The Paranoid Strain Orchestra presents: 9116--The Rock Opera, Disc 1

Welcome to “Disc 1” of what, as far as we know, is the first ever two-and-a-half-hour podcast episode that is actually a full-on rock opera. Please note there’s a second “disc”--be sure you download that one, too.

We’ve been working hard on this thing for months now and are incredibly proud to share it with you. Thanks to Hellfingers, we have both front and back cover album art, as well as simulated record sleeve with lyrics, (front) (back). Easier to read, but far less visually impressive lyrics here. We’ve got credits there, and in the show itself, but we just want to make sure everybody knows who did this remarkable thing:

Daniel Arizona: The prime mover behind this whole idea, and the truly superlative songwriter who wrote the lion’s share of 50 great tunes.

Moisty: A blinding flash of musical talent and taste, it’s an honor to be in a band with him.

Turd Ferguson: The whole reason this album sounds as wonderful as it does, a great musician and perhaps an even better producer.

Lucifer Jones: A skilled and perfectionist drummer whose drive for excellence makes all of us do better.

Squonkus: Truly, this man and his saxophones are our secret weapons

QH “FJ” Guy: He’s got a weird speaking voice, but I’m glad we let him play the keys.

It is one of the great pleasures of my life to call these men my bandmates and friends.

Also on the honor roll: Dana Unicorn, the reason people put up with the sound of my voice. The Chads, long may they reign; Mike Schmidt, the 40 Year Old Boy, and my favorite podcaster; The Big D, Some Guy, and I.RI. E, our excellent spoken voice cast; Frenchie St. Vino, Chad number 2, and I.RI.E, our beloved guest singers. Guerilla Studios and Myles Boisen, a fantastic place and person to record with. And once again, with feeling, Hellfingers, whose art is such a defining part of this show.