Expedition To The Old Eldred Outpost

Alibi Jones has convinced his skeptical Aunt Anita – the former Prime Representative of the Solar Alliance – to investigate the planetoid where he and his friends discovered The Eldred were alive and working with Dimitri Masakov experimenting on human beings. Go on the expedition with them as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – Listen in as Mike Luoma reads Chapter Fourteen of his science fiction adventure novel Alibi Jones – Free Audio Science Fiction!


Links:

Glow-in-the-Dark Radio free book for September is a FREE ALIBI JONES eBook!
Get it at Drive Thru Comics: http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/product/89354/Alibi-Jones
Drive Thru Fiction: http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/89354/Alibi-Jones
Or use this code "NT76G" at Smashwords – a podcast exclusive! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Author Interview with Mike Luoma:  https://www.smashwords.com/interview/mikeluoma
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1
Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma
We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

Convincing The Skeptics...

Alibi, Kit, Katie and Piccolo return to Ceres Central, hopeful they can finally convince Alibi's skeptical Aunt Anita – the former Prime Representative of the Solar Alliance – The Eldred are alive and had been working with Dimitri Masakov to kidnap and experiment on human beings. Plus, Alibi and Katie get to know each other a little better... Find out what happens as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – Free Audio Science Fiction!



A great jumping-on point – this episode of the Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Science Fiction podcast features a chapter with some exposition and background on our characters and their situations – lots to enjoy and digest. Listen in as Mike Luoma reads Chapter Thirteen of his science fiction adventure novel Alibi Jones!

Links:

Author Interview with Mike Luoma:  https://www.smashwords.com/interview/mikeluoma

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma

We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

The Return of the Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Podcast!

The Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Science Fiction podcast is back with a vengeance after a three-week break with over a half hours' worth of audio entertainment – and Chapter Twelve of Mike Luoma's adventure novel Alibi Jones!

Alibi returns to the side of his old teacher, Miss Kay, who'd been kidnapped by criminal and now apparent mad scientist Dimitri Masakov. Masakov removed the top of her skull and performed bizarre medical experiments on her – Alibi doesn't know if he can help her anymore, but he'll try. Then they’ll all try to get away from the old Eldred outpost before the Tek'Tah show up again... Mike Luoma narrates, as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – Free Audio Science Fiction!


Links:
The Point – Vermont's Independent Radio Network: http://pointfm.com

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma

We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

An Amazing Friday...

My recap of my trip out to Boulder continues...You wouldn't think each day could get better, but each did - Had the best time on Friday!
Arthur Lee Land was the first performer at 10 am before the morning panel. He's one of those one-man-band types, with many loops and a variety of instruments - seemed like the guy could play everything! He'd have stood out more if the next band hadn't been exceptional...
I'd met Steven McMorran of the band Satellite when his record company brought him by the station earlier this summer to play us a couple of songs from their upcoming album.We had lunch together, had a great talk about the creative process. And with just he and his acoustic, the couple songs he played sounded pretty good. Flash forward to Friday when Satellite were the first band on after lunch - those songs came to epic life with a full band and Steven singing his heart and soul out on stage. Wow! Such passion along with expert songwriting combined to create something special. After hearing them live, Zeb and I decided we had to play them - their tune "Say The Words" went into rotation yesterday!
The Secret Sisters came on next - a radical shifting of musical gears! They were discovered by Jack White a couple years ago and have a sort of retro-southern, old-timey gospel feel to their music. They're still working on their next album, but played a bunch of the new songs for us. Their quirky, down-homey charm was, well... charming. But kind of low key after the nearly over-the-top delivery of Satellite - kinda like seeing a Salvation Army band after U2...
We headed back inside for another panel and band. I've seen the next group a couple of times now - and they don't disappoint. With three siblings singing together out of the four singers in the band, Delta Rae have killer built-in harmonies. They performed before the afternoon panel and so only had time for three songs, but they filled the conference room with their passion and certainly won over whatever part of the radio crowd there they hadn't yet. Then it was out to another afternoon Cocktail Party and performances by Marie Miller and Gooding. Have to confess - was in chat mode through most of this one, didn't really get to appreciate the artists' sets.
Went to a dinner with The Lone Bellow and Satellite that evening. Nice to see The Lone Bellow again - we had fun looking back on their performance at Sugarbush at one of The Point's apres ski parties. It was also nice to be able to congratulate Steven on Satellite's performance earlier! After dinner it was back up to The Fox Theater and the outdoor stage for the final night of shows on The Hill in Boulder. Grace and Tony were playing a nice acoustic set when I arrived, but I didn't stick around too long - Saints of Valory were about to go on inside the Fox! As the guy who broke the band at radio, wanted to be there for their breakout performance. Plus, I wanted to see what they'd decided on for a setlist after their discussions the night before. Godfrey got his way - they did "Rain Fall" - a tune that always gets the Burlington crowds going. They also covered Lorde - "Royals" - an odd choice, but... OK. Sounded good! It seemed like they won over the crowd as the performance went on - "Rain Fall" really connected! Great set from the guys.
When they finished, I headed quickly back outside and heard The Lone Bellow launch into "You Never Need Nobody" to start their set before I'd even gotten to their stage. We were the first station in the country to play them, as well, so it was a back-to-back breaking band experience ;) Zack from The Lone Bellow kind of lost his voice by the end of the set, but it was still a potent performance - they are so good! And, again, so cool to see a band I believe in winning over new radio converts.
When they finished it was back into the theater for the final two sets. City and Colour impressed - Dallas Green has put together a talented touring band to back him up on the road. The Airborne Toxic Event didn't do as much for me live. Strangely enough, they played the 2nd cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm On Fire" I'd heard that day - and Satellite's earlier version had been a a cool rearrangement, whereas Airborne's sounded a bit like a dirge.
Made it back to the hotel after their set for the last "Late Night Lounge" and a set by former member of Crooked Still, Aoife O'Donovan. She was good - I was losing steam, but she kept me entertained and awake. I met her after, turned out she was from Massachusetts, a few towns over from where I grew up. Kind of neat! After the set change Lucy Schwartz came on - I'd liked her last album, would have liked to hear her new material, but... I was done. Had to sleep!
Saturday morning brought our last event, The Triple A Awards Brunch. Truth & Salvage Co. played a spirited opening set, a bit heavy on the Nashville twang for my taste, though I did enjoy their cover of Joe South's "Games People Play." And it was nice to finally see Over the Rhine perform, although it struck me that The Civil Wars have kind of stolen their thunder - didn't seem quite fair. But life isn't fair. After all, I was nominated for Music Director of the Year again and didn't win. And Zeb got the nom for Program Director and didn't win. BUT then again... when they announced the winner of Station of the Year (Markets 50+) - we won! WNCS took the award! Zeb and I got to get up, make brief "speeches"... What a great finish to an amazing stretch of days in Boulder! After that, it was off to the airport and many hours of traveling to finally get home in Vermont just after midnight Saturday.
Quite a trip!

Thursday @ The FMQB Triple A Conference

Fun posting about the Triple A Conference - helps me remember the experience better!
After my marathon Wednesday, Thursday was a little more civilized. Missed a breakfast with Brett Dennen, unfortunately - didn't see the email telling me about it until it was too late. Alas. Tora Fisher was the first performer of the day, opening the morning panel. Lunch then brought us 2/3rds of the Dixie Chicks - Courtyard Hounds - in a solid set, and fiery redheaded singer Dominique Pruitt, who scored a sentimental point with me when she introduced the song she's pushing at radio as one her dad wrote years ago when he was wooing her mom - "To Win Your Love." Awww.
The afternoon brought us performances by Blake Morgan before the pm panel, followed by party tunes from Andrew Ripp and a solo set by James Bay at the afternoon Cocktail Party. After cocktails came a big dinner at Brasserie Ten Ten hosted by M:M Music, an annual tradition. Met promoter and manager Chuck Morris, had a great chat with him. Many artists attended as well. I sat across from Dominique Pruitt, who turned out to be delightful company... "delightful" just seems like the right word for her ;)
The guys from Saints of Valory showed up at the dinner - always great to see them! They were pumped up for their big performance on Friday night at The Fox - their first chance to play in front of a whole bunch of radio folks. They got to talking about what tunes they wanted to include in their set - definitely fun to be in on their plans for the next night! For now, though, it was schmoozing time - after a bit everyone was in full on mingle-mode as the artists in the room drifted from group to group meeting radio folk - it was a good time!
After the dinner it was back up to The Fox Theater and the outdoor stage. Due to dinner conversations I missed the set inside by Shannon Labrie, arriving as HAERTS were starting their set on the outdoor stage. HAERTS had a rhythmic sound with haunting keyboards and compelling vocals that drew me into their set - really enjoyed it - not having known what to expect it was nice to find they were so captivating. Back inside The Fox the Irish band Little Green Cars came on next. Vocalist Faye O'Rourke had great presence - the crowd were making comparisons to Chrissy Hynde and P.J. Harvey. She has great potential if their set on Thursday night was any indication. Weighty, dramatic... mesmerizing stuff live.
Busted out of the Fox and heard Frank Turner starting up on the outdoor stage before I got there. Met Frank last Friday when he'd played Higher Ground. Loved that show! Was psyched for another set from him and his band. Was very surprised when I turned the corner and found the crowd in front of the outdoor stage had in exploded in numbers since I'd seen HAERTS - big crowd! Turner did a great set - had the audience in the palm of his hand. It was a bit brief - those outdoor sets only went for about a half-hour.
The Head and the Heart were up next inside, playing new tunes from their upcoming album Let's Be Still and favorites from their first release. Heard some of their set - the new stuff sounds "bigger" - tighter, too - but also got pulled into the front room to say hello to Frank, in from his set outside. Once you hit that room, it can be hard to get back into the main hall - people want to buy you drinks, chat you up, introduce you to more people...
Then Phoenix came on. Seemed like everyone was drawn into the main hall for their set. They've become serious showmen, a solid live act. Intense, mostly strobing white stage lighting pulsed with the music, including a bank of strobes across the front of the stage flashing out which got to be a bit much at times. Happened to bump into one of the right people and got to head up to the VIP balcony for some of the set. There's something really cool about watching a room full of concert-goers bouncing in rhythm with the band from above...
Made it to the "Late Night Lounge" after the Phoenix set ended. During his set, Diego Garcia at times seemed a sort of Latin Bryan Ferry, but his material wasn't really connecting with me. Might have been getting too tired. When Valerie June came on next I just didn't "get" her - Zeb thought she was great. Maybe there isa limit to how much you can absorb in one day, don't know. After two songs, I threw in the musical towel and headed for bed. There was another day full of music ahead!

Wednesday Continued...

It really did.

Wednesday went on and on and on... and I loved it. Well, the first part of the day not so much, but getting up at 4 am for plane travel is a necessary evil if you live in Vermont and you're gonna attend a cool radio and music conference in Boulder, Colorado. No matter. By 5p Mountain Time, I'd seen Brett Dennen do a short acoustic set, caught manager Michael McDonald's keynote (see my earlier post for details...), and was under a tent watching Houndmouth play. Not bad! The first night there I decided not to imbibe - events were scheduled past 1am. Didn't think alcohol would be my friend in trying to stay awake.

The FMQB Triple A Conference's first night at the Fox Theater & outdoor stage began early with Tom Odell inside at 7:30. He was better than my expectations, even vocally reminded me at times of Johnny Flynn, another Brit like Odell who's part of the British New Folk/Mumford scene whose stuff I dig. Odell hammers on the piano as he sings, puts a lot of passion into his performance. A pleasant surprise to start the night. Outside, Kopecky Family Band also surprised in an awesome way - they're extremely tight with almost a Stop Making Sense era Talking Heads feel - but lighter, less self-serious. Haven't explored their album much yet, but I will now, after hearing the material live. And they did a killer cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk"!

The Wild Feathers had already started their set in the theater as I wandered back inside. I wasn't impressed to hear a ripped off Jimmy Page riff in the first full song I caught - it kind of musically pissed me off, if that makes sense. They're a very tight band with precise harmonies, but too much polish for my taste. Felt like it didn't have much soul. The rest of the crowd seemed to like them a whole lot more than I did, so I may be missing something.

Didn't want to miss Jamie N Commons set coming up next outside, so I headed back to the outdoor stage a tad early. I'd heard good things, and Commons lived up to them. He's good - like what he does electrifying the blues. He reminded me a little of Chris Duarte, only with less volume and more finesse. He's a good looking kid, too - the women in the crowd seemed to really enjoy his performance. Might be that British accent...

In a fantastic move, Ozomotli was up at the outdoor stage waiting for Commons set to end. As soon as he said "thank you," Ozo announced themselves with a booming drumroll that made folks jump a mile high. Which at that elevation is just, you know, an inch or something. Ozomotli often starts their shows at the back of the theater, processing musically down the aisle to the stage. In this case, they led the crowd back down the street, into the theater - it was brilliant! And their set was as well. They're a fantastic live band, great energy, and did not disappoint. Since I was in hour seventeen of my day, they were just what I needed to catch a second wind.

Almost lost it during the set change afterwards, though. No more outdoor sets - just had to wait. Felt my eyelids getting heavy, but I was determined to see Neko Case! Her set was okay, but as it went on I got too tired to enjoy it fully. Even sounded like her guitarist became increasingly out of tune, but my ears may have been as tired as the rest of me.

Left The Fox around midnight, hopping the shuttle back to the hotel. Each night of the conference there's a "Late Night Lounge" at the hotel starting at 12:30am. Though I wanted to see John Butler and The Wheeler Brothers, there was no way I was making it. Headed to my room instead after being up for about 22 hours straight to finally crash. It all would start again at 10 the next morning...

(more to come...)

Back From Boulder...

Was out in Boulder, Colorado the last few days for the FMQB Triple A Radio convention - had an amazing time as ever! For those who don't know, FMQB is a news and charts website, plus they put out a magazine and a few years ago they took over organizing this yearly conference and our yearly format awards. They cover record companies and the radio stations around the country that program music similar to The Point, where I'm the Music Director and midday host. There aren't a whole lot of us that take risks with new music for grown-ups, but there are enough commercial - and many more non-commercial "Triple A" - Adult Album Alternative - stations to keep the format viable. Thank god - I'm in my dream job in radio, right now.

Triple A runs on a passion for music. These last four days were about how to create great radio - do what we do better - and about hearing a ton of great music! Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights were jam-packed with bands at The Fox Theater & outdoors just up the street. And Thursday and Friday during the day we had panels at the beautiful hotel that hosts the conference, the St. Julien. Each panel featured a musical guest to start. The panels were broken up by lunches with bands playing, and after the afternoon panels there were cocktails with bands on stage as well. As I said, a TON of music!

Wednesday was a little crazy - up before 5am to catch my flight, then up for about 22 hours straight after! 

Excitement hit before I even got there. Or, rather, a kid in a Mustang did. The shuttle to the hotel was rear-ended when we were almost there - next to the building! So we left the drivers to deal with it and went the last little bit on foot. As one of the other passengers said - we hadn't even gotten there and already had a story to tell!

Arrived with just enough time to check in, toss my bags in my room, register and head into the conference keynote. Brett Dennen opened the festivities, playing us a handful of songs from his upcoming new album, "Smoke And Mirrors"! The keynote itself was an interview with manager Michael McDonald, who began his career working with Dave Matthews, later co-founded ATO records, and now manages a bunch of amazing musicians. Norm Winer from WXRT in Chicago asked the questions. Then it was on to the opening reception...

(more to come...)

Time Out!

An announcement... just wanted to let you know I'm taking a couple of weeks off of the podcast. August is a jam-packed month, and as a result I'm not going to be able to bring you a new podcast episode over the next three weeks. Taking a little break to do some travelling for work and take care of some other things.

There will be a new episode of the Glow-in-the-Dark Radio podcast on August 24th!

In the meanwhile, please consider giving a listen to some previous installments you may have missed...

New Blitzen Trapper Tune! Sounding Great on 'Ever Loved Once'

One of my favorite "new" bands is Blitzen Trapper out of the Pacific Northwest. They're readying release of their next album - "VII" and have just released a teaser track to RollingStone.com.

Their new record company Vagrant tells me this is NOT the "single" - and Blitzen Trapper told me earlier today on Twitter the single is actually "fonkey" ;)

But this is strong stuff all the same - on the twangy side, but it's my kind of twang!

https://soundcloud.com/vagrantrecords/blitzen-trapper-ever-loved-once

I'm told I'll be hearing the "single" track next week out at our music conference in Boulder...

Alibi Jones Frees Kidnap Victims...

On an old Eldred world, Alibi, Kit and Piccolo have freed kidnap victims from the alien ship that brought them to the outpost. Dimitri Masakov has been performing bizarre medical experiments on some of them – can they find him before he escapes? Piccolo has also been lying to them this whole time – can they trust him at all any more? Mike Luoma narrates from his novel – hear Alibi Jones Chapter Eleven part two on this episode, as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – Free Audio Science Fiction!  



Links:

Christmas In July Sale @ DriveThru: http://ow.ly/nnNs8

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1
Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma
We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

Going Underground...

Searching an old Eldred outpost world looking for kidnapped friends, Alibi, Kit and Piccolo try to find the alien ship that brought the kidnap victims to the outpost. A former low-level criminal, Dimitri Masakov, has been performing bizarre medical experiments on them there. Piccolo is hoping they can find his kidnapped sister before Masakov puts her under the knife! Mike Luoma narrates from his novel – hear part one of Chapter Eleven of Alibi Jones on this episode, as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio – Free Audio Science Fiction!


Links:
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma

We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

Exploring The Eldred Outpost

Alibi, Kit and Piccolo explore the laboratory building they've discovered on the old Eldred outpost world. Will what they're about to find answer – or raise more – questions? The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! Mike Luoma narrates from his novel – hear Chapter Ten of Alibi Jones on this episode – free Science Fiction Audio Adventure!



Links:
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1
Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma
We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

More Music From 2013's First Half...

My post on favorite music from the first half of 2013 has been kind of popular... thanks for checking it out! There was also a second post - if you missed it, that continuation of the list is here: http://glowinthedarkradio.blogspot.com/2013/07/couple-more-from-first-half.html. Third time's the charm, they say. Since I'm up late watching the Red Sox on the left coast...

Night Beds - Country Sleep

Night Beds is Winston Yellin and his band. Country Sleep is their debut. Just saw them at the Monkey House in Winooski a week ago Saturday. It was an uneven set, with flashes of brilliance and annoying moments of technical adjustments. The crowd was small but enthusiastic. Made me happy. Winston came over after the set and gave me a hug, thanked me for the vibe! He's kind of a quirky genius. "Ramona" has been getting some radio play (yeah, wonder by who...):

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Let The Day Begin"

As a big fan of The Call way back when, I loved the original take on this tune. Michael Been of The Call had been working with his son Robert Levon Been's band - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - doing sound for them on tour in 2010, when he collapsed and died. Extremely sad. If any band has a right to perform this song in tribute, it's BRMC. They put their own spin on it... has a bit more thunder and fewer "blessings from above":

Natalie Gelman - "The Lion"

This song has kind of stuck with me since I first heard it earlier this year on her Streetlamp Musician. I like cats, what can I say? There's something to this... she's got a lot of potential. No video, though. You can hear it on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/nataliegelman/the-lion

Hope you enjoy 'em, too!

From A Vision?

The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! After Alibi, Kit and Piccolo consult with Krish on Rigel Four, they follow a dubious lead as their search for kidnapped friends held by the Eldred continues. Can they find a lost planetoid based on a vision of Alibi's? Writer Mike Luoma narrates from his novel – Chapter Nine of Alibi Jones on this episode – free Science Fiction Audio Adventure!
Links:
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1
Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com https://www.facebook.com/glowinthedarkradio  https://www.facebook.com/mikeluoma
We're part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – Find Us Each Week at http://comicrelated.com!

Couple More From The First Half...

Couldn't contain myself. You know, once you start making these lists, it gets a little addictive. Plus, I did remember some more stuff I should mention.

LORDE - The Love Club EP

When I first heard "Royals" I almost dismissed it as simple techno pop... but found I couldn't turn it off. And when I paid attention to the lyric, I began to really love it. Then it got stuck in my head. So i began to play it for people. And they liked it. So I brought it into our Music Meeting at The Point and told Zeb, "You know, I'm not usually into stuff like this..."

I left "Royals" off the first list because the song has taken off - figured it didn't need my help. But I've reconsidered, because it is one of my favorites from the first half of 2013. If you haven't heard it yet? Enjoy!

Stars "Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Give It"

Besides having the longest title for a pop song in quite some time, this tune also has a sort of 80s New Wave vibe that works in its new, contemporary setting. They just put out a video for it - it's kind of a drag... heh:

Boards of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest

A recent acquisition I've been listening to a lot in the car. Should be on the list. Though the album is called Tomorrow's Harvest, I like it in part because it reminds me of Tangerine Dream's late 70's - early 80's work. Those of you who might remember my show Headphones Only won't be surprised that this is in my wheelhouse!

This album took me completely by surprise. I look at local album sales figures as part of my job, and this debuted pretty high in Burlington in first week sales. Stuck around in the top 30 or so the next week. I was curious, so I checked out samples at emusic - not what I expected at all! And? I liked it! This is a whole album experience - feels like instrumental science fiction. I'd recommend getting the whole thing - but to single out a track, here someone has uploaded one of my choices - "New Seeds":

Until next time...

Favorite Tunes of 2013 So Far...

Been seeing "Best Of 2013 So Far" lists and got inspired to offer my own personal list. Some of these you may have heard on the radio - especially if you listen to The Point, the independent radio network here in Vermont where I'm the Music Director (http://pointfm.com). Some of these tunes didn't get any airplay - I just love 'em! Love my job, too - get to hear soooo much new music. The shear amount being released and sent to radio stations in The Point's format - "AAA" - Adult Album Alternative - is staggering. And awesome!

A couple of these are songs I shared on Caitlin Pierce's Wore Out blog for a Five Song Friday a few weeks ago: http://woreoutblog.com/2013/05/31/five-song-friday-with-guest-dj-mike-luoma/ - thanks again for letting me opine on your soapbox, Caitlin!

Frank Turner - Tapedeck Heart

Really Love this new album from Frank Turner! "Recovery" is all over the airwaves - but these two - "The Way I Tend To Be" and "Plain Sailing Weather" - are my favorites. At least, for now!

Wake Owl - Wild Country EP

Wake Owl was one of my first favorites this year. A minor confession: "Wild Country" - the EP's title cut - actually crossed my desk in promo form in late 2012... but, it makes this list as the official release didn't come until this year. When I first heard "Wild Country" it gave me chills...

The Lone Bellow - "You Never Need Nobody"

This Brooklyn-based trio came to my attention with this song. Heard it for the first time just after Christmas. There's a power here...

Phosphorescent - Muchacho

Speaking of chills... "Song For Zula" has to be on this list. Wish I could find the version he did on Jimmy Fallon's show... instead, here's a cavewoman, I think:

Shout Out Louds "Walking In Your Footsteps"

A bit of pure power pop rock from Sweden. Yeah, it's got flute.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "No Need For A Leader"

Holy Psychedelia, Batman! Do I know much about Unknown Mortal Orchestra? No. Do I know a great riff and rhythm when I hear it? Oh yes.

Arctic Monkey "Do I Want To Know"

Cruised through my watch history on You Tube as I was putting this list together. Had almost forgotten this new tune from Arctic Monkeys! It's probably sacrilege to say it reminds me of Muse, but I've always been kind of a heretic...

The Lonely Wild "Everything You Need"

This up-and-coming band has an interesting mix of influences, kind of Tex-Mex, sort of a high lonesome sound... or maybe that's the influence of the band's name... No official video for the song, but this one is fun!

That's all for now... if I think of others, I'll post 'em!

"Introducing... Red Hot" - Now At Comixology!

How do you prove you're a hero?

Red Hot is trying to figure that out. He's new at the hero biz - though it is his family business! You can now enjoy the first issue of his adventures via Comixology - read the comic on your phone, tablet or computer:
http://www.comixology.com/Introducing-RED-HOT-1/digital-comic/41610

Krish!

Well, Alibi Jones' Aunt Anita did not believe him when he told her they'd discovered The Eldred were still alive. Now Alibi, Kit and Piccolo travel to the colony world of Rigel Four to see if old family friend and expert scientist Dr. Krishnavurti – Krish from Vatican Assassin! – can help them track down their kidnapped friends, currently in the clutches of the Eldred! Writer Mike Luoma narrates from his novel – listen in for free Science Fiction Adventure and Chapter Eight of the novel Alibi Jones on this episode. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!


Links:
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com

"But The Eldred are DEAD?!?"

Will Alibi Jones' Aunt Anita believe him when he tells her what they've discovered? The Eldred are supposed to be dead! Listen in as writer Mike Luoma narrates his novel – hear free Science Fiction Adventure, Chapter Seven of Alibi Jones on this episode. The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!


Links:
Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html
Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034
Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/
Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2
Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com  http://mikeluoma.com

That New Science Fiction Movie "Man of Steel"...

...I liked it!

Man of Steel is a science fiction movie, more than a superhero film. And a pretty good one at that. A fun ride. Felt like Superman filtered through the grittier sensibility J. Michael Straczynski brought to Supreme Power, his take on Marvel's Superman analogue Hyperion and other Justice League inspired "heroes". It is a "darker" take on Superman's origin story, but no grimmer than the first couple of X-Men movies.

It is massive in scale, epic in the amount of destruction displayed, and an admirable attempt at answering the "What if?" of how the world of 2013 would handle the appearance of a powerful alien among us. They do a pretty neat job of that. Felt so contemporary to me that it was a little jarring when someone first calls the city Metropolis instead of New York - just the briefest, "oh yeah."

Henry Cavill makes a great Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman - his ability to convey his character's maturation and acceptance of his unique place in the universe gives weight and development to what could have been a two-dimensional role. The dialogue was sometimes too... obvious? But both Cavill and Amy Adams - best Lois Lane yet - made it work.

Don't want to spoil any plot points... but I did like the way the story was put together. If flashbacks bother you? You'll be bothered. One thing that bothered me was the overuse of shaky-cam and sudden zooms - a little hand-held goes a long way for me. Instead of making me feel like I'm watching captured action, after a while I'm just annoyed. Got annoyed a couple of times.

But overall I would recommend the movie. Pretty neat new take on the Superman story.

They're Alive? Them?!?

 Alibi Jones is about to discover that dangers thought long dead are still very much alive! Free Science Fiction Adventure as Alibi and his crew head for the planet Junzias on the trail of kidnappers. Chapter Six of Alibi Jones on this episode - writer Mike Luoma narrates from his book. Science Fiction Audio fun as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!

Links:

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html

Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034

Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/

Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com 

The "Reboot" Question...

Reading the reviews for Man Of Steel and discussing the coming new movie with friends, I've been running into a repeated question, almost a complaint - why do movie makers feel a need to "reboot" an existing superhero franchise with a new origin story?

While there's an argument to be made that telling another origin story may not be a creatively rich idea, in some ways the Superman franchise is a perfect illustration of how a reboot ain't necessarily a bad idea - as well as an illustration of how picking up an existing franchise years later might not work as well as some people think.

Haven't yet seen Man of Steel - I'm writing this the Thursday night before it opens - but I'm hoping for the best. Looks like it's going to be pretty good - we'll see. It's definitely a reboot, a retelling of the origin tale. Which makes sense in this case. And maybe in most cases when some years have gone by since the last movie(s). But how many years? Hard to say.

A friend on Twitter said that as someone possessing limited knowledge of comic characters, she prefers origin stories, makes it easier to connect with characters and plot. But I do think some time has to go by - the recent Spider-Man reboot struck many as coming way too soon, for example. Not sure how long, but five years? Way too soon. The James Bond movies should have served as their example - change actors, move on.

How about twenty-six years? Or even nineteen? Those are probably allowable spans of time for a reboot. But Bryan Singer wasn't interested in going that route when he was handed the Superman franchise seven years ago. Flush off his success with the X-Men, Singer decided his Superman movie would pick up where Richard Donner's had left off.

Superman Returns was a cinematic love letter to Donner and Christopher Reeve's movie Superman, picking up right after events in Superman II - originally released in 1980 - and pointedly ignoring the third and fourth movies with Reeve. Singer had basically decided against a reboot, and instead made a movie that would fit with the earlier ones. But the unintended side effect was that Singer created a film that felt dated on opening day. The seventies' sensibilities that informed Reeve's Superman and which were recreated in Singer's homage didn't connect with the younger movie-going public.

It didn't work. Superman Returns did okay at the box office, but any sheen it possessed has been tarnished by passing time. Released just seven years ago, its dated quality makes it feel like it's been much longer since we've seen a Superman film. And despite Superman Returns being made in 2006, it feels like we haven't yet seen a movie Superman for the 21st century.

One of the complaints folks had with Superman Returns was that there wasn't any real fighting - "No punching!" was the gripe. By the looks of it's trailers and previews, Zack Snyder listened to those grumblings. Appears there will be punching in Man of Steel. That wasn't a problem for me, but all the same, I am looking forward to seeing what Snyder, adviser Christopher Nolan and screenwriter David Goyer have cooked up for ol' Superman!

Alibi On The Run!

Hear chapters four and five of the science fiction novel Alibi Jones on this episode - Alibi Jones and his cellmates escaped from the Tek'Tah. Now they figure out their next move – can they pick up the trail of the reptilian aliens who kidnapped their friends? Listen in and find out! Writer Mike Luoma narrates stories from his books every week on this podcast. Free Science Fiction Audio fun – The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!

Links:

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html

Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034

Free @ Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/

Free @ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com   http://alibijones.com 

Escapist Entertainment! With Alibi Jones...

The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio. We're still near the start of the first book – Hear chapters two and three of the science fiction novel Alibi Jones on this episode, as Alibi and his cellmates plot escape from their Tek'Tah prison cell... Can they get away from the reptilian aliens? Listen in and find out! Writer Mike Luoma narrates stories from his books every week on this podcast. Free Science Fiction Audio fun with The Adventures of Alibi Jones!

Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034

Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

The Adventures of Alibi Jones #1 – Expanded Edition from Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics:

http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=3490&products_id=94851

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8020

Alibi Jones and the Time War of The Devrizium

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309759

Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium/paperback/product-20985883.html

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s):  http://alibijones.com

Guest Post at Wore Out - "Five Song Friday..."

Caitlin Pierce who writes the Wore Out Vermont style blog was kind enough to ask me to participate in her Five Song Fridays! I picked out five new songs you might not know… yet. A bunch of favorites that I’m hoping become other folks’ faves, too… check it out on her blog:  Five Song Friday with Guest DJ Mike Luoma!:

Starting Now - Alibi Jones!

Writer Mike Luoma - a radio host in Vermont - narrates stories from his books every week on this podcast. It's free Science Fiction Audio Adventure on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio! We're into The Adventures of Alibi Jones and the first novel - Alibi Jones! Listen to the Prologue and Chapter One of this free audio adaptation of the science fiction novel – the start of The Adventures of Alibi Jones!

Links:

Alibi Jones – paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/paperback/product-15119626.html

Hardcover: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones/hardcover/product-16186477.html

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4034

Podiobooks: http://podiobooks.com/title/alibi-jones/

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/alibi-jones/id336328492?mt=2

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B003I8M0W2&qid=1369530051&sr=1-1

The Adventures of Alibi Jones #1 – Expanded Edition from Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics:

http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=3490&products_id=94851

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8020

Alibi Jones and the Time War of The Devrizium

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309759

Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium/paperback/product-20985883.html

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s):  http://alibijones.com

Listen to the Comic Book...

On today's Glow-in-the-Dark Radio podcast episode you can hear the audio adaptation of a comic book short story - Alibi Jones: Blind Eye! If you like it, be sure to pick up The Adventures of Alibi Jones #1 from GITDR Comics and check out the art by Meisha! (links are below)

Join us every week for free Science Fiction Audio Adventure on Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!  Writer Mike Luoma is also a radio host on The Point! Independent Radio Network in Vermont: http://pointfm.com. On weekends he narrates stories and chapters from his books on this podcast.

We're going back to the beginning this week, with the first story in Alibi Jones' timeline – "Blind Eye"! At the request of his Aunt Anita, Alibi attends a diplomatic reception on Cat's Eye, where he runs into an old flame – and what sounds like a con game. He really shouldn't get involved with either, but there are lives at stake...

It's the audio adaptation of a comic book story – science fiction thrills from The Adventures of Alibi Jones #1! Check out the story in the comic with illustrations by Meisha!

Links:

The Adventures of Alibi Jones #1 – Expanded Edition from Glow-in-the-Dark Radio Comics:

http://comics.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=3490&products_id=94851

http://www.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8020

Alibi Jones and the Time War of The Devrizium

eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309759

Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium/paperback/product-20985883.html

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com http://alibijones.com http://mikeluoma.com

Alibi Jones Hunting Ghosts - The Conclusion!

Hear part three of the Science Fiction Adventure Alibi Jones and the Ghost in the Machine on this episode of Glow-in-the-Dark Radio!  Writer Mike Luoma reads you the conclusion of his novella found in the Hunting Ghosts anthology from Black Oak Media.


Investigating a mysterious alien shipwreck, a seemingly dead ancient leviathan that's appeared in Solar Alliance space, Alibi Jones and his covert ops crew hadn't found much. Until the Project's psychic Lenora Schwald tried to establish telepathic contact. Now something's gone horribly wrong... FREE audio science fiction thrills as The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue!

Links:
Hunting Ghosts - Info at Black Oak Media:
http://blackoakmedia.org/2013/01/07/hunting-ghosts-thrilling-tales-of-the-paranormal-released-today/

Alibi Jones and the Time War of The Devrizium
eBook: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309759
Paperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium/paperback/product-20985883.html

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com http://alibijones.com< http://mikeluoma.com

ALIBI JONES AND THE TIME WAR OF THE DEVRIZIUM - IN WIDE DISTRIBUTION!

Alibi Jones and the Time War of The Devrizium

A Connected Cycle of Short Stories

A race of time travelers seems to want Alibi Jones' time to come to an end! The Devrizium appear willing to alter time and space itself to remove him from both entirely...

A connected Cycle of Four Short Stories, Alibi Jones and The Time War of The Devrizium tells two of the same tales you'll find in Alibi Jones' comic books. After adapting the comic book scripts for audio presentation, Mike took them a step further and turned them into actual short stories. In addition, he turned the as-yet-unfinished final two tales in the arc into finished short stories to complete the adventure.

This anthology, then, gives Alibi's fans who might not read comic books a chance to experience his entanglements with the xenophobic, time traveling race known as The Devrizium - and even has something extra for those who have read Alibi Jones' comic book adventures.

ALIBI JONES and THE TIME WAR of THE DEVRIZIUM

About Time

Remember Two Things

Memory, Yet Green*

The Last Battle*

(*previously unreleased)

The eBook is appearing in most of the major outlets. Here are links to your favorite bookstores:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Alibi-Jones-Devrizium-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00CNV983O/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium-mike-luoma/1115219131?ean=2940044493711

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/309759

iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/alibi-jones-time-war-devrizium/id641923784?mt=11

DriveThruFiction: http://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/114212/Alibi-Jones-and-the-Time-War-of-the-Devrizium?src=FrontPage

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Alibi-Jones-Time-War-The/book-OKgT7GXsHEyqc2yRVJLEZg/page1.html

Diesel: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000309759/Luoma-Mike-Alibi-Jones-and-the-Time-War-of-The-Devrizium/1.html

You can watch me unbox the proof copy of the paperback on YouTube: http://youtu.be/J5EW-XNH7UE - and you can get the paperback at Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/shop/mike-luoma/alibi-jones-and-the-time-war-of-the-devrizium/paperback/product-20985883.html

Alibi Jones Is Hunting Ghosts...

The Adventures of Alibi Jones continue with part two of the Science Fiction short Alibi Jones and the Ghost in the Machine! You'll find the story in the new anthology from Black Oak Media Hunting Ghosts -listen in as writer Mike Luoma reads you the second part of the novella on this week's show.

Alibi Jones and his covert ops crew have arrived at the mysterious alien vessel that recently appeared out of nowhere. Ships approaching the old shipwreck reported ghostly apparitions in spacesuits. What will Alibi find as he investigates the seemingly dead ancient leviathan? Enjoy FREE audio science fiction adventure with Alibi Jones!

Links:

Hunting Ghosts – Info at Black Oak Media:

http://blackoakmedia.org/2013/01/07/hunting-ghosts-thrilling-tales-of-the-paranormal-released-today/

We’re part of the Comic Related Podcasting Network – you can find us each week at http://comicrelated.com.

Home(s): http://glowinthedarkradio.com http://alibijones.com http://mikeluoma.com