Visions of the Unexcused

episode 20 - happy birthday visions of the unexcused (i got you a video)

Well here we are, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the internet version of Visions of the Unexcused, and what a fun year it’s been. To commemorate this special day I’ve put something a little different together for your listening, er, visual AND listening pleasure.

I’ve turned Visions regular audio podcast into a video podcast, and I’m hopefully showing you what a real V.J.’s can be like. It’s basically what MTV would look like if I took over, and if they actually played music. The effect of everything has a very viral feel to it because all the videos on here I’ve ripped off the internet.

I think it works in the podcast’s favor though, it gives it a gritty homemade quality that’s hard to duplicate. It’s almost like a VHS mix tape passed down among friends. Here you’ll see some all-time best performance’s, all-time last performances, and great videos mixed with the Visions of the Unexcused twist you’ve come to be accustomed to. The bands presented here aren’t too shabby either.

This past year Visions of the Unexcused has served as more of a therapy for me then anything. V.O.E. originated at my college radio station, 90.9 WONY, and I used to tape all of my shows played there. Of course the biggest fan of these show’s and tape’s was none other then my Mother. She would wear those magnetic tapes thin, and all of a sudden she’d start having conversations with me about bands like Yo La Tengo and the Soft Boys. Unreal. and beyond cool.

Her love of life never ceased to amaze me, and three months before I started up Visions of the Unexcused again, she passed away due to cancer. It was, and still is at times, a very dark time for me. Her passing hit me hard, and I found a phenomenal amount of strength and solace (as always) in music, and specifically with the process of putting these podcasts together. Her mark is throughout every episode with song choices and thoughts. She most certainly wouldn’t have liked all the songs (specifically the one’s with swear words), but either way she would have been the biggest fan of the ‘cast, that’s for sure.

So here’s to her, here’s to you, and here’s to the magic of music. I know she’s listening/watching somewhere, and I’m honored that you feel compelled to do the same. Thanks for having fun with me, and I’ll be seeing you around.

Happy Birthday, Visions of the Unexcused.

Peace & Love.

DJ Digital-Derek

episode 19 - not gone, not forgotten

Vinyl Visions. (Visions of the Unexcused Illustration)

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Good things come to those who wait right? Write.

This has been my longest hiatus since starting back up Visions of the Unexcused. And you may ask yourself. "Is it a coincidence that this coincides with the pennant push and baseball playoffs?" I don't think so, but it must have been something that kept me at bay. Either way, here we are, and contrary to unpopular belief, Our visions are still unexcused, and we're going no where. The podcast turns one year old come November, and with that I have a "live" and "acoustic" show in the mix. There's also the time machine that will be episode 0 and is sure to be an artifact.

Stay tuned for those future casts, in the meantime we have episode 19. A little bit of old, a little bit of new. All wrapped in a two sided bundle of joy. So drop that needle, never mind the hay, and start that stack jack.

episode 18 - Some Sort of Jackpot

Cast Scratch Fever. (Visions of the Unexcused Illustration)

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Due to some technical difficulties with the actual website it's taken a little longer then normal to get episode number 18 out, however, in the end I think it was for the better. The difficulties have allowed me to take my time with the podcast and has, in turn, let the songs find me instead of the other way around.

In short, I go back to my roots in this episode. Recently I've been having a lot of fun exploring different styles and music, and think in the end it can make me more complete as a DJ, however, when the chips are on the table it's always rock 'n' roll that's truly going to control my musical heart.

If I was able to go to DJ heaven I'd play the type of tracks that I do in this episode more often than not.  I'd be a DJ at this great bar where friends get together over some beers, to shoot the shit, catch-up, and enjoy being alive. This bar would be nice and dark, with a warm red and yellow glow cast from scattered vintage lamps. Of course you'd have some beautiful deep dark wood guarding the bar with perfect nicks and scratches telling the story of conversations and drinks past. There will most likely be a pool table or two with a dart board in the corner and me in the other.

I'd provide a sountrack for the night that wasn't focused on shaking your booty or playing the hottest tracks. An eight minute track would be thrown on without a second thought if it fit the mood. I'd guide people through an urban night in a careless manner, hopefully getting some head nods, and a few surprised comments about the tracks playing.

"Wow, I can't belive they're playing Yo La Tengo's 'We're An Amercian band'....nice."

Some songs would be brand spanking new, some kinda new, some kinda old, and some really old. All, would somehow be a distant or near cousin to the other, and all would help us face whatever the next depot in our life had to offer. That night, in those perfect dim barroom lights, I would provide a soundtrack for a few hours, and who knows, maybe I can achieve that for the next 40 minutes or so in this podcast.

PS - Happy B-Day John, hope it's a good one.

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episode 17 - Middle Children of History

episode 17 is finally here and it becomes the first official Visions of the Unexcused podcast to be released on the new website which is exciting news indeed.

The robots made me get in a discotheque type of mood, and well, this is what we have.

I start the podcast off with a question, and then if I did anything right you'll want to:

1. Nod your head
2. Shake your ass
3. Enjoy the Summer

What can I say, the robots like to dance.

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theunexcused.com is live - be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

www.theunexcused.com - (visions of the unexcused)

So it's now official, the NEW and improved Visions of the Unexcused website/blog is launched and ready to go. If you're not subscribed to the podcast yet click the button on the upper right of the page and be prepared to listen to some pretty darn good tunes. Check back often for new podcasts, album reviews, live show reviews, and general commentary on anything and everything. Also, please let me know what you think about it all  'cause opinions do matter.

Thanks for stoppin' by, and see you again soon.

episode 16 - PBJ Visions aka Thank You DD

Special Guest, DJ Pretty Boy Jones - (visions of the unexcused)

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For the second time in Visions of the Unexcused history we find ourselves with a guest DJ, and like before with Broken Heart Radio and Kind Nails (a.k.a. DJ John), it's been an utter pleasure for me.

Episode 16 finds us with one of Boston's (and the world for that matter) premiere DJ's in Pretty Boy Jones. PBJ's a pretty good friend of mine and I'm personally honored that he'd want to spin and episode for me. In my not-so-humble opinion this is a great mix to jump start your summer and is pretty damn tekker. I love PBJ's style, skill, and musical depth. He's always doing things to learn from, and I just always enjoying hearing his sets, and this one's pretty bold and fun.

Let's hear what PBJ has to say in his own words about this mix: "I would like to title the Mix PBJ Visions aka Thank You DD, because most of these songs were somehow influenced by you and the music you play."

Be sure to check out his site (http://www.prettyboyjones.com) & MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/stickmanproduction). Pretty Boy is often spinning in a residency at Middlesex Lounge in Cambridge and spins all over the country and globe, so be sure to peep when he's in your area.

So in long now, put this mix in your car or iPod or computer when getting ready to go out or go to a party, it's a great soundtrack.

I’ll be back in a week’s time, holler at me with any requests.

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episode memorial day

gone gonzo - (visions of the unexcused)

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This honestly wasn't really planned thus some gonzo elements that tend to be fitting (volume adjustment). Support your troops, but also remember, freedom of speech kids.

happy memorial day.

dj digital-derek

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episode 15 - feature presentation

death of the analogue - (visions of the unexcused)

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Before I talk about episode #15 I first want to plug two things.

First up, go to http://www.the-goop.com and subscribe to the podcast, you won't be disappointed. My friend Ryan puts it together and it's something to behold. Very creative, and very good tunes. It always makes me happy.

Secondly, episode #16 will have yet another guest DJ (gotta keep you on your toes) as DJ Pretty Boy Jones takes over. PBJ's one of the top DJ's in Boston and it'll be an honor to hear him do his thing VOE style.

As far as episode #15 goes it has a distinctly vintage feel to it, and for whatever reason I'm digging on it. Let me know what you think, all the cool kids comment.

- digital

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episode 14 - spring into action

mother spring - (visions of the unexcused)

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Well back in the states I still find my mood and music optimistically upbeat, therefore it's time for a dedication.

I hereby dedicate episode #14 of Visions of the Unexcused to Mother Nature and Spring herself. If the turning of spring doesn't hit you in that soft spot then I just  don't know what does.

The following is the potential of what spring can make me feel like.

Interpret as you'd like.

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episode 13 - flight 759 mix

flight 759 mix - (visions of the unexcused)

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As I type this I fight a landing plane and a dying battery. Over the next 42 minutes or so you'll be listening to an episode that was made entirely while flying over the Atlantic Ocean, the Fight 759 Mix.

J9 and I are on our way to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a much needed holiday, and me being a complete wuss when comes to flying, decided to distract myself by immersing myself in a podcast, and to tell the truth, it worked.

This podcast has a more electronic/dance feel to it, which I think corresponds with the fact that I'll be surrounded by palm trees and enjoying some good drink and food over the next week, hopefully this translates a bit on your end.

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