Menu
Log in


Pip Pip Portland – The Popinski Popcast

04/15/2015 12:44 PM | 107ist Admin (Administrator)

—by Matthew Lindley

“We are the Popinski Brothers. We are here to support PTFC. We are the voice of the terraces. When it’s time to go to the football, follow us, and all will be good in the Rose Fu*king City.”

That is how the Timbers Army was introduced to the Popinski Popcast, the show that melds electronic dance music with an unrivaled passion for Timbers football, but also isn’t afraid to plant the tongue firmly in the cheek.

Popcast creator Barnacle Brian says the show started as a bit of a practical joke. “Back in the USL days, Bruce ‘Obi’ Eaton was doing a podcast called ‘The 107 Report.’ It was a traditional sports and news podcast. It was very well done, but I think Obi became bored with it and basically handed the keys over to me. I then decided to drop a ‘Hijacked 107 Report’ full of random electronic music, remixes, and whatnot and not tell a soul about it. I even deliberately added songs Obi didn’t like on that first Popcast. I think he still kind of dislikes me for that little prank, but to be honest, it was the best way to get attention.”

Barnacle says he intended the Popcast to be more “Pirate Radio” than podcast, with listeners never knowing when a new episode was coming. In fact, there have only been 36 episodes since 2009. Each episode is “hosted” by a snotty robot with a British accent, delivering equal parts rallying cry and snarky missive.

When asked about his inspiration, Barnacle nods to a belief that all music and football can go hand in hand. “Music and football culture parallel each other in various ways: Both are passionate. Both imitate life. It’s all sorts of musical genres. Look at Oi!, punk, classical, etc. Next time you watch a football match, grab a pair of headphones, turn off the TV audio, and play some classical music, or some DnB, or something that moves your soul. It makes the match even more intense.”

Breaking into the Popcast archives opens a Timbers time capsule. The first episode opens with PTFC at the top of the USL table and preparing to face the Rochester Rhinos. Occasionally, actual goal calls from matches are played over the music. Nothing quite compares to reliving John Strong’s call of Khalif’s amazing first goal for the Timbers against Puerto Rico, played over fantastic beats. The show’s rallying cry atmosphere is never more present than in the season kickoff episodes. For example, the premiere 2012 episode, featuring a remix of Adele’s “Hometown Glory,” will absolutely make you want to run through a wall in the name of the PTFC.

The show has had its special episodes as well, including a fantastic tribute to late Beastie Boy MCA (Episode #24) and Barnacle Brian’s favorite (“The Chavcast” #19), which is chock-full of TA inside jokes and a parody of soccer culture in general.

Seeing as there is no end in sight for the source material, you can rest assured there will be Popcasts for seasons to come. However, according to Barnacle, there is one thing you’ll never see: a live edition. “Not unless I was able to do it in a Sasquatch costume. And the Popinski Brothers would have to be on the dance floor dressed up as the Fruit of the Loom guys.”

Until then…Very Prepared.

All of the past episodes of the Popinski Popcast can be found at http://popinski.libsyn.com.


Comments

  • 09/28/2016 11:54 AM | 107ist Admin (Administrator)
    Ryan D Pollard says:
    Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 1:24 pm

    Popcast #22 gets pretty consistent play time in my car. The “Just One Second” remix is probably my favorite thing Barnacle’s ever done.
    Link  •  Reply
  • 09/28/2016 11:54 AM | 107ist Admin (Administrator)
    Bruce Eaton says:
    Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 3:35 pm

    Nothing but lies. Not an ounce of truth to it. Not. An. Ounce.

    Get off my lawn.
    Link  •  Reply


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software