FOT Forum

The Best Show on WFMU => Show Discussion => Topic started by: Martin on February 23, 2009, 12:39:01 PM

Title: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 23, 2009, 12:39:01 PM
(http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/906/6a00d83451c29169e201116.png) (http://imageshack.us)

From the WFMU blog: (http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2009/02/new-podcast-best-show-gems.html)

"Best Show Gems is The Best Of The Best Show On WFMU: a twice-monthly podcast featuring highlights from the full radio show. Classic Scharpling and Wurster calls, amazing phone-ins, random weirdness and more! It's a perfect way for a beginner to get on board, or for a longtime fan to look back and remember when."

It's more bi-weekly than twice-monthly, but you get the idea. New episodes every other Monday, starting NOW!

Feeds and such here: http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD

Support this new podcast! Tell your friends! Blog about it! Tweet your hearts out! This is a great way to get new people onboard the Best Show train. Let's make it happen!

Oh, and the logo was designed by the great Spoony!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: samir on February 23, 2009, 12:48:02 PM
YES YES YES

Great choice for an opening selection!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: inajar on February 23, 2009, 12:58:22 PM
 Super-awesome!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on February 23, 2009, 01:17:56 PM
Wait. Didn't I get heaved ho for proposing this idea?  According to Recidivism from August 2008:

"Weirder Jon in Maplewood has an idea for the World Domination Scheme, but he's steeling himself for a GOMP. In addition to the full weekly podcast, he suggests releasing a highlight package for the short-attention-span crowd. Tom asks WJ if he'd also like a third podcast or any other freebies. WJ thinks Tom could insert ridiculous sound effects between the selected calls in the abridged version. Tom wonders if he should also show up somewhere each week to do a little dance. He gives WJ the Heave Ho!"

I am glad to hear that it is happening, but what changed?  What brought about this change of heart?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Country Lobster on February 23, 2009, 01:41:45 PM
This is definitely a great way to introduce people to the show. Love it!

I'd like to see the mp3s in the feed have that nice artwork embedded. I noticed the first one doesn't…

Also, perhaps the name on the mp3s could be more like "A Call From the Owner of Club Pizzazz" instead of "WFMU's Best Show Gems with Tom Scharpling from 2/23/2009"

I look forward to more!

Quote
Wait. Didn't I get heaved ho for proposing this idea?

I suspect a case of wrong place at the wrong time.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: SexyAnkles on February 23, 2009, 01:45:37 PM
I can't find it on iTunes.  Is this just a "Canadian" thing?  Do not forsake your neighbors from the North.  If I have to RightClickSaveAsAddToLibrary in order to get this onto my iPhone I may go mad with the clicking.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bryan on February 23, 2009, 01:47:45 PM
I am glad to hear that it is happening, but what changed?  What brought about this change of heart?

I was thinking the same thing when I heard Tom announce this: "I remember when Jon from Maplewood got gomped for suggesting this."

I do recall Tom saying at some point between then and now that he was "warming" to the idea. Maybe you should call up this week and demand the credit you're due? I don't see how that could go wrong.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bryan on February 23, 2009, 01:50:31 PM
I can't find it on iTunes.  Is this just a "Canadian" thing?  Do not forsake your neighbors from the North.  If I have to RightClickSaveAsAddToLibrary in order to get this onto my iPhone I may go mad with the clicking.



In itunes, under "advanced" go to "subscribe to podcast." Paste:

http://wfmu.org/podcast/BD.xml

into the space for the URL. Bingo! Even works in Canada.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: A.M. Thomas on February 23, 2009, 01:52:23 PM
Great job, Martin.

Let the world domination (phase one) begin!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on February 23, 2009, 01:52:46 PM
This is a great day for podcasts. And America.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on February 23, 2009, 01:55:39 PM
Maybe you should call up this week and demand the credit you're due? I don't see how that could go wrong.

Yes. That seems like a plan guaranteed to set a course straight for Power Caller status.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Country Lobster on February 23, 2009, 01:56:00 PM

In itunes, under "advanced" go to "subscribe to podcast." Paste:

http://wfmu.org/podcast/BD.xml

into the space for the URL. Bingo! Even works in Canada.

I'm sure it was submitted to the iTunes store and it's only a matter of time before it's available there and topping the charts…

EDIT: Tom pointed out on twitter that it's actually already on iTunes here (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=306300026&subMediaType=Audio) even though it's still not showing up in searches:
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: daveB from Oakland on February 23, 2009, 03:31:15 PM
Martin, you are a gem.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on February 23, 2009, 03:41:49 PM
Okay, I'm over it.

GREAT JOB MARTIN!  It sounds fantastic.  Perfect selection to start things off.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: pizzaparty on February 23, 2009, 03:42:36 PM
Yes, now my short attention span friends can finally hop on and hopefully get into the whole thing.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: jbissell on February 23, 2009, 04:24:46 PM
Yes, now my short attention span friends can finally hop on and hopefully get into the whole thing.

Yeah, I'm hoping this'll be the perfect gateway for getting people to check out all 3 hrs.

One side question, who is picking the gem material?  Can we suggest possible gems for the future?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: SexyAnkles on February 23, 2009, 05:19:24 PM

In itunes, under "advanced" go to "subscribe to podcast." Paste:

http://wfmu.org/podcast/BD.xml

into the space for the URL. Bingo! Even works in Canada.

Thanks!!  The Best just got Bester!!!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: squeek502 on February 23, 2009, 06:48:45 PM
Fantastic.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on February 23, 2009, 09:53:46 PM
Great first installment. I'm glad I decided to listen at home rather than work - my wife is used to my sudden bursts of laughter while wearing headphones.

If requests/suggestions for future installments are being accepted, how about Larry Smirthwaithe, the king of the coatchecks, from 4/4/06? If not, forget I said anything and accept my congratulations on this installment.

Nice work on the logo as well, Spoony.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spoony on February 23, 2009, 10:09:46 PM
Thanks! I'm glad you like it.

Diggit,
C
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 24, 2009, 02:27:07 AM
If requests/suggestions for future installments are being accepted, how about Larry Smirthwaithe, the king of the coatchecks, from 4/4/06? If not, forget I said anything and accept my congratulations on this installment.

Great suggestion!

Thanks for the encouraging words, everybody. If anyone of you have suggestions for future Gems episodes, let me know! I'm especially interested in moments from the show that aren't Wurster calls - we want to mix it up a little.

EDIT: You can either PM or email me (check profile).
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: break on February 24, 2009, 10:00:48 AM
That was a really great first entry for Best Show Gems.  I'll definitely spread this around to the uninitiated.  As a relatively new listener myself it is also a nice chance for me to hear things I haven't caught yet. 

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: break on February 24, 2009, 11:32:59 AM
Love from the AV Club:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-best-of-the-best-show-now-available-in-bitesiz,24283/ (http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-best-of-the-best-show-now-available-in-bitesiz,24283/)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 24, 2009, 11:38:19 AM
Nice!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: samir on February 24, 2009, 12:18:49 PM
Nice work, H-Man and others- getting a shout out on there!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: DoodleJump! on February 24, 2009, 01:05:41 PM
One of the most memorable non-Wurster moments (for me) was when the topic was something like "I know it's stupid, but I do it anyway", and Tom said he could NOT ever drink water from the bathroom sink, even though he knows it is no different than the kitchen sink. Anyway, on that episode I remember some guy calling about how he hates choosing between things, like which fruit to buy or which silverware to use, because he is afraid of hurting the objects' feelings. This struck me as so funny...I will try to figure out which episode it was for you. It remains one of my favorite moments.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Geoff Johnston on February 24, 2009, 05:19:49 PM
This is so great.  Great job!  Makes it a lot easier to bring those aforementioned short attention span friends into the FOT fold, as opposed to sending them a link of the regular archives with a note that says, "Check out the Marky Ramone call at about 2:15."  Or some such.

I'd vote to Gem (heretofore, "Gem" can be used as a verb) the old Mets fan vs. Yankees fan bit w/Jon Benjamin & Matt Walsh (me thinks it was).  Though, if we're going for stuff with universal appeal, that might not be a good one.  I just identify a little too closely with a Mets fan who is most acquainted with the '86 lineup.

Also, I know that we should be making these suggestions directly to Martin, but Jesus invented internet message boards for a reason.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: theylive716 on February 24, 2009, 05:45:47 PM
Wait. Didn't I get heaved ho for proposing this idea?

i was going to say the same thing... but hey, i'm just excited that the idea came to fruition.
introducing friends immediately to the 3 hour show can prove fruitless, even though you know they'd love it after the "learning curve"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: jbissell on February 25, 2009, 11:10:35 AM
It's already working!  Got one friend to listen, she loved it, and says she's going to check out the archives.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: SexyAnkles on February 25, 2009, 03:09:01 PM
I have taken to putting a CD of the podcast into birthday cards.  Some people are just too lazy to download something unless it is a guaranteed win, so I take away the extra effort.

It's kind of like the worst and best gift ever.  The worst, because it's a homemade gift that I didn't even make, kind of like if the birthday card I gave was actually for me.  Am I the laziest gift giver ever?  The best, well, because it's the Best Show.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: yesno on February 25, 2009, 05:03:32 PM
Suggestion from 030722, if you're looking for smaller bits.   (45 seconds or so.)

Tom discussing things that have changed his life.  at around 1:25.


edit:  Also, same show:  Tom being interviewed by Mullet Lad and giving some background on his life.  At around the 2 hour mark.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: orator on February 25, 2009, 06:47:25 PM
I'd suggest Jimmy Crespo

and the creepiest (or was it sleaziest?) rocker rant about Gary Puckett
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on February 25, 2009, 07:27:59 PM
Gimme a Clem Gem
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on February 25, 2009, 07:54:05 PM
Quick one to sneak in somewhere: Tom reading out the complete Order of Everything List.  And maybe prepend it with a call that contributed to it (e.g. That which cannot be named?).
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: A.M. Thomas on February 25, 2009, 08:03:18 PM
I'd suggest Jimmy Crespo

and the creepiest (or was it sleaziest?) rocker rant about Gary Puckett

YES!  The Jimmy Crespo/Mac call needs the BSG treatment.

"Hey, how many pull ups can you do?"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mike_b on February 25, 2009, 10:43:36 PM
Any of the Worst Song discussions would be great
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on February 26, 2009, 08:41:50 AM
Quick one to sneak in somewhere: Tom reading out the complete Order of Everything List.  And maybe prepend it with a call that contributed to it (e.g. That which cannot be named?).

What exactly are we talking about when we say "that which cannot be named?"*




*Is it Juno?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on February 26, 2009, 10:01:21 AM
Quick one to sneak in somewhere: Tom reading out the complete Order of Everything List.  And maybe prepend it with a call that contributed to it (e.g. That which cannot be named?).

What exactly are we talking about when we say "that which cannot be named?"*




*Is it Juno?

The television program Kings.


Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on February 26, 2009, 10:03:38 AM
Quick one to sneak in somewhere: Tom reading out the complete Order of Everything List.  And maybe prepend it with a call that contributed to it (e.g. That which cannot be named?).

What exactly are we talking about when we say "that which cannot be named?"*




*Is it Juno?


Think "Relevant TV detective show + common ocean dwelling creature."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 26, 2009, 10:10:22 AM
buffcoat, isn't that the who we're not talking about?

The what is something else.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Stupornaut on February 26, 2009, 10:18:51 AM
Think inexplicable trailer-hitch accessories.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JonFromMaplewood on February 26, 2009, 10:33:58 AM
Think inexplicable trailer-hitch accessories.

Exactly. 

Although, maybe just Tom reading out The Order of Everything list in isolation - devoid of the calls that contributed to it - would be a good hook for people to listen to the longer podcast. They would be like "How in God's name did that insane list take shape? I need to know!"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bryan on February 26, 2009, 10:35:38 AM
Speaking of the order of everything: I just saw a dog sitting in the driver's seat of a car last night, and it made me 100% happier than I had previously been.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on February 26, 2009, 11:52:53 AM
buffcoat, isn't that the who we're not talking about?

The what is something else.

Martin,

You're (somewhat) right.  I was talking about another "what" we're not talking about, but a "what" we're not talking about that is definitely related to "who" we're not talking about, as opposed the the "what" we're not talking about that we were (not) talking about.


GUIDE to this post:
What #1 - Monkfish
Who - Captain Jack
What #2 - TruckNutz

That makes it all just so much clearer.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 26, 2009, 12:01:27 PM
Ah, gotcha!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Moondog on February 26, 2009, 03:28:48 PM
Didn't Abbott & Costello do this bit?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on February 26, 2009, 03:40:01 PM
Thanks for doing this.  I vote for any of the funnier Spike calls (and this is TOM being funny I'm talking about), especially the one that included my 'lil sig line.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: B_Buster on February 26, 2009, 04:02:07 PM
How 'bout Tom's dissection of Porpupine Pie and Cowboy Star side-by-side?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spalding on February 26, 2009, 06:22:53 PM
Another Gem suggestion:

August 22, 2006, 1:19-1:31

Tom takes down Aaron the Steely Dan fan, followed by more 'Dan talk with Bryce (Fagin is his "Spiritual guru slash Dad"). In this call Bryce also reveals he's living in a shanty behind Lady Foot Locker.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: sushi cowboy on February 26, 2009, 10:15:07 PM
A real gem is Tom's tirade over Jamie Lee Curtis's anti-reality TV article. It's towards the end of the 7/3/2007 show. I'm in hysterics every time I go back to hear it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: theylive716 on February 27, 2009, 10:54:51 AM
Didn't Abbott & Costello do this bit?

i think you mean american funny man Abbott N. Costello... you comedummy
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Athrogate on March 08, 2009, 06:38:03 PM
So, is anyone else excited for tomorrow's Gem? I know I am.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: birdsandrabbits on March 10, 2009, 05:01:23 PM
whoh!

just went to download, and there are 4!!!

saddened that i already had Club Pizzazz, i'm stoked to hear what's currently downloading!!!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: pmart on March 10, 2009, 05:50:39 PM
I'd like to suggest the Ted Leo rap battle. That was classic -- Wurster working it double time, Terri T -- fun had by all!

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 10, 2009, 06:19:07 PM
whoh!

just went to download, and there are 4!!!

saddened that i already had Club Pizzazz, i'm stoked to hear what's currently downloading!!!

you are going to be a little less stoked very soon
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: birdsandrabbits on March 10, 2009, 11:09:30 PM
yeah.

stoke-atude was dropped a couple levels, but none the less...a necessary deed.

tonights show will more than make up for it, when i get the podcast...waitin' to hear my pledge announced and all.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mcphee from the forum on March 11, 2009, 12:17:28 AM
The Clerks II review is among my favorite 30 minutes of anything ever.

"WHERE IS THE FLOOR WITH THIS GUY?"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Tom Scharpling on March 11, 2009, 03:36:39 AM
There'll be a new Best Show Gems that ISNT me talking about the marathon tomorrow!

Thanks for being patient!

Tom.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on March 11, 2009, 01:46:19 PM
There's just been the Club Pizzazz one, right?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Blancmange79 on March 11, 2009, 02:52:41 PM
PBR weighed in on the Yankees vs. Mets. But he wanted to talk about 'nem Flyers! Oct. 24 2000 at 1:01 for about five minutes. I'm surprised he was then able to not call for over a year. Love the Gems!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Athrogate on March 11, 2009, 04:41:17 PM
There'll be a new Best Show Gems that ISNT me talking about the marathon tomorrow!


Yay! Got it queued up and ready to go on the ol' Pod.
My thanks, Tom. (and Martin)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JBillington on March 12, 2009, 05:26:49 AM
Philly Boy Roy's First Call.....

It's like watching season one simpsons, where the cast havent quite perfected their voices. And its great, obviously!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on March 12, 2009, 10:38:16 AM
I must, in the spirit of truth, point out that that is at least Philly Boy Roy's SECOND call. 

He called during Yankees vs. Mets.


But you'd know that if you had all memorized the Newbridgctionary, LIKE I ASKED YOU TO.*







*In a dream I had.**





**Not really.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on March 12, 2009, 10:45:40 AM
I must, in the spirit of truth, point out that that is at least Philly Boy Roy's SECOND call. 

He called during Yankees vs. Mets.


But you'd know that if you had all memorized the Newbridgctionary, LIKE I ASKED YOU TO.*







*In a dream I had.**





**Not really.

Thank you for pointing this out. It prevented me from dorkily pointing it out first.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 12, 2009, 10:58:58 AM
Sorry for the confusion. Would it be fair to call it PBR's first proper call though? Since the Mets v Yankees call was a call-within-a-bit? Anyway, enjoy!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Wes on March 12, 2009, 11:15:05 AM
Think of the Mets Fan vs. Yankees Fan call as those early "prototype" Bugs Bunny appearances, where he looked different, laughed like Woody Woodpecker and was trying to kill Porky Pig. I like to think the fully-formed Roy wouldn't disown nem Phillies for playin' a tea-drinker's sport.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on March 12, 2009, 11:36:43 AM
Think of the Mets Fan vs. Yankees Fan call as those early "prototype" Bugs Bunny appearances, where he looked different, laughed like Woody Woodpecker and was trying to kill Porky Pig. I like to think the fully-formed Roy wouldn't disown nem Phillies for playin' a tea-drinker's sport.

Good comparison. Although those really early Bugs Bunny cartoons (where he acts more like Daffy Duck) are way, way creepier.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on March 12, 2009, 03:02:15 PM
Any of these are acceptable.  I think I put "Philly Boy Roy's First Full Call" or something.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on June 30, 2009, 02:45:01 PM
I hope no-one missed yesterday's installment of Best Show Gems. It's about a man with a MISSION.

Of course, if you're not subscribing already - what's wrong with you? Why do you hate things that are great?

Subscribe here: http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Anthony from Ireland on June 30, 2009, 03:37:40 PM
This week's gem is soooo good.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: samir on June 30, 2009, 03:43:39 PM
Planet GG is really, really [you're gonna have to pot me down here]-ing terrific.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: tarantula on June 30, 2009, 04:58:59 PM
GG's real name is actually Jesus (Merle, his brother, pronounced it GG) but later they changed it to Kevin. I don't understand why he never brings that up, or has he?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Come on, Jason on June 30, 2009, 07:16:32 PM
True!  GG's birth name was Jesus Christ Allin, which is now my favorite thing to say when I stub my toe.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on June 30, 2009, 09:13:11 PM
GG's real name is actually Jesus (Merle, his brother, pronounced it GG) but later they changed it to Kevin. I don't understand why he never brings that up, or has he?

It's because he passed away.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Satchm0 on July 01, 2009, 06:06:07 PM
GG's real name is actually Jesus (Merle, his brother, pronounced it GG) but later they changed it to Kevin. I don't understand why he never brings that up, or has he?

It's because he passed away.

He passed on
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: colonel panic on July 01, 2009, 09:12:23 PM
from the GG Allin wikipedia page:

"Arleta changed her younger son's legal name to Kevin Michael Allin on March 2, 1962. "

Yikes, my birthday is March 2. I thought you guys were joking about GG's original name. That there is some great trivia.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Shaggy 2 Grote on July 02, 2009, 12:52:23 AM
I've actually been approached by some commercial producers about doing the book for a GG Allin jukebox musical.  So I was like, whoa!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on July 02, 2009, 12:56:25 AM
GG's real name is actually Jesus (Merle, his brother, pronounced it GG) but later they changed it to Kevin. I don't understand why he never brings that up, or has he?

It's because he passed away.

He passed on

Don't test me, Satchm0.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: jamesp on September 23, 2009, 09:57:57 AM
After listening to the newest Best Show Gems about Gary Puckett, I found this review on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Puckett-Union-Gap-Greatest/product-reviews/B000002YAI/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#R1AKJZCXF61O9K (http://www.amazon.com/Gary-Puckett-Union-Gap-Greatest/product-reviews/B000002YAI/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#R1AKJZCXF61O9K)

Quote
The Union Gap still titillates this ex-Catholic girl! C'mon with the pedophilia. They were voicing what was going on in the late 60s. Wanted to do "it" but would burn in Hell if we did. One of us (usually the guy) was sometimes as old as 20-23 but it didn't matter. He could have been our age. We were maybe 16 or 17. So he was branded and we were just loose/lost girls. The Union Gap voiced RESTRAINT not pedophilia! And now at 62 I am still enthralled by their lyrics and their talent. To tell the truth, their lyrics describe what it was like for me until I turned 25. Then, when most of my friends were married and I was dating guys my own age (most of them divorced), I ended my virginity. Union Gap captured all if it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on September 23, 2009, 10:01:40 AM
Such great timing with the "sleaziest rocker of all time" list since we apparently have a new winner this week, if Mackenzie Phillips is telling the truth. 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on September 24, 2009, 05:57:50 AM
I am not sure what it indicates, but John Phillips had a song called "The Last of the Unnatural Acts".
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on September 24, 2009, 09:06:10 AM
True, untrue or both, there's nothing good about that story.  That was a messed up generation.


Thankfully, I grew up in the age of AIDS, so we missed out on all the free-love vibe.



Wait, did I say "thankfully?"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on September 24, 2009, 11:37:50 AM
Such great timing with the "sleaziest rocker of all time" list since we apparently have a new winner this week, if Mackenzie Phillips is telling the truth. 

I think what John Phillips (allegedly) did goes beyond the bounds of sleazy.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Denim Gremlin on September 24, 2009, 02:14:47 PM
Such great timing with the "sleaziest rocker of all time" list since we apparently have a new winner this week, if Mackenzie Phillips is telling the truth. 

I think what John Phillips (allegedly) did goes beyond the bounds of sleazy.


this is kind of unnerving to me, especially considering my old forum name was a tribute to the guy.

but he's still one of my musical heroe
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on October 05, 2009, 10:10:40 AM
Refresh that iTunes, son, or you'll get a mouthful of Hot Cookies™!

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Anthony from Ireland on October 20, 2009, 02:36:42 PM
Dog called Rollins Band! Amazing
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: cutout on October 21, 2009, 01:01:26 AM
Amazing work. Really loving the Best Show Gems and have used it to convert 7-8 friends into regular listeners without having to try too hard.

I wasn't sure if it was kosher to make suggestions but I have a handful of highlights I'd love to see on the podcast -

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History
10/31/06 - Tom makes fun of new Dylan album, remixes it with Mr. Belvedere theme
11/21/06 - Tom vs. Billy Crystal/Origin of Dutch
12/12/06 - Tom convinces a caller he's suing Borat
4/26/07 - Bryce quits smoking pot
5/1/07 - Bishop Fontana introduces Pope to slap-fighting and Da Band
7/10/07 - Discussion of Cowboy Star, rant about Jamie Lee Curtis
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ChrisRawk on October 21, 2009, 07:51:52 AM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ChrisRawk on October 21, 2009, 07:59:05 AM
Also The Gathering of the Juggalos with Paul F. Tompkins needs to be documented in Gems.  Probably a little soon but down the line they gotta do that up proper. 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on October 21, 2009, 08:09:02 AM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 08:24:24 AM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.

How about the Zachary Brimstead call that ends with him singing Porcupine Pie?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on October 21, 2009, 10:40:02 AM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.

How about the Zachary Brimstead call that ends with him singing Porcupine Pie?

Show date?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 12:22:43 PM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.

How about the Zachary Brimstead call that ends with him singing Porcupine Pie?

Show date?

6/20/06. The calls starts around 2:11:00 into the archive. It's very high on the list of my favorite S&W calls ever.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on October 21, 2009, 12:32:40 PM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.

How about the Zachary Brimstead call that ends with him singing Porcupine Pie?

Show date?

6/20/06. The calls starts around 2:11:00 into the archive. It's very high on the list of my favorite S&W calls ever.

Thx whamma jamma. Going to listen to it now I think.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 12:49:22 PM

4/5/06 - Porcupine Pie/Worst Song in History


Dear lord yes.  That was one of the funniest ones I've heard yet (even as a Neil Diamond fan). 

I want to hear the rest of the ones on your list.  They sound funny.

the Cowboy Star bit can be paired with this one.

How about the Zachary Brimstead call that ends with him singing Porcupine Pie?

Show date?

6/20/06. The calls starts around 2:11:00 into the archive. It's very high on the list of my favorite S&W calls ever.

Thx whamma jamma. Going to listen to it now I think.

The 3-octave "What?" is among the funniest things I have ever heard.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: samir on October 21, 2009, 01:24:57 PM
Shocking use of the n-word from Zeeb in that one. I'm surprised he didn't have to apologise to Jesse Jackson.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 01:32:36 PM
He'll probably net a Rush Limbaugh invitation out of it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on October 21, 2009, 02:09:59 PM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 02:26:08 PM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 

The Fudge Tub is introduced in the call in question. Tom is scolded for his enjoyment of "dumb fruit."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on October 21, 2009, 04:59:40 PM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 

The Fudge Tub is introduced in the call in question. Tom is scolded for his enjoyment of "dumb fruit."

Kick ass rendition of Dr Feelgood.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 21, 2009, 05:18:50 PM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 

The Fudge Tub is introduced in the call in question. Tom is scolded for his enjoyment of "dumb fruit."

Kick ass rendition of Dr Feelgood.

You want a little "Fight Fire With Fire"?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on October 21, 2009, 06:41:00 PM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 

The Fudge Tub is introduced in the call in question. Tom is scolded for his enjoyment of "dumb fruit."

Kick ass rendition of Dr Feelgood.

You want a little "Fight Fire With Fire"?

Did I miss that song?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on October 22, 2009, 05:52:37 AM
It's probably too long, but the mayornubitorial debate was my favorite episode.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 22, 2009, 06:50:53 AM
Latter day Brimstead calls delivered the Fudge Tub and his performance at the Newbridge Arts Center. 

The Fudge Tub is introduced in the call in question. Tom is scolded for his enjoyment of "dumb fruit."

Kick ass rendition of Dr Feelgood.

You want a little "Fight Fire With Fire"?

Did I miss that song?

It's right in the part of the call where he's singing songs by all the former bands of Supernova members. As I remember (been awhile since I listened to the call), he does Dr. Feelgood, Mr. Brownstone, and Fight Fire With Fire.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on October 22, 2009, 10:00:51 AM
I would also suggest/recommend the first Marky Ramone call - the one where he threatens to play the intro to "Teenage Lobotomy" on Tom's bare bottom.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: whaleplane on October 22, 2009, 02:02:22 PM
It's probably too long, but the mayornubitorial debate was my favorite episode.
I second this. It'd be a pretty solid (albeit intense) introduction to the show.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on December 28, 2009, 02:46:23 PM
What's that? A new episode of BEST SHOW GEMS?! Featuring a reality show celebrity with a "rock star swagger"? Yes please!

Get on board if you're not already:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spalding on January 01, 2010, 09:52:13 AM
Just noticed that "Gems" made iTunes' "Best New Podcasts: Audio" list. Congrats!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: neilnumberman on January 08, 2010, 11:40:03 AM
Just listening now!
(http://neilnumberman.com/images/news/fill_1965.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 08, 2010, 12:00:34 PM
"Fill1965"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 11, 2010, 01:38:21 PM
The first Gems of '10 is a classic - and also Buffcoat's all-time favorite!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on January 11, 2010, 01:42:19 PM
The first Gems of '10 is a classic - and also Buffcoat's all-time favorite!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

I said this on the twitter but I love this bit too - as if proof were really needed how hysterically funny JW is ...
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on January 11, 2010, 02:25:07 PM
How many pull-ups can you do?



You should put on a jacket and a tie when you speak to me.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on January 11, 2010, 03:03:50 PM
Who are you, Clive Davis?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: orangewhip on January 11, 2010, 04:39:33 PM
Great call.  I'd never heard this one before.  Surprised it didn't end up on one of the cd's.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on January 11, 2010, 06:49:25 PM
The first Gems of '10 is a classic - and also Buffcoat's all-time favorite!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

Mine too!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: SJK on January 12, 2010, 12:07:14 AM
I was introduced to TBS in the fall of 2006. I was listening to the archives shortly there after and this had to be one of the first shows I listened to by sheer random luck. Brilliant! Nice one Martin/Buffcoat!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: daveB from Oakland on January 12, 2010, 01:26:07 AM
The first Gems of '10 is a classic - and also Buffcoat's all-time favorite!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

Mine too!

Me three ... maybe JW's most astounding spontaneous invention, along with I-Ron's Reggae Challenge.

(http://www.jimmycrespo.com/jimmybio.jpg)


Very pleased to see that Montgomery Davies is also in the Gems vault.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spalding on January 12, 2010, 09:51:47 AM
"Saxon!?! Those guys are turkeys. . . So what can I tell you about Done With Mirrors?"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on January 12, 2010, 11:57:29 AM
"FLAME."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on January 12, 2010, 04:36:42 PM
Nothing beats a little kid talking about "snorting kielbasa-thick lines of cocaine."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on January 12, 2010, 06:10:18 PM
Nothing beats a little kid talking about "snorting kielbasa-thick lines of cocaine."

Mac's recitation of that line is one of the best things in the history of the universe. 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on January 12, 2010, 06:56:43 PM
Nothing beats a little kid talking about "snorting kielbasa-thick lines of cocaine."

Mac's recitation of that line is one of the best things in the history of the universe. 

As is his charming mispronunciation of Judas Priest's vocalist's surname.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on January 12, 2010, 07:26:50 PM
I love when Tom messes with kids' heads. I wish more kids would call the show; in the early years, it seemed to happen quite often. Like when he challenged an entire posse of jr. high kids to a fight, or proposed a power tool fight between the Hasu Kid and the Anti-Hasu Kid
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: amiright?? on January 13, 2010, 05:26:34 PM
Worth listening to with headphones so that you can hear Tom cracking up in the background through the whole call.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Kid Pain on January 13, 2010, 05:38:10 PM
every mac call is a treasure
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: yesno on January 13, 2010, 06:01:56 PM
The number of little kids that used to call is astounding--as well as the various deadbeat high-schoolers.  What attracted them to the show?  Have other radio shows ever had this kind of draw? What seems to have driven them away?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 13, 2010, 06:13:06 PM
Quote
What seems to have driven them away?

Drugs, World of Warcraft.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on January 14, 2010, 10:55:02 PM
The number of little kids that used to call is astounding--as well as the various deadbeat high-schoolers.  What attracted them to the show?  Have other radio shows ever had this kind of draw? What seems to have driven them away?

There's even a Christmas Eve show, 2002 I think, where a 2-year-old (!) called up. His inability to fully understand what Tom was saying was insane/hilarious.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 25, 2010, 10:01:48 AM
New Best Show Gems out today: Tom vs. Billy Crystal (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on January 25, 2010, 10:11:52 AM
New Best Show Gems out today: Tom vs. Billy Crystal (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

I love this one. That Billy Crystal/Comic Relief "jazzman" thing was truly horrible.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on January 25, 2010, 10:40:04 AM
New Best Show Gems out today: Tom vs. Billy Crystal (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

I love this one. That Billy Crystal/Comic Relief "jazzman" thing was truly horrible.

Yeah, it's bad ... I"m sure that the audience isn't miked very well, but I choose to think that the lack of laughter is because Billy Crystal's minstrel act is just appalling.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Matt on January 25, 2010, 10:46:33 AM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: stepheninchicago on January 25, 2010, 01:10:00 PM
The Jimmy Crespo call is one of my favorite bits ever. Hearing Tom "silently" lose it off mic is so good.

"Too Much Cocaine."

"For YOU maybe!"

"What?!"

"Yeah, What?!"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on January 25, 2010, 03:18:32 PM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.

Also, "mockingboids" ... that's like a bugs bunny imitation.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on January 25, 2010, 08:25:46 PM
"We're not spending any money today, sorry. Billy Crystal was doing this racist thing and he told us we've gotta stop the war."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: wood and iron on January 25, 2010, 11:36:08 PM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.

Is this the origin of that pronunciation i.e. "The World is in the Terlet"?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on January 25, 2010, 11:56:51 PM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.

Is this the origin of that pronunciation i.e. "The World is in the Terlet"?

It's just another great part of the American lexicon that Tom has pulled out and made us more aware of.  There was an old codger at this warehouse I worked at in Missouri that said turlet.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on January 26, 2010, 06:51:21 PM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.

Is this the origin of that pronunciation i.e. "The World is in the Terlet"?

It's just another great part of the American lexicon that Tom has pulled out and made us more aware of.  There was an old codger at this warehouse I worked at in Missouri that said turlet.

To me it's either old Delta bluesman or very, very old Brooklynese. Every now and then, my grandparents (Brooklyn-born and raised) would say an "oi" sound as an "er" sound as a joke.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Nosmokin on January 26, 2010, 07:32:47 PM
Is the No Smokin Joe Fiasco on there?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on January 26, 2010, 07:46:10 PM
By the way, Martin. AWESOME pick this week. Loved it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on January 26, 2010, 11:04:57 PM
By the way, Martin. AWESOME pick this week. Loved it.

seconded. I love when Tom goes off on something like this
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: bonnaventure on January 26, 2010, 11:54:02 PM
I like the Billy Crystal much better than the Ryan Adams or That one about the sleazey dude.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: fonpr on January 27, 2010, 12:02:20 AM
I like the Billy Crystal much better than the Ryan Adams or That one about the sleazey dude.
Gary Puckett is coming to New Port Richey.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Trembling Eagle on January 27, 2010, 07:50:42 AM
NO FOOD, NO WATER, NO TERLETS.

Is this the origin of that pronunciation i.e. "The World is in the Terlet"?

It's just another great part of the American lexicon that Tom has pulled out and made us more aware of.  There was an old codger at this warehouse I worked at in Missouri that said turlet.

 

To me it's either old Delta bluesman or very, very old Brooklynese. Every now and then, my grandparents (Brooklyn-born and raised) would say an "oi" sound as an "er" sound as a joke.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvyVD5jzMw

I love that old-timey New York talk
they need to cast michael imperioli in a remake
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Steve in North Hollywood on January 30, 2010, 03:47:25 AM
I like the Billy Crystal much better than the Ryan Adams or That one about the sleazey dude.
Gary Puckett is coming to New Port Richey.

Call the police!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on January 30, 2010, 06:57:10 AM
I like the Billy Crystal much better than the Ryan Adams or That one about the sleazey dude.
Gary Puckett is coming to New Port Richey.

Call the police!

Call the Girl Scouts!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: emma on January 31, 2010, 07:30:16 PM
The Billy Crystal rant made me want to find the show where Tom and Paul F. Tompkins read that Rolling Stone profile of Kid Rock. I used to have it as a podcast but then my computer died. Does anyone remember the date?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: gravy boat on February 01, 2010, 08:44:33 PM
Awesome Martin. Thanks. I never knew the nickname for a clarinet was simply "stick."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: moonshake on February 08, 2010, 12:33:47 PM
New Gem today! It's like an avalanche of one hilarious line after another. Non-stop funny! :D

Congratulations on an excellent pick, Martin.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: waltkellysghost on February 09, 2010, 01:25:10 PM
I like the Billy Crystal much better than the Ryan Adams or That one about the sleazey dude.

The Ryan Adams "gem" is my favorite so far. I never could stand that guy, and listening to Tom tear into his albums made me laugh out loud at my work. I'd love to hear more unfair record reviews. Since I've become a loyal listener I haven't heard any but the one replayed on gems.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 09, 2010, 01:53:01 PM
New Gem today! It's like an avalanche of one hilarious line after another. Non-stop funny! :D

Congratulations on an excellent pick, Martin.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 22, 2010, 09:58:56 AM
POWER POP POP-POP:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on February 22, 2010, 12:50:11 PM
POWER POP POP-POP:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

YES! I love those calls.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 08, 2010, 12:01:10 PM
Mid-marathon blitz!

A brand new episode of Best Show Gems is now available on iTunes and WFMU:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

Sign up for the Newbridge Neighborhood Watch today!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Harpsichord on March 09, 2010, 04:16:16 PM
Mid-marathon blitz!

A brand new episode of Best Show Gems is now available on iTunes and WFMU:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD

Sign up for the Newbridge Neighborhood Watch today!
"Newbridge Marauders"  :D

Great choice!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: moonshake on March 12, 2010, 08:09:21 AM
(GASP!) You could care less about your town? (GASP!) I can't believe you just said that.

Classic!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 12, 2010, 09:17:46 AM
Yes! The gasps are my favorite parts of that call.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: stepheninchicago on March 20, 2010, 09:48:46 PM
Martin, if I may I'd like to put in a request... the first gene simmons call where he talks about delivering Tom's eulogy.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Pidgeon on March 21, 2010, 10:10:40 PM
I don't think Tom mentioned it, but I thought the most ridiculous rip-off on that Ryan Adams album was the one that sounded like The Replacements.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 22, 2010, 10:23:31 AM
"I'll say it. You'll hear it. You'll do it. I'll get it. You'll learn it. I'll live with it. And you'll die without it."

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on March 24, 2010, 10:29:40 AM
I hadn't heard those lines in their original context. So great.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: TacoSmith on March 25, 2010, 06:29:54 PM
I was listening to this one on a plane sitting between two strangers and I was spending the whole time listening to this smirking and trying my hardest to hold back laughter. Classic.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bernard on March 25, 2010, 10:54:57 PM
I was listening to this one on a plane sitting between two strangers and I was spending the whole time listening to this smirking and trying my hardest to hold back laughter. Classic.

the same thing happened to me yesterday when i was re-listening to the billy crystal and clash BSGs.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: David on March 25, 2010, 11:01:15 PM
Thank you so much, Martin. This may be the funniest one yet. As I write this, I'm thinking of ten others that are real contenders, but man, this is just classic Best Show.

"I'll say it. You'll hear it. You'll do it. I'll get it. You'll learn it. I'll live with it. And you'll die without it."

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on April 05, 2010, 04:24:25 PM
New episode out today! It's a favorite of mine - A Call from a Poor Millionaire.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on April 19, 2010, 03:24:42 PM
In this week's Best Show Gems, Tom gets a call from his old friend Keith Schwarzendruber.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on April 19, 2010, 03:30:33 PM
I love when Tom recounts Keith's ridiculous scheme, and his response is, "You know, hearing it back from you just now...only confirms what I thought. It is foolproof!"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on April 19, 2010, 03:51:37 PM
Many JW characters have very poor impulse control coupled with a bad case of selective hearing. It's like spotting a car 15 seconds before it's going to crash into a wall.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spalding on April 20, 2010, 10:39:58 AM
In this week's Best Show Gems, Tom gets a call from his old friend Keith Schwarzendruber.

Thanks for this one, Martin. It's one of my favorites. Chock-full of memorable Wurster lines like "It's my main rock rod."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: waltkellysghost on April 20, 2010, 11:52:56 PM
You know what would be awesome? If FoT contributors came together and made a comic book starring Tom and many of Wurster's bizarre characters. Comic book style fan-fiction. Is this idea awesome enough for its own thread?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on May 31, 2010, 12:12:44 PM
Get your trivia on - it's a new BEST SHOW GEMS!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spike on June 01, 2010, 12:37:01 PM
Where's Philly Boy Toy?  
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bernard on June 01, 2010, 11:04:16 PM
Nice work on mixing the intro with the clip, Martin.  SEAMLESS!!!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: DJ Clem on June 28, 2010, 11:20:20 PM
I gotta say...I almost gave up on this week's BSG about 20 minutes in. It gets pretty tedious, but the payoff is HUGE. Like 'almost had to pull over during rush hour' huge.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on June 29, 2010, 04:40:00 PM
If I remember correctly, Mr. Willis showed up at the studio the following week and terrorized callers live on the air.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ben on June 30, 2010, 12:44:55 AM
If I remember correctly, Mr. Willis showed up at the studio the following week and terrorized callers live on the air.

That is on one of the 'lost' Best Shows from the mid fiscal year pledge drive, no?  That was great!  Poor Bruce.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on June 30, 2010, 11:25:52 AM
If I remember correctly, Mr. Willis showed up at the studio the following week and terrorized callers live on the air.

That is on one of the 'lost' Best Shows from the mid fiscal year pledge drive, no?  That was great!  Poor Bruce.

I don't think so - it's in the archives: http://www.wfmu.org/listen.ram?show=7193&archive=7005
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on June 30, 2010, 03:09:28 PM
Or you could hold out for two weeks and see what Gem comes next!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on June 30, 2010, 09:31:56 PM
I really want to know where JW was when he made that final call. Unless he was in the most remote location possible, there must've been some really freaked out neighbors/passersby.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: TacoSmith on June 30, 2010, 09:58:26 PM
I really want to know where JW was when he made that final call. Unless he was in the most remote location possible, there must've been some really freaked out neighbors/passersby.
I was thinking the same thing while listening. I thought maybe he was in his car.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 02, 2010, 05:55:09 PM
Who is JW?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on July 03, 2010, 09:49:30 AM
Who is JW?

Jimmy Webb. Why?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on July 05, 2010, 10:36:41 PM
Tom's chat with the young, 5' 2" skateboarding punk in the most recent Gems is a delight.  Their duet of SoaD's "Chop Suey" is wonderful.

"I look like a young Harry Potter."

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mahgeetah on July 06, 2010, 09:07:41 AM
Tom's chat with the young, 5' 2" skateboarding punk in the most recent Gems is a delight.  Their duet of SoaD's "Chop Suey" is wonderful.

"I look like a young Harry Potter."



That was fantastic.

"What's the funniest trick you do?"

"My tricks aren't funny."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on July 12, 2010, 05:55:37 PM
Wow. Today's Gem has to be Petey's finest hour. Fantastic. Come home, prodigal son!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on July 12, 2010, 09:15:23 PM
Wow. Today's Gem has to be Petey's finest hour. Fantastic. Come home, prodigal son!

Well said.  Magical stuff from young Petey in this audio clip.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spike on July 13, 2010, 09:34:12 AM
The REAL Bruce Willis is just as DERANGED !!!!  

 :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bryan on July 13, 2010, 09:35:56 AM
Wow. Today's Gem has to be Petey's finest hour. Fantastic. Come home, prodigal son!

Yes, I came here to say this very thing. Petey is a genius.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on July 13, 2010, 11:09:13 AM
Maybe this character should've been named Mel Gibson, amiritefolks?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on August 09, 2010, 12:51:50 PM
This week: one for the ages.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on August 09, 2010, 01:59:59 PM
Said it on FB, I love this one. This was probably one of the first handful of shows I had heard, too.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chad from Oregon on August 09, 2010, 02:24:48 PM
Such an amazing call to revisit - and a great Monday morning surprise!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on August 09, 2010, 02:46:29 PM
One of my faves.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mike_b on August 10, 2010, 10:22:45 AM
This week's call might be the funniest thing ever made.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: not that clay on August 10, 2010, 04:48:20 PM
The call was hilarious even before you got to the Big Bill Little Bill stuff. Just the way he kept jumping from topic to topic cracked me up.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on August 10, 2010, 05:00:16 PM
Next telemarketer to call me is going to have to deal with Big Eric & Little Eric.

I have noticed that many of the good citizens of Newbridge seem to have similar sounding voices. Maybe it's something in the water.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ErnieWV on August 11, 2010, 08:07:39 PM
I believe this gem was from one of the first shows I listened to and I was completely dazzled by it. Also, as an adult with ADD, Jon described perfectly the effect coffee has on me.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JustNicole on August 11, 2010, 10:13:45 PM
I just don't know how he kept it all straight in his head. I've listened to it twice now and both times it has made me laugh out loud in public. So great.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mahgeetah on August 12, 2010, 09:53:42 AM
Next telemarketer to call me is going to have to deal with Big Eric & Little Eric.

This is an awesome idea. every week I get an annoying call from the local paper, begging me to subscribe. I can't wait to introduce them to Big Jeremy, Little Jeremy, and Mr. Go-gurt.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: bonnaventure on August 13, 2010, 02:18:10 AM
Big Bill/Little Bill was during one of the first shows I listened to, and still didn't know who Wurster was. "Mr. Sherbet" had me cracking up.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: perry on September 23, 2010, 01:44:58 PM
the big bill little bill call probably had me laughing the hardest of almost any wurster call.  the thing at the end with mr. sherbert is SO funny, when he's talking about coffee having the reverse effect on him and you think it's big bill talking and then tom goes "and who said that?", "uh, mr. sherbert."  oh, and the last line is one of the best hang ups ever too.  "alright guys, let's go for a walk"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mahgeetah on October 19, 2010, 12:39:47 PM
"Those guys are like my children, you know."

"Your laminates are like your children?"

"Well, they're like my children who don't talk back or get kicked out of college for hate speech."

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on November 04, 2010, 06:56:18 PM
Question about this week's Gems- Did Tom ever end up getting to talk to Peter Tork? Sometimes when I listen to Gems I think "Gee, it was kind of cool when Tom would take calls from listeners during Wurster's calls." but listening to this week's makes me understand why he stopped doing it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on November 08, 2010, 12:17:53 PM
Question about this week's Gems- Did Tom ever end up getting to talk to Peter Tork? Sometimes when I listen to Gems I think "Gee, it was kind of cool when Tom would take calls from listeners during Wurster's calls." but listening to this week's makes me understand why he stopped doing it.

I don't think so. Based on listening to subsequent shows, I believe that caller was full of ess-hit.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: lpme on November 15, 2010, 02:24:50 PM
Yes! The Bernie Taupin call is this weeks gem.  I do a lot of courier deliveries for the office I work in and listen to podcasts while walking all over downtown.  I remember first hearing this episode and standing on the corner laughing so hard during the "Tiny Dancer" part, people were looking at me like I was some kind of maniac.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on November 16, 2010, 08:22:11 AM
Nick Lachey thinks it's Scharpling vs Wurster.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on December 13, 2010, 03:11:58 PM
Refresh your informationTunes!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Ike on December 13, 2010, 03:52:37 PM
Holy fuck, this was super, super funny. 

I have never heard this episode (must have been one I skipped in working through the archives), and this was shockingly great. 

Outloud laughing, more than once, AND some great singing by Tom. 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Pidgeon on December 13, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Bernie's singing was glorious.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on December 27, 2010, 02:58:41 PM
The new episode of BEST SHOW GEMS is all about spankathons. Newbridge super celeb Reggie Monroe calls up to talk about his participation in the hit television show 'Survivor'.

www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on December 28, 2010, 02:20:41 AM
Nice.  After the Ploppletons, the Monroes are my favorite Newbridge family.

(Phil Monroe is Reggie's brother and was "the TV star with a rock star swagger."  Phil's son was the "Drunk Driver" call.)

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on December 30, 2010, 07:46:49 PM
The new episode of BEST SHOW GEMS is all about spankathons. Newbridge super celeb Reggie Monroe calls up to talk about his participation in the hit television show 'Survivor'.

www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

"Whitewalling my hand."

For some reason I thought Reggie got kicked off of SURVIVOR for killing a guy, but I assume either I'm mistaken or the full story was revealed in another epiosde.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Denim Gremlin on January 06, 2011, 09:16:59 PM
The new episode of BEST SHOW GEMS is all about spankathons. Newbridge super celeb Reggie Monroe calls up to talk about his participation in the hit television show 'Survivor'.

www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

"Whitewalling my hand."

For some reason I thought Reggie got kicked off of SURVIVOR for killing a guy, but I assume either I'm mistaken or the full story was revealed in another epiosde.

I'm pretty sure it was just him having a pant rummage
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 10, 2011, 12:13:26 PM
There's a new episode of Best Show Gems out today. I guess

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: amiright?? on January 12, 2011, 11:21:47 AM
I thought Tom LIKED Elton John!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on January 12, 2011, 11:27:40 AM
I thought Tom LIKED Elton John!

Thus the unfair aspect of it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on January 24, 2011, 12:49:59 PM
Matthew Tompkins returns to the Shout! network:

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on January 24, 2011, 04:10:16 PM
http://shoutnetwork.co.uk/

They put on shows where I live. I figure they ripped off this name.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: stephen on January 25, 2011, 01:11:30 PM
It shouldn't matter to me at all, but Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage were not involved with Wrestlemania 14.  Wrestlemania is a WWF event and they were both in WCW at the time. 
This week's Best Show Gem is still great despite that error.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: fonpr on January 25, 2011, 01:18:36 PM
Despite the error?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on January 25, 2011, 05:10:32 PM
Despite the error?

Accuracy in all things, frederrixxxxx.

Didn't ee cummings have something to say on that subject?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on January 25, 2011, 05:32:52 PM
It shouldn't matter to me at all, but Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage were not involved with Wrestlemania 14.  Wrestlemania is a WWF event and they were both in WCW at the time. 
This week's Best Show Gem is still great despite that error.

Further, Macho and Hulk have a long standing real life non wrestling feud, going as far as Macho including a Hulk diss track on the rap album he did that came out around 2002/3. For real.

Really enjoyed the gem. I know they're good when they have me laughing when I'm walking to work
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on January 25, 2011, 06:13:05 PM
You could tell they were really feeling it on this one, language-wise. 

Also, "Vance Asimov."  I love it.

The Wrestlemania XIV line bumped me, too.  I wrote it off as Tompkins being an idiot.


Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: fonpr on January 25, 2011, 06:52:58 PM
Despite the error?

Accuracy in all things, frederrixxxxx.

Didn't ee cummings have something to say on that subject?

Humanity I love you because when you're hard up you pawn your intelligence to buy a drink.
e. e. cummings
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on January 25, 2011, 07:31:42 PM
It shouldn't matter to me at all, but Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage were not involved with Wrestlemania 14.  Wrestlemania is a WWF event and they were both in WCW at the time. 
This week's Best Show Gem is still great despite that error.

It shouldn't bother you, but I came here specifically to point that fact out so you're not alone. Wurster's music trivia is always spot on, but he don't know ess-hit about wrestling.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on January 25, 2011, 07:35:24 PM
If for some reason you want to read this Gem, here is the recap for the show in which this Gem appeared:

http://www.recidivism.org/2008/01/life_is_beautifuoco.html (http://www.recidivism.org/2008/01/life_is_beautifuoco.html)

This is also the show that featured a call from Klausner during a Broadway intermission:

"The scariest words in the English language are 'music and lyrics by Mel Brooks.' It gives me like newfound respect for the restraint of the Zucker brothers." -- Julie Klausner, lamenting the lack of musical craft on display in the regrettably DIY Young Frankenstein

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on January 26, 2011, 01:01:36 AM
Frrrreddddderrrrricccckkssss: I was thinking "he who pays attention to the syntax of things will never wholly kiss you," but your quote works, as well.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: amiright?? on January 28, 2011, 05:28:34 PM
It shouldn't matter to me at all, but Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage were not involved with Wrestlemania 14.  Wrestlemania is a WWF event and they were both in WCW at the time. 
This week's Best Show Gem is still great despite that error.

It shouldn't bother you, but I came here specifically to point that fact out so you're not alone. Wurster's music trivia is always spot on, but he don't know ess-hit about wrestling.

Not to mention his real last name is Poffo.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: gravy boat on February 14, 2011, 03:18:13 PM
I really liked the recent Gem that had Tom reminiscing about Studio 54 with an actual caller then singing along to two Belle & Sebastian songs.  At some point after Tom has sung for about three minutes, you can hear the caller in the background ask "Hey, are we still on the air?"  A great pull from the archive. Thanks.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: fish on February 15, 2011, 12:40:31 AM
I think that one also starts off with him pranking Hova.  That was a gorgeous section of show.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 21, 2011, 12:16:02 PM
Celebrate the second anniversary of Best Show Gems by listening to a brand new episode!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bernard on February 21, 2011, 12:41:53 PM
Thanks for two years of exciting clips, Martin! 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: johnintheuk on February 21, 2011, 02:17:38 PM
I'd just like to say thank you to Martin and congratulations on two years of fantastic curating/producing. Bravo!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Pidgeon on February 21, 2011, 02:18:14 PM
Good job, Martin.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Paydirt! on February 23, 2011, 06:35:25 AM
Tom making fun of Freddy the magician for using WordPad instead of Microsoft Word: the first time I've ever sided with a Newbridge man over Tom. I use Notepad but would settle for WordPad if push came to shove and I had to use some italics. If I'm writing something where I need to check the word count, I copy and paste it into Word, do the word count and then close it again. Only exception!

And yes, thank you Martin!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 21, 2011, 02:23:28 PM
"Crack a triple-album much?"

New episode of BEST SHOW GEMS out today - featuring an interview (and possibly more) with local rocker Chris Langstrom.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: daveB from Oakland on March 21, 2011, 05:06:10 PM
(http://av.r.ftdata.co.uk/marketslive/lib/img/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif) (http://av.r.ftdata.co.uk/marketslive/lib/img/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif) (http://av.r.ftdata.co.uk/marketslive/lib/img/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif) (http://av.r.ftdata.co.uk/marketslive/lib/img/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif) (http://av.r.ftdata.co.uk/marketslive/lib/img/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif)

Five Yutz-knuckles!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on March 22, 2011, 12:19:07 PM
"All the models are going to wear the finest rubies and emerils."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on March 22, 2011, 05:23:40 PM
Caller: "I needed to sow my O's"

Tom: "I'm not even going to correct you on that"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Paydirt! on March 23, 2011, 08:25:17 AM
...in which Scharpling and Wurster devote almost a quarter of an hour to low-key sadness and establishment and buildup, and the result is that there are at least six incredible jokes in the two seconds it takes for Chris' dad to yell "THE WEDNESDAY ROCKERS PLUS PAPA" at Tom almost out of nowhere. I thought I had a handle on everything they're capable of but they still amaze me.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: mike_b on March 23, 2011, 10:52:22 AM
This may be my favorite one yet. 

At least until they do Coffin Talk.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: wood and iron on March 23, 2011, 12:24:54 PM
I hadn't heard this before and so thought the twist was going to be Barry Dworkin pretending to be Chris's father.

The reality was much much funnier.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dragonchiptune on March 23, 2011, 03:57:27 PM
Another one of the Best Show "rubies and emerils"! I couldn't help laugh at Jon's singing of Yes.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on March 25, 2011, 11:49:05 AM
Best Show Gems is finally deemed Best-worthy by The AV Club (http://www.avclub.com/articles/week-of-march-1723,53641/)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on March 26, 2011, 09:59:58 PM
Kind of a funny coincidence that this week's Gem and this week's Best Show had calls that were sort of based on the same themes.

I've also noticed that ever since the Gem featuring Reggie Monroe that Reggie has been mentioned pretty frequently by his fellow Newbridgians.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on April 04, 2011, 10:42:16 PM
Amazing selection this week, Martin. Were I insane enough to try and compile a top ten favorite call list, this would almost certainly be included.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on April 05, 2011, 03:36:05 PM
I felt like this call coulda gone in a few different directions, like Jon was throwing a few things out and seeing which way Tom went with it. It was a good one.

i just noted in another thread that the podcast intro has the old start time on. I say this to try to be helpful, not pedantic.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on April 06, 2011, 01:38:17 AM
i just noted in another thread that the podcast intro has the old start time on. I say this to try to be helpful, not pedantic.

We are aware of this. We are working on it.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ben on May 02, 2011, 06:08:13 PM
I hadn't heard this weeks Best Show Gem even though I thought I have listened to every archive.  After looking at the Newbridgctionary I now know why.  Great that you had access to it and thanks for picking it!  It's a really good one (as always). 
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on May 02, 2011, 10:09:01 PM
I hadn't heard this weeks Best Show Gem even though I thought I have listened to every archive.  After looking at the Newbridgctionary I now know why.  Great that you had access to it and thanks for picking it!  It's a really good one (as always).

If you want to read about all the other stuff that went down in this non-archived program, you can do just that right here:

http://www.recidivism.org/2006/07/fever_pitch.html (http://www.recidivism.org/2006/07/fever_pitch.html)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: emma on May 03, 2011, 01:17:20 AM
AWESOME. I had totally forgotten about this call but it is so so so good. Thank you for doing what you do, Martin & co.!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on May 16, 2011, 03:56:06 PM
The very first call from everybody's favorite barbershop ambassador Zachary Brimstead, Esq. is this week's Gem:

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Christina on May 16, 2011, 05:58:22 PM
Caller: "Hey Barber Shop guy, you know any Black Sabbath?"

ZB:
"I'M FINISHED WITH MY WOMAN CAUSE SHE COULDN'T HELP ME WITH MY MIND/PEEEEOPLE THINK I'M INSANE BECAUSE I AM FROWNING ALL THE TOOOOOLLLLLLLLLMMMMMMMMMM"

Caller: "Why'd you stop?"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on May 16, 2011, 06:30:53 PM
"Hold"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: moonshake on May 16, 2011, 08:30:52 PM
"B is for the Bravery you've given us
U is for Unanimous victory
S is for the Strength which you rule with
H is for forgotten memories

BUSH, BUSH, America's greatest president
BUSH, BUSH, the best we've ever had."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on May 16, 2011, 08:37:32 PM
Mmm
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on May 16, 2011, 10:11:04 PM
Let's do Locomotive Breath! "In the shuffling madness..."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on May 17, 2011, 10:17:32 AM
I love the mmm, sound, Very Marvin the Martian-y.

"barbershop loverrrrr! please come on overrrrr! barbershop loverrrrrrr! bring your dog Roverrrrrrr!"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on May 17, 2011, 11:01:08 AM
The "hold" thing kills me.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: put_it_away on May 17, 2011, 11:49:20 AM
I really miss callers interacting with the Wurster calls.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: scratchbomb on May 17, 2011, 12:12:07 PM
I really miss callers interacting with the Wurster calls.

Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure someone will), but I remember hearing an interview with Tom and Jon (on Sound of Young America, I think), and they said something to the effect of, they stopped doing this because it always had the potential to derail the "bit". And on some of the early shows, it does happen now and then; one bad caller can take the wind out of their sails a bit.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spike on May 17, 2011, 12:15:28 PM
"B is for the Bravery you've given us
U is for Unanimous victory
S is for the Strength which you rule with
H is for forgotten memories

BUSH, BUSH, America's greatest president
BUSH, BUSH, the best we've ever had."

I DON'T THINK SO!!!!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Greggulator on May 17, 2011, 01:04:06 PM
I really miss callers interacting with the Wurster calls.

Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure someone will), but I remember hearing an interview with Tom and Jon (on Sound of Young America, I think), and they said something to the effect of, they stopped doing this because it always had the potential to derail the "bit". And on some of the early shows, it does happen now and then; one bad caller can take the wind out of their sails a bit.

That makes a ton of sense. It's kind of the same theory as to how a lot of stand-ups deal with hecklers -- if you give them the power as to how the direction of the set is going, you run the risk of not being able to bring it back. But if you can reel it back in after having it nearly spin off-the-rails -- I think that's the absolute best thing to see in comedy.

The Zachary call came close to derailing when the irate guy called in and said he was actually in a barbershop band. Thankfully, Zachary's pompous attitude about giving barbershop a badly needed enema was insulting enough to have the guy get flustered as opposed to quiz him on arcane barbershop factoids.

I'd be curious to see how interactions w/ one of Jon's calls would work now. There's enough people who completely understand the concept of buying into a bit (like the Wally/Fredericks stuff from a few weeks back) that there could be some good material. Of course, there are also a few people every show who try to be too-cool-for-school who would just try and ruin it.

The "hold" stuff is absolutely brilliant. It's so condescending. A lot of the calls remind me of pro wrestling bits. They go deeper than Jon playing a character and Tom being the straight-man. A lot of Jon's characters are essentially jerks who you'd like to see get some kind of comeuppance, with the payoff a lot of times being the character threatening Tom's life before hanging up. It's like when the wrestling heel starts crap with the hero/face, gets humiliated somehow and cowardly leaves but not before fulfilling some bizarre need to get the very last word in.

The best thing in the Zachary call was when they finally got a caller to sing a duet. I could just picture how giddy they must have been when someone bought in to what they were going for.

This is one of my favorite things ever recorded, BTW. I laughed non-stop.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on May 17, 2011, 02:35:55 PM
Hmmmmm.... "ZB" is my favorite Wurster voice so I'm overjoyed to see this one up as a Gem.

My favorite ZB call, though, is the one from "The Best You Can Do is Be Better than the Best Show" giveaway.  It's the call where ZB won't stop saying "nigga please" and explains how he will be winched up to the rafters naked during the performance of "Barbershop Eros."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on May 17, 2011, 04:25:11 PM
Hmmmmm.... "ZB" is my favorite Wurster voice so I'm overjoyed to see this one up as a Gem.

My favorite ZB call, though, is the one from "The Best You Can Do is Be Better than the Best Show" giveaway.  It's the call where ZB won't stop saying "nigga please" and explains how he will be winched up to the rafters naked during the performance of "Barbershop Eros."

This call is the source of one of my very favorite JW quotes: "You don't judge me, I judge you....into the grave."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: fish on May 17, 2011, 08:04:32 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong (and I'm sure someone will)

I think that was from the AST Radio interview. *internet snoot*
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on May 17, 2011, 08:07:43 PM
The beautiful thing about ZB is how because he's such a funny voice (who uses funny language and words -- carriage, cumberbund, girth, eros, elixir), his calls always seem to start in fifth gear and go from there.

I adore how S&W is the comedy of slow-burn and characterization, but every once in a while I want to listen to 20-30 minutes of kick-ass jokes right out of the gates.  I feel like all the ZB calls deliver on this. Similarly, the Ron Scharpling call from late December immediately starts with the jokes and the (fake) anger flying and that's why it, too, is one of my favorites.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Paul DeLouisiana on May 17, 2011, 08:31:27 PM
I never laughed so hard at a S&W bit as when ZB uses the n-word. Part of me thinks even Tom didn't know that was coming.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on May 17, 2011, 10:36:20 PM
I got to talk briefly to Tom's "psychiatrist" briefly a couple of  years back.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on May 18, 2011, 10:22:34 PM

I'd be curious to see how interactions w/ one of Jon's calls would work now. There's enough people who completely understand the concept of buying into a bit (like the Wally/Fredericks stuff from a few weeks back) that there could be some good material. Of course, there are also a few people every show who try to be too-cool-for-school who would just try and ruin it.

The "hold" stuff is absolutely brilliant. It's so condescending. A lot of the calls remind me of pro wrestling bits. They go deeper than Jon playing a character and Tom being the straight-man. A lot of Jon's characters are essentially jerks who you'd like to see get some kind of comeuppance, with the payoff a lot of times being the character threatening Tom's life before hanging up. It's like when the wrestling heel starts crap with the hero/face, gets humiliated somehow and cowardly leaves but not before fulfilling some bizarre need to get the very last word in.


I think there might be too many people out there intent on breaking kayfabe to take listener calls during a Wurster call. There's just a certain type of person who couldn't resist calling in to ask about the new Superchunk album or calling in just to say "This is fake." Even in the Zachery call... I know it was early in the show's run, but I can't believe anyone who was listening wouldn't have caught on that it was a comedy bit. This call especially was hardly subtle in it's humor. Not sure it'd be worth potentially ruining a bit by taking calls from whoever can get through.

Another trait Wurster adapts from typical wrestling heels- no matter how ridiculous his scheme and no matter how horribly he acts he always is firmly convinced he's in the right and when his plans fall through he is always right there to point the finger at someone else.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: masterofsparks on May 19, 2011, 08:06:39 AM
They have taken calls with Wurster characters as recently as a couple of years ago. I remember because one of the last times I called (which has probably been 2 or 3 years ago), I was on the line with both Paul F. Tompkins and Philly Boy Roy, both of whom were live in the studio.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Jason from Huntsville, AL on May 19, 2011, 09:17:18 AM
They have taken calls with Wurster characters as recently as a couple of years ago. I remember because one of the last times I called (which has probably been 2 or 3 years ago), I was on the line with both Paul F. Tompkins and Philly Boy Roy, both of whom were live in the studio.

The first time I ever called the Best Show proper was when John Hodgman, Ted Leo & Karl the repairman were in the studio. Kind of hard to get around having callers and JW's in-studio appearances overlap unless he doesn't stay long.

Even though some of those early interactions with callers were funny, I think the S&W magic works best with just the two of them. The call during the episode where Aziz, J-Loko & H-Man were in-studio was, I think, thrown off by being punctuated by their laughter (which I don't blame them for...it was funny.) It gave it almost "Morning Zoo" feel.

That slow-burn happens best in a hermetically sealed environment.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: gravy boat on May 19, 2011, 01:52:23 PM
It is kind of hard now unfortunately but I think my favorite call of all time is from 11/29/05 [Best Show Gem: January 11, 2010]  when a 13-year-old  named Mac, who is talking about Aerosmith and a music encyclopedia book, gets a call from Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith. Mac thinks Crespo is a fake caller but Crespo's knowledge of Aerosmith kind of turns him around.  If you have not listened, go the archives--Mac's call starts around 1:40.

Highlights:

Mac:   How many units did Aerosmith sell?
Jimmy:  Units? Who are you, Clive Davis

-----

Jimmy: How many pull-ups can you do?

------------

Jimmy: Mac is a stupid name.

------------
Mac:   ...too much cocaine.
Jimmy:  For you maybe.
Mac:     What?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Chris L on May 19, 2011, 02:04:35 PM
It is kind of hard now unfortunately but I think my favorite call of all time is from 11/29/05  when a 13-year-old  named Mac, who is talking about Aerosmith and a music encyclopedia book, gets a call from Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith. Mac thinks Crespo is a fake caller but Crespo's knowledge of Aerosmith kind of turns him around.  If you have not listened, go the archives--Mac's call starts around 1:40.

Highlights:

Mac:   How many units did Aerosmith sell?
Jimmy:  Units? Who are you, Clive Davis

-----

Jimmy: How many pull-ups can you do?

------------

Jimmy: Mac is a stupid name.

------------
Mac:   ...too much cocaine.
Jimmy:  For you maybe.
Mac:     What?


This call had its own Best Show Gem: January 11, 2010
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: gravy boat on May 19, 2011, 02:41:11 PM
It is kind of hard now unfortunately but I think my favorite call of all time is from 11/29/05  when a 13-year-old  named Mac, who is talking about Aerosmith and a music encyclopedia book, gets a call from Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith. Mac thinks Crespo is a fake caller but Crespo's knowledge of Aerosmith kind of turns him around.  If you have not listened, go the archives--Mac's call starts around 1:40.

Highlights:

Mac:   How many units did Aerosmith sell?
Jimmy:  Units? Who are you, Clive Davis

-----

Jimmy: How many pull-ups can you do?

------------

Jimmy: Mac is a stupid name.

------------
Mac:   ...too much cocaine.
Jimmy:  For you maybe.
Mac:     What?


This call had its own Best Show Gem: January 11, 2010

Ahh, thanks.  And I listened to that Gem which probably explains why I still like it so much.  Martin is doing good things.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on May 20, 2011, 04:54:34 AM

The "hold" stuff is absolutely brilliant. It's so condescending. A lot of the calls remind me of pro wrestling bits. They go deeper than Jon playing a character and Tom being the straight-man. A lot of Jon's characters are essentially jerks who you'd like to see get some kind of comeuppance, with the payoff a lot of times being the character threatening Tom's life before hanging up. It's like when the wrestling heel starts crap with the hero/face, gets humiliated somehow and cowardly leaves but not before fulfilling some bizarre need to get the very last word in.
top.

Yes, Gregg, yes. I have thought that before.

There's a quote from (I think) Michael Hayes in one of Mick Foley's books about advice he gave to Mick on the art of being an effective heel that goes something like "the heel must absolutely believe in what he's saying, no matter how ridiculous or over the top it is" (forgive the vagaries of my memory, it's something like that) which I've often thought back to on some of the Wurster characters.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on May 30, 2011, 04:06:05 PM
New Gem up today - a call from Tom's big brother Dom:

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

Now you can "like" Best Show Gems on Facebook! Do it:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on June 01, 2011, 01:49:17 PM
Love the Dom call.  In fact, all Tom family calls are great.  They broaden "Newbridge Tom" and we often learn that he's not a morally perfect straight man. Sometimes he screws up and does the wrong thing.

Thanks for putting this one up in easily-to-download Gem-form.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on June 01, 2011, 05:04:33 PM
Love the Dom call.  In fact, all Tom family calls are great.  They broaden "Newbridge Tom" and we often learn that he's not a morally perfect straight man. Sometimes he screws up and does the wrong thing.

Thanks for putting this one up in easily-to-download Gem-form.


I know what you mean.  When I heard Tom wore sunglasses in spite of his father's teachings I was taken aback.  Though not, perhaps, as taken aback as those people in McCarren Park.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on July 11, 2011, 11:15:48 AM
HAMMERHEAD:

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

And don't forget to "like" Best Show Gems on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Steeley Chris on July 11, 2011, 11:24:38 AM
HAMMERHEAD:

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

And don't forget to "like" Best Show Gems on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-Show-Gems/167457079981562)
NO WEAK PITS!!!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Greggulator on July 11, 2011, 03:07:22 PM
Hammerhead completely rules in every way possible.

I still remember the "joy" of going to some meathead hardcore show with my friends in Jersey somewhere (most like with some combination of H20, Madball, 25 Ta Life, Floorpunch or whatever) while wearing an It's A Shame About Ray T-Shirt. I didn't catch the beating Tom did but it was still really awkward. And I also loved witnessing the dumb brawls between various geographic regions.

I really wonder what all of those kids are doing now. Probably "plastics" lobbyists or the like.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on September 05, 2011, 07:51:05 PM
Today's gem is from the show in which I made my very first call! Not to brag, but 100% of my calls have resulted in Best Show Award nominations.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on September 06, 2011, 04:36:00 PM
This call has always made me wonder: Where was JW when he made it?  Was he at his house? A hotel? In a car?  Could others hear the air horn? 

And if JW was at his house, does he live deep in the North Carolina woods or something? 

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on September 06, 2011, 05:41:22 PM
Lots are bigger in most of NC than in the Northeast.  You can do pretty much anything and not get caught disturb the neighbors.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Kris K on September 06, 2011, 06:17:55 PM
Really liked this call a lot. Particularly the description of the facial hair over his jowls as: “A dying, albino Chipmunk torso hanging off my chin.”
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on September 28, 2011, 05:28:40 PM
Hey! Why is the football speech cut out of the Seth Galifianakis Gem???  1)Did I fall asleep and miss it? 2)Was he on the show more than once? 3)Was it because they mined that material for Due Date?

I was so looking forward to hearing and playing for the missus.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on September 29, 2011, 02:00:26 AM
A lot of stuff was cut out from the Seth Gem, strictly for time. Mostly listener calls. He was there for I would say almost half the show. I had to trim it down, and it's still pretty long for a Gem.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: AllSussedOut on September 29, 2011, 09:53:16 AM
Just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work, Martin.  These are always a treat.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on September 29, 2011, 01:45:12 PM
A lot of stuff was cut out from the Seth Gem, strictly for time. Mostly listener calls. He was there for I would say almost half the show. I had to trim it down, and it's still pretty long for a Gem.

I see.  Great job.  It was long for a Gem, but I don't think you'd get any complaints on that.  If only the episode was archived somewhere where I could listen to the whole thing, huh?

Also, in my heaven, Seth Galifianakis saying "octopus" plays on a continuous loop.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: bakersfieldchimp on October 31, 2011, 10:56:43 AM
The new Gem has the thing that turned me into a Best Show fan-- Dick Francis' "The Horse That Went Away... To The Other Side".
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on December 26, 2011, 10:22:50 AM
It's a Best Show Gems Holiday Extravagonza!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: ben on December 26, 2011, 07:56:12 PM
Great job!  Because of the holiday I wasn't expecting one to be up today, and was happy to see there was.  It might be my favorite yet, I've already listened to it a few times today.  Thanks for all your work assembling it!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Meagan on December 26, 2011, 09:20:16 PM
Seconded! Really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Mr. Spacely on December 27, 2011, 12:01:12 PM
Zeff Marshack!  Or is it Zeph?  Either way, thanks for this one, Martin.

I also loved hearing the Ted Leo cover of the Dworkin classic. I'd only ever heard it before on YouTube.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on December 27, 2011, 12:18:38 PM
Zeff Marshack!  Or is it Zeph?  Either way, thanks for this one, Martin.

I also loved hearing the Ted Leo cover of the Dworkin classic. I'd only ever heard it before on YouTube.


Zeph Marshack, born of the Poster Children FOTwa.  Not "The Poster Children", though, never call them that.

Zeph called in three times (http://buffcoat.blogspot.com (http://buffcoat.blogspot.com)) and is my favorite Newbridge-related caller of all time.  He spanks rhinos at the zoo in West Columbia.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: yesno on December 27, 2011, 01:56:19 PM
Excellent episode.  Thank you for the work you put into this, Martin.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Vic 4 on December 27, 2011, 02:39:35 PM
Loved the tweaked format of the latest episode.  It's a great one for potential FOTs to start with.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Boogdish on December 27, 2011, 05:19:43 PM
Because so many Wurster calls are the length of 2xLPs, a lot of the 7" length calls get forgotten about, this week's episode was like a nice little mixtape of those.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Hugman 3.0 on January 01, 2012, 01:53:34 PM
Great job, Martin!  If you have the time, desire, and energy to do more clip shows I would certainly be into it.  I'm sure at least two or three other people would be, too.

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: sharktopus on January 21, 2012, 08:42:48 AM
Martin, Keep up the amazing work! You are a best show treasure.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Spalding on February 12, 2012, 05:22:27 PM
Feb 6th episode of Gems: 

My favorite Marky Ramone call. Where else are you going to get Clem Burke jokes?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Brandon0476 on February 15, 2012, 10:03:47 AM
The best thing about that call is real it feels. If I didn't know it was Jon, I could seriously buy that it was really Marky Ramone. The first half where he's talking about/reading his erotic novel is priceless and something only the Best Show could do.

Martin, I don't know if you take requests for gems, but i would love to have the bit where Tom and Jon are talking about Obama's rock band that plays Fugazi.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on February 15, 2012, 10:53:37 AM
Thanks guys!

Suggestions are always welcome (the more specific the better, ie dates and stuff). They may not happen toute-suite, but I assure you I take all suggestions under consideration. Some might be too long or too old or too new, but I welcome all.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: nowah on February 20, 2012, 11:16:48 PM
I rewound it four or five times and CANNOT stop hearing an f-bomb at 15:34 of the BJ Bryson call.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on February 21, 2012, 06:22:21 AM
I rewound it four or five times and CANNOT stop hearing an f-bomb at 15:34 of the BJ Bryson call.

I thought that too but I'm certain it was actually "suckers"
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on February 21, 2012, 07:54:10 PM
I rewound it four or five times and CANNOT stop hearing an f-bomb at 15:34 of the BJ Bryson call.

I thought that too but I'm certain it was actually "suckers"

I had to rewind it to make sure, but I'm pretty sure it was "suckers."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Kris K on March 09, 2012, 11:03:44 PM
Thank you Martin for making this Rick Remington call a Best Show Gem. "Is the Basketball-Cake Guy dead yet?" kills me every time.
Title: Vance and Gary clip show
Post by: not that clay on April 16, 2012, 11:57:14 PM
"An Introduction to Vance and Gary the Squirrel" clip show would be really fun.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on April 17, 2012, 05:22:36 AM
Too soon for that surely?

Martin - still taking requests? Are there any more Matthew Tompkins calls to dig out. it's been too long since i heard about the Van Morrison Variety Two Hour
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on April 17, 2012, 08:12:35 PM
It is kind of hard now unfortunately but I think my favorite call of all time is from 11/29/05 [Best Show Gem: January 11, 2010]  when a 13-year-old  named Mac, who is talking about Aerosmith and a music encyclopedia book, gets a call from Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith. Mac thinks Crespo is a fake caller but Crespo's knowledge of Aerosmith kind of turns him around.  If you have not listened, go the archives--Mac's call starts around 1:40.

Highlights:

Mac:   How many units did Aerosmith sell?
Jimmy:  Units? Who are you, Clive Davis

-----

Jimmy: How many pull-ups can you do?

------------

Jimmy: Mac is a stupid name.

------------
Mac:   ...too much cocaine.
Jimmy:  For you maybe.
Mac:     What?

DANIEL BUGS-A-PAN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Encyclopedia-Wave-Daniel-Bukszpan/dp/1402784724 (http://www.amazon.com/The-Encyclopedia-Wave-Daniel-Bukszpan/dp/1402784724)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Purple Aki on October 22, 2012, 08:15:15 PM
Is there any way to get the episodes before those available in iTunes onto your mp3 player? Are they available for download anywhere?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: nrt4 on October 29, 2012, 01:04:32 PM
The new Gems is the 2008 Mayubanatorial Debate. One of the best of the best! I love when Tom and JW are in the studio together.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Epic Soundtracks on October 30, 2012, 06:50:34 AM
I listened to that debate while high during the hurricane, and I am still blown away...
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on November 02, 2012, 08:44:22 PM
The new Gems is the 2008 Mayubanatorial Debate. One of the best of the best! I love when Tom and JW are in the studio together.

That was classic. People who knock Wurster for always doing one voice need to listen to this one. While it's true that most of the citizens of Newbridge have the distinctive Newbridge accent (which coincidentally sounds just like the drummer from Superchunk's natural speaking voice) the guy has range when he needs it. And even going back and forth between characters and bringing in Bryce even though he "wasn't there." A true tour de force.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Drew D on November 02, 2012, 08:48:29 PM
In honor of the upcoming election in a  few days, listening to the Debate tonight.  So amazing...Newbridge is such a vibrant political city!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on November 02, 2012, 10:07:44 PM
In honor of the upcoming election in a  few days, listening to the Debate tonight.  So amazing...Newbridge is such a vibrant political city!

I admire the way they have embraced third party candidates. People say Newbridge is a fantasy land, but the mayorubitorial debate had more candidates than Snow White had dwarves. When Roy told that joke it just killed me.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: TheyGotEmma on November 02, 2012, 11:35:07 PM
The mayubenatorial debate was crazy. I am in awe. I especially loved the "balance buddies" and how fast JW switched between voices. HOW?!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on November 03, 2012, 12:43:16 AM
People say Newbridge is a fontasy land


Fixed!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on November 03, 2012, 12:46:45 AM
Speaking of that, my favorite use of "fontasy" is (maybe) the first time it appears.  It's one of the first Gene Simmons calls, and Tom makes Gene say "fontasy" 6 or 7 times until Gene starts to lose it and can hardly say it anymore.


If only someone kept track of the Newbridge calls, I could figure out when it was.


Ha.  12-07-04. 

Also, "Oh right, Ace Frehley.  We did have a guy named Ace in the band."
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: nowah on November 03, 2012, 02:15:06 AM
The new Gems is the 2008 Mayubanatorial Debate. One of the best of the best! I love when Tom and JW are in the studio together.

That was classic. People who knock Wurster for always doing one voice need to listen to this one. While it's true that most of the citizens of Newbridge have the distinctive Newbridge accent (which coincidentally sounds just like the drummer from Superchunk's natural speaking voice) the guy has range when he needs it. And even going back and forth between characters and bringing in Bryce even though he "wasn't there." A true tour de force.
This and Little Bill/Big Bill are all anyone should need to hear to get over the voice complaint. The first appearance of Bryce in the debate is a highlight, but my favorite is Zachary Brimstead repeatedly speaking for Philly Boy Roy. And let's hear it for AP Mike!
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: dave from knoxville on November 03, 2012, 10:11:09 AM
It's my favorite episode. So far.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Purple Aki on November 03, 2012, 06:21:28 PM
Is there any way to get the episodes before those available in iTunes onto your mp3 player? Are they available for download anywhere?

Anyone?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Epic Soundtracks on November 03, 2012, 10:03:56 PM
It would be great if there was a torrent semi-approved by TS that would include all the early broadcasts
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Martin on July 09, 2013, 05:56:43 AM
B U M P

Hey everybody, the latest episode of Best Show Gems, which was unleashed upon the world yesterday, is one of the weirdest yet, and a true fan-favorite: professional sound engineer Rick Spangler shows up (uninvited) in the studio one night and eventually starts to list all the things he thinks suck. (It's a long list.)

I know most people here are on board with the Gems podcast already, but if you aren't, here's a reminder that it exists. Enjoy!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Josh on July 09, 2013, 04:08:06 PM
B U M P

Hey everybody, the latest episode of Best Show Gems, which was unleashed upon the world yesterday, is one of the weirdest yet, and a true fan-favorite: professional sound engineer Rick Spangler shows up (uninvited) in the studio one night and eventually starts to list all the things he thinks suck. (It's a long list.)

I know most people here are on board with the Gems podcast already, but if you aren't, here's a reminder that it exists. Enjoy!

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

Impossible to overstate how awesome this one is.

http://friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,7109.msg157074.html#msg157074 (http://friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,7109.msg157074.html#msg157074)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: AllSussedOut on July 11, 2013, 09:38:52 AM
Rick has a tough time getting all the way through that list.

He didn't mention it, but I'm sure there was a mouse wearing a cape in the studio.  Which Rick saw 5-10 times, maybe?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on July 13, 2013, 09:09:14 PM
Rick has a tough time getting all the way through that list.

He didn't mention it, but I'm sure there was a mouse wearing a cape in the studio.  Which Rick saw 5-10 times, maybe?

Don't make excuses. There's no need for Rick to be ashamed of his pollen allergy. It was really kicking in at some points.

Didn't Rick also call in  a few week's later with a similar list of his "______ Rules" songs?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: justinmh05 on August 05, 2013, 02:39:45 PM
This week's Gem is great and Wurster's first call is maybe one of the funniest things I've ever heard.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bridgey on August 06, 2013, 01:00:44 PM
This week's Gem is great and Wurster's first call is maybe one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

Aww man, I think the second call edged it. Wurster's creepy old man voice and the death threats at the end.

Was that H. Jon Benjamin as Chip/Ken at the start?

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on August 06, 2013, 03:05:56 PM
Andrew Earles. He also calls in, in the early stages of the show, as Tom's brother's sort-of friend Kevin, Skag Winesack, the hardboiled detective, and the Depressed Office Worker, among others.  You're in for multiple treats with those calls.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Omar on August 06, 2013, 09:08:12 PM
Andrew Earles. He also calls in, in the early stages of the show, as Tom's brother's sort-of friend Kevin, Skag Winesack, the hardboiled detective, and the Depressed Office Worker, among others.  You're in for multiple treats with those calls.

Let's not forget ANGRY MR. BUNGLE FAN.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: CSW on August 22, 2013, 02:14:24 PM
In respect of this weeks Gem, a question for Omar or Martin:

Is this the first time the final season/final episode of Archie Bunker's Place comes up?

My memory is not great. I think there was a separate discussion of the final episode of All In The Family which was maybe before this?

Anyone got a clear timeline on this?
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Eric Fishlegs on August 22, 2013, 07:59:35 PM
In respect of this weeks Gem, a question for Omar or Martin:

Is this the first time the final season/final episode of Archie Bunker's Place comes up?

My memory is not great. I think there was a separate discussion of the final episode of All In The Family which was maybe before this?

Anyone got a clear timeline on this?

I'm pretty sure this was the first mention.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: weirdo magnet on August 30, 2013, 10:47:23 AM
I will forever pronounce "mozzarella" in a full Italian accent from now on.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: justinmh05 on August 30, 2013, 01:17:17 PM
I will forever pronounce "mozzarella" in a full Italian accent from now on.

I now do the same with "cos-mooz".
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Bridgey on October 28, 2013, 01:01:55 PM
Yes! The Pout Hallowe'en special!

(Though, how come Party for Peace was omitted from the Gem?)

Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on October 28, 2013, 02:02:52 PM
Yes! The Pout Hallowe'en special!

(Though, how come Party for Peace was omitted from the Gem?)

The Creature is extremely litigious.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: erg79 on November 07, 2013, 10:04:46 PM
Just listened to the Jeep Cherokee Wilson call. "That's my harpoon...glistening in the moonlight." I was crying.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Andrew F on November 08, 2013, 05:42:38 AM
Just listened to the Jeep Cherokee Wilson call. "That's my harpoon...glistening in the moonlight." I was crying.

I was too, that was such a good one.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: JesseFromVegas on November 11, 2013, 01:41:55 PM
This new one with the Mike Sajack call is amazing
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Benevenstanciano on November 14, 2013, 12:52:40 AM
Does anyone know how it would be possible to put older BSGs on an ipod and such? I've noticed that itunes only keeps the last 50 or so.
It is entirely possible that I am just a dummy.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Epic Soundtracks on November 14, 2013, 08:56:07 AM
Does anyone know how it would be possible to put older BSGs on an ipod and such? I've noticed that itunes only keeps the last 50 or so.
It is entirely possible that I am just a dummy.

We're all champing at the bit to get the older episodes, sounds like wheels are in motion per other threads... 8)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: Benevenstanciano on November 15, 2013, 12:07:57 AM
Aw radical, thanks!

My helmet is definitely ON for that.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: BadGuyZero on November 15, 2013, 08:17:09 PM
Does anyone know how it would be possible to put older BSGs on an ipod and such? I've noticed that itunes only keeps the last 50 or so.
It is entirely possible that I am just a dummy.

Download the mp3s from the archive and import them into iTunes.

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: puncturedjesus on December 15, 2013, 11:47:05 PM
Does anyone know how it would be possible to put older BSGs on an ipod and such? I've noticed that itunes only keeps the last 50 or so.
It is entirely possible that I am just a dummy.

Download the mp3s from the archive and import them into iTunes.

http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://wfmu.org/playlists/BD)

Maybe I'm the dummy here, but are those actual downloads? Everything I download is the same exact file size, they don't show up on iTunes except on an 'internet songs' playlist, and I'm incapable of synching them to my device.

Can anyone help me out here? I love the fact that everything is free and streaming but I mainly listen to podcasts on the go...
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: buffcoat on December 16, 2013, 11:50:26 AM
No. The best way is to do it through iTunes.  You can also point a newsreader here: http://wfmu.org/podcast/BD.xml (http://wfmu.org/podcast/BD.xml) to get links.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: puncturedjesus on December 17, 2013, 01:46:45 AM
I guess I should have clarified a bit. I have had my ipod set up to automatically download Best Show Gems... there are just some in the archives I haven't heard yet that aren't available through iTunes. I've also been thinking about delving into the Best Show proper but again, I usually listen to podcasts on the go.

I really don't want to come off like I'm complaining about a free service. I just am curious if there is anyone who can help me out.
Title: Re: Best Show Gems
Post by: aznmom420 on December 17, 2013, 03:32:38 PM
Here's how I export streams to mp3s:

1. Go to wfmu.org/playlists/Bs for full episodes of the show, or go to http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD (http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/BD) for the gems.
2. Right click the link to the .mp3 or the RealAudio file you want to listen to
3. Download the file to your drive
4. Open the file in VLC
5. Go to File>Streaming/Exporting Wizard in VLC
6. Export to mp3
7. Put the mp3 on your iPod

If anybody has a better solution I'd like to hear it, but this (above) has always worked for me.

I love VLC.