Part 1 of my conversation with filmmaker Eric Green as we discuss his documentary about V66, the short-lived Boston music video channel. I've also got the Bonehead of the Week and music from The Walkmen, Beachwood Sparks, King Tuff and Superchunk.
Show notes:
Recorded in Cambridge, Mass.
Eric's documentary is called Life on the V
V66 was on the air from 2/85 to 9/86
UHF station that reached throughout New England
Cable still hadn't reached many towns
There were other music video shows including Friday Night Videos on NBC
Videos had been around for awhile but didn't catch on until MTV arrived
V66 introduced a lot of new music, played diverse styles
We both watched it as kids
Run DMC's "King of Rock" was most requested song on V66
Boston bands were given more attention: Del Fuegos, Til Tuesday, New Man
Ex-radio guy John Garabedian started V66
Station did non-music programming likes sports, weather
MTV began adding different programs in late '80s
Eventually, V66 was sold to Home Shopping Network
Something like V66 could never happen today
Eric worked at Fuse, the video station out of NYC
Began making documentary in 2008; almost done
Did many interviews with former V66 staff, as well as viewers
Collected footage from fans
Talked to musicians inspired by the station
V66 teamed up with local radio stations on events
To be continued
Bonehead of the Week
Music:
The Walkmen - Love is Luck
Beachwood Sparks - Sparks Fly Again
King Tuff - Bad Thing
Superchunk - Misfits & Mistakes
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The Walkmen song is from the album Heaven on Fat Possum Records. Download the song for free at Epitonic.
The Beachwood Sparks song is on the album The Tarnished Gold on Sub Pop. Download the song for free at Sub Pop.
The King Tuff song is on the band's self-titled album on Sub Pop. Download the song for free at Sub Pop.
The Superchunk song is on the EP Leaves in the Gutter on Merge Records. Download the song for free at Epitonic.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian; check out his site PodGeek.