Empty Checking with Derek Brink: Recent Episodes
Empty Checking with Derek Brink
WE'RE FINALLY BACK! And in this episode, I tell you what's been keeping me away, by talking about concerts from Rush, Aimee Mann, and ALL, plus I pay tribute to Glen Hansard. I enjoyed finally doing this one. Hope you enjoy finally hearing it.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
The only song in the episode is the theme music...but that's available, just like everything else!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:27 - Rush
- 24:28 - Aimee Mann
- 32:01 - Glen Hansard
- 49:06 - ALL
No new episode this week--things are BUSY in my world! But this is the 8 minute version of what the show would've been this week anyway. Enjoy, and ill have a full episode for you again soon! Thanks!
In this episode, I don't bother with segments and end up just ranting about Sammy Hagar, the government, my new laptop, and recording music. Why weren't there segments? Laziness. Why were those the topics? Shut up.
Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
In this episode, I talk a lot about Mel Brooks and rank his 13 theatrically released movies, all in celebration of the Melcentennial--Mel Brooks' 100th birthday! I had a lot of fun with this one--and at one point or another, I felt EVERY emotion. I think it's a good listen. Now it's your turn to listen and agree!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
No time index because it's all one topic. Just enjoy it!
Songs in this episode:
- I Wanna Write Songs for You
- Slainte
In this episode, I talk about the biopic The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, then (mostly) new music from Neil Dimond, Modest Mouse, Paul McCartney, and the Beach Boys. I had fun. Maybe also that is a thing you could have. Fun, I mean. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
*Please note that any and all ads that are not read in my voice are chosen at the discretion of the site hosting this podcast and/or your individual player. I do not select or approve any ads, nor do I financially benefit from them.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:34 - Hands
- 8:01 - The Life and Death of Peter Sellers
- 27:49 - Being There
- 28:19 - Music Releases
- 28:19 - The Beach Boys - The Pet Sounds Sessions Highlights
- 33:28 - Modest Mouse - An Eraser and a Maze
- 38:23 - Neil Diamond - Wild at Heart
- 41:32 - Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane
- 46:19 - Coming Storm
- 46:50 - Outro
In this episode, I give my thoughts on the Fender Stratocaster debacle, then hopefully win you back by talking about new music from Devin Townsend, Foo Fighters, Violet Grohl, Bruno Mars, and Yungblud. I had fun with this one, and I get all worked up a couple of times. Hope you enjoy it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:50 - You and You Alone
- 8:21 - The Fender Strat Situation
- 28:32 - Everything Good
- 29:04 - Music Reviews
- 29:37 - Devin Townsend - The Moth
- 37:25 - Foo Fighters - Your Favorite Toy
- 41:20 - Violet Grohl - Be Sweet to Me
- 44:34 - Bruno Mars - The Romantic
- 48:39 - Yungblud - Idols Complete
- 56:07 - Please
- 56:39 - Outro
*Please note that any and all ads that are not read in my voice are chosen at the discretion of the site hosting this podcast and/or your individual player. I do not select or approve any ads, nor do I financially benefit from them.
In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Jim Ousley, who has a new comic book in progress called "The Agony of Stars," with a Kickstarter active RIGHT NOW (6/2/26). We talk about the comic, but also about everything else, with primary topics being being a creative person, process, and how real life bleeds into art. It's always a pleasure to talk to Jim, and I love that this episode just became a conversation that could've happened without the microphones. I think you'll like it a lot too!
Please consider being a part of funding "The Agony of Stars" here: The Agony of Stars by Jim Ousley — Kickstarter
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
In this episode, I'm getting back in the swing of doing the show by talking about the newest book by Tana French then reviewing two concerts I went to (on back to back nights)--David Byrne and Jason Isbell! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed making it! (Or more!)
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:56 - Happy Now
- 10:27 - Tana French: The Keeper
- 20:59 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo)
- 21:31 - David Byrne and Jason Isbell
- 21:31 - David Byrne
- 51:16 - Jason Isbell
- 1:04:00 - Denouement
- 1:04:32 - Outro, including a follow=up on my tribute to Michael Feldman, back in November
After many delays, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are finally BACK and this time we're counting down our Fab 15 Supergroups. This discussion solidified that we should really set ground-rules before making our lists...but it was still a lot of fun, and we hope you enjoy it!
Dave's Spotify playlist will probably go up a little late because I didn't tell him when I was posting the episode and it's the middle of a workday. But hey!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
0:00 - Intro
13:09 - The List Begins
13:09 - #15
19:12 - #14
24:19 - #13
31:49 - #12
40:16 - #11
44:00 - #10
50:36 - #9
58:29 - #8
1:06:39 - #7
1:12:26 - #6
1:15:03 - #5
1:21:19 - #4
1:26:44 - #3
1:33:57 - #2
1:42:25 - #1
1:43:03 - Honorable Mentions
1:59:49 - Intervention
2:00:19 - The Final 15 and choosing a #1.
Long story short, pending any serious storm damage, you should have the Fab 15 on Tuesday. Thanks for your patience!
UPDATE - My laptop is dead. I'm trying to revive it. If that doesn't work, I'll have to buy a new one. The show is currently trapped on it. I'll keep you posted. Sorry everybody.
I'm trying to at least do these again, when I'm struggling to upload an episode. At least that's something, right?Long story short, I'm editing a FAB 15 and you'll have it soon...but here's a brief update on what I've been doing in the interim. New episode by the weekend! I promise! (Barring anything unforeseen, of course!)Thanks for your patience, Checkmates.
In this episode, I talk about playing the banjo and the Beetlejuice movies. It's as classic as peanut butter and jelly. Biscuits and gravy. Peaches and Herb. Beetlejuice and banjos! It's a fun one. It turns out that I have a LOT of thoughts about Tim Burton. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:40 - Banjo Break #1 - 5 String Banjo
- 7:11 - Talkin' Banjos!
- 24:30 - Banjo Break #2 - Plectrum Banjo
- 25:00 - Yellin' about Beetlejuice...
- 31:22 - Beetlejuice
- 42:33 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
- 1:08:35 - Banjo Break #3 - Tenor Banjo
- 1:09:06 - Outro
This week's episode is a little bit short, but no less sweet than usual. It's a fun one where I complain about the weather, then talk about new releases from Mumford & Sons, Mitski, and Squeeze. I had fun with it. You might too!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:21 - Vagabond
- 12:52 - Music Reviews
- 31:23 - Slainte
- 31:53 - Outro
In this episode I talk about the theatrically released Muppet movies, in chronological order. Because everyone loves the Muppets! Enjoy!
No time index, since it's just the one subject--and I should clarify that I am spoiling every movie, if you haven't seen them.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Songs used in the show:
- I Hope You're Happy
- Useless
In this episode, I talk about recent releases from Geese and Wednesday, then I talk about buying an Autoharp. That's the show! Enjoy!
Sorry there's not a time index...but here are the links...although really there's not anything that corresponds to the Bandcamp page, since I'm just noodling...but whatever!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
In this episode, I pay my respects to Catherine O'Hara, then talk about my newest (vintage) guitar and the long-since-canceled TV show Andy Richter Controls the Universe. I had fun with this one! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:41 - I Go*
- 7:11 - Rest in Peace Catherine O'Hara
- 25:18 - Racing the Rain*
- 25:49 - Silvertone Guitar
- 38:20 - After the Storm*
- 38:51 - Andy Richter Controls the Universe
- 51:34 - Losing Sleep*
- 52:04 - Introduction to Racing the Rain
- 55:43 - Racing the Rain (Electric Version)
- 59:59 - Outro
*All songs except "Racing the Rain" were just me noodling on the guitar this week, so there's not much to download, unless you just wanna go to Bandcamp and find the full songs.
In this episode, I'm low on stuff to talk about because I haven't bought anything lately, so I talk about movies from the recent (25-35 years) Rocky & Bullwinkle universe. It's a show! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
The subjects this week are pretty intertwined, so I didn't do a time index. But if you're interested in the songs used in this episode they are as follows:
- Vagabond
- Racing the Rain
- Bite the Habanero (Theme Song)
Given the week's happenings, we're postponing the first official show of 2026 for a week, or thereabout. I spent about 11 minutes ranting here. The only thing that seems appropriate to say right now is rest in peace Renee Good and ABOLISH ICE.We will return with a normal episode as soon as possible. Probably next week.Thanks for listening. Keep talking.
It's a Christmas...well...not "miracle." But it's happening near the day! In the final Fab 15 (and EC episode) of 2025, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down our favorite albums of 2025. It was a really fun talk and we hope you'll enjoy it and maybe find a few new things to listen to! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 14:39 - The List Begins!
- 14:39 - #15
- 20:23 - #14
- 27:55 - #13
- 33:43 - #12
- 38:47 - #11
- 45:46 - #10
- 50:35 - #9
- 57:45 - #8
- 1:05:42 - #7
- 1:11:37 - #6
- 1:18:03 - #5
- 1:29:06 - #4
- 1:38:54 - #3
- 1:49:11 - #2
- 1:54:46 - #1
- 2:00:50 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:18:07 - This is Your Christmas
- 2:18:37 - The FINAL 15 and Outro
This is an unfortunately "special" episode, in which I try to process the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, while also celebrating some of my favorite movies, directed by Rob, and honoring their memory and legacy. I'm not happy with the episode. It's too rambly and aimless. But it's something.
I don't even have a good episode photo because all of my DVDs/BluRays are in stacks for the annual re-sorting that I do at the end of every year. So I can't easily physically get to my Rob Reiner movies to take a picture...but maybe this cover photo is appropriate. "None more black" and all that.
Let's try to have a happier episode soon, okay everybody?
This episode is very raw and emotional. It absolutely comes with a trigger warning, if you are negatively effected by grief, death, mourning, or just-plain hearing someone struggle with loss.
Sometime on Sunday morning, November 30th, 2025, my friend Michael Feldman passed away, after a lengthy battle with cancer. I had been in bands with Mike for about 25 years. He's someone who will remain in my heart forever.
Later that evening, I sat down in front of a microphone, played one of Mike's albums, and recorded this episode, while I listened (and beyond). What you're hearing here isn't my prettiest moment--I cry several times--and it is NOT the place I would begin listening to this show...but I needed to do it, for myself, and for my friend.
This barely scratches the surface of my memories of Mike. But it's something. I hope there's something in it that speaks to you. Thanks for listening.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
It's a Thanksgiving treat! There's a new episode of Empty Checking!
In advance, I ended up doing something else and did NOT get the nap I was hoping for throughout the episode...but at least I got to talk about music from Cheap Trick, Envy of None, Drive-By Truckers, and Hayley Williams, then about the last Downton Abbey movie, Frasier, and the King of the Hill revival! I had fun doing this one, even though it was willfully rushed and could've been time spent napping. Hope it makes your Thanksgiving Day/weekend pass a little more happily.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 8:01 - Forever Home
- 8:32 - Recent Listening
- 8:32 - Cheap Trick - All Washed Up
- 13:46 - Envy of None - Stij(e)en Wavz (That's as close as I can get to their dumb spelling without using characters that won't show up on some computers)
- 18:38 - Drive-By Truckers - The Definitive Decoration Day
- 25:15 - Hayley Williams - Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
- 31:20 - You and You Alone
- 31:51 - Recent Watching
- 31:51 - Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
- 43:33 - Frasier
- 45:28 - King of the Hill (Revival Series)
- 52:01 - Indelible
- 52:32 - Outro
In this episode, Your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down their Fab 15 Rush songs! Rush is one of our collective favorite bands, and narrowing it down to just 15 was a TOUGH battle. We had a lot of fun rehashing old stories and talking about music that means a lot to us. We hope you enjoy this one, as the subject is very close(r) to our hearts!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:55 - #15
- 15:42 - #14
- 23:46 - #13
- 33:51 - #12
- 43:24 - #11
- 50:04 - #10
- 53:48 - #9
- 1:02:08 - #8
- 1:12:50 - #7
- 1:12:58 - #6
- 1:15:40 - #5
- 1:23:17 - #4
- 1:33:05 - #3
- 1:38:53 - #2
- 1:50:23 - #1
- 2:02:31 - Honorable Mentions and Other Subjects
- 2:19:32 - Music Break: Greetings from Far Away
- 2:19:50 - The Final 15 and Closing Thoughts
It's a new episode of the thing! I talk about Dropkick Murphys, Alison Brown and Steve Martin, The Who, Downton Abbey, and a semi-obscure movie called Still Crazy. I had a lot of fun with this one, despite a lot of back pain. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:39 - I Hope You're Happy
- 12:10 - Recent Listening
- 12:24 - Dropkick Murphys - For the People
- 16:09 - Alison Brown & Steve Martin - Safe Sensible and Sane
- 22:18 - The Who - Who Are You Super Deluxe Edition
- 29:30 - Useless
- 30:00 - Recent Watching
- 30:32 - Downton Abbey Movies
- 40:59 - Still Crazy
- 47:20 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo)
- 47:51 - Outro
In this episode--which is neither spooky, nor scary, despite the upload date--I talk about a bunch of new music and get mad at Taylor Swift fans (but maybe not in the way you think). It's a fun one. Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
- 0:00 - Intro, including a tribute to Prunella Scales
- 13:26 - Live Your Life
- 13:57 - New Music Reviews
- 14:46 - Max Richter - Sleep Circle
- 21:12 - Sloan - Based on the Best Seller
- 24:28 - Amanda Shires - Nobody's Girl
- 34:54 - Los Straitjackets - Somos Los Straitjackets
- 38:35 - Halestorm - Everest
- 43:08 - Taylor Swift - The Life of a Showgirl
- 48:45 - Every Day
- 49:15 - Outro, including a brief review of Only Murders in the Building
In this slightly shorter (but if you ask me TWICE as fun!) episode, I mostly just talk about the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the reunion of RUSH! I had a blast doing this one. I bet you at least sort of enjoy having it on in the background while you work or go to the gym or walk the dog or whatever!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 14:13 - Deeper Than Oceans
- 14:44 - Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary
- 29:23 - Burn
- 29:54 - RUSH!
- 48:46 - Intervention
- 49:17 - Outro
In this episode, your Papa Dave joins us to count down the FAB 15 Van Halen Songs! (The episode also intermittently features my fridge fan humming. Sorry!) We're both big VH fans, and this one just happens to be coming out on the heels of the 5 year anniversary of the loss of Eddie Van Halen, so it seems a very apt episode. And it's a lot of fun! It's a little longer than usual, just because I was enjoying listening to us talk and kept forgetting to edit! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
- 0:00 - Introduction, Rules, and So On
- 16:40 - #15 - (Derek Note: In the days since the show was recorded, I looked the song up on Wikipedia and there does not seem to be any indication that Eddie had anything to do with the lyrics on my choice for #15.)
- 26:54 - #14
- 32:08 - #13
- 36:22 - #12
- 44:11 - #11
- 49:24 - #10
- 1:02:51 - #9
- 1:06:20 - #8
- 1:12:31 - #7
- 1:17:27 - #6
- 1:24:42 - #5
- 1:31:11 - #4
- 1:39:21 - #3
- 1:48:42 - #2
- 1:49:55 - #1
- 1:55:51 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:07:45 - Music Break: Intervention
- 2:08:06 - Picking #1
- 2:13:02 - The Final 15 and several minutes of us still having fun talking about Van Halen
In this episode, I talk about all things Spinal Tap for the whole show! The original movie, the recent sequel, and a TON of stuff in-between that you might not even know exists! It was a lot of fun making this one. On a side note, I can't BEGIN to tell you how frustrating it was to realize this is episode 212 instead of 211, so that I could've said, "This episode goes two-eleven." Missed opportunity.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff
- 7:27 - Greetings from Far Away
- 7:57 - Talkin' Tap!
- 1:09:38 - The Way the World Will End
- 1:10:09 - Outro Stuff
In this episode, I talk about music from Sabrina Carpenter, Margo Price, David Byrne, and Yungblud, then I talk about Only Murders in the Building and the Trekkies documentaries (and just kinda Star Trek in general). I had fun. Now I demand that you do, too!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:19 - Forever Home
- 11:50 - Recent Listening
- 12:44 - Sabrina Carpenter - Man's Best Friend
- 20:12 - Margo Price - Hard Headed Woman
- 25:55 - David Byrne - Who Is The Sky?
- 30:18 - Yungblud - Icons
- 37:26 - The High Road
- 37:56 - Recent Watching
- 38:08 - OMITB
- 46:20 - Trekkies/Star Trek
- 59:37 - Chekov's Rights
- 1:00:08 - Outro
After almost a three week accidental hiatus, I'm back with a slightly weird and slightly short episode! In this one I backtrack to correct my thinking on the recent releases by Coheed & Cambria and HAIM, then I talk about Mastodon, the Struts, and a bunch of Oktoberfest beers. I had fun. Maybe you can too!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index (sorry this is a little concise this week):
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:41 - Vagabond
- 8:11 - Recent Listening - Including Coheed & Cambria, HAIM, Mastodon, and The Struts
- 31:11 - Jean Jacket
- 31:42 - Oktoberfest Beers!
- 46:00 - Slainte
- 46:30 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about music from Murry Hammond, Hayes Carll, and The Wonder Years and then the movies The Phoenician Scheme, Throw Momma from the Train, and the TV show Columbo. I had a great time recording this one that I hope translates into your ears!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (Including a defense of Taylor Swift)
- 17:41 - TralfamadOverture
- 18:11 - Recent Listening
- 18:28 - Murry Hammond - Trail Songs of the Deep
- 23:12 - Hayes Carll - We're Only Human
- 28:55 - The Wonder Years (In general)
- 35:52 - You've Got to Laugh
- 36:22 - Recent Viewing
- 36:47 - The Phoenician Scheme
- 43:46 - Throw Momma from the Train
- 48:25 - Columbo
- 56:02 - If It's Raining
- 56:32 - Outro
I have an episode READY TO GO, but Microsoft has kneecapped me. Listen to this short update to find out how!
You lucky ducks! It's a FAB 15 episode, featuring your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave! This week we're counting down our Fab 15 Feel Good Songs. Which was apparently a slightly more confusing topic than intended. But it's a fun listen and includes a nice review of the recent Devo show in St. Louis, up top! Join us, won't you?
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 2:11 - Dave and Derek talk about Devo
- 13:02 - Explanation of the topic and rules for the list
- 18:57 - The list begins:
- 19:04 - #15
- 26:27 - #14
- 32:02 - #13
- 36:37 - #12
- 42:00 - #11
- 47:40 - #10
- 52:39 - #9
- 57:41 - #8
- 1:02:37 - #7
- 1:12:21 - #6
- 1:14:50 - #5
- 1:23:30 - #4
- 1:27:58 - #3
- 1:35:14 - #2
- 1:40:16 - #1
- 1:42:20 - Honorable Mentions
- 1:54:08 - The FINAL 15 and picking a number 1
SPECIAL UPLOAD: My thoughts on the death of Hulk Hogan. (Fab 15 episode still to come later tonight.)
A brief upload from the phone to say goodbye to Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Ozzy Osbourne. I wish I'd said everything I said better, but I think my heart is in the right place. Both sad losses.Hang in there until Thursday, and I'll upload a Fab 15 for you!
A quick update on why there's not a new episode yet, plus a very brief book review! There will be a FAB 15 uploaded soon, I promise!
In this episode, we catch up on some music from James McMurtry, Pulp, Neil Young, HAIM, and S.G. Goodman. It's a slightly shorter episode, but packed with fun! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:41 - You and You Alone
- 12:11 - Recent Listening:
- 12:47 - James McMurtry - The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy
- 17:30 - Pulp - More
- 21:51 - Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts - Talkin to the Trees
- 25:00 - HAIM - I Quit
- 34:32 - S.G. Goodman - Planting By the Signs
- 38:54 - The High Road
- 39:26 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about one of my favorite musical formats--the CD Box Set! That's right! It's a theme episode!!! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
...there's just one topic. If you want to be a jerk and skip the intro, the "show" starts at 6:57. But...really? You don't have just short of 7 minutes to hear about my day? Wow...
The music in this episode is all from my Departure album:
Deeper Than Oceans
Lectio Divina
Thanks!
I had a different episode ready to go, but given the day's news I needed to talk about Brian Wilson. This isn't a typical episode. It's very emotional, my thoughts are somewhat random and cloudy, and it's a little raw. But I needed to do something to pay tribute to one of my all-time heroes. I hope you enjoy it.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
It has been a MONTH! But we're back!
In this episode, I talk about a bunch of music I saw on Everybody's Live with John Mulaney, then I talk about the Karate Kid/Cobra Kai and Doctor Who. (I GO OFF when I'm talking about Doctor Who!) I had fun making it. Now it's your turn to have fun listening to it. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:23 - Music Break - "S*** About Shakespeare"
- 6:54 - Music from Everybody's Live
- 9:14 - Kim Deal (and Kim Gordon)
- 11:51 - Daniel Hope/Spring 1/Max Richter
- 15:34 - John Cage and Maggie Rogers
- 19:21 - Alanis Morissette
- 21:41 - Sleater-Kinney (and the Muffs)
- 23:50 - Music Break - "Napalm"
- 24:20 - Stuff I Watched
- 24:20 - Karate Kid/Cobra Kai
- 31:42 - Doctor Who
- 54:05 - Music Break - "What Matters Most (South of Savannah)"
- 54:35 - Outro
A quick update about the lack of an episode and how I'm doing following the tornado that ripped through St. Louis on Friday. Thanks for your patience. We'll talk soon.
In this episode, I talk about my new (used) car for a long time and then also about seeing Paul Simon for a while, too! That's it! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index: (As a side note, all songs are from my album "Grounds" which is celebrating it's 20th birthday!)
- 0:00 - Intro
- 5:32 - Music Break - One Man
- 6:03 - Talking about my Mini Cooper Countryman
- 28:19 - Music Break - Stranger
- 28:51 - Paul Simon: A Quiet Celebration
- 46:33 - Music Break - AMB 4
- 47:05 - Outro
Sorry there hasn't been a new episode. Stuff has been busy. Working on it. Thanks for your patience!
In this episode, I talk about music from Matt Berry, Mumford & Sons, Elton John & Brandi Carlile, and Coheed & Cambria. (Lots of "&" bands!) I also touch on the movie Empire Records (super hot topical!) and the latest episode of Doctor Who. It's a little shorter than a typical episode, but no less fun! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 8:24 - Music Break - Remember Me
- 8:53 - Recent Listening
- 9:10 - Matt Berry - Heard Noises
- 14:59 - Mumford & Sons - Rushmere
- 21:29 - Elton John & Brandi Carlile - Who Believes in Angels?
- 25:20 - Coheed & Cambria - The Father of Make Believe
- 29:59 - Music Break - Out from the Light
- 30:30 - Recent Viewing
- 30:50 - Empire Records
- 36:55 - Doctor Who
- 40:06 - Music Break - Born in this Town
- 40:37 - Outro, including me being mad at Liquid Death
IT HAS BEEN WAY TOO LONG!!! It's nice to be doing episodes again!
In this one, I'm talking about a bunch of music that I haven't talked about yet, from Post Malone (surprise!), Patterson Hood, Jason Isbell, Rufus Wainwright, Bob Mould, Japanese Breakfast, and My Morning Jacket. It's a fun return to form, and I hope you dig it! So dig it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:23 - Music Break - I Hope You're Happy
- 12:53 - Recent Listening
- 12:53 - Post Malone - F-1 Trillion
- 14:48 - Patterson Hood - Exploding Trees and Airplane Screams
- 23:05 - Jason Isbell - Foxes in the Snow
- 31:47 - Rufus Wainwright - Dream Requiem
- 36:21 - Bob Mould - Here We Go Crazy
- 37:30 - Japanese Breakfast - For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women)
- 43:25 - My Morning Jacket - Is (Plus an interlude talking about my cat McGuire!)
- 48:17 - Music Break - Denouement
- 48:47 - Outro
TL;DR - Some good things happened and you'll get a new episode within the week! Thank you for your patience!
Can you believe we're at episode #200?!? Very appropriate that it should be a Fab 15, and that the list should be "Songs with Numbers in Their Titles!" Sometimes things just line up. As always, your Papa Dave and Uncle Derek are bringing you the goods! This is a fun and somewhat concise talk, and I think you'll love it. Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com / http://fromthebrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
MonDaves with Dave: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Spotify playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 5:21 - Explanation and rules for the list
- 11:24 - #15 - Seven Nation Army - White Stripes / Take Five - Dave Brubeck
- 15:34 - #14 - Two Princes - Spin Doctors / I'm the One - Descendents
- 22:10 - #13 - Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington Jr / One - U2
- 27:09 - #12 - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - Proclaimers / 2112 - Rush
- 31:58 - #11 - One - Three Dog Night / Thirteen - Big Star
- 37:22 - #10 - Still the One - Orleans / 5:15 - The Who
- 42:27 - #9 - 1999 - Prince / 25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago
- 48:02 - #8 - It Takes Two - Marvin Gaye / Five Years - David Bowie
- 53:04 - #7 - 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton / Two Princes
- 55:11 - #6 - Eight Days a Week - Beatles / Two of Us - Beatles
- 1:02:26 - #5 - 25 or 6 to 4 / I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
- 1:02:42 - #4 - Two Tickets to Paradise - Eddie Money / 9 to 5
- 1:07:54 - #3 - 5:15 / Nothing Compares 2U - Sinead O'Connor/Prince
- 1:11:46 - #2 - 99 Luftballons - Nena (EXACT MATCH)
- 1:15:49 - #1 - 867-5309/Jenny - Tommy Tutone (EXACT MATCH)
- 1:20:05 - Honorable Menions
- 1:32:10 - Music Break - Intervention (Blue Tattoo)
- 1:32:40 - Final List
In this episode I talk about music from Guided By Voices, Loudon Wainwright III, and the Twin Peaks soundtrack, then my recent viewing of (sigh) Cop Out and the SNL 50th Anniversary show. Then I talk about and play a new guitar I bought for a little bit. There's something for...well not everybody...but some people! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:21 - Music Break: Live Your Life
- 11:51 - Recent Listening
- 12:16 - Guided By Voices - Universe Room
- 15:36 - Loudon Wainwright III - Loudon Live in London
- 18:27 - Twin Peaks - Limited Event Series Soundtrack
- 23:23 - Music Break: Every Day
- 23:54 - Recent Viewing
- 24:25 - Cop Out
- 33:22 - SNL 50th Anniversary
- 51:56 - Music Break - Heaven Knows
- 52:27 - My new guitar!
- 1:06:15 - Music Break: Those Things
- 1:06:45 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about some art on my walls and some music in my speakers! I touch on cool art from local artists Sarah Kelly and Dan Zettwoch then music from Sharon Van Etten, Flogging Molly (sorta), Lambrini Girls, and I spend a LONG time talking about the new Dream Theater album. Dig it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:52 - Music Break: Nobody Else
- 12:24 - Cherokee Print Bazaar Purchases
- 32:08 - Music Break: Everybody Shut Up
- 32:39 - Recent Listening:
- 33:23 - Sharon Van Etten - Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory
- 36:05 - Flogging Molly - GET WELL SOON, DAVE KING
- 38:27 - Lambrini Girls - Who Let the Dogs Out
- 41:05 - Dream Theater - Parasomnia
- 1:06:49 - Music Break: Always
- 1:07:19 - Outro
In this episode, I mostly just talk about The Get Up Kids, because I saw them in concert last week. I had fun with this one. I hope you do, too!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 13:31 - Music Break - TralfamadOverture
- 14:02 - The Get Up Kids
- 49:18 - Music Break - If It's Raining
- 49:49 - Outro
It's the first new episode of the year! And we're starting off on a cheery foot by paying tribute to David Lynch, Tony Slattery, and Bob Uecker...but then we talk about In & Out, The 4:30 Movie, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Moonage Daydream. I think you'll like it, if you'll take the time. Thanks!
blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- Music Break: Losing Sleep
- Tributes:
- Tony Slattery
- David Lynch
- Bob Uecker
- Music Break: Absent Friends
- Movies:
- In & Out
- The 4:30 Movie
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- Moonage Daydream
- Music Break: Chekhov's Rights
- Outro
A quick apology for not having a new episode yet, and also I bid farewell to British Comedian Tony Slattery.
Are you at one of those New Year's Eve get-togethers where you might as well pop in your ear buds and listen to a podcast? Well your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave have you covered! Just under the wire, we're counting down our FAB 15 Albums of 2024! So either put down that glass of champagne or make it a double, and enjoy our nonsense for a while!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:30 - The topic at hand: Fab 15 Albums of 2024
- 11:38 - Rules for this list
- 12:54 - The FAB 15!
- 12:54 - #15
- 18:17 - #14
- 26:15 - #13
- 33:59 - #12
- 40:28 - #11
- 48:49 - #10
- 54:49 - #9
- 1:00:18 - #8
- 1:07:31 - #7
- 1:12:21 - #6
- 1:19:37 - #5
- 1:26:29 - #4
- 1:32:41 - #3
- 1:36:44 - #2
- 1:41:06 - #1
- 1:43:21 - Honorable Mentions
- 1:53:43 - Working on a final 15, and the TERRIFIC TEN!
- 1:56:46 - A coin toss! And then adding more stuff...
- 1:59:01 - ANOTHER coin toss! and adding the last pick...
- 1:59:58 - The Final 15.
This episode is pretty off the cuff and touches on everything from buying new pillows to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Lord of the Rings, a couple Albert Brooks movies, and Van Halen. So...there!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
I think the time index might be a little off this week. I had to make some weird corrections that I don't usually have to worry about. So sorry if that's wrong...but there ya' go.
- 0:00 - Intro
- 8:27 - This Is Your Christmas
- 8:57 - Pillows, Record Store Day, and Van Halen
- 21:38 - O Holy Night
- 22:08 - Recent Watching
- 22:08 - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
- 29:22 - Lord of the Rings
- 39:27 - Real Life
- 43:11 - Mother
- 46:21 - A Promise Worth Keeping
- 46:51 - Outro
What's that? You're stuck in a house having a meal with people you'd rather avoid and need something to be thankful for? Well bust out those ear buds and be thankful that your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave have a new FAB 15 for you! This week we're counting down our FAB 15 Band of the 1990s! It was a fun talk and I think you'll have a good time either learning about or re-living a really interesting time in music history, and maybe you'll hear a few names you'll want to check out. Dig it on your podcast app of choice or at the link in the comments!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 5:20 - On the Subject of the 1990s
- 15:19 - Rules for the List
- 20:15 - THE LIST
- 20:15 - #15
- 25:37 - #14
- 32:20 - #13
- 42:27 - #12
- 51:31 - #11
- 1:05:26 - #10
- 1:05:36 - #9
- 1:14:26 - #8
- 1:19:58 - #7
- 1:28:49 - #6
- 1:37:03 - #5
- 1:41:19 - #4
- 1:45:53 - #3
- 1:49:48 - #2/#1
- 1:59:01 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:04:09 - Picking a Final 15 and an agreed #1 (Including an excerpt of "Sleepin In" by Blue Tattoo.)
In this episode, we talk about a ton of music from MC5, The Coward Brothers, The Cure, High on Fire, Iron & Wine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Kim Deal. I touch on some other stuff, too...but that's most of it. Welcome back to the show being normal, even if other stuff isn't!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:39 - I Wanna Write Songs for You
- 11:09 - Music Reviews
- 12:32 - MC5 - Heavy Lifting
- 16:50 - The Coward Brothers
- 21:22 - The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
- 24:46 - High on Fire
- 29:21 - Iron & Wine - Light Verse
- 36:01 - The Jesus and Mary Chain - Glasgow Eyes
- 37:40 - Kim Deal - Nobody Loves You More
- 43:20 - Safari
- 43:50 - Outro
Thanks for your support!
This IS NOT a standard episode of Empty Checking. If you are unfamiliar with the show, this is not a good starting point. This upload is my reaction to the recent election in America and also includes my thoughts on the Christian Church and its relationship to politics. This is VERY FAR REMOVED from the typical, fun nature of this show. But I felt like it needed to be said and I needed to make my position clear, as the person behind this podcast.
If you want to skip this one, I more than understand. But I think there are probably some of you who really need to hear it.
Also, I've been suffering from walking pneumonia and you can definitely hear that in my voice in this upload. Sorry about all the inhaling that gets more and more pronounced as the talk goes on.
Thanks.
-Uncle Derek
I'm taking a week off from full episodes, but I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to VOTE and make the sane choices, and also let you know what's getting me through the stress of this week. Here's hoping the next upload will be a HAPPY one!Take care of yourself.
This episode goes a lot of sleep-deprived directions in under an hour. That's fun, right? I definitely talk about the passing of Teri Garr, then music from Matthew Sweet (and his current medical issues), Justin Rutledge, Devin Townsend, Japandroids, and The Pixies. I round it out by talking about the Rocky Horror Show video game and Lost in America. It's kinda nuts, but I think you'll enjoy it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Matthew Sweet's GoFund Me
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (Including discussion of Teri Garr's passing.)
- 14:13 - I Hope You're Happy
- 14:43 - Music Releases (Including Matthew Sweet, Justin Rutledge, Devin Townsend, Japandroids, and Pixies. Sorry I didn't break the time index down further. I'm tired.)
- 32:13 - Useless
- 32:43 - Lost In America and the Rocky Horror Show video game.
- 39:50 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo)
- 40:20 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about really old Albert Brooks movies, a new documentary on The Tragically Hip, and (mostly) new music releases from Godspeed You Black Emperor, James and the Shame, Judas Priest, The Linda Lindas, and Pete Townshend. It's a fun one, if you ask me, but I'm the one who recorded it, so who can say? Maybe YOU if you listen to it!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:27 - Live Your Life
- 6:57 - Recent Watching
- 7:50 - Defending Your Life
- 14:47 - Broadcast News
- 20:16 - The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal
- 35:12 - Every Day
- 35:42 - Music Releases
- 35:42 - Godspeed You Black Emperor - No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead
- 39:50 - Pete Townshend Live Box Set (That's probably not the name of it, but whatever.)
- 43:10 - James and the Shame - Nothing Left to Love
- 45:28 - Judas Priest - Invincible Shield
- 48:22 - The Linda Lindas - No Obligation
- 52:02 - Heaven Knows
- 52:32 - Outro (including talk of Oktoberfest and Ren Faires!)
In this episode about 50% of the things I talk about aren't in the photo because that's how streaming media works! But I talk about my fountain pen collection, the Mr. McMahon documentary, The Grand Tour, Only Murders in the Building, Frasier (briefly), and music from Drive-By Truckers, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, Jack White, Nick Lowe, and The Heavy Heavy. I got a lot of stuff into this one! Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
FREE Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including my probably slightly bad take on Dave Grohl.
- 8:32 - Losing Sleep
- 9:02 - Fountain Pens!
- 19:02 - Slainte
- 19:32 - Recent Watching/Podcasts (Including Mr. McMahon, The Grand Tour, Only Murders in the Building, Frasier, and Pod Meets World
- 33:40 - Safari
- 34:10 - Recent Listening (Including Drive-By Truckers, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, Jack White, Nick Lowe, and The Heavy Heavy
- 49:04 - Where You Are
- Outro including updates on my chair, a quote from Jim Henson, and more.
I hope you're enjoying the Fab 15 Songs About Rain, or that you'll listen soon if you haven't yet. But I needed to take a moment to acknowledge the death of Kris Kristofferson, so I'm uploading this brief message. Thanks. -Uncle Derek
In this episode, your Papa Dave and Uncle Derek are picking out Fab 15 Songs About Rain! It's sort of an Autumnal episode and it's a lot of fun. Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
- 0:00 - Intro, including discussion of list-making, rules for this list, links, and the last time Dave rode a horse.
- 12:15 - The List Begins
- 12:15 - #15
- 15:41 - #14
- 21:14 - #13
- 25:56 - #12
- 31:40 - #11
- 36:38 - #10
- 42:37 - #9
- 44:37 - #8
- 51:01 - #7
- 56:14 - #6
- 1:03:29 - #5
- 1:06:22 - #4
- 1:09:22 - #3
- 1:12:16 - #2
- 1:16:54 - #1
- 1:22:18 - Honorable Mentions
- 1:39:08 - The Final 15
- 1:43:26 - Picking #1
- 1:45:57 - Confirmed Final List and outro
In this episode I talk about music from Jason Isbell, John Craigie, and Nick Cave. Then I also talk about Boy/Pod Meets World, Little Shop of Horrors, and the present season of Only Murders in the Building. Plus some of my usual nonsense. It's a fun one! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:55 - All My Days
- 13:25 - Recent Music Things
- 13:25 - Jason Isbell in St. Louis
- 21:16 - John Craigie - Pagan Church
- 24:59 - Nick Cave - Wild God
- 30:57 - Forever Home
- 31:27 - Recent Watching
- 31:27 - Boy Meets World/Pod Meets World
- 41:26 - Little Shop of Horrors
- 48:25 - Only Murders in the Building Season 4 (SPOILERS!)
- 56:39 - You Only Hurt the Ones You Love
- 57:09 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about music from Mr. Big and Talking Heads. I also talk about So I Married and Axe Murderer, The Drew Carey Show, and Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me. I also learn that there's about to be a new Godspeed You Black Emperor album in real time and get excited about it. It's kinda all over the place. Enjoy!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:37 - Losing Sleep
- 10:07 - Mr. Big - Ten
- 14:57 - Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense
- 21:13 - I Wanna Write Songs For You
- 21:43 - The Drew Carey Show
- 28:34 - So I Married and Axe Murderer
- 33.50 - Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
- 38:40 - Jean Jacket
- 39:10 - Outro
In this (unwittingly delayed) episode, I talk about new releases from Johnny Cash, Cage the Elephant, and Vampire Weekend, then the new graphic novel "Youth Group" by Bowen McCurdy and Jordan Morris. It's a short, but fun one! Enjoy!
blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:38 - Lectio Divina
- 11:08 - New Music Releases
- 11:48 - Johnny Cash
- 17:09 - Vampire Weekend
- 22:00 - Cage the Elephant
- 25:56 - Deeper Than Oceans
- 26:26 - Youth Group
- 27:22 - The Cycle: Part 4
- 27:52 - Outro
I was startled to learn that I'm past due for a new episode. Sorry! Here's an explanation. but TLDR, there'll be a new episode this weekend, assuming nothing bad or weird happens. Thanks for your patience, Checkmates!
In this episode, your Papa Dave and I count down our Fab 15 Concerts that we attended together. It's a fun talk and hopefully it'll inspire you to check out some bands for the first time, or revisit some old favorites.
SPOILER ALERT (for real) - I am now posting the lists at the blog. So if you don't want to be spoiled, don't visit the blog until after you listen!
...speaking of which...
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index (spoiler free):
0:00 - Intro
11:08 - #15
20:30 - #14
28:46 - #13
38:42 - #12
49:47 - #11
54:11 - #10
1:04:43 - #9
1:19:18 - #8
1:27:40 - #7
1:36:49 - #6
1:56:49 - #5
2:09:33 - #4
2:11:31 - #3
2:20:10 - #2
2:25:22 - #1
2:38:41 - Honorable Mentions and so on...
If you think YOU'RE frustrated by the lack of a new episode, just imagine how I feel! Is this update full of empty promises, or will these promises actually happen? Only time will tell!
A quick update on where the show has been and when it will be back. (Spoiler alert: SOON!) Thanks for your patience as I've had stuff going on, off mic.
In this episode, I mostly talk about the newest albums by the Decemberists and Billie Eilish. But I also pay tribute to Martin Mull and whine about Doctor Who. It's a shorter episode, so it's a good jump-on point, if you're looking for one! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
0:00 - Intro and a tribute to Martin Mull.
16:58 - Live Your Life
17:30 - Music Releases
18:38 - Decemberists - As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again
23:38 - Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
27:54 - I Hope You're Happy
28:25 - Outro, including griping about Doctor Who
In this special episode, I'm listening to my new album "Boop" and doing commentary over it. It's probably a frustrating listen if you want to hear the album, but if you have already heard it, it's probably at least a little interesting! The album is available for ABSOLUTELY FREE (or pay-what-you-want) at http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com. Hope you have fun with this one, and even MORE fun listening to the album!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
(No time index this week, since it's just the one topic.)
In this episode, I'm playing catch-up on a bunch of new music. There's stuff from Shellac, Alkaline Trio, Old 97s, Neil Young, Bruce Dickinson, Sierra Ferrell, and Frank Turner. I also take a really weird stance on that Beyoncé record at one point...but you'll have to listen to figure out when! It's fun! Click things!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:27 - No Money
- 12:57 - New Music Reviews
- 12:57 - Shellac - To All Trains
- 17:30 - Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs
- 20:09 - Old 97s - American Primitive
- 24:24 - Neil Young - Fuckin' Up
- 27:14 - Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project
- 31:10 - Sierra Ferrell - Trail of Flowers
- 36:11 - Frank Turner - Undefeated
- 41:15 - Jean Jacket
- 41:45 - Outro
In this episode, I called an audible and decided to pay tribute to the man I believe was the George Martin of indie rock, Steve Albini. I end up talking about 12 releases by such acts as Big Black, Nirvana, Cheap Trick, Pixies, Plush, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and more...and I don't even touch on 1% of the 2000+ albums on which he worked.
Join me for this special episode, as I try to give just a small GLIMPSE into the career of one of the true greats.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:31 - Safari
- 8:01 - Tribute to Steve Albini
- 53:07 - One in a Million
- 53:37 - Outro
This is a slightly p-popping episode, and I apologize for that...but it's a fun one, if you can get over that! I talk about Only Murders in the Building, The Three Amigos, and The Great Race, then music from Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Khruangbin, and Pearl Jam. Plus some personal stuff, of course. This episode also contains a few samples of songs from my upcoming record "Boop," which comes out on May 3! Hope you dig it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0.00 - Intro
- 9:48 - A life update
- 14:58 - Vagabond (Not yet available! Yay!)
- 15:28 - TV Stuff
- 15:28 - Only Murders in the Building
- 23:41 - Three Amigos
- 27:37 - The Great Race
- 33:01 - Losing Sleep (Also not available! Hurrah!)
- 33:32 - Music Reviews
- 34:08 - Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department
- 39:59 - Joni Mitchell - At Newport (2023)
- 44:51 - Khruangbin - A La Sala (which I somehow didn't actually say in the show. Oops.)
- 48:04 - Pearl Jam - Dark Matter
- 51:27 - Slainte (You guessed it! You can't download it yet! WHOO!)
- 51:58 - Outro
In this "FAST CASH" episode of Empty Checking, we only talk about one topic, and don't do it for as long. And the topic at hand is bidding farewell to comic legend Joe Flaherty. (I also talk about my recent dental problems, but it's mostly about Joe.) Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
This one's a little different, so here are the song links, but I'm not breaking down the times. Songs in this episode:
Being There
Absent Friends
I'm...just so tired. The show WILL be back. But here's why it isn't yet. Thanks for your patience.
It's been a rough couple of weeks. I need a minute. Here's me babbling about that. Should be a new episode over the weekend. Etc. Sorry for the delay. And apparently, I love you...
In this episode, your Uncle Derek and your Papa Dave are celebrating an American treasure by counting down (or up?) our Fab 15 Weird Al songs! It's a fun and oddly spirited debate! Be part of giving us the Weird Al Bump and check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:58 - #15 - So I just used this...
- 14:00 - #14 - A couple matches.
- 20:27 - #13 - "That's the joke!"
- 25:04 - #12 - Dave has a cat in his face.
- 30:57 - #11 - On the subject of accordions...
- 38:04 - #10 - Go hang a salami, I'm a lasagna hog.
- 40:30 - #9 - Micro Machines Guy
- 46:46 - #8 - THE ALBUM VERSION (And a dumb linguistic lesson!)
- 52:26 - #7 - We got there. As foretold.
- 56:30 - #6 - Dave knows a lot about a very specific form of parody...
- 1:05:44 - #5 - LITERAL JAW DROP.
- 1:09:22 - #4 - Dave explains...
- 1:11:44 - #3 - Putting him on the map.
- 1:14:21 - #2 - Dave's out...
- 1:18:09 - #1 - BECAUSE HE'S AN AMERICAN TREASURE
- 1:22:11 - Honorable Mentions
- 1:31:09 - Musical Break - Intervention
- 1:31:39 - The final list, choosing #1, and loose ends...
You know what these uploads mean...no new episode in the immediate... But I do PROMISE one for Saturday, pending anything terrible happening to me! So listen to me explain... And until Saturday? Courage.
Sorry it took a while to get this week's episode uploaded. It's been weird. But whatever! We've got a good episode ready to go in which I pay tribute to Melinda Ledbetter and Wayne Kramer, then talk about my feelings on the final season of Star Trek: Picard and the Extreme/Living Colour show I saw a week ago! Dig it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
I say "Gestalt Entity" at one point in this episode...
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:27 - Not Okay
- 9:57 - RIPs
- 10:29 - Melinda Ledbetter
- 15:34 - Bro. Wayne Kramer
- 26:20 - Sometimes You Say Goodbye (Acoustic Version)
- 26:50 - Star Trek Picard: Season 3
- 45:00 - Being There
- 45:30 - Extreme and Living Colour
- 1:03:53 - One Man
- 1:04:23 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about Picard Season 2 and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. I also touch on the recent happenings in WWE...maybe a slight trigger warning, there. (I do NOT go into detail, but I do address the allegations against Vince McMahon.) I know that part makes it sound like it might not be a super fun episode...but it mostly is! Dig it!
blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 15:12 - Forever Home
- 15:42 - Recent happenings in WWE
- 24:30 - Coffee in My Cup
- 25:00 - Recent (Non-Wrestling) Viewing
- 25:40 - Star Trek Picard (Season 2)
- 36:15 - Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
- 43:15 - One Man (Uncle Dick)
- 43:47 - Outro
TL;DR - The new episode is late because of Vince McMahon. It'll be up soon. Here's a bit of an explanation. Etc. Thanks!
In this episode, I play a little catch-up by talking about the Barbie movie, and recent music from Tears for Fears, Devin Townsend, Ed Sheeran, and Peter Gabriel (at length). I had fun making this one. Maybe you'll have fun hearing it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:10 - Lectio Divina
- 11:40 - Barbie: The Movie
- 27:59 - Intervention
- 28:30 - Music: The Music!
- 28:30 - Tears for Fears - The Tipping Point
- 35:30 - Devin Townsend - Nightwork
- 42:04 - Ed Sheeran - Autumn Variations
- 46:50 - Peter Gabriel - i/o
- 59:30 - Absent Friends
- 60:00 - Outro
In this episode I talk about Doctor Who, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Madison Greene, and some other stuff. It's a shorter episode, but I crammed in a lot of fun. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
New Bandcamp talked about in the show: http://fromthebrink.bandcamp.com (All of the songs in this episode are from this page!)
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:55 - Fightin' Drunk (Blue Tattoo)
- 11:25 - RIP Melissa Blair
- 19:11 - Velvet Elvis (Derek Brink)
- 19:41 - Doctor Who
- 29:22 - Downtime (Uncle Dick)
- 29:52 - Super Mario Bros Wonder
- 38:52 - Sister Myrtle (Blue Tattoo)
- 39:22 - Outro
Something dumb happened with my software and it's going to be quicker to re-record the episode than to fix it. So... Sorry. I'll get a new, full episode up later this week (probably). Thanks for your patience!
Hi Checkmates! No new episode this week, but you do get about an 8-minute promo for a new ABSOLUTELY FREE Bandcamp page of my musical pre-history! All my bands from 1990 to now have recordings available for FREE (or pay what you want) at http://fromthebrink.bandcamp.com! Check it out! (My solo albums at derekbrink.bandcamp.com will still remain active there, btw. This is different.)
In this episode of the Fab 15, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down our Fab 15 albums of 2023! This one was a FAST turnaround, so it's a little longer than usual, but with the holidays this week and next week, maybe some of you need that. It was a really fun talk, and we hope you'll enjoy it, and maybe walk away with a few ideas of how to spend your Christmas money! Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 14:15 - #15 - Follow your bliss.
- 27:03 - #14 - In which I needed a sandwich.
- 32:45 - #13 - Say "boom box" again...
- 40:55 - #12 - Music evolves and changes with you. (Just FYI.)
- 53:49 - #11 - All ten middle-fingers...
- 1:01:04 - #10 - I don't know if I trust those sites, they're not sponsoring my show.
- 1:06:47 - #9 - Pronunciation problems begin.
- 1:20:57 - #8 - You ****in' grape.
- 1:41:42 - #7 - A little bit of a re-run.
- 1:47:56 - #6 - Intrigued and scarred.
- 1:56:26 - #5 - Strigid.
- 2:10:59 - #4 - Move on. Next.
- 2:11:18 - #3 - "Probably" Derek's number one.
- 2:23:25 - #2 - And Dave's #1. And Derek's #1. It all bled together.
- 2:36:55 - What we had in common. (No final list.)
- 2:38:00 - Honorable Mentions/Outro
In this episode I talk about Doctor Who, Friends, Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill, and Neil Young, amidst other things, including a desperately meowing McGuire... It's a fun one!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (Including tying up some loose ends on Shane MacGowan.)
- 16:22 - Born in this Town
- 16:52 - Recent watching
- 17:25 - Friends
- 24:52 - Doctor Who
- 43:23 - Church Girls
- 43:53 - Music Releases
- 44:18 - Glen Hansard - All That Was East is West of Me Now
- 53:19 - Lisa O'Neill - All of this is Chance
- 59:53 - Neil Young - Before and After
- 1:04:29 - Outlaw
- 1:05:00 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about Norman Lear, Shane MacGowan, Dolly Parton, The Struts, The National, Guided By Voices, Tenacious D, KISS, and a whole bunch of stuff! Thanks for waiting on it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 14:59 - Eliot's Benediction
- 15:30 - RIP Norman Lear
- 22:33 - RIP Shane MacGowan
- 40:35 - Absent Friends
- 41:05 - Music Releases
- 56:34 - Afraid
- 57:04 - Outro
Short version: You'll get a new episode on Saturday.Long version: Listen to the thing...Thanks!
Just in time for the holiday, there's a new Empty Checking episode--and it's a FAB FIFTEEN! Some of you might not be able to be with family. Some of you might be with family that makes you want to put in ear buds. And some of you might get around to it sometime this weekend or like Tuesday or whatever... Whatever the case, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave have you covered with the Fab Fifteen Bass Players! Whether you've already got a love for the low end, or you're looking to learn more, we've built a fun and bananas list that's sure to keep your toe tapping! (Be sure to check out the Spotify playlist while you're at it!) Enjoy! And happy Thanksgiving from all (both) of us at Empty Checking!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 5:51 - The Rules of the Fab 15
- 8:14 - What are you thankful for?
- 10:52 - #15 - We're going to use the word "solid" a lot in this episode, and it starts here. And Derek makes a hard choice.
- 22:17 - #14 - In a big suit, doing a weird dance.
- 29:25 - #13 - That's a brainer.
- 38:29 - #12 - Say what you want about Phil Collins...
- 45:46 - #11 - A complete left turn.
- 51:33 - #10 - I hope it's hilarious. (It is!)
- 59:47 - #9 - It's...number nine...writing these bullet points is hard.
- 1:11:50 - #8 - We're just one off on a few things.
- 1:16:30 - #7 - Another Journeyman (Also, I just KEEP saying "no-brainer." Sorry.)
- 1:30:18 - #6 - Same page.
- 1:30:51 - #5 - Something interesting.
- 1:31:26 - #4 - CUE THE CLOWN HORN!
- 1:43:29 - #3 - Really sweet, really lame...
- 1:54:08 - #2 and #1 - We have the same guys. (A coin flip. Also at one point Dave invents a sandwich.)
- 2:16:19 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:31:44 - Building the final list, and another (completely ineffective) coin flip.
- 2:38:48 - The FINAL 15.
In this episode I mostly catch up on a bunch of music, including Taylor Swift, Pharoah Sanders, The Mountain Goats, and The Rolling Stones. I also talk about making a Doctor Who scarf, trying to buy a laptop, and accidentally piercing my own nipple. So. There's a lot. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:36 - My slightly grumpy thoughts on Mike Portnoy returning to Dream Theater
- 13:48 - Music Break - Remember Me
- 14:18 - New(ish) Release Reviews
- 14:31 - Taylor Swift - 1989 (Taylor's Version)
- 19:37 - Pharoah Sanders - Pharoah
- 23:15 - The Mountain Goats - Jenny from Thebes
- 26:18 - Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamonds
- 29:05 - Music Break - Beautiful Disaster
- 29:35 - Outro (Including talk of scarves and laptops.)
I've decided this isn't an official "episode" in the chronology...but I needed to say some stuff, and I had a platform, so here we are. This one's very different. I talk a lot about an old college friend who passed away this week and also about why a celebrity death can hit us hard, why art matters, and so on. (And yes, I briefly pay tribute to Matthew Perry, Richard Moll, and Suzanne Somers, too.) It gets a little raw in places. But I listened back to it and thought maybe it'd be worth hearing for some people.
If you skip this one, I get it. But it might help somebody to at least know we're all asking the same questions.
There's not going to be much there this week, but you can check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com or email me at db@derekbrink.com.
I promise that the next one will (probably) be more fun. Thanks for letting me get serious sometimes.
-Uncle Derek
Okay, FYI, there's a strangely high amount of incidental contact with the microphone/stand in this one that even I find distracting, so sorry about that...but otherwise, this is a fun episode! I talk about music from Metric, Wilco, and Boygenius, and also about Paul Auster's new novel "Baumgartner." I had fun. I bet you will too, if you like things!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (Including talk of soup, shirts, dining alone, and so on.)
- 12:30 - Music Break - You and You Alone
- 13:00 - New Music Releases
- 14:49 - Metric - Formentera II
- 22:37 - Wilco - Cousin
- 27:15 - Boygenius (in general)
- 40:28 - Music Break - The High Road
- 40:58 - Paul Auster - Baumgartner
- 54:36 - Music Break - Chekhov's Rights
- 55:06 - Outro
In this rollicking good time of an episode I talk about the new series of Frasier and play guitar a little bit as I review the Strymon Cloudbirst pedal that I got quite some time ago but just never talked about. It's a fun hour of me geeking out about stuff I like and also complaining about an ear infection at the end of it. (Spoiler, I guess?) Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro/Guinness Zero review
- 16:08 - Music Break - Remember Me
- 16:38 - Frasier New and Old
- 38:10 - Music Break - Please
- 38:40 - The Strymon Cloudburst
- 55:56 - Noodling around mostly playing "Stranger"
- 56:24 - Outro/Ear Infection/Moving to Thursdays
In this episode (which is a couple days late--super-sorry!) I talk about music from Slowdive, Baroness, Jason Isbell, and The Who. I also touch on books by Jeff Smith. Neil Gaiman, and Joe Hill...but let's be honest, this episode was mostly an excuse to talk about The Who.
Enjoy!
blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 8:40 - An update on what I'm reading. (Including Neil Gaiman, William Goldman, Joe Hill, Jeff Smith...and a weird rant about Halloween...)
- 23:42 - Music Break - Tralfamadoverture
- 24:12 - Recent Music Purchases
- 25:29 - Slowdive - Everything is Alive
- 29:21 - Baroness - Stone
- 32:40 - Jason Isbell - Southeastern 10th Anniversary
- 38:16 - THE WHO - Who's Next | Lifehouse Super Deluxe Edition Box Set
- 54:38 - Music Break - If It's Raining
- 55:08 - Outro (Including a brief rant about digital media)
In this episode, I talk about seeing Ringo Starr, Squeeze, and the Psychedelic Furs, alongside some other stuff. Sorry I was away so long! But I'm back!
No time index because it's basically one topic... But check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and/or email me at db@derekbrink.com.
Thanks for your support!
In an update that should probably surprise no one, I'm still having software issues. Hoping to have it fixed shortly. Just wanted to keep you up to date.
A software snafu means I'm doing a quick upload from my phone, again! Sorry! But I decided to do another book review, while you're waiting! In this one, I talk about the book and movie The Princess Bride. The book is 50 years old this year! Check it out, and I promise, we'll have a real episode again soon!
A quick update about why there wasn't a full episode this week. And as a placeholder, I also give a quick review of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep." So. Enjoy! New episode soon!
In this episode, your Uncle Derek is joined by your Papa Dave for a FAB 15 episode! This time we're counting down our FAB 15 Most Overplayed Songs! If you're wondering what's so fab about an overplayed song, just listen to the show! We'll tell you!
Companion Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Mondaves: http://davidbrink.home.blog
Papa Dave's Fab 15 Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
This episode has a cloud over it. We recorded it on 8/31/23. Two days later, it was announced that Jimmy Buffett had passed away. Two days after that, Smash Mouth's Steve Harwell passed away as well. Both men are referenced in this episode, to different degrees. We didn't say anything that was overly disrespectful, but obviously if we had known what was coming, our tone on both would've been very different. We send our best wishes and deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and fans of both Mr. Buffett and Mr. Harwell.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - RIP Jimmy Buffett and Steve Harwell
- 1:27 - Intro
- 4:37 - Longest web-ID segment ever...
- 5:00 - Dave's Terry Funk story
- 14:21 - Prep for the list
- 22:31 - (The list begins!) #15 - Dave goes "newer," Derek does not.
- 29:17 - #14 - We're going to sing a LOT.
- 34:48 - #13 - Mountain Mama, apparently... (A lot of my songs are on The Office.)
- 41:50 - #12 - Played the right amount?
- 47:15 - #11 - If you're gonna steal, steal from the best.
- 51:16 - #10 - Going to the Country well.
- 56:48 - #9 - Immediate add to the final 15.
- 1:01:29 - #8 - Defend yourself.
- 1:06:54 - #7 - Fine. (ly)
- 1:14:40 - #6 - Making white people angry.
- 1:18:31 - #5 - Shang Tsung and the Seven Hoods
- 1:23:09 - #4 - Has Dave's one aged out or not? Email the show. (Also Dave didn't let me edit this...)
- 1:30:28 - #3 - Close enough! CUE THE CLOWN HORN!
- 1:35:55 - #2 - Making our dad mad.
- 1:41:54 - #1 - Surprise!
- 1:49:58 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:07:22 - Musical Break
- 2:07:52 - The final 15 and picking #1. (Or an unprecedented TOP FIVE!)
- 2:16:21 - Winding down/Outro
In advance, a computer issue led to me not having a time-index for this episode. Sorry... But I talk about a lot of stuff! I bid farewell to Terry Funk, Bray Wyatt, Bob Barker, and Arleen Sorkin. Then I talk about music from Old 97s, Beth Bombara, Mammoth WVH, Extreme, and Gord Downie/Bob Rock. And I close out talking about the Venture Bros, Asteroid City, and by giving my two-cents on the unfortunate comments made by Alice Cooper. There's a lot going on in this one, and it's MOSTLY fun! Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
email: db@derekbrink.com
This episode was recorded the week of 8/14 and delayed out of respect to a friend. Please excuse anything that seems slightly off-time for whatever week it actually is now.
In this episode, I talk about one of my basses that I've had for 30 years, then about music stuff related to Neil Young, The Band, and Bob Dylan, then about I Love Lucy. Super current subjects in this episode! :) But it's fun. I liked listening to it during editing, and I don't like the sound of my own voice. So that tells you something. Enjoy!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:19 - One Man (from Grounds)
- 9:49 - 1993ish Ibanez EX Series Bass (Laverne)
- 29:11 - Leave It (by union jack)
- 29:48 - Music Stuff
- 30:11 - Neil Young - Chrome Dreams
- 40:31 - The Last Waltz (For some reason I say "MORTON Scorsese" at one point. Let it go.
- 46:55 - The Rolling Thunder Review: A Bob Dylan Story
- 52:36 - Pneuma (from Departure)
- 53:06 - I Love Lucy
- 1:01:38 - Lectio Divina (from Departure)
- 1:02:08 - Outro
A quick update. I won't be uploading an episode today out of respect for a friend. Back next week. Thanks for your patience.
In this episode I sell my soul to Liquid Death without them asking me to, and also talk about music by Anohni and the Johnsons, Guided by Voices, Taylor Swift, and Neil Young, and the book Hyperbole and a Half. I had a lot of fun with this one. Maybe also you can do that?
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Introduction/Derek talks about water for a long time.
- 9:25 - You and You Alone
- 9:55 - Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
- 17:41 - Forever Home
- 18:11 - Music Reviews
- 18:48 - Anohni and the Johnsons - My Back was a Bridge for You to Cross
- 23:05 - Guided by Voices - Welshpool Frillies
- 26:09 - Taylor Swift - Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
- 33:04 - Neil Young - Freedom, Ragged Glory, Weld, and Arc
- 42:35 - Indelible
- 43:05 - Outro
In this episode I pay tribute to Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, and Paul Reubens. Then I talk about the new seasons of Futurama and Good Omens. And we close out with a review of the Paramore show (with Foals and The Linda Lindas) that I saw this past weekend. That and other stuff. It's a fun episode that covers a lot of ground.
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 13:43 - Coming Storm
- 14:13 - RIP to Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, and Paul Reubens
- 32:48 - Absent Friends
- 33:18 - TV!
- 33:53 - Futurama Season 11
- 36:27 - Good Omens 2
- 42:53 - Intervention
- 43:23 - Paramore/The Linda Lindas
- 56:05 - You Only Hurt the Ones You Love
- 56:35 - Outro
In this episode, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down their Fab 15 U2 Songs! It's a fun listen and a good talk. Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com Mondaves: http://davidbrink.home.blog Papa Dave's Fab 15 Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Long intro, because there's a lot to say!
- 27:45 - #15 - WHERE IS 1?
- 34:28 - #14 - We're going to talk about Songs of Innocence...
- 41:20 - #13 - I don't think I can think of the melody to that...
- 49:12 - #12 - We're not gonna match at all.
- 57:20 - #11 - Do you wanna hear something funny?
- 1:02:30 - #10 - That's a two-fer! And you're welcome!
- 1:07:46 - #9 - A classic drum-line...or bass line...or something...
- 1:16:51 - #8 - The best groove they ever had.
- 1:22:58 - #7 - Dave didn't even think about it.
- 1:25:57 - #6 - Bono sounding very important...
- 1:31:51 - #5 - Derek tells a long, unnecessary, personal story. But it's my show, and I'm the one editing it. So there.
- 1:47:56 - #4 - If I could put Dave's "ehh...course it is" soundwave on a shirt, I would... (This one merits the time.)
- 2:00:09 - #3 - Dave's redemption.
- 2:12:32 - #2 - We are at my house and I am going to leave.
- 2:22:14 - #1 - Obvious answers, but also free concert advice.
- 2:30:20 - Honorable mentions. (And I seem to be having trouble saying the word "honorable" in this particular episode.)
- 2:35:43 - Picking the final 15.
- 2:41:36 - Picking #1.
- 2:43:19 - THE FINAL 15!
- 2:46:05 - Outro
I AM SICK. You'll be getting a Fab 15 soon, but here's me talking about why you haven't yet. Be back with you as soon as I can. Thanks for your patience!
In this episode, I state my irritation re: fireworks, newfound fondness for shorts, and also talk about music from Bobbie Nelson/Amanda Shires and Drive-By Truckers, and my essential Summer movies: Meatballs, The Great Outdoors, and The Burbs! Dig it!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro and Derek doesn't like fireworks, but bought shorts!
- 11:48 - Nobody Else
- 12:18 - New Music
- 12:18 - Bobbie Nelson and Amanda Shires
- 20:03 - DBT
- 25:55 - That Was Then
- 26:25 - Movies
- 28:22 - Meatballs (And a surprising porno recommendation.)
- 33:19 - The Great Outdoors
- 37:54 - The Burbs
- 42:45 - Always
- 43:15 - Outro, etc.
It's...been a rough couple days. Sorry. Here's an explanation of why there hasn't been a show this week. I'll be back as soon as I can be. (I imagine next week.) Until then, thanks for your patience!
In this episode, I take a whole hour to talk about my trip to the Open Highway Music Festival. I saw a bunch of cool bands and had a great experience. Check it out!
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (I feel bad leaving the cats...)
- 9:21 - The Last Folk Singers
- 9:51 - Open Highway Music Festival 2023 (Festival overview, food, etc.)
- 19:30 - Beth Bombara
- 22:16 - The Heavy Heavy
- 24:24 - Blackberry Smoke
- 31:00 - Talking about getting Jason Isbell's autograph...
- 41:23 - Sleepy Rubies
- 45:22 - SG Goodman
- 49:28 - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- 57:57 - Outlaw
- 58:14 - Outro
In this episode, I talk about new music from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Ben Folds, The Damned, Rufus Wainwright, and Dropkick Murphys. I've had some computer issues and absolutely lost the file I made with the time-index in it...I'm not making that again...so it's not here! But visit the blog for pictures or whatever. :)
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com
Thanks!
Better late than never! It was a struggle to find the time this week, but there is finally a new episode! In this one, I dive deep into talking about my new Telecaster, bid farewell to Tina Turner, and review new music from Paul Simon, The National, and Foo Fighters. That, plus commentary on a good natured cat-fight in the background. It's a fun one! Check it out! (One note: I didn't have time to re-listen. If there are any weird audio glitches, I apologize. Busy week.)
Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:33 - Talking about my new Jason Isbell Telecaster
- 20:44 - Untitled Guitar Riff - But it bears enough similarity to a known one, let's call it "Skuttle."
- 21:14 - Rest in Peace Tina Turner
- 28:56 - "Just Another Day" verse riff
- 29:27 - New Music Releases (Paul Simon, The National, Foo Fighters)
- 43:13 - "Bullshit" riff
- 43:43 - Outro/Follow up on TOTK
- 52:58 - "Just Another Day" Solo
Very brief update from inside my very hot car to yell you that I'm aware that a new episode didn't go up yet this week, but I'm still planning on doing one. So...that.
In this episode, I get mad about gaming (and I REALLY get there!), happy about the Muppets, happy about music, and very happy about the achievements of a friend. Meanwhile, Jonco the cat goes mad with power (and a cardboard box). It's a fun episode! I do a lot of cussing! Dig it!
Companion Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
The Jim Ousley Episode: https://emptychecking.blogspot.com/2022/10/episode-134-interview-with-jim-ousley.html
- 0:00 - Intro
- 17:24 - All My Days
- 17:54 - The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- 42:30 - You Only Hurt the Ones You Love
- 43:00 - The Muppets Mayhem
- 49:00 - Afraid
- 49:30 - Recent Music Releases:
- 49:38 - Ed Sheeran
- 56:25 - New Pornographers
- 59:49 - You're Weird
- 1:00:19 - Outro
We're back with a new FAB 15! This time it's the FAB 15 TV Show Themes. It's a fun talk. Your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are on stunningly different pages this time, so you get to hear about a whole lot of songs! Check it out!
Companion Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email: db@derekbrink.com
- 0:00 - Intro
- 17:26 - #15 - It should be higher / It's an obscure pull
- 22:49 - #14 - If you wanna start talking, I'll Google.
- 27:47 - #13 - Derek explains Butt-Rock.
- 33:43 - #12 - I dipped into kids shows.
- 39:40 - #11 - Would you like a banana?
- 50:50 - #10 - Too many alongs...
- 57:22 - #9 - You're over there giggling.
- 1:06:08 - #8 - Ya' hear that, Daniel Dae Kim?
- 1:14:24 - #7 - It WAS written for the show.
- 1:17:20 - #6 - Snaps and whistling...
- 1:23:46 - #5 - I changed bananas to nuts.
- 1:32:04 - #4 - INELIGIBLE
- 1:39:24 - #3 - Making the final list is going to be so hard...
- 1:42:58 - #2 - Senior Pranks...
- 1:50:02 - #1 - You will NEVER HEAR IT.
- 1:53:41 - Figuring out the 15...
- 1:53:58 - Music Break to symbolize time passing - Lectio Divina
- 1:54:27 - A FAB 15, in principle...
- 1:55:48 - Picking #1
- 2:01:28 - Honorable Mentions, Alan Thicke, and Bob Ross.
- 2:19:47 - Restatement of the final list and outro.
(TV Static used in the "15" was listed for free use at https://depositphotos.com/80510860/stock-photo-tv-damage-television-static-noise.html)
Things went sideways! Twice! In different ways! There's about to be a Fab 15 episode, but it'll be a little later this week. So here's where we are in the meantime.
...boy you can really hear my fridge running in this episode. Ah well...
In this week's episode, I talk about the last couple of years of Doctor Who with particular focus on Jodie Whittaker's final episode. Then I get into music and talk about the recent releases from Paramore, Feist, The Hold Steady, Manchester Orchestra, and Metallica. And I close out the show by begging for money. So there's a little bit of everything. Enjoy!
Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email me at db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 Intro
- 11:01 - Forever's Not Long Enough
- 11:43 - Doctor Who
- 34:07 - You and You Alone
- 34:37 - New Music Releases
- 34:50 - Paramore - This is Why
- 38:04 - Feist - Multitudes
- 39:43 - The Hold Steady - The Price of Progress
- 41:21 - Manchester Orchestra - The Valley of Vision
- 46:44 - Metallica - 72 Seasons
- 51:48 - All My Days
- 52:18 - Outro and Selling Out
A brief phone update. Short version, I've hurt myself just badly enough that I can't record a show right now. Back soon. Thanks for your patience.
In this episode, I play my new album "Third Act Problems" and talk over it the whole time, in a madcap ruse to try to frustrate you into downloading it. (Or...y'know...think of it as a commentary track.) That's pretty much it. You'll enjoy it or you won't. That's up to you. I'm not responsible for your mood.
Thanks for listening!
Check out the blog or email me or something:
http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
db@derekbrink.com
I know. I'm uploading the episode late. Very sorry. Life has been crazy.
But this episode is fun! I talk about Wrestlemania, Bono's book, U2's special with David Letterman, Greg the Bunny, Red Dwarf, and I try to get you to date me, all in under an hour! Check it out!
- 0:00 - Intro
- 5:19 - Wrestlemania Wrap-up...and I yell at wrestling fans.
- 26:51 - Forever Home
- 27:20 - More U2 Stuff, including "A Sort of Homecoming" and Bono's book "Surrender."
- 43:10 - You Only Hurt the Ones You Love
- 43:41 - Recent Watching
- Greg the Bunny - 44:49
- Red Dwarf - 51:42
- 58:01 - You're Weird
- 58:32 - Outro
Sorry Checkmates...no new episode this week. But I wanted to at least talk to you for a couple of minutes and tell you why. Thanks for your continued support. The show will return next week, assuming nothing bad happens to me in the meantime. Thanks again!
In another FAST CASH episode (that's almost too long to be a FAST CASH), I talk about the new U2 release, "Songs of Surrender." And that's it. I also whine about being tired. But it's mostly U2.
Companion blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
e-mail the show: db@derekbrink.com
In a format I suddenly remembered I used to do sometimes, here's a super-short "FAST CASH" episode of the show, where we're out in like 20 minutes. In it, I give my thoughts on Mel Brooks' "History of the World Part II" which is now streaming on Hulu. There's some spoiler-ish stuff, so bear that in mind.
In one of our most chair-squeakingest episodes so far, we list our Fab 15 Disney/Pixar movies! This one might touch some nerves--and we HEAR you, and you're right! But we had a lot of fun with this one, and we hope you will too.
Visit the companion blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.come-mail the show: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, rules, and so on...
- 13:38 - #15 - Anything I say is going to be wrong.
- 21:40 - #14 - They're changing Splash Mountain.
- 28:48 - #13 - ALWAYS my number 13... (Also, it's Sterling Holloway. Sorry.)
- 38:24 - #12 - This time I KNOW... (And I officially start swearing.)
- 43:00 - #11 - Sweet battle-vest...
- 51:14 - #10 - One of the best villains. (Also, yes, it was Scuttle. Sorry again.)
- 59:15 - #9 - Another Big and Huge One
- 1:04:37 - #8 - You've gotta look good.
- 1:12:23 - #7 - Sorry everybody...
- 1:20:07 - #6 - If you're going to hold Disney's feet to the flame on magic, we can't make this list.
- 1:33:19 - #5 - Dave teed me up...
- 1:39:01 - #4 - Well that was quick...
- 1:39:30 - #3 - The best Disney villain ever(?)
- 1:50:34 - #2 - Dave peels back some layers. (Also: Partionally.)
- 2:03:54 - #1 - CUE THE CLOWN HORN! (There is now, canonically, a furry episode of the Fab 15.)
- 2:14:07 - Honorable Mentions
- 2:33:58 - Picking the final 15.
- 2:38:13 - Picking #1 (which wasn't hard...)
- 2:39:44 - Closing remarks and whatnot.
A quick update on why there's not a new episode yet! short version...stuff is busy, the recording session went long, and I've got a new album coming out on 3/3 at derekbrink.bandcamp.com. So it'll be out on Tuesday. Thanks for your patience!
There WILL be a new episode this week...just not on Tuesday. Thanks for your understanding!
In this kinda grumpy episode, I share some personal stuff then talk about music from Michael Penn and the Decemberists, because their music helped me through a rough week. This one has a slightly different tone, but I think it still manages to be fun.
Companion blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.come-mail: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including me hating my new phone and ranting about how to podcast real good...
- 26:47 - Diner
- 27:17 - Music to have a bad week by...
- 28:04 - Michael Penn - Mr. Hollywood, Jr. 1947
- 37:25 - ...I get weirdly mad defending the Decemberists, who I only sort of like...
- 53:02 - Napalm
- 53:32 - Outro
In this episode I'm all over the place bidding farewell to Burt Bacharach, complaining about streaming services, praising Vox Machina, and talking about my new vests. It's fun! Give it a shot!
Visit the Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.comE-mail me: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including talk of vests!
- 17:48 - Nobody Else
- 18:18 - RIP Burt Bacharach
- 29:25 - Who I Am
- 29:55 - TV stuff, including talk of Vox Machina and a weird rant about streaming media being terrible.
- 41:35 - Always
- 42:05 - Outro
In this episode I mostly talk about Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip, but there's also some mildly personal stuff at the start and some surprisingly deep personal stuff at the end. So it's got some layers. Make like an archaeologist and dig it!
The companion blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.comE-mail me: db@derekbrink.com
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 18:51 - Coming Storm
- 19:21 - Gord Downie and The Tragically Hip
- 47:44 - Give It Up
- 48:14 - Outro and a personal story about the cats.
Thanks, Checkmates!
In this slightly all over the place episode I talk about how much I hate the DMV, bid farewell to Sal Piro and David Crosby, consider wearing vests, and review new music from Iggy Pop and Guided By Voices. Check it out! Be there or don't!
Companion blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Email me: db@derekbrink.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including me hating the DMV.
- 15:00 - Born in this Town
- 15:30 - RIP Sal Piro
- 26:11 - Absent Friends
- 26:41 - RIP David Crosby
- 38:22 - Falling
- 38:52 - Music Reviews - GBV and Iggy Pop
- 45:29 - Church Girls
- 46:00 - Outro
In this episode, we are once again joined by Dave and we count down our Fab 15 Cover Songs. Y'know...like in the episode title! It's a fun talk with some funny moments and some good talk. Check it out!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with your thoughts (preferably about the show)!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro/Preface
- 14:09 - Starting the list
- 14:25 - #15 - We're both shocked Dave didn't think of this...
- 20:08 - #14 - I want to stop saying something is higher on my list. And a brief tribute to David Crosby.
- 26:49 - #13 - Stepping away from the Rock genre.
- 31:01 - #12 - I didn't know that was a cover!
- 37:51 - #11 - Derek yells the f-word.
- 45:25 - #10 - It's easier to sing.
- 48:53 - #9 - Yeah, but what if it rocked?
- 53:36 - #8 - You wanna hear something funny? (1/4)
- 1:00:30 - #7 - We find out Dave's wedding song, but that's not really part of the list. Shut up.
- 1:11:55 - #6 - IT'S A SONG?!?/You know how to spell it...
- 1:19:32 - #5 - You wanna hear something funny? (2/4)
- 1:32:12 - #4 - ...say more.
- 1:41:33 - #3 - You wanna hear something funny? (3/4)
- 1:47:07 - #2 - You wanna hear something funny? (4/4)
- 1:56:06 - #1 - Is Derek cheating?
- 2:04:27 - Honorable Mentions...
- 2:12:37 - Matches and making the final list.
- 2:17:34 - The final 15.
- 2:18:04 - Choosing #1.
- 2:22:32 - Closing remarks, etc...
In this episode I talk about the new album my Margo Price, the weirdest movie I've ever seen in my life (The American Astronaut), Wall-E, and the Kurt Vonnegut documentary, "Unstuck in Time." It hangs together a lot better than it sounds... Dig it!
Remember to visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com. You can e-mail me your thoughts, arguments, and so on at db@derekbrink.com. And so on.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:57 - I Hope You're Happy Now
- 10:27 - Music Review - Margo Price - "Strays"
- 19:10 - Bullsh*t
- 19:40 - Movie Reviews
- 20:09 - The American Astronaut
- 31:45 - Wall-E
- 40:38 - Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time
- 49:32 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo)
- 50:02 - Outro
In the first episode of the new year I review a bunch of stuff from last year, including music from Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and The Smile, and the movies Glass Onion and Clerks III. It's a good one. I'm inexcusably drunk for about half of it, too. So. There's also that. (SPOILERS GALORE on the movies, btw!)
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:21 - Deeper Than Oceans
- 12:51 - Music Reviews
- 14:06 - Bruce Springsteen - Only the Strong Survive
- 20:58 - The Smile - I don't remember the title and I bet I forget to find it...
- 27:18 - Neil Young - World Record
- 34:13 - Lectio Divina
- 34:43 - Movie Reviews
- 37:20 - Glass Onion
- 59:49 - Clerks III
- 1:13:03 - Absent Friends
- 1:13:33 - Outro, including me talking to the cats.
There's a typo in the file name and I can't fix it. Obviously it's 2023. You don't need to tell me that. This is an upload to tell you why there isn't an upload yet. It'll come soon. I promise. Thanks for your patience in the meantime. - Uncle Derek
In this episode I count down my top ten favorite albums of 2022, including a bunch of honorable mentions and some other stuff. (And no, #1 is NOT visible in the thumbnail!) It's always a good time, any time I get to make a list! :)
Remember you can e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com--tell me your favorites from this year! And there is a companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com with photos and stuff.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff (Including my favorite music memories from this year.)
- 17:08 - Born in this Town
- 17:38 - Mostly Honorable Mentions
- 38:43 - Hindsight
- 39:13 - The Top Ten!
- 1:15:31 - Being There
- 1:16:01 - Outro (Including some other music that isn't new, but I learned of it this year, and a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Checkmates for 2022!)
A quick Merry Christmas from your Uncle Derek! Thanks for being part of the show this year! We'll have a new episode for you next week, but until then, that Who episode was pretty long and it's been busy, so you probably haven't finished that yet. :)
The FAB 15 returns! And this time we're tackling the inevitable. The Fab 15 WHO SONGS! We were always bound to do this. So we did it. Dave and I are absolute fanatics about The Who, and you get to hear us gush about them for a looooooong time this week! Sit back, relax, call your job to tell them you're going to be late tomorrow, because you had to stay up listening to the end. It's a good one!
Remember you can visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail the show at db@derekbrink.com, if you wanna.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 12:14 - #15 - AN EXACT MATCH!
- 17:29 - #14 - Oh, that's what that means...
- 22:07 - #13 - Recognizing John Entwistle
- 28:34 - #12 - I love the Englishness.
- 35:41 - #11 - That's alright.
- 40:16 - #10 - The screaming voice of Roger Daltrey.
- 48:59 - #9 - WHY ISN'T THE SEEKER ON OUR LISTS?
- 55:36 - #8 - Nobody does...
- 1:07:43 - #7 - Dave did NOT take my #1.
- 1:20:30 - #6 - Another number.
- 1:37:12 - #5 - Shenanigans!
- 1:55:35 - #4 - A song I was always supposed to love.
- 2:03:55 - #3-1 - A quick run-thru...
- 2:07:10 - Our matches and picking a #1. (#1 is at 2:13:43.)
- 2:13:43 - Six spots to fill.
- 2:16:14 - Honorable mentions.
- 2:18:41 - The final list and closing thoughts.
In this episode, I yell at you about JRR Tolkien and the Rings of Power for a long time, but also talk about music from Marc with a C and Neil Young, and share some "RIPs" to Bob McGrath, Christine McVie, and Kirstie Alley. The cover photo does not accurately represent the time spent on the topics represented, but whatever! It's a good one. Enjoy!
Remember to check out the companion blogs at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com. You can e-mail me with your responses/questions at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- RIPs - 7:30
- 21:22 - Hindsight
- 21:52 - Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power (and everything else!)
- 1:04:31 - Battle Cry
- 1:05:01 - Music reviews: Marc With A C - Thanatphobia; Neil Young - Harvest 50th Anniversary
- 1:16:45 - Repass
- 1:17:15 - Outro
In this long-overdue episode I talk about Boy Meet World, the related podcast Pod Meets World, music from Lou Reed, Wesley Willis, and Off, and a bunch of other stuff including the cats (you can hear McGuire meow!) and my newfound love of making stuff on a loom. It's kind of all over the place. And shorter than usual. What's not to love?
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with your thoughts and questions and stuff.
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 2:51 - A little bit of wrestling talk, upon request.
- 7:34 - I weave scarves now.
- 12:27 - Remember Me
- 12:57 - Additional talk about the cats...
- 14:40 - Boy Meets World/Pod Meets World
- 23:09 - Being There
- 23:39 - Music
- 23:46 - Wesley Willis
- 29:59 - Lou Reed - Words & Music
- 33:12 - Off - Free LSD
- 36:20 - You and Your Perfect Life
- 36:50 - Outro
In this "special episode," I talk about Kevin Conroy and share my grief at his passing. I'm 100% sure my thoughts are incomplete and imperfect. But I hope you hear my heart. Kevin Conroy was MY Batman. He WAS Batman. This goes some small way in expressing my admiration and mourning.
Please check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for some relevant info/links. Or e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com to talk about your memories and feelings for Kevin Conroy.
Otherwise...go out there and be Batman, folks.
I'm finally back doing my solo-act! And in this one I mostly tell some stories and catch up on some recent releases from Julian Lennon, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, The Pixies, Flogging Molly, and Dropkick Murphys. It's fun. Come have fun with me! :)
And feel free to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 17:20 - Church Girls
- 17:50 - Music Reviews (Intro)
- 18:41 - Julian Lennon - Jude
- 21:38 - Flogging Molly - Anthem
- 24:02 - Dropkick Murphys - This Machine Still Kills Fascists
- 27:51 - Pixies - Doggerel
- 29:53 - Demi Lovato - Holy Fvck
- 37:47 - Taylor Swift - Midnights
- 47:01 - Being There
- 47:31 - Outro
I've been under the weather and recorded a quick update from my phone telling you...pretty much just that... New episode as soon as I'm able!
This was a really fun episode for me, in which I basically got to fan-boy all over one of my friends for a long time. Jim Ousley has been writing cool comics, music, haikus, and other stuff for years, and his newest project, The Atonement Bell (available everywhere 11/9) is some of his best work yet, in my opinion. I was excited to talk to him about the story, but also to talk about everything else under the sun. Check it out!
Also check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. And always feel free to e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with your thoughts and questions.
No time index this week, since it's an interview. Just sit back and enjoy it, knowing that the FULL version was 2.5 hours long, but I edited it down to and hour and 42 minutes, for your sake. :)
In a few days, you'll be listening to me talk to my friend Jim Ousely about his upcoming comic, The Atonement Bell (out 11/9!) and a myriad of other things. Here's me telling you why you should...and why it's still a couple days away. :)
I'm back on my own this week and I kept it pretty simple. I give a life update, then talk about The Sandman, Glenn Tilbrook, and an awesome beer I had last week. Check it out!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. And you can e-mail me your thoughts at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:07 - It's been a weird week...
- 7-ish Minutes (I didn't write it down) - I start talking about a home renovation project...
- 13:22 - The Thing in the Wall
- 18:43 - Born in this Town
- 19:13 - The Sandman
- 31:34 - Being There
- 32:04 - Glenn Tilbrook and Squeeze
- 36:31 - Heavy Riff Velvet Underbrown
- 38:29 - Back to talking about Glenn Tilbrook
- 48:14 - Diner
- 48:44 - Outro/Coming Attractions
A quick upload to say Rest in Peace to Coolio. I talk a little bit about my experience with Gangsta's Paradise and why Coolio was important to me. It just felt important to say it.
Full episode coming over the weekend.
In this episode, Dave is back for another Fab 15, and we're paying tribute to Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II by listing our Fab 15 songs by Queen! (Go with it!) It's a super-fun episode and if you're not a Queen fan, the final list would serve as a GREAT introduction! So check it out, darlings!
Please remember to visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with your questions, comments, objections, and lunch order--I'll get there as soon as I can.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 3:08 - Discussing the death of Queen Elizabeth II
- 6:51 - Our Queen credentials, ground rules, and ranking the top three.
- 19:09 - #15 - Where we were when Freddie died, plus naming two songs.
- 25:31 - #14 - A creepy "good."
- 31:42 - #13 - ALIENS!
- 37:07 - #12 - Acoustic tracks and drag.
- 44:33 - #11 - We gonna get bombed? And a little love for John Deacon
- 54:33 - #10 - The robot's name is Frank.
- 1:07:12 - #9 - Derek regrets an omission.
- 1:10:02 - #8 - Right back to Dave, and Derek might cry.
- 1:19:14 - #7 - Derek is 15 again.
- 1:21:30 - #6 - What do they call jukeboxes in England?
- 1:25:23 - #5 - It doesn't matter what it's about!
- 1:33:28 - #4 - We should start catering these things.
- 1:45:33 - #3 - BETTER THAN BO RHAP?!?
- 1:54:27 - #2 & #1 - I think we're done! (Spoiler alert...we were not...)
- 1:56:02 - Seven spaces to fill: Building the final list.
- 1:56:26 - Agreed songs from the initial lists.
- 1:58:20 - Honorable mentions.
- 2:15:51 - Picking a number one!
- 2:17:22 - THE FINAL LIST!
- 2:18:38 - Talking about Roger Taylor and our final thoughts.
A quick update with an announcement of coming attractions for this weekend! talk to you Friday or Saturday!
In this episode, I'm joined by my brother Dave for a Fab 15! This week, we're counting down our respective Fab 15 Movies of 1989. '89 is widely regarded as the biggest blockbuster movie year EVER, and we decided to tackle deciding which are the ones that are REALLY worth talking about. To us, anyway. Your opinion may differ. :)
If your opinion does (or does not!) differ, feel free to express it at the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com or by e-mailing me at db@derekbrink.com, where I almost always reply.
No time index this week, both because it's all just the one topic, and because I spent about 9 hours editing this thing and listening to it again to create the time index would've made me crazy...thanks for your patience with that! And enjoy the show!
No episode this week. Taking a small hiatus before Dave and I return with a Fab 15. But here's an update on why I needed time away, and some recommendations for what you SHOULD be doing for TV instead of using the biggest name in the country...
This episode starts a little heavy with me talking about my life pre-cats and post-cats...but then it gets pretty fun as I talk about a bunch of bands I've seen recently. Enjoy!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, which gets pretty heavy re: the cats and me.
- 28:46 - Remember Me
- 29:16 - Bands I've recently seen
- 32:13 - About the Open Highway Music Festival, including talking about Grace Chicken and Fish and Logboat Brewing.
- 38:46 - James McMurtry
- 44:01 - Drive-By Truckers
- 48:28 - John Moreland
- 54:38 - Hayes Carll
- 1:00:00 - Shovels & Rope
- 1:01:55 - Margo Price
- 1:09:05 - Mothica
- 1:11:07 - Alkaline Trio
- 1:12:28 - Coheed & Cambria
- 1:23:22 - That was a lot of bands...
- 1:24:42 - In My Heart
- 1:25:12 - Outro
http://emptychecking.blogspot.com db@derekbrink.com
In this episode I talk a little about Vince McMahon, then a lot about Norm Mcdonald, Get Back, The Good Place, and the newest albums from Guided By Voices, Metric, Neil Young, and ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead. All that and also if you listen real close, you get to hear Jonco meow a little! Dig it!
And remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and you can e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0.00 - Intro
- 3.43 - My Finger! (and so on)
- 8.07 - Promo Stuff
- 9.42 - Live Your Life
- 10:11 - I HAVE TO talk about Vince McMahon
- 19.46 - Every Day
- 20.17 - Recent Viewing
- 20.30 - Norm Mcdonald - Nothing Special
- 24.11 - Get Back BluRay
- 26.17 - The Good Place
- 34.18 - Those Things
- 34:48 - Recent Listening
- 35.04 - Guided By Voices - Tremblers and Goggles By Rank
- Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Toast
- Metric - Formentera
- ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead- XI: Bleed Here Now
- 47.39 - After the Storm
- 48.08 - Outro
Last week I said there would be a full episode of the show if nothing weird happened. Well. Weird stuff happened. So this is me talking about it. Enjoy?
You might have noticed there wasn't an episode this week. Here's why! (Short version - Everything is fine. Just busy. Back soon.) Thanks (again) for your patience!
It's a solo-show this time with me talking about the movies Yesterday and Ghostbusters Afterlife, as well as the new albums from Coheed & Cambria and Wilco. That plus cat talk. And talk of a bench. And my dishwasher almost exploding. It covers a lot of ground!
Please remember to visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more info and e-mail your questions, comments, and so on to me at db@derekbrink.com. Thanks for your support!
Time Index:
I'm Happy with the Bench
- 0:00 Intro
- 4:23 - I got a bench.
- 7:38 - Almost a fire.
- 16:01 - Dichotomy
- 16:31 - Movies
- 17:26 - Yesterday
- 23:31 - Ghostbusters Afterlife
- 33:03 - Out From the Light
- 33:33 - Music
- 34:32 - Coheed & Cambria: Vaxis II - A Window of the Waking Mind
- 40:07 - Wilco - Cruel Country
- 46:52 - Falling
- 47:22 - Outro
Didn't get an episode together this week. And here's me rambling about why for like 10 minutes! Enjoy?
This week's episode sees Dave and me list our Fab 15 Songs of Summer! Fun, sun, sand, surfing, drinking, maybe a little reading when you need to recharge and everybody's like "come on Derek, everybody's going" but you're still like, "nah." Y'know. Summer! It's a fun episode and I think you'll dig it!
As always please check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 4:17 - Explaining the concept and topic. (Ground-rules.)
- 14:10 - #15 - I'm glad you feel safe.
- 21:27 - #14 - You kinda like half rapped that.
- 26:52 - #13 - Making Dave look good.
- 33:08 - #12 - You've gotta sing it like that.
- 38:21 - #11 - We're not baseball guys...but...
- 40:59 - #10 - How much more Summer can you get?
- 45:33 - #9 - Goin' 80s.
- 49:35 - #8 - I thought the leaves were green...
- 57:02 - #7 - Tony Bennett TOTALLY didn't do a version of it. Sorry, everybody.
- 1:00:10 - #6 - The whole song is a hook.
- 1:07:26 - #5 - Reduced volume...
- 1:11:25 - #4 - Within the parameters of rock!
- 1:18:48 - #3 - Good transition, Dave!
- 1:25:17 - #2 - All-encompassing.
- 1:30:10 - #1 - That's so good it should be on my list! (Also, I checked after the episode and Tony Bennett's FINAL performance was in November of 2021.)
- 1:40:27 - Working on a final List.
- 1:47:04 - Picking a Beach Boys song.
- 1:55:10 - The FINAL List!
- 1:56:05 - Final thoughts and honorable mentions.
- 2:02:52 - Outro
This is a shorter than usual episode--a good jump-on point for the newbie! In it I talk about recent releases from Rufus Wainwright and also the movies The Elephant Man and the Jack Benny version of To Be or Not To Be. It's a fun one. But you don't have to take my word for it!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with any thoughts!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (I HAVE A COUCH!)
- 9:24 - Out From the Light
- 9:54 - Rufus Wainwright
- 19:25 - Remember Me
- 19:59 - Movies
- 21:10 - The Elephant Man
- 30:22 - To Be Or Not To Be (1941)
- 37:43 - Sometimes You Say Goodbye (Acoustic)
- 38:13 - Outro
In this episode I talk about music from Drive-By Truckers, Neil Young, Craig Finn, Bloc Party, and Chamber Band. And if that's not enough, I also talk about books by Neil Gaiman and Mel Brooks! It's a fun episode in which I manage to talk about a BUNCH of stuff in a relatively concise manner, for me! Enjoy!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and/or e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com!
Time Index (Sorry this is a little brief--I'm on a limited schedule!):
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:19 - Music Break - Dichotomy
- 11:49 - Music Stuff
- 32:38 - Music Break - Falling
- 33:08 - Books!
- 53:46 - Music Break - Being There
- 54:16 - Outro
The show is going to be uploaded a little late this week. So here's me (badly) explaining why and being weird. Enjoy!
In this kinda bananas episode, my brother Dave returns and we compile a new Fab 15 list--the Fab 15 Movie Soundtracks! It was a lot of fun and all over the place with a lot of music and movies represented. It's a good time. Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and feel free to email me with your own list (or other stuff) at db@derekbrink.com and I'll reply and maybe even read your e-mail on the air!
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:06 - Ground-Rules and chit-chat
- 22:18 - #15 Running on Empty?
- 31:10 - #14 In the weeds.
- 41:05 - #13 Good calls.
- 47:23 - #12 We actually DID circle back to it!
- 50:57 - #11 Dave repeatedly says "very weird." Writing these without spoilers is hard.
- 1:00:57 - #10 Dave clearly researched this better than I did.
- 1:08:04 - #9 Okay!
- 1:13:08 - #8 "One."
- 1:19:51 - #7 I might email you later.
- 1:32:42 - #6 I think the page he went to is white...
- 1:38:38 - #5 I have Dad's copy of that soundtrack.
- 1:46:08 - #4 That's a really good choice and I didn't think of it.
- 1:59:20 - #3 So...continue...
- 2:03:27 - #2 The home stretch.
- 2:04:33 - #1 I am so pissed off that that's the right choice for #1.
- 2:11:47 - Honorable mentions.
- 2:25:54 - Attempting a final list.
- 2:33:33 - Outro
In recognition and respect to the children and teacher who lost their lives in Texas today, I will not be uploading an episode of what is normally a goofy, fun, pop-culture show. Instead here is a brief recording of me processing some of my thoughts on it. If talk of this event (or similar ones) is detrimental to your mental/emotional health, please skip this. I plan to upload a very fun episode next week.
Be good to each other.
-Uncle Derek
In this episode, I talk about the new season of The Kids in the Hall, finish up the thoughts I started last week on How I Met Your Mother, and then talk about new music from Eytan Mirsky and old music from Chamber Band. All that plus a couple of cats! THERE ARE SPOILERS FOR THE KITH SERIES AND HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER. Consult the time-index below if needed/desired.
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and email me at db@derekbrink.com if you wanna do that.
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:08 - Music Break - Live Your Life
- 7:38 - TV Stuff
- 8:35 - The Kids in the Hall 2022 season
- How I Met Your Mother ending - 24:23
- 34:00 - Music Break - Lonely
- 34:30 - Music Stuff
- 34:34 - Eytan Mirsky - Lord Have Mirsky
- Chamber Band - Governor's Square
- 48:16 - Music Break - Danielle
- Outro
In this episode, I'm back on my own and talking about Kurt Vile, Willie Nelson, Japanese Breakfast, Drop Dead Fred, How I Met Your Mother, and my cats! I had fun with it. I bet you will too!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me your thoughts or a facsimile thereof at db@derekbrink.com. Thanks for your support!
Time breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro
- Welcome and Cat Chat - 0:00
- Fab 15 Follow up - 3:39
- Couch Complaints - 6:53
- Drinking with Derek - 10:56
- Websites of interest - 12:19
- 13:32 - Music Break - Not Okay
- 14:02 - Recent Music Releases
- Kurt Vile - Watch My Moves - 14:50
- Willie Nelson - A Beautiful Time & Family - 19:23
- Japanese Breakfast - Sable - 26:40
- 37:11 - Music Break - Diner
- 37:41 - TV and Movies
- Drop Dead Fred - 40:05
- How I Met Your Mother - 48:19
- 59:57 - Music Break - A Turning
- 1:00:28 - Outro
- I bought a lawnmower - 1:00:46
- My birthday's coming up - 1:02:42
In this episode, my brother Dave joins us for the debut of "The Fab 15" (or "The Fab Fifteen" I'm not sure if I like the number or the word better). Basically, we pick a subject, both make a list of our personal favorite things relate to that subjects, and then compare lists, hoping to make a master list. And for the debut edition, we started with the hardest one--our top 15 Beatles songs!
This will be a recurring feature, but it's not going to be every week, at least at first. Maybe every couple weeks or once a month, or whatever--who knows?! Regardless, it's a fun episode with a lot going on in it. We hope you enjoy it--and play along! Tell us your "Fab 15" Beatles tracks by e-mailing them to db@derekbrink.com. And remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Time breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 2:30 - The origin of The Fab 15.
- 6:00 - Why we chose The Beatles, our metrics, our methods, and so on.
- 17:48 - We start the lists!
- 17:48 - Song #15
- 24:20 - Song #14 (featuring some love for Ringo)
- 30:25 - Song #13
- 38:25 - Song #12
- 46:42 - Song #11
- 51:17 - Song #10
- 51:43 - Song #9 - "Nobody correct us!"
- 57:30 - Song #8
- 1:08:05 - Song #7 - Neither of us saw the movie.
- 1:11:20 - Song #6 - Jerry Lewis impressions.
- 1:19:35 - Song #5 - An agreement that annoys Derek.
- 1:28:23 - Song #4 - "What album is that on?!?"
- 1:36:56 - Song #3
- 1:44:33 - Song #2 -- A perfect match!
- 1:50:29 - Song #1
- 1:52:43 - Making the master list!
- 2:11:00 - Outro
There is a new episode tomorrow. But in light of the Supreme Court leak tonight, I needed to say a couple of things. Come back tomorrow for fun. Tonight, I needed to be heard. Opinions are my own and do not represent anyone else...even though they should.
This is a quick update to explain that I won't be doing a full show this week after some bad news in my family. "Thoughts and prayers" are such a cliche, but I know my family would appreciate yours. planning to be back next week. Thanks for your understanding.
In this one, I'm low on ideas, so I read an email asking me about the Oscar slap and then talk about my top ten "best" (or favorite) lead singers of all time. Which is an idea I stole from Patton Oswalt. Whatever. It's fun!
Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos (and this week I name a BUNCH of albums I think you should check out in the photos) and more! And e-mail me your questions and comments at db@derekbrink.com, if you want me to actually see them and reply.
Time breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro (including talk of cats!
- 11:11 - Music Break - Out from the Light
- 11:41 - Checkmail re: The Oscar Slap
- 29:13 - Music Break - Dichotomy
- 29:43 - My picks for "best" lead vocalist of all time
- 49:38 - Music Break - One Man
- 50:08 - Outro
A new, full episode came out yesterday but was recorded prior to the death of Gilbert Gottfried. I wanted to share some thoughts on his passing, so I recorded this upload on my phone. Please join me in remembering one of the funniest guys ever to yell into a microphone.
This week's episode was recorded prior to the death of Gilbert Gottfried. I will talk about him in a future upload.
In this episode I mainly talk about a weird assortment of movies from my Criterion Collection BluRays, including Andrei Rublev, Being There, The Seventh Seal, Brazil, Blue is the Warmest Color, and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. I also touch on the passing of wrestling great Scott Hall, in response to some listener mail and talk about my cats and stuff. It's a little all over the place. Enjoy!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and email me at db@derekbrink.com!
Time Breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro, including some cat-talk
- 14:25 - Musical Break - "Give It Up"
- 14:55 - Checkmail: Rest in Peace Scott Hall
- 24:17 - Musical Break - "Nobody Has It All"
- 24:47 - Criterion Collection Critiques - Including Andrei Rublev, Being There, The Seventh Seal, Brazil, Blue is the Warmest Color, It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
- 1:05:01 - Musical Break - "Sometimes You Say Goodbye"
- 1:05:31 - Outro
In this (long-awaited?) return to the show, I talk about a bunch of stuff! The cats have arrived and taken over my house, but there's also plenty of movies and music to talk about too. I talk about Turning Red, My Dinner With Andre, and The Breakfast Club (it's a good group), and music from Frank Turner, Guided By Voices, and Dolly Parton. In addition I bid farewell to Taylor Hawkins. And other stuff. Thanks for your patience! I should be uploading pretty regularly from now on!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com, and e-mail any questions and comments to me at db@derekbrink.com!
Here's how it breaks down:
- 0:00 - Intro - Including much talk of cats!
- 25:33 - Music Break - Remember Me
- 26:03 - RIP Taylor Hawkins
- 35:14 - Music Break - Being There
- 35:44 - Movies, including Turning Red, My Dinner With Andre, and The Breakfast Club
- 55:56 - Music Break - Hindsight
- New Music Releases including Frank Turner, Guided By Voices, and Dolly Parton
- 1:08:42 - Music Break - Slip Away
- 1:09:12 - Outro, including a personal farewell to a friend
In this (very special?) episode I officially announce that I'm going to be adopting two cats (aka THE BEST BOYS!) and I spend an hour telling you about that journey. Then I also pay tribute to our recently departed musical genius, Mark Lanegan. Dig in. This is a good one! (I also spend a lot of time singing the praises of my friend Kim, who's been fostering my future babies.)
Please check out https://www.tenthlifecats.org/, particularly if you're in the St. Louis area and looking to adopt. They presently have a little sweetheart named Special Agent Gumdrop. TELL ME YOU DON'T WANT TO ADOPT SPECIAL AGENT GUMDROP!!!
Remember that you can e-mail me your questions and comments, if you wanna--db@derekbrink.com--and also there's a companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com.
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro, and yelling about cats for pretty much an hour.
- 55:28 - Music Break - Danielle
- 55:58 - Rest in Peace, Mark Lanegan
- 1:10:56 - Music Break - Lonely
- 1:11:26 - Outro, including yelling at you about Ukraine. There's a lot of yelling in this one.
This episode is all over the place, and those are usually my favorites. I talk about Bob Saget, The French Dispatch, Brain Candy, Eddie Vedder, The Violent Femmes, Sara Bareilles, and a bunch of other stuff...and at one point a mouse dies in this episode! In the interest of full disclosure, it was recorded prior to this past weekend and a LOT has happened since then! But here it is...better late than never!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and/or e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com!
Here's the time break-down:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 14:52 - Sometimes You Say Goodbye
- 15:23 - Derek talks about Bob Saget and head injuries for a long time.
- 36:48 - Beautiful Disaster
- 37:18 - Movies
- The French Dispatch - 37:51
- 53:01 - A MOUSE DIES!!!
- Brain Candy - 1:00:00
- 1:06:17 - Born in this Town
- 1:06:47 - Music
- Eddie Vedder - Earthling - 1:07:22
- Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes - 1:12:11
- Sara Bareilles - Amidst the Chaos: Live at from the Hollywood Bowl - 1:17:10
- 1:22:11 - Being There
- 1:22:41 - Outro
This episode took way too long to get uploaded due to a variety of errors and issues on my end...sorry! It's a little longer to try to make up for it and I might do an upload over the weekend as well. But in the meantime, in this one we're reading some listener-mail ("Checkmail," if you will!) then talking about old TV shows and new music from Elvis Costello, Punch Brothers, Billy Talent, and David Bowie! Plus other stuff! It's a good one.
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and if you'd like to email me with any questions, etc please feel free to do so at db@derekbrink.com. I always reply!
Here's the time breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro including some thoughts on the weather, my health, and the Olympics.
- 9:12 - Musical Break - Hindsight
- 9:42 - Checkmail!
- Harrison Gurl asks about John Lennon - 12:10
- Thom asks about Jason Isbell's "Georgia Blue" - 21:41
- An anonymous writer asks about banned books - 34:20
- 49:09 - Music Break - Give It Up
- 49:39 - Talking about old TV shows like The Simpsons, Night Court, Mama's Family, and the Golden Girls
- 1:07:18 - Music Break - Church Girls
- 1:07:48 - New Music
- Elvis Costello - The Boy Named If - 1:08:41
- Billy Talent - Crisis of Faith - 1:11:18
- Punch Brothers - Hell on Church Street - 1:13:51
- David Bowie - Toy (aka "Toy: Box") - 1:19:10
- 1:23:19 - Music Break - Please
- 1:23:49 - Outro including talking about stuff I want to talk about, cats, and more.
Just a quick explanation of why an already late episode is about to be even later. Sorry! I'm trying my best!
Just a quick note. I hit an unexpected time crunch and it's pushing back an upload of a full episode. So this is me saying sorry about that. It's barely worth your time.
After almost a month, we're BACK! This episode is mostly a tribute to my friend Jon (aka Jonco) who passed away at the end of last year. He was a great guy with a big Internet presence and I needed to talk about him and pay tribute to him. So in this episode I spend the entire time talking about stuff I'd posted on my social media that made it onto his well-known blog www.bitsandpieces.us and some related memories. I cover a TON of ground in this one...but it's all mostly about Jon.
After some debate I've decided not to post a time breakdown, because I'd really like everyone to listen to everything and get the full context. (And also because it's difficult to know where and why I'm dividing the episode.) But in brief, here are the songs that were used...and I'd also like to encourage you to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for more stuff. And of course you're free to e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with questions and comments.
Thanks so much for joining me in this episode, which is very near to my heart.
-Uncle Derek
Songs:
Outdoor Summer Concerts Live Your Life Man in the Mirror Simple Things
A quick COVID update. Primarily that I definitely have it. And it's still messing up my voice and leaving me winded. So there's once again not a full episode this week. Thanks for your patience. I hope to be back next week.
I probably have COVID. I'm sick. With a fever. And there are no tests in a drivable radius. So I'll either be better or dead by the time I find out. So...y'know...no episode this week. Sorry. Wish me luck.
In this episode I talk about my album "Happy Now" which came out in May of 2021 and all of the influences and other stuff surrounding it, mostly while the album distractingly plays in the background! Enjoy!
Also visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff! And email me at db@derekbrink.com with your questions, comments, objections, rebuttals, and spam!
Thanks for your support!
(No time index since it's all just one topic, but there will be plenty of photos at the blog!)
This episode starts with a brief tribute to a personal friend and is dedicated to Jon (aka Jonco). The episode was fully recorded prior to the tribute, so you don't have to be bummed out for long.
The other hour of it is a breakdown of 2021 in music (through my eyes) and I give you my top ten favorite albums of the year and about 40 runners up! It's a fun, high energy episode after the sad part. So dig it!
No time index this week since it's just one topic. But be sure to visit http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with anything your heart desires!
In this episode I talk about many of Neil Gaiman's books as well as music from Adele, Descendents, Jazz is Dead, and Dream Theater. I had fun doing it. Now you must have fun listening. That is the nature of the contract.
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with anything your heart desires!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:43 - Live Your Life (Music Break)
- 10:13 - Neil Gaiman Books
- 14:10 - Stardust
- 19:01 - The Ocean at the End of the Lane
- 23:35 - Coraline
- 27:15 - The Graveyard Books
- 30:30 - Fragile Things
- 39:03 - American Gods (and Fragile Things continued)
- 42:15 - Anansi Boys
- 46:27 - Danielle (Music Break)
- 46:57 - New Releases (And More!)
- 46:26 - Adele - 30
- 49:45 - Descendents - 9th & Walnut
- 41:07 - Jazz is Dead (Series)
- 53:39 - Dream Theater - A View from the Top of the World
- 54:34 - My Christmas listening
- 58:02 - Heaven Knows (Music Break)
- 58:36 - Outro
In this episode I talk about stuff going on in my life (including my desire to get a cat or two), then I bid farewell to Mike Nesmith, review a box of beer, and talk about new music from Floating Points/Pharoah Sanders, Mastodon, Swallow the Sun, Aimee Mann, and Modest Mouse. I had fun with it. Maybe you also will?
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and feel free to e-mail me at db@derekbrink.com with questions, comments, and what-have-you--I almost always reply unless you called me something mean!
Time Breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro
- Talking about Cats - 14:51
- The Beatles and My Grandma - 20:09
- Rest in Peace, Mike Nesmith - 24:32
- 32:22 - Music Break - Fight for Peace
- 32:52 - Schlafly's Stout Bout
- 47:29 - Music Break - Malfunction
- 47:59 - New Music
- Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders - "Promises" - 49:30
- Mastodon - Hushed and Grim - 53:20
- Swallow the Sun - Moonflowers - 55:52
- Aimee Mann - Queens of the Summer Hotel - 59:53
- Modest Mouse - The Golden Casket - 1:02:56
- 1:07:05 - Music Break - If It's Raining
- 1:07:35 - Outro
Just a quick note that there isn't a new update today but there will be Friday. Sorry! But talk to you soon.
Wanna hear me yell about the Beatles for a little over an hour? Shut up! Of course you do. And this is that!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me with your questions/comments at db@derekbrink.com!
Time index:
0:00 - Intro
10:04 - Musical Break - "Beautiful Disaster"
10:50 - Talking about "Get Back," the Beatles Documentary.
1:22:58 - Musical Break - "Outlaw"
1:23:26 - Outro
Quick update to let you know that not only am I COVID-free, the show is coming back THIS WEEK! Thanks for your patience and I'll talk to you (for a lot longer) soon!
In a re-do of a thing I initially uploaded (then deleted) last night...here's a brief update on why the show is going to experience a hopefully brief hiatus. Short version I've been exposed to COVID and I'm awaiting a test and am in no mood to do the show properly. So here's me saying that for a long time.
Join my brother Dave and me for the conclusion of our two-part talk on The Rocky Horror Picture Show! I'm a little more focused. Dave remains fine despite my interjections! And so on!
Dave mentioned the St. Louis shadow-cast in this episode, so please check them out on Facebook here: Flustered Mustard | Facebook.
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and/or e-mail me your questions and comments at db@derekbrink.com!
No time breakdown this week since it's all one topic, but I hope you enjoy it!
Today's episode is part one of a two-part conversation my brother Dave and I had about The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Listen as I trail off and stop paying attention! Marvel as Dave struggles to get back to what he was talking about as I keep derailing him. Gasp as I completely forget how to talk or listen to another human being! And have fun! :)
No time-breakdown this week because it's pretty much all Rocky Horror...but in this installment we talk more about the movie itself, and in the next episode we'll get into the fan-experience.
Meanwhile, check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and email your questions and comments to db@derekbrink.com!
Thanks for your support!
This episode is a vodka-fueled mess, which should be fun for all of us. I talk about music from Drive-By Truckers, Buffalo Nichols, Tony Bennett/Lady Gaga, Colleen Green, The Velvet Underground, and Guided By Voices. I also talk about the book Girl, Interrupted. And did I mention there was vodka? Check it out!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. And e-mail me your questions and complaints at db@derekbrink.com!
Here's how the time shakes out:
- 0:00 - Intro including talk of why I took a couple weeks off and other things.
- 11:58 - Music Break - I Hope You're Happy
- 12:28 - Recent music releases and stuff like that!
- 13:18 - Drive-By Truckers show in St. Louis, 10/5/21.
- 22:01 - Buffalo Nichols
- 28:30 - Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Love for Sale
- 34:07 - Colleen Green - Cool
- 38:48 - I'll Be Your Mirror - Velvet Underground tribute album
- 42:09 - Guided By Voices - It's not them. It couldn't be them. It is them!
- 45:17 - Music Break - Denouement
- 45:47 - Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
- 57:58 - Music Break - Lonely
- 58:28 - Outro
Thank you for your support!
Quick update on why there won't be a full episode this weekend. Wish me well! I wish you well too!
This episode has some good stuff in it! I talk at length about the career of Norm Macdonald in response to an e-mail from a fan. Then I talk about music from Sheryl Crow, David Crosby, Metallica, and the Spice Girls. (You read that right.) And whatever else!
Remember to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me with your questions/comments at db@derekbrink.com. Thanks as always!
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:12 - Listener Mail/The Career of Norm Macdonald
- 31:32 - Music break - Useless
- 32:03 - New (and old!) releases:
- Sheryl Crow - Live at the Ryman (and More!) - 32:45
- David Crosby - For Free - 39:37
- Metallica - Black Album 30th Anniversary - 45:08
- Spice Girls - Spice (25th Anniversary!) - 54:09
- 59:52 - Music Break - The Party Years
- 1:00:23 - Outro
In this episode I play my album "Almost Moving Backwards" in its entirety and talk over it so you can't really enjoy it. I talk about the influences on the album and cover some personal stuff too. IF this type of episode isn't your thing, we'll be back to normal next week. But in the meantime, I hope you have fun with it. Oh, and there are more photos on the blog than I said there would be, so please visit http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for more stuff! I even put a couple things up there that didn't come up in the show! Also remember to e-mail me your questions and comments at db@derekbrink.com.
And download the album here: https://derekbrink.bandcamp.com/album/almost-moving-backwards
Here's how the time breaks down:
- 0:00 - Intro
- Drink along with Derek! - 2:25
- Billie Eilish follow-up; and e-mail from D.F.
- 8:53 - Almost Moving Backwards Commentary
- Live Your Life - 8:53
- Then and Again - 12:40
- Rebecca - 18:41
- After the Storm - 23:22
- Every Day - 25:41
- Everybody's Wrong - 29:43
- Some People Never Change - 24:17
- Another Protest Song - 36:50
- Danielle - 40:25
- Heaven Knows - 44:53
- Those Things - 50:51
- Futile - 53:44
- 58:04 - Outro
As always, thanks for your support, Checkmates!
I spend about 20 minutes bidding farewell to one of our funniest comedians. Norm Macdonald was special. I am very sad that he's gone.
This episode sees me struggle to pronounce things more than usual while talking about Billie Eilish, Japanese Breakfast, Iron Maiden, The Grand Tour, and more! I had fun, anyway! Maybe you will also!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail me with you questions and objections at db@derekbrink.com!
Here's how the time shakes out:
- 0:00 - Intro, including a mention of the passing of Daffney Unger.
- 17:27 - Music Break - Born In This Town
- 17:57 - Music Stuff!
- Billie Eilish - 23:06
- Japanese Breakfast - 29:21
- Iron Maiden - 35:23
- 47:32 - Music Break - Lectio Divina
- 48:02 - Outro and more!
- Talk of The Grand Tour - 48:38
- Talking about sushi for some reason - 55:13
- Next time on Empty Checking! - 59:32
Thanks for your support!
This one's probably a tough listen. Trigger warnings for discussion of depression and suicide. This upload is an all-too-brief tribute to wrestling personality Daffney Unger, who passed away apparently by her own hand. The long and short of it is PLEASE REACH OUT if you need to. Just needed to say something. This was a horrible loss and it hit me hard.
In this episode I talk about a bunch of stuff that's been on my mind from the world of music. I also drink too much Sherry and get really angry at Eric Clapton. (There's maybe a minor trigger warning, as I point out that Eric volunteered the information that he raped his first wife in an interview from 1999). But otherwise it's fun!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff. E-mail me with your questions and comments at db@derekbrink.com and maybe I'll read whatever name you provide to me on the air sometime if I feel like it!
Here's the breakdown:
- 0:00 - Intro, including a brief summary of the sad moments of the life of Kelsey Grammar and also an email from a Checkmate named Sarah!
- 11:10 - Music Break - After the Storm
- 11:40 - Musical Musings (Mostly!)
- RIP Dusty Hill (14:22)
- RIP Charlie Watts (21:23)
- Eric Clapton is a dumb jerk (30:08)
- Neil Young is the Anti-Clapton (37:06)
- The Who's "Who's Next" is 50 years old! (42:28)
- Pearl Jam's "Ten" is 30! (46:29)
- Pearl Jam's "No Code" is also 15! (51:10)
- And...also I talk about the Spice Girls... (52:25)
- 55:41 - Music Break - Some People Never Change
- 56:11 - Outro
Thanks for your support!
In this episode I talk about the movies of Wes Anderson. I cover all 9 that are currently out, alongside some personal stuff...etc... You know the format of the show by now! (Fair warning, spoilers abound for each movie.)
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff! Feel free to e-mail your questions and comments to db@derekbrink.com!
Here's how the times break down.
- 0:00 - Intro
- 10:05 - Music Break - If I'd Known You
- 10:32 - General Comments on Wes Anderson and how I became a fan.
- 22:36 - Bottle Rocket
- 26:24 - Rushmore
- 32:17 - The Royal Tenenbaums
- 40:25 - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
- 48:47 - The Darjeeling Limited
- 53:44 - Fantastic Mr. Fox
- 57:47 - Moonrise Kingdom
- 1:02:26 - The Grand Budapest Hotel
- 1:10:00 - Isle of Dogs - And a side discussion of Asian representation.
- 1:29:53 - Final Thoughts on Wes Anderson
- 1:33:32 - Music Break - Heaven Knows
- 1:34:03 - Outro
Thanks for your support!
We did it, kids! We made it to 100 episodes! This one is completely fan-driven. I just sit and address listener mail for the whole episode. It was fun. I talked about wine, comics, wrestling, swearing, a recent twitter fight, and if I prefer the Beatles or the Stones, among other things.
In the episode I mention that my buddy (and one-time podcast guest) Jim Ousley has a Kickstarter going for his newest comic book venture. Back The Atonement Bell at this link. Or you can pick up some back issues of Butcher Queen here, or the volume 1 trade here.
Otherwise, thanks for 100 episodes! Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for pictures and more stuff!
Here's the time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:27 - Music Break - Live Your Life
- 9:58 - Emily asks about alcohol.
- 18:40 - Music Break - Every Day
- 19:09 - Jack N asks about comic books.
- 27:53 - Music Break - The Party Years
- 28:24 - Shannon asks about wrestling.
- 41:48 - Music Break - Bullshit
- 42:20 - "Percy" asks about cussing.
- 47:16 - Music Break - Danielle
- 47:46 - A different Danielle requests more theme shows.
- 54:16 - Music Break - Heaven Knows
- 54:48 - Rick asks about a recent Twitter fight.
- 1:11:48 - Music Break - Midlife Suicide
- 1:12:19 - Dr. Poop asks rock and roll questions.
- 1:21:51 - Music Break - Useless
- 1:21:51 - Outro
A quick update on what the hell happened and why episode #100 isn't up yet. short version: Sorry!
As mentioned in the last episode, no new episode this week, but here's a quick reminder to send in your emails to db@derekbrink.com for episode #100! It'll be recorded and uploaded next weekend so you've got a little time...but it's running out quick!
God's holy trousers! There's a new episode of Empty Checking! In this long-awaited return you're getting a half-year report on music that has come out in 2021 and also my review of a couple books by Tatiana de Rosnay. This is episode #99, which means episode #100 is up next! I'm taking two weeks between because I want to get some listener mail in to read on the show and I want to give you plenty of time to send it in to db@derekbrink.com (or to comment on the Podbean page or at the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com). Thanks so much for your patience and support. It's good to be back!
In this 8 minute almost-episode I explain that my computer isn't letting me into my account but my phone is. Who knows? I also babble about The Tragically Hip and Gord Downie for a little while. So we're getting close! :)
Talk to you soon!
Look...I had too much vodka before recording this...but basically I promised to record a new episode for 6/20. And I think I meant it this time. Thanks for your patience. This has been a very difficult period, but I'm glad I have this outlet. new episode on Father's Day. I mostly promise. Probably for sure. Maybe. Probably. Listen to the thing. If you want. And so on.
Quick update on when the show is coming back. Kinda. Sorta. Thanks for your patience! You're the best fans in the...thing!
Quick update on the show. We'll be back to normal soon. Just not today. Thanks for your patience.
Quick update from my phone on the state of the show. It'll be back as soon as I can get it back...but we're not there yet.
A brief update on why there's not a new episode. and why I don't know if there ever will be. (I'll probably find a way to do more, but I have no idea when or how. Next week? Next month? Next year? We'll have to wait and see.
Thanks for your time.
In a FREQUENTLY delayed episode (see http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for details on that) I finally talk about some of the art hanging on my walls and the subjects related to it. We cover Kurt Vonnegut, Bone by Jeff Smith, Star Trek, Rush, and Leonard Cohen, amidst the typical babbling.
Also, in two episodes, we'll be at #100! I'd like to make that episode all about the listeners, so please submit some comments and questions at either the Podbean page, the blog above, or by e-mailing me directly at db@derekbrink.com! And check out the blog for a TON of photos on this one! Thanks as always!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including an appeal for questions for episode #100!
- 13:45 - Music Break #1 - A new song from an upcoming album!
- 14:15 - ART! Part One. - Kurt Vonnegut: Asterisk, etc. / Jeff Smith's Bone, by the rocks and elsewhere.
- 47:18 - Music Break #2 - More of the same song!
- 47:48 - ART! Part Two. - Star Trek Posters
- 55:24 - Music Break #3 - Even MORE of the same song!
- 55:54 - ART! Part Three. - Rush: The Canadian Gothic. / Leonard Cohen's skull and a naked lady.
- 1:17:17 - Music Break #4 - Somehow there was still MORE of the song left!
- 1:17:49 - Outro
Sorry, Checkmates...no real episode this week. Instead you get me complaining about the work being done on my bathrooms (and the serious personal pain it's causing me!) for 5 minutes. We'll be back hopefully next week, depending on the progress, of course. Always remember to check http://emptychecking.blogspot.com if you don't see anything in your feed and I'll hopefully have said something there. Thanks for your five-minutes!
-Uncle Derek
In an episode that I unfortunately didn't edit I talk about personal stuff, then music from Steve Earle and Neil Young and then the movie Young Sherlock Holmes. At one point I admit a crush I had when I was five years old and how I'm following up on it when I'm 40. It's a weird, Ketel One fueled episode. Sorry! Enjoy!
Check out the companion blog for photos and more! http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro, including tributes to George Segal and Beverly Cleary.
- 16:16 - Music Break - Outdoor Summer Concerts
- 16:46 - Music reviews: Steve Earle's "J.T." and Neil Young's "Young Shakespeare."
- 28:02 - Music Break - Outlaw
- 28:32 - Young Sherlock Holmes
- 43:12 - Music Break - Nobody Has It All
- 43:47 - Outro
In this unexpectedly St. Patrick's Day themed episode I talk about the movie Flubber for some reason and also about a bunch of Irish music. I also briefly completely leave the room and leave the recording running without me to get a glass of Jameson Irish Whiskey for some reason. Whatever! It's a fun one. Dig it.
Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and e-mail your questions and comments to db@derekbrink.com!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro - Including an update on some personal stuff and me leaving the room to get whiskey.
- 9:45 - Music Break - Battle Cry
- 10:15 - FLUBBER TWEETS!!! - And also a loving tribute to Wil Wheaton.
- 24:42 - Music Break - Eliot's Benediction
- 25:12 - Irish Music Primer including the Chieftains, Dubliners, Irish Rovers, Pogues, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, and The Gloaming. (Whew!)
- 37:54 - Music Break - Dichotomy
- 38:25 - Outro
This week's episode has a long intro that includes me yelling about Dr. Seuss and Trans rights (the two were unrelated) and then I talk about new music from Alice Cooper, Weezer, Foo Fighters, and Neil Young and also old music from Nick Cave. I liked making it. Maybe YOU'LL like listening to it!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. And please feel free to e-mail the show at db@derekbrink.com to ask questions and tell me I'm great! Thanks for your support!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- Flipping out about Dr. Seuss - 4:35
- Mailbag - 12:15
- 21:23 - Music Break - Burn
- 21:53 - New Releases and also Nick Cave!
- 51:38 - Music Break - Absent Friends
- 52:09 - Outro, including a brief segment about Star Trek: Discovery
In this slightly shorter episode I talk about music from the Bottle Rockets in light of the announcement of Brian Henneman's retirement from the group, and also give my thoughts on Doctor Who and Star Trek: Picard. I also talk about oatmeal and beer and stuff like that, too. It's a fun one!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff (including occasional posts between episodes!)
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro - Including Michelob Amber Bock and Oatmeal!
- 7:10 - Music Break - Born in This Town
- 7:40 - The Bottle Rockets and the retirement of Brian Henneman
- 17:46 - Music Break - Falling
- 18:16 - SCI-FI!!!
- Doctor Who - 19:07
- Star Trek: Picard - 25:37
- 34:41 - Music Break - Sometimes You Say Goodbye
- 35:11 - Outro - Including news about my plumbing and The Hobbit
Thanks for your support!
In this episode, I return to numbering which episode it is in the episode title, among other things. (Can you believe it's almost 100 episodes?!?) I mostly talk about music from Matthew Sweet, Ani DiFranco, Lucero, The Hold Steady (although I forget to actually mention the band or album title for a LONG time while I'm talking about it! Sorry!), and Lord Huron. I also touch on the Switch re-release of Super Mario 3D World, hats, phones, Rush Limbaugh, and beer. So there's plenty to dig into, even though it's a little bit of a shorter episode. Do it up!
And be sure to check out the podcast blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and other stuff!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro (Texas, Snow, Rush Limbaugh, and New Phones)
- 13:14 - Music Break #1 - "You've Got to Laugh"
- 13:44 - New (and old) Music Releases:
- Matthew Sweet - Catspaw - 13:44
- Ani DiFranco - Revolutionary Love - 17:45
- Lucero - When You Found Me - 21:47
- The Hold Steady - Open Door Policy - 26:40
- Lord Huron, in general.
- 38:18 - Music Break #2 - Greetings from Far Away
- 38:48 - Outro (Schlafly APA, Super Mario 3D World, and more)
In this episode I break from the usual format and just talk about being bummed out and the art that's helping me through it at the moment. It's a different one. There's no music and no format. I just talk. Hope you enjoy it. Please visit http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. Thanks!
This is a little bit of a different episode in that the "intro" last for a half-hour! A couple Checkmates wrote in with questions, so I took time to answer them...and that left only room for one segment where I talked about four albums that came out when I was 13. It's a good episode, but it's a different pace. Do you like it? Well...if not, then ASK BETTER QUESTIONS! Otherwise...dig it! And check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com.
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:38 - Mailbag!
- 26:28 - Rest in Peace to Mira Furlan, Larry King, Cicely Tyson, Cloris Leachman, and Dustin Diamond. (Bummer!)
- 34:10 - Music Break - "I Go..." from the "Two Hangmen" EP, currently unavailable online.
- 34:40 - 4 Albums from when I was 13, including Rush - "Conterparts," Nirvana - "In Utero," Live - "Throwing Copper," and Yes - "Talk." I love this segment...and seriously...Marc...call me or whatever...
- 1:02:03 - Music Break - "Fightin' Drunk" from the "Two Hangmen" EP, currently unavailable online.
- 1:02:33 - Outro, including talking about Alewine Pottery and...whatever!"
Thanks for your support!
In this one I talk about good starting points for some classic artists, all of whom share sad anniversaries in the month of January, as we just recently passed the anniversaries of the deaths of John Lennon, David Bowie, and Neil Peart, respectively. I also talk about my feelings of the recent happenings in the country a little bit and some personal stuff. And so on. But most of it is just me telling you where to start if you've always meant to get around to listening to one of those acts, but you just don't know what to listen to.
And that's it!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and thanks for your support.
Here's the time-index:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- Talking about the state of America - 0:52
- Back to the show - 12:28
- 15:28 - Music Break - "Nobody Else"
- 16:00 - Starting Points
- John Lennon - 18:46
- Rush - 31:08
- David Bowie - 41:09
- 52:03 - Music Break - "Always"
- 52:33 - Outro
This was a fun one for me, planted deep in the 1990s, when I first started switching on and becoming me. Listen to me fondly describe music from 1994 and 1995 and Batman The Animated Series, as well as whatever else comes to mind--including my recently broken toe! It's a fun one. Dig in.
Also please be sure to visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more.
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 7:34 - Music Break - In My Heart
- 8:04 - 4 Albums from 1994/1995
- Dream Theater - Awake - 12:15
- Pearl Jam - Vitalogy - 16:41
- Van Halen - Balance - 22:08
- Queensryche - Promised Land - 27:58
- 36:02 - Music Break - Out from the Light
- 36:32 - Batman The Animated Series
- 52:36 - Music Break - Not-Quite Middle-Life Crisis
- 53:06 - Outro
The day has come! This week's episode is all about my favorite albums of 2020. I do the top ten plus some honorable mentions and some general life updates. Dig it!
There's no real time index this week, since it's pretty much all one topic, but if you're wondering what songs were used in the episode they're "Coronation" and "The Cycle Part 4" off my "Departure" album.
There's also a blog post at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com that's going to be pretty much a cut and paste of my post on my personal blog at http://derekbrink.wordpress.com. So that's a thing, too.
Thanks for your support!
This isn't really an episode, but it felt important to record it really quickly. I'm not going to get a full episode up this week, but I at least wanted to post SOMETHING. The fact is I recorded an episode last night, but this morning woke up in a LOT of pain and it's making the editing process unbearable. So here's five minutes of me talking about that and not having to edit it.
In short: Sorry there's not a full episode this week. But NEXT week (or maybe the end of this week--whatever) there will be a full episode where I break down my top ten albums of 2020! (Health permitting.) That'll be a good episode, I bet. It's a good list, anyway...so check that out next time!
And thanks for your understanding this week.
This is a fun episode. Despite the music being a little too quiet, the heater being a little too loud, and the fact that I referred to a movie as being something "I want to like so much more than I does." Still fun! I talk about a Drive-By Truckers Record Store Day release and give my thoughts on the Roger Moore run of the James Bond movies. Plus I talk a little bit about Avalanche Ale, The Lord of the Rings, and Pat Patterson. Dig it! And check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com where normally there's a bunch of photos and stuff but not this week (because that's ANOTHER thing that went wrong!)
Time Index:
- 0.00 - Intro (including talking about Avalanche Ale at 2:10).
- 6:40 - Music Break
- 6:55 - Drive-By Truckers - Plan 9 Records Record Store Day release
- 19:21 - Music Break
- 19:36 - James Bond movie update: The Roger Moore Era
- 37:19 - Music Break
- 37:29 - Outro, including some chatter about Lord of the Rings and also a RIP to Pat Patterson.
I start this week's episode thinking it's going to be a "Fast Cash" episode, but it ended up just being a slightly shorter regular episode. Whatever. I talk about music from Bob Mould, Neil Young, and Rufus Wainwright along with telling some personal stories. I like this episode a lot and hope you will too.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:50 - Updated thoughts on Newcastle Brown Ale / Listener mail.
- 16:06 - Music Break - Give It Up
- 16:36 - Music Talk
- Bob Mould - Distortion Box Set - 17:37
- Neil Young - Return to Greendale - 26:38
- Rufus Wainwright - Northern Stars - 32:52
- 39:04 - Music Break - Coming Storm
- 39:34 - Outro
- Story about my friend Bill and keepsakes and such - 40:03
Thanks, and as always please be sure to check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and stuff.
This episode is a little different just based on how long I spend talking about a personal experience with an online troll up top...but the greater message is "be a good fan" so I think it's worth sharing. Outside of that I talk about a couple James Bond movies, the Austin Powers flicks, and The Wrong Guy then go through some of my "Current Listening" including music from Gord Downie, Frank Black, Elvis Costello, Jason Isbell, Drive-By Truckers, and The Hold Steady. I had fun with this one and hope you will too!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 11:24 - I start yellin' about a troll and about being a good fan.
- 28:53 - Music Break - Remember Me
- 29:23 - Recent Viewing including The Wrong Guy, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Diamonds Are Forever, and the Austin Powers movies.
- 54:46 - Music Break - Out from the Light
- 55:16 - Current Listening: The Hold Steady, Elvis Costello, Jason Isbell, DBT, Frank Black, and Gord Downie.
- 1:10:05 - Music Break - In My Heart
- 1:10:35 - Outro
This episode is all over the place and I had fun doing it. I talk about a bunch of stuff. The election (only briefly), my car, my back, and dining out to start...and then when it gets going (!) I talk about Deadliest Catch, some Connery-era Bond movies, and music from The Mountain Goats, Jason Isbell/Mike Cooley/Patterson Hood, Matthew Perryman Jones, The Wicker Man Soundtrack, Son Volt, Beth Bombara, J Mascis, Vigilantes of Love, and The Tragically Hip! (Whew!) (Also I accidentally called the guy from 30 Rock Jonah instead of Judah--I caught it listening back to it. I just didn't fix it.) It's a slightly different format because I just kinda babbled this week, but I hope you dig it!
Visit the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff - The election, my car, my back, eating at a restaurant, and more.
- 13:54 - RIP Alex Trebek
- 19:42 - Deadliest Catch
- 24:43 - Sean Connery-era James Bond movies
- The Mountain Goats - Getting Into Knives
- 35:38 - Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood, and Jason Isbell - Live at the Shoals Theatre 2014
- 38:45 - Matthew Perryman Jones - Land of the Living
- 45:00 - A Weird Pile of Music!
- 46:11 - Son Volt - Trace
- 47:10 - Vigilantes of Love - Audible Sigh
- 48:23 - The Tragically Hip - Man Machine Poem
- 49:56 - The Wicker Man - Soundtrack
- 51:10 - J Mascis - Elastic Days
- 52:15 - Beth Bombara - Ever Green
- 55:51 - Butcher Queen and outro
This week's episode is a slightly-shorter-than-usual affair that isn't short enough to be a "FAST CASH!" but isn't as long as most full episodes. Whatever. In it, I freak out about the election for a while, then talk about Sean Connery, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and even touch on Tana French and the Venture Bros. It's all over the place and I think that's probably pretty fun to listen to. Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com!
Here's the time breakdown:
- 000 - Intro: Derek freaks out about politics
- 8:07 - Music Break - Being There
- 8:37 - Rest in Peace, Sean Connery
- 25:29 - Music Break - Scars
- 25:59 - Music stuff - Springsteen and Costello
- 33:42 - Music Break - Coming Storm
- 34:12 - Outro, including hastily talking about Tana French and the Venture Bros.
The cover photo of this episode is an inside joke for people who understand what the 3 of Clubs means in magic circles. Figured it would throw some of you...
Anyway, this is more or less a "Fast Cash" episode, even though it's a little longer than that. I dish out what felt like a TON of "RIPs" to The Amazing Randy, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, and Tracy Smothers, and then I talk about the Tom Petty "Wildflowers and All the Rest" box set that just came out. And I also talk about my experience voting early in the intro and plug my buddy Jim's comic book in the outro. I had fun with this one. Hope you do too!
Time index:
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff
- 11:12 - Music Break - "Being There"
- 11:27 - Rest in Peace, Amazing Randy, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, and Tracy Smothers
- 24:29 - Music Break - "Beautiful Disaster"
- 24:44 - Tom Petty - "Wildflowers and All the Rest"
- 30:20 - Music Break - "Nobody Has It All"
- 30:35 - Outro Stuff including a plug for Butcher Queen.
Thanks for your support!
This week's? month's? episode is a full-length episode where I talk about a bunch of stuff including books by Tana French, music from Big Star, The Replacements, Lou Reed, and Prince, and I touch on some recommended Halloween viewing--Ed Wood, Rocky Horror, Clue, and Knives Out. It's a fun one. Enjoy it! I DEMAND that you enjoy it! And check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and shit.
Thanks for your support!
- 0:00 - Intro
- 9:37 - Music Break - What I'm Dying For
- 10:07 - Tana French Books, particularly "The Witch Elm"
- 22:51 - Music Break - Who I Am
- 23:21 - Deluxe Edition Box Sets!
- 25:05 - Big Star - Complete Third
- 29:21 - The Replacements - Pleased to Meet Me
- 35:28 - Lou Reed - New York
- 44:50 - Prince - Sign O The Times
- 54:41 - Music Break - Amanda, I'm Tired
- 55:11 - Halloween Movie Recommendations
- 56:52 - Ed Wood
- 1:01:05 - Rocky Horror
- 1:02:45 - Clue
- 1:05:35 - Knives Out, Etc
- 1:08:13 - Music Break - No One Leaves St. Louis
- 1:08:43 - Outro
This is a special episode with a different tone. The news broke today that Eddie Van Halen has died. I had to talk through that for a while. Thanks for listening.
Here's a nice, short episode for you, after the previous Robin Williams episode that was a real endurance test (but thanks for listening to it!). In this Fast Cash episode, we take just shy of a half-hour to talk about Neil Young, Red Dwarf, and a new comic book version of Slaughter House Five. The start of the show has a bit of a political rant to it, given recent world events...so pay attention to the time-breakdown below if you want to skip that. :)
As always, please visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
- 0:00 - Intro, with some political ranting
- 7:22 - Music Break - Outlaw
- 7:42 - Neil Young - "The Times"
- 12:45 - Music Break - Burn
- 13.05 - Red Dwarf: The Promised Land
- 18:12 - Music Break - Greetings From Far Away
- 18:32 - Slaughter House Five Graphic Novel
- 25:43 - Music Break - We All Just Got Here
- 26:03 - Outro, including my now-legendary John Lithgow impression.
This week's episode is a movie-length theme episode. After realizing that we'd passed what should've been Robin Williams' 69th birthday and also the 6th anniversary of his death, I decided to watch some Robin Williams movies. And "some" turned into "30." In this special episode, I talk about all 30 of the movies I watched and also give my thoughts on Robin in general. It's a fun ride!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Today's episode of Empty Checking FAST CASH is just shy of a half hour of talking about Knives Out, Taylor Swift, and some candles I bought. It's short, it's sweet, and it's something finally uploaded! Dig it!
Be sure to check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for more!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro and Candles
- 8:09 - Music Break #1 - Coming Storm
- 8:28 - Knives Out
- 14:35 - Music Beak #2 - Hindsight
- 14:55 - Taylor Swift - Folklore
- 23:00 - Music Break #3 - You and Your Perfect Life
- 23:20 - Outro
This is a super-short episode (for me, anyway)! I've been wanting to sometimes just do short episodes where I maybe only talk about a couple of things because I don't always have an hour-long episode to do, but I can always do 15-20 minutes. So I'm going to do that sometimes, and when I do I'm going to call it a "Fast Cash" episode to tie in with the "Empty Checking" phrasing and whatnot--you get it. This is the first one! Fast Cash!
In this one I bid farewell to Pete Hamill, then talk about the Yakuza game series, the new album by Alanis Morissette, and Rick and Morty. It's a good one. But short! FAST CASH!!!!!!!!
Be sure to check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for pictures and stuff, too!
This is a BONUS EPISODE where I sit, listen to my album "Departure" that came out this past April and talk about it. This isn't everybody's cup of tea, I know...but don't worry, I'll do another "official" Empty Checking episode this weekend. This one's just for fun!
Check out the companion blog at emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos of stuff I mentioned in the show and more!
In this episode I catch up on a few things I've been meaning to talk about for a while including Books by Charlene Ng and Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the Prime series Good Omens, the movie Rocketman, and music from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Rufus Wainwright. All that and more!
Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Also note that I'll be posting a BONUS EPISODE later this week where I listen to and talk about my album "Departure" just for fun. It'll come a little sooner than a normal episode might, so be on the lookout for that.
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff
- 12:16 - Music Break - "The Best"
- 16:44 - Books - "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng, and "Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.
- 35:02 - Music Break - "Slip Away"
- 35:32 - Movies/TV - Good Omens and Rocketman.
- 55:19 - Music Break - "Greetings From Far Away"
- 55:49 - Music Reviews - "Rough and Rowdy Ways" by Bob Dylan, "Homecoming" by Neil Young, and "Unfollow the Rules" by Rufus Wainwright
- 1:14:46 - Music Break - "Always"
- 1:15:16 - Outro Stuff
This week's episode was a difficult one to record amidst the tension presently ongoing in the country (and my immediate area) but I think it's a good one and I said a couple important things among the nonsense. I spend a little time up front talking about the murder of George Floyd--there was no way not to do so. The tone shifts after about 10 minutes into being a regular show after that where I talk about my newest guitar, Rush, Prince, The Who, Doctor Who, and Little Fires Everywhere, as well as paying tribute to Lynn Shelton and Marc Maron. It's a weird tone this week, but I hope you enjoy it!
Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more info.
Thanks for your support!
Time Index:
- 0:00 - Introduction and some words about George Floyd and being an old white guy.
- 10:54 - My 40th Birthday and New Guitar
- 18:30 - Tribute to Lynn Shelton and Marc Maron
- 25:45 - Musical Break
- 26:20 - Talking about music by Rush, Prince, and The Who
- 42:11 - Musical Break
- 42:40 - Talking about Tom Baker era Doctor Who and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
- 52:50 - Musical Break
- 53:24 - Outro Stuff
This week's episode is a kinda rambly one, but I had fun doing it. I bid farewell to the late, great Fred Willard, talk about Guinness Over the Moon Milk Stout, talk a little bit about the video game Yakuza 0, then dive into movies from Kevin Smith and the Planet of the Apes franchise and end with some music-talk including my take on the new Jason Isbell record! I crammed a lot of stuff into about an hour. Just for you! Enjoy. (Oh, and just a note, I remembered while editing that "I Can't Even Tell" is by Soul Asylum, not the Gin Blossoms. Sorry!)
Here's how the time break down. Visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
- 0:00 - Intro Stuff
- 3:05 - RIP Fred Willard
- 11:03 - Guinness Over the Moon Milk Stout
- 16:02 - Yakuza 0
- 19:38 - Music Break - Intervention
- 20:09 - Movies - Mostly Kevin Smith and a little Apes just for fun.
- 56:40 - Music Break - Deeper Than Oceans
- 57:11 - Music Stuff, including Jason Isbell and a follow up on stuff Dave mentioned last week.
- 1:06:41 - Music Break - Pneuma
- 1:07:41 - Outro Stuff
In this week's episode I have a long chat with my brother Dave about the stuff that's kep him entertained during his COVID-19 Stay-at-Home order. It's a long talk that covers a lot of ground. Don't have a time-index for it this week because it was even more informal than my usual shows, but it's a good talk! Check it out, and visit the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com!
Thanks for your support!
We last met on March 1, 2020. A lot has changed since then. Like most people reading this, I've been hunkered down at home, isolating and trying to do my part in flattening the curve of COVID-19. I hope we're all taking this seriously and doing what we can. Above all else I wish you all the best and hope you're well. I'm sure we'll all get through this and good times will come again.m Or not. Either way, we'll talk about pop-culture until there's nothing left to say. And this week's episode covers a lot of ground.
Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for a more detailed post with photos and whatnot.
Here's how the time breaks down for this episode:
- 0:00 - Intro stuff including a "rest in peace" to John Prine and some heartfelt thoughts on COVID-19.
- 15:59 - Music Break #1 - Lectio Divina
- 16:30 - Music stuff including discussion of new releases from Spinning Coin, The Potomac Accord, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Brian Fallon, Mountain Goats, Bob Dylan, and Michael Manring, among others!
- 46:50 - Music Break #2 - Burn
- 47:20 - Movies and TV discussion - Including Community, Guardians of the Galaxy 2, and A Stupid and Futile Gesture
- 1:05:11 - Music Break #3 - Coronation
- 1:05:41 - Outro stuff including a brief summary of books I've recently read and mention of my new obsession with the video game Hollow Knight
Big episode this week! We'll be back NEXT WEEK, assuming nothing terrible happens! I promise!
This episode is mostly books and music. I do a deep dive into the etymology of Beowulf and then talk about things that were written in a form of English we understand. I also talk about a bunch of new music. And some other stuff. You know how I am. Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogdpot.com for photos and stuff!
Here's the time index:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 6:48 - Music Break 1 - "Not Quite Middle Life Crisis"
- 7:18 - Books
- Beowulf - 7:18
- The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse - 19:17
- The Age of Anxiety - 24:35
- The Rain Watcher - 29:11
- 35:54 - Music Break 2 - "One Man"
- 36:24 - New Albums and Stuff
- Pearl Jam's New Singles - 36:24
- Anti Flag: "20/20 Vision" - 41:08
- Drive-By Truckers: "The Unraveling" - 42:07
- ...and You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: "X" - 45:15
- Guided By Voices - "Surrender Your Poppy Field" - 47:34
- Sloan Concert in St. Louis 2/15/20 - 49:11
- 55:35 - Music Break 3 - "AMB 4"
- 56:05 - Outro Stuff
Enjoy!
In this episode I exclusively talk about Neil Peart, who passed away today, and some of my memories of Rush. It's pretty raw and emotional. So I guess there's a little bit of a trigger warning on this one. (Also, I didn't censor anything.) Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for (not much) more.
With only a few shopping days left before Christmas, I'm giving you 17 ideas of albums you could buy for the randos in your life by presenting my top 10 favorite albums of 2019 (plus some runners up). I think it's a pretty good list. Give it a listen and see if you agree, then leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite album or albums were this year!
Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff. (I realize I could do that here too, but for archival purposes I want to keep all that stuff in one place at the old blog.)
No time index this week since it's all just one subject, but the song I used transitioning out of the intro into the list is my song "Napalm" and it's available here for free.
Thanks! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
This episode was a long time coming and I hope it's fun for everybody. It sure was for me. I talk about books by Penn Jillette, Paula Hawkins, Liz Moore, and Nick Hornby. I also talking about having seen Joker and the Downton Abbey movie. Then I talk about my recent listening including the new albums by The Who and Leonard Cohen, plus an introduction to what will soon be a recurring segment on Bob Dylan. It's a big show! Hope you enjoy it!
Time Index:
Intro - 0:00
Music Break #1 - "The Best"
Books - 14:48 (Penn Jillette - Presto 14:48, Liz Moore - The Unseen World 27:55, Paula Hawkins - The Girl on the Train 33:40, Nick Hornby - State of the Union 38:59)
Music Break #2 - "Outdoor Summer Concerts"
Movies - 44:37 (Joker 44:37, Downton Abbey 55:18
Music Break #3 - "Not-Quite Middle-Life Crisis"
Current Listening - 1:00:30 (The Who 1:00:30, Leonard Cohen 1:07:48, Bob Dylan 1:10:48)
Music Break #4 - "(If You Snap Your Fingers) I Will Run"
Outro - 1:16:03
Thanks for listening! Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more info. You can download my music FOR FREE at http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com. And the Bob Dylan blog is at http://derekondylan.blogspot.com.
See you next time for my top ten albums of 2019!
This is a quick hello as my first upload to PodBean. I'm excited about doing stuff here and just wanted to shake hands with anybody who stumbles upon this page by accident. Stay tuned for a new episode very soon!
This isn't a formal episode. This is addressing where I've been for the past several months and what you can expect in the future.
I'm back! And I'm talking about Patton Oswalt, The Who, and Marc Maron as well as a bunch of other stuff. I was away too long, but it feels good to be back at it!
Time Index:
0:00 - Intro 16:32 - Music Break #1 - Church Girls 17:05 - Patton Oswalt show in St. Louis 27:35 - Music Break #2 - The Best 28:07 - The Who in St. Louis 43:46 - Music Break #3 - You and Your Perfect Life 44:20 - Marc Maron--you guessed it--in St. Louis 56:56 - Music Break #4 - Just Another Day 57:30 - Outro
In this week's episode, we catch up on some music and talk about Elvis Costello for a long time. And that's pretty much it! Enjoy and check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more. By the way, all of the times are probably off by about a second because I wrote them down before editing some dead air off of the front of the show. Sorry about that!
0:00 - Intro Stuff 9:46 - Musical Break 1 - Born in this Town 10:17 - Rest in Peace, Rick Elias 21:32 Musical Break 2 - Beautiful Disaster 22:02 - Music Reviews - Son Volt, The Alarm, and Hayes Carll 37:41 - Musical Break 3 - Give It Up 38:14 - An Elvis Costello Primer 1:10:57 - Musical Break 4 - What Matters Most (South of Savannah) 1:11:31 - Outro
On this week's episode I open up with some personal stuff then talk about new music from Eli Paperboy Reed, Over the Rhine, and Jenny Lewis (as well as touching briefly on my love of Iron Maiden). I then spend a large chunk of the show talking about Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five," which turned 50 years old last month. And I close out by telling you about a couple of adult beverages I've recently enjoyed. It's a good one!
0:00 - Life Updates 10:56 - MUSIC BREAK #1 - "Malfunction" from the "" album 11:17 - Music Reviews 28:10 - MUSIC BREAK #2 - "The Way the World Will End" from "" 28:41 - A long talk about Slaughterhouse-Five 58:06 - MUSIC BREAK #3 - "The War" from "*" 58:36 - Booze Corner and Outro
Thanks for your support! Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
On a special BONUS EPISODE, I get self-indulgent and listen to/talk about my first solo record "Grounds," which was released in 2005. It's a trip down memory lane. Did I love it, did I hate it, what bands were my influences at the time, and what was I drinking while recording this episode? Find out by clicking the thingy!
And visit http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for a ton of photos and other stuff!
In an episode where I accidentally took a month off,I cover a lot of ground to catch up! Listen to me rant about St. Patrick's Day, the Flogging Molly concert from two weeks back, music from Chatham County Line, Joe Jackson, Dream Theater, and the Claypool Lennon Delirium, and more! I also bid farewell to Peter Tork, Keith Flint, King Kong Bundy, Luke Perry, and Dick Dale. It's a big show! Check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for pictures and more!
On this week's episode I talk about (and play!) my new Fender Telecaster American Pro guitar. I also talk about new music from Mandolin Orange, The Flesh Eaters, and Bob Mould. Then I talk about Fallout 4, Red Dead Redemption II, and WWE 2K19 on the PS4. And more! Sorry there's not a time index this week, but I'm running late for something while doing this upload. :) Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more stuff!
In this week's episode I talk about my all-time favorite concept albums, including a diatribe about the format in general. It's a fun one! Check it out and check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for more stuff. (No time index this week since it's just one topic.) Thanks for your support!
On this week's episode I talk about all kinds of stuff including music from Prince, The Who, Yep Roc Records, the new format for Conan on TBS, gaming on the PS4, and so on... I also bid farewell to Bob Einstein and Mean Gene Okerlund. And more! Check it out!
Here's the time index for those inclined to skip around:
0.00 - Intro with some personal stuff and tributes to Bob Einstein and Gene Okerlund
10:55 - Music Break - "The Last Folk Singers"
11:29 - Talking about the PS4 with focus on the games Fallout 4, Detroit Become Human, and Carmageddon.
27:10 - Music Break - "Not Okay"
27:43 - A Hodgepodge of Entertainment Stuff: Prince - Piano and a Microphone (28:07) Yep Roc Records Completist Club (33:30) The Who on Tour! (35:32) Conan's new format (37:56) A brief talk about the WWE (42:03) Loot Crate's Star Trek Mission Crate (43:13)
51:08 - Music Break - "Being There"
51:39 - Show Outro
Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for more!
Sorry the description and whatnot is going to be lacking this week--I'm in a rush to meet a deadline on something else. This week I talk about how much fun I'm having playing Stardew Valley, I talk about new music from J Mascis, Greta Van Fleet, and Louden Wainwright III, and I talk about Patton Oswalt's special "Annihilation." It's a good one!
This episode is all about my new album "Asterisk" and my love of all things Kurt Vonnegut. That's pretty much it! Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking,blogspot.com for more stuff! The album referenced (and played!) throughout the episode can be downloaded for FREE (or pay what you want) at http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com/album/asterisk.
I like this week's episode a lot. It's a nice, long chat with my friend Jim Ousley, author of the awesome horror comic "The Dead Palace." We talk about the comic...and everything else we can think of from music to movies to personal stuff. It's a good talk. You can pick up a copy of The Dead Palace at http://thedeadpalace.bigcartel.com and it's worth every cent.
This whole episode is just the two of us riffing, so there's no time-line like I'd normally provide. But there are still some photos and whatnot at http://emptychecking/blogspot.com if that's your cup of tea!
This week's episode got a little intense as I talked about Roman Reigns' leukemia diagnosis right at the top and ended up telling some personal stories and getting kinda dark in places. Then I talk about music, because, sure... Talked about the new releases from Jason Isbell, The Bottle Rockets, and Trampled by Turtles, then talked about Neil Young's "Harvest," which is one of my all-time favorite records.
After a series of malfunctions, I don't have a time-index this week, but the music stuff is about a half-hour in. Check out http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
This week's episode is a longer one to make up for missing a show last week. I talk about music from Coheed and Cambria, Elvis Costello, Louden Wainwright III, and Thrice. I also talk about TV shows including Murphy Brown, Disenchantment, and Doctor Who. Plus other stuff, including a long rant about how the Internet makes people worse. Enjoy!
Also be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com
0:00 - Intro 4:43 - An extended rant about how sometimes the Internet sucks. 19:33 - Music Break #1 - Born in this Town 20:03 - New Music Releases 55:54 - Music Break #2 - Nobody Has It All 56:24 - TV Talk 1:12:49 - Music Break #3 - Coming Storm 1:13:19 - Outro
It's a short episode this week because I've got a cold. I mostly talk about the MC5, Amanda Shires, Adam's House Cat, and Tyler Childers. Short episodes are good jumping-on points, so this one might be the one you've been waiting for. Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and stuff!
Here's the time-breakdown thing...
0:00 - Intro and Batting Cleanup
5:40 - Music Break #1 - "Not Okay"
6:10 - MC50 Concert Review
16:55 - Music Break #2 - "Being There"
17:25 - Recent Record Purchases - MC5, Amanda Shires, Adam's House Cat, and Tyler Childers
29:57 - Music Break #3 - "Napalm"
30:28 - Outro Stuff
So this episode is just me counting down my top ten favorite concerts I've attended. That's it! The blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com will have lots of pictures this week!
0:00 - Intro Stuff. Lots of Intro Stuff 16:00 - Music Break 1 - Give it Up 16:34 - My ALL TIME TOP 10 FAVORITE CONCERTS! 1:08:49 - Music Break 2 - Outdoor Summer Concerts 1:09:24 - Outro
EDIT: I COMPLETELY forgot to censor some swearing in this episode. So if you're not a grown-up, grow up.
In this episode, I spend an extended amount of time talking about the Jason Isbell show in St. Louis this past week (and why I loved it). I also talk about the movie and book Juliet, Naked, and the Venture Bros. You know how it goes by now.
Here's the time index:
0:00 - Jason Isbell show in St. Louis
22:15 - Music Break #1 - "Sometimes You Say Goodbye"
22:46 - Movie/Book Review - Juliet, Naked
40:40 - Music Break #2 - "You and Your Perfect Life"
41:11 - Venture Bros. and the Shirt of the Week Club
45:48 - Music Break #3 - Hindsight
46:19 - Outro, including tributes to Aretha Franklin and Burt Reynolds
Covered a lot of ground in this one considering a half hour of it is just me demoing the Strymon Mobius! It's a fun one for me where I play guitar for a long time. I also talk about a bunch of guitar stuff and a hodge podge of other stuff. You know how it goes.
Here's the time breakdown:
0:00 - Intro 6:30 - Music Break #1 - "Stranger" 7:00 - Hodge Podge including wrestling, Current Listening, Philosoffee Podcast, and the Kurt Vonneguys podcast 18:01 - Music Break #2 - "Falling" 18:31 - Talking about guitar accessories 35:32 - Music Break #3 - "Not Okay" 40:02 - Demoing the Strymon Mobius 1:02:20 - Music Break #4 - "Angel" 1:02:50 - Outro
This week's episode contains a lot of me ranting. I know...but more-so! I talk about the Star Trek Mission Crate from Loot Crate, the current season of The Venture Bros., and also a long talk on this week's happenings in the WWE--there was a Pay Per View and a LOT to discuss! All that, plus I freak out because I saw a bug. What are you waiting for? Click the thing!
Here's the time breakdown:
0:00 - Mostly me yelling about fleas. 9:20 - Music Break 1 - Nobody Has it All 9:50 - My extreme disappointment with Loot Crate's Mission Crate. 19:07 - Music Break 2 - Nobody Else 19:39 - TV Stuff (including The Venture Bros. at the start, then WWE wrestling from 30:18 onward) 59:26 - Music Break 3 - Who I Am 59:59 - Outro
This week's episode was a fun one for me. I talk at length about the new album by Amanda Shires (spoiler alert--it's great!). I spend some time talking about my 90s Ibanez Soundgear bass. I talk a bit about TV. And more! Here's the time index:
0:00 - Intro, including my dissatisfaction with Loot Crate
6:09 - Music Break 1 - "Born in this Town" from the Out from the Light record
6:40 - Music Talk including a revisit to the new Jayhawks record and an extended review of Amanda Shires' "To the Sunset."
18:10 - Music Break 2 - "Beautiful Disaster" from the Trigger Warnings & Sunshine album
18:41 - Talking about my Ibanez Soundgear bass.
27:54 - Music Break 3 - "What I'm Dying For" off of the It Could Be Worse album
28:23 - TV Talk including a little bit of WWE, a little Kimmy Schmitt, and a lot of Venture Bros.
45:38 - Music Break 4 - "Amanda, I'm Tired" from the It Could Be Worse album
46:07 - Outro, including announcing that we're turning 1 year old!
Be sure to visit http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
This week's episode is a little different. I didn't really have anything new to talk about so instead I talked about a couple of my guitars that mean a lot to me and also about the comic book Bone by Jeff Smith. It's an episode of full-on nostalgia for me, and I hope you'll enjoy the trip back in time too. Be sure to check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
Here's how the time breaks down:
0:00 - Intro
5:40 - Music Break #1 - "One Man" from my Grounds album.
6:11 - Talking about my Ibanez EX Series bass.
16:48 - Music Break #2 - "Fall Apart" from my Grounds album.
17:18 - Talking about the comic book Bone by Jeff Smith.
35:18 - Music Break #3 - "Stranger" from my Grounds album.
35:48 - Talking about my Silvertone guitar.
43:03 - Music Break #4 - "Diner" from my Grounds album.
43:33 - Outro
This week's episode of Empty Checking is a shorter episode, so it's a pretty good jumping-on point if you've been behind. I talk about playing retro Atari games and also music from Nine Inch Nails, The Get Up Kids, and Pulp. Plus just a little bit of wrestling--but so little it didn't even get its own entry. I liked doing this episode and I hope you like listening to it. Here's the time-index:
0:00 - Intro Stuff
4:30 - Music Break #1 - "Earned" off of the "Things I Meant to Say" album
5:00 - I strongly endorse straberry lemonade, in general. Then I also strongly endorse a gaming system from the 70s. - The Atari Flashback
15:33 - Music Break #2 - "Napalm" from the "Something to Look Forward to" album
16:04 - Music Reviews: Nine Inch Nails- Bad Witch, The Get Up Kids - Kicker (EP), Pulp - Different Class
32:42 - Music Break #3 - "Of Death and Dying" from the "Ink-Stained Fingers" album
33:14 - Outro Stuff including talking about wrestling for a couple minutes.
Thanks for your support! Be sure to check out the companion blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com for photos and more!
This week's episodr took too long to upload, but it's better late than never! This week you'll (potentially!) listen to me talk about new releases from The Hold Steady, The Jayhawks, Snow Patrol, and Guided By Voices. I also talk about a 70s album by Nick Drake. Then I discuss this week's happenings in the WWE. After that, I talk about the recent scandal, suspension, and reinstatement of Hulk Hogan from the WWE Hall of Fame, which includes a long segment where I talk about racism and gets kinda real. Lots of ground was covered this week!
Here's the time break-down:
0:00 - Intro
4:42 - Music Break #1 - "Born in this Town" from the "Out from the Light" album.
5:12 - New and Old Music Releases featuring The Hold Steady, The Jayhawks, Snow Patrol, Guided By Voices, Nick Drake
31:40 - Music Break #2 - "Live Your Life" from the "Sorry, I Didn't Mean to Shout" release.
32:11 - WWE Week in Review, with particular focus on the Extreme Rules PPV
53:59 - Music Break #3 - "Simple Things" from the "Things I Meant to Say" album.
54:30 - Hulk Hogan and Racism (Not kidding.)
1:22:19 - Music Break #4 - "AMB 4" from the "Grounds" album.
1:22:50 - Outro
Thanks for your support!
This week is mostly about my pedal board. I spent a lot of time and money on it, so you're going to have to deal with me playing around with it. Or skip this episode. You do you. I also talked a little bit about my current listening which has been made up mostly by Mr. Big and Guided By Voices (the pairing we've all been waiting for!) and I talked about some other stuff in passing too. But it's mostly the board.
Here's how the time broke down:
0:00 - Intro - Including a plug for my friends at Philosoffee at 3:33 and a little bit of wrestling talk at 7:45.
11:11 - Music Break #1 - "Nobody Else" from my It Could Be Worse album
11:41 - ULTRA SUPER MEGA BOARD!!!
46:40 - Music Break #2 - "Who I Am" also from It Could Be Worse
47:10 - Outro - Including a little bit more about the board that I forgot to mention but also my current listening starts at about 50:55.
Thanks for your support! Check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com.
After a two-week hiatus, the show is back and talking about music from Sloan, Father John Misty, Anna Burch, and Ray Davies. We also talk about wrestling and some other stuff. Enjoy!
0:00 - Intro
5:32 - Rest in Peace, Big Van Vader
9:06 - Music Break 1 - Church Girls from "Trigger Warnings and Sunshine"
9:36 - Music Talk including Sloan, Anna Burch, Father John Misty, and Ray Davies
34:38 - Music Break 2 - Falling from "New Year's Eve"
35:12 - Wrestling Stuff
49:24 - Music Break 3 - Being There from "Things I Meant to Say"
49:54 - Outro