January, On Eclectic Wonderland...

djtea0
2 days ago
6 min read

January Newsletter

January is our month of beginnings and do‑overs. It’s birthday season around here — Michael, Mickey, and I are all Capricorns - and it’s also when we kick off our little Artist’s Way group for the year. This is when we turn inward, clear some clutter, set real goals (not just soft intentions), and map out our next four three‑month plans based on what our souls are actually aching to make and finish.

Below you’ll find January’s shows, with art, embedded players, and a short note about each one. You can click through to the original show notes for deeper stories, plus bonus video playlists and extra links.”

January is usually when we ease back in with an Alternate Wednesday, but this year we did things a little backwards. We also used the month to celebrate two of our all‑time creative north stars: David Lynch and David Bowie. They’re both Davids, both January babies, and both left this world in January, and all three of us are deeply influenced by their work as artists, filmmakers, and recording artists.

So instead of starting with a tidy ‘welcome back’ show, we dove straight into our Lynch and Bowie tributes and then looped around to our Alternate Wednesday plans after. It was a bit of a time‑bent back dive, but very on‑brand for the Davids.

You’ll find both tribute shows linked below with their original show notes and video playlists?

This month we also played with our usual Oddities slot. Normally we close the month with one Oddities show, but on the third week, instead of doing an all‑indie set, I went sideways into an ‘indies and oddities’ birthday / Alice in Wonderland–themed adventure. Then Michael followed it up by creating his own classic Oddities show in full Dr. Demento novelty style. You’ll find both of those playlists below as well.

January Shows

✨ Dive into the January below — Click On The Cover Art For Original Show Notes, Or On The Player To Listen!

Set your reminders!

A Fun Little Promo!

Listen Live To Eclectic Wonderland Button.

Eclectic Wonderland Links (Links In Pink!)

Eclectic Wonderland, Eclectic Wonderland Rocks, Button, Studio TeaZilla

Eclectic Wonderland, All Links Button, Studio TeaZilla

Eclectic Wonderland, Link In Bio Button, Studio TeaZilla

New Years Eve Show

[Click On The Cover Art For Original Show Notes, Or On The Player To Listen!]

Hit Play & Tune In | More Shows on Mixcloud [Click Here]

Forget the ball drop — this year we launched a disco-drenched asteroid into a cosmic conga line and never looked back. 🪐✨ The latest Eclectic Wonderland is a retro-futuristic glitter bomb of novelty nuggets, outsider anthems, robot anthems, and total kazoo mayhem. From singing fish heads to intergalactic hairdos, it’s a full-blown New Year’s Eve Audity.

January Shows

[Click On The Cover Art For Original Show Notes, Or On The Player To Listen!]

Hit Play & Tune In | More Shows on Mixcloud [Click Here]

The playlist is a tapestry of Lynchian brilliance:

• Music from his films (Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Dune, Twin Peaks)

• Songs inspired by his work (My Cousin Dallas’ “Wrapped in Plastic,” Surfer Blood’s “Twin Peaks”)

• And haunting performances by artists like David Bowie, Julee Cruise, Lou Reed, Chris Isaak, and more.

The playlist is a tapestry of Lynchian brilliance, intricately woven together to reflect the unique aesthetic and emotional depth that David Lynch brings to his cinematic universe. Each selection serves not only as a piece of entertainment but also as a gateway into the surreal and often unsettling worlds that Lynch crafts through his films and television series.

• Music from his films (Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Dune, Twin Peaks): The inclusion of tracks from Lynch's iconic films is essential, as they encapsulate the haunting atmospheres and complex narratives that characterize his work. For instance, the eerie, dreamlike score of Blue Velvet, composed by Angelo Badalamenti, evokes a sense of nostalgia intertwined with dread, perfectly mirroring the film's exploration of the dark underbelly of suburban life. Similarly, the eclectic soundtrack of Wild at Heart features a mix of rock and pop that enhances the film's themes of love and violence, while the operatic elements of Dune underscore the epic scale of its story. The music from Twin Peaks, with its haunting melodies and ethereal vocals, not only sets the tone for the series but also contributes to its status as a cultural phenomenon, drawing audiences into its mysterious and enigmatic world.

• Songs inspired by his work (My Cousin Dallas’ “Wrapped in Plastic,” Surfer Blood’s “Twin Peaks”): The influence of Lynch's artistry extends beyond his own films, inspiring contemporary musicians to create works that resonate with his themes and stylistic choices. My Cousin Dallas' “Wrapped in Plastic” captures the essence of the surreal and often bizarre elements found in Lynch's narratives, while Surfer Blood’s “Twin Peaks” pays homage to the iconic series by channeling its unique blend of mystery and nostalgia. These songs serve as a testament to Lynch's impact on the music world, showcasing how his storytelling and visual style have permeated various artistic mediums.

• And haunting performances by artists like David Bowie, Julee Cruise, Lou Reed, Chris Isaak, and more: The playlist is further enriched by the inclusion of haunting performances from a diverse array of artists who have collaborated with Lynch or been influenced by his work. David Bowie’s ethereal presence in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me adds a layer of complexity to the film, while Julee Cruise’s haunting vocals in the series’ theme song create an atmosphere of melancholy and beauty that lingers long after the credits roll. Lou Reed’s gritty, raw sound complements the dark themes present in Lynch's narratives, while Chris Isaak’s smooth, emotive style captures the essence of longing and desire that permeates much of Lynch’s storytelling. Each artist brings their own unique flair to the playlist, creating a rich auditory experience that resonates with the listener and evokes the surreal landscapes of Lynch's imagination.

Hit Play & Tune In | More Shows on Mixcloud [Click Here]

A sideways stardust tribute to David Bowie — full of alternate versions, dreamy covers, and 4 originals from the man himself, this collection serves as a vibrant homage to one of music's most enigmatic figures.

This Alternate Wednesday episode invites you to engage in a thought-provoking exercise, asking you to fill in the blank:

Everything Has Been ______ Since Bowie Died.

This episode presents a strange, heartfelt, interdimensional mix that showcases a diverse array of artists paying their respects and drawing inspiration from Bowie's legacy. Among them are iconic names such as Culture Club, whose unique blend of pop and new wave resonates with Bowie's flamboyant style, and Amanda Palmer, whose theatrical approach to music often mirrors Bowie's own artistic explorations. Aurora brings her ethereal soundscapes into the tribute, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that complements Bowie's otherworldly themes.

Additionally, the episode features Duran Duran, whose synth-driven melodies hark back to the glam rock era that Bowie helped define, and Beck, known for his genre-blurring sound, which echoes the experimental spirit Bowie embodied throughout his career. The Church contributes their atmospheric rock, while The Muffs add a punk-infused energy, showcasing the wide-ranging influence Bowie had on various music genres. Bauhaus, with their gothic undertones, delve into the darker aspects of Bowie's artistry, ensuring that the tribute captures the full spectrum of his impact.

As listeners immerse themselves in this eclectic mix, they are encouraged to reflect on the profound changes in the musical landscape and their personal lives since Bowie's passing. Each track serves not only as a celebration of his work but also as a reminder of the void left behind by his departure. This collection is more than just a tribute; it is a testament to the enduring power of Bowie's artistry and the way it continues to inspire and influence artists across generations.

Hit Play & Tune In | More Shows on Mixcloud [Click Here]

This week we celebrate our collective Capricorn chaos - DJ Tea, Mr. Announcer Man, and Mickey Fingers, - all born in the heart of winter, all creatively caffeinated since birth. Our unbirthday bash blends Wonderland whimsy, theatrical flair, and just enough glitter to keep things weird.

Listen From The Archive

Hit Play & Tune In | More Shows on Mixcloud [Click Here]

Celebrate Mr. Announcer Man’s Unbirthday with a genre-hopping, mind-bending sonic toast: from “Pac-Man Fever” to “Mr Oxford’s Underwear,” this show is a chaos confetti cocktail of joy, rebellion, and absolute absurdity. Playlist includes tracks from They Might Be Giants, Spike Jones, Frank Zappa, Worm Quartet, Gala Violet, Mickey Fingers, Subsuelo, and more...birthday zingers, and surprise moments from the vault.

Unofficially, But Officially… Welcoming Mickey Fingers to Eclectic Wonderland