Ep. 152 Today's Peep A Magical ELO Concert, Cutting Down Trees and Laughing at Tree Huggers, Man Hugs, Remembering the Top Hits of '72, and an Ironic Selection for today's Rare Record Spin

Picture this: a sunny Thursday in Northern California, where the serene view from my studio is juxtaposed with the industrious hum of PG&E crews hard at work trimming trees to create a defensible space on my property. Amidst this backdrop, I recount the electric evening spent at Jeff Lynne's ELO concert, where nostalgia and vibrant performances collided in a spaceship-themed spectacle inspired by their 1977 album "Out of the Blue." From a delightful dinner at Sauce's to the harmonious blend of cellos and violins, the night was a celebration of music that left fans, myself included, exhilarated.Shifting gears from the grandeur of live music to lighter fare, I share a humorous YouTube clip about fervent tree huggers and their comically exaggerated lamentations over deforestation. This playful segment, paired with a quirky camping sketch, invites laughter and champions the joy of live performances, all while finding humor in passionate advocacy. And just when you think you have it all figured out, along come the unexpected interruptions from tree removal workers, bringing an authentic and amusing twist to our conversation.Concluding with a nostalgic look back at the music scene of 1972, I reminisce about the hits that shaped the year, from Michael Jackson's "Rockin' Robin" to Neil Diamond's timeless tunes. In a nod to cultural quirks, I recount personal experiences with flu shots and cheek kisses, all while expressing bemusement with the "sovereign citizen" movement. As the episode wraps up, I reflect on ELO's musical evolution and express heartfelt gratitude to our vibrant community of listeners, promising more moments of connection and joy.