That's right...we're covering songs with "do" or "don't" in the title.

Our Third Lad is French songwriter/guitarist Stéphane Schück from The Salt Collective, the unique international collaborative project who recently released their second full-length album, A Brief History of Blindness, on Propeller Sound Recordings. The record features vocal, instrumental, and/or songwriting contributions by a wildly impressive "who's who" of indie rock, including Chris Stamey and Gene Holder (The dB's), Mitch Easter (Let's Active), Andy Partridge (XTC), Jason Falkner (Jellyfish), Kimberly Rew (The Soft Boys, Katrina & the Waves), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Aimee Mann (Til Tuesday), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), the late, great Lynn Blakey (Tres Chicas, Let's Active), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Rob Ladd (The Connells) and more. It's a striking testament to what can happen when great musical minds orbit under the spell of the same creative gravity.

Thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

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Our Third Lad for this discussion is "literate folk-pop" singer/songwriter Robert Deeble. Literary themes are central to the heart of his music, and his recently released 7th album, The Space Between Us, is no exception. It's another invitation into the secret, beautiful world he has been building since his 1997 debut, Days Like These.

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Possessing a crystalline voice, Anne's journey led her from church and high school choirs to the quirky new wave of the Swimming Pool Q's. Following their debut album The Deep End on DB Records in 1981, the Q's were one of the first Atlanta/Athens areas bands to be snapped up by a major label. For A&M, they recorded their self-titled second album (1984) and Blue Tomorrow (1986). A major tour with Lou Reed ensued, as did a major label makeover. Anne left the Q's in 1987, with her terrific solo debut, The Big House of Time (largely written by and recorded with then husband Rob Gal from The Coolies) following for DB in 1990. With such a promising start to her solo career, surely a second album was hot on its heels. Right???

Well, the intended follow up, I Should Be Happy, was recorded, roughly mixed, and then shelved for 30+ years for unknown reasons. Fortunately, the tapes were revitalized, revamped, and are at long last released! It's a beautiful song cycle about longing and loss, featuring a notable cast of musicians and singers.

That should make us ALL happy!

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Thanks to an expected guest standing us up at the last minute, after 322 episodes of musical positivity, this week it's all about pushing each other's musical hot buttons. We each curate a list of five songs that we believe the other will loathe. Detest. Hate.

Which means you get more scorn. More disgust. More Uncle Gregg rants. More annoying Brett "grunge voice" imitations. Lucky...you!?!?

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Well, you'll definitely want to finish this six pack to the end, because this week it's all about Meritorio in action. That is, Meritorio Records, the splendid Madrid-based record label founded by Álvaro Lissón that has been connecting some of the finest indie pop/rock artists with worldwide audiences for nearly a decade.

During this six pack, you'll hear the following recent tracks by a selection of Meritorio artists:

1) Prism Shores - "I Didn't Mean To Change My Mind" (from the upcoming LP Softest Attack)

2) Dancer - "Always Running" (from the LP More or Less)

3) The Maureens - "Me & My Friend" (from the forthcoming LP Don't Give Up)

4) The Kitchenettes - "Sunday Best" (single)

5) Rural France - "Lonely Heart Pyramid Scheme" (from the forthcoming LP Sloths)

6) Fort Not - "Careless Love" (from the LP You On Repeat)

Support this great label and its roster at https://meritoriorec.com.

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The lads are joined by guitarist/vocalist duo Eric McFadden and Kate Vargas — collectively known as Sgt. Splendor — to count down the top five songs this messed-up world needs right now. The conversation explores how music can heal, empower, and unite in difficult times.

Guest Bios:

• Eric McFadden — A spellbinding guitarist with a catalog stretching back to the mid-'80s punk band Angry Babies. He's played with George Clinton & P-Funk All Stars, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Jackson Browne, Joe Strummer, Anders Osborne, Fishbone's Angelo Moore, among many others. Kate believes that Eric is one of the greatest guitarists of all time...and who are we to disagree?
• Kate Vargas — A singer-songwriter with five acclaimed solo albums, including Golden Hour in the House of Lugosi (2025). Known for her gritty voice and evocative storytelling. Eric believes that Kate belongs in an elite group of songwriters that include Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen...and who are we to disagree?

About Sgt. Splendor: Eric and Kate met at Pat McDonald's (of Timbuk 3 fame) Steel Bridge Song Fest at the Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Their collaboration blends hard rock, riff blues, junkyard folk, desert psychedelia, alternative funk, and carnival-esque vibes. Their third album, Isotopia, is out now on Mother West.

Other Topics Discussed:

• The Soil Dove immersive circus/dinner show featuring Joan Baez
• Eric's personal encounters with Joe Strummer
• The origin story of Sgt. Splendor at Steel Bridge Song Fest
• The making of Isotopia
• Their cover of Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta"
• Uh...Lou Bega.

Music Featured:

• Sergeant Splendor — "Brave, Rough, and Ready to Go"
• Sergeant Splendor — "Play On"

Connect:

• sgtsplendor.com
• facebook.com/onlythreelads

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BANG! Our Third Lad is Ben Crum from long-running Elephant 6 band Great Lakes.

POW! More than 25 years and eight records on from Great Lakes' classic debut, Ben Crum returns with a fantastic new Great Lakes album, Don't Swim Too Close (HHBTM Records). The immediately accessible record draws from classic rock tradition, echoing both the Americana spirit of The Band and Neil Young and the proto-indie rock of Television and the Velvet Underground. Crum's dry humor bubbles up throughout, tempering heavy, earnest moments with wit.

WHAMMO! This is very likely to be the only music podcast you listen to today that incorporates both boxing and Scuffy the Tugboat references. KO!!

Thanks for Mike Turner from HHBTM Records for the introduction and coordination.

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Brett Vargo chats with electropunk pioneer Peter Pepper about his journey from a "dirtbag punk kid" growing up in Florida to becoming an underground cult hero of a genre he accidentally helped to create. He is currently a renowned multimedia creator, world-traveling storyteller, and founder of the AdventurePunk movement - a philosophy centered on curiosity, reinvention, and crafting meaning through exploration and doing something rather than nothing...even if it's hard.

Featured in our most eclectic six pack yet:

1) Peter Pepper - "Monday Night Electropunk" (single)

2) Mekons - "Mudcrawlers (Version)" feat. Benji Webbe (from the forthcoming LP Horrorble, Fire Records)

3) The Sweetest Ache - "Briaris"

4) Heavenly - "Robas Escenas" (original version from the LP Highway To Heavenly, Skep Wax Records)

5) Special Friend - "Isolation" (from the LP Clipping, Skep Wax Records)

6) Boiled In Lead - "King of the Dogwoods" (from the LP King of the Dogwoods, Omnium Records)

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Our Third Lad knows a little something about being in a "one and done" band.  Frank Boscoe’s great ‘90s indiepop band Wimp Factor 14 released exactly one proper album for Little Teddy Records, 1993’s Ankle Deep.  Fortunately, more music followed with his mid-to-late ‘90s band Vehicle Flips, 2000s group The Gazetteers, and this decade, The Ekphrastics.  Fortunately, The Ekphrastics were NOT "one and done," as they released their marvelous third album, All of a Sudden, Pow!, on Harriet Records in September 2025. Like the two albums that preceded it, it contains the kind of songwriting prowess that makes you marvel at how the songs can be so clever, so novel, so well researched, and yet so infectious and accessible.  For example, how about a song called “I’m Going to Read You the Riot Act” where he then ponders where the term came from, and then actually READS you the Riot Act as it was written in 1715 England?  Or how about  the wind chill factor?  Or journeyman first baseman John Jaso?. Experience short stories about aging marching bands, bee stings, COVID testing vans, money-laundering art galleries, rampageous hockey fans, who’s in the obituaries today, and unwritten pop songs.  You can get another glimpse into the mind of Mr. Boscoe in his sixth book of poetry, Tiny Delivery Robots All Over Campus. 

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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Decades before Elvis, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, or Uncle Gregg captured the hearts, imaginations, and undergarments of a swooning audience, crooners ruled the earth. The term typically conjures up golden throated singers like Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole, Tony Bennett, and Mel Torme interpreting the timeless songs of Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin. But one crooner reigned supreme: Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. He was "The Voice," possessing an instrument of rare, pure, crystalline perfection, with a phrasing, tone, and ability to charge every word with such emotion that you can palpably sense his audience getting weak in the knees.

Never has Sinatra's legendary 1940s performing career sounded as immaculately and pristinely alive as it does on the SING label's recent archival projects: At the Hollywood Bowl 1943-48; Christmas on the Air; and the 5-LP box set Long Ago, Far Away, all lovingly restored and mastered by an award winning team and featuring exquisitely detailed liner notes by no greater authority than record producer, historian, archivist, author of the acclaimed Sessions with Sinatra, and host of the weekly radio show Sinatra Standard Time, Chuck Granata.

We are fortunate to have Chuck join us this week to chat about all things Sinatra: the innovative new sets, his important role in pop music's breakthrough, his classic and most underrated albums, and the use of AI for good. And, of course, because O3L is focused on classic alternative music, our lists cover some of our favorite singers who carried on crooning into the '70s, '80s & '90s.

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We explore the complex, brilliant, funny, but ultimately tragic figure that was Elliott Smith, and we are fortunate to have a Third Lad who had a front row seat to his musical development - Lucas Ward from The Silver Snails. Lucas was a close friend of Elliott's (née Steven) in high school and college and shares an intimate portrait of the artist as a young man.

But this episode has a dual purpose, as we also celebrate the release of the second Silver Snails album, Speed of Light. The Silver Snails are a glam rock space pop family band based in the wine country of Italy, consisting of Lucas, his wife Elisa Fantini, and aided and abetted by their three children. It's a cosmic delight of an album - a string of ten pearls lovingly crafted to uplift, inspire, and open the hearts of listeners. It draws from a stylistically diverse, spiritually enriched, globally connected palette. Oh, it also rocks and is a lot of fun! And if their cover and video of "Video Killed The Radio Star" doesn't have you smiling from ear to ear, consult a doctor immediately.

Learn about Lucas's journey from Portland-raised Wall Street titan to Italian-dwelling psych-pop craftsman. Get a primer on Italian pop music. Laugh. Cry. Feel. Get reaffirmation that you are pretty. Be the faro d'amore. All this and more...only on O3L.

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The Darts: https://thedartsus.com

Black Viiolet: https://blackviiolet.com

In this six pack:

1) The Darts - "Apocalypse" (from the upcoming LP Halloween Love Songs)

2) Fake Friends - "Hyperconnection" (from the LP Let's Not Overthink This, Stomp Records)

3) Softjaw - "Pleased with Me" (from the forthcoming LP Softjaw, Dandy Boy Records / Bachelor Records)

4) Shapes Like People - "Lately" (from the upcoming LP Under The Rainbow, Jangleshop Records)

5) The Suncharms - "Midnight Train" (from the forthcoming LP Darkening Sky, Sunday Records)

6) Black Viiolet - "One" (from the LP Dark Blue, Adrenaline Fix Music)

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OK, we can't get anything past you. That wasn't random, because our Third Lads this week just so happen to be Terry & Larry Tutor from the aforementioned Numbers.

L.A.-by-way-of-Texas band The Numbers cut some absolutely crucial singles between 1963 and 1967, as well as a couple of highly sought after albums. They were truly ahead of their time, crossing paths with The Who (whom they sued to , The Easybeats, Billy Gibbons, and the Grateful Dead. They were originally shoo-ins to be cast as The Monkees. Although they didn't get their due in their time, their influence on legions of power pop bands that followed is immeasurable.

That is, of course, if you were to believe the extraordinarily detailed, myth-building liner notes and discography on the back of The Numbers' album Anthology '64-'67 , released on Bomp! subsidiary label Voxx Records in 1983. Truth is, the band, led by twin brothers Terry & Larry were barely old enough to remember the '60s. Yet, proudly wearing their influences on their paisley sleeves, they created one of the best, most collectible releases of the era (that part's true). Anthology is prime 1983 mod/power pop - brilliantly crafted, melodically rich, and harmonically deep pop music.

Although the Tutors would only release one Numbers album in the '80s, they would morph into the "electrified Americana" of The Bordersnakes. Fast forward to 2025 (prompted by a rediscovery by YouTuber Matthew Street), The Numbers released their first new album under that moniker in more than 42 years, Mad Day Out (Bomp! Records). It finds the band with all of their strengths firmly intact, a chiming, harmony-filled blend of joyous folk rock and power pop.

The guys say that this is the most fun they've ever had on a podcast...and who are we to argue with that?

Plus, for those of who are into O3L games, we've got TWO for you this episode: "O3L by the Numbers", a Price Is Right-style trivia game; and "Twintuition", in which our twin guests reveal how much they know about each other. Turns out it's a lot!

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Brett chats with the wildly talented brothers Matheus and Thiago Khouri from Brazil's Banda AL9. Over the past few years, Banda AL9 has earned millions of social media followers, streams, and viral video views with their irresistible blend of Beatlesque songcraft, tight brotherly harmonies, and fun, infectious energy. Now it's time for American audiences to catch up with their upcoming album on Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records, Hey ! Hey! We're Banda AL9, due on July 17th. The first taste of the new album is their sublime cover of labelmate Kurt Baker's "She Can Do It All." Those of you fortunate enough to be in the New York area can check out the phenomenal pop combo live at the Cutting Room on February 19th!

This six pack consists of:

1) Banda AL9 - "She Can Do It All" (from the forthcoming LP Hey! Hey! We're Banda AL9, Wicked Cool Records)

2) The Scarlet Goodbye - "She Is Fire" (The Label Group/Virgin)

3) Randy Klawon - "Spoonful Of Love"

4) Railcard - "Day Dream" (from the LP Railcard, Skep Wax Records)

5) Brighton Strangler - "Georgie Best" (from the forthcoming LP Moves Like Lovers)

6) The Blue Herons - "Willow" (from the forthcoming LP Demon Slayer, Shelflife Records)

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For every band that "made it" in some way, there were hundreds of bands who either faded into obscurity or never got the break they deserved. They shared the same stages at legendary clubs like CBGB and Max's Kansas City. And their stories are essential to the NYC punk revolution of the era.

One of those bands was Manhattan's The Rousers, whose drummer, Jerid O'Connell, joins us as Third Lad today!  Rousers 1979 Sire Session is out now on Left For Dead Records on both black and translucent white individually numbered 12” LP vinyl and 2 x CD set (with bonus tracks).

Inspired by the New York Dolls, Ramones and such immortal ‘50s rockers as twangy guitar hero Duane Eddy, the Rousers were woefully under-documented in their prime. A few major labels sniffed around, including RCA and Warner Bros. subdi­vision Sire. But no one committed them to vinyl until their single “Party Boy” b/w “Don’t Let The Band Stop Playing” 45 (produced by Wayne Kramer of the MC5) via Jimboco in 1981. 

This oversight is corrected with the release of the demos that the original Rousers lineup cut for Sire in the label’s basement studio on New York’s Upper West Side in 1979.  Never before released, the tapes sat shelved in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Sire archives for decades, digitized and re­stored in 2024. This is not a footnote. It’s a rescue mission. Tracked to tape under the sharp ear of Ed Stasium, hot off sessions with the Ramones and Talking Heads, the 1979 Sire demos are raw, radiant, and long overdue for release. They captured the Rousers in full dragstrip ignition mode: dueling Gibson guitars plugged into Fender amps for maximum punk twang, hiccupping Elvis/Buddy Holly vocal inflections, and a rhythm section built for backseat makeouts and beer-splashed dance floors. 

We celebrate the true underground of NYC punk this week, including Jerid's incredible stories ranging from hanging out with Sid Vicious the week before his death to the Rousers' neighbor Madonna opening for them.

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This week, we look at some of those frontmen who carried the torch during the classic alternative era. One of those guys is this week's Third Lad, Adam Sherman, the frontman for Boston power-pop rockers Private Lightning, who released an excellent underrated self-titled album for A&M Records in 1980. Following Private Lightning, Adam was the lead singer and songwriter in Americana band The Souls and a member of Boston rock n' roll institution Nervous Eaters. Adam's song from the last Nervous Eaters album, "Don't Need To Make You Mine" was named as the "Coolest Song in the World" on Little Steven's Underground Garage in 2024. Adam has also released the acclaimed solo albums Songbird, River of Dreams, and Triangle Sky - with a brand new record, Sorrows And Smiles, due the week of this episode's release (Feburary 5, 2026).

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In this six pack:

1. Marc Valentine - 'NY UAP' (from the upcoming LP Uncommon Side Effects, Wicked Cool Records)
2. Blindness & Light - 'Fly Paper' (single, from their upcoming LP)
3. Hauntees - 'All Over Again' (from the forthcoming LP Shadows Forming, Xonoring Records)
4. The Legal Matters - 'Stuck With Me' (from the forthcoming LP Lost At Sea, Big Stir Records)
5. Would-be-goods - 'Dr. Love' (from the forthcoming LP Tears Before Bedtime, Skep Wax Records)
6. Marc Valentine - 'You Are The Jet' (from the upcoming LP Uncommon Side Effects, Wicked Cool Records)

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Many musicians have been honored with their own branded pinball tables - from The Beatles, The Stones, and Elton John to Iron Maiden, Rush, and Guns n' Roses. What are some other bands who are deserving of their own machine?

This week's conversation is fueled by fantasy and fun, as we welcome one of the coolest couples in the world - Mike Felumlee (drummer for Smoking Popes) and Stephanie Wysocki. Mike & Steph have combined their shared passion of raw rock n' roll and pinball into Punk Rock Pinball. They co-host the wonderful podcast of the same name, and host tournaments and live shows at the Punk Rock Pinball HQ. The goal is to foster a scene that feels welcoming, fun,and DIY at any skill level...not intimidating or gatekept.

On the fun-o-meter, this episode pretty much gets the high score. Take that, Tommy!

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Our Third Lad this week has not only spent countless hours on the road, but has made some great road trip albums himself! Jamie James is best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist of the new wave/roots rock band The Kingbees. The Kingbees recorded two albums for RSO Records (Robert Stigwood's classic label that was also home to Bee Gees and Eric Clapton) - the first of which included the Billboard Top 100-charting single "My Mistake" in 1980. Jamie has also played with a late-70s touring version of Steppenwolf, and spent decades playing with musically inclined actors (or is it dramatically inclined musicians?) Harry Dean Stanton and Dennis Quaid.

Better yet, Jamie has a new album out on Oglio Records called Straight Up. It channels a lifetime of grit, heartbreak, and swagger into a punchy collection of blues and rock n' roll tunes.

You'll hear some amazing tales of rock n' roll - including crashing Apple Records headquarters, getting bottled off the stage while opening for AC/DC and ZZ Top, and getting a pistol pulled on him by Phil Spector while trying to escape listening to a Celine Dion demo!

Your only mistake would be NOT listening!

Dang it! This van only has an 8-track player?!?!

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Of course, none of which we really talk about on this episode. Instead, we're focusing on the best (mostly) alternative albums to come out of that fantastic year.

Returning to Third Lad-dom is power pop great Jim Basnight, a fixture on the scene since the late '70s. What has Jim been up to in the past two and a half years since his last appearance? Well, good thing you asked, because the answer is "plenty." For starters, his bands The Meice and The Moberlys were honored with tracks on the definitive Cherry Red box sets Looking For The Magic: American Power Pop in the Seventies and I Wanna Be a Teen Again: North American Power Pop of the '80s. He also released a steady stream of singles throughout 2025 that culminated in the full length album release of Under The Rock in December. As a blues devotee and expert, he's finished writing an exhaustive history of Sonny Boy Williamson, which will hopefully see a silver screen adaptation one day. All that, and he's still found the time to partake in his favorite pasttime - hanging out with O3L.

Relive the fun, memories and music of this pivotal year. Plus, play along with the brand new O3L game "Ninety...or Nonsense?!?"

It's the most fun you can have without telling someone to "eat my shorts, man!"

Buy Jim's music at https://powerpopaholicproductions.bandcamp.com.

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Oh, and by the way...you think you're Andy Warhol, but you're not.

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This week, Uncle Gregg and Brett dive in to discuss their top songs of the year that was. Better yet, some of YOU chimed in with your opinions as well!

Settle in as we recap the year's most listened-to songs, 2025 trends, discuss the future of physical media, give our 2026 predictions, and much more!

Albums of 2025 episode coming soon.

Happy New Year!

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Chances are, one of the first things that popped into your head was the album cover. And it makes sense...who hasn’t studied an album jacket while listening to a record?  Or scanned the track listing, or read the liner notes or credits?  How many of you have bought an album solely based on the cover art? The artwork colors how we hear the music, and, likewise, the music informs how we interpret the artwork.  Either way, when done effectively, the two are intertwined.

But don’t take it from us.  This week, we have one of THE greatest creative art directors in music history joining as our Third Lad.  There's a near certainty that you have the iconic work of John Kosh sitting in your record collection - and it’s absolutely staggering list of credits since the late ‘60s.  For starters, how about his work as with The Beatles' Apple Records, like Abbey Road, Let It Be, or John & Yoko’s Wedding Album? Or how about Who's Next?  Get Your Ya-Ya’s Out?  Hotel California?  Out Of The Blue, featuring his familiar ELO spaceship logo?  In fact, he is the only Art Director to have worked with The Beatles, The Stones, and The Who.  That’s not enough for you?  Among the hundreds of album covers Kosh has designed, there are also familiar sleeves for Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, Donovan, Aerosmith, Family, The Moody Blues, Badfinger, 10,000 Maniacs, T. Rex, and so, so many more.  And, oh yeah, the four decade string of gorgeous covers he did for Linda Ronstadt, three of which have earned him Grammys. Aside from album covers, there’s artwork for singles, books, TV, film, posters, and billboards - like, for example, the simple but incredibly effective John & Yoko campaign declaring WAR IS OVER…if you want it. 

Listen as Kosh recounts stories from his fabled career and discusses his Top 5 Album Covers (other than his own). This is living history, kids!

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The drinks were a-flowin, and the friends were a-blabbin’

Meanwhile, the snow piled up, it was treacherous out there,

And Bob Dylan’s words rang true, you ain’t going nowhere.

The turntable hummed with a familiar warm crackle,

As laughter rang out with a loud joyful cackle.

Mixtapes were stacked by the glow of the fire,

Each one tells a story, a hope, a desire.

(Oh, and incidentally, cassettes melt, so that’s a really bad idea.)

From post-punk to new wave, these songs tell our truth,

We argued what really defined the music of our youth.

There were games full of nonsense, of trivia and cheer,

“Did this actually happen?”—the answer unclear.

But what clatter arose, and echoed all through the city

It was flippin’ “Word Girl” by Scritti Politti,

But oh how they danced, some arguably twerked

Brett was seething in the corner, like a judgmental jerk

And just when they thought it couldn’t get any funner,

“Come on Eileen” came on, by Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

We all joined in on the chorus, what a jubilant sound,

That is, except Uncle Gregg, but perhaps he’ll come around.

So settle in close as for the 6th year,

Our holiday tradition is finally here.

Tonight, we’re all snowed in at O3L cabin

So let the memories start, Let the party begin!

Join Uncle Gregg and Brett for a holiday party filled with laughter, (mostly) good cheer, and plenty of holiday spirit(s) - including our friends Joshua, Kimberly (who brought along Timmy the Taxi with her!), Lance, Paul, and Matt & Stefan from Paisley Underground legends The Rain Parade.

We make the most of the blizzard-like conditions, making themed mixtapes, playing brand new O3L games ("That's Soooo 2025!") and Alternativity") and spinning future holiday classics by Swansea Sound ("Not My Order"), Mossy Ledge ("Christmas Lights"), Autos ("X-Mas Eve At The Metro"), and Slow Owls ("Counting Down To Christmas").

It may be freezing outside the cabin, but inside we're gettin' LIT!

Happy Holidays to you and yours from O3L!

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Joining us for this discussion are two members of the iconic Seattle indie pop band Tullycraft, vocalist/songwriter/bassist Sean Tollefson and guitarist Chris Munford. For more than three decades, Tullycraft has married DIY punk ethos to tender twee pop songs featuring charming boy/girl vocals and clever songwriting filled with pop culture references. Appropriately enough, one of their early songs was the brilliantly titled "Pop Songs Your New Boyfriend's Too Stupid To Know About," which not only does a great job of summing up Tullycraft's career but is also the namesake of Sean's great Friday night radio show on Seattle's SPACE 101.1 FM that he hosts with his wife.

Tullycraft practically defined the twee movement in the US, inspiring legions of bands, zines, and record labels. Their debut album, 1996's Old Traditions, New Standards, was named as one of Pitchfork's 25 Best Indie Pop Albums of the '90s. And, now they're back with their 8th album, Shoot The Point on HHBTM Records, which runs the full Tullycraft spectrum - from tender, heart squishing moments to full-throttle freakouts. It's fun. It's weird. It's very Tullycraft.

Special thanks to Mike Turner from HHBTM for the introduction and coordination.

*No podcasters or guests were actually harmed in the making of this episode.

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In October, the Elephant 6 Recording Company released Alarm, the second full-length album by Giant Day. Their first, 2024’s Glass Narcissus, bore a unique weight — it wasn’t just a debut album, it was the debut album by the first official Elephant 6 band in more than 15 years. With the 2023 wide-release of the documentary The Elephant 6 Recording Co. codifying the E6 “sound” for some and introducing it to others, what Giant Day conjured into being on Glass Narcissus was notably darker than the lysergic, sun-drenched pop associated with their former Athens, Georgia home.The word “former” is important to Giant Day’s origin story. In 2020, Almstead and Growden moved from Athens to rural Pennsylvania, where they became caretakers of a family farm. They converted the horse stables into a studio and continued to write and record music, but they were dislocated from their sense of the world, let alone anything resembling a “scene.” That lack of place — what Almstead and Growden refer to as the “dissonance” between the beauty of their new home and the reality of the world beyond it — crept into their songs, a desperate signal emanating from off the grid.

On Alarm, that signal is stronger, more urgent. The alluring, paranoid throb underpinning their songs is keener now, more lived in, as if the veil between the fears of characters whose points of view Almstead had written from on Glass Narcissus and his own had dropped.

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Song:

American Lips - "Record Store Day" (from the LP On Strike!, Ancient Fashion Records)

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Life is beautiful! This week, we have the extraordinary honour to welcome the creative nucleus of Brett's favourite band of the 21st century...Murray A. Lightburn and Natalia Yanchak from Montreal's orchestral pop noir heroes The Dears!

Life is beautiful! We are heading into the future from our normal O3L timeline to the year Two Thousaaaaand (more echo, please) to commemorate the albums that are unbelievably a quarter of century old this year. This includes The Dears' debut album, End Of A Hollywood Bedtime Story. Life is beautiful! We celebrate humble beginnings to a life less ordinary... from an innocent encounter to musical partnership to a love story of marriage and family. Along the way, The Dears have continued to hone their unique brand of indie rock, boast one of the most consistent catalogues of the past 25 years, play in front of 50,000 people at Glastonbury, and garner fan adoration and critical praise (well, mostly...ahem, Pitchfork).

Life is beautiful! The Dears' brand new album, Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! Life Is Beautiful! is out now on Next Door Records. Their ninth studio album finds them at the top of their game, equal parts passion and compassion, beauty and defiance, intimacy and universality.

Part 1 premieres Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Part 2 premieres Thursday, November 27, 2025

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Formed in 1972 in Auckland, New Zealand, Split Enz, known initially as Split Ends, were, and remain, utterly unique. As the first band from New Zealand to achieve major success beyond the Southern Hemisphere, they blazed a trail with a sound and style entirely their own. Evolving from folk-inspired beginnings into a fusion of art-rock, new wave, and theatrical performance, Split Enz didn’t just follow trends, they genuinely created them. While no one sounded like Split Enz at the time, countless acts have drawn inspiration from their legacy over the past five decades.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut, Mental Notes, the first installment of a landmark archival project, ENZyclopedia Volumes One & Two, presents a comprehensive tribute to New Zealand’s most visionary and influential band.  ENZyclopedia Volumes One & Two is housed in a deluxe 5-CD box set (also available as a 3-LP + Blu-Ray edition), this release has been curated in close collaboration with the band. It offers an in-depth look at their formative years, showcasing the evolution of a group whose creative spirit reshaped the boundaries of popular music from New Zealand. The CD set features remasters of their first two albums, Mental Notes (1975) and Second Thoughts (1976), a remix of Second Thoughts, a partially remixed, remastered version of the early tracks comp The Beginning of the Enz, and a disc of live tracks, rough tracks, and alternate mixes.

ENZyclopedia Volumes 1 & 2 is out now on Chrysalis Records.

Special thanks to Maria Malta for the introduction and coordination.

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Outside of the four founding members - Robert Schneider, Jeff Mangum, Will Cullen Hart, and Bill Doss - there is arguably no bigger name in the E6 universe than Elf Power and their songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Andrew Rieger.  Elf Power is responsible for some of the finest psych-pop and indie rock records since 1995...but we’re actually NOT here today to celebrate the release of a new Elf Power album, but rather roughly five minutes of some of the most surprising music to come out in 2025. Leap Through Poisoned Air is a from the vaults collaboration EP between the late, great Will Cullen Hart, who we lost in 2024, and Andrew Rieger, and released on Rieger and keyboardist Laura Carter’s label Orange Twin. 

Thanks to Mike Turner from Crashing Through Publicity for the introduction and coordination!

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One such album, weighing in at 27 tracks and nearly 85 minutes, is the purposeful new album Proverbs by Atlanta/Athens band The Shut-Ups. To quote the synopsis on The Shut-Ups Bandcamp page, Proverbs is a “double album full of dubious advice for a stiff-necked people.”  It’s a sprawl of an album that’s rooted in power pop and new wave-influenced indie rock, but covers a dizzying range of stylistic ground, and is all tied together by sardonic songwriting and an irreverent sense of humor. 

Our Third Lads are the constant creative force of the Shut-Ups, songwriter/vocalist/keyboardist Don Condescending, and multi-instrumentalist Jason NeSmith…a name that we’ve brought up a bunch of times on this very podcast as he not only also plays in Pylon Reenactment Society and Casper and the Cookies, but is also the renowned mastering engineer behind so many of the sonically and musically great records and reissues by many of our past guests.

Get happy with O3L!

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During this episode, you'll hear:

• Your messages!
• A special visit from the original Third Lad...Bueno!
• New music from Tony Valentino, The Goods, The Melody Chamber, and The Chelsea Curve
• A brand new O3L game...based off of O3L's past - "Pod Sharks"
• A new segment of "You Weren't Supposed to Hear THAT!"

We are so grateful for and touched by the wonderful audio messages that you sent us. Thank you:

• The Jack Rubies
• Barry Andrews (Shriekback, XTC)
• Jesse Jackson (Set Lusting Bruce podcast)
• Debora Iyall (Romeo Void)
• Love Tractor
• Marina Muhlfriedel (Vivabeat, Backstage Pass)
• Maurice Bursztynski (Love That Album, See Hear podcasts)
• Tony Valentino (The Standells)
• Steve Barton (Translator)
• Dave Scheff (Translator,)
• Genny Schorr (Backstage Pass, author - All Roads Lead to Punk)
• Pylon Reenactment Society
• Matt Piucci (The Rain Parade)
• Daniel McKeown
• Dean Brownrout (Big Deal Records, author - No Big Deal)
• The Rishis
• Kimberly Brown (author, Timmy The Taxi)
• Timmy the Taxi
• Allison Landa (author, Bearded Lady)
• Slender Dan
• Lemoyne Alexander
• Allen Wagner (Kilkenny Cats, Is/Ought Gap)
• Mat Mills (Goodbye Wudaokou)
• DoubleVee
• Dan Voznick (aka Alec Tension - Afterimage)
• Julio Santos
• Frank Boscoe (The Ekphrastics)
• Jim Basnight
• Tears Run Rings
• The Melody Chamber
• Carl Cafarelli (DJ - This is Rock n' Roll Radio, author - several fine books!)
• Daniel House (Skin Yard, C/Z Records)
• Tony Jenkins (Kobayashi Bookstore)
• The Open Flames
• Terry Banks (Dot Dash)
• Lance Carmine
• Joshua Cole

Stay tuned for the next 300!

Want to access the O3L Index for a handy reference on where to find discussions about your favorite artists? Go to: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EpesEJ-JWBTxVZ3C11J3MGZ1qcAzrDx_/view?usp=sharing

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Yeah, call it bad timing, call it wishful thinking, or call it wistful nostalgia for the bygone summer, but this week we’re having an O3L Beach Party! We’ve got all of the essentials with us, except the most crucial thing: the tunes, man! We each need to pack up some albums for the beach to play on our state-of-the-art O3L boombox. 

There’s a new album that definitely needs to come to this beach blanket bingo : Now, by Seattle’s Acapulco Lips on Killroom Records.  It’s a euphoric mix of fuzz n’ Farfisa garage rock swagger, heady reverb-drenched psych, sinewy surf rock, and girl group charm that crackles with restless energy and reckless cool.  It carries on admirably from, and improves upon (in our opinion), their self titled record from 2016.  Get it on cool tangerine & lemon galaxy colored vinyl from acapulcolips.bandcamp.com or stream it - of course, if you’re one of those new fangled fancy pants - but you’ve gotta hear this record. 

Joining us for this rad rager is none other than the aforementioned Acapulco Lips - vocalist/bassist Maria-Elena Herrell, guitarist Christopher Garland, and drummer Jordan T Adams.

You can almost feel the sand in your shorts!

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Surprise, all you groovy ghoulies and "eyeball eaters from outer space!" 'Tis the season to get spooky, so we're going "full-on witch mode" with our friends from Big Stir Records - label founders/mad scientists Rex Broome & Christina Bulbenko from The Armoires and sparkle*jets uk evil genius Michael Simmons - in a brand new Halloween Spoooooooooktacular special! We'll be chatting about some of the most chilling and thrilling songs from the O3L era.

Speaking of which...those of us of, uh, let’s say, a certain "vintage" may associate Halloween with the classic 1964 Disneyland record Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House.  This fall, Big Stir is scratching a nostalgic itch with the coolest release of the season - Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies, an incredible double album set on eerie bright green vinyl, complete with a playable Big Stir themed board game, and artwork and horrifically humorous narration reminiscent of the Disney record.  The biggest trick of all is how many treats are on it - the album contains 21 never before heard Halloween inspired tracks from the incredible Big Stir roster, including many names that have appeared on O3L as guests and/or Weekend Six Packs - Librarians with Hickeys, Splitsville, Graham Parker, The Spongetones (and Steve Stoeckel solo), The Jack Rubies, The Armoires, sparkle*jets uk, Dolph Chaney, Hungrytown, Shplang, and so many more, including - get this - brand new music from ‘60s legends The Strawberry Alarm Clock.  It’s a creepily compelling, fun, and unique essential for your Halloween party that you can get from BigStirRecords.com. 

Songs:

• Splitsville - "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein"

• The Spongetones - "Spirit World"

• Lady Darkevyl (with Chris Church) - "I Watch You Sleep"

• The Pepper's Ghost Players - "Spread My Ashes in the Haunted Mansion"

Hurry baaaaaaaack. Hurry baaaaa-aaaaaaaack.

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If you think the stories Genny shares on O3L are incredible...just wait til you read the book!

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And, it just so happens that our Third Lad today, Rebecca Pidgeon, has indeed enjoyed a long and fruitful career in both worlds.  As an actress, she has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows since the late ‘80s, including The Spanish Prisoner, The Winslow Boy, State and Main (all of the preceding written and directed by her husband, the legendary David Mamet), Shopgirl, Red, Allegiant, Bird Box, her daughter Clara Mamet’s Two Bit Waltz, and many more. 

As a musician, Rebecca began her career as the lead singer of Scottish folk/pop band Ruby Blue. After two charming albums with band - Glances Askances (1987) and Down from Above (1990), she has released a succession of 12 acclaimed solo albums like 1994’s The Raven, 1996’s The New York Girls’ Club, and 2019’s ambitiously brilliant double album Sudden Exposure to Light / Comfort, right up to her two most recent spectacular releases, 2024’s Songs of LA and 2025’s Unillusion. 

Special thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

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Not in a creepy way (usually)...we mean we really like music created by women. So, in our ongoing series of episodes celebrating women in alternative music, this week we are covering our top 5 women-led albums of the 1990s. Appropriately enough, our Third Lads this week are a dynamic duo who "lived through this" and are inspired by this music - Julie Exter and Andrea Tarka White from Philly-based rock band Gun-Shy Butterfly! They currently have four singles that exemplify what the band has dubbed "bubble grunge" - a combination of sugary melodies and crunchy hooks that would have been right at home on mid-90s alternative radio.

We hit it off right away with Andrea & Julie...we love 'em and we know you will too!

But wait...there's also discussions about: tattoos, Higglytown Heroes, Nairing...uh...various areas, Goldschlager and comics, flip-flops (yes, again), our new grunge band Grotesque Quiche, hologram Jewel, hosers, Easttown accents, Julie's music/comedy podcast Rock'n'LOL, and much more. Oh, and guess what? A brand new O3L game called "Riot Grrrl Riot" - in which our contestants (and host) receive their very own riot grrrl names. As Kim deal would say to Gregg, "ugh!"

Songs:

Gun-Shy Butterfly - "Dark Side"

Gun-Shy Butterfly - "Manchild"

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And joining us for this discussion today? It's Splitsville, daddy-o!

That's right...one score and two years after their last album, Baltimore indie rock/power pop heroes Splitsville are dressed up and ready to party with a brand new record, Mobtown, on Big Stir Records. It's a remarkable song cycle, a love letter of sorts to their hometown, that sits comfortably alongside the band's other essential releases such as 1997's Ultrasound, 1999's Repeater, 2003's Incorporated, and 2001's modern classic The Complete Pet Soul - a pop stunner that lives up to the weight of its referential title and influences. We welcome guitarist Matt Huseman, drummer Brandt Huseman (both of whom were the driving forces one of the best mid-90s power pop bands, the Greenberry Woods), bassist Paul Kryziak, and guitarist Tony Waddy.

Plus, play along to the brand new O3L game "Blanktown Heroes"!

Technical note: You may also notice some imperfections on Splitsville’s vocal track in places - there was an inexplicable glitch that almost sounded like when you'd hit fast forward on a CD player.  That being said, we know you’ll enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it.

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Hey, speaking of second times, guess who's back as our Third Lads this week? (No fair, you cheated by looking at the episode title!) Yes, that's right, it's guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Matt Piucci and bassist/vocalist/songwriter Steven Roback from seminal LA "Paisley Underground" band The Rain Parade! The last time Matt & Steven joined us (Episode 259), they subtly hinted that there was something in the works for their underrated second full-length album, 1985's Crashing Dream. We have now been treated to a spectacular double disc deluxe reissue on Label 51 Recordings, that not only gives fans an opportunity to re-appraise this lost gem, but is chock full of demos, alternate versions and live bonus tracks that flesh out the story of this fertile chapter in the Rain Parade legacy.

Prepare thyself for plenty of stories about the past, present, and future of Rain Parade, including recounting memories of their debut single, "What She's Done To Your Mind" from 1982. Hanging out with the guys is always a pleasure, but we digress. A lot.

Special thanks to Josh Mills.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

#paisleyunderground #janglepop #collegerock #psychedelic #80smusic #classicalternative #musicpodcast

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What exactly is "noise rock" though?? At its simplest definition, it’s rock music that emphasizes noise - distortion, feedback, dissonance, abrasion.  But as a subgenre, it only takes a cursory look through internet music forums to see how easily these things can digress into petty arguments about what is or is not noise rock.  Commonly perceived as precursors to noise rock would be various ‘60s psych bands like 13th Floor Elevators and the ubiquitous Velvet Underground, free jazz, and early experimental music where traditional instruments were manipulated to sound like anything but traditional instruments.  In the punk era, the natural outgrowth were things like the no wave scene that was happening in New York and British bands like The Fall, Swell Maps, and This Heat.  From there, throughout the ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond, the term was synonymous with bands like Sonic Youth, Big Black, Swans, the Jesus Lizard, and any number of bands in which Steve Albini had a hand in some way. 

Joining us to wade through the mud is a New York based band whose members had a hand in shaping our perception of noise rock. The Whimbrels have just released their self titled debut album on Dromedary Records, and it's an astounding, ambitious and riff-laden affair that has plenty of noise, but also a lot of dynamics and deceptively accessible moments.  Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter Arad Evans was associated with Glenn Branca’s ensemble from the 1980’s until Branca’s 2018 death, as well as his band Heroes of Toolik and scores of others.  Bassist/Vocalist/Songwriter Matt Hunter co-founded the great ‘90s/2000’s cult favorites New Radiant Storm King and has played with a ton of other notables such as J. Mascis, King Missile, and Silver Jews. 

Thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination!

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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Who are in a cool band they call doubleVee

Allan & Barb Vest went on a podcast

To discuss bands that are family.

Here's the story of a groovy podcast,

Hosted by two guys named Uncle Gregg and Brett

They were diving deep through all the records

Mostly classic alternative

Til the one day when the Lads met the Vests

And they knew it was much more than a fad

That this group must somehow form a top five list

That's the way we do it on Only Three Lads

Only Three Lads

Only Three Lads

That's the way we do it on Only Three Lads!"

That’s right - the focus of this week’s episode is on bands containing siblings, married couples, cousins, etc.  Coincidentally - actually, it’s totally NOT a coincidence - our Third Lads today are the Oklahoma-based married couple, Allan & Barb Vest, who make up the band doubleVee.  Allan was previously primary songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for one of the best left-of-center indie pop bands of the early 2000s, Starlight Mints, who released four albums during the first decade of the new millennium.   Barb’s history notably includes writing, hosting and producing the nationally syndicated film soundtrack radio programFilmscapes, as well as editing a music webzine and performing with various bands.  Together as doubleVee, Allan & Barb have crafted some astounding and wildly inventive music - the highly recommended debut concept album The Moonlit Fables of Jack the Rider in 2017, the 2019 EP, the 2022 record Treat Her Strangely (containing "Your Love Is It Real?" as heard on the hit Netflix series Wednesday), and now the newly released EP Periscope At Midnight.  The music of doubleVee is a wonderful and beguiling thing - comfortingly poppy but with plenty of strange twists, turns and detours along the way.  Cinematic music with a keen and often whimsical eye for storytelling, doubleVee’s songs are beautiful and orchestral, but leaves you with the unsettling feeling that something grotesque may be bubbling underneath the surface. 

Thanks to Howard Wuelfing for the introduction and coordination!

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Well, guess what we’ve got for you instead this holiday weekend?  Music is OUR mattress, and we’re here with insane deals on a six pack of the latest tunes. We won't rest easy 'til YOU rest easy!

• Acapulco Lips - 'Fuzzy Sunshine' (from the LP 'Now', Killroom Records)
• Orbis Max - 'If I Still Believe In Love At All' (single)
• The Planet Smashers - 'Things You Do" (from the LP 'On The Dancefloor', Stomp Records)
• Goodbye Wudaokou - 'I Can't Deal With September' (from the LP 'Anything Of Us', Subjangle)
• Sadlands - 'Twin Flame' (from the upcoming LP 'Try To Have A Little Fun', Wiretap Records)
• Maple Mars - 'Couldn't Have Been A Better Time' (single, Big Stir Records)

Tariff free but providing as much support and comfort as the latest memory foam technology!  

 Thanks for supporting new music, the artists creating it and labels putting it out.  To keep this ecosystem going, we need to prop each other up now more than ever.  By downloading this podcast, you’re helping.  By following these bands on social media, you’re helping.  And, perhaps needless to say, buying their records, t-shirts, or seeing them live helps most of all!

Have a great weekend!

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Our Third Lad this week, Lemoyne Alexander, is a man who has bridged both the hip-hop and alternative worlds and then some.  He played in family bands throughout the ‘70s & ‘80s including the Fascination, who had some dance club hits like 1986’s “Why Are You Always Complaining?” before settling in as a hip hop producer both solo and with the production team 3 Da Hard Way, working on records by the likes of Aalyiah, DMX, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and for labels like Jive and Motown.  Lemoyne left the rap game to return to his earliest passions - the guitar and rock n’ roll, releasing Solitude in 2019 and Perfect World in 2023.  2024’s indie rock single “Insecurity” is an earworm that once you hear that infectious chorus, it’s going to take up residence in your head for all your days.  With a new single "Claustrophobia" (which you will hear during this episode!) and LP Alone on the horizon, Lemoyne is poised to continue making his mark on alt rock.

Oh, and on top of that, we've got a brand new O3L game for y'all: Off Da Chartz (aka Rap Draft), in which our contestants draft five albums that they believe will appear on Boombox's list of the Top 50 Alternative Rap Albums of all time. Plus, Uncle Gregg rants aplenty. Oh, the rants. Yo!

Thanks to Laura Bissett from the MyWhy Agency for the introduction and coordination.

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Our focus topic is on the producers of the O3L era - the sonic architects that carry out the visions of the artists we love and shape the sound of our favorite records. And Chris Stamey is someone who knows, as he's produced some fantastic records over the years, including albums by Pylon, Whiskeytown, Le Tigre, The Butchies, Alejandro Escovedo, and many more. Of course, that's only scratching the surface of Chris's amazing 50 year career, from releasing one of the earliest DIY indie records (Sneakers) to playing with Alex Chilton in the late '70s to being one of the creative forces in the seminal, era-defining band the dB's, to his fruitful solo career, a radio play, a songwriting memoir, and working with over 100 artists including fellow dB and recent O3L guest Peter Holsapple, Yo La Tengo, Freedy Johnston, The Golden Palominos, and more recently with The Salt Collective and Jody Stephens' Big Star Quintet.

We chat with Chris about his gorgeous new album, Anything Is Possible, the influence of Brian Wilson, Alex Chilton, Tin Pan Alley, and the Lemon Twigs, the essence of being Chris Stamey, and the enduring legacy of producers like Martin Hannett, Martin Rushent, John Leckie, Scott Litt, Mitch Easter, Joe Foster, Steve Albini, Rick Rubin, Gil Norton, John Fry, Chris Thomas, and more.

During this episode, you will hear:

• Chris Stamey - "Anything Is Possible"
• Chris Stamey - "Meet Me In Midtown"
• The Salt Collective - "Last Day We're Young"



Thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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We ask Will about the new record, from the single "Send Some Energy" to the infectious romp should-be-smash "Alright Already." You won't hear the latter on streaming services...but you will hear it here on O3L!

Of course, we also delve into our focus topic this week, our Top 5 Singer-Songwriter Albums of the '80s. While "singer-songwriter" may instantly conjure up visions of troubadours with acoustic guitars like James Taylor, Jackson Browne, or Cat Stevens, we redefine the term for the high-tech '80s.

Special thanks to Karen Allison from Propeller Sound Recordings for the introduction.

Proudly part of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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There are plenty of new tales to tell!

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Let's kick off August with music by:

• The Wind-Ups - "(That's Just My) Dream Girl" (from the forthcoming LP Confection, Dandy Boy Records)
• The Cords - "Fabulist" (from the forthcoming LP The Cords, Skep Wax / Slumberland Records)
• The Flashcubes - "The Sweet Spot" (single, Big Stir Records)

• Robin Schell - "Simple Explanation" (from Pop Aid 3: A Pop Compilation to Benefit Those Affected by the California Wildfires, Kool Kat Musik)
• Beta Trip - "On My Mind" (from the forthcoming LP Superette, Having Fun Records)
• Fischer-Z - "Too Much" (from the forthcoming LP PUNKT!)

Thank you for supporting new music!

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Paul "Rap" Rappaport enjoyed a storied (and very appropriate) 33 1/3 year career in rock promotion at Columbia Records, where he was instrumental in the careers of an amazing roster of legends, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Blue Oyster Cult, Judas Priest, Alice In Chains, and many, many more.

Gliders Over Hollywood: Airships, Airplay and the Art of Rock Promotion is Rap's dynamic, entertaining memoir captures the magic of these times and the people who made it happen, revealing the never-before-heard secrets of the promotion and marketing that turned the music industry on its head. From creating the Pink Floyd airship to sword-fighting with Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and receiving a guitar lesson from Keith Richards, it’s a book packed full of extraordinary adventures with some of the biggest names in rock.

This week, Rap joins us as our Third Lad to recount the wild tales of his Top 5 Album Rollouts. These are stories you have to hear (or read) to believe!

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So you may ask yourself, why are we doing an Ozzy episode on our classic alternative music podcast? We certainly don't want to be "those guys" who churn out opportunistic memorial episodes - but, quite simply, Uncle Gregg suggested "hey, we should do an Ozzy tribute" and Brett said "OK, let's do it." That's the way decisions are made here at O3L Headquarters...and six hours later, the episode is out to the world.

 John "Ozzy" Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76, a little more than two weeks after his final performance at the Back to the Beginning farewell concert, a massive show that featured a who’s who of heavy metal musicians, culminating in a five song Ozzy solo set and a four song finale from Black Sabbath. 

Ozzy, of course, rose to prominence as the lead singer of Birmingham rock band Black Sabbath from the time of their formation in 1969 until his dismissal in 1979. Considered one of (if not THE) most influential bands in the evolution of heavy metal, Sabbath also consisted of guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward, releasing a string of classic albums like Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), Master of Reality (1971), Vol. 4 (1972), Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973), Sabotage (1975), Technical Ectasy (1976), Never Say Die (1978) before Ozzy launched a fruitful solo career. Solo records include 1980’s Blizzard of Ozz, 1981’s Diary of a Madman, 1983’s Bark at the Moon, and 1991’s No More Tears, intertwined with occasional Black Sabbath reunions, most notably their 2013 album 13. Osbourne remained at the forefront of pop culture through his popular Ozzfest tours and his unlikely stint as a lovable TV Dad on the reality show The Osbournes.

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The spirit of experimental music is alive and well on The Sound, the debut solo album by guitarist, cellist, composer producer, arranger, painter, and educator Knox Chandler. This project is a musical memoir depicting the shift in his surroundings from the urbanism of New York, London, and Berlin to the serene rural setting of the Connecticut shoreline. Through 10 diaristic and transportative soundscapes, The Sound incorporates Knox's "Soundribbon" style of meditative, powerfully cinematic guitar, accompanied by upright bass and percussion, and is paired with a book of paintings, sketches, and writings.

You no doubt have heard Knox Chandler's work throughout a career that has spanned four decades, as a member of The Psychedelic Furs, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Cyndi Lauper's band, and The Golden Palominos. He's also played, composed, produced, and arranged on dozens of records including REM's Automatic For The People, Depeche Mode's Exciter, David Gahan's Paper Monsters, Paula Cole's Harbinger, and many more.

Special thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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It's better to travel to the kaleidoscope world of 1973 when you can breakout with great Third Lads. What, too subtle for ya?!? This week, we enter the twilight world of Swing Out Sister - Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell!

Along with discussing some of our favourite songs from 1973, we are are also celebrating the release of the new Cherry Red Records box set Certain Shades Of Limelight, a beautifully curated 8 CD box set covering the vibrant and soulful evolution of iconic British pop sophisticates Swing Out Sister. Spanning the years 1994 to 2004, the definitive collection captures a golden decade of musical exploration, refinement and reinvention. Included are the group's five albums released during that time period and three bonus discs packed with B-sides, 7" versions, rare mixes, instrumentals, alternate versions, soundtrack versions, and sought-after edits.

During part two of our conversation with Corinne and Andy:

• Who was that peculiar woman digging through the dumpster?
• Salamanders (or "salamandas" as the case may be)!
• 7-inch Little Willy shame (don't worry, you're among friends)!
• Bonding with Bernie Taupin and Rod Temperton!
• Drive-in madness!

...and our top three picks for Songs of 1973.

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It's better to travel to the kaleidoscope world of 1973 when you can breakout with great Third Lads. What, too subtle for ya?!? This week, we enter the twilight world of Swing Out Sister - Corinne Drewery and Andy Connell!

Along with discussing some of our favourite songs from 1973, we are are also celebrating the release of the new Cherry Red Records box set Certain Shades Of Limelight, a beautifully curated 8 CD box set covering the vibrant and soulful evolution of iconic British pop sophisticates Swing Out Sister. Spanning the years 1994 to 2004, the definitive collection captures a golden decade of musical exploration, refinement and reinvention. Included are the group's five albums released during that time period and three bonus discs packed with B-sides, 7" versions, rare mixes, instrumentals, alternate versions, soundtrack versions, and sought-after edits.

During part one of our conversation, Corinne and Andy give us the run down on the box set, plus...

• What do George Michael, Elton John, and Andy's mum have in common?
• Were Andy & Corinne the original Jay-Z & Beyonce?
• Breaking into the marching band and Chicago stepping worlds!
• What living soul icon did Uncle Gregg kill off?
• Big bands...and bigger bands!
• How did Corinne get her signature bob?
• Why Swing Out Sister's cinematic music may not be soundtracking films anytime soon.
• ...and our #5 & #4 picks for Songs of 1973.

Don't worry, we won't make you play the waiting game too long (last Swing Out Sister pun for now, we promise)...Part 2 drops on Thursday, July 17th!

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• Ryli - 'Bad July' (from Come and Get Me, Dandy Boy Records)
• Kevin Robertson - 'We Found The Summer'
• Daniella Binyamin - 'Without Breaking Apart'
• The Spongetones - 'Help Me Janie' (from The 40th Anniversary Concert...and Beyond )
• Museums - 'In Waves'

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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This week's discussion revolves around our Top 5 Debut Solo Albums - in other words, the first album released by an artist apart from or after their well known group.

While you'd have to go back to 1997 for Peter Holsapple's official debut solo album, he's arguably just released his best yet - The Face of 68, out now on Label 51 Recordings. It's a tight, lean, rocking affair that finds the dB's singer/songwriter's knack for melody and songcraft still incredibly sharp after roughly 50 years of making records. Along with a deep dive into The Face of 68, we also chat about his proto-punk beginnings with Little Diesel, being shown how it's done by the legendary Alex Chilton, life on the road with R.E.M. and Hootie and the Blowfish, supergroup collectives the Continental Drifters, the Salt Collective, and the Big Star Quintet, and the flurry of dB's related activity including Propeller Sound Recordings reissue campaign and 2024's reunion shows.

• The Face of 68: https://peter-holsapple.bandcamp.com/album/the-face-of-68

• O3L Podperks: https://onlythreelads.codeadx.me

Thanks to Wendy Brynford-Jones from Hello Wendy PR for the introduction and coordination!

Proudly Pantheon Podcasts.

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We're un-alone for this discussion, because (if you couldn't have guessed) we have guitarist/singer/songwriter Steve Barton and drummer Dave Scheff from one of the best American bands of the '80s, Translator! Translator released four excellent albums for 415/Columbia: Heartbeats and Triggers (1982), No Time Like Now (1983), Translator (1985), and Evening of the Harvest (1986).

At the end of their initial run, they played a final gig at the Farm in their home base of San Francisco. Captured on a cassette, nearly 40 years later, that incendiary live set is out for the first time on download, LP, or CD as Beyond Today: Live at the Farm San Francisco: 1986. from Liberation Hall. https://translatorlive.bandcamp.com

As an added treat for fans, Beyond Today also contains two brand new Translator songs, "These Days to Come" and "With Your Dreams", both wonderfully mixed by Ed Stasium.

Special thanks to Randy Haecker from Prime Mover Media for the introduction and coordination!

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1) Amelia & The Housewives - 'Maybe' (single, Damaged Goods)

2) Last Tourist - 'Slowly Fade' (single, 1991recordings)

3) Splitsville - 'I Hate Going to Hutzler's' (from the LP Mobtown, Big Stir Records)

4) Lammping & Bloodshot Bill - 'Never Never' (from the LP Never Never, We Are Busy Bodies)

5) Jeanines - 'What's Lost' (single, Skep Wax Records / from the LP How Long Can It Last, Slumberland Records)

6) Nah - 'Summer Follows Spring' (from the LP Koffers Collected)

Also, we are pleased to present the newest O3L PodPerk - 41% off at https://cozyearth.com!  Cozy Earth sells the most luxurious, comfortable sheets, bedding, loungewear, pajamas, hoodies, sweaters, robes and more.  Their cool and comfy bamboo sheets are so incredible that they were honored as one of "Oprah’s Favorite Things".  Use promo code O3L to start saving!

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During Barry's last appearance in E246, we talked about his career spanning from the early days of Swindon's finest, XTC, to Iggy and Fripp, to Shriekback's extensive and ambitious catalogue. This time, we have more cause for celebration, as the new Shriekback album, MONUMENT, is out now, and is among his finest releases! He's not shouting at you...or is he?!?

Plus, we've got a brand new O3L game for you - "Dancing with Ourselves." Do you have what it takes to go up against Barry and Uncle Gregg to name dance craze related songs?

This is a fun one, kids. Now let's do all 16 dances!

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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1) Heavenly - 'Portland Town' (Skep Wax)

2) The Parachute Testers - 'Halfway to Everywhere'

3) B-Movie - 'Polar Opposites'

4) Gun-Shy Butterfly - 'Manchild'

5) Budapest - 'Me & Everything'

6) Nelson Bragg - 'Death of Caroline' (Big Stir Records)

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101 episodes ago, power pop hero Arthur Alexander joined us to recount his fascinating life and career: growing up in Communist Poland, getting exiled to the U.S., and being a driving force in two of the NYC's seminal power pop bands - The Poppees and Sorrows - before putting out his fine solo records One Bar Left and ...steppin' out! He was one of our favorite guests yet, so we were ecstatic to have him join us for this topic that is near and dear to his heart.

Big Stir Records presents Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow, the long lost thrid album by NYC power pop legends SORROWS, recorded in 1981 during a one-night session at the peak of their energy. This final chapter in their musical legacy includes the indie hit “Out Of My Head” and ten unreleased originals, plus three covers. The band, formed from the ashes of The Poppees, had previously made waves with their debut Teenage Heartbreak and faced struggles with their ill-fated second album (Love Too Late), which nearly ended their career. Forty years later, Arthur Alexander and the band recovered the rights to the material, leading to the surprise 2021 release of Love Too Late... The Real Album. Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow captures the band in raw form, fueled by the frustration of industry interference, delivering high-energy rock tracks like “Never Mind,” the heartfelt elegy for John Lennon “Cricket Man,” and the rockabilly scorcher “Let Me Know.” Recorded at Mediasound Studios in NYC, it’s a powerful testament to the band’s sound and vision, offering a cohesive, fiery farewell with timeless tracks that reflect both their struggle and resilience.

Thanks to Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko from Big Stir Records. You are both amazing!

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network.

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If you haven't already, be sure to check out Part 1 in Episode 275!

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That's right, Jack Rabid, publisher/writer for The Big Takeover magazine and drummer for '80s New York hardcore band Even Worse and dreamy '90s indie band Springhouse is our Third Lad this week. And we had such a fab time that this one is a two parter! Part two will be dropping in a few days, so stay tuned...

Springhouse released two albums of sparkling, melancholy guitar pop for Caroline Records in the early '90s - 1991's Land Falls and 1993's Postcards From The Attic. They were the first major label signed, nationally touring U.S. "shoegaze" band, with the 'Layers' video getting MTV airplay, and sharing stages with the likes of House of Love, The Chills, Psychedelic Furs, Belly, and the Lemonheads. In 2008, the band returned for a melodic, orchestral-pop masterpiece on Independent Project Records, From Now To OK. Originally released on limited edition CD only, it has now been reissued as a deluxe edition on vinyl, CD, and digital, and presented in a beautiful package from IPR co-owner/master designer Bruce Licher. https://springhouse.bandcamp.com

The Big Takeover is a bi-annual music magazine founded by Jack Rabid and Dave Stein in May 1980, originally as a fanzine for New York punkers The Stimulators. For over 45 years, Rabid and Big T contributors have been thrilling alternative music fans with in-depth interviews, coverage of lesser known artists, and a huge review section - including Jack's always entertaining "Top 40" section. https://www.bigtakeover.com.

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Featuring over 30 minutes of material from our extended conversation with Terry Draper that did not appear in the main episode!

We were very fortunate this week to have Third Lad Terry Draper from Klaatu join us this week.  In 1976, Klaatu let their music do the talking, with a blend of whimsical psychedelia, spacy progressive rock and melodic power pop...so much so that masses of people believed that they could be The Beatles under a pseudonym!  The brilliant, essential debut album 3:47 EST and single "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft" became hits on FM radio, with "Occupants" covered by none other than '70s pop icons The Carpenters.  

But the Terry Draper story doesn't end with the demise of Klaatu in 1982.  Since returning to the record bins in 1997, he has remained incredibly prolific with new music.  Following 2020's Lost comes the ambitious new album The Other Side.  If you are a fan of adventurous yet always tuneful music (and we know you are), pick up his latest releases at ⁠www.terrydraper.com.⁠

Terry shares fascinating stories from his rock n' roll life, from his beginnings in the mid-60s to encounters with Mick Jagger, Ozzy and Boy George, shares his recipe for a "songwriting cake", and how he continues to make progress after over 50 years of music.

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Flying Nun was formed in Christchurch in 1981 by music store manager Roger Shepherd.  Described by The Guardian as "one of the world's great independent labels", Flying Nun is notable for bringing global attention to the "Dunedin Sound", often characterized by jangly guitars and a lo-fi, DIY production. Pivotal bands on the Flying Nun in the '80s and '90s include The Clean, The Chills, The Bats, Tall Dwarfs, Sneaky Feelings, Straitjacket Fits, 3Ds, Look Blue Go Purple, The Verlaines, and Jean-Paul Sartre Experience. The label continues to flourish, with a crop of 21st century artists like Betchadupa, Aldous Harding, Fazerdaze, The Courtneys, and Vera Allen.

Exploding Flowers are a Los Angeles quartet who have crafted their own universe of guitar-based pop, with its flourishes of piano, organ, synthesizers, vibraphone and glockenspiel on top of a foundational rhythm section. Led by Sharif Dumani, who has worked with a variety of artists from '60s underground heroes Nick Garrie and Silver Apples; punk and post-punk pioneers such as Alice Bag (The Bags), Rachel Love (Dolly Mixture), Jowe Head (Swell Maps, Television Personalities), and Nikki Sudden (Swell Maps); and artists and bands like Cody Chesnutt, Sex Stains, the Moon Upstairs, Classics Of Love, and many more.

Watermelon/Peacock is Exploding Flowers' third release packed with analog production, poetic lyricism, and the same strong melodies and hooks we’ve now come to expect from a band that prioritizes its songwriting with smart left turns. Both economic and expansive, they utilize all measures to craft something both beautiful, grand, and driving.

Link: https://explodingflowers.bandcamp.com/

Plus: play along with a brand new O3L game, "Who Needs Wings to Fly?!?"

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Anyway, the focus this week is albums where one man...er, human...mostly did it all. All the vocals. All the instruments. In many cases, all of the writing and production. The albums recorded in this fashion during the O3L era have been wildly influential for DIY musicians today, including today'sThird Lad, Minorcan's Ryan Anderson.

With a career stretching back over 20 years, including three full-band records, Ryan Anderson's latest self-released Minorcan album, the appropriately titled Rock Alone, is a basement arena rock tour-de-force. Featuring eight musically rich and lyrically insightful songs from the pen of the Asheville, NC-based artist, Rock Alone will appeal to fans of roots rock, punk, and classic singer-songwriters alike.

Rock Alone is now available on vinyl, CD, and digital: https://minorcan.bandcamp.com

Thanks to Mike Turner from Crashing Through Publicity for the connection!

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It’s that time of year again - on May 17, 2025, the masses will descend upon Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, for the 4th installment of what has become a destination, a cultural touchstone for fans of classic alternative, new wave, punk, synth-pop, goth, and dark wave - the Cruel World festival.  Goldenvoice has once again put together a fantastic lineup of legends, younger bands who are carrying the torch, and a couple of surprises thrown in.  This year’s lineup includes New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Go-Go's, Devo, OMD, Death Cult, Garbage, Madness, the first appearance of the original ‘Til Tuesday lineup in 35 years, Midge Ure, Clan of Xymox, Buzzcocks, Stereo MC’s, Blancmange, Alison Moyet, and "next generation" acts like Nation of Language and She Wants Revenge. As has become O3L tradition, we celebrate this annual event with an episode where we each pick the five acts that we are, or at least would be, most excited to see at this year’s festival.  This year, we’ve got a special guest Third Lad joining us, a gentleman who can rightfully be called Gen X’s DJ - someone who grew up, like us, under the spell of this music and continues to keep it alive to not only our generation, but subsequent generations.  Jake Rudh has hosted Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current for 15 years, the weekly Transmission club night in Minneapolis for nearly 25 years, he has been a resident DJ at the famous First Avenue (yes, where a lot of Purple Rain took place) for 15 years, as well as the annual ‘80s music festival '80s in the Sands in Mexico, which is hosted by Richard Blade and many of the classic MTV VJs.  We also have Jake to thank for the amazing content on the Slicing Up Eyeballs Facebook page - album anniversaries, artist birthdays, tour announcements and other news.  Plus, the world can partake in Transmission on Twitch, featuring 5+ hours of classic videos every week. 

Jake Rudh Website: https://transmission-music.com/djs/jake-rudh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JakeRudh/

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John has been at the centre of Blackpool post-punk legends the Membranes from their original 1977-1990 run to their post-hiatus return since 2009. Their initial era (including their three UK Top 20 indie albums and three Top 20 indie singles) is covered on Cherry Red's comprehensive 5 CD box set, Everyone's Going Triple Bad Acid, Yeah! They added to their already impressive body of work in the 21st century with two of their finest and most ambitious albums yet: 2015's Dark Matter/Dark Energy and 2019's What Nature Gives...Nature Takes Away.

But wait, there's far more to this multi-faceted artist. Aside from also leading the punk band Goldblade, Robb has also produced bands like Therapy? and Cornershop; been a TV presenter and pundit; a journalist; best-selling author (including The Art of Darkness - The History of Goth, Punk Rock: An Oral History, Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop, The North Will Rise Again, and an upcoming Oasis biography); creator of the essential Louder Than War website and magazine; festival boss; green revolutionary; vegan behemoth...a true renaissance man.

Thanks to Paul Richison for the suggestion and introduction!

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According to the E6 website, there are a mere 51 bands who can lay claim to being an "official" part of the collective, and we are fortunate to have one of them joining us for this discussion of some of our favorite E6 songs. The Rishis are centered around the married duo of songwriters/vocalists Ranjan Avasthi and Sofie Lute, with keyboardist Marcel Sletten also joining us. Their transcendent self-titled second album (out now on Cloud Recordings) features the band's stunning combination of rootsy folk-pop, cosmic washes of hazy psychedelia, and the mystical power of Indian music. They bring the same energy and positivity that their music possesses to O3L. Word up!

Dedicated to the memory of Bill Doss (1968-2012) and Will Cullen Hart (1971-2024).

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Along the way, Pearl shares her fascinating story: a military brat growing up in Germany who makes her way to San Francisco with a plane ticket and $75, joins The Tubes as a backup singer and dancer, which led to joining Leila and the Snakes before spinning off to form Pearl Harbor & The Explosions. After the moderate success of their single "Drivin'" for indie label 415 Records, the band was signed to Warner Bros. Records for their self-titled debut album, released in January 1980. It's a dynamic record that mixes new wave energy with pop, R&B, rockabilly, and jazz. They shared stages with the likes of Talking Heads, The Police, The Clash, and The B-52's. Differences in opinion regarding the Explosions' musical direction led to Pearl departing for England, where she recorded her rootsy, rockin' 1980 solo album Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost Too, with a dream band including Wilko Johnson from Dr. Feelgood and members of the Blockheads and the Clash. In fact, in the '80s, Pearl was married to Clash bassist Paul Simonon.

She also takes us through her rare mid-'80s album that never saw a U.S. release (Pearls Galore), her blazing '90s set Here Comes Trouble, and how her countrified return was sidelined by a lung cancer diagnosis. Now thankfully in remission, we are blessed to have this living icon of new wave history share her story. Oh, and in a head-turning twist, Uncle Gregg tackles the one question that nobody else has dared to ask!

Liberation Hall has just released an expanded edition of Pearl Harbor & The Explosions on opaque sky-blue vinyl, CD and digital, containing bonus tracks and the original UK album cover design. https://pearlharbortheexplosions.bandcamp.com/album/pearl-harbor-the-explosions

Special thanks to Randy Haecker from Prime Mover Media for the introduction and coordination!

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Guitarist Sammy and vocalist/organist Helene 33 from "San Francisco's Last and Only Rock n' Roll Band" The Okmoniks join us for a rip-roarin', hip-shakin', foot-stompin', lip-smackin' garage rock party where we've each brought five of our favorite records. The best part is that you're all invited!

Thank you to Chad Cornies from No Rules PR for the introduction to possibly the coolest couple on the planet!

We are elated to be listed at #2 on Feedspot's list of the "10 Best Alternative Music Podcasts in 2025." This is our fifth year on this list, and we are very grateful! https://podcast.feedspot.com/alternative_music_podcasts/

O3L PodPerk of the Month: Save 15% off the slip-resistant cloudlike comfort of Stand Shoes. Enter promo code O3L at https://standshoes.com.

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This week's Third Lad, singer/songwriter/guitarist Josh Caterer had a pretty memorable 1995 as well. His Chicago pop-punk band Smoking Popes signed a major label deal with Capitol Records, who re-released their second indie album, Born To Quit. The album featured the alternative smash "Need You Around," which received radio and MTV airplay, as well as a prominent placement in the hit film Clueless.

Fast forward 30 years and things are once again heating up for Smoking Popes. They've just released a triumphant new album, Lovely Stuff, and are celebrating three decades of Born To Quit by playing the record live in its entirety this spring. This summer, they will embark on a tour with Bayside. https://smokingpopesmusic.com

Josh joined us from a random rest stop somewhere in Florida to chat about '95 albums, the Popes' past, present, and future, hangin' out in Billie Joe Armstrong's basement, getting Morrissey's seal of approval, the pros and cons of sudden fame, faith, Wisconsin, and much more.

We're Audi!

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Let us know where you’ll be this Record Store Day and what’s on your shopping list!

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The title says it all: This week, we celebrate albums with super awesome drumming with Third Lads Evan Sult and Dave Eastman from The Open Flames!

Evan Sult is the super awesome drummer behind Harvey Danger and their '90s alt-rock classic 'Flagpole Sitta' (c'mon, you know you've played air drums to it before). Plus, Harvey Danger's underrated second album, King James Version, is getting the deluxe vinyl treatment for its 25th anniversary on Record Store Day - April 12, 2025!

Evan Sult and Paige Brubeck (who also make up the duo Sleepy Kitty) and bassist Len Bendel joined forces with singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Dave Eastman to form the literate pop noir band The Open Flames. Their new debut album, Same Time Next Year, rides a wild wave from crescendo to crescendo. Dave's novelist's eye tells narratives that he and co-vocalist Paige embody as characters which the band explodes into cinematic color via Evan's powerful drums, Paige and Len's inventive basslines, and a full spectrum of distorted guitar tones and harmonies. Same Time Next Year is out now on Subjangle: https://theopenflames.bandcamp.com

Dave also treats O3L listeners to an exclusive live acoustic version of the album track 'My Birthday'.

Oh, and did we mention it's super awesome?!?

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For those who may be less familiar with Bro-country, here's how the ever-reliable Wikipedia describes it:

Bro-country is a form of country pop originating in the 2010s, and is influenced by 21st-century hip hop, hard rock, and electronica. Bro-country songs are often musically upbeat with lyrics about attractive young women, the consumption of alcohol, partying, blue jeans, boots, and pickup trucks.

Truck yeah! That's like all of our favorite things rolled into one.

Don't worry, we're still the same ol' "lads" - just in Stetson hats and cowboy boots.

So come along on this ride...it's got more giddy up than an F150!

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With three decades of diverse experience in the entertainment industry, Holmstén’s transformation from a thriving artist, producer, and songwriter into a pioneering leader in the realms of music and technology showcases his dynamic career progression.

His tenure as the Global Head of Music at Spotify is a testament to his significant impact on the digital music sphere. This role followed the strategic acquisition of his company, Tunigo, by Spotify in 2013, highlighting Spotify’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the music discovery. He was instrumental in transforming Spotify into a global music powerhouse, introducing the modern playlist that revolutionized the way artists release music and reinvented how fans discover new music, thereby expanding the global reach of music artists.

He also established TSX Entertainment, a groundbreaking entertainment company based in Times Square, with the TSX Stage and the TSX Billboard becoming significant cultural icons. The debut performance on the stage by Post Malone earned Six Clio Awards in 2023.

Nick Holmstén’s journey is recounted in the book Fan Powered Futures, a compelling tale of passion, vision, and innovative spirit shaping the entertainment industry. His groundbreaking work in music, technology, and hospitality inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries, cementing his role as a key figure in the evolution of modern entertainment.

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Joining us for this discussion is Sarah Seltzer, longtime executive editor at Lilith Magazine and now the author of her first novel, The Singer Sisters, on Flatiron Books (the Little Brown Book Group in the UK). 

About The Singer Sisters:

It's 1996, and alt-rocker Emma Cantor is on tour, with her sights trained on a record deal. Emma's got no lack of inspiration for her confessional songs, chief among them her mother Judie, a 1960s folk legend who is bitterly disappointed by Emma's choice to skip college.

Emma is baffled by Judie's coldness. Judie herself was only eighteen when she ran away to New York to pursue music, ahead of forming the influential folk duo the Singer Sisters with her sister Sylvia.

But Judie has a long-kept secret about why she abandoned her music career at the peak of her success, which is about to unravel.

This is an epic family saga that follows mother Judie and daughter Emma as they navigate the ups and downs of music stardom - asking what women artists must sacrifice for success.

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1) Autogramm - 'Randy' (single, Dirt Cult Records)

2) Real Sickies - 'Wild Imagination' (from Under A Plastic Bag, Stomp Records)

3) Rhymies - 'I Dream Watching' (from the I Dream Watching EP, Dandy Boy)

4) Brian Bilston & The Caternary Wires - 'Alexa, What Is There To Know About Love?' (from Sounds Made By Humans, Skep Wax)

5) Shriekback - 'Idiot Dancing' (from Monument)

6) Autogramm - 'Jenny's In A Sleep World' (single B-side, Dirt Cult Records)

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Hence, this week we are celebrating some of the great shoegaze albums of the 1990s. Joining us is the singer/songwriter/guitarist of '90s Vancouver cult shoegazers Movieland, Alan D. Boyd. Movieland has been honored with the first installment of an archival series from 604 Decades that takes a look back at Vancouver's rich, if unexplored arts history. This rarities and demos collection, Then & Now, proves that they should have been at the top of the marquee during their time. https://movieland1990.bandcamp.com/album/then-now

After Movieland disbanded in 1994, Alan moved to the UK, and has enjoyed a long career as an acclaimed composer for TV ("Day of the Triffids") and film ("Four Strings Good"), as well performing in the folk trio Little Sparta (also featuring Susie Honeyman from the Mekons).

As you would expect during an episode on shoegaze, we divert our attention to Canadian pop stars, the other Movielands, and have a rare (maybe the first time?) double Triple Crossover!

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Just ask legendary bassist Mike Watt, who is about to embark on his 72nd tour over his 45 year career - a career that started with one of the greatest American punk bands ever, Minutemen, and countless projects including fIREHOSE, The Stooges, dos, and, currently, mssv. mssv is a post-genre supergroup consisting of watt, drummer Stephen Hodges (who played on some of Tom Waits's classic records, among others), and led by guitarist extraordinaire Mike Baggetta. Their new album, On And On is an exciting, trippy psychedelic fever dream featuring eight boundary-pushing tracks. It is out now on BIG EGO records on 12" vinyl LP, digital download, and streaming services. mssv's 52-date "haru tour 2025" starts in watt's hometown of San Pedro, CA on March 13th, and winds through the country before concluding at the Zebulon in Los Angeles on May 3rd. No matter where you are in the U.S., mssv will be close by this spring!

1. Segment #1: The beginnings of Minutemen, playing with mssv, what is punk rock?, Walt Whitman...indie hero
2. Segment #2: The real prac is front of a crowd, keeping an open mind, the tour van, gear
3. Segment #3: His long running radio show/podcast the watt from pedro show, Rocky Horror Picture Show, "use a lot of manure"
4. Segment #4: Playing with the Stooges, watt's next?

Much like your favorite live recordings, this is a one-of-a-kind O3L that you won't want to miss!

• mssv: https://mainsteamstopvalve.com
• mike watt: https://mikewatt.com

Special thanks to Howard Wuelfing at Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network.

Be sure to take advantage of O3L Podperks, a curated selection of discounts for YOU with promo code 'O3L'. Visit http://onlythreelads.com and click on 'Promo Codes' to take advantage of these exclusive savings for O3L listeners!

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Since 2018, Vancouver BC’s jangle-pop meets riot-twee trio WUT have been making a local name for themselves with their joyfully heartfelt live performances. In 2020, the trio released ‘NOW’, an energetic cassette accompanied by 10 DIY music videos. These earnest and often humorous videos reflect WUT’s playful yet sincere songwriting. Recently, WUT recorded ‘Mingling with the Thorns’, their sophomore full-length album, out now on HHBTM Records. ‘Mingling with the Thorns’ was created during two years of intermittent quarantines which caused guitarist Kaity McWhinney (Knife Pleats / Love Cuts), bassist Tracey Vath (Knife Pleats / Love Cuts), and drummer Lauren Smith (Tough Age / Jock Tears), to write songs independently, and share their ideas through countless emails, dropbox folders, and Google drives. Long periods of isolation were consumed by experimentation with different arrangements, and often an idea would be re-worked over and over (and over) again. This resulted in a collection of carefully crafted pop songs that reflect the bands mutual love for c86 jangle pop and early Flying Nun Records bands, with lyrical content drawing up themes that grapple with patriarchy and late stage capitalism; specifically the struggle to find personal autonomy within these social systems.

Also, we are pleased to introduce O3L PodPerks, where you can save just for being a part of the O3L Community! Use promo code 'O3L' at checkout at these fine vendors:

• Stand+ Shoes: Save 15% at www.standshoes.com and experience cloudlike comfort and slip resistant technology that is perfect for those who stand: medical professionals, retail workers, kitchen workers, and those of us who like to go to a lot of concerts!! Even better, you can use your HSA/FSA funds.
• Old Glory: Save 15% on your favorite band and team apparel at www.oldglory.com.
• Savorista Coffee: Enjoy 25% off of delicious "caffeine conscious" coffee at www.savorista.com.

You save, and we receive a small commission on each order that goes right back into the show. When you think about it, isn't that really a double win for you?!?

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Our Third Lads this week are founding members Matt Piucci (guitar/vocals) and Steven Roback (bass/vocals) from one of the leading lights of the '80s Paisley Underground scene, Rain Parade. Along with guitarist David Roback (who would later form Opal and Mazzy Star), keyboardist/violinist Will Glenn and drummer Eddie Kalwa, Rain Parade's first album, 1983's Emergency Third Rail Power Trip remains one of the defining records of the Paisley Underground - an album that critic Jim DeRogatis would declare "...ranks with the best psychedelic rock efforts from any era." Shifting lineups (always anchored by Piucci and Roback) would produce the fantastic 1984 mini-LP Explosions in the Glass Palace and 1985's Crashing Dream - the latter of which has since been revealed as a souped up double LP reissue for Record Store Day on April 12, 2025! In 2012, Matt, Steven, and mid-80s guitarist John Thoman regrouped for live performances and new music. Now augmented by multi-instrumentalists Derek See and Mark Hanley, and Stephan Junca on drums, the current lineup has released 2023's full length Last Rays of a Dying Sun and the 2024 EP Last Stop on the Underground, both of which serve as vital reminders of why Rain Parade was - and is - so important and influential to legions of neo-psych, dream pop, and harmony-drenched jangle pop bands.

https://rainparadelabel51.bandcamp.com

Thanks to Josh Mills from It's Alive Media for the introduction and coordination.

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One of the crucial American indie labels of the era was C/Z Records, the Seattle imprint that will forever be remembered as the second most important label in the burgeoning grunge scene. That being said, it was C/Z, not Sub Pop, who released the defining document of the new sound of the Pacific Northwest with 1986's Deep Six compilation - introducing Soundgarden, The Melvins, U-Men, Green River, Malfunkshun, and Skin Yard. Founded in 1985 by Chris Hanzek and Tina Casale, Skin Yard bassist Daniel House took over operation of C/Z in 1987, subsequently releasing music by Nirvana, Henry Rollins, Built To Spill, The Gits, Hammerbox, Presidents of the United States of America, 7 Year B---h, Coffin Break and many more.

Skin Yard was a foundational band in the development of the grunge movement, not only due to the groundbreaking music they recorded between 1985 - 1991, but also the band members' other contributions to Seattle music. Aside from the aforementioned impact that House made with C/Z Records, guitarist Jack Endino would go on to produce and engineer some of the most enduring records of the era - including Nirvana's Bleach, and music by Mudhoney, Tad, Soundgarden, L7, and Screaming Trees. Lead singer Ben McMillan would form the band Gruntruck, and sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of 46. Drummer Matt Cameron is a world class musician who has been behind the kit for Soundgarden and, for the past 25 years, with Pearl Jam.

Skin Yard Select is the brand new, limited collection of 14 songs loving curated by Daniel House and Jack Endino, culling tracks from their four studio albums, but also featuring enough rarities to please long-time fans. This beautiful package consists of seven individual 7" singles, each in their own sleeve and pressed on limited edition colored vinyl (or good ol' fashioned black). Get your copy now from https://skinyardselect.com.

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Is it all poppycock...or cockypop?!? You make the call!

Our Third Lad for this exploration is frontman/saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist Dan Voznick, aka Alec Tension from underground '80s post-punk band Afterimage. Referred to in the Los Angeles Times as "LA's Joy Division" back in the day, Afterimage created a sound that was hypnotic, skittery and chilly, but is also adventurous, playful and complex. The original lineup of the band (Alec Tension, A Produce, Rich Evac and Holland DeNuzzio) only stayed together for a couple of years and released a scant discography of one single ("Strange Confession"/"The Long Walk") and an EP (Fade In), both in 1981. Those original recordings, plus a generous helping of unreleased demos and live tracks, are now available from Independent Project Records on the new retrospective compilation Faces to Hide.

Out now on double LP (available in both black and opaque white), special edition CD and digital formats, Faces to Hide proves as scathing, urgent, taut, angular and gripping as Afterimage’s scarce but unforgettable output must have sounded more than forty years ago. Packaged with extensive, career-spanning liner notes by noted journalist Richie Unterberger and previously unseen band photos, Faces to Hide also features Independent Project Records’ signature hand letterpress-printed custom design for the vinyl and CD packaging. 

Thanks to Josh Mills from It's Alive Media for the introduction and coordination!

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1. Sorrows - 'Out of My Head' (from Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow, Big Stir Records)
2. Exploding Flowers - 'Crowded Streets' (from Watermelon/Peacock, Meritorio Records)
3. Helen McCookerybook - 'Three Cheers for Toytown' (from Showtunes from the Shadows, Tiny Global Productions)
4. Above Me - 'Grass Mouth' (from Above Me, Dandy Boy Records)
5. Jetstream Pony - 'Bubblegum Nothingness' (from Bowerbirds and Blue Things, Spinout Nuggets/Shelflife)
6. The False Dawns - 'The King of Bagel Mountain' (from Our Tanks, Your Lawn!, Subjangle)

Forget about the Kendrick vs. Drake beef and Taylor Swift cutaways every two minutes...this is your Super Bowl entertainment!

P.S. No, the guys in the episode cover image are NOT Uncle Gregg and Brett. In fact, if we knew more about football, we could tell you who they are. Coaches? Announcers? Anyway, we borrowed the picture from https://worldwideinterweb.com/the-stars-of-super-bowl-50-with-bowl-haircuts-gallery/ and thought it was funny, so credit where credit is due.

P.P.S. Because we love you, we don't want you to live in pain and discomfort. Exclusively for O3L listeners, take advantage of a special offer on the cloudlike comfort of Stand Shoes. Get 15% off your order with promo code O3L at https://standshoes.com! "(Don't You) Forget About Me" be darned...because these shoes are so comfortable that you'll forget you put 'em on!

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Most acknowledge that the rock opera was the outgrowth of the psychedelic era where, particularly in a post-Sgt. Pepper world, the rock n’ roll album became an artistic statement. As musicians sought to expand and alter the fabric of pop music, “rock operas” with narratives, character development, and distinct movements were being explored on records like the Pretty Things’ SF Sorrow (1968) and the Who’s Tommy (1969).

All rock operas are concept albums, but not all concept albums are rock operas. The concept album is a collection of songs that are tied together to present an overarching theme, going back as far as Woody Guthrie's Dust Bowl Ballads, a 1940 collection of 78 rpm records that stayed true to the title. 

Joining us as our Third Lad for this discussion today is Dave Gebroe, the creator & host of the music obsessives’ podcast Discograffiti. Dave dives into amazingly deep and immaculately researched discussions on the catalogues of a wide range of artists - if not with the artist themselves, then with a jaw-dropping roster of guests. Dave is also a filmmaker, writing, producing and directing the movies The Homeboy and Zombie Honeymoon. If that weren’t enough, he’s masterminded a 2 LP tribute to-slash-reimagining of Lou Reed’s much maligned album Metal Machine Music, and I believe is working on a rock opera of his own.

Oh, and you thought Gregg ruins everything? Just wait until he meets his match...Berlin!

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Oops...sorry, wrong post. Because we totally have strings attached this week, as Simon Chesterfield (aka Simon Barber) from UK indie pop faves The Chesterfields joins us to discuss our Top 5 Songs with Strings.

The use of strings in pop music has traditionally been to contribute texture and dimension to a record. In the context of rock bands, it often symbolizes musical sophistication, grandeur, and the ambition to break outside of the standard band format.

It's all very timely too, because Simon has just released his first solo album, Simon Chesterfield, in which he re-imagines six of his compositions as orchestral performances. This gorgeous album was co-produced by Ben Scott Turner, Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey) and Simon, and was orchestrated by Charles Harrison. It is now out on digital platforms and on limited edition 10-inch vinyl from Legere Recordings.

Simon Barber is the co-founder, ever-present member, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist of The Chesterfields. Their jangling, exciting sound made them fixtures on the UK indie charts - with albums like their debut Kettle (1987, #5) and 1988's Crocodile Tears (#10), and singles like "Completely and Utterly" (1986, #16), "Ask Johnny Dee" (1987, #4), "Goodbye, Goodbye" (1988, #10), and "Blame" (1988, #11). Nearly two decades after lead singer Dave Goldsworthy's tragic death, Simon led a new lineup of The Chesterfields (featuring Loft guitarist and past O3L guest Andy Strickland, Helen Stickland and Rob Perry) on their first new album in 27 years, the marvelous New Modern Homes.

Hey, think of us as your friends with benefits. Y'know, if those benefits are learning about cool music and stuff.

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Aside from remembering the staggering number of great records released during our year of focus, we celebrate the release of 20/20's new album Back to California, their first LP in over 25 years, out now on Spyderpop / Big Stir Records. Whether you're a newcomer to the band or an ardent fan of their classics like "Yellow Pills", "Cheri", "Remember The Lightning", and "Nuclear Boy", prepare to fall in love with the hooks n' harmonies of the new record, which hearkens back to their roots but maintains a fresh and modern sound.

Plus, Steve and Ron talk about feeling the magic again, reminisce about the early days of the band, the recording of their signature track (1979's "Yellow Pills"), hanging out in Phil Spector's mansion, dancing with Linda Blair, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars at Sunset Strip haunts...and did O3L turn into the High Times podcast?!?

Finally, we give the guys their belated induction into the Power Pop Hall of Fame...which we're in no way authorized to do, but they weren't aware they were already in it!

Great stories, lots of laughs, and amazing music...turns out hindsight really is 20/20!

Thanks to Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko from Big Stir Records for the introduction.

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Joining us for this discussion is Ed Mazzucco and Laura Watling from Portland dream pop/shoegaze band Tears Run Rings. In September 2024, they released their fourth album, Everything In The End. And, true, to this episode's topic, it's a double album ("two hefty boys") that is a front-to-back modern classic., with each side having a distinct tone and feel.

Everything In The End is out now of Shelflife Records, which, incidentally, is run by Ed and TRR singer/guitarist Matthew Bice. Since its 1995 roots in a Southern California bedroom, Shelflife has amassed an incredible catalogue of indie pop gems, including highly recommended releases by The Ocean Blue, Close Lobsters, Treasures of Mexico, Acid House Kings, The Caternary Wires, The Shermans, Souvenir, The Luxembourg Signal, Red Sleeping Beauty, Even As We Speak, Jetstream Pony, and much, much more. https://shelflife.com

Thanks to Mike Turner from Crashing Through Publicity for the introduction!

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So begins Michael Toland's entry of the black watch in the Trouser Press Record Guide.

But what exactly is a cult band? It's something that we seek to define - with fifteen prime examples, natch - during O3L's Season 6 premiere! Joining us is the black watch's singer/songwriter/guitarist/prolific genius himself, John Andrew Fredrick!

It should be noted that Toland follows up the kitchen sponge comment with "...the band's body of work is remarkably consistent, worth searching out by more than just epicures of obscurity." He's right, y'know. John Andrew Frederick has two dozen albums of stellar indie pop to his name since 1988, including a pair of fantastic records in 2024 - The Morning Papers Have Given Us the Vapours and Weird Rooms. You can find those and more at https://theblackwatch.bandcamp.com.

What's it like to be a cult hero? What's the most "cultish" thing black watch fans have done? What beloved cult band can John not get behind? Did the lads give John some ideas for his upcoming double album?

So whaddya say? Join the "Mark E. Smiths of podcasting" for an episode stuffed to the gills with epicures of obscurity, brilliant failures, and horrible pleasures.

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Imbibe this:

1. SUPER 8 - 'Resolution (Happy New Year)' (single, Think Like A Key)
2. The Okmoniks - 'He Left The Party With Me' (from Afterparty Fever!!!, Slovenly Recordings)
3. The Che Men - 'So It Goes' (from Echoes of the 30s)
4. sparkle*jets uk - 'This Will Be Our Year' (from Box of Letters, Big Stir Records)
5. Brett Vargo - 'New Era' (single, Little Train Rec.)
6. Librarians with Hickeys - 'Everything Will Be Alright' (from How To Make Friends By Telephone, Big Stir Records)

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Happy New Year! Here we are at the end of season five. Before we jump back into the classic alternative era of the '70s, '80s & '90s, we bid farewell to 2024 by celebrating some of the best songs of the year!

It's O-3-L-T-O-G-O!

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Wishing you a safe and joyous season filled with love, laughter, family, friends...and, of course, music!

Thank you for being a part of our journey during our 5th season and beyond. We are filled with gratitude for allowing us to be a small part of your life!

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It's also become O3L tradition to have someone who actually created one of the year's best albums join us for this episode, and this year is certainly no exception. This year, we welcome prolific singer/songwriter/producer Tamar Berk to join us for this discussion. Tamar has played in numerous bands in the Chicago, Portland, and San Diego scenes since the mid-90s, and in September she released her fourth solo album, Good Times for a Change. The new album is another brilliant mix of power pop hooks, '90s-leaning indie rock, and introspective songwriting. Every one of the Tamar's records has made Brett's year end Top 100 Albums list for their respective years...if that ain't a feather in your artistic cap, we don't know what is. But she's also received a rave review in Creem magazine and has made a whole lot of other year end best of lists. We guess that's cool too.

Can we get a big ol' "Shaboozey" to that?!?

Next week: Our Top 5 Songs of 2024!

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Every year, we invite listeners from around the world to join us for a special taping full of fun, frivolity, games, friends, and lasting memories. And maybe...just maybe...the Christmas miracle of an Uncle Gregg rant or two. We had a room full of veteran partygoers this year - Julie from LA; Julio from Pueblo, Mexico; Kimberly from Downey, CA; Paul from Stockton, CA; and Tarah from Scottsdale, AZ. But just because you didn't attend the recording doesn't mean you're not invited to the party! Just press play to join in on the fun!

This year, we asked our guests to bring their favorite "holiday party starter" song to the shindig. Plus, we play two brand new world famous O3L games: "That's Soooo '24," in which we ruin classic alternative song titles with 2024 slang words, and "Bandagrams," where we scramble up the letters of some of our favorite bands to hi-larious effect! Who will take the crown this year?!

Plus: We talk new musical discoveries in 2024! Uncle Gregg shows off his tattoos (and gives plenty of life lessons)! Brett's got balls (and a psychedelic Santa hat)! O3L awards! Fruitcake...yay or nay? Cookies...or disappointment biscuits? Desserts with vegetables! Plus, new seasonal tunes:

• Swansea Sound - '(I Wanna Wear A) Mirrored Hat Like Slade'
• The Chesterfields - 'Last Train To Christmas'
• Glenn Erb - 'Santa's In Jail'
• Mike Browning - 'It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year'

A skibidi time is guaranteed for all! Just like we used to do in Killarney.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Only Three Lads!

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(*NOT "Dan," as Brett erroneously called him before the recording started.)

Slender Dan debuted its first EP on KEXP in March of 2021. Since then, the band has released a full-length album, GESTALT, as well as several EPs and singles. As longtime musicians in the Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, and now Nashville music scenes, the members of Slender Dan have come together to create a sound that can best be described as some kind of Thom Yorke/Billie Eilish/Miike Snow/Aphex Twin lovechild.

In what could be one of the more unhinged O3L episodes, "Safe Gregg" and "7-Inch Brett" naturally chat with Heather and Patrick about the lasting influence of Radiohead, but also about two-man luges, current pop girls, Kansas, Yo Yo Ma, Napoleon Dynamite, Chumbawamba, puppies, ODing on energy drinks, Electric Company parties, and the distinct possibility that Heather MAY actually be Brett's daughter.

Plus, we also shout out a recommended podcast by friend of the show Dave Gebroe: Discograffiti. Extensive and meticulously researched deep dives into some of your favorite artists catalogues, Discograffiti is a music obsessive's dream. Check it out wherever you get podcasts!

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This surely must be one of the most remarkable stories we've heard of living on the precipice of the big time. They had the hooks and the looks. They were discovered by Peter Gabriel (who was inspired by the whistling hook in the band's "Man From China" to write "Games Without Frontiers) and signed to Charisma. Their song "The House Is Burning (But There's No One Home)" was prominently featured in the film Body Double, and the music video subsequently won an MTV Video Award. Their second incarnation included former Japan guitarist Rob Dean, contributing to their standing as the opening act to bands like Depeche Mode and Gary Numan. However, a series of unfortunate events and unscrupulous managers limited Vivabeat's shelf life.

Fortunately, in 2024, Rubellan Remasters (www.rubellanremasters.com) re-issued Party In The War Zone on CD for the first time, as well as the vinyl-only compilation The House Is Burning: The Best of Vivabeat 1979-86.

Mick Muhlfriedel went on to work on scores for films such as Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, and is currently the President of the wonderful youth organization Downtown LA Soccer Club. Marina Muhlfriedel also got into the film industry, starting as a Production Assistant for Danny DeVito, eventually getting a Producer credit on movies like Throw Momma From The Train. She is a highly experienced storyteller, writer, and producer, who is currently working on her memoir.

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Join O3L's Brett Vargo for a brief bonus episode, as he helps you, the discerning classic alternative fan, to put together your shopping list. Happy hunting!

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Take it from someone who knows, like this week's Third Lad, Barry Andrews - he's had songs soundtracking pivotal moments in films such as Manhunter and Band of the Hand.

Barry Andrews began his professional music career in the punk era lending his keyboard stylings to a little band that you may have heard of, XTC, giving them one of the most defining and distinctive features of their sound for their first two albums.  After leaving XTC in 1979, he released a fine solo EP and single, formed the short lived Restaurant for Dogs, and played with Iggy Pop and Robert Fripp's League of Gentlemen before forming the band Shriekback with Gang of Four bassist Dave Allen and singer Carl Marsh in 1981.  For the better part of the last 43 years, Barry has kept Shriekback alive through various incarnations, continuing to release music that’s daring, experimental, and artful, as well as maintaining an ambitious and rewarding solo career.

Thanks to Paul Richison for the great guest suggestion and introduction.

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Grammy-nominated Singer/songwriter Perla Batalla first came to prominence as a backing singer for Leonard Cohen during his 1988 I’m Your Man tour and on the 1992 album The Future, in the process forging a deep friendship.  With Cohen’s encouragement, Perla stepped out as an artist in her own right, releasing a beautifully diverse range of magnificent albums such as Mestiza and Discoteca Batalla, performing at the world’s best venues, co-writing and appearing in two one-woman shows, honored by UN and Focus on the Masters.  But she has always kept the words and works of Leonard Cohen close to her heart.  Her latest album, A Letter to Leonard Cohen: Tribute to a Friend, is her second album of her unique interpretations of Cohen’s music, following 2005’s Bird on the Wire.  It was released the day before what would have been his 90th birthday.

Leonard Norman Cohen was born in Quebec on September 21, 1934.  Spending the latter part of the ‘50s and first half of the ‘60s as a published poet and author, he shifted his focus to songwriting.  From 1967 to 1971, he established himself as a major musical talent with the trilogy of classic albums Songs of Leonard Cohen, Songs from a Room, and Songs of Love and Hate, as well as interpretations by the likes of Judy Collins, Nina Simone, Joe Cocker, and Roberta Flack.  He would continue to record and tour sporadically throughout the ‘70s and early ‘80s to widespread acclaim and with some commercial success in Europe.  In the late ‘80s & early ‘90s, Cohen gained a new underground audience through his two synth-driven productions, I’m Your Man and The Future, prominent soundtrack placements, a beloved album of interpretations by Jennifer Warnes, Famous Blue Raincoat, and the 1991 high profile tribute album, I’m Your Fan, where a who’s who of alternative music disciples like REM, Ian McCulloch, Pixies, James, The House of Love, Robert Forster, Nick Cave, and John Cale paid their respects to the man.  The latter artist, John Cale, performed a breathtaking piano version of a song from 1984’s Various Positions called “Hallelujah,” in an arrangement that would be borrowed and transcribed to guitar by Jeff Buckley a few years later, which further elevated Leonard Cohen’s already mythical status.  After spending the latter half of the ‘90s in a monastery as an ordained Buddhist monk, Leonard Cohen returned in the twenty first century to finish what he started, adding six additional studio albums to his catalogue, including the album released weeks before his November 7, 2016 death, You Want It Darker, and the posthumous followup completed by his son Adam, 2019’s Thanks For The Dance, as well as multiple live albums, both archival and contemporary.  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.

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"Three and a Half Minutes of Fame" takes readers on a compelling journey through the tumultuous music scene of the 1990s, as experienced by protagonist Alex, who embarks on a quest for fame after signing a record deal at the tender age of 17. Over the span of seven years, Alex finds himself on the cusp of stardom multiple times, rubbing shoulders with iconic bands like The Pogues, Suede, Blur, and Mansun, as well as encountering figures such as Patti Boyd.

However, Alex's journey is far from glamorous. Along the way, he confronts neo-Nazis, navigates the gritty world of gangsta rap, accidentally smokes crack, and grapples with personal tragedies, mental health challenges, and the trauma of sexual abuse. Set against the backdrop of the 1990s—a decade marked by cultural shifts and the rise of alternative music scenes—this memoir offers an authentic glimpse into the highs and lows of pursuing fame before the era of social media.

Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Boucher took the opportunity to document his memories of the 90s music scene, resulting in a poignant memoir that sheds light on the untold stories of those who strive for fame but ultimately fall short. "Three and a Half Minutes of Fame" offers readers an intimate and revealing account of one man's journey through the trials and triumphs of the music industry, ultimately serving as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring allure of chasing one's dreams.

P.S. If Uncle Gregg rants are your bag, then this one's for YOU!

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Today, Trouser Press Books continues to carry out the mission that drove the fanzine 50 years ago, releasing some of the best music-centric books on the market, including the new anthology Zip It Up! The Best of Trouser Press Magazine 1974-1984.

Fittingly, this week we have an insightful, slightly nutty conversation about the eccentric geniuses of the O3L era.

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Happy Halloween! If you didn't get your fill of O3L this week (which strangely tastes similar to circus peanuts), here's a fun-size O3L Halloween Special. Uncle Gregg and Brett bring you their Top 5 songs to add to your spooky playlist. It's spoooook-tacular! OK, no more Halloween puns...

There are two crucial rules at this time of year:

1) Don't feed Gremlins after midnight; and

2) Don't let the Lads record at night. If you've heard past "After Dark" episodes, it probably will come as no surprise that there is content in this one that may not be appropriate for sensitive listeners.

Enter...if you dare!

Oh, and P.S. Gregg ruins EVERYTHING! Now you can add Halloween to the list.

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These are the mysteries that our Third Lad, author, historian and Rock and Roll Detective Jim Berkenstadt seeks to unravel in his book The Beatle Who Vanished (https://thebeatlewhovanished.com). Jim has had a fascinating, multi-faceted career - from attorney to author to research and historical consultant for many music, film and TV projects for Apple Records and others. Jim shares stories of keeping it cool around Beatles (but not necessarily around Doors), jamming with a Beatle, and hearing Nirvana session tapes before they broke big.

And, of course, we've got our Top 5 replacement or temporary band members. Yowsah!

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1) Twin Ritual - 'Allie' (from the Allie LP - https://twinritual.bandcamp.com)

2) Shake Some - 'Every Little Noise' (single, Mondays Off Records - https://shakesome.bandcamp.com)

3) HotKid - 'Downtown' (from the Downtown EP, Fortune Stellar Records - https://hotkid.ca)

4) Dancer - 'You Saint' (from the Split LP, HHBTM Records - https://hhbtm.bandcamp.com)

5) Whisper Hiss - 'Movable Objects' (from the Split LP, HHBTM Records - https://hhbtm.bandcamp.com)

6) The Jack Rubies - 'Phantom' (single, Big Stir Records - https://bigstirrecords.bandcamp.com)

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His memoir, I Wouldn't Say It If It Wasn't True, is out now from Jawbone Press, covering his earliest days as a kid in LA falling in love with music, and down the road that took him to and through the first era of The Dream Syndicate. As a companion to the book, Fire Records simultaneously released Steve's first new solo album in 14 years, Make It Right, featuring songs that were inspired by the process of writing his memoir and reflecting on his life, from his beginnings in "Santa Monica" to present days on "Roosevelt Avenue". Steve is currently touring the eastern part of the US, with west coast and European dates to follow in early 2025, promising "a night of songs and stories" that you won't want to miss. Keep up on the latest news at https://stevewynn.net.

During our conversation, we also cover:

• The Paisley Underground - the LA neo-psych scene that also spawned The Bangles, Three O'Clock, The Rain Parade, Green on Red, The Long Ryders!
• The lasting legacy of their classic 1982 debut The Days of Wine and Roses!
• What's in store for the out of print Dream Syndicate records Medicine Show (1984) and Ghost Stories (1988)?
• The 21st century return of the Dream Syndicate!
• Living with a drummer! (Don't worry, it's his wife Linda Pitmon, not Tommy Lee...)
• Little Steven's Underground Garage Cruise!
• Baseball! His supergroup The Baseball Project with Linda Pitmon, Scott McCaughey from Young Fresh Fellows / The Minus 5 and Mike Mills and Peter Buck from R.E.M. Also, who is Steve rooting for during the 2024 World Series?

You won't want to miss this...and we wouldn't say it if it wasn't true.

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**Our lawyers tell us we can't actually guarantee this. Then again, our lawyers have also informed us that they got their degrees from a Sally Struthers correspondence course.

Get the Armoires' new album Octoberland at: https://bigstirrecords.com/the-armoires

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Octoberland is an invigorating eleven-track collection of amped-up, richly detailed pop gems, accessible but still retaining the quirky, slightly eerie mystique of their unique sonic signature. Along with Christina (vocals, keys) and Rex (vocals, guitar), The Armoires also feature the intricate instrumental interplay between Larysa Bulbenko (viola) and the empathetic rhythm section of Clifford Ulrich (bass) and renowned music journalist/power pop expert John M. Borack (drums). It's a bright, brash amalgam of expansive New Pornographers-inspired lit-rock, '90s twee pop and dream rock, the college rock heights of R.E.M. and Echo & The Bunnymen, and a bedrock of Byrds and Jefferson Airplane electric folk roots.

Along with getting deep into the many wonders of Octoberland, this very entertaining discussion covers the formation and evolution of Big Stir Records, music and animals, and so, so much more.

We absolutely mean it!

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One of the most promising singer-songwriters of the '90s was this week's Third Lad Milo Binder, the musical alter ego of Todd Lawrence. Milo Binder's self-titled debut album was released in 1991 to universal critical acclaim, featuring a respected roster of legendary musicians including Garth Hudson from The Band, Sneaky Pete from Flying Burrito Brothers, and Victoria Williams, as well as studio pros like the late David Vaught (Rosebud, Tom Waits, Roger McGuinn) and Duane Jarvis. Milo was profiled on NPR, received folk radio airplay, and shared the stage with a range of artists from the Indigo Girls to Soundgarden. Naturally, with that auspicious debut, Milo Binder went on to a long, fruitful musical career. Right?

Well, a series of life changing events caused Milo Binder to hang up the guitar and transform back into mild-mannered Todd Lawrence for the better part of 33 years (the Superman analogy isn't all that hyperbolic...you'll find out that Todd is pretty much a super hero!). Other than the occasional live appearance and 2019's wonderfully whimsical psychedelic pop fable Paisley and the Firefly written and recorded with his longtime musical partner and best friend Willie Aron, a true follow up to the Milo Binder album never materialized. Until now.

August 2024 heralded the return of Milo Binder with his (verrrrrry) long awaited second album, The Unspeakable Milo Binder, on Heyday Again (distributed by Real Gone Music). It finds our hero not only in fine form, but it's a record that equals or surpasses its predecessor.

Listen to Milo's remarkable story, plus:

• What '90s singer-songwriter was a triple crossover...but with three different albums?
• Where did Uncle Gregg bomb doing stand up?
• Who was Milo's toughest audience?
• What group of people did Cher offend? (According to our official staff fact checker, aka Brett's wife, it's NOT who we said it was.)

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With his band Jackson Reed and the Silverbirds, the 26-year old Calgary rocker is mixing an irresistible blend of earnest '80s classic rock with modern pop smarts. Following the success of tracks like 2021's "Dangerous Lover" (featuring legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff) and 2023's "In My Head," their latest single is a cover of Prince's iconic 1982 hit "Little Red Corvette", offering up a take on the classic that's both faithful and fresh. It's garnered radio airplay coast-to-coast in both the USA and Canada.

Reed also hosts the wonderful podcast Guess That Record, where he has interviewed luminaries such as The Police's Andy Summers, Dweezil Zappa, and Billy Joel drummer Chuck Burgi. And, in tribute to Jackson's pod, we play a brand new O3L game called "Back in 82, I Could Guess That Song!"

Like good honorary Canadians, we partake in conversations about hockey, Rush, the Tragically Hip, Degrassi, Corner Gas...plus little red corvettes, Brett's drag club appearance, and Uncle Gregg's oddly specific sensual fantasies. Hey, it was Saturday night, we guess that makes it alright...

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1. Scary Pierre - 'Piece of Mind' (from Boys Club)
2. Lightheaded - 'Bright Happy Girls' (from Combustible Gems, Slumberland Records)
3. Shapes Like People - 'When The Radio Plays' (single, Jangleshop Records)
4. Whitney's Playland - 'Corridor of Dreams' (from the Martin Newell/Cleaners from Venus tribute Tales of a Kitchen Porter, Dandy Boy Records)
5. Cinema Lumiere - 'Wishing It Was Sunday' (from Wishing It Was Sunday, Subjangle)
6. Circe Link & Christian Nesmith - 'The Magician' (from Arcana)

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Debra Cohen began her music career as a New Wave rocker in the early '80s. Her band opened up for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts at legendary Rathskeller ("The Rat") in Boston. They had a regional radio hit with their single "Boston Nights." Debra's song "Dreamin" was discussed to be covered by INXS. Everything seemed to be going her way, until the rock n' roll temptations of drugs and alcohol nearly cost Debra her life...and it was at her darkest moment that she found God. After a stint fronting a blues band in the '90s, she left the music business behind and studied Judaism. In recent years, Debra has rebranded herself as a spiritual pop/rock singer/songwriter. You can learn more about her musical journey at https://debracohenmusic.com.

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Carl is also an incredibly gifted music scribe, writing the must-read daily music blog Boppin' (Like The Hip Folks Do) and in many fine publications. Relevant to today's topic, He has also published Gabba Gabba Hey! A Conversation with the Ramones, culled from his interviews with the band. His latest book, The Greatest Record Ever Made (Volume 1), features insightful, passionate, humorous essays on 145 of his favorite songs across all genres.

The Ramones were an American punk rock band formed in New York City in 1974. Known for helping establish the punk movement in the United States and elsewhere, the Ramones are often cited as the first true punk rock band. The Ramones ranked number 26 in Rolling Stone magazine's 2004 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time and number 17 in VH1's 2012 television series 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. In 2002, the Ramones were ranked the second-greatest band of all time by Spin, trailing only the Beatles. On March 18, 2002, the original four members and Tommy's replacement on drums, Marky Ramone, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. In 2011, the group was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. (Thanks, Wikipedia.)

Stream This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio at: https://ec3.yesstreaming.net:4280/api/links/?t=web&l=ne&c=1&fbclid=IwAR2sdklgIfqVCG1_E3I-bkPwbCFqbnFPJbQ95V4bveYs1g5o4jHEQjZNVx0, or on the Radio Garden app as WESTCOTT RADIO.

Buy Carl Cafarelli's books at: Amazon.com : carl cafarelli

Boppin' (Like The Hip Folks Do): Boppin' (Like The Hip Folks Do) (carlcafarelli.blogspot.com)

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Dave's new book, Pop Idle: 30 Years on the Road as a Professional Singer, is an honest, humourous, insightful look at life on the bottom rung of the showbiz ladder.

Like hordes of others, best-selling author Dave Dawson has spent decades crisscrossing the UK as a solo full-time professional musician. During his 30 years on the road, he has performed thousands of shows before tens of thousands of people, yet still remains one of the army of anonymous entertainers who literally sing for their supper, as part of the Never Ending UK Tour. From pubs to clubs, dives to luxury hotels, theatres to gardens, and hen nights to care homes, there’s hardly a live environment that he hasn’t encountered, enjoyed or endured.

Along the way, he’s had brushes with fame and fandom, strippers and stalkers, crooks and colourful characters, pissed-up punters and prima donnas… and has banked a wealth of experience at the brunt of the live music circuit.

You may also know Dave Dawson as Dave Philpott, who appeared with us last season to discuss his bestselling book series of bonkers letters to pop stars with real replies - Dear Mr. Kershaw, Dear Mr. Pop Star, Grammar Free in the UK, and Dear Catherine Wheel.

Oh, and despite the tendency to poke a little fun at Hanson's ubiquitous 1997 earworm 'Mmm Bop', Taylor Hanson probably is underrated. Listen to the Tinted Windows album for proof of that! But we won't let that fact stand in the way of a bit.

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We're havin' a party this week! Joining us for a lively, laugh-filled exploration of 1973 albums is the heart and soul of The BellRays, singer Lisa Kekaula and guitarist Bob Vennum, who have been gloriously blending high octane punk, powerful soul music, deep blues, gritty garage rock, and whatever else they want to throw into the stew, since 1990. This is a band that defies expectations or pre-conceived notions and transcends any one genre or scene. Their music is all about energy and feel, and that makes them authentic no matter what the style is. To quote their 2020 compilation, It’s Never To Late To Fall In Love With the Bell-Rays. For some of you, it may be this very day when you listen to this podcast. In fact, it’s actually the perfect time to fall in love with the BellRays, because they have a brand new album of blazing rock n' soul, Heavy Steady Go!, and are embarking on a tour on September 5, 2024 - playing some headlining dates on the west coast before heading out for a North American tour with Social Distortion. 

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We're havin' a party this week! Joining us for a lively, laugh-filled exploration of 1973 albums is the heart and soul of The BellRays, singer Lisa Kekaula and guitarist Bob Vennum, who have been gloriously blending high octane punk, powerful soul music, deep blues, gritty garage rock, and whatever else they want to throw into the stew, since 1990. This is a band that defies expectations or pre-conceived notions and transcends any one genre or scene. Their music is all about energy and feel, and that makes them authentic no matter what the style is. To quote their 2020 compilation, It’s Never To Late To Fall In Love With the Bell-Rays. For some of you, it may be this very day when you listen to this podcast. In fact, it’s actually the perfect time to fall in love with the BellRays, because they have a brand new album of blazing rock n' soul, Heavy Steady Go!, and are embarking on a tour on September 5, 2024 - playing some headlining dates on the west coast before heading out for a North American tour with Social Distortion. 

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1. The Ekphrastics - ‘A Good Day For Sailing’ (Harriet Records)
2. Wut - ‘Mingling with the Thorns’ (HHBTM Records)
3. Eighteen Hundred and Froze To Death - ‘Old Painful’ (Resident Recordings)
4. Greaser Phase - ‘Lonely Hearts Killers’ (Shambotic)
5. Eljin Marbles - ‘Art Is Love Is God’ (Intellectual House of Pancakes)
6. Sunset Rubdown - ‘Cliche Town’ (Pronounced Kroog)

Thank you for helping us support new music! Show your love to these artists by buying physical media or merch, going to see some live shows...heck, social media follows and streams help as well!

Americans, have a great Labor Day weekend...everyone else, have a great regular weekend!

L-U-V,

Brett & Uncle Gregg

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We hear you, imaginary (and, frankly, rather rude) podcast critic. And our retort is that our friends in the southern hemisphere are still firmly in the grips of winter. For example, our Third Lad this week, one of the greatest songwriters that Australia has ever produced (and an artist who is on the short list of Brett's musical heroes), Peter Milton Walsh from The Apartments!

PMW has led the Apartments in various incarnations since 1978, starting with the spiky indie pop of the EP 'The Return of the Hypnotist' on The Go-Betweens' Able Label. After brief stints with The Go-Betweens and Ed Kuepper's post-Saints band The Laughing Clowns, the Apartments reformed in 1984 with the classic single "All You Wanted." Their first full length, 'The Evening Visits...And Stays For Years', followed in 1985 on Rough Trade, with the 1987 single "The Shyest Time" featured on the John Hughes soundtrack for Some Kind of Wonderful. Among the Apartments' string of breathtakingly gorgeous, diverse records are 'Drift' (1993), 'A Life Full Of Farewells' (1995), 'Apart' (1997), 'No Song No Spell No Madrigal' (2015), and 'In And Out Of The Light' (2020). For the uninitiated, Welcome to Walsh World!

Peter stopped by in between sessions for a forthcoming record. Just as a small forewarning, we recorded our lists afterwards...so any juvenile, off-topic or off-colour side conversations about pillows, tank tops, getting lost in department stores, or Art Garfunkel lookalikes are no reflection on the pure class of Mr. Walsh. Hopefully, to quote the man himself, we didn't "take something good and make a mess of it".

Special thanks to Marc Shea from the great fellow Pantheon show Performance Anxiety for the introduction, and much gratitude to Peter's wife Kate for the coordination. This was an incredible thrill for us!

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Peter stops by to recount the early days of the Twin Cities scene and Twin/Tone; the moment Paul Westerberg handed him the Replacements' first demo; his biggest disappointments and surprises among Twin/Tone artists; the Mats' transition to a major label; getting the Replacements into the Rock Hall; an update on late era guitarist Slim Dunlap; and many more memories, as we reveal our Top 5 Replacements Songs.

Peter's essential memoir, Euphoric Recall, is out now. Euphoric Recall: A Half Century as a Music Fan, Producer, DJ, Record Executive, and Tastemaker: Jesperson, Peter, Fricke, David: 9781681342719: Amazon.com: Books

Many thanks to Josh Mills from It's Alive! Media & Management for the introduction and coordination.

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1. The Meringues - 'Shambles'
2. Sissyhiya - 'Kristen Stewart' (Skep Wax Records)
3. Gregorov - 'Gasterbeiter ide za Beč'
4. LMS8 - 'Love Connection' (The Beautiful Music)
5. Giant Day - 'Ignore The Flood' (The Elephant 6 Recording Company)
6. Greg Williams - 'This Life'

Enjoy your weekend! Thank you for supporting new music, including the artists on this episode!

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The first-ever collection of Addicted To Noise founder and former Rolling Stone senior writer Michael Goldberg's photographs, Jukebox: Photographs 1967-2023 (Hozac Books), features an impressive array of underground figures and outcast luminaries captured in their natural habitat, most seen here for the first time anywhere. Bridging the gaps between the late ‘60s psychedelic era, primitive first-wave ‘70s punk and soul & reggae, as well as never-before seen images of country & folk iconoclasts and rule-breakers across the spectrum of all that is captivating, and even including some modern artists still making waves, Jukebox is a riveting photography collection that truly feels as good as it looks. The photos in JUKEBOX are drawn from the thousands he’s taken over the years. Included are photos of the Sex Pistols, Crime, the Ramones, the Avengers, Devo, the Nuns, the Clash, Tom Verlaine, Lou Reed, John Cale and the Dils as well as Tom Waits, Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, Janis Joplin, Ben Gibbard, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Muddy Waters, Toots and the Maytals, Patti Smith, Bettye LaVette, the Who, Neil Young, Jonathan Richman, Townes Van Zandt, the Flamin’ Groovies, and many many more.

Photos from JUKEBOX will be on display from July 25 through September 22, 2024 at the Haight Street Art Center in San Francisco, where the exhibition, We Are the One: San Francisco Punk 1970s & 1980s, curated by Goldberg, will also be featured during those two months.

Oh, and bonus! We play the latest in a series of world famous O3L games, "Record Rack of the Mind."

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Since the late '70s, Northern California has been a hotbed of punk rock activity. San Francisco sat at the epicentre of the first wave, with bands like Crime, Dead Kennedys, Avengers, Chrome, The Mutants, and The Nuns bringing the house down at the legendary Mabuhay Gardens. East Bay bands like Green Day, Operation Ivy, Rancid, and The Mr. T Experience ruled the punk revival of the late '80s and beyond. But, all over the northern part of California, great bands sprouted up in cities like Stockton, Santa Cruz, Davis, and Fulton. This week, we'll cover some of the great punk singles from the area, from familiar favorites to obscure treasures.

What better Third Lad for this assignment than Northern California alternative music legend Jeffrey Clark?!? Jeffrey got his start as the singer/songwriter in early '80s Stockton garage/psych/synth combo The Torn Boys, whose recordings were recently released by Independent Project Records as 1983. Following the demise of the band, Jeffrey departed for LA with Torn Boys bandmade Grant-Lee Phillips (later of Grant Lee Buffalo fame) and formed the moody, mystical, marvelous Shiva Burlesque, who released two LPs - their eponymous debut in 1987 and Mercury Blues in 1990. Jeffrey subsequently released two cinematic, gorgeous solo records - Sheer Golden Hooks in 1996 and If Is in 2009.

But wait, there's more: This renaissance man also founded one of the most acclaimed film festivals in North America, the Nevada City Film Festival; he revitalized the legendary Independent Project Records with label founder/Savage Republic guitarist Bruce Licher; and, he co-produced the documentary Louder Than You Think: A Lo-Fi History of Gary Young & Pavement. Oh, and did we mention that he's practically a member of the Wu-Tang Clan??

Speaking of Louder Than You Think, you may recall our recent episode where we chatted with director Jed I. Rosenberg and co-producer Brian Thalken. We made sure to chat with Jeffrey about the film as well, so stay tuned for a separate mini-episode on Thursday for more of our discussion!

Special thanks to Paul Richison for the amazing guest suggestion, and to Josh Mills from It's Alive! Media for the incredible coordination.

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The Hollywood Stars were THE "It Band" on the Sunset Strip in the early '70s. Originally concocted by legendary Hollywood impresario and cult figure Kim Fowley to be LA's answer to New York Dolls, the Stars' mix of glammed-up hard rock and pop hooks made them mainstays at clubs like the Whisky a Go Go and the Starwood. Bands like Journey, the Runaways, and Quiet Riot opened for them. Iggy Pop joined them on stage. John Lennon attended their performances. Their songs were covered by Alice Cooper ('Escape') and KISS ('King of the Night Time World'). Every major label wanted to sign them, eventually recording a debut album in 1974 for Columbia with Eagles producer Bill Szymczyk. But fate had other plans for the Hollywood Stars...a shake up at Columbia's west coast division led to the band being dropped before the album was released (and would remain that way until 2013, when Shine Like A Radio: The Great Lost 1974 Album surfaced), and the original incarnation of the band broke up. The remnants of the band would finally release an eponymous debut album for Arista in 1977, but that was effectively the end of the Hollywood Stars' story...until now.

Following the success of their archival release, the band would get back together in 2018 for live shows and new recordings, with original lead vocalist Scott Phares returning to the fold. Their brand new 2024 album, Starstruck, finds the band in fine, rockin' form.

The current version of the band also includes a veteran guitarist with more incredible rock n' roll stories to tell, Jeff Jourard. Jeff played with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers during the recording of their first album - the motorcycle jacket you see Petty wearing on the cover was Jeff's - but his departure from the band as they left for England meant that his sole credit on the record was a "Heartfelt Thanks." After that, Jeff teamed up with Martha Davis to form the Motels, co-writing their oft-covered classic 'Total Control.'

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Following the success of their archival release, the band would get back together in 2018 for live shows and new recordings, with original lead vocalist Scott Phares returning to the fold. Their brand new 2024 album, Starstruck, finds the band in fine, rockin' form.

The current version of the band also includes a veteran guitarist with more incredible rock n' roll stories to tell, Jeff Jourard. Jeff played with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers during the recording of their first album - the motorcycle jacket you see Petty wearing on the cover was Jeff's - but his departure from the band as they left for England meant that his sole credit on the record was a "Heartfelt Thanks." After that, Jeff teamed up with Martha Davis to form the Motels, co-writing their oft-covered classic 'Total Control.'

The amount of unbelievable stories was far too much for one episode, so we are treating you to a two parter that you will not want to miss! Part 1 includes the first half of our discussion, but stay tuned for next week's conclusion when we talk about our Top 5 LA Albums!

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1) The Blue Herons - 'In The Skies' (from Go On)

2) Pantomime Horses - 'Lily Morita' (from Forever Polyester)

3) Kevin Robertson - 'The Guilt Trip' (from The Call of the Sea)

4) Alice Kat - 'Waves' (from Around the World & Back to You)

5) Race - 'Meddler' (from Half Men, Half Sympathy)

6) Majorette - 'Soon' (from Forever Starts Tuesday)

Find these releases and much more at https://subjangle.bandcamp.com/music.

Thanks to Subjangle founder Darrin Lee for the support and great music!

Thank YOU for supporting independent music!

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This week's Third Lad, Daniel Rachel, has penned the definitive story of the label that, for a brief, bright burning moment, shaped British, American, and world culture. Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story is out now from White Rabbit (UK) and Akashic Books (US).

Daniel Rachel is a Birmingham-born, best-selling author whose previous works include Isle of Noises: Conversations with Great British Songwriters; Walls Come Tumbling Down: The Music and Politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone, and Red Wedge; Don't Look Back in Anger: The Rise and Fall of Cool Britannia; The Lost Album of the Beatles: What If the Beatles Hadn't Split Up?; One for the Road: The Life & Lyrics of Simon Fowler & Ocean Colour Scene; and Oasis: Knebworth: Two Nights That Will Live Forever. He is also co-author of Ranking Roger's autobiography, I Just Can't Stop It: My Life in the Beat. In 2021, Rachel was a guest curator of the "2 Tone Lives & Legacies" exhibition as part of Coventry Cultural City 2021, and he curated the anniversary edition of the Selecter's debut album, Too Much Pressure.

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This week, we discuss some of our favorite music documentaries, and celebrate one of the latest additions to the canon of great "rock docs"- Louder Than You Think: A Lo-Fi History of Gary Young & Pavement. Joining us for this discussion of Citizen Kane-esque proportions is Louder Than You Think's Director, Jed. I Rosenberg and Co-Producer Brian Thalken.

Louder Than You Think, a 2023 SXSW Audience Award winner, is an up-close cinematic walkabout through the life of Gary Young (May 3, 1953 - August 17, 2023), the original (and highly unlikely) drummer of indie rock royalty Pavement. His booze and drugs-fueled antics (on-stage handstands, gifting vegetables to fans) and haphazard production methods (accidentally helping launch the lo-fi aesthetic) were both a driving force of the band's early rise and the cause of his eventual crash landing. Leaving a wake of joy and/or destruction at every turn, Gary teeters the thin line between free-form self-expression and chaotic self-destruction. With its inventive use of marionette sequences and featuring revelatory archival footage, Louder Than You Think is equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking and human.

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The reason why we've blasted right past our normal era of focus, you ask? Well, it's not every day that we get to welcome living legend, singer, songwriter, guitarist, rock n' roll surrealist - and now author - Robyn Hitchcock to O3L. That particular year is the focus of Robyn's brand new memoir, 1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left, out now on Little Brown Books (UK) and Akashic Books (US). 1967 explores how that pivotal slice of time tastes to a bright, obsessive-compulsive boy who is shipped off to a hothouse academic boarding school as he reaches the age of 13 - just as Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited starts to bite, and the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper explodes.

When he arrives in January 1966, Robyn Hitchcock is still a boy pining for the comforts of home and his family's loving au pair, Teresa. By December 1967, he's mutated into a 6'2" tall rabid Dylan fan, whose two ambitions are to get really high and fly to Nashville (spoiler alert: mission accomplished on both fronts!).

In between - as the hippie revolution blossoms in the world outside - Hitchcock adjusts to the hierarchal, homoerotic world of Winchester, threading a path through teachers with arrested development, meatheads, groovers, and a sullen old maid - a very English freak show. On the way he befriends a cadre of bat-winged teenage prodigies and meets their local guru, the young Brian Eno.

At the end of 1967, all the ingredients are in place that will make Robyn Hitchcock a songwriter for life. But then again, does 1967 really ever end?

Robyn Hitchcock is a master of the absurd, creating "pictures you can listen to" that revel in the beauty of the unexpected. His first publicly visible band, the Soft Boys (1976-81), has remained an influential art-rock touchstone for generations of musicians. With a career spanning nearly five decades, his discography consists of more than 30 albums, including Underwater Moonlight (1980). I Often Dream of Trains (1984), Fegmania! (1985), Globe Of Frogs (1988), Queen Elvis (1989), Perspex Island (1991), Ole! Tarantula (2006), The Man Upstairs (2014), Robyn Hitchcock (2017) and Shufflemania (2022), and classic songs like "I Wanna Destroy You," "My Wife and My Dead Wife," "The Man with the Lightbulb Head," "Heaven," "Balloon Man," "Madonna of the Wasps," "So You Think You're In Love," and so many more.

Special thanks to Robyn's wonderful wife Emma Swift, herself a brilliant singer/songwriter...and, it turns out, quite the IT tech; and Holly Watson from Holly Watson PR for the introduction and coordination.

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Yes, you could say that our "Third Lad" this week is quite the authority on the subject, as Linda Chadwick was a Texas groupie on the hard rock and metal scenes between 1982 - 1987. Weaving together a series of often hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes salacious, but always remarkable tales about Pantera, KISS, Dio, Deep Purple, Metallica, Motorhead, Poison, Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Guns n' Roses and more, On The Road: A Texas Groupie's Memoir blends vivid storytelling with nostalgic anecdotes. Meet passionate fans, ambitious musicians, and unforgettable groupies, all brought together by a shared love for rock 'n' roll. Experience the highs of sold-out concerts, the lows of band breakups, and the exhilaration of that first chord. As you delve deeper, discover how music was not only a form of entertainment but a way of life, a rebellion, a movement that shaped a generation. This book is more than a mere recollection-it's a tribute to a time when melodies held memories, lyrics voiced dreams, and every beat was a heartbeat of an era.

Since leaving groupie life behind, Linda Chadwick is a happy married wife of more than 30 years, with two grown children and many fur babies. This lifelong Texas girl recently relocated to Costa Rica, the beautiful home to "a lot of things that can kill you."

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This week, we spotlight tracks by:

1. The Vanrays - 'Survivors' (from Hey! Alright Now, Bonerattle Records)
2. L.A. Drugz - 'Outside Place' (from Outside Place, Hovercraft Records)
3. The Anti-Queens - 'Overthinking' (from Disenchanted, Stomp Records)
4. WolfWolf - 'Twenty One' (from Tolentanz, Ghost Highway / Lux Noise / Off Label Records)
5. Mad Ones - 'Drone' (from What It Takes, Fortune Stellar Records)
6. Theremin Man - 'Are You Receiving Me' (from Songs for the Future)

Thank you for helping us support new music and the new artists making it.  Music gives us all so much pleasure, and being able to sustain yourself as a musician is tougher than ever now.  Whenever you can, get out and see some live music, buy physical product and merch, and the easiest and most cost effective way you can help is by sharing the new music you hear…and sharing this episode is a good place to start! Enjoy your weekend!

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The Wolfhounds are an English noise pop band formed in Romford, Essex, in 1985 by Dave Callahan, Paul Clark, Andy Golding, Andy Bolton and Frank Stebbing, and originally active until 1990. The band reformed in 2005 and continues to write, record and play live, releasing new albums in 2014, 2016, and 2020. (Thanks, Wikipedia.)

Andy's current project is called Dragon Welding (hmmm...what does that mean? Listen and find out!), whose latest single is "TADT (These Are Dangerous Times)."

What the hip kids are saying about Dragon Welding:

"..a pulsating beat with all sorts of strings being strummed and plucked, in all sorts of 60's/70's school holidays tv series soundtrack kind of ways." - Whisperin' & Hollerin' - 2023

"Dragon Welding.. guitarist of Essex post-rock outliers The Wolfhounds, is a wondrous tapestry of ambient guitar instrumentals and sonic manipulations. This is music that channels the cosmic experimentations of 70s German avant-garde synth-rock with a dark Essex twist that somehow has glorious poptones. For fans of : Mouse On Mars, Plaid, Cluster." - Platekompaniet - 2023

Plus, as an added bonus, hear some of Brett's teenage recordings, including the "legendary" 1990 Empty Glass concert! What the hip kids said: "Wow, he sounds like a neanderthal toddler who just discovered music for the first time!"

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Originating from a serendipitous encounter in a smoky Leeds nightclub back in 1979, Josephine Warden and Brian Moss embarked on a musical journey that would redefine the synth-pop landscape. Initially known as Vicious Pink Phenomena, they made their mark by providing distinctively off-kilter backing vocals for their friends in Soft Cell, a collaboration that unfolded organically and without rehearsal.

Transitioning to the simplified moniker Vicious Pink, the duo continued to captivate audiences with their avant-garde sound, releasing a string of singles that defied conventional expectations and climbed the UK dance charts between 1982 and 1986. Despite their modest intentions, their music proved to be both artful and provocative, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of electronic music history.

Minimal Wave has just released a long-awaited LP showcasing previously unreleased gems from the influential UK duo, 'Unexpected'. The album offers listeners a glimpse into the duo's creative process, compiling pop experiments recorded spontaneously, some in collaboration with Soft Cell's Dave Ball.

Order Unexpected: Unexpected | Vicious Pink (bandcamp.com)

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S.W. Lauden (aka Steve Coulter) was not only an active participant in the Geek Rock and Power Pop scenes, drumming for a series of LA bands like Ridel High, Tsar and The Brothers Steve, but is also accomplished writer. He is the editor of the essay collections Go All The Way: A Literary Appreciation of Power Pop and Forbidden Beat: Perspectives on Punk Drumming. His power pop-themed crime fiction novellas include That'll Be The Day: A Power Pop Heist and Good Girls Don't. He is also the author of the Greg Salem punk rock PI trilogy, starting with Bad Citizen Corporation. Find more of Steve’s music writing on Substack at Remember The Lightning, including his semi-annual print/ebook Guitar Pop Journals.

Generation Blue is also available as on Kindle: Generation Blue: An Oral History of The Hollywood Geek Rock Scene in the 1990s & 2000s - Kindle edition by Lauden, S.W., Koch, Karl, Fisher, Justin. Arts & Photography Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Plus, if you're a fan of unhinged Uncle Gregg rants (and who isn't?!?), this one's for you!

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Discussing the songs of 1986 with us (and whose presence is certainly one of our biggest thrills to date) is Miki Berenyi from Lush, Piroshka, and The Miki Berenyi Trio! During their initial run from 1987 - 1996, Lush were one of the essential British bands of the era, releasing three seminal early EPs (collected on Gala) and three crucial albums that showcase the breadth of the band's formidable talents: 1992's Spooky, 1994's Split, and 1996's Lovelife (all on 4AD). Miki's recently released memoir, Fingers Crossed: How Music Saved Me From Success, is one of the most compelling and searingly honest books we have read. Often traumatic, often hilarious, Fingers Crossed peels back the layers of the public figure you thought you knew from the British weeklies to reveal a complex and gifted storyteller.

The Miki Berenyi Trio is currently on a short tour of the US. Catch her if you can! The new track "Vertigo" is available on all streaming/digital platforms.

Plus, there's a lot of swearing in both Hungarian and English. This one is definitely NSFW, kids.

Special thanks to Paul Richison for the suggestion and introduction!

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1. Venus Sugar High - 'The God And The Sun'
2. Jim Basnight - 'Summertime Again' (Power Popaholic Productions)
3. Steve Conte - 'Shoot Out The Stars' (Wicked Cool Records)
4. Yea-Ming & The Rumours - 'Big Blue Sea' (Dandyboy Records)
5. Ray Richardson - 'A Crack In The Sky' (Nanneroo Music)
6. Even As We Speak - 'Beauty, You Will Break Us All' (Skep Wax Records)

Have a great weekend!

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Joining us on this journey are guitarist/vocalist Henry Girard and drummer/vocalist Pablo Garcia from Montreal garage-pop provocateurs The Wesleys, who have just released their highly anticipated Self-Titled debut LP on Little Village Records. The debut album is a dynamic exploration that ventures into a sonic landscape that transcends conventional boundaries, blending elements of the rock, power pop, indie, and alternative genres. The Wesleys embrace their DIY ethos, channeling their creativity into music that feels authentic and natural, a reflection of their shared passion and unwavering dedication. The Wesleys craft melodic rock n' roll songs that resonate with both heart and adrenaline, and will surely appeal to fans of The Clean, The Replacements, Teenage Fanclub, Pixies, The Shins, or Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.

Plus: Get the inside scoop on the awesome Montreal scene! Teletubbies on acid! Trouble at the border! Trudeau cuts off the band's wifi! Morgan Freeman! Hockey! Capes! Clam pizza!

The Wesleys:

Website: https://www.littlevillagerecords.com/the-wesleys

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewesleysmtl/

Linktree: linktr.ee/thewesleys

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wesleys

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dNiuSl1RTkNZgYcioK8Z5?si=PccDtLU-RTa4Y_kSIst_IQ

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Our Third Lad this week is Dan Cuddy, the bassist/singer/songwriter who has been leading Hoboken, New Jersey's The Special Pillow since 1995, and was previously in the late '80s/early '90s psych-tinged indie rockers Hypnolovewheel. The Special Pillow are esteemed purveyors of a full-spectrum, string-driven sound encompassing concise ’60s-flavored pop gems, dreamy hallucinogenic reveries, and pulse-pounding propulsion redolent of your favorite antipodean indie upstarts of the ’80s. The band specializes in catchy and confounding songcraft that has earned them notable fans such as Yo La Tengo, who have covered the group’s classic "Automatic Doom"

The Special Pillow Meets the Space Monster is the latest in a series of acclaimed EPs, following in the wake of Mind Wipe (2022) and World’s Finest (2020). It is named in honor of the 1965 science-fiction potboiler, Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster, the soundtrack of that cinematic milestone being the source of the featured cover song, "That’s the Way It’s Got to Be," originally performed by Scotland’s beat titans The Poets and an underground hit for The Special Pillow in the summer of 2023.

SOCIALS:

https://www.facebook.com/TheSpecialPillow/

https://www.instagram.com/thespecialpillow/

https://thespecialpillow.bandcamp.com

Special thanks to Mike Turner from Crashing Through Publicity for the intro!

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We will be conspicuously absent from the fun this year. Brett's usually right there, but has something even more important to celebrate - his son's university graduation. But we won't let a little thing like that deter us from building our fantasy day at Cruel World.

This year's roster includes Duran Duran, Tones On Tail, Interpol, Blondie, Simple Minds, Soft Cell, Adam Ant, Ministry, Jesus And Mary Chain, Gary Numan, Heaven 17, The Mission, The Stranglers, General Public, The Motels, Lol Tolhurst x Budgie, and more!

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Tim and Vanessa stop by to chat about the new record, their careers, their music, marriage and family, colouring books, why Vanessa can't touch Tim's record collection, and, of course, the topic on hand. This week, we're heading back to 1981 to discuss our favourite 7" singles of that incredible year. This is a fun one, kids!

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees were recently announced, including Mary J. Blige, Cher, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool & The Gang, Ozzy Osbourne, and A Tribe Called Quest. Yet, year after year, so many deserving and influential artists are overlooked for this honor, which is our focus this week.

John Easdale is the singer/songwriter in the iconic Wayne, NJ band Dramarama. They found widespread acclaim with the alternative radio classic "Anything, Anything" from 1985's  Cinéma Vérité, and the succession of modern rock staples that followed - "It's Still Warm" (from Box Office Bomb, 1987), "Last Cigarette" (from Stuck in Wonderamaland, 1989), "Haven't Got A Clue" and "What Are We Going To Do?" (from Vinyl, 1991), and "Work For Food" (from Hi-Fi Sci-Fi, 1993), right up to their latest excellent album, 2020's Color TV. Join us as John recounts the early days of the band, the shock of getting played on KROQ, cover versions, playing with legends, K-Pop, and much more. Plus, we play the latest in our ongoing series of world famous O3L games, Rhymatima!

Most importantly, John is one of the kindest, humblest rock stars we've ever met...a true gentleman and a family man.

Thanks to our friend Paul Richison for yet another amazing introduction!

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In both podcasting and in life, when you need a friend, don't look to a stranger. Well, unless you've never listened to O3L before...in which case, you should totally look to a stranger. But if you wait around a while, we'll make you fall for us. We promise you we will.

This week, we cover the songs that were hits in the dance clubs and on the dance charts. One such song was "The Promise," the emotionally charged synth-pop smash by UK band When In Rome, which hit #1 on the US Hot Dance chart on June 11, 1988. Since then, it has become a beloved classic - on radio, at weddings, on movies and TV.

Serendipitous, then, that our Third Lad this week is none other than singer, songwriter and original member of When In Rome UK, Clive Farrington! Fresh off the '80s Cruise with musical partner Andrew Mann, When In Rome UK is busy working on a new album - including the new single "2 Fix Us." On top of being a great musician, Clive is a passionate and knowledgeable music fan with a flair for storytelling. You can also hear Clive Farrington Friday and Saturday nights on his villageradio.net show Weekend Dance Trance.

Special thanks to Paul Richison for the introduction!

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For fans of classic alternative music, there is a plethora of special releases coming out on Saturday. Let O3L's Brett Vargo be your guide as you prepare your own shopping list.

Plus, Brett reveals the RSD items that he thinks Uncle Gregg will put on his list that Brett would not consider, and vice versa. Also, hear "Markin' It Down," the brand new single by UK indie supergroup Swansea Sound (Hue Williams from The Pooh Sticks, previous O3L guests Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey from Heavenly, previous O3L guest Bob Collins from The Dentists, and Ian Button from Thrashing Doves and Death in Vegas). To mark RSD, it's a fun record store themed track. You also must see the video!

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In both podcasting and in life, when you need a friend, don't look to a stranger. Well, unless you've never listened to O3L before...in which case, you should totally look to a stranger. But if you wait around a while, we'll make you fall for us. We promise you we will.

This week, we cover the songs that were hits in the dance clubs and on the dance charts. One such song was "The Promise," the emotionally charged synth-pop smash by UK band When In Rome, which hit #1 on the US Hot Dance chart on June 11, 1988. Since then, it has become a beloved classic - on radio, at weddings, on movies and TV.

Serendipitous, then, that our Third Lad this week is none other than singer, songwriter and original member of When In Rome UK, Clive Farrington! Fresh off the '80s Cruise with musical partner Andrew Mann, When In Rome UK is busy working on a new album - including the new single "2 Fix Us." On top of being a great musician, Clive is a passionate and knowledgeable music fan with a flair for storytelling. You can also hear Clive Farrington Friday and Saturday nights on his villageradio.net show Weekend Dance Trance.

Listen to our #5 & #4 picks this episode, and stay tuned next week for our Top 3.

Special thanks to Paul Richison for the introduction!

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This week, we feature six of our favorite new songs:

1. Jetstream Pony - 'Look Alive' (from Under the Bridge 2, Skep Wax Records)
2. Lame Drivers - 'Become An Island' (from Become An Island, Jigsaw/Bleeding Gold)
3. The Armoires - 'We Absolutely Mean It' (from Octoberland, Big Stir Records)
4. Elena Rogers - 'Queen' (single)
5. The Wesleys - 'A Lot To Lose' (from The Wesleys, Little Village Records)
6. Secret Shine - 'Captivate This Broken Love' (from Under The Bridge 2, Skep Wax Records)

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When bands have one member in particular that does most of the songwriting, friends also come in handy sometimes to shoulder a little of the burden from time to time. This week, we talk about the great songs that were NOT written by the band's main songwriter.

Plus: Sniffin' glue, baseball, Uncle Gregg's busy concert calendar, K-Pop "creepy uncles", the genius of Rick Springfield, past music from Brett, future music from Gregg. and oh so much more.

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About forceghost:

Eric Kinlaw (Vocals/Guitar/Bass/Sound Design) and Marcus Barfield (Production/Sound Design) are forceghost, an electronic psych duo based out of Augusta, GA. Both members sport a long list of previous bands and projects, but are elated to be bringing forceghost into its fullest realization.

After their initial formation in 2019, time and circumstance have led to the reshaping of the band into its current form. forceghost is the product of impromptu jam sessions, free form experimentation, and friendship. Many years of musical evolution and collaboration between the duo have culminated into a sound both piercingly focused, and kaleidoscopic in scope and texture. Creamy guitars, soaring synths, sharp drums, and hauntingly beautiful vocals will leave the listener enveloped in a radiant afterglow.

All previous recordings have fallen by the wayside. This is the definitive starting point for forceghost. With the release of their debut EP, unknowing the known, the band hopes listeners find themselves enriched by their listening. Come apart and put yourself back together with forceghost.

SOCIALS:

https://forceghostmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/forceghostmusic

https://www.instagram.com/forceghostmusic/

https://forceghost.bandcamp.com/album/unknowing-the-known

https://www.youtube.com/@forceghostmusic

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Is/Ought Gap was formed in Athens, Georgia by Bryan Cook (Time Toy, Club Gaga, Hindu Love Gods) and Tom Cheek (Kilkenny Cats) in the early '80s while attending the University of Georgia. Athens, as you well know, was already the musical hotbed of the south, with The B-52's, R.E.M., Pylon, Oh-OK, and other legends, and while those bands certainly informed the sound of Is/Ought Gap, they were also a bit looser and noisier. Despite being live favorites and recording a never officially released album in 1984, Lucky 7, Is/Ought Gap's original run was relatively short and the band members went on to other endeavors.

It's now time to reclaim their rightful place in Athens music history with the release of the compilation album SUA, out on April 5th from HHBTM Records. SUA collects tracks from Lucky 7 along with songs that were demoed back in the day but recorded until 2014 and some vintage live tracks. The stage is set for a grand return, a celebration of sonic resurrection, as Is/Ought Gap weaves their enigmatic melodies once more into the tapestry of Athens, live and in person!

Special thanks to Mike Turner from HHBTM for orchestrating our visit!

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This week, we each offer up our Top 5 DB Recs songs with special guests Current Rage - John Moore (rhythm guitar), Paul Lenz (drums), and Bryan Lilje (bass). In absentia is lead guitarist and vocalist Olivia Bewley. You may remember the remarkable story of Current Rage from Episode 140: The band formed in 1979 by professional skateboarders Chris Bewley (brother of Pylon's Randy) and John Moore. By the beginning of 1981, they were headlining shows in the southeast with their brash, energetic, catchy post-punk tunes. They released the indie EP Seven Songs in 1982, which became a highly coveted collector's item among fans of DIY indie rock. After Current Rage ceased to be, each of the members followed different paths, with Chris Bewley succumbing to a heart attack in 2018 at the age of 57.

Coinciding with the expanded 40th anniversary reissue of Seven Songs in 2022 on Propeller Sound Recordings, Current Rage is now back and experiencing a resurgence...with a twist. Chris's daughter Olivia plays lead guitar and sings in the current iteration of the band. While she never had much of a relationship with her father, through his music, his former band, and even some of his equipment, she is able to connect with Chris in powerful, unexpected ways.

During this episode, we catch up with the band and (despite not being DB Recs artists themselves) discuss the indelible impact of Danny Beard and the DB roster on them.

Deep gratitude to Current Rage's manager, Robin Hall Bewley Frankland, for organizing this return visit to O3L!

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Challenge accepted! For our last "regular" episode of Season 3 (before our holiday party and best of 2022 shows), we discuss the artists who continue to challenge us, defy expectations, and create uncompromising art. Some of these artists have such deep catalogues that it can be daunting to take it all in, some may be too esoteric or eccentric to immediately grab you. But the 25(!) artists that we pick during this episode have one thing in common...stick with them, and their music will reward you handsomely.

In other words...you'll come around, Gregg! 

On the other hand, there are certain artists who we find immediately appealing...even if it took 40 years, like the Atlanta band Current Rage. To celebrate the 40th anniversary reissue of their 1982 mini-album Seven Songs on Propeller Sound Recordings (now generously expanded to 15 tracks) is guitarist John Moore, drummer Paul Lenz, and singer/guitarist Olivia Bewley (daughter of late Current Rage singer Chris Bewley). It's a powerful rock n' roll story about family, loss, redemption and second chances that you won't want to miss. It's the Penicillin Sound!

Get the Seven Songs reissue at: https://propellersoundrecordings.com/

About Current Rage:

Current Rage are a four-piece, post-punk, musical group that played live in the Southeastern United States during the early eighties. They were comprised of Chris Bewley, John Moore, Pat Kirkland, and Paul Lenz. In the landscape of a fertile, burgeoning Athens/Atlanta music scene Current Rage gained notoriety and a loyal following performing with such musical icons as REM, Pylon, Swimming Pool Q’s, The Fleshtones, The Bush Tetras, and The Bongos. Eventually Current Rage would headline shows on their own at such iconic venues as Athens, GA’s 40Watt Club, Atlanta’s 688 Club, Chapel Hills’s The Cat’s Cradle, Birmingham’s The Nik, and Nashville’s Frankensteins.

Current Rage released an indie label E.P. album called Seven Songs on EOD Records in late 1982. Current Rage was known for short catchy post punk tunes dripping with danceable irony as well as darkwave surf instrumentals. “Seven Songs” was produced by legendary Athens-Atlanta engineer, Bruce Baxter. Baxter had engineered the B-52’s single, “Rock Lobster”, Pylon’s debut album “Gyrate” followed by the debut albums of The Swimming Pool Q’s and Love Tractor. Current Rage’s album was the first release on Ron Bond’s EOD (Entertainment on Disc) Records. “Seven Songs” was recorded in April 1982 at Channel One studios with Bruce Baxter handling engineering and sound mixing and was released in late October. It is highly regarded by record collectors seeking out early eighties DIY releases.

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A little more than a decade ago, we probably would have included B-Movie on that list, as they were one of the major "what if?" bands of the '80s. After a run on the Dead Good and Some Bizarre labels in the early '80s that resulted in post-punk classics such as the era-defining "Nowhere Girl", "Remembrance Day" and "Marilyn Dreams", they released the fantastic synth-pop single "A Letter From Afar" (1984) and their sole full-length LP, Forever Running (1985), before calling it a day. That is, until they resumed their recording career in 2012, picking up and expanding upon their legacy with the full length albums The Age Of Illusion (2013) and Climate Of Fear (2016), as well as the EPs Distant Skies (2013), Repetition (2018), and two new tracks in 2022. It has been a most welcome return and artistic triumph for our heroes.

So then, what an incredible thrill it is for us to welcome singer, songwriter, and bassist from B-Movie, Steve Hovington, as our Third Lad this week!

Special thanks to Paul Richison for making the connection!

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• Crumbs - 'You're Just Jealous' (Skep Wax Records)
• The Kobayashi Bookstore - 'World Gone Crazy'
• High Water Marks - 'YFF' (6612 Tapes)
• Fog Lamp - 'You Prove Yourself Wrong' (The Bucket Records)
• Hollow Horse - 'I'm Building A Scarecrow'
• The Jack Rubies - 'I'll Give You More' (Big Stir Records)

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Kyle is a husband, father, and writer who has seen U2 eleven times. He tries to paint like Bob Ross and enjoys talking about the Star Wars universe on a very deep level. He loves pop culture and prides himself on being able to name the year any movie from the 1980s or '90s was released. P.S. We put him to the test with a brand new O3L game, “B-Movie…or Be Dead!”

About The Dead Rock Stars:

What if famous rock stars from the past, those who died young, in sudden and tragic ways, actually faked their deaths to become secret agents? Welcome to the world of The Dead Rock Stars, the heroes we never knew we had. 

The Dead Rock Stars is a tale about Cole Denton, a young tech genius who discovers the secret world of rock star secret agents. He is tasked with saving the world from an unknown threat—one that’s closer to home than either Elvis Presley or the team can imagine. But can they beat the clock before it strikes midnight on December 31, 1999? 

In a twisting and nostalgic story, The Dead Rock Stars is an alternate history, placed squarely in the realm of real-world events, that happened without anyone knowing. Brimming with pop culture references for music lovers of every generation, the novel’s fast and hilarious plot will keep readers guessing at every turn. 

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Or something like that.

OK, we all know that Los Angeles has a rich musical history, from the '60s heroes lining the Sunset Strip and packing clubs like The Whisky and The Roxy, to sensitive Laurel Canyon singer/songwriters, to the laid back California studio sounds of the mid-'70s, to the debaucherous sleaze of hair metal. But how about the classic alternative bands who kept LA on the musical map during the O3L era? That's our challenge this week.

Plus, Uncle Gregg has a chat with Brett's inner demon! A powerful anti-drug message (we think??)! Health trends! Sticking it to big corporations! Hot robots! Meowing!

Yeah, it's another late at night recording, which typically means nothing but trouble. You have been warned.

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If you don't think you can make it, don't think you can take it, and wonder what you're going to do, we're here for you.

Everybody can succeed, all you need is to believe. Be honest with yourself, forget your fears and doubts. C'mon, give us a try at Degrassi...oops, we mean, Only Three Lads!

By now, it may be abundantly obvious that we are celebrating our friends to our north, as we discuss our Top 5 Canadian Albums of the O3L era.

Joining us for the topic on hand is the synth-soaked power poppers Autogramm, whose members are from Vancouver, Seattle, and Chicago. Their recently released album Music That Humans Can Play is out now on vinyl and digital formats on Stomp Records. It's an album that draws influences from The Cars, 20/20, Devo, Cheap Trick, The Boys and others, resulting in a cohesive and blissfully cool album that will appeal to listeners from record store snobs to garage rock slobs to synth-pop heartthrobs! We had a blast speaking with Jiffy Marx (vocals, synths, guitars), The Silo (vocals, drums, synths, guitars), CC Voltage (vocals, bass, guitars) and Lars Von Seattle (guitars, vocals).

So please don't be a hoser or a broomhead - just listen, eh?

Technical note: We experienced technical difficulties with a couple of audio tracks and had to resort to a lower resolution cloud recording for some sections. You may hear some echo or inconsistent volume at times, but it shouldn't impair your enjoyment of this fun conversation!

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This weekend, we highlight:

• Outer World - "The Drum, The Beat" (HHBTM Records)
• Tony Valentino from The Standells, ft. Lisle Engle & Kristen Kohary - "Hollywood Fake"
• Gentleman Jesse - "Where Time Stands Still" (Drunk Dial Records)
• Hungrytown - "Another Year" (Big Stir Records)
• Sorry Monks - "Girlfriend" (Subjangle)
• Sirius Voltage - "For Your Dreams" (Invicta Sound & Vision)

How's that for a little high octane rock n' roll to kickstart your weekend?!?

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Joining us all the way from Paraguay is Catherine Gairard, a diversely talented singer/harpist/composer/artist/model of Peruvian and French descent. Cath shares her unique and fascinating journey, as well as her very thoughtful and honest approach to music.

Oh yeah...and Gregg's a solid 7.

Catherine Gairard Music

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First off, it's the biggest reunion since Kajagoogoo - original Lad and O3L co-creator Bueno returns for this special occasion, for the first time since Season 2! We chat about the genesis of the show, divulge early contenders for our pod name, read our original treatment, share favorite moments, and catch up with the wild world of Bueno. Yeah, and some other wabbit holes like cartoon character crushes, petty thievery, and the endless wait for Cure music.

Most importantly, we play messages from the most important people to this show...the "Third Lads" of the O3L community! We are so touched by all of the wonderful and thoughtful messages from listeners, friends, musicians, past guests, and fellow podcasters. It is because of all of YOU that we have made it to this milestone!

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**Please note that this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.

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Join Gregorio Delirio & Bretto (El Rocktor) for a journey south…because this week, we’re talking about the songs of South America. New discoveries and utterly hi-larious attempts at Spanish pronunciations. THIS is real alternative, as much of it has crossed over to the English speaking world. Enjoy and learn!

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In this six pack, you’ll hear the following recent tracks:

1. The Yellow Melodies - "Follow The Sun"
2. Holy Smokes - "Chip On My Shoulder"
3. Blank Generation - "Antihero"
4. Couchboy - "Second Chances"
5. SUPER 8 - "Keep Doing It"
6. Autogramm - "Born Losers"

Help us in supporting new music!

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This week, you'll hear:

• O3L Lie Detector - with author Allison Landa (Bearded Lady)
• Only Three Lads Had a Farm - with Scottish '90s indie rocker Graham Kemp from Urusei Yatsura
• Is "C" Heavenly's Option? - with seminal Sarah Records band Heavenly
• Which Saturday Is It? - with Power Pop Hall of Famers The Flashcubes
• Name That Long Title - with radio veteran and friend of the show Lance Carmine

THIS is the kind of Family Game Night we can all agree on!

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In this episode, join in on the riotous fun with:

• "Goth or Bubblegum?" with goth/dreampop singer AMMO (aka Silent Mass)
• "Pilot or Lie-lot?" with Sarah Shay from the Pilot House podcast
• "That's Not Power Pop!" with Power Pop Hall of Famer Mimi Betinis from Pezband
• "Psych? Or Psych!" with C86/indie pop legend Robert Sekula from 14 Iced Bears

It's all fun and games...until someone gets hurt. Well, nobody gets hurt, but a few egos may be bruised.

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The festivities in Times Square may be over, but our balls don't officially drop until we've covered our Top 5 Songs of 2023! Uhhh...you know what we mean.

Ring in the New Year with O3L and relive the best tunes from that bygone era of 2023.

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Join us as we hip each other to new sounds, new films and new games (who's up for a round of music baseball?), and talk gender studies, the stories behind the songs, and New Mexican cuisine.

Thanks to Maurice Bursztynski from the Love That Album pod for the introduction with Jolie!

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From the O3L family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, the most prosperous of new years, and an abundance of “la la las.”

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We chat about our favorite Christmas #1s and sausage rolls, and play two brand new world famous O3L games: "Dear Blank" (inspired by our chat with the great Dave Philpott last week) and "That's Sooooooo '23!"

Plus, to get in the festive mood, we have music from one of our favorite current songwriters, London's Rich Longley. From Rich's various musical projects, we play two seasonal gems:

• Les Bicyclettes De Belsize - "Andy Partridge (from XTC)"
• Valentina Way - "A Sleigh Ride In The Sky"

The party may be over, but you can still listen in to the fun!

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Joining us to discuss the topic is author Dave Philpott. For close to a decade and a half the Philpotts (Dave and his father Derek) have been getting under the skin of musical artistes. Picking up on glaring errors in their lyrics or sometimes getting completely the wrong end of the stick (perhaps to irritate things a little further) they totally misunderstand the meaning of ‘poetic license’.

Hundreds of missives have landed on the real and virtual doormats of musicians, worldwide. In return, these lyrical legends have exercised their right to reply, correcting and sometimes confirming the authors’ summation of what went wrong... or right.

In their new book Dear Catherine Wheel: Bonkers Letters to U.K. Indie Bands with Genuine Replies, letters were addressed to some of the finest indie/C86 bands, including The Soup Dragons, The Jasmine Minks, The Bevis Front, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, The June Brides, Talulah Gosh, and 80+ more.

It's a brilliant, absurd, and hilarious book that you never knew you needed! It's now available at Amazon worldwide.

The Philpotts have also authored the companion volumes Dear Mr. Kershaw, Dear Mr. Pop Star, and Grammar Free in the U.K.

A portion of all sales aid the Musicians Against Homelessness organization.

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Join crusty old punks Gregg Grinder and Brett Ba$t@ard for an exploration on the topic of "life after punk," as well as Blue October, Liquid Death (no, we're not sponsored by them), Playboy (no, we're not sponsored by them either), the Post Office, scambaiting, Shakira, middle aged forgetfullness, and the pinnacle of human existence.

Oi oi oi!

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Formed in 1979 and very much influenced by the British Invasion, Charlotte, North Carolina's The Spongetones carried on the musical genre through acclaimed original songwriting, jangle pop riffs, and lilting, Beatlesque vocals. In his 2007 authoritative book Shake Some Action, John M. Borack rated The Spongetones' Beat And Torn (a CD containing 1982's Beat Music LP - one of Brett's all time favorites - and 1984's Torn Apart mini-LP) at #24 of his Top 200 Power Pop Albums of all time. The band features the triple threat of talented singers and songwriters: Jamie Hoover, Pat Walters and Steve Stoeckel.

In addition to The Spongetones, Jamie has shared the stage and recorded with Don Dixon and Marti Jones, The Smithereens, Graham Parker, Hootie & The Blowfish, Bill Lloyd, Emitt Rhodes, and Ray Paul, among others. Hoover either produced or co-produced all the Spongetones' albums, and continues to produce a wide variety of other musicians, recently including '60s singer/songwriter Bob Lind ('Elusive Butterfly') and young prodigy Elena Rogers.

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Whether you´re lining up early, going to hit your favorite store later in the day, or chance it on the secondary market, there´s a little something for everyone to enjoy. 

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In what has become somewhat of an O3L tradition, we're here to either help you get through Thanksgiving or ruin it...it's a fine line! After all, one of the things that this holiday is about is gorging yourself, so treat yourself to a second helping of O3L this week. (B-t-dubbs, Thanksgiving is also about other things too, as you'll learn about with some enlightening trivia questions.)

This year, we celebrate "Friendsgiving," where we cover our top five songs about friendship. Ain't that sweet?

Oh, and Brett has an adult beverage during the show. It's a Thanksgiving miracle!

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Remarkably, decades after the format was declared all but dead and buried, it has experienced a huge resurgence in popularity. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the commercial vinyl LP, In The Groove: The Vinyl Record and Turntable Revolution from Motorbooks is an authoritative and visual celebration of the history and culture of record collecting and turntables, from the first 78 to the explosive growth of vinyl in the last decade, with entertaining sidebars highlighting classic record stores, legendary labels and iconic artwork. Designed to satisfy readers from the most discerning of collectors to those new to the passion, In The Groove gathers five of the finest music scribes to contribute a chapter each. One of those writers (covering record stores) is our Third Lad this week, Gillian Gaar.

Gillian G. Gaar is a Seattle-based author. Her first book, She's A Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll was published in 1992. In addition to her own books, she has appeared in various anthologies, including The Nirvana Companion, Trouble Girls: The Rolling Stone Guide to Women in Rock, Nirvana: The Complete Illustrated History, Leonard Cohen on Leonard Cohen: Interviews and Encounters, Goldmine: The Beatles Digest (volumes one and two), The Best of the Beatles Book, The Stranger Guide To Seattle, 33 1/3 Greatest Hits Vol 2, A Survey of American Culture, and various editions of The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives, among others. She was editorial assistant for Krist Novoselic's book From Grunge To Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy!

She was also a project consultant/liner note writer for Nirvana's box set "With The Lights Out." She has written for numerous magazines, including Rolling Stone, Mojo, Q, Goldmine, The Seattle Times, The Stranger, Option, and No Depression, and was a senior editor at Seattle music paper The Rocket.

She has also written liner notes for collections by Laurie Anderson, Judy Collins, Heart, Pat Benatar, Paula Cole and Mat Kearney, among others.

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The heart is a nasty lookin' thing, innit? But it's a word that symbolizes so much - love, pain, devotion, longing, passion, energy, excitement, life itself. It's safe to say that it's perhaps the second most essential organ in rock n' roll (insert winky smiley face here).

We are thrilled to be joined by Andrea Lewis Jarvis, Harley Farr, and Matt Gray from The Darling Buds! The Buds formed in Newport, Wales in 1986, a band of friends who made great music and experienced amazing adventures together. The new 5-CD Cherry Red Records box set, Killing For Love: Albums, Singles, Rarities, Unreleased 1987-2017 collects the band's three albums recorded for CBS/Sony (1989's Pop Said... , 1990's Crawdaddy, 1992's Erotica), their 2017 EP Evergreen, and plenty of early singles, demos, b-sides, and rarities.

During Part 2, you'll hear our top two choices for "heart" songs, the glorious new box set, the pros and cons of the modern music business model, the obscene power of the British music media, US vs. UK crowds, the timelessness of classic alternative, and what drives the band now.

Plus, hear the 1987 Leeds demo of "Shame On You" from Killing For Love.

If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, go back and listen!

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The heart is a nasty lookin' thing, innit? But it's a word that symbolizes so much - love, pain, devotion, longing, passion, energy, excitement, life itself. It's safe to say that it's perhaps the second most essential organ in rock n' roll (insert winky smiley face here).

We are thrilled to be joined by Andrea Lewis Jarvis, Harley Farr, and Matt Gray from The Darling Buds! The Buds formed in Newport, Wales in 1986, a band of friends who made great music and experienced amazing adventures together. The new 5-CD Cherry Red Records box set, Killing For Love: Albums, Singles, Rarities, Unreleased 1987-2017 collects the band's three albums recorded for CBS/Sony (1989's Pop Said... , 1990's Crawdaddy, 1992's Erotica), their 2017 EP Evergreen, and plenty of early singles, demos, b-sides, and rarities.

During Part 1, you'll hear our first three choices for "heart" songs, the thrill of being played on John Peel, Tom Waits in the toilet, major label pressures, a guy who we shall call "Fred", that other Erotica album, LA nights, dalliances with Debbie Harry, Kirsty MacColl, Thompson Twins, Christina Applegate, Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, the cast of 90210, and getting stuck with Shane MacGowan's bar bills.

Plus, hear the previously unreleased demo "Why Bother Now" from Killing For Love.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

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You doooooooooo?!? ¡Muy bien!

This week, we are talking about songs with a destination in the title or lyrics of a song. It could be a physical destination...or it could be a state of mind. Either way, our scheduled guest couldn't make it due to illness, so you know what that means. Yep, oddball song choices, general contemptible behavior, rants, and wacky hijinks.

So get out your talking map and vámonos!

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Mike Finoia is a standup comedian based out of New York City. He is a writer / producer for TruTV's hilarious and wildly popular Impractical Jokers, and tours nationally in support of their theatre and arena tour. When he's not on the road, Mike can be found performing nightly at NYC's premiere comedy clubs. Mike has been featured on TruTV, Sirus XM & Comedy Central. On top of that, he also co-hosts the successful podcast Comes A Time with bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Co, Allman Brothers), a fellow show on the Pantheon Podcasts network. Talk about a renaissance man!

But wait, there's more! Mike also has a new comedy special, Don't Let Me Down, which is available RIGHT NOW on 800pgm.com and will be released to YouTube on November 9th. With a penchant for finding the absurd in everyday life and a knack for weaving relatable tales with a comedic twist, Finoia takes the stage to deliver a performance that's both uproarious and thought provoking. Did we mention the phrase "renaissance man"?

We have a marvelous time chatting about comedy during the pandemic, one of the title ideas for his special, life on Impractical Jokers, following Phish, Music League, and much more. Plus, we play a rousing game of O3L Scrabble!

So, c'mon...don't let him (or us) down. Click that play button, and like, subscribe, rate and review!

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Our Six Pack consists of:

1. Dwight Twilley Band - 'I'm Losing You'
2. Soft Science - 'True'
3. The Journals Kept - 'Nothing In This World'
4. Jamie Hoover - 'Genghis Khan'
5. Special Friend - 'Wait Until The Flames Come Rushing In'
6. Po! - 'Fay'

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

#musicpodcast #bestnewmusic #alternativemusic #classicalternative #noisepop #indiepop #indierock #powerpop #alternative

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We think it's safe to say that good things that come in threes...and that includes albums. But the "three album run" - where an artist/band puts together a string of three amazing records in a row - is rather elusive. This week, we attempt to uncover some of the finest three album runs of the classic alternative era.

You know what other good thing comes in threes? Lads. I mean, it is in the name of our show, after all.

We are joined by a Third Lad who knows a thing or two about putting together an impressive string of albums, because Tony Jenkins and his band The New Fools have just released their latest in a run of great records, Seashells. With Seashells, the Cambridge, England band has crafted a gem of sparkling pop songcraft, full of ebullient horns, guitar jangle and clever, topical lyrics.

Along with delving into three album runs, The New Fools and the new album, we also ruminate on tribute bands, media feuds, children's TV, hip hop, awkward urinal conversations and more. Plus, Tony ruins being the ideal husband for all of us, and we, in turn, just ruin his dinner.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #classicalternative #punkrock #newwave #indiepop #indierock #collegerock #1stwave #C86 #synthpop #powerpop #britpop

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This week, we bring you six more of the coolest songs grabbing our attention right now. You'll hear:

1. The Jasmine Minks - 'She Knows'
2. Kurt Baker - 'She Don't Wanna Be Alone'
3. The Happy Somethings & Slovenly Boy - 'I Don't Smoke Dope'
4. Liz Borden - 'Sweet Pain'
5. Royal Ottawa - 'Three Seven Zero'
6. Goliath - 'Duck And Cover'

Enjoy your weekend!

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We'll take "Great O3L Third Lads" for $1,000, Alex.

"This talented singer/songwriter just released his highly anticipated brand new album, Mug, on one of the best modern indie labels, Big Stir Records."

"Who is Dolph Chaney?"

Yes, this week's Third Lad is rockin' Chicagoland indie-pop singer/songwriter/guitarist Dolph Chaney, and you'll be seeing his "mug" all over in the near future, because his new album is pretty dang special. It's full of memorable melodies, indelible hooks, witty, intelligent lyrics, and playful production. Mug continues Dolph's evolution from '90s lo-fi troubadour to widescreen guitar pop auteur. Get it now at https://bigstirrecords.com/dolph-chaney.

We go in depth with Dolph on his wonderful new album, critical cats, recording career, songwriting process, alliance with Big Stir and producer Nick Bertling, 2016 Jeopardy! appearance, and Mug merchandising (from mugs to...thongs??).

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Joining us in this very difficult task is Lance Carmine, a long time O3L listener, friend of the show, the podcast's very own Cousin Brucie/Stu Sutcliffe, radio veteran, and possessor of great musical taste and hair. We have an absolutely uproarious time chatting about alternative music, 8-tracks, the state of radio, global warming, Yuma, Eddie Vedder, Bobby McFerrin, K-Pop, and playing the latest world famous O3L game, Name That Long Title!

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This week, we celebrate the wonderful Leeds, UK based indie label Clue Records. A couple of months ago, we had Clue's highest profile artist, David Gedge from The Wedding Present and Cinerama on the show, and that opened us up to exploring the other amazing artists who are on the label - including the six that you will hear during this very episode.

Featured Songs:

1. Treeboy & Arc - 'Behind The Curtain' (from Natural Habitat - https://treeboyandarc.bandcamp.com)
2. Team Picture - 'Baby Rattlesnakes' (from The Meance Of Mechanical Music - https://teampicture.bandcamp.com)
3. Bored At My Grandma's House - 'Showers' (from Sometimes I Forget You're Human Too - https://boredatmygrandmashouse.bandcamp.com)
4. YOWL - 'The Machine' (from Milksick - https://YOWL.bandcamp.com)
5. Van Houten - 'Moon' (from Van Houten - https://vanhoutenuk.bandcamp.com)
6. Pit Pony - 'Sinking' (from World To Me - https://pitponyband.bandcamp.com)

About Clue Records:

"Give us a Clue...

We are Clue Records, an independent record label based in Leeds. We work with artists we adore to release music you love. We also host a monthly show on Amazing Radio, showcasing the best in new music.

Clue is run by Scott Lewis + Tony Ereira with support from Steven Langton, Paul Thomas, Sadie O'Donoghue + Liv Barnes."

https://cluerecords.myshopify.com

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While we may associate the heyday of shoegaze with the amazing groups that burst onto the UK scene, its influence spread across the pond. Case in point is our Third Lad this week, guitarist Archie Moore, who spent the first part of the '90s simultaneously in THREE seminal Washington, D.C. area bands who took cues from fizzy UK indie - Black Tambourine, Lilys, and Velocity Girl. If that wasn't enough, Archie and his friends also co-founded one of the legendary American indie labels, Slumberland Records.

Velocity Girl was the stuff that '90s indie pop dreams are made of: Named after one of the coolest songs, fronted by the impossibly cool Sarah Shannon, recording for one of the coolest labels (Sub Pop), staples of alternative radio and MTV's 120 Minutes with hits like "My Forgotten Favorite" (also prominently featured on the Clueless soundtrack), "Crazy Town," "Sorry Again," and "I Can't Stop Smiling." We caught up with Archie the day after Velocity Girl's first gig in 21 years at the anniversary bash for legendary D.C. club The Black Cat. They also will be playing the Bowery Ballroom in New York on September 30th before returning to The Black Cat on December 1st. Catch them if you can!

Songs:

• Brett Vargo - 'Didn't Know I Needed This (Until I Needed This)'
• Velocity Girl - 'My Forgotten Favorite'
• Black Tambourine - 'Throw Aggi Off The Bridge'

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We travel back to the heady days of 1978 as we count down our Top 5 Songs from that spectacular year.

Plus:

• A Ministry surprise (the band, that is...but for $19.95, we'll also add you to our prayer circle)
• Brett's foray into death metal
• Uncle Gregg's fantasy tattoo (and we rely on each other)
• Offensive lyrics
• A creepy breathing lesson

Oh, and we politely request that you kiss our grits. If it's not too much ask, please and thank you.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family.

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Either way, here it is!

Warning: If you're looking for musical content, you won't find much of it during this one. You'll get a whole bunch of rants and ramblings about a variety of other things though. Don't say we didn't warn ya!

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Of course, you know his classic records with The Rumour like Howlin' Wind, Heat Treatment, and Squeezing Out Sparks, and songs like 'Silly Thing,' 'Hold Back The Night,' 'Hold Back The Night', 'Don't Ask Me Questions', 'Discovering Japan', 'Local Girls,' 'Life Gets Better,' 'Wake Up (Next To You),' and 'Get Started, Start A Fire.' But we're not here so much to look back at a remarkable past as we are to celebrate an artist who, 47 years into his recording career, is still relevant, vital and making some of his best music yet. His brilliant new album, Last Chance To Learn The Twist, was released on September 8th from our friends at Big Stir Records. The record was produced by GP & Tuck Nelson, and features his incredible backing band The Goldtops, backing singers The Lady Bugs and swinging brass from The Easy Access Orchestra. In this episode, you'll hear fascinating insights into the songwriting and recording processes for the new album, GP's songwriting inspirations, genres that don't exist, streaming, his biggest regret, and much more. And you'll be happy to know: THE GOUT IS ON ITS WAY OUT!

About Graham Parker (edited from Mark Demming's intro in the All Music Guide): Stereotyped early in his career as the quintessential angry young man, Graham Parker was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters to emerge from England in the '70s. Drawing heavily from Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, Parker developed a sinewy fusion of driving rock & roll and confessional folk-rock, highlighted by his indignant passion, biting sarcasm, and bristling anger. At the outset of his career, his albums crackled with energy, snide witticisms, and perceptive insights, earning him a devoted following of fans and critics, who lavished praise on his debut, 1976's Howlin' Wind, recorded with the Rumour, his backing band of pub rock all-stars. After delivering Squeezing Out Sparks in 1979, which was a smash with critics and won him a larger audience in the United States, Parker courted a crossover career with solo projects such as 1982's Another Grey Area and 1985's Steady Nerves before settling into a cult following in the late '80s and continuing to garner critical acclaim as his music mellowed but his lyrical perspective stayed sharp. At the behest of filmmaker Judd Apatow, Parker reunited with the Rumour for his movie This Is 40, which led to concert tours and a pair of albums, 2012's Three Chords Good and 2015's Mystery Glue. After the Rumour reunion ran its course, Parker formed a new band, the Goldtops, playing easygoing but committed R&B-informed rock on 2018's Cloud Symbols and 2023's Last Chance to Learn the Twist.

Technical note: We recorded this episode in two segments - we did our interview with GP first, and then reconvened a couple of nights later to record our top five lists (when Brett was sick and Uncle Gregg was at least a sheet and a half to the wind).

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• What are our Top 5 Musical Questions?
• What's the latest in classic alternative music news?
• What new songs are we listening to?
• What are we drinking?
• Why are we so obsessed with robots?
• What's Uncle Gregg ranting about this week? (Seriously, we really want to know...)
• Which '80s Canadian classic does Brett react to?
• What does the fox say?
• Who did let the dogs out?
• What previous O3L "character" makes an appearance?
• Are we strong to the finich?

Well, what are ya waiting for? We don't want to keep you in suspense any longer, so just listen!

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That's right, we're hopping out of the O3L era again for another installment featuring six songs that we think YOU should hear this weekend. This week, we bring you a theme within a theme (how clever is that, eh?). Not only are all of the artists spotlighted this week on the wonderful Big Stir Records (https://bigstirrecords.com), but all of the songs have a summer theme. How appropriate!

Big Stir is a Burbank, CA based indie label specializing in melodic pop/rock, formed in 2017 by Christina Bulbenko and Rex Broome from the band The Armoires. Today, the label boasts one of the most impressive and prolific artist rosters around, from ‘60s psych rock warriors to ‘70s power pop heroes to ‘80s college rock trailblazers to the finest pop torchbearers to emerge over the past 30 years. In fact, we have had the extreme pleasure to have our show graced by several artists from the Big Stir world past and present - The Flashcubes, Arthur Alexander from Sorrows, Tony Valentino from The Standells, Jim Basnight, Kevin Robertson from The Vapour Trails…and we have yet another in an upcoming episode that we are so excited about that we can hardly contain ourselves. But there are so many great musicians on Big Stir - I wish we could name them all, but trust us on this one…their catalogue is of such consistently high quality that you can go to bigstirrecords.com, peruse their list of artists, and pick out some records that you’re certain to love. And not only that, but Rex & Christina are amazing people - warm, genuine, and working to build a community driven by a true love of the art, craft and power of pop music. Just a case in point of how cool everyone in the Big Stir family is - recently, we received a lovely email containing O3L shoutouts from a bunch of their artists, and we were absolutely touched and awestruck that these amazing artists would take time out to cut these promos for us.  From the bottom of hearts, thank you to all those involved. The support truly means the world to us.

So, please show your love and support to Big Stir and this cool six pack of artists:

• Lannie Flowers - 'Summer Blue' (from Flavor Of The Month)
• Irena Peña - 'It Must Be Summer' (single)
• Sparkle*Jets UK - 'One Summer Sunday' (from Best Of Friends)
• Dolph Chaney - 'Cool In The Sunshine' (from the upcoming LP Mug)
• Allyson Seconds - 'On A Sunny Day In Summer' (from Bag Of Kittens)
• Librarians With Hickeys - 'Last Days Of Summer' (from Handclaps & Tambourines)

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More FLASHCUBES!

That's right...our Third Lads this week are bassist Gary Frenay and guitarist Paul Armstrong, one half of Power Pop Hall of Famers The Flashcubes! Gary and Paul, along with guitarist Arty Lenin and drummer Tommy Allen, burst out of Syracuse, NY in 1977. During their initial lifespan of 1977-1980, they released two singles, the classics "Christi Girl" and "Wait Til Next Week," and opened for major acts such as The Runaways, Ramones, The Jam and The Police. (In the case of the latter, here's a "true until proven otherwise" theory for you: Stewart Copeland is wearing a Flashcubes t-shirt on the cover of Regatta de Blanc.) Since the original foursome reformed in the late '90s as powerful and poppy as ever, they haven't looked back, with a string of acclaimed albums and a reputation as a world-class live act.

The Flashcubes' latest album on Big Stir Records is Pop Masters, which finds our heroes tackling a selection of 12 guitar pop classics by their contemporaries, with an impressive roster of guest stars, including Pezband's "Baby It's Cold Outside" (with past O3L guest Mimi Betinis), Shoes' "Tomorrow Night" (with another past O3L guest, Jeff Murphy), The Paley Brothers' "Come Out And Play" and more. This is a must have for any power pop connoisseur!

Plus, we unveil the latest world famous O3L game: Which Saturday Is It?, in which our discerning contestants distinguish between Saturday Night Fever quotes, Saturday Night Live lines, and lyrics from songs called "Saturday Night." It's gobs o' fun, we tell ya...gobs!

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As many listeners know, Brett's son is currently attending UC Berkeley, which means that he's been spending a lot more time up in the Bay Area...which, in turn, means that he's been paying close attention to what's become arguably the best local indie music scene in the country. So, this week, we turn our focus to bands from that area. Our Six Pack:

1) Chime School - 'Coming To Your Town' (https://chimeschool.bandcamp.com)

2) The Umbrellas - 'She Buys Herself Flowers' (https://theumbrellas.bandcamp.com)

3) The 1981 - 'Easy (It's Not)' (https://the1981band.bandcamp.com)

4) Cindy - 'The Price Is Right' (https://cindytheband.bandcamp.com)

5) The Reds, Pinks & Purples - 'Unloveable Losers' (https://theredspinksandpurples.bandcamp.com)

6) Seablite - 'Melancholy Molly' (https://seablite.bandcamp.com)

What do YOU think is the best local music scene right now? Let us know on social media or at onlythreelads@gmail.com.

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(Oh, was that subtle enough?)

Arthur has a very powerful story of rock n' roll salvation. Growing up in communist Poland in the '60s, Arthur discovered the power of rock through records pressed on postcards and through scratchy radio signals that the government attempted to silence, deeming this new musical form of freedom as a threat to society. It was the sound that united and invigorated legions of youth, inspired kids to form bands, and, for Arthur, paved the way for a new life in America. In the mid-70s, his band The Poppees were a part of the burgeoning New York scene, playing venues like CBGB and Max's Kansas City alongside The Heartbreakers, Ramones, and Blondie, despite eschewing straight ahead punk rock for the sounds of Merseybeat. After The Poppees, Arthur formed rockin' power pop group Sorrows, fulfilling his vision of crossing ABBA with The Sex Pistols. Sorrows issued two albums for CBS, 1980's Teenage Heartbreak (the sessions from that era also captured on the Bad Times, Good Times album) and 1981's Love Too Late. The latter was so badly botched by the record label that it prompted Sorrows to reform four decades later to put things right, to record the album that it should have been all along: Love Too Late...The Real Album. Arthur has also issued two marvelous solo albums in recent years, 2018's One Bar Left, and the brand new 2023 LP Steppin' Out on Big Stir Records. https://www.bigstirrecords.com.

Signed, sealed and delivered,

Your friends at O3L

And we're stickin' to it.

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Your six-pack this weekend consists of:

1) The Radio Field - 'Other One' (from Don'ts and Dos, Subjangle) https://theradiofield.bandcamp.com

2) Graham Parker & The Goldtops - 'It Mattered To Me' (from Last Chance To Learn The Twist, Big Stir) https://www.bigstirrecords.com

3) The Che Men - 'Mill Hill' (The Beautiful Music) https://thebeautifulmusic.com

4) Swansea Sound - 'Twentieth Century' (from Twentieth Century, Skep Wax) https://swanseasound.bandcamp.com

5) The Lost Ships - 'Brittle Heart Foundation' (from Atoms Collide Forever, Subjangle) https://lostships.bandcamp.com

6) The New Fools - 'It's Just Not Enough' (from Seashells) https://thenewfools.bandcamp.com

Let us know what you think...should we make this a semi-regular feature? Hit us up on our social media pages or email us at onlythreelads@gmail.com.

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The Primitives are an English indie pop band who formed in Coventry in 1984, disbanded in 1992, and reformed in 2009 for one of the best "second acts" in music. After a string of classic Top 10 indie singles on the band's Lazy Records imprint, they signed with RCA for three albums: Lovely (1988, which spawned the #5 hit 'Crash'), Pure (1989), and Galore (1992). Since reforming, The Primitives have released a handful of EPs and singles, including 2022's 'Don't Know Where To Start' and this year's 'I Won't Care' (both of which you'll hear on this very episode!), and two full length albums, Echoes and Rhymes (2012) and Spin-O-Rama (2014).

This one is a lot of fun, and as real as it gets - we talk about dogs, sweets, friendship, travel and...uh, Iron Maiden, as well as The Primitives' roots (both musically and hair), return and future.

Also, as a technical note: You will notice some audio imperfections in this episode. Brett was recording in Berkeley in his son's mostly empty studio apartment, with a cheap mic and very boomy room ambience. And, for some unknown reason, Tracy's local track stopped recording after about 20 minutes, so we had to grab the rest from a lower resolution combined conference audio track. It made for some very tricky editing and moments of inconsistent volume so we could capture as much of this fabulous conversation as possible.

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Yep, we tend to get lost in our passion sometimes, especially when we have an AMAZING Third Lad who's a subject matter expert at the topic at hand. So lace up your boots and join us in the mosh pit for an extended journey through the sounds, sights, and smells of the Southern California punk scene. With so many great songs, how do we narrow it down to five apiece?!?

While the London and New York scenes understandably take up a lot of space in the punk rock annals, SoCal also had a vital and very distinctive brand of punk - often faster, more aggressive, and more violent than their peers. While Los Angeles was the epicentre, Orange County and San Diego both notably contributed plenty of classics of the genre. One of the first wave of San Diego punk bands to make a splash was The Executives, who released an impossibly rare EP in 1980 and played with just about every legendary band both in and out of the area. Our Third Lad this week is Executives' singer Michael Jenks, who gives us a thrilling first hand account of the rise of punk in Southern California, the chaotic San Diego scene, their recordings and their reformation.

Plus: Michael and Brett share some "bro time!" Uncle Gregg whiffs with the ladies (and ruins everything)! Solid parenting advice! The downside of being a Britpop fan!

Thanks to Executives' current guitarist Jeremy Spencer, who the O3L "street team" met at a Hoodoo Gurus show in May, ultimately leading to this enriching and entertaining couple of hours!

Speaking of great SoCal punk, we have found it alive, well, and living in the Mojave Desert with Joshua Tree's Ingrates. Brett recently saw Ingrates open up for Terry Six (The Exploding Hearts) in Los Angeles, and was so impressed with their class of '77 punk energy-meets-power pop hooks that he reached out to the guys about thrusting them into the O3L Spotlight. This week, we play their latest single, the infectious "Don't Be A Stranger." You can find Ingrates music at: https://ingrates.bandcamp.com.

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It's time for the epic conclusion, where Love Tractor guitarists Mark Cline & Mike Richmond and bassist Armistead Wellford recount more wild, hilarious tales of the Athens scene in the '80s and the making of their second album, 1983's Around The Bend. We'll also divulge our #2 & #1 Summer Albums. If you didn't get enough sex, drugs & rock n' roll (or country rock, if a certain record label had their druthers) during part 1...well, you're in luck. Party at Little Richard's house!

About Love Tractor:

It is no act of misguided hyperbole to declare the genre-bending, art rock pioneers, Love Tractor one of the most influential bands of the past 43 years. As one of the inadvertent architects of the Athens, Georgia scene and sound, Love Tractor along with Pylon, The B-52’s, and R.E.M. were essential in staking out the jangly and disco-driven rock that would have — and still has—a huge influence on subsequent generations. Of those bands, Love Tractor always stood out as the most artistically brave and willing to fail in order to succeed.

In 1983, Love Tractor released their second album, Around the Bend, which was accompanied by a popular MTV video for the song "Spin Your Partner." The album showcased the band's growth and evolution, incorporating vocals and other experimentations to enhance their sound. The record was well-received critically and commercially— topping the college charts, and solidifying Love Tractor's place in the alternative music landscape.

Around The Bend (40th Anniversary Remastered Edition) is due out September 1, 2023, on Propeller Sound Recordings.

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If you're wondering what's gotten into the Lads, it's because we are celebrating the official Metallica podcast, The Metallica Report, joining the Pantheon Podcasts family!

Here's the thing: If you've listened to O3L for any length of time, you probably know that Brett is about the furthest thing away from a "metal guy" as you can get. In fact, aside from a few songs from the radio and MTV, he never listened to a Metallica record before this week. But before you Metallica heads come at him with pitchforks, he has given it the ol' college try this week! And fortunately he has Uncle Gregg, who is a little more versed in the topic.

So what do you say, huh? Let's get Metal AF!

Music from today's episode can be found on our playlist "O3L - E173 - Top 5 Metallica Songs on:

Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/o3l-e173-top-5-metallica-songs/pl.u-RRbVNdDT1e6YDm

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5YqDInPHwEoJAMCek5EvIe?si=494cbd73f6fe4654

About The Metallica Report:

Keep up with all things Metallica by going straight to the source for your news. This weekly report is hosted by Steffan Chirazi, long-time rock scribe and editor of the band’s online mag, So What!, and Renée Richardson, a well-known Bay Area radio personality who now oversees the band’s foundation, All Within My Hands. Steffan and Renée will keep you in the loop each week with updates, features, and interviews. They’ll also get YOUR questions answered by those in the know. It’s your quick, weekly fix covering our most relevant topics of the day.

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During this first part, guitarists Mark Cline & Mike Richmond and bassist Armistead Wellford recount some wild, hilarious tales of the Athens scene in the '80s and the making of their second album, 1983's Around The Bend. We'll also divulge our #5 through #3 Summer Albums. And, no, you didn't accidentally stumble upon the High Times podcast.

About Love Tractor:

It is no act of misguided hyperbole to declare the genre-bending, art rock pioneers, Love Tractor one of the most influential bands of the past 43 years. As one of the inadvertent architects of the Athens, Georgia scene and sound, Love Tractor along with Pylon, The B-52’s, and R.E.M. were essential in staking out the jangly and disco-driven rock that would have — and still has—a huge influence on subsequent generations. Of those bands, Love Tractor always stood out as the most artistically brave and willing to fail in order to succeed.

In 1983, Love Tractor released their second album, Around the Bend, which was accompanied by a popular MTV video for the song "Spin Your Partner." The album showcased the band's growth and evolution, incorporating vocals and other experimentations to enhance their sound. The record was well-received critically and commercially— topping the college charts, and solidifying Love Tractor's place in the alternative music landscape.

Around The Bend (40th Anniversary Remastered Edition) is due out September 1, 2023, on Propeller Sound Recordings.

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And this week's supersized episode is a whole lotta talk about the weather. It's a whole lotta sunshine. A whole lotta rainbows. A whole lotta fun. A whole lotta laughs. A whole lotta (electric) mayhem. A whole lotta Van. A whole lotta Yoko. A whole lotta Studs Turkel. And, most importantly, a whole lotta Rob.

That's because our Third Lad this week is a kindred spirit, Rob Kassees, one of the hosts of the awesome podcast 1001 Album Complaints. Each week, Rob and his friends dissect a different album from Robert Dimery's book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. They approach each record with humor and an infectious mix of respect and irreverence, share stories and facts behind its creation, and ultimately vote whether you do truly need to hear the selected album before you die. It's a great show that gets a seal of approval from us! https://linktr.ee/thechopunlimited

Also: A brand new O3L game to commemorate Rob's appearance with us, Kill or Die! Plus, new music by Sheffield shoegazers The Suncharms ('Telescope') and Power Pop Hall of Famers Flashcubes (a cover of The Motors' 'Forget About You').

The Suncharms: Music | Sunday Records (bandcamp.com)

Flashcubes: Big Stir Records - The Flashcubes

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In 1987's indie world, it didn't get much bigger than The Wedding Present, led by singer/songwriter/guitarist AND this week's Third Lad, David Gedge. The Weddoes, as they are affectionately known by fans, scored a #1 indie LP with their debut full-length, George Best, and occupied five spots (including four in the Top 10) on the legendary John Peel's year end Festive Fifty list. Over the next decade, The Wedding Present would remain a vital fixture on the scene, racking up 16 UK Top 40 hits. In 1992 alone, they tied a record set by Elvis Presley by releasing twelve Top 30 singles within a twelve-month period. Since then, the ever-prolific self-professed "workaholic" Gedge has released a consistent string of records both under The Wedding Present and Cinerama monikers, right up to the brand new Weddoes triple album 24 Songs. 24 Songs collects the twelve 7" singles (once every month) that Gedge and band released during 2022. This remarkable set is now available from Happy Happy Birthday To Me in the US and Clue Records in the UK. https://hhbtm.bandcamp.com.

Come on in to the deep end...just remember that we're never gonna give you up.

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Join the "belligerent ghouls" of O3L as we explore some of the best albums to come out of this fine city in the north of England...Cottonopolis...Mamucian.

In this episode:

• New music from Swedish garage rockers Råttanson ('How Many Days Till Summer') and classic power pop hitmakers Tommy Tutone ('White Flag')!
• Uncle Gregg is sick, and his cocktail of DayQuil and whiskey leads to questionable advice on smoking and strip clubs.
• Brett gives you some Manchester fun facts with which to wow your friends at the next pub trivia night.
• Yoko Ono, country music, ice cream, libraries, boobies, and...
• RISSOLES!!

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #manchester #madchester #britpop #indiepop #newwave #punkrock #classicalternative #1stwave #baggy

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For this epic exploration, we welcome not one, but TWO Third Lads: Peter Godwin is the acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who first entered the public eye in 1977 with the suave art rock of Metro, formed with Duncan Browne and whose signature track “Criminal World” was later covered by none other than David Bowie. After three albums, lineup shifts, and an increasing pop sensibility, Metro called it a day and Godwin struck out solo to release new wave era dance floor fillers such as “Baby’s In The Mountains” “The Art Of Love” and the sublime classic “Images Of Heaven,” as well as writing, producing and playing for other notable musicians. Leah Lane is the insanely talented singer, songwriter and musician behind Dallas based post punk band Rosegarden Funeral Party, who have released a steady stream of hauntingly dark and beautiful music over the past 6 years . And Together, Peter and Leah make up the duo known as RE/Generation. The first fruit of their musical partnership is out now, a single featuring a cover of Bowie’s “Absolute Beginners” and the gorgeous original “Beautiful Boy,” with more on the way. 

During this segment, we'll count down from our #3 to #1 new wave albums, and delve further into Peter & Leah's music...including Leah's surprising musical obsession!

Featured music during this episode:

• RE/GENERATION: 'Beautiful Boy'
• Rosegarden Funeral Party: 'Ill And Getting Worse'

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network.

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #newwave #punkrock #synthpop #gothrock #classicalternative #1stwave #alternativerock #modernrock #mtv

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For this epic exploration, we welcome not one, but TWO Third Lads: Peter Godwin is the acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who first entered the public eye in 1977 with the suave art rock of Metro, formed with Duncan Browne and whose signature track “Criminal World” was later covered by none other than David Bowie. After three albums, lineup shifts, and an increasing pop sensibility, Metro called it a day and Godwin struck out solo to release new wave era dance floor fillers such as “Baby’s In The Mountains” “The Art Of Love” and the sublime classic “Images Of Heaven,” as well as writing, producing and playing for other notable musicians. Leah Lane is the insanely talented singer, songwriter and musician behind Dallas based post punk band Rosegarden Funeral Party, who have released a steady stream of hauntingly dark and beautiful music over the past 6 years . And Together, Peter and Leah make up the duo known as RE/Generation. The first fruit of their musical partnership is out now, a single featuring a cover of Bowie’s “Absolute Beginners” and the gorgeous original “Beautiful Boy,” with more on the way. 

Our first part contains great insights from Peter & Leah on their process and music separately and together, as well as our #5 and #4 picks. Then, stay tuned for the conclusion next week!

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Hey, maybe we're better at segues than we are at puns, because our Third Lad this week is Jim Bob from Carter USM! With his musical partner Fruitbat in Carter USM, Jim racked up four Top 10 albums, 14 Top 40 singles, including a string of classics like 'Sheriff Fatman,' 'Bloodsport For All,' 'After The Watershed,' and 'The Only Living Boy In New Cross,' and headlined Glastonbury before calling it a day (for the first time) in 1997. Carter defied categorization, with an anything-goes juxtaposition of styles of punk to dance, with biting wit, keen social commentary and a knack for clever wordplay.

But Jim Bob couldn't stop there, and has become one of pop's renaissance men. Since Carter, he has written two memoirs, six novels, a stage production, and released 12 solo records, including his latest, Thanks For Reaching Out, out from Cherry Red on 30th June. The album contains 38 minutes of pop, punk rock, devastatingly moving ballads and more topical than an episode of Newsnight, with songs about Putin (‘The Day of Reckoning’), the Taliban (‘This is End Times’) and whoever ‘Billionaire in Space’ is about. It’s not all doom and gloom though (it’s mostly doom and gloom). ‘Sebastian’s Gone On A Ridelaong’ is a hilarious psychobilly romp and the pre-coronation written ‘The Prince of Wales’ is like a pub lock-in, it’s Bowie’s ‘Kooks’ for older people. During this episode, you'll also get a first listen of Jim's cover of The Psychedelic Furs' 'Pretty In Pink,' which is featured on a covers bonus disc available with the CD version of Thanks For Reaching Out.