Roll out the Barrels: DJ Shotski on the Abandoned Albums podcast
Keith Higgons loves music. His podcast, Abandoned Albums, is essentially about people — mostly musicians — sharing albums they love. I talked to him about how I’m on a mission to get more people to listen to vintage polka, and he LOVED it.
The first part of the podcast is all about how I got into being a polka DJ. The second half is when we dig into a playlist I made for him that shares some examples of the different styles of polka. We talked Dutchmen, Cleveland, Polish, old and new, plus some pop crossover hits from back in the day.
Listen to the episode via Substack or find it on your favorite podcast app.
Song notes
What songs were featured on the Abandoned Albums podcast and why I chose them.
Elmer Scheid, “When I Sleep Polka”
Scheid defined the New Ulm sound. He played concertina when he was a kid and didn’t quit for 50+ years. Scheid played with the Six Fat Dutchmen and Babe Wagner band. This recording has a live, dancehall sound.
Brian and the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen, “Musiky Musiky Polka”
From Cashton, Wisconsin and still playing music. Good example of how the New Ulm sound jumped to Wisconsin. Song is a polka standard.
Steve Meisner, “Meisner Magic”
Good example of the Slovenian sound. Son of Verne Meisner who was a contemporary of Frankie Yankovic.
Eddie Blazonczyk, “Everybody Polka”
Chicago band with a classic Polish sound. Also an example of lyrics that reflect the working class spirit of polka.
Ray Dorschner, “Kristiana Waltz”
From Zittau, Wisconsin. Another good Dutchmen-style oompah band. Took music seriously, didn’t want to play “cornball” polka. Wanted to have a focused dance band.
Dick Rodgers, “Sundown Waltz”
Wisconsin artist, very popular, toured widely. Was featured on a major label, Decca. First person from Wisconsin to be inducted in the International Polka Hall of Fame.
Pee Wee King, “Blue Skirt Waltz”
From Abrams, Wisconsin. Country influence, polka standard. Co-writer of the Tennessee Waltz among other famous country songs.
Deutschmeisters, “Milwaukee Waltz”
A favorite band from Minnesota. Funny song that captures the spirit of the polka dance hall.
Patty Page, “Milwaukee Polka”
Pop artist doing a polka, shows crossover appeal of the 1950s.
Frankie Yankovic, “Hey Baba Reba/Cafe Polka”
Tune featured in Grumpy Old Men. Most famous polka musician. Played Slovenian style. Born in West Virginia, but famous for being a leader in the Cleveland polka scene.
Chardon Polka Band, “Grab Yer Balls (We’re Going Bowling)”
Modern Cleveland polka band, young guys. Featured in a fun PBS special about polka culture in Ohio.
Flaco Jimenez, “En El Cielo, No Hay Cerveza”
“Mexican Polka” artist and famous accordion player in the Tex-Mex/Tejano/Norteno/Conjunto sound. South-of-the-border version of “In Heaven There Is No Beer.”
Whoopee John Wilfhart, “Musicians Come and Play”
Another classic tune. Signature hoooie call.
Andrews Sisters, “Beer Barrel Polka
Wisconsin’s unofficial state song. WWII era polka pop.