My guest this week is Brainsights CEO Kevin Keane, whose organization measures brain activity and more specifically, emotional and physiological reactions to stimuli. Fascinating stuff.

Not surprisingly, Kevin also possesses a massive appreciation for the propensity for music to make our skin vibrate, and he shares some incredibly personal experiences he’s had in this regard. Conversations like this one define my reasons for doing this show.

NOTE: NSTS will be on vacation next week, returning to regular programming the week of September 9. Cheers everyone!        

Keane’s playlist:

Van Morrison – Tupelo Honey 

Elton John – Your Song

Radiohead – High and Dry

Simon & Garfunkel – The Boxer

Pearl Jam – Black

Fela Kuti – Suffering and Smiling 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The conclusion of my discussion with Twisted Sister founder and guitarist John ‘Jay Jay’ French airs this week, and what a discussion it was. His playlist is centred around John’s summer spent in London in 1972 and the music he experienced there, but the span of our chat is limitless. 

We talk about motivational speaking, the similarities of our top five records, continued reinvention, the one question he would ask The Beatles, riding a stolen motorcycle on Broadway in New York in the 60s, his perspectives on previous Twisted Sister members who abused alcohol, the details behind each of the six beers he’s ever had over the course of his life, and how The Rolling Stones and his other records got him through the day. He’s also a stickler for music trivia, and he tests my knowledge on the British Invasion (spoiler alert – I fail). 

French’s playlist (Part II):

Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up

Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly

The Temptations – Papa Was A Rolling Stone

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

He’s back! Twisted Sister founder and guitarist John Jay Jay French joins me via Skype this week for part one of a very lengthy chat about all manner of musical subjects.

In part one, John and I talk about the recording of Twisted Sister record Under The Blade at the site of The Battle of Hastings, best of Beatles versus best of Stones, his guitar collection, four hundred thousand dollar turntables, the summer he spent in England in 1971, and so much more. And that’s only part one!  

French’s playlist (part one):

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar

Rod Stewart – Every Picture Tells A Story

The Who – Baba O’ Riley

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Back by popular demand this week is insights guru, semiotician, and NSTS listener favourite Charles Leech!   

This time around Charles uses the concept of synesthesia, which is the crossing over of intrapersonal senses, as a platform to discuss his musical insights. Once again, his perspectives and acumen are absolutely mind-blowing, to the point where you may find yourself mouthing the word ‘wow’ as you listen, likely more than once. Prepare to be fascinated, friends.       

Leech’s playlist:

Heaven 17 – Let Me Go

Journey – Don’t Stop Believing

Bjork – All is Full of Love

Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy

Michael Kiwanuka – Cold Little Heart 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS