Talking Animals

Queen guitarist Brian May

Brian May–the Queen guitarist who first joined us in the latter part of 2010, discussing an array of UK animal issues (fox hunting, a proposed badger cull, etc.) that had become his concern and that of his animal protection campaign, Save Me–helps mark the eighth anniversary of “Talking Animals” by returning to the show to provide updates on some of those issues.

 

 

Brian also discusses the recent advent of the so-called “Red Tape Laws” by which the government is attempting to quietly toss out laws that protect the environment (and sees the parallel suggested by the speech delivered days earlier by former Secretary Of Interior Bruce Babbitt, excoriating the Congress for its “assault on our environment”). Too, he addresses another parallel UK/U.S. issue–attempts to curtail or halt circuses that use animals, and a ban in England that appeared poised to go through before 10 Downing Street blocked the ban eleventh hour. Brian also relates the story behind playing on “You & I,” a track on Lady Gaga’s new album, and touches on other music updates, including touring with singer Kerry Ellis behind her album “Anthems” (which Brian produced), a Queen documentary, “Days Of Our Lives,” a pending collaborating with Tangerine Dream. (www.BrianMay.com, www.Save-Me.org.uk)

ALSO: We spoke with Ken Koenig, of Dunedin Doggie Rescue, about the organization and its history and mission, as well as a forthcoming major event. (www.DunedinDogs.com)

COMEDY CORNER: Bill Burr’s “Pitbull” (www.BillBurr.com)

MUSIC: The Head And The Heart’s “Cats and Dogs,” The White Stripes’ “Little Bird,” Damon Fowler’s version of “Roadrunner,” instrumentals

NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Buffalo Springfield’s “Bluebird”