Yes, balls to the wall! And by Balls we mean the one-hit supergroup starring our special guest, Alan White. The legendary drummer for Yes, John Lennon, and of course, Balls, stops by for his annual visit before the Music Matters Live benefit tomorrow (May 12th) at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre.

This year’s spectacle features a litany of past Moldy Basement guests, including Vicci Martinez, LeRoy Bell and Star Anna, all backed by a 50-piece orchestra and all to benefit music education in our public schools.

In the midst of stories about dining with John Lennon and George Harrison (yeah, we’re not above name-dropping…), Oprah’s second best friend, comedian Greg Behrendtdrops in. (See him this weekend, May 11th & 12th, at Laugh’s in Kirkland). An aspiring rocker himself, Behrendt and White get into it about touring on the far side of the Internation Dateline, opening acts, and watching babboons have sex.
It all comes back to Balls, baby!

One of the best parts of hosting a podcast is that we get to live vicariously through our guests. Whether it’s dating a 19-year-old foreign au pair, rockin’ on stage in front of 35,000 with Pearl Jam, or crapping into a hole in China while packing your own T.P. We want to do it all! But not if it means leaving the Moldy Basement.

Our guests today have done it all. Former traffic reporter Reiny Cohen is on a six-month sabbatical in China and Skypes in live with an unvarnished insight into that experience. It’s been kind of a cross between Fear Factor and being berated by a Chinese Simon Cowell.

Meanwhile the fabulous Star Anna and Justin Davis return after a whirlwind year of touring and sharing stage real estate with Pearl Jam. Their headlining (along with Alan White, Vicci Martinez, LeRoy Bell and Brad) next weekend’s Music Matters Live show at the Paramount. This is the third year for this worthwhile benefit to promote music education in public schools. You can support the cause by attending the show, Saturday, May 12th – we’ll be there, which belies our reputation of never leaving the bunker – or sporting some new Music Matters license plates HERE.

Somehow on today’s show we invented two of the best band names ever: Noise-turd and Face of Waste. How we got there, let alone why, is complicated.

It involved discussions with our co-host Shawn Stewart, and King County’s Eco-Consumer specialist Tom Watson about self-defense techniques (Marty says hug ‘em, Shawn goes for a knee to the nuts … figures), the future of planet Earth (Marty goes with dismal, Tom says hopeful … figures), and ColdPlay’s performance in Seattle (which everyone seemed to say was fantastic – consensus!!)

The band that’s been called Seattle’s ColdPlay (because they have a piano and guys playing instruments … get the similarity?), Barcelona came by to play a few songs off their forthcoming new CD “Not Quite Yours,” prior to their official CD Release Party, May 18th & 19th at the Columbia City Theater. The band got their name from a band homework assignment, “Everyone, come back to our next practice with 30 band name ideas.” So, we took the challenge ourselves and came up with Noise-turd and Face of Waste.

And we’re done.

Happy 4-20. What were doing just now?

The most optimistic Mariner fan in the world … was not in the studio today. Author of Shipwrecked – A People’s History of the Seattle Mariners – Jon Wells blasts Mariner management and asks why in the day of MLB parity are the M’s the only AL team never to have played a World Series. Yeah, Good Question! You have to hear his answer for what the solution is. It’s not pretty. And may involve getting Ted Nugent involved.

Plus, The Good Hurt, a young Seattle-based band that in two-years has already accomplished more than many bands that have played for decades, lays down two lovely tunes and answers intern-Mike’s question about Betty White, Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters. Again, not a pretty answer. Paging Ted Nugent.

On the day the New York Times runs a feature on Washington State’s progressive marijuana initiaive 502 - the country’s first full legalization measure on the ballot this November – we host the initiative’s sponsor. Alison Holcombe is an attorney for the ACLU who makes a compelling pitch for the state to legalize, control and regulate the weed. She even convinced us. And that’s not easy. Ha! If you believe that, you’re totally high.

Also, making her third appearance on the podcast – and copping to her own run-in with Johnny Texas Ranger out snooping for some illegal hooch – is the lovely Erin Austin of OK Sweetheart. Erin plays the Moldy Basement solo for the first time, just before she meanders down to Tacoma for a show on Saturday (4/14) at Urban Grace supporting old friends Ivan and Alyosha.

And lest we forget our lovely co-host on this Friday the 13th (obviously a lucky day for us), Camille Bloom. Camille is about to embark on her Live in Europe 2012 tour, but before she goes a couple more chances for you to see her live and local.

Our first international, intercontinental, cross-cultural podcast is – how they say in Germany – a bit of a cluster. But what it lacks in technical savior faire is made up for with good intentions and great live music.  While Marty reports live from Berlin on the state of bathroom technology in the Fatherland – those Germans invest a lot in faucet design – our old friend Shawn Stewart and trusty Yaz hold down the fort in the Moldy Basement.  Plus we get a live in studio performance from Alessandra Rose – formerly of The Kindness Kind – that echoes around the globe.  There may not be any video to go along with today’s show, but Marty’s Skype image makes him look like an uncooked piece of Schnitzel, so it’s all for the better.

Shawn Stewart and Alessandra Rose

A raucous show today with special guest co-host Camille Bloom. In between Camille’s stories about men peeing in Renton and copping to her own sordid past, we find out that Marty has a new secret passion for wine. Actually he could care less about wine, but he has a trick for faking it.

Then we welcome Levi Ware back to the show. Last time he was on the show he was partnered with 7-11. Free Slurpees for everyone! But this time he’s here supporting an even sweeter project, the Melodic Caring Project. A music-based group that he founded that’s all about beaming good vibes and good tunes to young people struggling with serious illnesses. You can support the Melodic Caring Project by attending Levi’s show at the Fremont Abbey on March 29th.

And obviously, the show is compensating for some evil deed because then we introduce you to another worthwhile cause. Meet Sarah Liberator and Stefanie Sugihara who are organizing a benefit of their own, the Tap Project Benefit to bring fresh water to third world countries. Their show starring numerous bands from past MRS podcasts lands at the High Dive in Fremont on Friday, April 6th.

Oh sure, we had a rough start. One camera goes on the fritz, Yaz shutsdown the headphones making Marty think he’s gone deaf. But pros play hurt. And what a sweet recovery.

It’s been awhile since the show was entirely focused on music. Awesome new music suggestions – ranging from new Alexi Murdoch to Todd Snider and blues sensation Gary Clark, Jr. – from Triple Door booker Scott Giampino. Plus, some cool isnide information about people at the Triple Door private suites who insist on “puttin’ it on the glass.”

And then … hold it … hold it … THE BEST BLUES BAND IN AMERICA!! And that’s not just us talking our usual smack. The WIRED! Band won the 2012 Internation Blues Challenge in Memphis and play two fantastic, old-school blues numbers from their new CD “Washington Blues.

While we save up to make a pitch for one of our own state liquor stores that are now up for auction, we continue the sober, clear-headed grind in the Moldy Basement.

TOday, we’re joined by comedian-bashing comedian Andy Kindler. Dane Cook is like Hitler (even worse than, according to Andy), Kevin James got a butt lift, and let’s hope he never bumps into Adam Sandler. In case Adam is looking for him, Andy Kindler is at Laugh’s in Kirkland this weekend, Friday and Saturday night.

And weren’t we just saying the other day, there’s nothing sexier than violent women on skates? Three of Seattle’s Rat City Roller Girls give us some schoolin’ on Jammers, whips, and sternum blocks. Watch them pack Key Arena on March 24th, their next bout.

It’s our tribute to Texas show. Not, as Marty points out, douchey Dallas Texas, but more an awesome Austin kind of Texas. Townes Van Zandt, the heralded Texas folk-country songwriter, would have turned 68 next Wednesday. As such, an amazing lineup of artists will gather at the Tractor Tavern that night to commemorate with a “Love ME Some Townes Van Zandt” show.

Three of the performers – Lindsay Fuller, Jeff Fielder, and Ian Moore – join us in the basement this morning to pay early tribute. Growing up in Texas, Ian Moore attended his share of Townes shows.

And, wait, who is that woman in the mask? A special guest co-host joins us for today’s show.

When the show starts with everyone taking a hit off a new caffeine inhalant called Aero Shot, that we talked about on the podcast two weeks ago, it’s bound to get electric.

First we trip back in time to the Seattle World’s Fair and meet Marci Terry, one of the original, “young, attractive and intelligent” hostesses recruited for the Bell Pavilion. Her earrings went on a date with Elvis Presley. Try and top that, people!

And while we’re on the topic of fairs, we welcome back Andrew Vait’s Eternal Fair for their second appearance. Two fantastic, funky new songs, and a cold-call to a Marty Riemer Show listener (who was dead asleep) to award him some tickets to Eternal Fair’s CD release tomorrow night at the High Dive.

If we may recommend some Aero Shot for that sleeping guy

With surprise guests and far more suprising confessions, this is a show for the ages. Marty pays a visit to Dr. Frankenstein (Marty’s naturopath’s actual name .. well, close) and gets surprising (for him, maybe not for those that know him) results from his blood work. Let’s just say the man is running low on man-ness.

Patiently waiting in the wings, a six-piece Seattle band whose members are mostly named Spencer. Man Without Wax (let’s ask them where they got that name, shall we? play a couple emotionally powerful songs on the podcast prior to their live gig tonight at the High Dive in Fremont.

Man Without Wax, Marty, and Michael

We’ve got two words for you today – FUNK YOU! Although, it’s the new meaning of Funk You, so it’s cool.

It’s our show about women! Women of the 1960′s. Attractive women. 5’6″ and taller, wearing hosiery. Those were the requirements to work Seattle’s World’s Fair in 1962. And to visit the White House pool with JFK. Say hello to Mr. Powers.

And since our show’s about women, we introduce an all-female funk band (who are the ones who bring new meaning to the term Funk You) Seattle funk outfit called Kissing Potion. Nine members, all women .. except for those three dudes, who somehow managed to break the glass-ceiling of funk. Fortunately they’re attractive and over 5’6″.

See Kissing Potion tonight, Friday, February 10th, at Seattle’s Hard Rock Cafe.

We’re knee-deep in high fashion this morning on the podcast. Again. Meet Lisa Vian Hunter, owner of Vian Hunter’s House of Fashion in the Madison Valley in Seattle, and a contestant on the upcoming NBC reality contest “Fashion Star.” With $6-million and contracts from Macy’s and Saks on the line, there’s a lot hinging on this show for Lisa. Maybe that’s why she tells Marty to zip it.

And what’s a couture event without some hippie jams? Capping off a tremendous show, the band formerly known Flowmotion (now dead to us), The True Spokes stop by to preview their brand new CD which will be officially unveiled tomorrow, February 4th at The Showbox at the Market.

A certain celebrity comes to the podcast this week. A parody yoga video made by Michael Stusser and Marty is burning up Youtube going viral (See below) with all the new agey hipsters. But that’s nothing compared to intern Mike Neill who landed the front page of the Woodinville Weekly (Wedding Issue, people!!!) with his giant, 15-foot snowman from last week’s Snowmageddon. Like the snow itself, though, Mike’s fame is quickly melting into a puddle. We’ve already lost interest, so let’s move on to

Unrelated to intern Mike Neill, Casey Neill of the Norway Rats drives up from Portland to play his intense brand of Americana on the podcast. Marty has a new favorite – Casey’s voice will blow your mind. See him live tonight, January 27th, at the High Dive in Fremont, or tomorrow night, the 28th, at Bremerton’s High Fidelity. Ahoy seaman!

In the midst of PPDMAGEDDON!! Marty admits that his German au pair has abandoned his family. She claims there’s too much tension in the Moldy Basement. Well good-riddance, now that the podcast has received international acclaim in Photon Magazine (huh?) it’s all sunshine and rainbows from here on out. Wished we could say the same for Captain Francesco Schettino of the Italian Titanic. That story needs to be talked about, like Newt Gingrich needs an open marriage.

And finally huge credit to Brian and Tekla from the band Blvd Park for sledding through the ice and snow to share songs from their forthcoming CD “The Sound.” See them at their CD Release Party, February 9th at the Tractor Tavern. Or find Brian peddling brewskis and Skittles at Century Link.

Comedian Tommy Johnagin (Laughs in Kirkland, Friday and Saturday, January 13/14) regales us with hilarious (and maybe depressing) stories of returning rejected engagement rings to Jared’s.

Tommy Johnagin

On the other end of the relationship timeline, Michael Stusser and Marty discover a new dating website called www.seekingarrangement.com that makes no bones about what’s expected from a Sugar Daddy.

And for the kids – there’s always something for the kids – one of Seattle’s most popular “kindependent” bands, Recess Monkey (Teatro Zinzanni Spiegeltent, February 18) perform a little sing-a-long in the Moldy Basement. Marty misses his cue on the sing-a-long. As usual.

Recess Monkeys, Marty and Michael

The big question that comes from today’s show is it OK to steal office supplies – or moon rocks – from NASA? America’s hearthrob (or at least Kent’s) comedian Jeff Dye (The Parlor Live in Bellevue, January 6th & 7th, 2012) rings in on astronaut theft, eating left-over’s from the vet, and his new show “Money from Strangers” coming to MTV.

Marty, Jeff Dye, and Michael

In addition, violin empresario Susan Voelz, formerly with John Mellencamp and Poi Dog Pondering, reminisces about the intimidating size of cameras on Saturday Night Live while bringing her new Thai Yoga performance to Fremont’s West of Lenin this weekend

Susan Voelz

It’s our wonderful year-end wrap-up and the basement is full of liberal media elites, eco-warriors, and Hawaiian-born (Kenyan) bohemians. Local NPR-host Megan Sukys - please pledge now – jumps the tracks to the wild side of reckless, foul-mouthed indie podcasting, and somehow maintains her dignity and professionalism.

Kooky Tom Watson, King County’s energetic champion of everything green, squeezes in a few 2011 environmental highlights – bye bye plastic bags. And finally, the magnificent multi-instrumentalist Kimo Muraki (Tiny Messengers and Surrealized), caps a fabulous year of basement originated live music.

Horrifying, scandalous holiday revelations this morning on the podcast. First, Seattle Weekly Editor Mike Seely outs the Capitol Hill Ice Rink as being made of rubber. Really!?!? Speaking of rubber, one of he bands featured on the new Planned Parenthood compilation CD “Sex Positive,” NoRey, makes their debut appearance on the podcast with two sizzling Latin-infused rockers.

We play a quick round of Blatant Stereotyping with a former Choir Boy and wrestler from Havre, Montana.

This is our last show before Christmas, so Happy Holidays to everyone. We’ll see you back in the basement on December 30.

You never expect a professional idiot whose been repeatedly institutionalized to be nearly as thoughtful and bright as Jackass’s Steve O. He’s part time philosopher, part time madman, part time Buddhist. And part time standup comic, performing at LAUGHS in Kirkland this weekend, Friday & Saturday, December 9th & 10th.

And welcome the return of our new house band, Cody Beebe & The Crooks. Making their third appearance, this genre bending jam band is as tight as ever and harkens back to the 1970′s Allman Brothers. Cody – and his fabulous hair – rock in the New Year, December 31st at Seattle’s Hard Rock Cafe

It’s Mark Twain’s 176th birthday, or was that the other day? Anyhow, today’s podcast showcases our literary ignorance (and Marty’s new slimfit shirt) as we try and determine who said what. Then, joining our roundtable today, ex-baggage handler and current prime time crooner Danny Quintero (See him live every Thursday night at Amore Infused in Belltown) and Americana duo, fresh off their tour of Room 125 in Lawrence, Kansas (cool story), The Local Strangers.

The video above unfortunately cuts out mid-show, so make sure to listen to the full podcast to hear The Local Strangers play (Columbia City Theater, Saturday, December 3, 2011) and information on how to pay Ticketmaster for your court-ordered class action settlement.

Like a pepper spray blast in the face from a Black Friday-crazed shopper, today’s podcast will wake you up, make you cry tears (of joy), and make you wish you’d gotten a flat screen for $245. Making a special pseudo-holiday apearance on the podcast, the most popular podcaster in the world, comedian Marc Maron visits the Moldy Basement. In town for a show at Seattle’s Neptune Theater (Friday night, November 25th) Marc riffs on Seattle’s eternal road construction and the outdated stereotype of being vegan. Plus we answer the question: Is Maron Jewish or is he Hillbilly, because his family lives in Florida. Only two options.

Making his second appearance on the podcast, but this time with his full power trio in tow, Andrew Vait’s Eternal Fair plays some fantastic, big chunky tunes to wrap up our Thanksgiving weekend spectacular. You can see Eternal Fair this Sunday night, November 27 at Seattle’s Columbia City Theater.

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTDHAY YAZ!! (now get back to work!!)

Watch the WEBcast Part 2

Smart, funnny and curiously same-looking, the hilarious, identically-twinned Sklar Brothers swing by the podcast today with the backstory on how they were conjoined at one point. And how the separation procedure rendered one of them hairless. Ouch! Go see the Sklars live this weekend (Friday and Saturday, November 18th & 19th) at The Parlor in Bellevue.

Meanwhile singer-songwriter Kris Orlowski bellows a great tune off his forthcoming CD, Warsaw. (CD Release Party, Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at the Tracor Tavern).

Finally, we get the lowdown on the showdown between the Feds and Seattle’s pot dispensaries from MSNBC Business Editor, and card-carrying medical marijuana patient, Al Olson. Let’s legalize this bitch already.

It’s the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year, and the Bible calls for us to podcast. Making her 11th appearance on the podcast – will this woman never learn – Camille Bloom steps up to celebrate the release of her fantastic 11th record (You hear that Seattle Weekly!!!) “Never Out of Time.” Fresh off a Western U.S. tour with stories to tell of awkward venues and even more awkward DJ interviewers (present company included).

We follow that up with a live performance from the Gig Harbor-based band Perry Acker (which one’s Perry? Don’t ask) who, by the way, forgot to bring their instruments. Luckily, the Moldy Basement is full of children’s toys, plastic recorders and triangle-bangers that Perry Acker turns into acoustic GOLD! The band plays the Tractor Tavern on November 18th – they may even bring instruments!

Now go hug a Veteran, people….

Today Marty, Michael Stusser and guest comic Adam Cozens (in Seattle for the International Comedy Competition) make the announcement that the Podcast will be divesting itslf from corporate behomoth Bank of America, transferring its massive portfolio to a local credit union. All $32.65. Suck it BofA!

Also, Michael Jackson lives!! No, not really. He’s dead. But his music lives on in the new Cirque du Soleil show “The Immortal World Tour” coming to Key Arena, November 9th and 10th. Today we Skype with one of the show’s fabulous dancers, a graduate of the University of Washington Business School. Where Cirque gets most of its dancers, the ones that they don’t get from Forestry Resources.

Finally, our crew celebrates the successful landing of the first 15-month, $15-million Moscow-to-Moscow non-Mars mission. Six dudes – three named Alexi – all spent the last 15-months in a Moscow warehouse pretending to fly to Mars. Big deal. After 2 years and 315 episodes sealed in the Moldy Basement we’re halfway to Uranus. Hee hee, we said Uranus.

It’s the podcast with the Midas touch, where everyone we touch turns to gold. Look at the stellar rise of our past guests LeRoy Bell and Allen stone! But an old friend makes a surprise visit to the Moldy Basement to tarnish our starmaker reputation. Yazzzzz!

Also, the founder of Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, Jerilyn Brusseau, whose brother was killed during the Vietnam War, has started a non-profit organization called Peace Trees Vietnam. Their mission is to remove landmines left behind from that long and bloody conflict.

And today’s podcast features a live performance from tomorrow’s next big star – we know how to pick ‘em – Carrie Clark and the Lonesome Lovers. She performs two songs off her brand new CD “Between the Bedsheets and Turpentine.”

Today’s show brings us as close as we’ll ever come to having a Grammy nominated guest in the studio. America’s most rockin’ Kindie Band The Not-It’s perform songs from their latest CD “Tag, You’re It.”

Today’s show brings us as close as we’ll ever come to having a Seattle City Councilman in the studio. Making his sophomore appearance on the show, candidate for Seattle Council Position #3 (we believe that’s the one with your legs in the air) Brad Meacham is riding high after his recent endorsement by The Stranger.

Today’s show brings us as close as we’ll ever come to having comedian Lachlan Patterson in the studio. Because comedian Lachlan Patterson is actually in the studio, and he perform at Laughs in Kirkland this weekend.

Coming to you live from the Moldy Basment, which it turns out is just two doors down from Amanda Knox’s secret hideout. Would it kill her to stop by th podcast? (Sorry, bad choice of words). Last week we promised you comedian Todd Barry, and dammit this week we deliver!

We deliver Jacob McMurray, curator for the EMP Museum, who has just launched his new bloody horror exhibit – “Can’t Look Away – the lure of horror films.” And then … Todd?? Hello, Todd? YES, Todd Barry slips in mid-show to reveal he’s not the screaming type even when a cab leaves with all his belongings in the trunk. Todd Barry will be preforming at laughs in Kirkland Oct 14th, 15th.

Surprise! Sometimes the craziest s%$t happens in the Moldy Basement. Call it lack of planning, blame it on bad interns, but our hosts are often as surprised by the guests that arrive as our audience.

After a lovely recap of LeRoy Bell’s powerful, though geriatric, rise on the X Factor, and a major unveiling by SIFF’s Artistic Director Carl Spence, we await the arrival of standup comedian Todd Barry.

But wait, do you remember Todd Barry being an articulate and gorgeous 6-foot black woman? What just happened? Why is actress Aisha Tyler (Friends, Talk Soup, Archer) standing in our basement pretending to be Todd Barry? Who cares? When Aisha Tyler shows up at your house you make room.

Aisha Tyler performs this weekend at Laughs in Kirkland, Friday and Saturday, October 7th & 8th.

Let it be known, we play favorites on the podcast. Returning for their third appearance, following a massive eight-month tour that involved awkward interactions with drunken, shoeless fans (a.k.a. Texans), Ivan & Alyosha spill their tight harmonies all over the Moldy Basement. Damn, they are good! Reminds Marty of the harmonies in America … the band. Horse with no Name? People, let’s study up on our 70′s soft rock history.

Also Aaron Adelstein, Executive Director of Build Green, showcases the first zero energy multi-family community in the country that he helped build in Issaquah. Ten townhomes using zero net energy, 60% less water. You can tour the development on weekends between now and the end of October. Surely, Aaron remembers America. Aaaron? Anyone??

And don’t miss our bonus interview with Emmy/Grammy/Tony-winner Lily Tomlin (October 1, 2011, Edmonds Center for the Arts), who surprised us with her graciousness. Why surprised? Because moments before the interview we stumbled upon this youtube video catching her in a somewhat less gracious moment. Lesson learned: don’t judge anyone based on a youtube freak out.

Having missed last Friday’s podcast, we thought we’d throw out a little bonus material: A conversation with comic legend Lily Tomlin.

Ms. Tomlin – don’t call her that, we discovered – kicks off the 2011-12 season at the Edmonds Center for the Arts this Saturday, October 1, 2011.

With four primetime Emmys, two Tonys, a Grammy award and an Oscar nomination, Tomlin is one of the most recognized women in show business. Not to mention one statuette away from a cataclysmic trophy-shelf collapse.

Our lively conversation with Ms. Tomlin (stop calling her that!) ranges from the last time she had “nerves” on stage to the last really pedestrian activity she took part in. Does she have any plans to get married? And should we team up to buy cheap real estate in her old hometown?

Today, from the worst dressed capitol of the world (well, OK, Orlando is worse, but that’s little consolation), comes the intriguing (and perhaps revolting) tale of Marty’s past connection with an alleged criminal figure.

But before that, we bring you Austin’s Alpha Rev. Two years ago they swept the country with their hit “New Morning” (which they perform this morning in the basement). About to release their follow-up CD “City Farm,” band founder Casey McPherson talks about going guerilla by not only firing their tour manager but their record label as well.

Finally comedian Jackie Kashian, queen of the Dork Forest, her own popular podcast, performs this weekend at Laughs in Kirkland, Fri & Sat, September 16-17, 2011.  Not to be outdone, she imparts her own quaint story about criminal connections, poisons and death. Oh lovely.

With our guests late because of West Seattle improvements (by the year 2040), we wonder how Dave Matthews made it over to the westside. Marty and Michael also do their own version of a 9/11 10th Anniversary tribute based on a cool NY Times interactive fature, at the same time as Marty thanks God for not having to do a 9/11 Tribute because the anniversary falls on a Sunday.

Finally, our musical guests do arrive, a rootsy duo from Port Angeles, The Winterlings featuring Amanda Birdsall and Wolff Bowden. A strange coincidence is revealed when we discover that Wolff attended school in the same “colorful” Florida neighborhood as Marty, which also has a 9/11 connection. Damn, this show is smooth.

From Patsy to politics, today’s show pays its respects to country legend Patsy Cline, who would have turned 79 next Thursday, and tackles some local issues with a first-time Seattle City Council candidate.

Less than a week before Seattle’s annual Patsy Cline tribute concert (Sweet Dreams: The Music of Patsy Cline, September 8, 2011 at the Neptune Theater), three of this year’s star performers – Victoria Contreras, Kato Moody, and Jeff Fielder – gives us a stunning live preview of the show’s music.

Singers Victoria Contreras and Kato Moody with guitarist Jeff Fielder

And less than seven weeks before ballots begin arriving in the mail, we offer a fresh perspective on how Seattle might reclaim its most livable city status. Despite Brad Meacham’s dubious choice to come on the podcast – and his equally questionable decision to run for public office in the first place (anyone willing to subject themselves to such a thankless job is in our impression a little crazy) – he brings good energy and well-reasoned ideas to the party as a Seattle City Council candidate.

America’s Got Talent? Absolutely. But you still need to make it to the final round to avoid heartbreak (we’re looking at your Piers Morgan). Seattle’s three-man Brandon Ghorley Project ride the rollercoaster that is reality television and share the ups and downs with you today on the PODCAST!

Crack an Odin Beer and join us for our weekly podcast (woohoo! look who has a new sponsor!!). Speaking of sponsors, Marty’s relationship with gold-buyer West Seattle Coins seems downright visionary, what with gold breaking records every day. And what’s that purple haze in the air? It’s gotta be Hempfest (which we discuss with pothead Michael Stusser), because Washington air is so clean the State is looking to phase out vehicle emission tests. Oh, and Rick Perry is a dumbass. We have proof.

Four days before next Tuesday’s election and Marty makes his radical case for supporting the downtown Seattle tunnel project that seems to be collapsing like the viaduct after an 8.9 quake. He wants us to be more like Canada.

Then, a live performance, that like a deep-bore tunnel, finds its way deep into your soul from Seattle (by way of Centralia) singer-songwriter Noah Gundersen. We get two beautiful songs from Noah’s new CD “Family,” and as an awkward bonus (thanks Marty) we uncover a trade secret on how to grow some gnarly dreads.

Finally, Dan Lee is a guy who’s living our dream better then we ever could. And to think it’s OUR dream. During the 2008 economic meltdown, Dan lost his cush corporate gig selling Sonicare tooth brushes, but instead of collapsing into a flouride-induced coma, he launched his own craft brewery: Odin Brewing Company. Built from scratch, Odin now brews three delicious beers in their South Park facility complete with a bottling line like on Laverne and Shirley. Just owning a bottling machine spells success to us!

The webcast is not divided into two parts

In Part II of our weekly podcast, a surprisingly thin and fit Carlos Mencia (Emerald Queen Casino, August 6, 2011) shares stories of his youth that are both touching and funny.

Tyler Adams (Aces Up), Carlos Mencia, Brittney Hamilton (Op Ward 57), Jason Adams, Marty and Michael Stusser

In Part I of our podcast this week we meet the people behind Operation Ward 57, a non-profit group supporting wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center. Plus we hear from Aces Up a hard rockin’ country band (maybe the most countrified act we’ve ever hosted in the basement) whose guitarist is a disabled vet.

And then in Part II … (see separate post .. really, you should)

We investigate the future of the marijuana industry with MSNBC business editor Al Olsen. Last time he was here it was all, “this is a booming industry.” But now three months and a dozen conflicting laws later, we’re dizzy. Or maybe it’s the weed. No matter, we want to know if Al is changing his story.

Plus, we present the kind of country music you can feel good about liking because its made my young Seattle artists with old souls. Check out a live performance from the Grandtours.

Like a Somali Pirate, comedian Bobby Slayton hijacks the podcast and no one comes out alive. Plus meet David D., a professional card-counting, Christian blackjack player (or “investment consultant” if you’re with the IRS) who wins big money for his clients.

It’s our 301st show and it seems like just a few hours ago we were at 300, because we were.  You’re not going to believe who reviews singer-songwriter Josh Ritter‘s first novel.  And our solar couple, Matt & Laura Moreno sneak up on us with their brand new all-electric stealth Nissan Leaf.  Listen to Marty geek out.

We pack in a bushel of guests in Part I of our 300th podcast episode.  Singer – and dog wrestler – Star Anna performs, comedian – and Evergreen State College do-it-yourself graduate – Josh Blue, and Godless reverend Brian Muchinsky.  Co-hosted by writer Michael Stusser the show is full of laughter, music, and practical spiritual counsel from an attorney.  Part 2 with Josh Ritter coming soon!

Fresh off a stunning run on NBC’s The Voice, Vicci Martinez blows the windows out of the Moldy Basement and makes a major announcement about her future.  And comedic/actor Dave Foley (News Radio) explains why he is persona non grata in Canada.

Warning this show contains mature language.  Actually, immature.

Shocking news today on the podcast: It’s our last episode. Never made it to 300.

OK, hold on, before we get all emotional, we’re putting the podcast on hiatus for a couple of weeks. After much soul searching, Marty has decided with Yaz leaving, and Jodi having left, this is the time to reinvent. We will be back!

Our final show (for awhile) is a good one with the three-piece power trio, Tennis Pro, rockin’ the moldy basement. Fresh back from their second successful tour of Japan, Tennis Pro is out with a new CD and a CD release party, June 30 at Chop Suey.

Tennis Pro

First day of Summer, first day without Yaz and first day with Darren Smith‘s new CD Boomtown.

Darren who contributed one of the finest tracks to our Live from the Moldy Basement Cd is back with a full CD based on that song, Boomtown.

We do eventually get to a live performance from Mr. Smith after Marty and his co-host Drew Dundon finish tangling about The E Street Band’s involvement on the Tunnel of Love CD.

It’s our Funny Festival recap and we ask the question: “Was Marty supposed to be a Fairy or an Angel?”  Admittedly, that’s a question that pre-dates the Funny Festival.

We also get a live performance from Burlap to Cashmere who are back after a 10-year hiatus to reunite on today’s podcast.  A horrifying tragedy involving guitarist John Philippidis was cause for the lengthy break.  The story of what happened will both break your heart and inspire.

Burlap to Cashmere, Elizabeth Moran, and Marty

Vancouver burns, goats attack, Gary Gulman calls and Marty gets personal about his motivation for life.  It’s a roller coaster ride on the podcast today ending with Marty’s decision to go fishing.

Best show ever.  We said that yesterday, and we were wrong, but only because we couldn’t see into the future.  Today, best AND funniest show ever.  The only missing: a smoke machine.  And lasers, which, as we point, we now have access to now.  Yeah, we’re all that.

Plus, on today’s show you get to meet the engaging, entertaining and talented duo known as Everyday Jones.  Hear about their travails rolling through Manhattan in their 30′ band RV.  Hilarious.

Everyday Jones and Marty