Just in time for spooky season, Jack Sommerby and I list our picks of the 17 best horror films of all time, from the most iconic to to the slightly obscure. We're covering slashers, body-horror, sci-fi horror and more. So take a listen and see if you agree with our choices, and tell us your favorites in the comments. --- Send in a voice message: ht…

Prong are an eternally underrated metal act, but their fervent underground following has fueled them since forming in NYC in 1986. Over 13 albums and revolving lineups, frontman/guitarist Tommy Victor has unleashed his patented brand of working class angst on classic tracks like 'Prove You Wrong', 'For Dear Life', 'Whose Fist Is This Anyway', and t…

On our latest podcast episode we're doing a genre double-dip when I talk to director Mike Schiff about his informative new documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, which features notable luminaries from the worlds of film and metal discussing why the two genres feel so interlinked. The film is a treasure trove of genre trivia, with Schiff pick…

Emily Whitehurst first rose to prominence under the alias Agent M, lead vocalist for late 90's/early 00's punk act Tsunami Bomb. After leaving the group in 2005, Whitehurst would go on to form indie-electronic project Survival Guide alongside guitarist Jaycen McKissick, but she's been the sole creative force behind the project since McKissick's dep…

Last week lovers of intense cinema were saddened by the passing of director William Friedkin, who died on August 7 at the age of 87. Friedkin was a true force of nature, an uncompromising director known primarily for two of the greatest films of the 1970's (and of all time): hardboiled crime drama 'The French Connection' (starring Gene Hackman) and…

Royal Thunder are back with Rebuilding The Mountain, their first album in 5 years, out June 16th via Spinefarm. Like past efforts including Wick and Crooked Doors, it sees the group continue their unique marriage of classic rock and 90’s alternative with a contemporary edge. It also marks the return of drummer Evan DiPrima, who left the group in 20…

The Church have been brewing up their unique blend of psychedelia, post-punk, alternative and prog-rock ever since they formed in 1980. Over four decades, various lineup changes and 26 studio albums, their prolific streak has brought them an adoring cult following on albums including (to name but a few) The Blurred Crusade, Heyday, Starfish, Priest…

The Toadies have been a Texas music staple ever since the hit the scene in 1989, with their unique mix of alternative rock with a Southern twist. They broke through to the masses with 1994's 'Rubberneck', thanks to hits like 'I Come From The Water', 'Tyler' and 'Possum Kingdom'. Now the group are hitting the road for that album's 25th anniversary. …

30 years ago this week, U2 released Achtung Baby, the 1991 opus that helped them roar back to relevance after being sidelined by the commercial and critical disappointment of their 1998 documentary and album Rattle and Hum. Click here for the best albums of 1991 Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, Achtung Baby saw the Irish outfit refresh thei…

As the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Cocteau Twins, Robin Guthrie's unique sonic palette helped spearhead and popularize the dream pop sub-genre, with songs that emerged like hazy daydreams through his unique combination of melody and his focused use of effects on albums like 'Treasure', 'Blue Bell Knoll' and 'Heaven or Las…

September 24th marks a sacred date for Gen Xers: Nirvana's 1991 grunge masterpiece 'Nevermind' celebrates its (get ready to feel old) 30th anniversary! Yes, that's right, the album that was the soundtrack to your 90's life is now 3-decades old, and in its honor, co-host Chris Logan and I celebrate why it still packs a punch. In this episode, we dis…

On today’s episode I speak to Trevor Dunn, the bassist and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work in the experimental rock group Mr. Bungle, as well as Tomahawk (who released their latest album ‘Tonic Immobility’ in March), Fantomas, The Melvins, Mad Love, and Nels Cline amongst many other projects. Dunn is back with “merdeka atau mati” the …

When Monster Magnet frontman/songwriter Dave Wyndorf was stuck in pandemic lockdown, he decided the best thing to do was keep busy, and he and his bandmates holed up in the studio and got to work on a new album. Monster Magnet have always stuck out like a sore thumb in the musical landscape in the most beautiful way, from their 1991 debut 'Spine of…

On today’s podcast episode I’ll be speaking to Steve Kilbey, best known as the vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter for veteran Australian alternative psych group The Church.With The Church, Kilbey has generated a whopping 25 studio albums since their formation, beginning with 1981’s Of Skins and Heart. The band are most notable in pop culture…

Wayne Hussey is goth-rock royalty. Between his tenure as guitarist in The Sisters of Mercy to founding the The Mission UK, the frontman/guitarist has created some of the most iconic and evocative work in the genre...and beyond. Never content to rest on his laurels, Hussey remains a creative force, as evidenced on The Mission's 2016 epic 'Another Fa…

Following last year's podcast episode celebrating the best albums from 1994, co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 25 years ago, in this case the year 1995. '95 was another great year for alternative rock in all its disparate forms, and it was a particularly eclectic one as well, from anthemic rock from The Smashing Pumpkins,…

Billy Gould has had a busy 2020. Not only has he reunited with Faith No More (for which he plays bass and is a founding member), he's just released 'Talking Book 2,' the long awaited follow-up to 2011's 'Talking Book' by the band of the same name. Gould rounds out the musical trio, which also features Jared Blum and Dominic Cramp of Gigante Sound, …

On this week's episode of the SLIS podcast, co-host Chris Logan and I choose our picks for the 2020 inductees for the RRHOF. It wasn't easy given next year's artists for consideration include Soundgarden, Depeche Mode, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, The MC5, T.Rex, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, Todd Rundgren, The Doobie Brothers, T…

Following our podcast episode ranking the best albums from 1989, co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 1993 turning 25 this year. '94 was a HUGE year for alternative rock, hip-hop and metal, with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Ween, Suede and more releasing instant classics, killer debuts f…

On this week's podcast my special guest is Brad Laner, best known as the guitarist and songwriter for Medicine, one of the most interesting and uncompromising alternative acts of the 90s. Laner’s unique guitar tone and playing style led to the band being associated with the UK shoegaze scene, so much so that they were the first American band signed…

This week's guest is David J, best known as the bass player for goth legends Bauhaus and as the bassist and co-vocalist of post-punk icons Love and Rockets. His work in both bands helped each achieve cult status, still revered to this day with classic tracks like 'Bela Lugosi's Dead', 'Dark Entries', 'She's In Parties,' 'So Alive', 'Haunted When Th…

On this week's installment of the long-delayed follow-up to our ’Smells Like Cinematic Sadness' series, co-host Damon Shell and I look back at ‘Body Melt,' a 1994 Ozploitation horror cheapie about dietary supplements with very unfortunate side effects. A poor man's exercise into the splatstick oeuvre ala pre-LOTR Peter Jackson, 'Body Melt' is full …

Dutch actor Rutger Hauer passed away last month at the age of 75, and for 80's and 90's cult movie lovers, it was a huge loss. Kids from Generation X grew up watching the actor at either the local cineplex or on their VCR's thanks to classic films like Blade Runner, The Hitcher, Ladyhawke, Nighthawks, Blind Fury, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and much …

Following on the heels of last year's Smells Like Infinite Sadness episode ranking the best albums from 1988, co-host Chris Logan and I decided to tackle all the best albums turning 30 in 2019. That's right, 1989 was 30 years ago! We're old!! 1989 was a big year for alternative rock, foreshadowing the rise of its commercial and critical appeal in t…

While Marty Willson-Piper is best known for his work with Aussie alt-rock pioneers The Church, the guitarist/singer-songwriter has had a rich and varied solo career outside his former band (who he departed in 2013 after a 20 year run). He's also worked with the likes of Grace Slick, Linda Perry and Aimee Mann and has been a member of a number of ba…

On this week's episode of the SLIS podcast, co-host Chris Logan and I dive into the 2019 inductees for the RRHOF, including Radiohead, Roxy Music, The Cure, The Zombies, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard and Janet Jackson. We discuss if these bands truly belong in the RRHOF, some of the more glaring omissions from over the years, and if the RRHOF even matt…

Christmas is just around the corner, so what better way to celebrate the holiday spirit than talking about an absolutely horrible yuletide horror movie? Co-host Damon Shell and I dive down the chimney and discuss the cinematic trainwreck that is 'Silent Night Deadly Night 5: The Toymaker', a film wholly unrelated to the original Santa Claus slasher…

Earlier this week co-host Chris Logan and I discussed "10 Bands You Either Love or Hate," those artists who are so polarizing, so divisive and so resolute in their vision, that they either inspire passionate followers or derisive haters. We previously covered Rush, The Eagles, Smashing Pumpkins, Dave Matthews Band and The Grateful Dead (click here …

How many arguments have you had with your friends on whether a band is great or terrible? If you're a music nerd, probably many.Some bands just don't inspire a casual fan base. They're so polarizing, so absolute, that they either cultivate a die-hard fanbase or legions of haters. And that's what this podcast episode is dedicated.In part one of our …

This year, Prince's powerful backing band The Revolution are touring to celebrate the legacy they share with the late icon, and will be playing Emo's Austin on December 29th. And one key member who will be performing live is Matt Fink, better known as 'Dr. Fink.' The keyboardist, always clad in signature scrubs, was instrumental in crafting many Pr…

L.A. alternative rock trio Failure have always blazed their own unique musical path, a mix of melody and dissonance that has garnered them a devoted cult following thanks to albums like Fantastic Planet and The Heart is A Monster. The space rockers have had a busy 2018, releasing three EP's and their new full-length album In The Future Your Body Wi…

The late great Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95 this week. On this week's episode we celebrate the Marvel Comics legend's legacy, including his creative genius, his at times controversial reputation, the best comic characters he created, and the resounding impact he had on our childhood and beyond. In addition, we discuss how he tackled compli…

Night Club are one of the most exciting new indie acts, exploring a unique mix of darkwave, industrial, and modern pop. On this week's episode, I speak with vocalist Emily Kavanaugh about the electronic duo's recent release 'Scary World,' from its lyrical inspirations to the twisted, alluring video for the single 'Candy Coated Suicide.'In addition,…

On this week's podcast, co-host Dave Dierksen and I recap the wide arrange of great (and not so great) films at this year's Fantastic Fest at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX, an eight day crash course in genre filmmaking from around the globe.Selections discussed include the new "Halloween" film (and meeting Jamie Lee Curtis!), the world premier…

John Christ's dark, bluesy riffs and squealing solos were one of the most integral components of Danzig's first four albums. As part of the original lineup, which also featured bassist Eerie Von and drummer Chuck Biscuits, Christ (whose real name is John Knoll) contributed to classic songs including Twist Of Cain, She Rides and Mother, all of which…

The infamously horrible 'E.T.' knockoff 'Mac and Me' turned 30 last month. Co-host Damon Shell and I look back on a film that featured a dance scene in a McDonald's, a kid flying off a cliff in a wheelchair, and an alien that was more creepy and annoying than cute. Ah, the 80's. It's the first in our "All The Small Things" series featuring tiny cre…

At SLIS, the only thing we love as much as classic alternative rock are movies that are so bad they're good. So we're launching a semi-regular series called "Smells Like Cinematic Sadness" where we discuss our favorite bad movies. This week co-host Damon Shell and myself tackle Raw Deal, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's most ridiculous action flicks,…

Following our podcast episode ranking the best albums from 1988, co-host Chris Logan and I decided to tackle the best 1993 albums turning 25 this year.To do so, we picked the 25 best–our own 12 individual picks and a mutual tiebreaker to wrap things up for the best of that year.’93 was a massive year for alternative rock, with bands like Nirvana, S…

Super excited to talk about a new feature on Anchor that will let listeners support their fave podcasts in a whole new way.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Gene Loves Jezebel were one of the most unique and infectious alternative acts of the 1980's, forging a unique mix of glam and goth resulting in memorable hits like 'The Motion of Love,' 'Desire,' 'Jealous,' 'Stephen,' and 'Twenty Killer Hurts'. The group fronted by Jay Aston (known in America as Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel for legal reasons--hi…

On this week's podcast we're shaking things up: instead of our normal music-related fare, we're talking to writer Brian Corley about his new book 'Ghost Bully,' which takes place in his (and my) hometown of Austin, TX and is a fun throwback to 80's horror. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/messageSupport this…

1988 was a landmark year for music (and the end of the Reagan era), featuring iconic albums from the likes of Jane's Addiction, Ministry, REM, The Church, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Metallica, Siouxsie and The Banshees and more. To celebrate the best from 30 years ago (yes, it's true: Metallica's ..'.And Justice For All' is 30 years old now), I chat with…

Spotlights are one of the most compelling new metal artists, comprised of husband and wife duo Mario Quintero (vocals, guitars, keyboards) and Sarah Quintero (bass, guitar, vocals). Following on the success of last year's mesmerizing album 'Seismic', the band return with the EP 'Hanging By Faith,' (out June 15th via Ipecac Recordings) which feature…

Maurice Joseph Francois Engelen, best known by his alias Praga Khan, is one of the most influential figures in electronic music. Engelen's pioneering work in the New Beat scene from his native Belgium would lead to forming The Lords Of Acid, a beloved techno act that gained instant notoriety thanks to their hook-laden dance singles (all of which ar…

Tyson Todd Meade was an influential figure in the alternative rock scene of the 90's, thanks to his unique musical and lyrical style, which began with Defenestration, before founding the Chainsaw Kittens in 1989.Chainsaw Kittens combined 70's glam, punk, power pop and New Wave influences for a truly unique sound that, while never gaining mainstream…

James Stevenson has lent his guitar talents to a host of classic 80's alternative, New Wave and punk artists, including Gene Loves Jezebel, The Alarm, Generation X, The Cult, Chelsea and a host of others.This week we talk about his new double album 40 Years In The Rock and Roll Wilderness, compiling some of his greatest tracks from over the years, …

Vinnie Dombroski is the frontman of Sponge, one of the breakthrough alternative acts of the 90's, thanks to hits like 'Molly,' 'Plowed' and 'Wax Ecstatic.' The group are still going strong today, and are currently touring the U.S. (I'll be checking out their performance this weekend in Austin, TX). This week Vinnie and I talk about the band's tour,…

As the frontman for Monster Magnet, Dave Wyndorf was a stoner rock pioneer, who propelled the group from cult status to hedonistic rock stars thank to their 1998 album Powertrip, fueled by their hit single Spacelord.In today's podcast episode, Dave Wyndorf discusses the band's new, stripped down album Mindf**ker, which tones down the group's psyche…

Drummer Kevin Haskins has lent his talents to Bauhaus, Tones on Tail and Love and Rockets, three of the most acclaimed bands of the post-punk era.He's revisiting his musical roots with 'Bauhaus - Undead: The Visual History and Legacy of Bauhaus,’ a deluxe coffee table book chronicling his tenure with Bauhaus, who helped popularize the Goth subcultu…

Dean Ween is one of the most celebrated cult musicians in rock. As one half of the musical duo/band Ween, he helped craft a truly eclectic (and humorous) mix of prog rock, punk, metal, psychedelia, soul and more, as evidenced on classic albums like Chocolate and Cheese and The Mollusk. Dean is back with Rock2, his sophomore solo release with The De…