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The guys end summer break with a completely random "accidental Cassingle," as Jeff tagged it. There are discussions of Funyuns (which still exist!), Taco Bell, concept albums, Jeff's new book, asbestos, kids who swear a lot, new music from Jon Anderson of Yes, the upcoming solo album from Warren Haynes and other subjects that are probably being forgotten. We got together to record a simple introduction for our next podcast episode....and this happened. Anyway, it's been a good summer away, but we've all missed you!

P.S. Don't play this particular episode around your kids. There's some swearing.

P.S.S. Apparently Funyuns are 55 years old this year! It's time for them to start pulling their weight around here.

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Our latest Bonus Track features a conversation with author and journalist John Barry, who covered Woodstock '94 as it happened. Thirty years later, he joins Matt to share some of his memories of the experience. Music fans will also be interested in the book that John wrote about Levon Helm's incredible second act with the Midnight Ramble and other events that happened during the later years of his career.

Levon Helm: Rock, Roll & Ramble - The Inside Story of the Man, the Music and the Midnight Ramble is an essential read for fans of Levon and the Band. John shares the story of how the book came together and some of the Levon memories he's really grateful for. You can read John's latest articles at the Times Union website and he also has an ongoing newsletter, Quicksand.

Big thanks to John for the conversation!

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Jeff and Matt love nothing more than coming across obscure AOR gems. Jesse Colin Young's 1982 album, The Perfect Stranger, fits into that category. Featuring guest appearances by Carly Simon, Michael McDonald, Bill Payne and Fred Tackett of Little Feat and Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, The Perfect Stranger also finds Jesse surrounded by an unbelievable cast of many of the era's best session players.

Jesse tells the guys how he came to work with producer Michael James Jackson on The Perfect Stranger, which he describes as an album he'd never made before - and it was an experience he ultimately didn't repeat.

We also discuss his current songwriting contest with Future Youth Records. They're seeking to help inspire young songwriters from 18-24 to "use their unique voice to inspire change. Jesse knows a thing or two about that, having been the voice for "Get Together," the inspiring and unifying hit he released in 1967 with the Youngbloods. Entries for "The Perfect Stranger" songwriting contest are being accepted through August 15. Good luck!

Jesse also tells us about the early days of the No Nukes movement, which he co-founded, his struggles with Lyme Disease and his memoir that he recently completed. We also ask him how many times he saw the Freedom Rock commercial in the '80s.

It was a delight speaking with Jesse and for the first time, you can now find The Perfect Stranger on your favorite digital service, wherever you get your music, so dig in!

P.S. Jeff has been quite busy. He has a new book out and he continues to write even more good words beyond that at Jefitoblog.

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