Things I Can't Forget: A Slackers Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Things I Can't Forget #12 - Money Is King Nov 20, 2025

The Slackers and Hornpod reunite for another Things I Can't Forget. In this chat, Vic Ruggiero, David Hillyard, Glen Pine, and "Agent" Jay" Nugent join the conversation to go in depth about their new EP, "Money is King." Tune in for the stories behind each track and the threads between them. For the first time ever, this episode was recorded with a couple dozen audience members on the Zoom call, giving feedback and asking questions via the chat. Off topic questions include such subjects as recently discovered music, horror films, and Vic impressions."Money is King" is streaming everywhere, available for download on Bandcamp, and available on vinyl from Pirates Press.

Things I Can't Forget #11 - My Last Star Apr 17, 2025

Shortly before his untimely death, Greg Lee of Hepcat dreamt of a Slackers song. Now, Dave Hillyard and The Slackers have brought that dream song into reality.

The Slackers podcast returns to discuss this new single, My Last Star, and how its creation comes from outside our conscious world. Out soon on Pirates Press Records.

Things I Can't Forget #10 - Pick and Choose Aug 30, 2024

The Slackers podcast is back! Horn section, Dave Hillyard and Glen Pine join JJ and Matt to talk about their new single, "What We Gonna Do Now?" / "Pick and Choose" on Pirates Press Records.

Released to coincide with 2024 US Presidential Election, the new single deals in themes of freedom, democracy and justice.

We also find ourselves thinking a lot about communication this time… connecting with live audiences, finding the clearest lyrics and expressing thoughts through horn solos. And we get a little mushy trying to figure out how The Slackers really feel about each other.

Things I Can't Forget #09 - Plague Doctor with Larry McDonald May 13, 2022

Legendary percussionist, Larry McDonald joins us to discuss his latest collaboration with Dave Hillyard of The Slackers. Dave and Larry have been making music together for decades as the Rocksteady Seven and their new album, Plague Doctor is out now! We talk about Larry's days in pre-ska Jamaica all the way up to his recent work with the late Lee Perry, and everything in between.

Things I Can't Forget #08 - Sunlight Songwriters Addendum Apr 15, 2022

JJ and Matt are joined again by all six members of the Slackers for more conversation about the band's new album, Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya. This time the focus is on the songwriting and the stories behind some of the album's songs.

Things I Can't Forget #07 Apr 01, 2022

The Slackers' brand new album, Don't Let The Sunlight Fool Ya will drop on April 15th- but we're here with a track-by-track preview of the record. Dive deep with JJ, Matt and the members of The Slackers as we reveal the new tunes and the stories behind them!

Things I Can't Forget #06 Jun 04, 2021

Berlin Studio Days

Slackers saxophonist, David Hillyard, sits down with Slackers fans, Matt Wixson and JJ Loy, to comb through rare songs and alternate takes from the band's thirty-year career. Hillyard and a rotating cast of Slackers bandmates swap memories unearthed by these long-forgotten tunes, giving fans a rarity of their own: an up-close and intimate conversation with the New York City ska and reggae legends.

This time, Ara and Jay are back and we're talking about side-projects, dub theory and some foggy memories of the "Berlin" sessions.

Things I Can't Forget #05 May 21, 2021

Boss Medication

For episode five, we are joined again by trombonist, Glen Pine and Slackers' lead singer, Vic Ruggiero to reminisce about the Boss Harmony Sessions, Self Medication and all tunes lost and found.

Things I Can't Forget #04 Apr 29, 2021

The Making of Peculiar

For episode four of the series, Dave, Matt, and JJ are joined by Slackers drummer Ara Babajian and later by singer Vic Ruggiero, as well, to discuss the making of the band's 2006 album Peculiar. The album boasted a new lineup, a novel recording process, and an evolved sound for the band.

Things I Can't Forget #03 Apr 16, 2021

2001-2003

For the third episode of this series, Dave, Matt, and JJ are joined by Slackers trombonist and vocalist Glen Pine to discuss the process of creating the band's 2003 album Close My Eyes. You'll never hear the song "Old Dog" the same again after this one!

Things I Can't Forget #02 Apr 02, 2021

More Wasted Days

For the second installment, Dave, Matt, and JJ are joined by Slackers bassist Marcus Geard and guitarist Jayson "Agent J" Nugent to discuss the band's 2001 album Wasted Days, including discussion of the drastically different vinyl tracklisting and the impact of the iconic title track on the band.

Things I Can't Forget #01 Mar 19, 2021

1996-2000

In the first of this miniseries Dave, Matt, and JJ are joined by Slackers keyboard player, vocalist, and songwriter Vic Ruggiero. The four discuss the period around the band's first few albums.

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