The recording studio at KDFO looks much as we’d remember it from the before-time.  There is no evidence of the PRODUCER’s long descent into quarantine madness, or of DJ 3000’s current frustration at the growing stalemate of the war in Ukraine.  The PRODUCER is seated in front of the sound console, punching buttons and adjusting dials much as we’ve seen him do in the past.

DJ 3000: I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU LOOK THIS EXCITED ABOUT A GUEST HOST SINCE ANDY REID DROPPED BY.

PRODUCER: I was such a fool, thinking that he’d be bringing enough barbecue for everyone.  But I’ve set my expectations nice and low for today.  All I need for him to do is show up.

DJ 3000: YOU DON’T CARE IF HE’S SOBER?

PRODUCER: It’d be nice but it’s not a deal-breaker.

— [DOOR FLIES OPEN] —

JOHNNY MANZIEL: Hi guys!

PRODUCER: Wow, right on time!  Welcome, welcome!  So glad you could make it.

JOHNNY MANZIEL: Hey, it’s my pleasure.  I’m so honored you guys chose me to be your first guest of the summer.

PRODUCER: Go ahead into the booth and we’ll get you set up.

JOHNNY MANZIEL heads into the recording booth and adjusts the seat and his microphone while the PRODUCER fidgets with some of the soundboard controls.

PRODUCER: [punches the talkback button] Sorry the Alliance for American Football couldn’t survive – where are you playing these days?

DJ 3000: I PUT IT IN THE RESEARCH PACKAGE THAT HE’S PART OF A LEAGUE CALLED “FAN CONTROLLED FOOTBALL”.

PRODUCER: [releases the talkback button] I know, I saw it, I’m just making conversation.

JOHNNY MANZIEL: I’m helping out a friend who’s getting another league off the ground.  Off the record, though, this is only temporary – I’m going to be leaving football behind for good.

PRODUCER: Is that so?  What’s next?

JOHNNY MANZIEL: I’ve got something lined up in a field where none of the issues in my past will pose problems for me going forward.  Where some of them will even be seen as virtues, and the ones that aren’t will be seen as areas where I’ve exhibited personal growth.

PRODUCER: Politics?

JOHNNY MANZIEL: [touches nose]

PRODUCER: Oh, fun.  We’re going to need to come up with a new nickname for you.

DJ 3000: JOHNNY POLITICS!

PRODUCER: Johnny Government?

DJ 3000: JOHNNY OUTRAGE FACTORY!

PRODUCER: How about “Johnny Law”?

DJ 3000: OOH, I LIKE IT.

JOHNNY MANZIEL: Actually, I was thinking of taking things a little more seriously and just going by “John” moving forward.  Which brings me to my proposed topic for Request Line: songs by or about Johns.

PRODUCER: We already had a Request Line hosted by Bob Kraft.

DJ 3000: [displays link]

JOHNNY MANZIEL: No, no, I meant songs about guys named John.  Or Johnny.

PRODUCER: Oh!  Well that should be interesting.  Got something to start us off with?

JOHNNY MANZIEL: I sure do.  It’s a song about an artist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN8u1KC1HSU

Today’s theme is: Johns.  We’re looking for songs about guys named John or Johnny.  Since Jack is a nickname for John, that’s okay too.  Post links as “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6raNd0n_5p!k35 and they should embed in the comments after you refresh. The clue for last week’s puzzle song was “Pink Vega” which referred to Suzanne Vega and her song “Left of Center” from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack.