2024 WEBBY AWARDS HONOREE FOR BEST INDIE PODCAST! Accelerated Culture: The Rise of Alternative Music in the 80s and Beyond is a walk through an often-ignored bit of music history. We explore how new wave stormed the airwaves in the early 80s and gave way for the rise of alternative music. Find us on the web at AcceleratedCulturePodcast.com. Please note: The music clips included in this podcast fall under the ”Fair Use Doctrine” as defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The law allows f ...
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Episode 48: Primus’ “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991)
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“Here they come, Here come the bastards!” In our forty-eighth episode, we explore the 1991 classic “Sailing the Seas of Cheese.” It’s a quirky blend of funk, rock, and alternative metal, featuring Les Claypool’s distinctive bass playing and surreal lyrics. The album showcases Primus’ unique sound and has become a cult classic, including tracks like…
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Scott Free & Laurie introduce our upcoming episode on “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991) by Primus. Look for it on Saturday, August 17th!By acceleratedculture
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Episode 47: My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless” (1991)
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In this episode of Accelerated Culture, we dive into the mesmerizing world of My Bloody Valentine’s iconic 1991 album “Loveless.” Renowned for its groundbreaking blend of dreamy soundscapes and innovative guitar techniques, “Loveless” redefined the shoegaze genre and left an indelible mark on alternative music. We’ll explore the album’s complex pro…
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Episode 46: Nirvana’s “Nevermind” (1991)
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Nirvana’s landmark album “Nevermind,” released in 1991, is a cornerstone of the grunge movement and a pivotal moment in rock history. The trio, consisting of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, created a raw yet melodic sound that captured the angst and disillusionment of a generation. Under the masterful production of Butch Vig, the albu…
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We end our series on influential albums of 1990 with “X” by INXS. From the opening harmonica notes of “Suicide Blonde” to the dulcet tones of “Hear That Sound,” Scott Free & Laurie take you track by track through this dance-rock classic. We also discuss the band’s legendary July 13, 1991 show at Wembley Stadium which was filmed for the concert movi…
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Episode 44: Happy Mondays’ “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches” (1990)
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CALL THE COPS! We continue our exploration into the year 1990 with the Happy Mondays’ genre-defining classic “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches.” The Mondays were at the forefront of the Madchester music scene, and the revelry of the music was only rivaled by Shaun and Paul Ryder’s mischief offstage. This is a longer episode, but it’s a fun one. We …
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Episode 43: Sonic Youth’s “Goo” (1990)
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Sonic Youth’s 1990 album “Goo” is a seminal work in alternative rock, blending noise, punk, and pop elements into a distinctive sonic landscape. The album showcases the band’s experimental spirit and knack for crafting catchy melodies with dissonant guitars and unconventional song structures. Tracks like “Kool Thing” and “Dirty Boots” are standout …
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Episode 42: My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult’s “Confessions of a Knife” (1990)
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This week, we continue exploring the alternative music of 1990 with sex, drugs, and Satan: Chicago industrial rockers My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and their album “Confessions of a Knife.” Join us as we ride the mindway! *********************** NEW BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, pl…
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Scott Free, our cohost with the most, introduces our upcoming episode. Look for it on Saturday, May 25th!By acceleratedculture
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Episode 41: The Charlatans’ “Some Friendly” (1990)
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“Some Friendly,” released by The Charlatans in 1990, is a timeless blend of alternative rock and Madchester vibes, capturing the essence of the era. With its jangly guitar melodies and swirling organ sounds, the album embodies the euphoria and energy of the early '90s music scene. Tracks like “The Only One I Know” and “Then” showcase the band's dis…
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Episode 40: Cocteau Twins’ “Heaven or Las Vegas” (1990)
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This week’s album deep dive is a fan request: “Heaven or Las Vegas” by Cocteau Twins is a mesmerizing sonic journey characterized by ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and dreamlike atmospheres. Released in 1990, it remains a quintessential shoegaze and dream pop masterpiece, renowned for its otherworldly soundscapes and Elizabeth Fraser’s ench…
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Episode 39: World Party’s “Goodbye Jumbo” (1990)
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With the recent passing of singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger on March 10, 2024, we thought it appropriate to revisit his 1990 album “Goodbye Jumbo.” In its blending of diverse musical styles with socially-conscious themes, the album remains a timeless classic and a fitting tribute to Mr. Wallinger. ************************ N…
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Episode 38: Depeche Mode’s “Violator” (1990) with Special Guest Cohost Scott Free
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This week, we move into a new decade & delve into the iconic Depeche Mode album “Violator,” a seminal work released in 1990 that marked a significant evolution in the band's sound. Join us as we dissect the album track by track, uncovering the raw emotions, innovative synth-driven compositions, and introspective lyrics that have solidified its stat…
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Episode 37: The Pixies’ “Doolittle” (1989) with Special Guest Cohost Scott Free
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In this episode, we explore the influential soundscape of the Pixies’ 1989 album “Doolittle.” We unpack how this album shattered boundaries in the alternative rock scene of the late '80s with its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics. Join us as we unravel the layers of its distinct sonic palette, dissecting its impact on music then and now.…
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Episode 36: The Cure’s “Disintegration” (1989) with Special Guest Cohost Scott Free
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This week, we dissect the layers of melancholy introspection and sonic experimentation that define The Cure’s iconic 1989 album “Disintegration.” From the haunting opening notes of “Plainsong” to the brooding depths of the title track, we delve into each song’s emotional resonance and artistic evolution, from the lush atmospheric textures to the in…
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Nick Egan returns to Accelerated Culture this week to discuss his storied career as an award-winning director of music videos. This week, he shares with us behind-the-scenes tales about working with Duran Duran, Alanis Morissette, and Oasis. Want to know what happened when Nick and two A-list rock stars went to Disneyland? Download this episode now…
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Episode 34: Nick Egan interview (part 1)
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We begin the New Year with the first of a two-part interview with legendary artist & video director Nick Egan! In this first half, Nick discusses the art college scene during the heyday of punk rock in the late 1970s and his creating album covers for The Clash, Dexys Midnight Runners, Bow Wow Wow, Malcolm McLaren, Iggy Pop, and INXS. Nick also shar…
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Our next episode comes out in one week (Jan. 6). In the meantime, listen to this end-of-year message from Laurie & Rob. And be sure to check out our website at acceleratedculturepodcast.com. Best wishes for a happy & prosperous 2024! "Ethernight Club" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http:/…
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Episode 33: Tears for Fears’ “The Seeds of Love” (1989)
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In this podcast episode, the spotlight is on Tears For Fears’ iconic album “The Seeds Of Love.” The hosts delve into the making of the album, exploring its unique sound, lyrical themes, and the band’s artistic evolution. They discuss the impact of tracks like “Sowing the Seeds of Love” and “Advice for the Young at Heart,” providing insights into th…
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Episode 32: Nine Inch Nails’ “Pretty Hate Machine” (1989)
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Accelerated Culture continues its trek through 1989 with a deep dive into the debut album by Nine Inch Nails, “Pretty Hate Machine. ” Laurie and Rob start with an examination of Trent Reznor’s past, following the path that led him to create one of the landmark albums of the decade. That's followed by an in-depth inspection of each of the ten tracks…
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Episode 31: New Order’s “Technique” (1989)
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Accelerated Culture moves into 1989 in this episode as we do a track-by-track deep dive into New Order’s masterpiece, “Technique.” Listen along as Laurie and Rob, former Mr. Disco 1978 (allegedly!–Laurie), recap the origins of New Order and follow the path that led to the acid house tinge of this album. From the classic sound of “All The Way” to th…
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Episode 30: Jane’s Addiction’s “Nothing’s Shocking” (1988)
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We return to 1988 in this episode to plunge into the landmark alt-rock album “Nothing’s Shocking” by Jane’s Addiction. Hosts Laurie and Rob examine the band’s beginnings and internal struggles before evaluating each individual cut, including the driving “Mountain Song,” the lazy beauty of “Summertime Rolls,” and the scathing “Ted, Just Admit It.” J…
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Episode 29: Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party” (1985)
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Happy Halloween! In this eerie episode, Laurie and Rob deviate from the usual chronology to do a creepy deep dive into the Oingo Boingo masterpiece, “Dead Man’s Party”! We discuss the band’s origins and evolution and then delve into the mysteries behind each track from the album: the dark isolation of “Just Another Day,” the longing of “Stay,” the …
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Episode 28: The Church’s “Starfish” (1988)
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In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the ethereal soundscape of The Church’s iconic 1988 album, “Starfish.” Join us as we embark on a sonic journey through its lush, dreamy melodies and poetic lyricism, exploring the album’s profound influence on alternative rock and its lasting legacy in the music industry. We unravel the creati…
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Episode 27: Duran Duran’s “Big Thing” (1988) & Welcome, Rob!
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In this episode we delve deep into the iconic Duran Duran album “Big Thing.” Join Laurie along with our new co-host and resident music aficionado Rob as they take you on a track-by-track exploration of this groundbreaking record. From the infectious rhythms of “I Don’t Want Your Love” to the ethereal sounds of “Palomino,” we dissect each song's uni…
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In this captivating podcast episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to the musical landscape of 1988, a year that marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of alternative music. From the pulsating synth-pop sounds of Erasure and Information Society, to the irreverent and quirky punk vibes of The Dead Milkmen, and the enigmatic allure of Q. Lazzaru…
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Episode 25: U2’s “The Joshua Tree” (1987)
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This week, Laurie & Trey dive into the sonic landscape of U2’s iconic 1987 album “The Joshua Tree.” We uncover the rich layers of each track and take you on a track-by-track journey through the album’s soul-stirring melodies and profound lyrical narratives. From the desert-inspired ambience of “Where the Streets Have No Name” to the introspective d…
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Episode 24: Sinéad O’Connor’s “The Lion & The Cobra” (1987)
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With the recent passing of Sinéad O’Connor on July 26, 2023, we felt it was only appropriate to pay tribute to this legendary outspoken Irish singer. In this episode, we will explore the life of Sinéad O’Connor through bits of her 2021 memoir Rememberings as well as her songwriting, including a track-by-track exploration of her 1987 debut, The Lion…
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Episode 23: New Order’s “Substance” (1987)
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In the early 80s, a new band rose from the ashes of Joy Division. This Manchester quartet rebranded themselves as New Order, and they went on to have a string of pop and dance hits. “Substance,” released in 1987, stands as a remarkable compilation of the band’s most influential and innovative work up to that point, combining elements of electronic …
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Episode 22: The Cure’s “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me” (1987)
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In this captivating episode of the Accelerated Culture Podcast, we dive deep into the enigmatic world of British alternative rock pioneers, The Cure, and their iconic 1987 double album, "Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me." Join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the captivating soundscapes crafted by Robert Smith and his bandmates.…
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As Fall of 1987 rolled around, audiences were treated to a “New Sensation” in the form of INXS’ album “Kick.” The six lads from Down Under had put together an entire album of singles that showcased their hybrid rock-funk sound. But, did you know that the album almost didn’t see the light of day? Join us as we discuss this iconic 80s album and the h…
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In this episode we delve into the groundbreaking sounds of 1987, including R.E.M., The Sisters of Mercy, Depeche Mode, Midnight Oil, and The Cult. Join us as we unravel the stories behind these influential bands and their impact on the alternative music scene, a musical journey from Seattle to the end of the world.…
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Episode 19: Duran Duran’s “Notorious” (1986)
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This week we explore Duran Duran’s 1986 transitional album “Notorious,” which represented a departure from the band’s trademark sound. It also meant a literal departure for drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor. Not to be deterred, the remaining band members proceeded to reinvent themselves as a trio with the assistance of legendary guitar…
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Episode 18: Peter Gabriel’s “So” (1986)
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We could not let our musical tribute to 1986 pass without acknowledging this legendary, groundbreaking album, Peter Gabriel’s “So” (1986). With guest vocalists Kate Bush, Youssou N'Dour, and Laurie Anderson, and guest musicians such as Nile Rodgers and Stewart Copeland, this entire album is a synthpop dream from start to finish. Join us as we explo…
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Episode 17: The Pet Shop Boys’ “Please” (1986)
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This week we do a track-by-track deep dive into the 1986 synth pop classic, “Please.” Join us as we discuss the musical genius of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe on their debut album, which was destined to become an instant classic everywhere from Lake Geneva to the Finland Station.By acceleratedculture
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We continue our exploration of new wave & alternative music in the 1980s with first of four episodes on the music of 1986! Join us as we celebrate the hits, the one-hit wonders, and the under-the-radar tunes from this banner year in music!By acceleratedculture
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Episode 15: Duran Duran, The Power Station, and Arcadia (1985)
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1985 was a year of transitions for the Fab Five members of Duran Duran: having just come off their Sing Blue Silver tour, the members found themselves going in different directions. After working together on a new James Bond theme, the Duran boys took a bit of a break to work on separate side projects: The Power Station and Arcadia. We delve into t…
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Episode 14: Alternative Songs of 1985
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Continuing with the music of 1985, this week we explore the less mainstream songs released that year .From the ethereal stylings of Cocteau Twins to the home-grown punk of Naked Raygun, 1985 was the year that alternative music really began to blossom, and we are here to give you the highlights of this legendary year.…
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This is the first of three episodes on the music of 1985, a banner year. In this episode, we delve into the popular music of the year, from Madonna’s emotional ballads to Til Tuesday’s new wave style and Tears for Fears’ synth-pop. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the pop music of 1985 together.…
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Episode 12: Songs from Down Under—The Best Australian Bands
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In honor of Australia Day (Jan. 26), this week we showcase our ten favorite Australian new wave & alternative bands (plus a couple honorable mentions)! Give a listen and then visit our Facebook page to vote for your favorite. We’ll reveal the winner in an upcoming episode.By acceleratedculture
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Episode 11: The Music of 1984, part 2
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Join us as we take a journey back to the latter half 1984, the height of the Cold War era. From the political and social turmoil of the time came a wave of music that reflected the angst and disillusionment of the youth. We'll explore the hits and hidden gems of the time and discuss their impact. Whether you're a fan of the era or just curious abou…
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Episode 10: The Music of 1984, part 1
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In this episode of Accelerated Culture, we’re taking a trip back to 1984 to explore the sounds of the first half of the year. We’ll start off by revisiting some of the most iconic and influential tracks of the era, including “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper, “The Reflex” by Duran Duran, and “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. These tracks define…
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Episode 9: Accelerated Culture 2022 Holiday Playlist
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This week, Laurie & Trey take a step back from their hosting duties. Instead, we've put together a holiday playlist of songs from our favorite new wave & alternative artists. So, grab a cup of eggnog, sit back, and enjoy the Accelerated Culture 2022 Holiday Playlist! 1. “Do They Know Its Christmas,” Band Aid 2. “Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses …
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Episode 8: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees
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This week we celebrate the 2022 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Duran Duran, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Jimmy Iovine, Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton, Judas Priest, Sylvia Robinson, Carly Simon, Allen Grubman, Lionel Richie, Eurythmics, Harry Belafonte, Eminem, and Dolly Parton. Congratulations to all this year’s ind…
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Episode 7: Don’t You Forget About John Hughes (part two)
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In this episode, we continue our two-part discussion on John Hughes films and their music. Part Two, we explore Hughes films from 1986-1989 from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to “Uncle Buck.” These songs were more than film soundtracks; they formed the soundtracks to our lives! Listen to this week's music playlist on YouTube: https://music.youtube.com…
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Episode 6: Don’t You Forget About John Hughes (part one)
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This week we begin a two-part introspective on the new-wave music that formed the soundtrack for John Hughes films in the 80s. If you’re a child of the 80s, you probably grew up loving these films—and their soundtracks! In Part One, we explore Hughes films from 1980-1986, beginning with “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and ending with “Pretty in Pink.…
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Episode 5: Spooky Songs of the 80s (and 90s)
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Spooky season is upon us, and this week Trey & Laurie play our favorite Halloween-themed songs from the 80s (and early 90s). What punk rocker wrote a song while hanging out in Stephen King’s basement? Which 80s artist does Trey describe as “the gothic Frank Sinatra”? What band was heavily inspired by occultist Aleister Crowley? For the answers to t…
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In Episode 1, we explored the rise of New Wave Music in 1982. By 1983, it was all over the airwaves. Being different was “in.” In this latest episode, Laurie & Trey play their favorite songs from 1983 and discuss how the musicians influenced their lives, their attitudes, and their fashion sense! You won’t want to miss this episode. Be sure to liste…
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Episode 3: INXS’ “Shabooh Shoobah” (1982)
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This week we continue our musical tour of 1982 with a track-by-track deep dive into INXS’ breakthrough album, “Shabooh Shoobah.” Few people realized in 1982 that these six boys from Australia would go on to conquer the world within a decade. Join us as we discuss the music and the videos—and the clothes!—and place them in a wider cultural context. …
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Episode 2: Duran Duran’s “Rio” (1982) special bonus content
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Special bonus content that got cut from Episode 2: Duran Duran’s “Rio” (1982). Trey tells us about the “Carnival” EP from 1982. Enjoy this special bonus content, and be sure to tune in next week for Episode 3: INXS’s “Shabooh Shoobah” (1982).By acceleratedculture
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