Here’s To You! Michael Been (of The Call) From The Vault
Here’s To You! Michael Been (of The Call) from The True Tunes Vault
As we crack open the True Tunes Vault once more, we unveil a previously unheard 1994 interview with Michael Been of The Call – one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated bands of the 80s. Peter Gabriel once called them “The Future of American Music” and The Chicago Tribune said they “may well be the closest thing America has ever had to its own U2.” Their urgent, inspiring, blood-and-guts rock and roll may have never gotten the attention it deserved, but those fortunate enough to have heard their music – either on record or in concert – were impacted for life. True Tunes’ John J. Thompson interviewed Been, The Call’s chief songwriter, vocalist, and bassist, around the time of the release of his solo album On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakthrough. This long-lost cassette has been found, restored, and presented here, contextualized with a career—wide exploration of the band’s music and legacy.
Full Show Notes, including links to videos, a new book about The Call, and information about our amazing sponsor, VisionTrust, are available at TrueTunes.com/TheCall. And make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show so you don’t miss our upcoming episode which features a brand-new interview with none other than Bruce Cockburn.
As always, THANKS to our Patreon supporters and to the amazing staff and volunteers at VisionTrust.org.
Thanks to Dan Russell for arranging this interview back in 1994.
Find TONS of information about THE CALL on their official site here.
Links to several INTERVIEWS with Michael Been can be found here.
DONATE to support
The True Tunes Podcast
Recalling The Call: The 80’s Most Underrated Rock ‘N Roll Band!
A Tribute To Michael Been (Feat. Robert Levon Been Of B.R.M.C.) [CD/DVD Combo]
And check out our new THREADLESS STORE HERE!
Check out the TRUE TUNES PATREON PROGRAM here.
Thanks to VISION TRUST for all they do to serve children faithfully around the world.
IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE don’t miss:
Buddy Miller (Learning To Listen With Big Ears)
Marc Byrd (Hammock, God of Wonders, etc)
Natalie Bergman’s Jesus Music for a New Generation
Terry Scott Taylor’s Beautiful Mystery
Myron Butler and the Legacy of Andrae Crouch!
Phil Madeira on Expanding Horizons
Kevin Max Considers Boundaries
See the full list of previous episodes HERE
DONATE to support
The True Tunes Podcast
Music List:
The Call:
From The Call – War-Weary World; There’s a Heart Here
From Modern Romans – The Walls Came Down; Turn a Blind Eye
From Scene Beyond Dreams – Heavy Hand
From Reconciled – Everywhere I Go; I Still Believe (Great Design); Sanctuary
From Into The Woods – I Don’t Wanna; In the River; It Could Have Been Me; Memory; Day or Night; Walk Walk
From Let The Day Begin – Let The Day Begin; Surrender; For Love; Uncovered
From Red Moon – This Is Your Life; Like You’ve Never Been Loved; What’s Happened To You; You Were There
From The Best of The Call – We Know Too Much
From To Heaven and Back – What Are You Made Of
Michael Been (Solo):
From On the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough – To Feel This Way; Us; When You’re With Me
From Light Sleeper (Soundtrack) – Jumpoffs
From Live Unplugged – Everywhere I Go; She; Let the Day Begin
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club:
From Howl – The Weight of the World
The Call, featuring Robert Levon Been:
A Tribute to Michael Been – I Still Believe
Also heard:
Dr. Delight – Hold Tight
Nu Alkemi – Persuasion
Major Label Interest – Thrift Store Bargain
Bill Mallonee – Best Seat in the Room
Phil Keaggy & Rex Paul – Full Circle (True Tunes instrumental version)
