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Theft of the Dial: Michael Franti
Posted at 8:29 AM on February 18, 2009
by Steve Seel
(17 Comments)
Filed under: Theft of the Dial
I can think of no better musician to inaugurate our new feature, Theft of the Dial, than Michael Franti. A gentleman, a wellspring of generosity and positive energy, and also a very funny guy. Oh: and someone with great taste in music too, natch.
Theft of the Dial is when your favorite musicians will get to take control of the mic (and the CD player) for a spell and spin some of their favorite music - and talk about why they dig it. I think it's safe to say that Michael has set the bar pretty high for all the future guests to follow him.
We started with one of Michael's tunes with Spearhead: "Say Hey (I Love You)" off of their latest, All Rebel Rockers, and then Michael took the wheel to play his choices:
1) Bob Marley, "Sun Is Shining"
2) U2, "One"
3) Johnny Cash, "Ring of Fire"
4) The Clash, "Train in Vain"
5) Sublime, "What I Got"
6) Joy Division, "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
7) Elvis Costello and the Attractions, "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?"
We then closed witih another one from Michael and Spearhead, "Hey World," also from, All Rebel Rockers.
Our serious, serious thanks to Michael Franti for coming down and having so much fun making an awesome hour of radio on our airwaves.
If you missed it, you can listen to the whole thing right here.
Comments (17)
Theft of the dial is a wonderful change up to the morning mix of great music. I loved hearing Michael's stories of why he picked the songs he did. Can't wait for more!
Deja
This was such a great thing to wake up to! I loved hearing his stories and can't wait to find out who steals the dial next!!! Oh and his shout out to Mpls was the best!!
What a great debut for this feature! I love Michael's music. If you have a chance to see him live, do it. He was great at the State Theater, and he said he'd be back this summer.
Best drive I've had to work in a LONG time. Thank you, Michael Franti! And great idea, you Current geniuses!
Couldn't have picked a better guest for the "inaugural" Theft of the Dial. I was looking forward to this since you first announced it. Thank you, Current and Mr. Franti for your amazing stories and classy playlist.
p.s. I wished it was a little longer
p.p.s. I was at your concert, Michael, front row. You were AMAZING!
Fantastic. Great idea. Super start with MF who is all heart in addition to being incredibly original and talented. My only complaint - I could have listened longer. Big, big fun. Thank you.
Loved it! Michael Franti was fabulous. I was moved by his reflections and selections. Thank you Michael (and Steve too).
I've never wished that my drive to work could have lasted longer like I did on Wednesday. Can't wait to hear the show next week!
Kim in Rochester: ooh, I wish it was a weekly feature! TOTD will occur when the artists who are interested/willing to do it pass through town. We're not sure yet how often that will be. But we hope it will be as often as possible! Also, we've decided that this inaugural segment was so awesome that we're going to air it again, later next week on Mark Wheat's show.
For those of us who can pick up Minn.PR on line, when is Mark Wheat's show aired...couldn't find it on your schedule. Thanks for Michael's hour here from 2-18. Much respect from Spearits in Vermont.
"The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity." Michael Franti does this exceptionally well in his everyday life on and off the stage and graces us all with his true sense of humanity. And that voice of his......Woohoo! I could hear him speak/sing 24 hrs a day. Great playlist, Great stories, just great all the way around. PEACE*
Picked this up on the net. I am a fan of Spearhead from facebook and in person, He rocks my soul, Ya'll. We love it when he comes to Denver for a weekend. You folks are lucky to have this radio show.
absolutely friggin AWESOME, I loved it!! funny, rockin, peaceful - everything Michael Franti represents
Excellent programming move...big kudos to The Current!!
Love to see an extended version of the show on weekends sometimes. Do a whole hour. I've always loved to hear the stories behind bands and what songs/bands inspire them and why. Excellent first show, which I caught on the web, after a friend posted it to facebook.
Michael is amazing! Just saw him this past weekend. His message is full of depth, meaning, and love!!!! Great show here on the Current. I don't think my local NPR station carries it, but I will check! PEACE!
Great show and I'm happy that a friend forwarded the link. I have seen MF twice at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and after the first time - we (folkie friends) were hooked on his music and his message. His energy is infectious! Only best wishes and hopes that he keeps on singing.
I streamed The Current at work on the morning of this event, even though I'm not suppose to! I went to Michael's most recent concert at the State Theater and it was one of the best I've ever been to - he's an amazing performer, totally connects with the audience, and put on one fantastic show. So I was so excited to hear that he was taking over the dial at my favorite radio station. What a great way to start off a great idea. When No Doubt comes in to town (July 5, '09), you should definitely try to get them on your show. I know they're mainstream NOW, but they are legendary in the history of the indie music scene.
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