Empty Checking With Derek Brink

This IS NOT a standard episode of Empty Checking. If you are unfamiliar with the show, this is not a good starting point. This upload is my reaction to the recent election in America and also includes my thoughts on the Christian Church and its relationship to politics. This is VERY FAR REMOVED from the typical, fun nature of this show. But I felt like it needed to be said and I needed to make my position clear, as the person behind this podcast. If you want to skip this one, I more than understand. But I think there are probably some of you who really need to hear it. Also, I've been suffering from walking pneumonia and you can definitely hear that in my voice in this upload. Sorry about all the inhaling that gets more and more pronounced as the talk goes on. Thanks. -Uncle Derek

I'm taking a week off from full episodes, but I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to VOTE and make the sane choices, and also let you know what's getting me through the stress of this week. Here's hoping the next upload will be a HAPPY one! Take care of yourself.

This episode goes a lot of sleep-deprived directions in under an hour. That's fun, right? I definitely talk about the passing of Teri Garr, then music from Matthew Sweet (and his current medical issues), Justin Rutledge, Devin Townsend, Japandroids, and The Pixies. I round it out by talking about the Rocky Horror Show video game and Lost in America. It's kinda nuts, but I think you'll enjoy it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com email: db@derekbrink.com Matthew Sweet's GoFund Me Time Index: 0:00 - Intro (Including discussion of Teri Garr's passing.) 14:13 - I Hope You're Happy 14:43 - Music Releases (Including Matthew Sweet, Justin Rutledge, Devin Townsend, Japandroids, and Pixies. Sorry I didn't break the time index down further. I'm tired.) 32:13 - Useless 32:43 - Lost In America and the Rocky Horror Show video game. 39:50 - That Weekend (Blue Tattoo) 40:20 - Outro

In this episode, I talk about really old Albert Brooks movies, a new documentary on The Tragically Hip, and (mostly) new music releases from Godspeed You Black Emperor, James and the Shame, Judas Priest, The Linda Lindas, and Pete Townshend. It's a fun one, if you ask me, but I'm the one who recorded it, so who can say? Maybe YOU if you listen to it! Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 6:27 - Live Your Life 6:57 - Recent Watching 7:50 - Defending Your Life 14:47 - Broadcast News 20:16 - The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal 35:12 - Every Day 35:42 - Music Releases 35:42 - Godspeed You Black Emperor - No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead 39:50 - Pete Townshend Live Box Set (That's probably not the name of it, but whatever.) 43:10 - James and the Shame - Nothing Left to Love 45:28 - Judas Priest - Invincible Shield 48:22 - The Linda Lindas - No Obligation 52:02 - Heaven Knows 52:32 - Outro (including talk of Oktoberfest and Ren Faires!)

In this episode about 50% of the things I talk about aren't in the photo because that's how streaming media works! But I talk about my fountain pen collection, the Mr. McMahon documentary, The Grand Tour, Only Murders in the Building, Frasier (briefly), and music from Drive-By Truckers, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, Jack White, Nick Lowe, and The Heavy Heavy. I got a lot of stuff into this one! Check it out! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com FREE Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro, including my probably slightly bad take on Dave Grohl. 8:32 - Losing Sleep 9:02 - Fountain Pens! 19:02 - Slainte 19:32 - Recent Watching/Podcasts (Including Mr. McMahon, The Grand Tour, Only Murders in the Building, Frasier, and Pod Meets World 33:40 - Safari 34:10 - Recent Listening (Including Drive-By Truckers, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, Jack White, Nick Lowe, and The Heavy Heavy 49:04 - Where You Are Outro including updates on my chair, a quote from Jim Henson, and more

I hope you're enjoying the Fab 15 Songs About Rain, or that you'll listen soon if you haven't yet. But I needed to take a moment to acknowledge the death of Kris Kristofferson, so I'm uploading this brief message. Thanks. -Uncle Derek

In this episode, your Papa Dave and Uncle Derek are picking out Fab 15 Songs About Rain! It's sort of an Autumnal episode and it's a lot of fun. Check it out! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com  Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079 0:00 - Intro, including discussion of list-making, rules for this list, links, and the last time Dave rode a horse. 12:15 - The List Begins 12:15 - #15 15:41 - #14 21:14 - #13 25:56 - #12 31:40 - #11 36:38 - #10 42:37 - #9 44:37 - #8 51:01 - #7 56:14 - #6 1:03:29 - #5 1:06:22 - #4 1:09:22 - #3 1:12:16 - #2 1:16:54 - #1 1:22:18 - Honorable Mentions 1:39:08 - The Final 15 1:43:26 - Picking #1 1:45:57 - Confirmed Final List and outro

In this episode I talk about music from Jason Isbell, John Craigie, and Nick Cave. Then I also talk about Boy/Pod Meets World, Little Shop of Horrors, and the present season of Only Murders in the Building. Plus some of my usual nonsense. It's a fun one! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Bandcamp: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com Email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 12:55 - All My Days 13:25 - Recent Music Things 13:25 - Jason Isbell in St. Louis 21:16 - John Craigie - Pagan Church 24:59 - Nick Cave - Wild God 30:57 - Forever Home 31:27 - Recent Watching 31:27 - Boy Meets World/Pod Meets World 41:26 - Little Shop of Horrors 48:25 - Only Murders in the Building Season 4 (SPOILERS!) 56:39 - You Only Hurt the Ones You Love 57:09 - Outro

In this episode, I talk about music from Mr. Big and Talking Heads. I also talk about So I Married and Axe Murderer, The Drew Carey Show, and Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me. I also learn that there's about to be a new Godspeed You Black Emperor album in real time and get excited about it. It's kinda all over the place. Enjoy! Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 9:37 - Losing Sleep 10:07 - Mr. Big - Ten 14:57 - Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense 21:13 - I Wanna Write Songs For You 21:43 - The Drew Carey Show 28:34 - So I Married and Axe Murderer 33.50 - Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me 38:40 - Jean Jacket 39:10 - Outro

In this (unwittingly delayed) episode, I talk about new releases from Johnny Cash, Cage the Elephant, and Vampire Weekend, then the new graphic novel "Youth Group" by Bowen McCurdy and Jordan Morris. It's a short, but fun one! Enjoy! blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 10:38 - Lectio Divina 11:08 - New Music Releases 11:48 - Johnny Cash 17:09 - Vampire Weekend 22:00 - Cage the Elephant 25:56 - Deeper Than Oceans 26:26 - Youth Group 27:22 - The Cycle: Part 4 27:52 - Outro

I was startled to learn that I'm past due for a new episode. Sorry! Here's an explanation. but TLDR, there'll be a new episode this weekend, assuming nothing bad or weird happens. Thanks for your patience, Checkmates!

In this episode, your Papa Dave and I count down our Fab 15 Concerts that we attended together. It's a fun talk and hopefully it'll inspire you to check out some bands for the first time, or revisit some old favorites. SPOILER ALERT (for real) - I am now posting the lists at the blog. So if you don't want to be spoiled, don't visit the blog until after you listen! ...speaking of which... Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Dave's Blog: http://davidbrink.home.blog Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/317eypfciiajkyay2kxloz3kreoa?si=f046115ad0514079 Time Index (spoiler free): 0:00 - Intro 11:08 - #15 20:30 - #14 28:46 - #13 38:42 - #12 49:47 - #11 54:11 - #10 1:04:43 - #9 1:19:18 - #8 1:27:40 - #7 1:36:49 - #6 1:56:49 - #5 2:09:33 - #4  2:11:31 - #3  2:20:10 - #2 2:25:22 - #1 2:38:41 - Honorable Mentions and so on...

If you think YOU'RE frustrated by the lack of a new episode, just imagine how I feel! Is this update full of empty promises, or will these promises actually happen? Only time will tell!

A quick update on where the show has been and when it will be back. (Spoiler alert: SOON!) Thanks for your patience as I've had stuff going on, off mic.

In this episode, I mostly talk about the newest albums by the Decemberists and Billie Eilish. But I also pay tribute to Martin Mull and whine about Doctor Who. It's a shorter episode, so it's a good jump-on point, if you're looking for one! Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro and a tribute to Martin Mull. 16:58 - Live Your Life 17:30 - Music Releases 18:38 - Decemberists - As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again 23:38 - Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft 27:54 - I Hope You're Happy 28:25 - Outro, including griping about Doctor Who

In this special episode, I'm listening to my new album "Boop" and doing commentary over it. It's probably a frustrating listen if you want to hear the album, but if you have already heard it, it's probably at least a little interesting! The album is available for ABSOLUTELY FREE (or pay-what-you-want) at http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com. Hope you have fun with this one, and even MORE fun listening to the album! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com (No time index this week, since it's just the one topic.)

In this episode, I'm playing catch-up on a bunch of new music. There's stuff from Shellac, Alkaline Trio, Old 97s, Neil Young, Bruce Dickinson, Sierra Ferrell, and Frank Turner. I also take a really weird stance on that Beyoncé record at one point...but you'll have to listen to figure out when! It's fun! Click things! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 12:27 - No Money 12:57 - New Music Reviews 12:57 - Shellac - To All Trains 17:30 - Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs 20:09 - Old 97s - American Primitive 24:24 - Neil Young - Fuckin' Up 27:14 - Bruce Dickinson - The Mandrake Project 31:10 - Sierra Ferrell - Trail of Flowers 36:11 - Frank Turner - Undefeated 41:15 - Jean Jacket 41:45 - Outro

In this episode, I called an audible and decided to pay tribute to the man I believe was the George Martin of indie rock, Steve Albini. I end up talking about 12 releases by such acts as Big Black, Nirvana, Cheap Trick, Pixies, Plush, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and more...and I don't even touch on 1% of the 2000+ albums on which he worked. Join me for this special episode, as I try to give just a small GLIMPSE into the career of one of the true greats. Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 7:31 - Safari 8:01 - Tribute to Steve Albini 53:07 - One in a Million 53:37 - Outro

This is a slightly p-popping episode, and I apologize for that...but it's a fun one, if you can get over that! I talk about Only Murders in the Building, The Three Amigos, and The Great Race, then music from Taylor Swift, Joni Mitchell, Khruangbin, and Pearl Jam. Plus some personal stuff, of course. This episode also contains a few samples of songs from my upcoming record "Boop," which comes out on May 3! Hope you dig it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Music: http://derekbrink.bandcamp.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0.00 - Intro 9:48 - A life update 14:58 - Vagabond (Not yet available! Yay!) 15:28 - TV Stuff 15:28 - Only Murders in the Building 23:41 - Three Amigos 27:37 - The Great Race 33:01 - Losing Sleep (Also not available! Hurrah!) 33:32 - Music Reviews 34:08 - Taylor Swift - The Tortured Poets Department 39:59 - Joni Mitchell - At Newport (2023) 44:51 - Khruangbin - A La Sala (which I somehow didn't actually say in the show. Oops.) 48:04 - Pearl Jam - Dark Matter 51:27 - Slainte

In this "FAST CASH" episode of Empty Checking, we only talk about one topic, and don't do it for as long. And the topic at hand is bidding farewell to comic legend Joe Flaherty. (I also talk about my recent dental problems, but it's mostly about Joe.) Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com This one's a little different, so here are the song links, but I'm not breaking down the times. Songs in this episode: Being There Absent Friends