The Flopcast

Our 1980s-themed shows have ended (but for how long?), and yikes, here come the 1990s. We'll get through this ten-episode descent into madness together, starting this week with a look at the year 1990. Yes, MC Hammer (and his giant pants) ruled the pop charts... but weirder acts like They Might Be Giants and Ed's Redeeming Qualities were around too, and that's what we liked. Meanwhile back here in 2017, Kornflake has a couple of concert reports. She traveled down to Rhode Island (land of coffee milk and lobby waffles) to see Eddie From Ohio, and up to New Hampshire (land of mountains and angry people) to see Janet Jackson! (You may remember Janet from Diff'rent Strokes, but did you know she is also a rather successful recording artist?) And Kornflake also has her podcast recommendation for November. Does it somehow involve Jon Cryer? Oh, you bet it does.

Direct download: Flopcast_290.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:17am EDT

In the final installment of our latest ten-part look at the 1980s, we recall the debut of the Energizer Bunny, and review how frightening Top 40 radio had become by 1989. (We'd rather listen to that stupid rabbit pound its little drum than suffer through any more Milli Vanilli.) We also have some listener feedback from last week's orangutan-themed Top 4 1/2 List, including a special message from the great Luke Ski! Then we move on to Thanksgiving topics, because Peppermint Patty just invited herself over and made us do it. In a special Turkeys in the News segment, we meet Wethersfield, Connecticut's most beloved citizen, Kevin the Turkey. (Is Connecticut also home to a Kornflake the Turkey? The search is on.) Also: One of our favorite podcasts, Foxes in the Hen House, is hosting a fun Thanksgiving weekend charity event, and they could use your help. Meanwhile, we'll be at the annual Black Friday David Bowie tribute concert with Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers and Lipstick Criminals! So don't just fill up on popcorn, jelly beans, and toast, and then nap all weekend. (Although that does sound like a good plan too... okay, your call.)

Direct download: Flopcast_289.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:48pm EDT

Kornflake is off this week (or is she???), but the Mayor of Chickentown is here to discuss the movies and music of 1988. (At the movies, it was a big year for Uma Thurman, Winona Ryder, and Dennis Farina's mustache. Meanwhile on the radio, the Escape Club warned us that we were heading for the 90s, and we were in trouble.) Then we celebrate the discovery of a new orangutan species with a quick Top 4 1/2 List of our favorite orangutans! Go ahead and sing a round of "Rock Me Doctor Zaius" as we recall some fine apes from movies, cartoons, and one bizarre sitcom. (Anyone else remember Mr. Smith?) Also: Our Halloween antics (and goofy costumes) in Salem and beyond, Kevin's recent guest appearances on Pop Culture Cosmos, listener feedback, and more. Next week: Less ape talk, more Kornflake. (Unless Kornflake wants to talk about apes. Then we'll have both.)

Direct download: Flopcast_288.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:51am EDT

Our ridiculous ten-episode trip through the 80s continues with a quick look at 1987! For astronomy fans, a supernova was visible in the sky; meanwhile back on Earth, we were dancing to Pet Shop Boys and Swing Out Sister. (The supernova, apparently not a fan of 80s pop, was unimpressed, and just kept on supernoving.) Also: Kevin has a surprise reunion with a couple of old friends and performers from his old open mic night (remember how we all spent the mid-90s in coffee shops?), Sean and Adam Fullerton. And we review the recent Super Megafest convention, where we found stars from LA Law, Battlestar Galactica, and The Flash, as well as our very favorite Bionic people, and the voice of Hermey the Elf. Who caused us to freak out the most? Oh yeah. It was Hermey.

Direct download: Flopcast_287.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am EDT

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