All Over Albany

My Exit: Paul McAvoy

Happy Monday.

While you're easing back into the work week, here's a preview of tonight's WEXT My Exit show -- where the listeners get to pick their own playlists.

Who?
Paul McAvoy -- recent transplant to Albany from New Hampshire, where the people are really nice even though they all drive around with death threats on their license plates. Also known for maple syrup. New Hampshire, that is, not me.

Describe your taste in music
Varied, though rooted in 90s alternative rock, hip-hop, folk, and some jazz. At any given time People Under the Stairs, Oasis, Pete Seeger, Rolling Stones, Wilco, or Norah Jones might be in the CD player.

A few songs from Paul's My Exit show:
I tried to go with a theme of bands and songs that were generally under appreciated, but like most good ideas the wheels came off the cart and I ended up making all kinds of exceptions and stuffing the list with songs I liked.

The Toasters - "Shocker"
An awesome ska song from the late 80s, in fact, everything on the SKABOOM! album is great. Band is completely under appreciated. Waiting for the 4th (or are we on 5th?) wave of Ska music to make a comeback. Will probably be a while.

The Commitments - "Dark End of the Street"
If you've ever been in a band, or been around a band, you'll know this movie is hands down the most realistic portrayal of how most groups form and fall apart. Even more impressive? The actors played all the musical instruments and sang. Also voted the # 1 Irish movie of all time by a poll sponsored by Jameson whiskey, but what do they know.

The Flaming Lips- "Fight Test"
The best concept album since The Who discovered the format, and even though this song is a blatant rip-off of a Cat Stevens tune, it lands right on the money. Go buy one of the surround-sound mixed versions of the album (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots), and get ready to have your mind blown.

Phish - "Backwards Down the Number Line"
It was between this Phish song and "Farmhouse", but this one won in the end because it's so much more upbeat. Instantly induces a good mood.

The Wailin' Jennys - "Glory Bound"
One for my wife, Rose. She had to drag me to see the Jennys the first time, but after that I was sold. Not much exposure outside of the Garrison Keeler crowd, which is a shame because they are quite talented and put on a great live show. Also impressive considering they are from a country mostly known for moose, hockey, and that headache-in-a-can, Molson.

You can hear Paul's My Exit show Monday night at 8 pm on 97.7 or at exit977.org.