Chris Orcutt

7
Feb. 19, 2022

The story behind the song | Lord Loves a Workin' Man

This "behind the song" episode is all about another SPITBALL classic, Lord Loves a Working' Man. Marco talks with SPITBALL's rhythm section - Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass) about the origins of this lurid, muscular instrumental and ask the big questions, like "is this a rockabilly song?" We also talk about the joys of playing at The Continental, and some of our most loyal (and fascinating) fans.The big announcement is also revealed - the remaining members of Spitball will sell and distribute a CD and digital tracks from the LOHO sessions, after carefully mastering it. All proceeds will go to a charity in Molly's name. We'll keep you updated about the progress of this project in future episodes.This episode includes a never-heard before recording from a CBGB's show as well as the LOHO version.
6
Feb. 2, 2022

The story behind the song | Use Me

This "behind the song" episode is all about SPITBALL's cover of Bill Wither's Use Me (often called Use Me Up by mistake). Marco talks with SPITBALL's "engine room" - Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass) about what makes a great rhythm section and what makes a bad one. We ramble about the pains of aggressive self-promotion, and about that other Fab Four that Peter Jackson made a documentary about.This episode includes a never-heard before recording from a CBGB's show.
5
Jan. 20, 2022

The story behind the song | Ska'd for Life

This "behind the song" episode is all about a SPITBALL classic, Ska'd for Life. This is the first time our listeners will hear both a live CBGBs version as well as a studio version of the track, made at LOHO Studios. Loho has recorded music for artists such as Ryan Adams, Blues Traveler, Rosanne Cash, The Heroine Sheiks, The Everly Brothers, Art Garfunkel, John Mayer, O.A.R., Lindsay Lohan, Joan Jett, Speedsters and Dopers, Gina Gershon, Yo La Tengo, Billy Squier, Patti Smith, Phish, and Joey Ramone.NOTE: This will be the last episode that includes Molly's answers - the next ones will turn a new page in the story of this informal reunion, with Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass) and some surprise guests.
4
Jan. 5, 2022

The story behind the song | Hairdryer + Home Cookin'

SERIES UPDATE: We some terribly sad news to share with our listeners. SPITBALL's glorious singer and guitarist Molly Fitch passed away. With her family's blessing, we are going to continue publishing our interviews with her, and leave the next episodes intact as a document of Molly's thoughts about life, music and life in New York.This "behind the song" episode is all about two of SPITBALL's instrumentals, Hairdryer and Home Cookin' and includes a never-heard before recordings from their very first CBGB's show. Marco speaks with Molly Fitch (vocals/guitar), Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass), about the hysterical origins of these two tracks, and the bombastic crowd at their shows.
3
Dec. 19, 2021

The story behind the song | Sunshine Superman

SERIES UPDATE: We some terribly sad news to share with our listeners. SPITBALL's glorious singer and guitarist Molly Fitch passed away last week, and we are just at a complete loss. With her family's blessing, we are going to continue publishing our interviews with her, and leave the next episodes intact as a last document of Molly's thoughts about life, music and life in New York.This "behind the song" episode is all about SPITBALL's cover of Donovan's Sunshine Superman, and includes a never-heard before recording from their very first CBGB's show.
2
Dec. 10, 2021

The story behind the song | Raychel + Gun/Parkside

SONGBIRD Season Two continues with a double-decker "behind the song" episode, all about Raychel and Gun/Parkside. We ask the big questions, like "Is Raychel our Sweet Jane?" and dig into SPITBALL's nimble, loose style. At any given moment you understand that we rehearsed like crazy and none of this is by chance.  Marco speaks with Molly Fitch (vocals/guitar), Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass), about everything from the rougher parts of Brooklyn and falling asleep on the D train, to how it was considered an insult to be compared to Bruce Springsteen if you were part of that quirky 90's downtown music scene.This episode includes never-heard before live recordings of Raychel and Gun/Parkside from their very first CBGB's show.
1
Dec. 2, 2021

The story behind the song | Coney Island Surfing

SONGBIRD returns with a long-awaited Season Two! We jump right into a "behind the song" episode, all about Spitball's signature song "Coney Island Surfing". Decades before Marco became Martin Ruby, he was the tenor sax player in this scrappy pack of knuckleheads, and he explores the surf-punk band's origin story, speaking with Molly Fitch (vocals/guitar), Chris Orcutt (drums) and Mike Webb (bass). Can you guess who narrowly avoided a fight with the uber-singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley in a rehearsal space? You guessed right.We also get to hear a never-heard before live recording of "Coney Island Surfing" from their very first CBGB's show, and revisit the downtown NY music scene of the 90s.