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.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

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…

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 i…

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 He…

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 DerekOleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

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/…

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: …

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 - Intr…

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 11:0…

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!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

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 a…

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!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

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.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

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 tribut…

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 hav…

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.blo…

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…

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…

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 differ…

Believe me. I wish this were a full episode even more than you do.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

I'm...just so tired. The show WILL be back. But here's why it isn't yet. Thanks for your patience.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

It's been a rough couple of weeks. I need a minute. Here's me babbling about that. Should be a new episode over the weekend. Etc. Sorry for the delay. And apparently, I love you...Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, your Uncle Derek and your Papa Dave are celebrating an American treasure by counting down (or up?) our Fab 15 Weird Al songs! It's a fun and oddly spirited debate! Be part of giving us the Weird Al Bump and check it out! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/use…

You know what these uploads mean...no new episode in the immediate... But I do PROMISE one for Saturday, pending anything terrible happening to me! So listen to me explain... And until Saturday? Courage.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Sorry it took a while to get this week's episode uploaded. It's been weird. But whatever! We've got a good episode ready to go in which I pay tribute to Melinda Ledbetter and Wayne Kramer, then talk about my feelings on the final season of Star Trek: Picard and the Extreme/Living Colour show I saw a week ago! Dig it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blog…

So here's why you're still waiting on an episode... Sorry... SOON though!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, I talk about Picard Season 2 and Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. I also touch on the recent happenings in WWE...maybe a slight trigger warning, there. (I do NOT go into detail, but I do address the allegations against Vince McMahon.) I know that part makes it sound like it might not be a super fun episode...but it mostly is! Dig it! …

TL;DR - The new episode is late because of Vince McMahon. It'll be up soon. Here's a bit of an explanation. Etc. Thanks!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, I play a little catch-up by talking about the Barbie movie, and recent music from Tears for Fears, Devin Townsend, Ed Sheeran, and Peter Gabriel (at length). I had fun making this one. Maybe you'll have fun hearing it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 11:10 - Lectio Divina 11…

In this episode I talk about Doctor Who, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Madison Greene, and some other stuff. It's a shorter episode, but I crammed in a lot of fun. Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com New Bandcamp talked about in the show: http://fromthebrink.bandcamp.com (All of the songs in this episode are from thi…

Something dumb happened with my software and it's going to be quicker to re-record the episode than to fix it. So... Sorry. I'll get a new, full episode up later this week (probably). Thanks for your patience!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Hi Checkmates! No new episode this week, but you do get about an 8-minute promo for a new ABSOLUTELY FREE Bandcamp page of my musical pre-history! All my bands from 1990 to now have recordings available for FREE (or pay what you want) at http://fromthebrink.bandcamp.com! Check it out! (My solo albums at derekbrink.bandcamp.com will still remain act…

In this episode of the Fab 15, your Uncle Derek and Papa Dave are counting down our Fab 15 albums of 2023! This one was a FAST turnaround, so it's a little longer than usual, but with the holidays this week and next week, maybe some of you need that. It was a really fun talk, and we hope you'll enjoy it, and maybe walk away with a few ideas of how …

In this episode I talk about Doctor Who, Friends, Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill, and Neil Young, amidst other things, including a desperately meowing McGuire... It's a fun one! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro (Including tying up some loose ends on Shane MacGowan.) 16:22 - Born in this Town 16:5…

In this episode, I talk about Norman Lear, Shane MacGowan, Dolly Parton, The Struts, The National, Guided By Voices, Tenacious D, KISS, and a whole bunch of stuff! Thanks for waiting on it! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Index: 0:00 - Intro 14:59 - Eliot's Benediction 15:30 - RIP Norman Lear 22:33 - RIP Shane …

Short version: You'll get a new episode on Saturday.Long version: Listen to the thing...Thanks!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

Just in time for the holiday, there's a new Empty Checking episode--and it's a FAB FIFTEEN! Some of you might not be able to be with family. Some of you might be with family that makes you want to put in ear buds. And some of you might get around to it sometime this weekend or like Tuesday or whatever... Whatever the case, your Uncle Derek and Papa…

In this episode I mostly catch up on a bunch of music, including Taylor Swift, Pharoah Sanders, The Mountain Goats, and The Rolling Stones. I also talk about making a Doctor Who scarf, trying to buy a laptop, and accidentally piercing my own nipple. So. There's a lot. Enjoy! Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time Inde…

A quick update and a review of the newest Beatles release! talk to you again soon!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

I've decided this isn't an official "episode" in the chronology...but I needed to say some stuff, and I had a platform, so here we are. This one's very different. I talk a lot about an old college friend who passed away this week and also about why a celebrity death can hit us hard, why art matters, and so on. (And yes, I briefly pay tribute to Mat…

Okay, FYI, there's a strangely high amount of incidental contact with the microphone/stand in this one that even I find distracting, so sorry about that...but otherwise, this is a fun episode! I talk about music from Metric, Wilco, and Boygenius, and also about Paul Auster's new novel "Baumgartner." I had fun. I bet you will too, if you like things…

In this rollicking good time of an episode I talk about the new series of Frasier and play guitar a little bit as I review the Strymon Cloudbirst pedal that I got quite some time ago but just never talked about. It's a fun hour of me geeking out about stuff I like and also complaining about an ear infection at the end of it. (Spoiler, I guess?) Che…

In this episode (which is a couple days late--super-sorry!) I talk about music from Slowdive, Baroness, Jason Isbell, and The Who. I also touch on books by Jeff Smith. Neil Gaiman, and Joe Hill...but let's be honest, this episode was mostly an excuse to talk about The Who. Enjoy! blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com email: db@derekbrink.com Time…

In this episode, I talk about seeing Ringo Starr, Squeeze, and the Psychedelic Furs, alongside some other stuff. Sorry I was away so long! But I'm back! No time index because it's basically one topic... But check out the blog at http://emptychecking.blogspot.com and/or email me at db@derekbrink.com. Thanks for your support!…

In an update that should probably surprise no one, I'm still having software issues. Hoping to have it fixed shortly. Just wanted to keep you up to date.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

A software snafu means I'm doing a quick upload from my phone, again! Sorry! But I decided to do another book review, while you're waiting! In this one, I talk about the book and movie The Princess Bride. The book is 50 years old this year! Check it out, and I promise, we'll have a real episode again soon!…

A quick update about why there wasn't a full episode this week. And as a placeholder, I also give a quick review of Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep." So. Enjoy! New episode soon!Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink

In this episode, your Uncle Derek is joined by your Papa Dave for a FAB 15 episode! This time we're counting down our FAB 15 Most Overplayed Songs! If you're wondering what's so fab about an overplayed song, just listen to the show! We'll tell you! Companion Blog: http://emptychecking.blogspot.com Email: db@derekbrink.com Mondaves: http://davidbrin…

In advance, a computer issue led to me not having a time-index for this episode. Sorry... But I talk about a lot of stuff! I bid farewell to Terry Funk, Bray Wyatt, Bob Barker, and Arleen Sorkin. Then I talk about music from Old 97s, Beth Bombara, Mammoth WVH, Extreme, and Gord Downie/Bob Rock. And I close out talking about the Venture Bros, Astero…

Rest in peace, Windham "Bray Wyatt" Rotunda.Oleh Empty Checking with Derek Brink