all that's sacred #33

Been feeling a little under the weather here lately and had this week’s podcast sneak up on me. Luckily I had some listener help with the song selections and was able to crank this out to end the year on a high note. With #33 being the last episode of 2009, we’re going out with a BANG and featuring songs where Mike McCready ignites the moment by creating sonic fireworks with his instrument! I just couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to close out the year.

Hope you all have a happy and safe New Year! Looking forward to 2010 but recognize that 2009 wasn’t without its highlights. The biggest personal highlight for me this year was the creation of the podcast and connecting with so many of my fellow fans. Thanks to everyone in the Pearl Jam online community and special thanks to Brandon at The Sky I Scrape for the early and continued support. I really appreciate you all coming along for the ride and contributing to the podcast and hope to continue for the foreseeable future. See you next year.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #32

With Christmas looming so close, I wonder what kind of listenership to expect this week for episode #32. I don’t really have that great of expectations, but I hope most of you find a moment to break away from the craziness of the holiday to tune in to this week’s podcast. This week is notable because every single song was requested by one of you in your own voice! As I had hoped, the voicemail has added a new dimension of connection and interaction to the podcast. It’s nice to have your additional input and perspective and I appreciate you all being game enough to try it out. Most importantly though, there is some great Pearl Jam music being explored here.

Next week is the last podcast of 2009 and I want to end things with a BANG! I can think of only one way to accomplish that and that’s by featuring songs where Mike McCready is shredding guitar and melting faces! I got a list started but, as always, I’d really like some help from you listeners. If you got something to contribute, please contact me by email, Facebook, Twitter, or check out the voicemail at 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339).

Have wonderful holiday weekend and see you next week to ring in the New Year!

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #31

This year is quickly wrapping itself up and I figured episode #31 would be a great opportunity to reflect on the year that was by featuring a few highlights from some of the 2009 Pearl Jam shows. This last year found the band in a really good place – showing no signs of slowing down or becoming a caricature of their former selves. The guys continue to grow, perform, and surprise at a level that would be the envy of any self-respecting band.

The anticipation for 2010 is already building with the recent dates announced for Europe and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I’m quietly hoping for a few dates here in the Pacific Northwest. I’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Next week on #32, we’ll be featuring some listener requests via the voicemail – which include a few additional 2009 tour highlights. I’m really enjoying this new interaction and I still have a few more spaces to fill so if you’d like to contribute, please call 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). I appreciate all the continued support and participation.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #30

On episode #30 I figured it was time to catch up on some great listener requests I’ve been sitting on for far too long. Virtually the entire episode was listener-driven right on down to the image art submitted by listener Ted in WI! To my delight, I got a This Day in PJ History suggestion via the voicemail! I’m also finally back with the commentary after a 2 week hiatus – including a bit on the inspiration for the podcast.

I’m thinking next week on #31 we’ll feature some 2009 tour highlights. I’ve got a list going but if you have anything to add, please contact me via email, Facebook, Twitter, or voicemail 707-SACRED9 (707-722-7339). Speaking of the voicemail, I appreciate everyone who has called so far and plan to dedicate an upcoming show to your voicemails on #32 so keep them coming!

Thanks for listening and hope you enjoy #30.

Cheers! Donny

all that's sacred #29

The holiday season is upon us and I thought it only appropriate to make episode #29 a playlist of some of Pearl Jam’s yearly gifts via the annual Holiday 45 exclusive to Ten Club members. A couple of these aren’t “Christmas” songs per se, but still felt wintery and fitting. I’ll be back with the commentary next week, but figured I’d sit this one out. I thought some of you might want to have this for a little background ambiance while you gift-wrap, visit, and/or imbibe in the coming weeks – I’d just be getting in the way of the music.

I also included two Six Degrees of PJ tracks to mix it up a bit. While there is an easy connection to the artist on the first track, the second track ends the podcast and requires a little more analysis – although you don’t have to be a rock historian to connect the dots. While this closing track was recorded over 40 years ago, it’s regrettably and eerily still relevant to today – and a subtle reminder that we still live in a crazy world despite all the feel-good holiday sentiments. The more things “change”, the more they stay the same…

Best wishes to you all this holiday season and I hope you enjoy #29.

Peace. Donny