Ep499: Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers – Jungle Cruising with Juanita & Juan

Ep499: Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers – Jungle Cruising with Juanita & Juan

Author: The Vinyl Guide May 26, 2025 Duration: 1:04:50

Punk legends Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers discuss their collaborative lounge project "Juanita and Juan", reflect on the diverse, inclusive LA punk scene, discussing moments like the first Germs show, the "Up in Smoke" filming, and the tight-knit community that reshaped music forever.

Topics Include:

  • Alice Bag and Kid Congo Powers introduce collaborative project
  • Known each other for decades from LA punk scene
  • Project started with mysterious Hollywood call for Latin song
  • Characters Juanita and Juan have elaborate fictional backstory
  • Sound described as "loud lounge, punk folk" style
  • Uses electronic music, keyboards, minimal guitar, tropical beats
  • Album titled "Jungle Cruise" released on In the Red
  • Songs are autobiographical, including "Here Comes the Prez"
  • Originally planned for book readings with musical interludes
  • Both authors used music to ease reading nervousness
  • LA punk scene was incredibly diverse and inclusive
  • Lasted only 18 months but reshaped music forever
  • Everyone contributed something to the tight-knit community
  • Alice witnessed first chaotic Germs performance with groceries
  • Both attended "Up in Smoke" Battle of Bands filming
  • Kid visible in background of unreleased Germs footage
  • Darby Crash's death discussed - overdose versus suicide debate
  • Bags single "Survive" now worth $1000 to collectors
  • Both still actively collecting and occasionally selling records
  • Planning more Juanita and Juan material, considering Australia tour

Order Juanita and Juan's "Jungle Cruise" vinyl here.

Commercial free, high resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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