Director's Cuts: Drivin' Music
Summer is a time to drop the top on the convertible, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the ride... Join NPR's Ned Wharton, music director for Weekend Edition Sunday, for some high-octane music including selections from The Reputation, Professor Ratbaggy and The Churchills.
The Reputation
High-power garage rock from Northwestern Law alum Elizabeth Elmore, former frontgrrl for the Champaigne, Illinois-based group Sarge. The Reputation's self-titled CD is on Initial Records.
"Either Coast"
The Churchills
Big Ideas hide caption
Formerly one of Billboard Magazine's "best unsigned bands" from New York, The Churchills were picked up by Universal, but now find themselves once again unsigned. They're distributing their new CD, Big Ideas, on their Web site.
"Lights Are On But No One's Home"
Professor Ratbaggy
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This one is a challenge to track down, since it's an import, but well worth the search: Aussie singer/songwriter Paul Kelly released a one-off disc of terrific grooves under the name Professor Ratbaggy. The self-titled CD is available from EMI Australia.
"Blowfly"
Jing Chi
'Jing Chi Live!' hide caption
Closet prog-rock/fusion fans will appreciate the blistering virtuosity of this group, especially from guitarist Robben Ford. Jing Chi Live! is available from Tone Center Records.
"That Road"
Yes New York
Yes New York hide caption
Taking a cue from Brian Eno's 1978 compilation of New York bands called No New York, Yes New York is a new survey of the Big Apple's post-punk scene, with contributions from Radio 4, Longwave, The Natural History and The Rogers Sisters. On Wolfgang Morden Records.