Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

E117 - Top 5 Hometown Heroes

Hey, hep cats!  This week, we celebrate our "homer picks" - the classic alternative era artists and bands from our respective areas who made an impact on us.  Uncle Gregg is representing "the Valley of the Sunstroke," Phoenix, AZ, while Brett is bringing eternal sunshine from the paradise of San Diego, CA.  Plus, we share the picks from some of the "Third Lads" of the O3L Community around the world.  There's no place like home!

 

We also host the inaugural O3L Poetry Slam, talk new music, Kardashians, moms, eating pet food, TikTok, awkward pauses, and other stuff that doesn't really have much to do with hometown heroes.  

 

Our O3L Spotlight Artist of the Week is the classic UK indie pop band The Chesterfields.  38 years since they formed in Yeovil, Somerset, and 28 years since their last record release, The Chesterfields are back in July 2022 with a new single “Our Songbird Has Gone”, a song that founder member Simon Barber has written about his original co-conspirator in the band Dave Goldsworthy, who was tragically killed in a hit and run accident in 2003.  A new album New Modern Homes (co-produced and mixed by John Parish, who produced The Chesterfields’ debut Kettle in 1987) will follow in September, with gigs to be announced for a short tour in October. The current line-up features Simon on bass and vocals, Rob Parry on drums, Helen Stickland on guitar and vocals, and Andy Strickland (of The Loft and The Caretaker Race) on guitar and vocals.  

 

 

E116 - Top 5 ’90s Punk Songs

Flurgy flurga...after an unexpected week off due to dang COVID, O3L is back! This episode, we're hanging out at the local Hot Topic to chat about our favorite punk "bangers" of the '90s. Of course, we also talk about a myriad of other stuff - bathrooms for the rich, German lessons, groupies, Uncle Gregg in love, and Brett's shocking secret.

 

Our O3L spotlight for the week is The White Collars, an up-and-coming San Diego band whose new album, Vintage Collars, is out now! https://www.instagram.com/the.white.collars/

 

Also included are shout outs to David Bash and Stuff By Mark!

 

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #punkrock #90spunk #garagerock #riotgrrrl #poppunk #mallpunk #hottopic #whitecollars

E115 - Top 5 Albums of 1981

Atten-HUT! Join Laverne, Shirl, Squealy and the gang through a rip-roarin, time-travelin', pubis-hurtin' adventure back to the year 1981. It was the year of MTV...The Greatest American Hero...LASITA (c'mon, you kids know)...and a whole lotta great classic alternative music. Join us as we cover our Top 5 Albums from this pivotal year. And, yes, in case you were wondering, hi-jinks DO ensue!

 

So, if you are one of the literally millions of people shouting "I Want My O3L!", this one's for you. Remember, your commanding pig is instructing you to listen up.

 

#musicpodcast #classicalternative #1stwave #newwave #mtvgeneration #punkrock #postpunk #synthpop #powerpop #indiepop #albumsof1981 #80smusic

E114 - Gone But Not Forgotten (with Author/Music Journalist Michael Goldberg)

"Reverent" isn't exactly a word that you usually associate with Only Three lads. But that's the best word to describe this week's episode, as we pay tribute to some of the dearly departed heroes of the O3L era. They may be gone...but they will never be forgotten.

 

We talk a lot about James Calvin Wilsey. It's a name you may not recognize, but we guarantee you've heard him play guitar. Jimmy started his professional career as the bassist in San Francisco punk legends The Avengers before joining forces in Silvertone with Chris Isaak. Yeah, that's Jimmy who wrote and played the haunting lead guitar lines in "Wicked Game."

 

Jimmy's life, career and tragic death are chronicled in Wicked Game: The True Story of Guitarist James Calvin Wilsey, penned by our Third Lad this week, the esteemed Michael Goldberg. Michael has been a respected and renowned music journalist since the '70s, serving as Senior Writer for Rolling Stone magazine for a decade, as well as writing for Creem, NME, Musician, and other notable music publications. In 1994, he founded the first online music magazine, Addicted to Noise, which garnered him a spot on Newsweek's 1995 list of the "50 People Who Matter Most on the Internet."

 

For more information on Wicked Game, visit https://hozacrecords.com. A portion of the proceeds go to Jimmy Wilsey's teenage son Waylon.

 

Also, on this week's O3L Spotlight, we feature music by TV Party! Buy their self titled debut album at: https://tvparty1.bandcamp.com/album/tv-party.

 

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #RIP #wickedgame #punkrock #1stwave #newwave #indierock #indiepop #classicalternative #alternativerock #guitarhero

E113 - O3L Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Welcome to the 1st Annual...oops, the Inaugural O3L Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.  Tired of your favorite classic alternative musicians getting the shaft in Cleveland?  Well, we're going to show some of these artists some love (and give you something else to complain about!) as we induct our Class of 2022 into the HOF.  Who made it?  Who got snubbed this year? 

We've inducted our first 10, and we're going to ask YOU to help us add two more to our virtual shrine.  Post your picks on our social media feeds, and the most popular choices (based on posts and post reactions) will be announced next week!

Of course, before you think that we're going to be all polished and professional for our fancy awards ceremony, you know us better than that.  Just put it this way...a lot of this stuff would get cut out of the HBO telecast.  

In a new feature called O3L Spotlight, we play "I Found You" by the Cambridge, England band The New Fools, from their new album Vanille.  HOME | The New Fools

And, when you get done with this episode, why not head over and check out our friends at the Never Loved Elvis pod?  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/never-loved-elvis/id1536083420.

E112 - Top 5 Scottish Albums, Part I (with JIM SHEPHERD from The Jasmine Minks!)

**PART 1 of 2**

 

Aye, dinnae miss this one or well gie ye a skelpit lug! OK, we won't really, but we've got a special two parter for you this week, as we discuss our favourite Scottish albums with JIM SHEPHERD from The Jasmine Minks!

 

Aberdeen, Scotland's Jasmine Minks were one of Creation Records' earliest signings, scoring two UK Top 30 indie singles ("What's Happening" and "Cold Heart") and sharing the stage with the likes of Jesus And Mary Chain and Primal Scream. So respected were the Minks that they were the only band that Creation boss Alan McGee took with him to his next label, Poptones.

 

Minks' singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Jim Shepherd is back with a brand new solo album, The Circle, now available on Spinout Nuggets. For the record, Shepherd has assembled an indie supergroup featuring Dave Morgan (The Loft, the Weather Prophets, Subway Sect) on drums and production, Frank Sweeney (The June Brides) on strings and keyboards and Arash Torabi (The June Brides, The Distractions, Beat Hotel) on bass, with guest vocals by Tommy Reid (The Jasmine Minks), Beth Arzy (The Luxembourg Signal, Jetstream Pony), Aberdeen’s Vapour Trails and Marianne Dissard. It is available from: https://spinoutnuggets.bandcamp.com/album/the-circle

 

On these episodes, you'll hear fantastic stories from the early days of Creation. Drugs. Half pints. Space porn. Hiking porn. All the porns, really.

 

It's good craic, this one.

 

P.S. If you like O3L, check out our friends at the Never Loved Elvis podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/never-loved-elvis/id1536083420. It's a perfect marriage of knowledge, ignorance and humour!

E112 - Top 5 Scottish Albums, Part II (with JIM SHEPHERD from The Jasmine Minks!)

 

**PART 2 of 2**

 

Aye, dinnae miss this one or well gie ye a skelpit lug! OK, we won't really, but we've got a special two parter for you this week, as we discuss our favourite Scottish albums with JIM SHEPHERD from The Jasmine Minks!

 

Aberdeen, Scotland's Jasmine Minks were one of Creation Records' earliest signings, scoring two UK Top 30 indie singles ("What's Happening" and "Cold Heart") and sharing the stage with the likes of Jesus And Mary Chain and Primal Scream. So respected were the Minks that they were the only band that Creation boss Alan McGee took with him to his next label, Poptones.

 

Minks' singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Jim Shepherd is back with a brand new solo album, The Circle, now available on Spinout Nuggets. For the record, Shepherd has assembled an indie supergroup featuring Dave Morgan (The Loft, the Weather Prophets, Subway Sect) on drums and production, Frank Sweeney (The June Brides) on strings and keyboards and Arash Torabi (The June Brides, The Distractions, Beat Hotel) on bass, with guest vocals by Tommy Reid (The Jasmine Minks), Beth Arzy (The Luxembourg Signal, Jetstream Pony), Aberdeen’s Vapour Trails and Marianne Dissard. It is available from: https://spinoutnuggets.bandcamp.com/album/the-circle

 

On these episodes, you'll hear fantastic stories from the early days of Creation. Drugs. Half pints. Space porn. Hiking porn. All the porns, really.

 

It's good craic, this one.

 

P.S. If you like O3L, check out our friends at the Never Loved Elvis podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/never-loved-elvis/id1536083420. It's a perfect marriage of knowledge, ignorance and humour!

E111 - Cruel World Special

Hey, we know what you're thinking...is it next Tuesday already?!?

Nope, but we're bringing you this one early, because we're getting excited for Cruel World - a festival geared towards classic alternative music lovers like us: new wavers, goths, punks, and synth-poppers alike.  It's a concert lineup that we could have only conjured up in our, um, most inappropriate dreams:  Morrissey, Bauhaus, Blondie, Devo, The Psychedelic Furs, Violent Femmes, The Church, English Beat, Public Image Ltd, The Damned, Berlin, Missing Persons, and a whole slew of modern bands who share a similar musical aesthetic.

The festival takes place in Pasadena, CA on May 14th & 15th, 2022.  Join Uncle Gregg & Brett as we discuss the Top 5 bands that we are looking most forward to seeing (and things like jeans and tattoos).  Even if you can't go to the show, we reckon that you'll still enjoy this one...especially since we're sure you'll see it all on YouTube soon enough.

Enjoy the weekend.  If you're at the show and see an O3L t-shirt, say hi!

 

E110 - Label Spotlight: SST Records (with author Jim Ruland)

It's an O3L party!  We've got nothing better to do than listen to O3L and have a couple of brews (or ginger ales), because this week we discuss the ultimate American punk rock label, SST Records.  SST was founded in 1978 by Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn as a vehicle for his band's records, but over the years has released classic underground music by the likes of Hüsker Dü, Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Soundgarden, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Screaming Trees, Bad Brains, Descendents and many more.  

Our guest Lad this week is author and music journalist Jim Ruland, who has written the definitive chronicle of the label with his new #1 Amazon best seller Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall of SST Records.  In this insightful and exhaustive book, Ruland recounts SST's remarkable rise, dysfunctional operation, and infamous downfall.  Through it all, they changed the alternative rock landscape forever.

Purchase Jim's book here:

Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise and Fall of SST Records: Ruland, Jim: 9780306925481: Books (amazon.com)

E109 - Label Spotlight: Creation Records in the ’80s (with Wally Salem from The Beautiful Music)

We go all the way back to the dawn of Creation for this one...that is, Creation Records.  This week, we celebrate Creation B.O. (Before Oasis) and the 69 amazing singles the classic UK indie released from their formation in 1983 through 1989.

Creation's music first and art-for-art's-sake aesthetic not only produced some absolutely wonderful records, but has served as a source of inspiration for many indie labels that followed.  One such label is Canada's The Beautiful Music, founded by our special guest Lad Wally Salem in 2002.  TBM boasts a tremendous catalogue of indie pop, Post Mod and Janglewave, featuring many musicians with connections to not only Creation, but other seminal labels like Sarah, Postcard, Whaam! and Tangerine.  Wally is not only a lovely human being, but is extremely knowledgable with great stories and connections to the music.  His vision is simple: he just wants this beautiful music to be heard.

For more information on The Beautiful Music:  the Store - thebeautifulmusic.com

 

E108 - Top 5 ’70s Punk Albums

Oi!  Get ready for the most anarchic O3L ever, as we dive into '70s punk albums this week. 

Because we're so punk, you may want to send the kids away before listening to this one, because we talk about the outrageous things that we punks talk about: Mucus!  The Monkees!  Debby Boone's secret punk rock past!  Booties!  Tiger Beat!  The Blue Lagoon!  The Flying Nun!  An anti-drug message (unless you're on a cruise, then let your freak flag fly)!

And now for a special message from the Lads...

Gregg: Hi, my name is Uncle Gregg and this is my 108th visit to Oversharers Anonymous.

Brett: Rissoles!

E107 - Top 5 Albums of 1979

1979...the greatest year for alternative music ever?!? As Exhibit A, we submit to the jury the fine list of '79 albums hand selected by Uncle Gregg, Brett and the Third Lads of the O3L Community.

 

Appearing this week is none other than The Scurvee, a hot band guaranteed to appeal to disco freaks and Jugaloos alike!

 

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #classicalternative #alternativerock #indiepop #indierock #1979albums #70smusic #1stwave #newwave #punkrock #postpunk #powerpop #londoncalling

E106 - Top 5 American Power Pop Songs of the ’70s (with MIMI BETINIS from Pezband)

In this week's sparkling, poptastic O3L, we tackle our Top 5 (mostly) American (mostly) Power Pop Songs of the '70s.

 

Our Third Lad is a true '70s Power Pop hero - singer, songwriter and guitarist from Pezband, Mimi Betinis. Pezband released three albums chock full of melodic pop and explosive rock n' roll during their original run: Pezband (1977), Laughing In The Dark (1978), and Cover To Cover (1979). In the 21st century, Mimi has continued to write and record solo material, performed with Pezband, and worked on reissues, unreleased material, and remixes. During the show, Mimi treats us to two Pezband treasures: their last ever recording, a 2016 cover of Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," and a sneak peek into an upcoming best of project with a remix of their classic "Baby It's Cold Outside."

 

Pezband were inducted into the Power Pop Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

Yeah, there's gonna be a couple of choices that will have discerning power pop purists crying "That's NOT Power Pop!" Speaking of which, that's also the name of the game where Mimi and Uncle Gregg face off to determine what's power pop...and what's NOT.

 

This one is fizzy, bubbly and refreshing. So play on!

 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Pezband drummer Mick Rain, who we lost to COVID on August 14, 2021. Rest In Peace and Rock On, Mick.

 

#musicpodcast #musicpodcas ts #powerpop #1stwave #classicalternative #disco #pezband #mickrain #newwave #rickenbacker #oakpark

 

 

O3L After Dark, Volume II

We had such a great time with Bill Goffrier from The Embarrassment and Big Dipper that we had to adjourn for a little while and reconvene after the sun went down.  And, if you recall our first After Dark micro-episode, we tend to go off the rails when we record at night!

Hey, it's not Andrew Dice Clay, but we do talk about things that three red blooded American lads talk about.  You know, like pop stars and Hilary Clinton.  

You have been warned!

E105 - Bonus - In Conversation with BILL GOFFRIER from The Embarassment and Big Dipper

Part two of the three part O3L extravaganza with the marvelous Bill Goffrier from The Embarrassment and Big Dipper!

Hear nearly a half hour of our conversation with Bill that we couldn't fit into Episode 105.

 

Bill came up in the Wichita, KS punk rock scene of the late '70s, with The Embarrassment forging their own unique, nervy, nerdy brand of music that they dubbed "blister pop."  After the seminal group disbanded in 1983, Bill headed east to Boston to pursue a painting career, before getting drawn back into the music world with Big Dipper.  From 1985 - 1991, Big Dipper released three critically lauded indie albums before signing to major label Epic for what would turn out to be the fourth and final album of their initial run.  More recently, both bands have reunited throughout the years and Bill has returned to Wichita to fulfill his destiny as a renowned painter.

We delve into the history of both The Embos & Big Dipper, the development of the Wichita scene, the legendary house parties, major label woes, his art career, and much more!

Stay tuned for one more episode that we've culled from our time with Bill.  

• April 7, 2022: O3L After Dark, Volume 2

E105 - Top 5 Albums of 1986 (with BILL GOFFRIER from The Embarrassment and Big Dipper!)

Hide the cats, strap yourself in and get ready for an O3L three part extravaganza!

This week, we discuss the Top 5 Albums of 1986 with Third Lad Bill Goffrier, guitarist, singer and songwriter from not just one, but two groundbreaking bands of the O3L era, The Embarrassment and Big Dipper.  

Bill came up in the Wichita, KS punk rock scene of the late '70s, with The Embarrassment forging their own unique, nervy, nerdy brand of music that they dubbed "blister pop."  After the seminal group disbanded in 1983, Bill headed east to Boston to pursue a painting career, before getting drawn back into the music world with Big Dipper.  From 1985 - 1991, Big Dipper released three critically lauded indie albums before signing to major label Epic for what would turn out to be the fourth and final album of their initial run.  More recently, both bands have reunited throughout the years and Bill has returned to Wichita to fulfill his destiny as a renowned painter.

In this double-stuffed episode, we delve into everything from the formation of the bands, the legendary house parties, major label woes, Alice Cooper, ALF, destruction, the emotional death (and unlikely wardrobe) of Uncle Gregg's father, and Brett adds another nickname to the list??

But wait, there's more...

We spent such quality time with Bill that we have enough extra content for two more shows to follow!

• April 6, 2022: In Conversation with Bill Goffrier
• April 7, 2022: O3L After Dark, Volume 2

Trust us...we know what we're doing!  (We think...)

E104 - Top 5 Mod Songs (with CHRIS POPE from The Chords UK)

Clucking Bell...it's another O3L! This week, we're getting all amphetamined** up and discussing our favourite MOD songs of the O3L era. Whether you're a mod or rocker, mocker or moth, put on your parka, pour yourself a pimple & blotch, and join us.

 

We are beyond excited to welcome our Third Lad this week, none other than CHRIS POPE from The Chords UK! As one of the best and most prominent bands to rise up during the 1979 Mod Revival, Chris penned The Chords' five star classic album, 1980's So Far Away, and five UK chart hits: "Now It's Gone", "Maybe Tomorrow", "Something's Missing", "The British Way Of Life" and "In My Street". A comprehensive box set, Rechordings 1978-81, was issued in 2019.

 

More recently, Pope has released three albums with The Chords UK, including the brand new LP Big City Dreams. We talk about the new record and the band's upcoming tour of the US west coast.

 

**No amphetamines were actually involved in the making of this episode.

 

#alternativerock #mod #modrevival79 #modsmayday #britpop #musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #2toneska #northernsoul #thechordsuk #purplehearts #thejam #weller #vespa #lambretta

E103 - The First 100, Part II

Our two part retrospective covering our first 100 episodes concludes!  Relive some of our favorite stories from and hi-jinks with a variety of Third Lads ranging from legendary musical heroes to authors, comedians, friends and fellow podcasters.  Sometimes off-kilter, sometimes off-color, but always with a love for the O3L community and the classic alternative music we all love.

Here's to the next 100 and beyond!

E102 - Label Spotlight: Stiff Records (with CLIVE GREGSON from ANY TROUBLE)

Pour yourself a "stiff" drink, whether it be a Wrecking Eric, a Double Dury, or a whole cannister of instant coffee, and enjoy the "One Hundred and Tooth" episode of Only Three Lads...wherein we celebrate one of the seminal indie labels of the O3L era, STIFF RECORDS.

 

During Stiff's initial run between 1976-86, the London label released a slew of classics by Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, Nick Lowe, Madness, The Damned, The Pogues, Motorhead, Devo, The Go-Go's, Lene Lovich and so many more that it would make your mind melt. (Perhaps literally, so don't say we didn't warn you.) The label possessed a wicked sense of humour, as exhibited in their clever marketing and often outrageous taglines, and an inventive flair for graphic design.

 

One of the incredible groups on the Stiff roster was ANY TROUBLE, whom Melody Maker called "the most exciting band since The Pretenders" in 1980 and AllMusic today calls them "an underappreciated bright spot on Stiff..." For our Stiff celebration, we are very fortunate to welcome Any Trouble's singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire CLIVE GREGSON as our Third Lad. Clive recounts his memories of the label, and shares his favourite Stiff singles with us.

 

Need more Clive? Check out our bonus episode, featuring nearly a half hour of additional audio from our chat with Clive Gregson. You'll get more insights about Stiff Records, as well as Clive's very prolific music career beyond Any Trouble - from his acclaimed folk-rock duo Gregson & Collister right up to the staggering EIGHT albums that he released in 2020 alone!

 

For more information on Clive Gregson: https://clivegregson.com.

E102 Bonus - In Conversation with CLIVE GREGSON of ANY TROUBLE

 

In our main episode this week, we count down our Top 5 singles on the Stiff Records label.

 

One of the incredible groups on the Stiff roster was ANY TROUBLE, whom Melody Maker called "the most exciting band since The Pretenders" in 1980 and AllMusic today calls them "an underappreciated bright spot on Stiff..." For our Stiff celebration, we are very fortunate to welcome Any Trouble's singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire CLIVE GREGSON as our Third Lad. In the regular episode, Clive recounts his memories of the label, and shares his favourite Stiff singles with us.

 

Need more Clive? Of course you do!  Check out this bonus episode, featuring nearly a half hour of additional audio from our chat with Clive Gregson. You'll get more insights about Stiff Records, as well as Clive's very prolific music career beyond Any Trouble - from his acclaimed folk-rock duo Gregson & Collister right up to the staggering EIGHT albums that he released in 2020 alone!

 

For more information on Clive Gregson: https://clivegregson.com.

E101 - The First 100, Part 1: E1-E50

We celebrate 100 episodes by taking it to the very beginning.  Whether you're a new listener or you've been with us since the first show, relive some of the finest, funniest, and creepiest moments from Episodes 1 - 50.  You'll hear the stories, the characters, the accents, the wackiness, and the huge giant tentpoles that has made O3L the classic alternative music podcast. 

Join us on this trip down memory lane!

E100! - Top 5 Guitar Solos (with Nick Morrison)

It's here...the landmark 100th episode of Only Three Lads!  A huge thanks to everyone in the O3L Community for sticking with us.  Without you, the big 1-0-0 would mean nothing.  It truly warms the cockles of our hearts (wasn't that a Jackyl song!?!).

For our centesimal show, we bow down and pay tribute to arguably the most awesome of all rock n' roll tropes - the guitar solo.  Experience all the doodly-doodly-doodlies, the widdly-widdlies, the brrrrrrrrrrr-aps, the gaaaaaaasps, the doinkity-doinkity-weeeeeeeeees of the O3L era with Gramps and Clawfist. We're not worthy!  

You know who is worthy?  This week's Third Lad, Nick Morrison.  Nick is the guitar sensei behind The Guitar Dojo – guitardojo and the Samurai Fingers - YouTube channel, and the best selling author of multiple guitar instruction books.  Through his innovative techniques, Nick will help you make music fun again, whether you are new to the instrument or have been playing for years.  

Coming live and direct from Calgary, we discuss the things one does with a good and proper Canadian - Sarah McLachlin, The Tragically Hip, the return of apple bongs, underage drinking with Our Lady Peace...plus, Nick and Uncle Gregg talk a lot of metal, while Brett doesn't really have a horse in that race.

This was a fun way to cap off our first hundred episodes.  Here's to the next hundred!

E99 - Top 5 Time Machine Concerts (with Lance Ingram)

Hop in the O3L time machine and go where no other episode has gone before!  This week, we were each given the opportunity to travel back to attend five concerts - any date, any venue, any artists - during the O3L era.  Oh, the places we will go!

 

Episode 99 is full of concert memories, tips on how to get backstage (hot tip: bring a clipboard!), mullets, imaginary hookers, and...uh...horse dung!  Plus, go behind the curtain for another installment of "You Weren't Supposed to Hear THAT!"

 

This week's Third Lad is no stranger to great gigs.  Lance Ingram is the host of the Yesterday's Concert podcast, which just began its second season.  He is an avid concertgoer who has witnessed 750+ shows and counting.  Part concert review, part memoir, Yesterday's Concert opens the pages of Lance's personal jam journal through engaging storytelling and a passion for the live music experience.

 

 

 

E98 - Top 5 Comfort Albums

Special thanks goes out to the legendary Vanessa Briscoe Hay of Pylon for this topic idea. When Vanessa was on our show during Season 2, she mentioned that Elvis Costello's My Aim Is True was like comfort food, like mac & cheese, an album that she could come back to time and time again and it just feels...right.

 

So, in this episode, we boil the noodles, mix in the bright orange powder, add milk and butter, stir and consume our comfort albums of the O3L era. OK, that may be taking the mac & cheese analogy a touch too far.

 

The Lads get in touch with their feelings, and maybe get a little *too* comfortable sharing stories from their past. But what else would you expect from your favorite criminal mastermind duo?!?

 

Get comfy and snuggle up with O3L!

 

#musicpodcast #musicpocasts #newwave #punkrock #alternativerock #1stwave #80smusic #90smusic #comfortalbums

E97 - Label Spotlight: 415 Records (with Bill Kopp)

Always coming back for more O3L? Well, you're in luck, because this week we do our very first label spotlight on San Francisco's groundbreaking new wave label 415 Records. Through a series of classic independent releases and a subsequent distribution deal through major label Columbia, the label launched such talents as Romeo Void, Translator, Red Rockers, Wire Train, Until December, SVT and others.

 

Our Third Lad this week is a man who knows all about our subject - Bill Kopp, author of the definitive chronicle Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave. Based on nearly 100 interviews with the artists, industry execs, producers, friends, rivals, onlookers, journalists and hangers-on, Disturbing the Peace also features hundreds of photos and memorabilia from the personal archives of those who were there.

 

Even if you go into this episode unfamiliar with 415 Records, you're going to come out a fan!

 

Plus, because never let it be said that we don't commit to a bit, hear Brett's new O3L kiddie punk anthem, "A Is For Anarchy." Oi oi oi!

 

Disturbing The Peace: http://415book.com/order.shtml

E96 - Top 5 Soundtrack Albums (with Sarah Shay)

For an episode celebrating some of the best soundtrack albums of the O3L era, we're giving you a feature length episode that's *at least* as good as a movie about kidnapped truffle pigs! At the risk of offending all you truffle pig fans out there, we think it's probably even better.

 

Our "Third Lad" this week is the magnificent SARAH SHAY, musician, writer, girl-about-town and co-host of the Pilot House podcast, in which they dissect the pilot episodes of TV shows past and present. We had a marvelous time with Sarah...she knows her stuff and kept even us old curmudgeons laughing!

 

In addition to some fine discussion on music, TV and movies, we introduce the hottest new game show in town - "Pilot or Lie-lot," where our contestants determine what was an actual TV show...and what was a total fake!

 

Sarah Shay: http://sarahshay.com/

Pilot House Podcast: http://www.pilothousepodcast.com/

E95 - Top 5 R.I.Y.L.

WARNING!  This episode may not be suitable for sensitive listeners!  

(While it's not exactly The Wiggles, we're actually just testing out Uncle Gregg's theory that more people will click on something when there's a warning message.  Did it work!?!?)

To paraphrase The Smiths, we have just discovered that some topics are tougher than others...and this one certainly required some thought.  First of all, what in the heck is R.I.Y.L.?  Well, dear listener, it stands for "Recommended If You Like."  The task at hand was to take a well known song or album from the O3L era, and then provide a recommendation for a lesser known song or album based on that.  Sounds confusing?  Then you are not alone (Editor's note: That line is intended to be sung, Michael Jackson style).

Aside from giving YOU some sound advice (sound advice, get it!?), in this salacious, titillating O3L, we cover a myriad of hard hitting topics such as motorcycle safety, prostate health, eight balls and hookers.  Hmmm...maybe we really do need that warning label after all!

 

#musicpodcasts #musicpodcast #newwave #1stwave #classicalternative #RIYL #punkrock #indiepop #indierock #triphop #shoegaze #rockenespanol #80smusic #90smusic #alternativerock #modrevival

 

E94 - Mt. Rushmore of O3L

This week, we have a little "dumb fun" and take a trip to the classic alternative monuments that we have erected in our minds. In this episode, we pick the five faces that we would put on our respective mountains. Five, you ask? Doesn't Mt. Rushmore only have four? You are correct, history buffs...but we felt like we had to one-up some rocks in South Dakota.  Take that, national landmark!

 

If the Lads seem a little, uh, weird this week, it's because Uncle Gregg has the 'Vid. We're not sure what Brett's excuse is. The good news for all of you is that it means that we cover a whole buncha unrelated topics that we are in no way qualified to talk about: Science-y stuff! Infectious diseases! Baby animals! Beer sponsorships! Soft drinks! Climate change!  Sports!  An inspirational message to Generation Whatever-You're-Called!

 

P.S. Kevin Rowland from Dexys, Random Guy from Pentatonix, Matthew Wilder and Yoko do not make it on our lists...but we'd pay to actually see that, wouldn't you!?!?

 

#musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #mtrushmore #classicalternativemusic #punkrock #postpunk #newwave #80smusic #90smusic #grunge #alternativerock #musiclegends #RIPRonnieSpector

E93 - Top 5 Ska Songs (with Musician/Author Marc Wasserman)

Hey you! Don't listen to that, listen to THIS!

 

In our Season 3 premiere, we get even ruder and skankier than usual...and we totally mean that in the ska way, because we kick off the new year by counting down our Top 5 Ska Songs of the O3L era.

 

Our guest Lad this week is musician, author, blogger and podcaster Marc Wasserman. Wasserman's new book *SKA BOOM! An American Ska & Reggae Oral History* is the definitive chronicle of the history of ska and reggae in the U.S., as told through extensive interviews with some of the pivotal figures of the scene. It's an essential document for ska fans and alternative music buffs, available at https://www.diwulf.com.

 

Not only that, but Wasserman was an active participant in the history that he writes about, as the bassist and co-founder of the long-standing ska band Bigger Thomas and more recent projects such as Rude Boy George and Heavensbee. Marc knows his stuff, and we learned a ton from him.

 

So here's a message to you: Rudie can't fail...as long as he listens to O3L.  SKABOOM!

E92 - Top 5 Songs of 2021

Sure, there are a lot of parts of 2021 that we'd all like to make like a goldfish and forget. However, there were a lot of great songs that should be remembered and celebrated. That's exactly what we do in our Season 2 finale!

 

Meanwhile, Uncle Gregg makes his New Year's Resolutions...and Brett tries, but has already failed miserably. But there's one pressing question that we need to know - would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin?!?

 

As we close out 2021, we thank you for making O3L a part of your year. We look forward to a great year ahead!

O3L Presents: ”That Holiday Feeling”

Merry Christmas from O3L!  Thank you for all of your support this year - it means the world to us! 

In this short bonus, Lad Brett shares the Vargo Family's 2021 Musical Christmas Card - a new original holiday tune called "That Holiday Feeling."  The song features son Julian (18) on lead guitar and daughter Paisley (11) on trombones.  May you always be blessed with "that holiday feeling!" 

Hope you had a chance to listen to Episode 91, with our top 5 albums of 2021.  Next up is our Top 5 Songs of 2021, before we head back into the classic alternative era for Season 3.  We can’t wait to see what next year has in store!

E91 - Top 5 Albums of 2021 (with Ducks Ltd.)

This is part one of our Best of 2021 extravaganza, wherein we step out of the O3L era to discuss the albums that we're digging this year. 

We've cooked up something very special for you this week - direct from Toronto, our special guests are the magnificent Ducks Ltd.!  The duo of Tom McGreevy and Evan Lewis join us to talk about their own rising career, as well as their favourite new records.

 

The band has enjoyed a remarkable 2021, recently releasing their debut full length album Modern Fiction, and racking up a slew of "Best of 2021" accolades from the likes of AllMusic, Paste, Exclaim, Stereogum and more.  Their smart, infectious brand of jangly guitar pop harkens back to '80s indie bands like The Go-Betweens, Felt, The Chills and The Bats, yet is no mere nostalgia exercise.  This is pure pop for now people, to borrow from Nick Lowe.

 

Ducks Ltd.: Music | Ducks Ltd. (bandcamp.com)

 

Stay tuned next week for our Top 5 Songs of 2021!

E90 - O3L Holiday Party!

'Tis the season for the 2nd Annual O3L Holiday Party! All the fun, frivolity, games and music without the nasty hangover...or the Pentatonix.

 

Joining us for our party this year is an international group of friends - Julio from Mexico, Rebecca from New Zealand, Julie from Southern California and Ryan from Idaho.

 

Since December is the month we let our freak flag fly, Brett brought his favorite holiday albums - any genre, any era - while Uncle Gregg tells us his Top 5 songs that you DON'T want to play at your Christmas party this year. Or maybe you DO want to play them if you have unwanted house guests this season. But don't worry...Uncle Gregg reveals his sensitive side too.

 

A jolly time is had by all. We said...Merry Christmas, sir!!

E89 - Top 5 Epic Songs

We kick off a fun filled December by counting down the EPIC songs of the O3L era (imagine some echo when you read that...it sounds much cooler that way). These are the 6+ minute long songs that riveted us, took us along on emotional journeys, and made us feel like we were dancing in bubbles. You'll just have to trust us on that last one...

 

In this epic episode, we cover a lot of ground - being thinkers, getting up before the cocks (those are roosters, you sicko), Charleton Heston, Rush, Bryan Adams, Saved By The Bell, and much more.

 

Stay tuned for the exciting shows we have in store for the remainder of Season 2, including our holiday special and best of 2021 episodes!

 

E88 - Top 5 Songs of Gratitude

Haven't gotten your fill of O3L this week? Well, don't worry, because we're giving you a second helping!

 

With today being Thanksgiving and all, this special episode is all about gratitude. Amongst the things for which we are most grateful: the amazing O3L community, each other, and Gwyneth Paltrow-scented candles. I mean, we could never show our gratitude as much as the band Brass Against, but we're still pretty darn fortunate and thankful.

 

Invite your friends and family to the O3L table, and start a new Thanksgiving tradition with us. Thank you, friends...we truly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you!

 

 

E87 - Top 5 Duran Duran Songs

This week, we unleash our inner Durannie for an episode celebrating the Wild Boys themselves.  D-Squared.  Doo-ran Doo-ran.  Da-Doo Ran Ran Ran Da-Doo Ran Ran.  Birmingham's Finest.  The Fab Five.  OK, so before we run out of nicknames that the band never actually used, we're going straight down the ol' D-hole for our Top 5 Duran Duran Songs.

You could say this one is BONKERS!

 

 

E86 - Top 5 Albums of 1987 (with KILKENNY CATS)

You gotta have faith-uh, faith-uh, faith in O3L, because we're heading straight back to 1987 this week!  So grab your crimping iron and acid washed jeans, and join us as we count down some of the finest classic alternative albums of the year.

We have two "Third Lads" this episode (which makes four total, but you know we're not good at math n' stuff) - singer Tom Cheek and drummer Allen Wagner from Athens, GA's Kilkenny Cats!  In 1987, the band appeared in the definitive documentary Athens, GA - Inside/Out, in between their 1986 debut album Hands Down and 1988's Hammer EP.  The band's sound was dark and brooding, yet rocking and danceable, with critics scrambling to classify their music as "moody Southern goth," "hard driving college rock," and "pop-ish hypnotic indie dance rock" with "haunting melodies and blazing guitar."  In 1985, R.E.M.'s Mike Mills cited them as the number one band in Athens.  10,000 Maniacs and Pixies opened gigs for them.  This was a band that could have, and should have, been as huge as their reputations.

Fortunately, their "Cat-alogue" (get it??) is back, remastered and available on streaming platforms, with vinyl and CD editions forthcoming.  Plus, we preview a couple of rare Kilkenny Cats' rarities!

 

For more information on Kilkenny Cats:  (3) Kilkenny Cats | Facebook

 

 

 

E85 - Top 5 Acoustic Songs (with Terry Draper from Klaatu!)

Calling occupants of most extraordinary songcraft...we are observing you...we are your friends.  Get mellow and sensitive with O3L this week as we discuss our Top 5 Acoustic Songs.

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 a lot of fascinating stories from his rock n' roll life.  Be sure to also check out our bonus episode, where we cover everything from his beginnings in the mid-60s to encounters with Mick Jagger, Ozzy and Boy George, his recipe for a "songwriting cake", and how he continues to make progress after over 50 years of music.  

So take a trip to "The Other Side" with Terry & O3L.  A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

E85 - Bonus - O3L in Conversation with the Most Excellent Terry Draper

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.

 

E84 - Top 5 Goth & Darkwave Songs (with AMMO)

Release the bats! Halloween may be over, but this week O3L goes goth.

 

This week, we talk to the very talented goth/dreampop/shoegaze singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist AMMO about her goth/darkwave Top 5(-ish) list and her career, including the stunning new single "Rose + Crown". LA Record calls it "the kind of music that should soundtrack a sand-dune-to-shoreline movie by David Lynch."

 

Learn more about AMMO:

 

Website: www.musicbyammo.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/miss_ammo

FB: https://www.facebook.com/musicbyAMMO

Bandcamp: https://musicbyammo.bandcamp.com

 

As an added bonus, AMMO and "Growl Gregg" face off in in an exciting game of GOTH OR BUBBLEGUM?!?

E83 - Top 5 Instrumental Songs (with Armistead Wellford & Mike Richmond from LOVE TRACTOR!)

This week, our picks are "talkin' loud and sayin' nothing" (in a good way), as we cover some of the finest instrumental tracks of the O3L era...and beyond!

Guess who's back?!?  It's Armistead Wellford and Mike Richmond from the almighty Love Tractor.  Anything goes this week - not only do you get the classic alternative jams that you'd expect from O3L, there's also prog, funk, jazz fusion, soundtrack music and more.  

There's also plenty to celebrate in the Love Tractor world, as their 1988 Mitch Easter-produced masterpiece Themes From Venus gets the lovingly remastered, deluxe reissue treatment, complete with previously unreleased bonus tracks and new artwork.  Order yours today at https://propellersoundrecordings.com/collections/order-love-tractor-themes-from-venus.  Plus, the band has been hard at work in the studio on brand new music!

It's fun to be happy, so get on the party train and join us!

E82 - Top 5 Rap & Hip-Hop Albums (with DC Glenn, aka DC the Brain Supreme from TAG TEAM!)

Party people!  Get ready for an O3L episode like you've never heard before.  This week, we head into the world of rap & hip hop - and these are all albums that we think would appeal to classic alternative fans.

What a thrill it was to have hip-hop legend DC Glenn, aka DC The Brain Supreme, from TAG TEAM as our special guest this week!  With his musical partner Steve Rollin, Tag Team rose to prominence in the early '90s with one of the most greatest party jams of all time, "Whoomp!  There It Is".  The song has been so ubiquitous and enduring over the past 28 years that Tag Team were back again in 2021 with everyone's favorite GEICO commercial, "Scoop!  There It Is".  Sprinkles! 

DC shares some amazing stories about the song, career and some valuable and inspirational life lessons about tenacity, triumph, education and creating your own opportunities to thrive and become invaluable.  There is some serious TED Talk level greatness going on here, folks.  The main episode contains our abridged conversation with DC, but you don't not want to miss the entire conversation in our special bonus episode.

So, can YOU rock the party?!?

For more on DC The Brain Supreme:

https://www.tagteambackagain.com

 

On all social media platforms:

@dcglennatl

@tagteamwhoomp

 

#scoopthereitis #sprinkles #tagteam #whoompthereitis

 

E82 Bonus - Learn How to Learn - In Conversation with DC the Brain Supreme (DC Glenn)

This bonus episode contains our complete conversation with DC Glenn, aka DC the Brain Supreme!

What a thrill it was to have hip-hop legend DC Glenn, aka DC the Brain Supreme, from TAG TEAM as our special guest this week!  With his musical partner Steve Rollin, Tag Team rose to prominence in the early '90s with one of the most greatest party jams of all time, "Whoomp!  There It Is".  The song has been so ubiquitous and enduring over the past 28 years that Tag Team were back again in 2021 with everyone's favorite GEICO commercial, "Scoop!  There It Is".  Sprinkles! 

DC shares some amazing stories about the song, his career and offers some valuable and inspirational life lessons about tenacity, triumph, education and creating your own opportunities to thrive and become invaluable.  There is some serious TED Talk level greatness going on here, folks.  The main episode contains our abridged conversation with DC, but you don't not want to miss the entire conversation in our special bonus episode.

So, can YOU rock the party?!?

For more on DC The Brain Supreme:

https://www.tagteambackagain.com

 

On all social media platforms:

@dcglennatl

@tagteamwhoomp

 

#scoopthereitis #sprinkles #tagteam #whoompthereitis

E81 - Top 5 Collaborations

Uncle Gregg and Brett.  Laurel and Hardy.  Paula Abdul and MC Skat Kat.  Sometimes, beautiful art can come out of the power of collaboration.  This week, the Lads tackle the best collaborations of the classic alternative era.  And, as they say, it's a real whoppa!  

 

A public apology from Brett:

"I accused Diane Warren of writing a song that she actually had no hand in composing, which led to additional less-than-kind comments about Ms. Warren.  For the factual error, I am deeply, deeply apologetic.  But she's still the worst."

 

An imaginary response from Diane Warren:

"That's OK.  I'll go back to counting my millions of dollars in my mansion.  Enjoy your non-monetized podcast, chump!"

 

Drat...You win this time, Diane Warren!

 

Believe us, you, uhhh, don't want to miss a thing.

 

NOTE: We usually record the show in the morning when we're relatively fresh.  This week, we recorded late at night, and it definitely captured a different vibe.  In fact, so much so that we had to cut some controversial moments from the intro of the main episode.  If you can handle it, listen to the uncensored, unfiltered, unedited intro in a short bonus episode..."O3L After Dark."  But don't say we didn't warn you...

 

E81 Bonus - O3L After Dark

Put on your smoking jacket and pour yourself a stiff drink, because this is O3L After Dark.

We recorded Episode 81 late at night (which is unusual for us...we usually do the show in the morning when we're fresh and pure), so things got a little strange and controversial early.  We ended up editing it out of the main episode to keep it as family friendly as possible, but for anyone who wants to hear the show intro uncut and unhinged, we present it here for you.

For mature audiences only.  Or at least as mature as anyone who listens to O3L can get.

E80 - Top 5 Songs of 1999 (with Steven Morgan)

We were dreaming when we wrote this, forgive us if it's goes astray...

This week, join The Boy With The Golden Ears and The Rocktor as we count down our top five songs from the year 1999.  Yes, it was the year of Britney, Xtina, boy bands, braided chin hair and Dawson's Creek (or was that Creek's Dawson??), but there was plenty of great alternative music that year too.  We mean, there had to be because the world was coming to an end, right?

We've got a great Third Lad this week too, Steven Morgan.  Yeah, we know what you're thinking...did you really get THE Steven Morgan, the sperm doctor!?!?  No, we think we did even better!  It's Steven Morgan, the British-born comedian, actor, and musician currently coming to you live and direct from (wait for it...) The Netherlands!  He's the man with the most piercing and utterly lickable blue eyes you've ever seen on an audio-only podcast!  Among his other accomplishments, check out his hilarious YouTube series Real Power Talk, where Morgan's various characters put musicians in all sorts of uncomfortable situations.  Brilliant!

 

E79 - Top 5 Then & Now (with Mike Hipple)

Remember those old "Where Are They Now?" shows where they track down superstars from the past, only to find that they're now flipping burgers to support their smack habit?  Yeah, we do too...but that's not what we're talking about this episode.  Instead, we shine the spotlight on the artists from the O3L era who are still making vital, relevant music today.

Thus, we could think of no more appropriate Third Lad this week than Seattle-based Photographer/Author Mike Hipple.  Through Mike's incredible lens, he has published two essential books - '80s Redux: Your Favorite Musicians Today (2018) and the upcoming Lived Through That: '90s Musicians Today (out 19 October), both of which beautifully capture the imagery and spirit of the musicians of the era.  It is a captivating, humorous, and poignant look at the music we all love, its creators and the long and winding roads that life takes us down.

Visit www.hipphoto.com for more information on our special guest.  

E78 - Top 5 Nirvana Songs

Here we are now...so let us entertain YOU!  This week, we switch gears to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of one of the seminal albums of the '90s, Nirvana's Nevermind by counting down our top five tracks by the Seattle legends.

As is befitting in an episode about the grunge pioneers, the conversation also veers towards The Monkees, The Spice Girls, deodorant, and some very, uh, colorful analogies about cheese graters and cat udders (do cats even have udders?!?).  Yep, in other words, it's an episode that smells like O3L.  Oh well, whatever, never mind.

Hop on our inner tube and join us down this lazy river of podcasting!

E77 - Top 5 Single Artist Compilation Albums

Dust off yer ol' Best of Matthew Wilder album, because this week Uncle Gregg and Brett chew the phat (yeah, that's P-H-A-T, yo!) on some of their favorite classic alternative compilation albums.  We did Various Artists compilations in a previous episode, so this one focuses on albums for one band/artist.  You know, the greatest hits albums that have all the songs you love in one place...the records that served as your introduction to a band or artist you grew to love...the well curated essentials that gave the fans all of those rarities, deep cuts and b-sides.  It's a lot of phun (yeah, that's P-H-U-N, yo!).  

Also on the agenda: 

• Uncle Gregg's new wheels!
• What new album is Brett listening to?
• What the blankety blank is Grimace (other than everyone's favorite purple blob)!?!?
• Financial advice (here's a hot tip for y'all...don't trade half a billion dollars of crypto for two pizzas)!
• Uncle Gregg and Brett's anger issues!
• An open invitation to psychoanalyze the Lads!
• ...and surprise!!  You're all two degrees from the Tiffany, the Mall Queen herself!

What does any of that have to do with single artist compilation albums?  We don't know either!

E76 - Top 5 #1 Hits of the ‘80s

This week, we count down the classic alternative songs that went straight to the toppermost of the poppermost on some chart, somewhere in the world in the 1980s.  Yowsah, this was a tough one...

 

Because we have a hard time focusing sometimes, we also discuss kids' TV, some, uh, interesting  million dollar O3L tie-in product ideas, cookware, Halford's Batmobile, the return of ABBA...and, hey, what's that on page 602 of the Sears catalogue?  We also pay tribute to the late, great countdown master himself, Casey Kasem, from whom you will hear some rather colorful language.  Warning: This one's not for the kiddies.  Zoinks, Shaggy!

 

Until we're #1 in the charts, we'll aim to be #1 in your hearts!