Drago

Drago's interest in underground radio began as a loyal listener of 99.1FM WHFS, Washington DC's original alternative radio station. The blend of iconic DJs and an eclectic mix of music offered by "HFS" shaped the foundation of his approach to radio programming. An accomplished musician himself, Drago was the front man/guitarist for DC bands Big Angry, Proudfoot, Sleestax and Kingman Reef. In May 2008, Drago joined GroundWaves.fm as the Chief Operating Officer and was an integral part of that station’s resurrection and return to the airwaves after a 2 ½ year hiatus. The launch of Froglix Radio represents a new and exciting challenge, one he embraces with energy, enthusiasm, excitement and, most importantly, a deep appreciation for indie music both here in the US and around the world.

Flashback: Descendents

Berkeley, California, flashback, hard rock, hardcore, Hermosa Beach, punk No Responses »

Nov 182011

Ever wonder where the emo-punk got it’s start? Contrary to what Billy Joe may think, it wasn’t Green Day. Sorry to disappoint but, while they were prolific early adopters of the genre, it was actually a band nearly (400) miles to the south in Hermosa Beach, CA that many point to as the true founders of melodic hardcore. Descendents got their start in 1978 but it wasn’t until a few years later that I discovered them on a fateful “unauthorized” Spring Break trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. Certain details of the trip are still a bit fuzzy but what I do remember was my buddy Ted “Under the Table” Levendosky turning me on to Milo and the boys doing their rendition of “Wendy” by the Beach Boys. Epic. Some of my other personal favs from their 1986 release entitled Enjoy! are “Sour Grapes”, “80s Girl” and “Get the Time”.

Regrettably, there is hardly any decent live footage or video from the band’s earlier work but the vid above for “I’m the One” found on 1996′s Everything Sucks disc is very much representative of the simple punk genius that is Descendents. Dig it.

-Drago

Oh Mercy…it’s the Wiggles?

ABC Music, Australia, featured artists, indie pop, Oh Mercy 1 Response »

Nov 162011

Australian indie rockers doing covers…of the Wiggles!?!? Yup. Rewiggled (ABC Music) is a compilation project that showcases (20) indie artists from Down Under remaking their favourite Wiggles tunes. The video above features Oh Mercy‘s rendition of ‘Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car’…and I swear I’m not making that up. Say what you want about the Wiggles (they are only the top children’s musical act of all time) but I happen to think it’s quite cool what these cats are doing. Hopefully this is just a prelude to a full album review as we anxiously await our opportunity to hear this rather courageous compilation in its entirety. Although I’m not certain we are truly ready for it!

- Drago

Flashback :: NYC’s Urban Blight

Brooklyn, flashback, funk, New York, reggae, ska, videos No Responses »

Nov 042011

It was a Saturday, many moons ago. I remember sitting at home and, after counting all of the ceiling tiles in the family room, quickly determined that I was bored out of my skull. It got the point where even hard labour was starting to sound appealing. Was anyone going to call? Finally, there it was. Ring…Ring. I was saved! With my feet barely touching the ground I sprinted into the kitchen and anxiously picked up the receiver. To my chagrin, it was one of my college buddies from Baltimore, MD. “What are you doing?” he asked. “Nothing, I’m bored out of my mellon,” was my reply. “How’s that working out for you?” he chided. ”There better be an invitation coming jackass or I’m going to reach through the phone and rip out your larynx.” Thankfully (and luckily for him) there was indeed an invitation. It was to join he and some other compadres at the 8×10 Club in Baltimore that evening to see a band from NYC called Urban Blight. Who? Never heard of them…but heck anything was better than doing nothing.

What I remember most was that as soon as those cats hit the stage the air was suddenly electric. It was like everyone knew what was coming. The drummer set the tone immediately with a phat groove that became the foundation for “Knock You Out” and I became insta-fan. Loved it. The mix of funk, ska and new jack swing was simply phenomenal and while “Love Bites” remains my absolute fav, the song featured in the video above, “Get Closer”, was a close 2nd.

Happy Friday my friends…now let’s get funky.

- Drago

Screaming and Halloweening with the Brains

alt-rock, alternative, Canada, featured artists, hard rock, psycho-billy, punk, The Brains, videos No Responses »

Oct 312011

It’s Halloween, my pretties, so it seems rather fitting that we pimp a little pychobilly from The Brains. The uncensored video for “Screaming” (above) is from their just released Drunk Not Dead album so if you digz it click the iTunes link above and get you some.

Stay safe this evening and if you hear something go bump in the night, fret not…it’s only Froglix and we don’t bite…much. Mmmwoo hah haha!

- Drago

The Train Keeps Rolling

americana, Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings, blues, featured artists, folk, new release, news, reviews, rock, roots, singer/songwriter, Virginia, Washington DC 1 Response »

Oct 272011

“It’s Americana-ish!” is how Andy Hawk describes his latest studio effort with the Train Wreck Endings and if you’ve heard any of their previous work you’d find it hard to put them into one specific category or genre too. This, my friends, is a talented group of musicians that effortlessly blends folk, blues and rock into their own special brand of truly American music.

In addition to a new set of original tunes, the soon to be released disc entitled Another Storyline also includes a rocking cover of New Order‘s “Temptation” that features a mandolin as a stand in for the synths….very nice. “Sunshine Street,” my favourite original track, starts with a punchy little bass line paired with the perfect drum cadence…add in some excellent vocal harmonies and, of course, more mandolin and you’ve got a cool little ditty.

Froglix greatly appreciates Andy and company for allowing us a “sneak peek” at Another Storyline and would be remiss if we didn’t do a little pimpin’on their behalf by promoting their upcoming CD release party.

When: Friday, November 11 @ 8pm
Where: Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville, VA.

Be sure to check out www.andyhawk.com for details, tickets, etc.

- Drago

Blue Friday

alternative, electronica, England, flashback, synth pop 4 Responses »

Oct 212011

Much like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, so it was for the remaining members of Joy Division. After the tragic death of vocalist Ian Curtis, bandmates Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris were faced with a very difficult decision…would they keep pressing on or simply quit the music scene altogether. Well the answer came quickly and press on they would. The addition of keyboardist Gillian Gilbert completed the original line up of what would become one of the most critically acclaimed post-punk/new wave bands of all time…New Order.

In early years, their sound was somewhat a continuation of what they had begun with Joy Division but they soon picked up on the dance vibe emanating from New York and began building the most appealing of those elements into their songs. “Blue Monday” is the absolute epitome of their transformational sound. Oh…and by the way…it’s one the best selling 12″ singles of all time.

Somehow…I think these cats were on to something but take a listen and dig it for yourself.

- Drago

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Flashback: Descendents

Oh Mercy…it’s the Wiggles?

Flashback :: NYC’s Urban Blight

Screaming and Halloweening with the Brains

The Train Keeps Rolling

Blue Friday

navigation

listen now

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froglix radio

Drago

Flashback: Descendents

Oh Mercy…it’s the Wiggles?

Flashback :: NYC’s Urban Blight

Screaming and Halloweening with the Brains

The Train Keeps Rolling

Blue Friday

navigation

listen now

friend/follow us

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