Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

You know we'd give you anything, anything...including this special episode with the one and only John Easdale from Dramarama! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's the thrilling conclusion of our conversation with Clive Farrington from When In Rome, where we discuss our Top 3 Dance Hits...plus, as you may have gathered from last week, a whole lot more! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Record Store Day is upon us once again! On Saturday, April 20, 2024, masses of music fans will queue up early and partake in the collective cultural experience on RSD, hoping to score some of the exclusive and limited releases hitting independent record stores. It's a communal celebration of our favorite bit of retail therapy. 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! Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 of a two part extravaganza! 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring is in the air, and it feels like the perfect time to break open another Weekend Six Pack! This week, we feature six of our favorite new songs: Jetstream Pony - 'Look Alive' (from Under the Bridge 2, Skep Wax Records) Lame Drivers - 'Become An Island' (from Become An Island, Jigsaw/Bleeding Gold) The Armoires - 'We Absolutely Mean It' (from Octoberland, Big Stir Records) Elena Rogers - 'Queen' (single) The Wesleys - 'A Lot To Lose' (from The Wesleys, Little Village Records) Secret Shine - 'Captivate This Broken Love' (from Under The Bridge 2, Skep Wax Records) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keep smilin', keep shinin', knowing you can always count on O3L for your fix of classic alternative music discussion. That is, after all, what friends are for. 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. Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When most people hear the phrase "sampling" in music, their minds usually go to one place: hip hop. Some may even still hold onto misguided preconceptions that sampling is blatant thievery perpetrated by talentless hacks who can't come up with their own original music. Well, friends, we're here to set the record straight... because we celebrate the art of sampling in all of its different forms with this week's Third Lads, forceghost (Eric Kinlaw and Marcus Barfield). From the experimental composers who borrowed bits of familiar pieces and manipulated them into something daring and new, to the hip hop trailblazers who skillfully transformed stacks of dusty records into an essential part of their street poetry, to the electronic pioneers who utilized cutting edge technology to open up unimaginable worlds, sampling has indelibly and undeniably impacted the music we love. 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 Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brief, but extremely important, announcement. Big changes on April 1st! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's double trouble this week! Poof...just like a Criss Angel routine, we've magically got double the lads, double the laughs, double the fun...and double the vinyl! Yep, that's right, during this episode, we talk about double albums with our special guests Bryan Cook and Tom Cheek from Is/Ought Gap. More than just an album spread across two slabs of wax, symbolically the double album is an opportunity for artists to use the recording medium as a grand, bold artistic statement, a blank canvas for experimentation, stretching out, and crafting a long form musical narrative. When executed well, double albums can be beautiful, messy, ambitious, kaleidoscopic masterpieces. 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! Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We pay tribute to another of the great labels of the O3L era...this time shining the spotlight on the magnificent DB Recs, the Atlanta-based label founded by Danny Beard, and run from 1978 - 1997 out of his still thriving record store Wax'n'Facts. Through Danny's ingenuity, support, and incredible ear for talent, it's safe to say that the alternative music scene in the Southeastern US would not be the same without him. DB's initial release was catalogue number DB-52, 'Rock Lobster' / '52 Girls', the first single by none other than The B-52's. From there, DB gave a voice to a wide range of artists in Atlanta, Athens, and beyond, including Pylon, Love Tractor, Oh-OK, Guadalcanal Diary, The Swimming Pool Q's, Fetchin Bones, Zeitgeist/The Reivers, The Jody Grind, The Coolies, Chris Stamey, and others. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Repost of a "classic" episode that has been missing from podcast platforms for the last year! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some artists knew exactly when it was the right time to check out. Others ended their recording careers with a big question mark or ellipsis, like there was unfinished work to be done. The latter is the topic of our discussion this week: Which artists or bands do we wish had stuck around longer and released more music? 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's true that we're givers here at O3L...so, to paraphrase from the gorgeous new Jack Rubies track that closes this episode, "we'll give you more." Once again, we step out of our era and treat you to a six pack of some of the finest new music to pass through O3L headquarters: 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we set the way back machine for 1996…with a stop off in 1999, which is the setting for the new book by Kyle Wiltshire and Jay Watson, The Dead Rock Stars. Coincidentally, then, we welcome co-author Kyle Wiltshire as our Third Lad! 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally...a podcast episode that captures all of the glitz and glamour of the City of Angels. You'll feel like you're right there on the red carpet with all of your favorite stars. 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. Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you wake up in the morning, feeling shy and lonely, and think "gee, I gotta go to school" (or work), brighten your day with O3L. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's President's Day weekend here in the ol' US of A, so we invite you to come chill with us in the Presidential Suite with a six pack of new tunes! 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?!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're running hot and cold this week, as we cover our Top 5 songs with "fire" and/or "ice" in the title or as a central theme. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've made it...the big O3L 200th episode extravaganza! 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! Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our scheduled guest this week called in sick at the last minute...oh no! So, instead of our planned topic, we decided to be a little opportunistic. We put together our list of songs to listen to when you're sick to lift your spirits. We've got just the cure for your ailments!** **Please note that this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices