Blogging about podcasts? How futurist!

The next few days I will be taking a stab at blogging about podcasts. Its strange to say that if only because a few years ago, neither word existed. Then, I guess the future is now, so lets bask in the blips and bloops of new media. But how does one blog about a podcast? What is there to say about those amateur fanboy conversations about videogames or comicbooks that we cant just rant about on some message board somewhere? What is there to say about those news segments and talk shows, now conveniently downloaded to our portable mp3 player?

(okay, so we all know everyone uses an iPod...no one calls these things RioCasts or Rivercasts... Here is the obligatory stock photo of an iPod. )

Anyway, I think a lot can be said. Hopefully this blog will shed some light about not the phenomenon OF podcasts and how great and new and exciting and futuristic they are, but about the issues, stories and conversations INSIDE them. As a member of the NPR podcasting group, I listen to a lot of these buggers. Most of my working day is set to a soundtrack of NPR and public radio podcast segments, but also a lot of outsider podcasts. I have my favourites and perhaps this will be a good place to introduce people to some of the better podcasts out there and talk about whats so great about a particular episode.

Today I will start things off with one of my favourite shows, Soundcheck from WNYC in New York City. This daily radio show is basically a music version of Talk of the Nation. Its host, John Shaefer invites guests and call in listeners to discuss a variety of topics about all things music. But while most music journalism borders on self congratulation and snarky criticism and hating, Shaefer is actually able to talk about the music, the musicians and history with a sense of reference and depth of analysis.

This morning on my commute, I listened to a podcast from June 26th, which features music journalist Ashley Kahn as he discusses the topic of his new book, Impulse! Records. Its an interesting history of a once top tier jazz label, made most famous in the 1960s and 70s with masterpieces from legends Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. I am quite familiar with Impulse myself, as I own practically EVERY Coltrane record, including my favourite, A Love Supreme. This might be in my top 5 jazz records list of all time-- it is perfect.

Well I recommend you check out this podcast and I will write periodically about more that I come across. Feel free to let us know which podcasts you listen to.