Reed's Local Chicago, IL Oct 26 Melody Inn Indianapolis, IN Dec 13 Funhouse Seattle, WA Dec 14 Twilight Cafe & Bar Portland, OR

5 years ago

Episode 28: Pop Punk as Self Care w/ Superfan Kelsey Weasel

How many Kelsey Weasels does it take to screw in …

How many Kelsey Weasels does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Trick question! She snuck in and got the damn thing replaced yesterday. Naughty by nature? Kelsey Weasel (aka Kelsey Boyer) is HELFUL by nature! Seriously. She is the gal you want to call when your car breaks down, your kickstarter is in a slump or (god forbid) you run out of Maltort (or as my ignorant West Coast ass likes to call it, Mahlortz) Today, we talk about Kelsey's important work with Planned Parenthood (she served as online & community organizer from November 2016-October 2018), the joys of superfandom, becoming an engaged and active participant in the world of art, how to avoid burnout when trying to save the world, and the self-care release that is our shared (and totally not guilty) pleasure, 90s pop punk band Screeching Weasel! OK, we just talk a bunch about Screeching Weasel the whole time. Sue us. Warning: This episode contains frank discussion of the good, the bad and the ugly: Ben Weasel. Yep. We’re just two liberated feminists talking about how we let loose by doing the groin-o-rama in lieu of the age old “glass of wine and a bubble bath!” What would Betty Friedan say? Ah, she'd prolly do the groin-o-rama with us! This episode features the new Hayley and the Crushers song "I Don't Wanna be like Johnny Ramone," which will be released on their new album Vintage Millennial courtesy of Eccentric Pop Records this winter 2019. It also features the Screeching Weasel song "Outside of You" and The Riverdales song "Gemini Man." Hayley and the Crushers is on tour now! For info go to www.hayleynandthecrushers.com Contact the podcast at [email protected]. Mentioned on this episode: Support Planned Parenthood! https://www.plannedparenthood.org Jughead’s Basement https://jugheadsbasementtnh.podomatic.com/ Ben Weasel's Twitch Channel https://www.twitch.tv/benweasel27/videos Die Nasty (Seattle) https://dienastyseattle.bandcamp.com/ Ex-Kids https://ex-kids.bandcamp.com/releases The Dummy Room https://thedummyroom.podbean.com/

5 years ago

Episode 27: 99 Projects w/ The Mysterious Jen Dot

Do you have 99 projects and a bitch aint one? Thi…

Do you have 99 projects and a bitch aint one? This girl does! The all-powerful songwriter/guitarist/reincarnated cat Jen Dot (aka Jennifer Larson aka Imma Dot aka Mystery Teacher of the Year) won my heart when, after our show together in Chicago last April, she gifted me a stack of her various band's many cassettes and a homemade zine. As Jen reminded me, it’s TOTALLY OK to have 99 projects! It’s true: Jen hasn't met a punk project she didn't want to tackle. In fact, she has so many exciting ideas (including a really cool book on 70s punk female musicians that I personally cannot wait to devour), she can actually procrastinate on one project merely by switching over to another project! I know a lot of artists who deal with these same kind of struggles (not bad struggles to have), so I hope our conversation helps to inspire you to finish that thing you’ve been putting off or maybe even start a new thing, if you’re so inclined. Jen also talks about what really drives her: the desire to DO while she CAN and to BE HERE NOW. It’s easier said than done, don’t you think? Jen is, of course, the reluctant leader of a few really good rad Chicago area bands, including Beastii, Das Dotz (formerly known as Jen and the Dots), and Swimsuit Addition. You’ll hear from the first two on this episode, so listen till the end! Find out more about Jen’s creative whims at her website Disappearing Media. www.disappearingmedia.com Follow one facet of her musical journey @Beastii on Instagram Do'n’t forget to check out her blog Punkette Respect! https://punketterespect.tumblr.com HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS IS ON TOUR NOW July 26 in Portland, OR - Twilight Cafe July 27 in Seattle - Funhouse More Show Dates and Info Here: www.hayleyandthecrushers.com/ THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY BLUE DIAMOND COLORADO ROAST DOG FOOD, THE WORST COMIC BOOK IN THE WORLD: DC COMICS "LADY COP", AND CASSETTE TOILETS.