My Exit: Chris Grill

Chris Grill My Exit.jpgHappy Labor Day.

WEXT is airing its weekly My Exit show tonight -- where a listener picks an hour of music. It's a great way to get a look at what's on someone else's iPod, and maybe discover some music you hadn't heard before.

Tonight's show includes Barenaked Ladies, Randy Newman and Andrew Bird, among others.

Who?
Hi, I'm Chris Grill and this is my first My Exit show. I work at Empire State College in Latham, where I teach American history and politics. Hard to say much about yourself in a few lines, but some of the things I couldn't live without are: playing/watching tennis, 1930s movies, dark chocolate, and of course music.

What type of music do you like?
I have very diverse tastes, ranging from "alternative" to jazz and classical (in high school was the only person I knew of listening to Sinatra records). I'm especially fond of the great American songbook, British pub rock/punk/new wave, Philly soul, classic country, indie pop, and roots music. The playlist for my show outlines the musical journey that I've taken over the years.

A few songs from Chris' My Exit:

"Going Underground" by the Jam
With the exception of Elvis Costello & the Attractions, the Jam were my favorite British import of the late 70s and early 80s, and this propulsive song unites the raw energy and angry wit of punk with the melodic instincts of band leader Paul Weller. The social commentary in the lyrics is (unfortunately) still as relevant today as it was back then.

"Be Still" by Los Lobos
This group has spent four decades exploring the outer reaches of American roots music, and for me lead singer David Hidalgo remains one of the best vocalists around. A great song with quietly profound lyrics that you can still dance to.

"Story of You" by Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Townes Van Zandt and Jimmie Dale Gilmore are my two favorite Texas troubadours. I especially like the combination of Eastern philosophy and otherworldly voice found in Gilmore's music, both featured to great effect in this beautiful tune.

"Be My Yoko Ono" by Barenaked Ladies
I've always been drawn to melancholy songs, but music is also about joy and fun, and this song captures my goofy sense of humor. After all, what guy wouldn't want his own Yoko Ono? (At least for a while...)

"Tables & Chairs" by Andrew Bird
I prefer artists who craft beautiful, intricate melodies and see things differently in their lyrics, and Bird is one of the best today; he's a whistling musical genius. And this song of his provides my favorite post-apocalyptic scenario: there will be snacks!

"Ragtime" by Randy Newman
Of all Randy Newman's film scores this one to my mind remains the best. The haunting theme captures both my passion for American history and the music of "Americana."

You can hear Chris' My Exit show Monday night at 11 pm on 97.7, Saturday at 8 am, or at exit977.org.

Here's how to schedule your own My Exit show on WEXT.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine