http://rvanews.com We've got hooves and horns like a minotaur Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:59:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en The Bopst show. We've got hooves and horns like a minotaur Chris Bopst Richmond, Virginia, music, Chris Bopst, RVANews yes RVANews info@rvanews.com http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-11/ http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-11/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:05:28 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=5395 http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-11/feed/ Listen Subscribe iTunes: The Bopst show podcast Everything else: The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 11 Of all the the songs that I have crammed into the now 11 episodes I have done for this wondrous site, the song that people have asked me most about is, “Niggers Are Scared of Revolution” by the Last Poets (featured on episode #7). “Jesus, Chris, do you have something against black people?” I was asked recently echoing the sentiment that has been conveyed to me by several listeners of this program, “Those guys must say nigger a million times in that song”. First off, and this should be painfully evident to those of you familiar with my show, I have no problem whatsoever with people of darker skin pigmentation. To be perfectly frank, I think discussions of race are pointless because we, myself included, are all equally worthless. My problem with the KKK has always been that their hate is narrow-minded because if you can’t hate yourself, how can you possibly hate anyone else? All joking aside, I believe that we should finally heed the words of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and judge a man, woman or child by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. The idea that I would dislike anyone solely because of the color their skin is preposterous. Those of you unfortunate enough to know me personally can surely attest that a don’t have a racist bone in my body and I find it funny that any of you would suggest (even in jest) anything to the contrary. And the tune isn’t new either as some people have asked. As I stated on the initial post, the song was recorded in 1970. Here is some history on the groundbreaking group: Shortly after the death of Martin Luther King, The Last Poets were born. David Nelson, Gylan Kain, and Abiodun Oyewole, were born on the anniversary of Malcolm X’s birthday May 19, 1968 in Marcus Garvey Park. They grew from three poets and a drummer to seven young black and Hispanic artists: David Nelson, Gylan Kain, Abiodun Oyewole, Felipe Luciano, Umar Bin Hassan, Jalal Nurridin, and Suliamn El Hadi (Gil Scott Heron was never a member of the group). They took their name from a poem by South African poet Willie Kgositsile, who posited the necessity of putting aside poetry in the face of looming revolution. Almost 40 years later, this tune still makes people uncomfortable. To me, that is a testament to it’s greatness. The importance of the group’s work can not be overstated and they stand as one of most influential groups of great American 20th century music making. Their gratuitous use of universally reviled racial slur is sure to offend today as much as it did way back in 1970, but when you listen to in in the context of their work, you understand why they choose to use such inflammatory rhetoric. They were pissed. Not pissed in a juvenile need to offend, but pissed with a righteousness over the plight of black America during that turbulent era. They were Malcolm X with beats. Even if you only have a cursory understanding of black history in America, this articulation of rage, perfectly justifiable rage by any stretch of the imagination, shouldn’t surprise you. The fact that they blamed blacks themselves (in part) for for their plight is what makes this particular tune such a jarring listen but, regardless of color, the lesson I get from not only this song but their entire body of work is the importance of personal responsibility. And to me, that is a lesson we all need to live by. You can’t have freedom without responsibility. They are one in the same. Until that lesson is learned, we all are going to be scared of revolution. Speaking of responsible folks, my friend and comrade Nicolai Creatore is manning the kitchen at the recently reopened Patrick Henry Inn on Church Hill (23rd and Broad St.). Having worked side by side with the man for 5 years during his tenure at Millie’s Diner, I can personally attest to [...] It has a strange allure ... Chris Bopst 1:01 Chris Bopst, Richmond, Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-10/ http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-10/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:11:58 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=5298 http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-10/feed/ Listen Subscribe iTunes: The Bopst show podcast Everything else: The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 10 It’s too bad Bill Hicks isn’t around anymore. He nailed truth with a vengeance. The opening bit of his (“Rush Limbaugh”) that opens the 10th edition of the Bopst Show here on RVA News is taken from his posthumous release, “Rant In E Minor”. I strongly suggest seeking that recording out because even though Hicks left this earth in February of 1994, his biting comedic insights are still relevant today. The man was right about everything. Maybe it is a good thing he no longer amongst the living because, if he were alive today, these modern times most certainly would have killed him. Another scat muncher in our midst is Ross Mackenzie. The patron saint of conservative, um, for lack of a better word, “thought” for the dwindling Richmond Times Dispatch, Ross is supposed to be retired but he keeps reappearing every Sunday like a zombie insisting that all the world’s problems can be laid at the feet of liberals. Oh, how I wish that were true, Ross. It would make everything so much easier to blame the entirety of the world’s problems on liberals but given the state of the economy, gas prices and two wars (three if you count the never ending Drug War), such conclusions, while soothing to partisan true believers, are obviously seriously flawed. And that seems to be his forte: drawing seriously flawed conclusions. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the lies, corruption and ineptitude of the current (and I will always believe illegitimate) administration, Ross dismisses facts and continues to be a cheerleader for the decider and his corporate cronies. Reading his columns, one would logically deduce that he is on Bush’s media payroll. Remember Jeff Gannon? The fake journalist for a fake partisan news source (Talon News) that was a favorite of the White House who turned out to be a male escort? I’d bet anything Mr. Mackenzie still believes that he was an actual journalist. The man seems to not have a single brain cell capable of nuanced thought. Reading his columns it becomes painfully evident that Ross is just unrepentant another shill for an administration that will go down in history (if we do have a history) as the single worst since our country’s inception. Mackenzie just can’t seem to lay off the scat… On this week’s installment of the Bopst Show, you’ll hear classics by John Cale, Brother Bones and the greatest one hit wonders of all time (at least so far) Althea & Donna. Like previous episodes of this music loving show, there are a whole lot of good tunes worthy of valuable listening time in any ear hole. And always remember to fill those holes with the good stuff. The set list for this week’s show is posted on my MySpace page. Previous show set lists are on my blog. Until Next Time: Stay Clean, BOPST Bopst Show Request Line: (804) 767-2550 Previous Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Life Is The Only Thing We’re Living For Chris Bopst 1:01 Christ Bopst, Richmond Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-9/ http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-9/#comments Mon, 16 Jun 2008 01:45:44 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=5182 http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-9/feed/ Listen Subscribe iTunes: The Bopst show podcast Everything else: The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 9 This installment (like Episode # 8) of the Bopst Show for Rva News doesn’t contain any vocal utterances that the small minded would consider upsetting. Well, that’s not entirely true. On the opening bit by William Burroughs (the sadly still timely, “Say No to Drug Hysteria”), he uses the word, “piss” and later on Tom Waits (0n, “Clap Hands” taken from his 1985 masterpiece, “Rain Dogs”) utters the blasphemous phase, “god damn”. Considering the liberal use of questionable content and frank language that have appeared in previous shows I have done on this fine site, this Bopst Show is wholesome family listening for family’s, and this is important, that do not suck. I’ll never forget the first time I heard, “Rain Dogs”. I had just returned to Richmond after spending Christmas in Northern Virginia at my Mother’s house and bought the record after reading a favorable review of it in the magazine that never steered me wrong (in the 80’s when Scott Becker was in charge), OPtion. I was well acquainted with his music as my father had many of his albums. He was alright, but I found his, “the piano has been drinking” beatnik jazz kinda boring. The review I read said that he had ditched that tired persona for a left field junkyard soul that defied categorization. Having some access cash in my pocket after the Christmas holiday, I stopped by Plan 9 and picked up a copy of it before I headed home to my apartment on Boulevard and Monument. Before I had left for the holiday, I did something that I never did. I cleaned my room. When I got home, I naturally assumed that my room would be in the same tidy condition that I left it in. Sadly, that was not the case. When I opened the door, the place was a mess. Shit was everywhere, my records were strewn all over the place and the balcony door was wide open so the room was freezing. As you might well imagine, I was pissed. In my rage I didn’t notice the large semen stain on my previously spotless bed until I was half way through cleaning up the wreckage. I later found out that my idiot roommates had been using my room as their entertainment lounge and my bed was soiled because they had run a train on a girl in my absence. It was a good thing that neither one of them was home at that time because I would have killed them both on the spot if they were (years later, one of these assholes drank and drugged himself to death and the other one has spent the last 20 plus years in and out of jail). By the end of January, neither of these pricks was sharing living space with me. It took me about three rage filled hours to make my room inhabitable again. Once the room was cleaned up, I put on Rain Dogs and laid back on my freshly washed sheets eating a can of hearts of palm drowning in rice wine vinegar. I can safely say that that moment was one of the single best listening experiences I have had in my life. I listened to that record over and over again that night convinced that Tom Waits was a genius. I still feel the same way today. As most artists cling to rehashing their most marketable attributes as they grow older, Tom Waits got weirder and, to these ears, much, much better than he was in his youth. He is the rare artist that proves that advancing age doesn’t have to be a hindrance to artistic growth. As I said before (and as evidenced by his most recent release, “Orphans”), he just seems to get better and better. I hope that is my fate as well. On this week’s episode, you’ll hear the timeless rockin’ pop of Wreckless Eric, the outsider country of the the late great Porter Wagoner, the impossibly sweet vocal harmonies of the Paragons and other essential music makers that make your listening life a more wondrous experience. Also this week, I have to give full throttle shot outs to my longtime friends and comrades [...] Function is the Key Chris Bopst 1:00 Chris Bopst, Richmond, Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-8/ http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-8/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:09:29 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=5055 http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-8/feed/ Listen Subscribe iTunes: The Bopst show podcast Everything else: The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 8 I’ve had a lifelong obsession with Gary Coleman. He represented everything I hated (and still hate) about 1980’s mainstream culture. As Flipper once sang on their tune, “Ever”, it was a decade that was, “full of zest but no appeal”. It was a despicable 10 years of crass consumerism, plausible deniability and, pause for revulsion, the musical stylings of Lionel Richie, Huey Lewis & The News, Richard Marx and hundreds of other soul sucking leeches at the corporate music gang bang. It was a horrible time for music. If you have an affinity for 80’s hits, either you didn’t live through it the first time and don’t understand how truly oppressive it was or you are, I am sad to say, a total fucking idiot. The only redeeming factor of the decade’s stupefying above ground music making was that it spawned the last great musical revolution that was the American underground music scene. Other than that, 80’s music is syphilis. Mr. Coleman was an essential ingredient in the 1980’s parade of diminished returns. His subsequent financial, emotion & personal problems after his 15 minutes of fame as the star of Different Strokes are indicative of the era’s, “it’s better to look good than to feel good” hedonism. You’ll hear Gary twice on this week’s installment of the Bopst Show as he tries to seduce an unnamed female conquest. I don’t know if he if succeeded in getting the girl into his bed, but as far as sexual advances are concerned, his are particularly childish and unsavory. There is nothing (overtly) profane about his approach (no dirty words), but the vision of physical pleasure Gary illustrates are more perverse (and ultimately sadder) than the filthiest letter to Penthouse Forum. Still, it is powerfully funny listening if you know who Gary Coleman or not. Knowing who he is enhances the creepiness. Either way, it’s a win win situation. On this week’s episode, you’ll hear greats from yesteryear such as Lee Hazelwood, The Mohawks and The Tape Beatles as well as new music from Four Tet & Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. This also is the cleanest show I’ve done so far for this fine site. The only profanity on this episode comes during the Stranglers tune, “Peaches” and it (the popular base vernacular for feces) only happens once. I thought about bleeping it out but decided against it. Editing artistic creation is always a bad idea. For a full set list of this week’s show, go to my MySpace page. The set lists from my previous shows can be found there on my blog. Well, as always, I hope you enjoy this week’s episode and remember a new installment of the Bopst Show is posted right here every Monday. Until Next Time: Stay Clean, BOPST Bopst Show Request Line: (804) 767-2550 Previous Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Nice Adult Contemporary Music Chris Bopst 58:02 Chris Bopst, Richmond, Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-7/ http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-7/#comments Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:18:38 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4916 http://rvanews.com/2008/06/the-bopst-show-episode-7/feed/ Listen Subscribe iTunes: The Bopst show podcast Everything else: The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 7 Opening this week’s edition of the Bopst Show is one of the great jazz trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard during an infamous 1967 concert with Max Roach as he berates the European audience with a slew of obscenities. Needless to say, but it is an interesting way for an entertainer is endear himself to his listening audience. This is but one of the many cringe inducing moments on this podcast for those whose ears can’t stomach frank language with musical backing. If you upset easily, it might be a good idea to avoid listening to this week’s show. It is chock full of questionable content. The Last Poets visceral (and repeated) use of the the N-word on their still unsettling, “Niggers Are Scared of Revolution” from 1970, Connie Vannett’s brazenly suggestive ode to her cat’s numerous hardships (“The Pussy Cat Song”) and Lucille Bogan’s seriously profane, “Shave ‘Em Dry” are just a few of the audio moments contained within that may cause you to weep uncontrollably. For the rest of us though, that is good listening. For years I wanted to play many of these songs, but due to FCC regulations, I couldn’t. Some might surmise that this week’s episode is a juvenile exercise in potty mouth extremes, but I believe each moment of questionable content is well worth hearing. The one tune that gives me the serious creeps doesn’t contain a single dirty word. It is disturbingly catchy ditty from Robin & Crystal Bernard called, “The Monkey Song” introduced by evil incarnate, Jerry Falwell. I get creeped out just thinking about it. Not of the possibly offensive variety are tunes by Penilgrass, Johnny Cash, Saccharine Trust and many others sure to titillate any curious ear drum. Also, I have posted the track listings for my previous 6 podcasts here on RVA News on my MySpace Page if you like tidy little lists. I’ll post the listing of each upcoming show there as well. The week also marks the first request filled on the podcast edition of the Bopst Show. As always, if you want to make a request, don’t be shy. Call (804) 767-2550. Until Next Time: Stay Clean, BOPST Previous Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Laughing at The Boss’s Jokes Chris Bopst 1:02 Chris Bopst, Richmond, Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode/ http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode/#comments Mon, 26 May 2008 13:58:33 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4834 http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode/feed/ Welcome once again to this edition of the Bopst Show here on RVANews.com Listen Subscribe The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 6 Kicking off this week’s episode is an actual 911 phone call made by Dearborn, Michigan resident, Edward Sanchez after he and his wife became convinced of their pending demise after ingesting brownies made with marijuana. What makes this comical tale truly special is the fact that Mr. Sanchez was employed as a police officer in the county at the time of the call (April 21st, 2006) and the marijuana used to make the pot brownies was stolen from the evidence lab at police headquarters. You would think that an officer of the law would at the very least have a cursory knowledge of the effects of illegal substances and through his or her training would know that an overdose of marijuana is physically impossible. I guess Mr. Sanchez missed that part of his training as this call duly attests. What makes this call thoroughly unfunny is the fact that Edward, an officer of the law who openly admitted stealing substances that other people were arrested, convicted and sentenced for having, never had to abide by the law himself. And this was not the first time he had liberated drugs from the evidence lab either. During questioning, his wife, 26-year old Stacy Sanchez, voluntarily told police investigators that on another occasion, she removed cocaine from her husband’s police cruiser that was part of the department’s drug dog training program. She then went on a reported three-week coke binge. Despite this criminal act, Stacy Sanchez has not been charged criminally either. I guess it’s true when they say that membership has it’s privileges. Ultimately, Sanchez resigned from the force during an internal police investigation and will never have to face a jury of peers for the crimes he committed. Given the fact that countless otherwise law abiding American citizens are jailed for marijuana use in our nation’s never-ending war on drugs, this case clearly illustrates that the law doesn’t apply to everybody. Think about that while you listen to Mr. Sanchez’s phone call and it will stop being funny. As always, I crammed as many memorable musical moments as I could into a 60-minute show. On this episode there’s Black Flag, the king of word jazz Ken Nordine, the absurdist big band sound of Fred Land & The Hittite Hot Shots and other essential music makers from yesterday, today and tomorrow locked off the nation’s commercial airwaves so that Madonna and her corporate whore brethren can do their vital part in making America dumber. The Bopst Show’s eternal goal is to offer a welcome reprieve from that ear pollution and this show is no exception. I hope you enjoy it. Before I go, I’d like to thank (and congratulate) Richard Day and everybody who put in their time, money and effort to get the Patrick Henry School Initiative off the ground. Now the hard work begins… Until Next Time: Stay Clean, BOPST Contact The Bopst Show The Bopst Show Request Line: (804) 767-2550 Previous Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Time is going really, really, really slowly.... Chris Bopst 1:00 Chris Bopst, Richmond, Virginia yes http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-5/ http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-5/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 01:10:15 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4711 http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-5/feed/ Kicking off the edition of the Bopst Show is famous Hollywood Actor Vincent Price giving his favorite recipe for, well, you’ll just have to listen. The skit was one of the most requested bits of non-music on my old radio show. Even after hearing it a billion times, it still makes me chuckle. I hope it does the same for you. Listen Subscribe The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 5 There are some choice bits of silliness on this show. California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger from his days as a an exercise instructor, cross dressing minstrel Shirley Q. Liquor lamenting the sinking of the Titanic and the return of John Lajoie with the continuing saga of, “Everyday Normal Guy”. Mixed in with the lunacy are essential cuts from dread beat poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, the perverse genius of crooner Scott Walker and go-go legends from the city of my birth Washington DC, Trouble Funk. This edition also features the debut of my mother Joan Marie Bopst. I used to love to call her live on the radio as she was always good for some left field commentary. On this broadcast, she introduces the show relating the experience of my first day in day care when I attacked the teacher, school administrators and my fellow students with anything I could get my hands on. It seems that one moment set the coarse for the rest of my life. And always remember that the Bopst Show loves his mama. No requests are filled on this show as I’m still getting them all together for a future broadcast. Be patient. I’ll make it worth the wait. The request line is always open for business so remember to use it: (804) 767-2550 Until next week: Stay Clean, BOPST Popular culture no longer applies to me. Chris Bopst 1:01 Richmond, Virginia, Christ Bopst, music yes http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-4/ http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-4/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 23:50:22 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4594 http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-4/feed/ Welcome to road less traveled. That’s one of my favorite poems of all time by Robert Frost and it kicks off this week’s edition of the Bopst Show. Listen Subscribe The Bopst show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 4 No real theme this week other than there are only two types of music; good and otherwise. I have to thank Russell Cook, chef extraordinaire and my comrade at Millie’s Diner for the sausage complaint made by Texan Randy Taylor. Lord that is funny. Also, be sure to use the request line people. Being a raging egomaniac, I need near constant reassurance that you are, in fact, listening to these podcasts. If you have problems leaving messages, be sure to state them here here so we can correct any problems you may be having. Your precious thoughts are too important to me for you not to be able to make them known. Here is the number again: (804) 767-2550 Be sure to use it with alarming frequency. If you can’t be troubled to make a call, be sure to leave your comments, questions and concerns in comments section. Well, I hope your enjoy this week’s episode of The Bopst Show. Until next time; Stay clean, BOPST Previous episodes 1, 2, 3 No real theme this week other than there are only two types of music; good and otherwise. Chris Bopst 59:21 Richmond, Virginia, Christ Bopst yes http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-3/ http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-3/#comments Mon, 05 May 2008 00:41:07 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4471 http://rvanews.com/2008/05/the-bopst-show-episode-3/feed/ Hello one and all and welcome to the third podcast edition of the Bopst Show here on RVANews. Listen Subscribe The Bopst Show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 3 On this week’s episode, you might notice a slight theme running through the broadcast. It won’t take long to figure it out. The opening bit by ESPN anchor Chris Berman sets the mood. I have to thank my former co-host on my old sports radio program, “More On Sports“, John Partin for the recording. It makes me laugh every time I hear it. Thanks John. I’m also happy to announce that audience participation is now a reality on the Bopst Show. To make requests, offer caustic words of advice or to babble on incoherently, all you have to do is call the following number: (804) 767-2550 And you just might find your beautiful voice included on a future edition of the Bopst Show. Many thanks to Ross for setting this up as that is the one thing I miss most about being on the radio; listener involvement. Though your requests won’t be able to filled immediately, they will help to shape future episodes. Feel free to leave any sort of audio you like. Again, anything you leave at that number will find it’s way onto the show. Due to the vague and thoroughly perplexing legality issues pertaining to music on the web, I’m not posting a track listing of the songs featured on this show. Later this week, I’ll post the tunes on my MySpace site. Also, all you have to do to find out who is playing or saying what on the show, all you have to do is listen. Well, I hope you enjoy this week’s show and be sure to either leave a comment or call the request line so we know that you are listening. Remember, it’s not the same without you. Until Next Time: Stay Clean, BOPST Hello one and all and welcome to the third podcast edition of the Bopst Show here on RVANews. http://rvanews.com/2008/04/the-bopst-show-episode-2/ http://rvanews.com/2008/04/the-bopst-show-episode-2/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:03:06 +0000 Chris Bopst http://rvanews.com/?p=4319 http://rvanews.com/2008/04/the-bopst-show-episode-2/feed/ Listen Subscribe The Bopst Show podcast Download The Bopst Show — Episode 2 The magnificent Mr. Bopst returns with the second mighty episode of ... The Bopst Show. Chris Bopst 59:10 Richmond, music, Virginia, Chris Bopst, The Bopst Show yes