Hey now! Hoo hoo hoo! Tell ‘em, Robin! Howard Stern is an artifact from the era of the FM dial's cultural dominance, but it’s impossible to deny the impact he had on talk radio, comedy, and flagrant self-promotion. Private Parts began production as a fantastical superhero movie based on Stern’s Fartman character, as made infamous by an appearance at the 1992 MTV VMAs. Stern rejected nearly 22 scripts for the film, leading the studio to suggest that Jeff Goldblum take his place in the leading role. Stern changed his mind, and the film developed into a dramatic retelling of Stern’s experience in the radio business and the personal and professional difficulties he experienced along the way. Stern, his on-air crew, and much of his real life “Wack Pack” star as themselves, with the film also featuring cameos from the likes of David Letterman, Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, Mia Farrow, Dee Snider, Flavor Flav, Slash, and John Stamos. Legend has it that during a pre-release screening, Stern was told that the audience gave the film the most positive feedback since Forrest Gump. The soundtrack alternates between era-appropriate hard rock and audio clips from the film, giving the impression of a radio broadcast. (Shout out to Connecticut’s 106.9 WCCC - which is apparently a Christian station now.) Most notable are the two exclusive tracks, featuring Stern backed by Rob Zombie and The Dust Brothers. Also includes tunes by Green Day, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, and an uncredited LL Cool J. This record is pressed on double black vinyl, baba booey baba booey baba booey.

• double black vinyl pressing
• includes printed inner with full track credits & liner notes
• music label: Warner 2019

reviewed by THE GREG AND TONY SHOW 07/2019