Soup in the Dark

Soup in the Dark

by Puckett Electric

Pledge Drive Month, Episode One - recap with Abner Jay, the Outsiders, William Onyeabor

Pledge Drive Month, Episode One. Hear me again wax poetic about Abner Jay, The Outsiders, and William Onyeabor. Join today at kpcr.org/join. Tons of cool stuff going behind the scenes at the station.

SITD #9 - Mazozma

Mazozma is the artist name of musician Mike Turner. This week we’ll listen to his 2025 album Bathing In TheStone, released on the record label Sophomore Lounge. It is a haunting, though brilliant album, full of droning acoustic guitars and pivotal lyrics. It often evokes the style of primitive guitar. Mazozma and I were both friends when we were based in Kentucky, though he is now located in Brighton, England. We talked about how that change affected his music and personal life, and what new sonic directions he is taking. As well of course, as revisiting this singular album, featuring cover artwork by Robert Beatty. We had an in-depth conversation, and not all of it could fit into the show. But that just means we’ll catch him again after the next album. Join us this week on Pirate Cat Radio, Sunday nights at 7 Pacific, Tuesday mornings at 9, and anytime after that at KPCR.org

SITD 8 - Q65

Q65 is my other favorite Dutch rock and roll band from the 1960’s. Along with The Outsiders, they pioneered the genre known as Nederbeat, which combined a fierce, but at times melancholy approach to Blues, R&B, and their own European folk music influences. Their uncompromising image and inability to conform make them perfect for this week’s episode of Soup In The Dark. Join me Sundays and Tuesdays, or anytime as a podcast on Pirate Cat Radio, KPCR.org.

SITD #7 - Hasil Adkins

Hasil Adkins recorded the absolute strangest, deranged, and amateurish music from the original rock and roll era, entirely in home studios. Based forever in West Virginia, The Haze played all the instruments and sang all at the same time. Song topics include legendary but unknown dance crazes like The Hunch, The Slop, and many about food, such as hot dogs, peanut butter, and a whole album dedicated to chicken. It’s lofi charm and actual ability to rock landed him the favor of #NortonRecords later in life, and cemented him as the godfather of psychobilly. He was perhaps the living definition of the outsider artist. Please listen this week to Pirate Cat Radio for some choice cuts and more of the unbelievable story of Hasil Adkins. Only on KPCR.org

HEXEN SCHOOL #1 - INTRO TO THE FALL

This show Soup In The Dark explores the independent spirit of outsider artists. In my estimation, one band in particular exemplifies that soul more than any other. I am speaking about the legendary English band The Fall. Fronted by Mark E Smith for 40 years until his death, the Fall impress me like no other musical expression. It would be a disservice to the Fall, and to anyone listening, to only play them once. This first show is part of an ongoing series into the deep lyrical and musical heart of Mark E. Smith and the ever-rotating cast of musicians that composed the Fall. I don’t want to preach about them but I do want to unlock the door for the uninitiated. The Fall’s catalog is daunting, the sound is challenging. Decoding their work is a lifelong pursuit. I’ll start at the beginning of the catalog, and the music released on or around the time of their first album Live At The Witch Trials.

SITD#5 - Nero Nava

M. Nero Nava is a radio host on KPCR Pirate Cat Radio. His show is called I Want You To Know. He interviews musicians, filmmakers, friends, and others involved in the arts in some form or fashion. Nero is a musician and filmmaker as well, performing in various outfits such as BarbaraSteele as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. As a filmmaker, he has several vivid short films available on Vimeo and YouTube. I first got to know Nero when he interviewed me in 2025 regarding my album “Bone Conduction”. We hit it off personally and musically, and he helped me get my own show on KPCR. So I thought it only fair for my first “interview”-type show to repay the favor.

Soup in the Dark #4 - Dead Moon

Dead Moon is a legendary garage band from Portland, Oregon. They will give you reason to believe in the power and resilience of stripped down rock and roll. True originals and outsider musicians, Dead Moon exemplified the DIY ethos and refused to conform to popular rock. Founding member Toody Cole is still playing live, so please join me this Sunday on PirateCatRadio or anytime at KPRC.org

Soup in the Dark #3 - William Onyeabor

This episode is about Nigerian multi-instrumentalist William Onyeabor. He released a thick and varied self-recorded catalog in the 1970's, then denounced music entirely in the mid 80's.

Soup in the Dark #2 - The (Dutch) Outsiders

This show explores legendary Nederbeat group The Outsiders, once described as the greatest band of the 60's from a non-English speaking country.

Soup in the Dark #1 - Abner Jay

This episode is about outsider musician Abner Jay. A deep dive into his discography.