The Story of Fortune Records, Opinions on The Hold Steady, Julien Baker & King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history of the independent label Fortune Records. They discuss the unpredictable music, unique cast of characters and why it had famous admirers ranging from Smokey Robinson to Lou Reed. Plus, they review some new music.
Jim and Greg review the 8th studio album, Open Door Policy, from Brooklynrock band The Hold Steady.
L.W.King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
The hosts share their opinions on the 17th(!) album from Australian psych-rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, L.W.
Little OblivionsJulien Baker
Jim and Greg give their two cents on singer-songwriterJulien Baker's album Little Oblivions.
Fortune Records
Fortune Records was an independent, family-owned label out of Detroit that existed from 1946-1995. While they had few hits, their eclectic roster of artists and unpredictable music attracted famous fans like Lou Reed and Smokey Robinson. This week, Jim and Greg talk with author Michael Hurtt about the book he co-authored, Mind Over Matter: The Myths & Mysteries of Detroit’s Fortune Records. They discuss artists like Nolan Strong & The Diablos, as well as other doo-wop groups, hillbilly music and more.
Jim
Jim takes a trip to the Desert Island Jukebox and plays a song he can't live without, a track about the late activist and Black PantherFred Hampton. After watching Judas and the Black Messiah, Jim began searching for songs about Hampton, and found this one from The Boondocks soundtrack by Dead Prez, featuring Common and Last Poets, "Panthers."
Featured Songs:
The Premiers, "The Trap of Love," The Trap of Love (Single), Fortune, 1957
The Hold Steady, "The Feelers," Open Door Policy, Positive Jams, 2021
The Hold Steady, "Unpleasant Breakfast," Open Door Policy, Positive Jams, 2021
The Hold Steady, "Hanover Camera," Open Door Policy, Positive Jams, 2021
King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard, "O.N.E.," L.W., Flightless, 2021
King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard, "Pleura," L.W., Flightless, 2021
King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard, "K.G.L.W.," L.W., Flightless, 2021
King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard, "East West Link," L.W., Flightless, 2021
Julien Baker, "Song in E," Little Oblivions, Matador, 2021
Julien Baker, "Hardline," Little Oblivions, Matador, 2021
Julien Baker, "Faith Healer," Little Oblivions, Matador, 2021
Nolan Strong & The Diablos, "If Oh I (Could Be With You Tonight)," If Oh I (Could Be With You Tonight) (Single), Fortune, 1959
Andre Williams, "Bacon Fat," Bacon Fat (Single), Fortune, 1957
Roy Hall and the Cohutta Mountain Boys, "Dirty Boogie," Dirty Boogie (Single), Fortune, 1949
Skeets McDonald, "The Tattooed Lady (feat. Johnny White and His Rhythm Riders)," The Tattooed Lady (Single), Fortune, 1961
Rufus Shoffner & Joyce Songer, "It Always Happens to Me," It Always Happens to Me (Single), Fortune, 1961
Nolan Strong & The Diablos, "Do You Remember What You Did," Do You Remember What You Did (Single), Fortune, 1955
Nolan Strong & The Diablos, "Mind Over Matter," Mind Over Matter (Single), Fortune, 1962
Shorty Frog & The Space Cats, "Sheddin' Tears over You," Sheddin' Tears over You (Single), Fortune, 1958
John Lee Hooker, "Blues For Big Town," John Lee Hooker & Big Maceo Merriweather, Fortune, 1963
Dead Prez , "Panthers (feat. Common and the Last Poets)," Hip-Hop Docktrine: The Official Boondocks Mixtape, Self-released, 2006
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