Songbird

This "behind the song" episode is all about another SPITBALL classic, Lord Loves a Workin' Man. Marco talks with SPITBALL's rhythm section - Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass) about the origins of this lurid, muscular instrumental and ask the big questions, like "is this a rockabilly song?" We also talk about the joys of playing at The Continental, and some of our most loyal (and fascinating) fans.

The big announcement is also revealed - the remaining members of Spitball will sell and distribute a CD and digital tracks from the LOHO sessions, after carefully mastering it. All proceeds will go to a charity in Molly's name. We'll keep you updated about the progress of this project in future episodes.

This episode includes a never-heard before recording from a CBGB's show as well as the LOHO version.

In our Season 1 finale, Marco explores the final liner notes for Heaven Get Behind Me, where thanks are given - and we find ourselves in an unexpected tribute to a dear friend. Felix McTeigue was a revered singer-songwriter, and singlehandedly got Marco in front of a microphone, many years ago.

The idea to cover one of Felix's songs for the last episode of Season 1 evolved into a complicated, deeply challenging project. The result just has to be heard.

We end with a few words about the plan for season 2, promising stories of meatloaf specials, Coney Island surfing and Marlon Brando.

SERIES UPDATE: We some terribly sad news to share with our listeners. SPITBALL's glorious singer and guitarist Molly Fitch passed away last week, and we are just at a complete loss. With her family's blessing, we are going to continue publishing our interviews with her, and leave the next episodes intact as a last document of Molly's thoughts about life, music and life in New York.

This "behind the song" episode is all about SPITBALL's cover of Donovan's Sunshine Superman, and includes a never-heard before recording from their very first CBGB's show.

SONGBIRD returns with a long-awaited Season Two!

We jump right into a "behind the song" episode, all about Spitball's signature song "Coney Island Surfing". Decades before Marco became Martin Ruby, he was the tenor sax player in this scrappy pack of knuckleheads, and he explores the surf-punk band's origin story, speaking with Molly Fitch (vocals/guitar), Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass).

Can you guess who narrowly avoided a fight with the uber-singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley in a rehearsal space? You guessed right.

We also get to hear a never-heard before live recording of "Coney Island Surfing" from their very first CBGB's show, and revisit the downtown NY music scene of the 90s.

In our final behind-the-song episode of Season 1, we go deep into the bible, and an alternate life to understand what inspired Wallflower's Surprise, track 11 from Heaven Get Behind Me.

As always, we hear the demo version as well as the finished track.