Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

O3L Media

Only Three Lads is a lively podcast celebrating the Golden Age of Alternative Music from the '70s, '80s & '90s. Join Uncle Gregg, Brett Vargo, and a variety of ”Third Lads” as we share our Top Fives, stories, and news about the music we love, and have a lot of fun along the way! Whether you‘re into indie, punk, new wave, Britpop, power pop, synth pop, shoegaze, grunge...or whatever...there is going to be something for you to discover and love. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.

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21 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes21

Newest first

Saturday · 37 min
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 33 - David Myhr (The Merrymakers)
We're back with a brand new Weekend Six Pack, bringing you six fresh tracks that have made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. This time out, Brett welcomes Swedish singer/songwriter David Myhr, formerly of the band The Merrymakers, who released two albums in the '90s including the pristine pop classic Bubblegun (which was released in the U.S. on past Third Lad Dean Brownrout's Big Deal label). David has a new album on tap for September 18th (physical) and October 2nd (digital) called Everything Is All About You, and we've got the joyous forthcoming single "Say Yes" on tap. Plus, five other cool tunes, including a track from the newly released Strawberry Alarm Clock LP Where's One? to cap off an exciting SAC Week on O3L! In this Six Pack: 1) David Myhr - "Say Yes" (from the forthcoming LP Everything Is All About You, Oglio Entertainment) 2) The Roadhouse Rebels with Tony Valentino - "Fury and Dust" (single) 3) Paper Tigers - "Go Out" (from the LP East Coaster...out next Wednesday!) 4) British Birds - "Lie Down with Dogs, Stand Up with Fleas" (from the upcoming album Murmurate, Oscillate, Skep Wax) 5) Joel Cusumano - "Buying Time" (from the Appendix EP, Dandy Boy Records) 6) The Strawberry Alarm Clock - "I'm Not The One" (from the psych-pop legends' first new album of all-original material since 1969 Where's One?, Big Stir Records) "Say Yes" to this Six Pack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thursday · 1 hr 33 min
E342 - Strawberry Alarm Clock - Top 5 Songs That Best Represent the Psychedelic Era
Whoaaaaaa, man. This might be the nutmeg tea talkin', but we're seeing double. Two episodes with twice the requisite amount of Lads. It's time for the exciting conclusion of our conversation with '60s psych-pop pioneers the Strawberry Alarm Clock. in which we discuss our Top 5 songs that best represent the psychedelic era. Bassist George Bunnell, keyboardist Mark Weitz, drummer Randy Seol, and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Bartek (also a founding member of Oingo Boingo!) join us to discuss the band's history, the music of their peers, and - perhaps most importantly - the first new SAC album of original material since 1969, Where's One? , out on Big Stir Records on August 7th! The band will also be headlining the final night of the Tiki Oasis festival in San Diego on Sunday, August 9th. Far out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday · 1 hr 16 min
E341 - Strawberry Alarm Clock - Unwind with the Clock
Pass time with the SAC...as we welcome '60s psych-pop pioneers the Strawberry Alarm Clock to O3L for a very special two parter! During part 1, bassist George Bunnell, keyboardist Mark Weitz, drummer Randy Seol, and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/producer Steve Bartek (also a founding member of Oingo Boingo!) join us to discuss the band's history, the creation of one of the greatest and biggest hits of the psychedelic era, "Incense and Peppermints", the underappreciated second album, unscrupulous managers, and - perhaps most importantly - the first new SAC album of original material since 1969, Where's One? , out on Big Stir Records on August 7th! The band will also be playing the final night of the Tiki Oasis festival in San Diego on Sunday, August 9th. Stay tuned for Part 2 - where we discuss our Top 5 Songs That Best Represent the Psychedelic Era! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 28 · 1 hr 28 min
E340 - It's BANDAMANIA! with Brazil's Phenomenal Pop Combo Banda AL9
It's BANDAMANIA as we welcome Brazil’s sensational pop combo Banda AL9 to celebrate the release of their new album, Hey! Hey! We’re Banda AL9, on Wicked Cool Records. Known for their dazzling harmonies, retro-inspired style, and infectious melodies, Banda AL9 have quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in modern pop. This is the audio edit of our very first livestream event, where we were joined by an international group of fans, including representation from Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and the U.S. Even if you didn't catch it live, you can experience this one-of-a-kind interactive event packed with behind-the-scenes stories, games, and discussions on everything from hair metal to fast food to Disney princesses to Miley Cyrus to what it's like to have rock legend/label boss Little Steven write a song for them. The boys also treated us to a live acoustic version of "Indigo Skye" (albeit captured in very lo-fi quality). Many thanks to Mike Cubillos from Earshot Media for his incredible coordination for this event, and to the Wicked Cool Records crew for the vinyl and CDs we gave away during the show! Proudly part of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 21 · 2 hr 3 min
E339 - Jackson Reed - Top 5 "Cooler Than Their Hits" Artists
Some artists are forever defined by their hits — even when they don't tell the whole story. This week, we welcome returning Third Lad Jackson Reed to celebrate the bands and artists whose deepest cuts, overlooked albums, and adventurous careers are far cooler than the songs that made them famous. From one-hit wonders with hidden masterpieces to chart-toppers whose signature song barely scratches the surface, you can expect passionate defenses, surprising picks, and plenty of recommendations for listeners ready to dig beyond the obvious. Oh yeah, and a whole lotta other things like hockey, Canadian politics, and meditating with an indie pop icon. Since this week's topic is all about cool, we happen to think that Jackson Reed is pretty dang cool. This young Calgary based singer/songwriter/guitarist and his band The Silverbirds have been building a solid reputation across North America for their '80s melodic sensibilities, arena sized hooks, modern pop production techniques, and dynamic, explosive live sets. Their new EP and concert film, Live in '25, captures an electrifying live set opening for rock n' roll legends Nazareth in Edmonton, playing a repertoire of new anthems that heretofore have not appeared anywhere else. As a bonus, fans are treated to a couple of new studio tracks. https://jacksonreedofficial.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-25-ep Jackson is also a fellow podcaster, hosting the Guess That Record show. Over the course of more than 50 episodes, Jackson has welcomed esteemed guests such as Midge Ure, Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), and Andy Summers (The Police). https://guessthatrecordpodcast.com/ Ayyyyyyy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 14 · 1 hr 19 min
E338 - John Thomas Griffith (Red Rockers, Cowboy Mouth) - Top 5 Songs of Revolution
Brothers! Sisters! Comrades! You say you want a revolution? Alright, shoo-be-do-wa. Well, you can count us out…in…cuz this week we're talking about songs of revolution! For example, how about the 1980 debut single by New Orleans band Red Rockers, “Guns of Revolution”? And the band does indeed come out guns ablazin…it’s a sub-2 minute blast of resistance, rebellion, and a call to action to shake things up. It's a fiery anthem that captures the frustration, idealism, and spirit of the era, a track that had the punk rock press falling over themselves to dub Red Rockers as America’s answer to The Clash. Red Rockers would aptly open their explosive 1981 debut album, Condition Red, with the track, and now it serves as the fitting closer to out the brand new live album It’s In Our Blood, out now on Liberation Hall - which documents our heroes reunited for a powerful hometown gig in 2023, performing the Condition Red album in its entirety along with choice covers. Of course, after the debut, the powder keg punkers would go on to release two more polished albums, receiving radio and MTV exposure with hits like “China”, “Good As Gold” and their cover of “Eve of Destruction.” So, it's only fitting that our Third Lad this week is none other than Red Rockers' lead singer and guitarist John Thomas Griffith! Following the band's initial split, JTG released a string of Americana-tinged solo records and as a folk duo with guitarist Paul Sanchez. He also co-founded another alternative music institution, one that has been going strong for well over three decades now and who still provides one of the best live experiences in all of music, the mighty Cowboy Mouth. Special thanks to Randy Haecker from Prime Mover Media for his introduction and coordination. P.S. Some episodes earn that "Explicit" tag more than others. Just fair warning in case you're listening whilst taking the kids to soccer practice or something. It's In Our Blood: https://redrockerslive.bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 11 · 31 min
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 32 - Midnight Mixtape
It's time for another Weekend Six Pack bonus - the show within the show where we bring you half a dozen new tunes, including: Taxi Girls - 'Midnight Mixtape' (from the LP Static, Stomp Records) My Raining Stars - 'Fine' (from the album Toy Club, Too Good To Be True) The Prongs - 'Stanley Milgram Says' (single) Fuses - 'Garden of Ashes' (from Sawdust in the Transmission, Having Fun Records) The Pretty Graves - 'Walkin'' (from their self-titled debut LP) Tangients - 'The Ether' (from the album Embers) Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 7 · 1 hr 55 min
E337 - Robert Ellis Orrall (Taylor Swift, Hit Country, Rock & Pop Songwriter) - Top 5 Songs Written for Other Artists
This week, we place our focus on songs that one established artist wrote for another artist. And what better ceremonial Third Lad than Robert Ellis Orrall, a songwriter who has not only penned his own hits ("I Couldn't Say No" with Carlene Carter - #32 Pop, 1983; "Boom! It Was Over" - #19 Country, 1992; "A Little Bit of Her Love" - #31 Country, 1993) but has also written many hits for other artists like Shenandoah ("Next to You, Next to Me" - #1 Country, 1990), Clay Walker ("What's It to You" - #1 Country, 1993), Reba McEntire ("What If It's You" - #15 Country, 1997), Olivia Newton-John ("I Don't Wanna Say Goodnight", 1998), Lindsey Lohan ("Ultimate", from the 2003 Freaky Friday soundtrack), and many more. What more, you ask? Oh yeah, REO was also instrumental in the formative years of an up-and-coming artist named Taylor Swift (you may have heard of her), co-writing and/or co-producing a number of songs including "A Place in This World" and "I'm Only Me When I'm With You" from her 10x platinum debut album. Even with all of the great songs he's written for other artists, Orrall's latest album, Wonderland, is a vital reminder that he's saved plenty of great songs from himself. The album collects nine previously unearthed unrequited love songs from his seemingly endless creative vault, plus an introspective new version of "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," performed through the lens not of a teenage girl, but as a man 45 years into a loving marriage. REO continues to record and tour with the same band he had on his string of '80s albums for RCA - which featured an eclectic bunch of new wave songs inspired by Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Todd Rundgren, and Joe Jackson, and found them opening for U2, The Kinks, Psychedelic Furs, and countless others. He also co-founded the label Infinity Cat Records with sons Jake and Jamin, who make up the beloved indie rock band JEFF the Brotherhood. Plus, REO comes with a bonus Top 5: the Top 5 Songs He Wishes He Had Written. It's O3L...in Wonderland! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 1 hr 35 min
E336 - The Blue Herons - Top 5 Jangle Pop Songs of the '80s & '90s
This week, we're slaying the proverbial demons of jangle pop with Andy Jossi (Switzerland) and Gretchen DeVault (USA) from transatlantic "jangle gaze" duo The Blue Herons! The Blue Herons create wistful dreampop with a cinematic sense of space and emotion, lit by sparkling layers of guitars and clear, expressive vocals. Since their debut in 2020., their music has drawn comparisons to The Sundays, Alvvays, Hatchie, and Sea Lemon. Their latest album, Demon Slayer (Shelflife Records), broadens their sonic palette and emotional range. Written over the course of a year, the album took shape through an inspired back-and-forth between two prolific songwriters trading sketches, melodies, and ideas across time zones. The result feels immediate and deeply collaborative: two distinct musical voices weaving texture and melody into something greater than the sum of its parts. What emerges is a sound rooted in melody but driven by feeling. Plus, join in on a brand new O3L game - "Jingle Jangle" - in which your favorite jangle pop artists meet commercial jingles. Not to give any spoiler alerts, but...point for Andy! Thanks to Ed Mazzucco from Shelflife Records for the introduction. Jangle on, friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 23 · 1 hr 39 min
E335 - Dean Brownrout (Big Deal record label, Author - No Big Deal) - Top 5 Power Pop Songs of the '90s
Are you ready to rumble?!? Very few topics seem to provoke as much heated debate as power pop - what (and who) is power pop? This week, we dare tackle our Top 5 Power Pop Songs of the '90s. Raise your pitchforks! Nah, we're not worried...because, truth be told, power pop during the decade would have looked drastically different without our Third Lad this week, Dean Brownrout. As the co-founder of the crucial indie label Big Deal, Dean is responsible for releasing some of the greatest power pop records of the era, including The Wondermints, Gladhands, The Vandalias, the indispensable four volume compilation series Yellow Pills, and many more. Dean recounts his quarter century’s worth of adventures in the music business in his witty, nostalgic, honest memoir No Big Deal (Guernica Editions Inc.). From his beginnings promoting metal and hardcore shows to running pivotal labels, No Big Deal offers a revealing glimpse into the triumphs, tribulations, and tragedies of the last of the record industry’s glory days. No big deal, eh? It's a REALLY big deal 'round these parts, buddy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 16 · 1 hr 58 min
E334 - The Grodes' Manny Freiser - Top 5 Garage Rock Covers
In the '60s, thousands of young rock n' roll hopefuls picked up instruments and took to the garage to play music that was loud, raw, primitive, and spiked with attitude. It was a sound that was later branded as "garage rock", and it became massively influential when these wild records were rediscovered by a new generation of bands through seminal compilation albums like the Lenny Kaye-curated Nuggets compilation (Elektra, 1972). Many bands included garage rock staples in their repertoire and released cover versions, which is our focus today. One of the songs on the Nuggets album that grabbed younger listeners by the jugular was "Let's Talk About Girls" by The Chocolate Watchband, with its driving rhythm, fuzzed-out guitar, and snarling vocals. What many didn't realize was that the Watchband's version was a cover of a 1967 song by Tucson, Arizona garage punks The Grodes (released under the name of The Tongues of Truth), written and sung by the band's guitarist/songwriter and this week's Third Lad Manny Freiser. From 1965-1968, The Grodes racked up a series of local hits and future garage classics, including the oft-covered "Cry A Little Longer", "Uh Huh Girl", and "Love Is A Sad Song". After the demise of the band, Manny and his second wife Patti McCarron headed west to LA to record as the folk-rock duo Fire & Rain, best known for their Billboard Top 100 version of Barbara Lewis's "Hello Stranger". While working as a record executive for A&M Records in the '80s, he also recorded as the mysterious Ian Messenger, and continues to write and record new material. If that weren't enough (oh yeah, did we also mention he was an attorney?!?!), he's recently chronicled his life through the end of the '60s in his memoir Tracks in the Sands of Time. It's a warm, witty, nostalgic, and sometimes lascivious tale of the other side of the era - from the perspective of someone who didn't quite "make it big" but has plenty of stories to tell. It's an entertaining and fascinating page turner that will leave you thinking, "what happened next?" Fortunately, Volume 2 is coming soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 9 · 1 hr 31 min
E333 - Tammy Ealom (Dressy Bessy, The Tammy Shine) - Top 5 College Radio Favorites
In the 1980s, college radio served as a vital alternative to increasingly corporate and playlist-driven commercial radio. These stations became incubators for emerging alternative genres, provided early exposure for artists who would later become influential acts, and championed independent labels, local scenes, and adventurous programming. In a tenth anniversary book issued in 1989, CMJ, the trade journal for college radio, published a list of the Top 250 most played songs from the publication's first decade (1979 - 1988). These week, we are picking our Top 5 lists from the CMJ chart. The full list is here: https://pulsemusic.proboards.com/thread/171053/cmjs-top-singles-1979-1989? Joining us is an indie rock icon who is no stranger to college radio airplay. Tammy Ealom is the force of nature behind one of the coolest indie bands ever to roam the earth and part of the Elephant 6 collective, Denver's Dressy Bessy. After a few singles and EPs, Dressy Bessy released their classic 1999 debut, Pink Hearts Yellow Moons, which many listeners discovered through prominent placement in Jamie Babbit's cult film But I'm A Cheerleader (starring Natasha Lyonne). In 2017, Tammy played a solo gig at the Athens Popfest under the name of The Tammy Shine; in February 2026, the first album by The Tammy Shine, OK Shine OK, was released by Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records. It's a showcase of Tammy's "clutterpunk" vision, balancing toughness with vulnerability, and grit with melodic charm. Plus...the single dumbest O3L game? You be the judge, as the gang TRIES to get through the radio call letter game "KO3L". Thanks to Mike Turner from HHBTM for the introduction, and John Hill (Tammy's husband, Dressy Bessy bandmate, and Apples In Stereo guitarist) for the coordination! Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 2 · 1 hr 28 min
E332 - George Usher (Beat Rodeo, House of Usher) - Top 5 Self-Produced Albums
This week, we grab the reins on a discussion of self-produced albums; that is, records on which the artist takes control over their own vision and not only performs the music, but takes responsibility for the final production as well. Joining us on this an exploration is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and pop craftsman who has been a vital part of the New York City music scene, George Usher. George was a member of Beat Rodeo on their second and final album from 1986, Home in the Heart of the Beat, he’s written with Richard Barone from The Bongos, and has led or played in bands like The Decoys, The Schramms, and House of Usher during the ‘80s & ‘90s. It only takes one listen to his two disc anthology, The End and The Beginning 1990-2009, to recognize that George Usher has amassed a jaw-droppingly great catalogue of Byrdsy folk-rock jangle, melodic power pop, and brilliant chamber pop over the years. After a couple of gorgeous records with singer/songwriter Lisa Burns over the past decade, George is back with Stevensonville, a multi-media project that’s a long time in the making - a 12-part illustrated song-cycle moving through a fictional town and its residents. But don’t go looking for Stevensonville on streaming services right now - this is an experience to be enjoyed on vinyl LP and its accompanying 28 page booklet through georgeusher.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26 · 1 hr 16 min
E331 - Parliament-Funkadelic Guitar Hero Michael Hampton - Top 5 Songs from the P-Funk Universe
Climb aboard the mothership...because we wants to funk YOU up! This week, we celebrate the music of the P-Funk universe - revolving around the nucleus of the George Clinton-led Rock & Roll Hame of Fame bands, Parliament and Funkadelic. Joining us as our Third Lad is none other than "Kidd Funkadelic" himself, P-Funk guitar hero Michael Hampton! Led by visionary bandleader George Clinton, the wildly influential collective known as Parliament and Funkadelic — together dubbed “P-Funk” — revolutionized funk music in the 1970s by blending deep grooves, psychedelic rock, outrageous sci-fi mythology, and fearless social commentary into a universe all their own. Featuring an ever-evolving cast of legendary musicians including Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, Eddie Hazel, Michael Hampton, and Maceo Parker, P-Funk produced a staggering run of groundbreaking albums and hits that helped shape funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and electronic music for generations to come. Equal parts musical movement, cosmic philosophy, and extravagant stage spectacle, P-Funk remains one of the most creative and influential forces in popular music history. After receiving his first guitar at age 10, a determined Michael became self-taught with the help of his bedroom radio, spending days on end playing along with Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery and B.B. King records. After studying jazz guitar in high school, an impromptu backstage audition for George Clinton in 1974 earned 17-year-old Michael a seat on the Parliament mothership alongside the immortal Eddie Hazel, under the name “Kidd Funkadelic”. Hampton has spent the past half-century playing nearly 400 shows with the band, in 25 countries across 6 continents. Among Hampton’s Funkadelic writing credits are group staples like “Who Says a Funk Band Can’t Play Rock?!” and “Funk Gets Stronger”, both released during the group’s late-’70s/early-’80s hit run. His lead guitar is also embedded in the DNA of 90s hip-hop’s G-Funk movement—Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride” samples Parliament’s “Mothership Connection”, Ice Cube’s “Bop Gun” borrows elements of Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove”, while De La Soul’s “Me Myself and I”, Digital Underground’s “Kiss You Back”, and Snoop Dogg’s “What’s My Name?” all draw from Funkadelic’s “(Not Just) Knee Deep”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 19 · 1 hr 43 min
E330 - The Melody Chamber - Top 5 Songs About Trains
Choo-chooooo! All abooooooooard! This train may not run on time, but it does run off the rails...and fast. This week, the Lads complete their "Metal MAY-hem" trifecta by covering the heaviest metal of 'em all: trains. Joining in on the fun is Wallace Dietz and Dan-O Deckelman, who make up the creative engine of the Richmond, VA post-punk locomotive The Melody Chamber. Their self-titled debut (HHBTM Records/Too Good to Be True) landed not only in Brett's Top 5 Albums of 2025, but some of you in the O3L Community also named it as your favorite release of the past year. All of the accolades are very well deserved too - the record sounds like some great lost ‘80s album that was discovered in the dusty racks of a defunct college radio station. It contains 10 songs of post-punk and southern gothic jangle pop that not only evoke bands like The Psychedelic Furs, R.E.M., The Smiths, and The Chameleons, but are of such substantial quality that they stack up favorably against those bands. Although this is The Melody Chamber's first record, Dan-O and Wallace are both veteran musicians who have spent decades in indie bands such as The Silent Boys, The Grain Hoppers, Mudd Helmet, and Rocket 69. Grab your ticket and find a seat to hear: The band's unlikely origin story. Based off Uncle Gregg's off-color remark about our new recording platform, Brett picks an unfortunate new moniker. Silent applause. Train conceptions. Jumping trains. Stickin' it to Sisters of Mercy. New O3L t-shirt ideas (hint: our inspirations are Manowar and the "My Pillow" guy). Pilfering poetry. "Decide, don't hesitate"...to do a classic, no-holds-barred Uncle Gregg rant. Thanks to Mike Turner from HHBTM for introduction! So, whaddya waiting for? Come on, ride the train (woo-woo)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 15 · 41 min
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack , Vol. 31 - Glitz & Grit with Johnny Iguana from The Claudettes!
We've got another six pack of fresh tunes for you in our "show within the show" bonus! This week, Brett chats with composer/keyboardist Johnny Iguana from Chicago band The Claudettes, as they prepare to release their 7th album, Garage Glamour, due June 5th from Pravda Records. “Garage glamour” is about as apt a term as you can get to describe a band who has defied neat categorization over the years - mixing gritty blues, passionate soul, rabid rock n’ roll, cabaret jazz, cinematic drama, slinky funk, and a DIY punk spirit into a sound that’s all theirs. Outside of the band, Johnny has made an international name for himself as the co-composer of the score for the hit TV show The Bear, as well as playing with legendary musicians like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Junior Wells, and Johnny Winter. We bookend the six pack with two tracks from The Claudettes (including a duet between Claudettes chanteuse Rachel Williams and Chicago blues legend John Primer), plus four other songs that we think you will dig as much as we do! During this six pack, you will hear: 1) The Claudettes (with John Primer) - "(You Are My) Whole World" (from the upcoming LP Garage Glamour, Pravda Records) 2) Grey Disco - "Vigil" (from the LP Shades) 3) J. Mau & The Kiss Off - "Poison" (single) 4) The Rallies - "I Believe" (from the LP No Better Time) 5) The Get Alongs - "Sunday Afternoon" (from the forthcoming LP Second To None, Having Fun/We Are Busy Bodies) 6) The Claudettes - "That Could Be Arranged" (from the LP Garage Glamour, Pravda Records) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12 · 1 hr 9 min
E329 - Ben Vaughn - Songs About Cars
O3L's Metal MAY-hem continues, but this week we're talking about a different kind of heavy metal: the kind you drive. From “Rocket 88” to “Little Red Corvette”, the automobile has long been a popular subject in song, representing freedom, escape, prosperity, power, control, solitude, safety, danger, or passion. Some artists simply sing about cars because cars are cool. Much like a classic ‘57 Chevy or ‘69 Rambler, our Third Lad this week is an American treasure. Ben Vaughn is a singer/songwriter who has built an eclectic catalogue of wry, literate songs, from the roots rock of The Ben Vaughn Combo in the ‘80s to power pop, garage rock, folk, easy listening, country, Tex Mex, surf, TV (3rd Rock from the Sun), and movies (Psycho Beach Party)…you name it and he’s probably done it. Healso hosts the weekly syndicated radio show The Many Moods of Ben Vaughn and performs regularly in the U.S. and Europe. Vaughn is known for producing artists such as Ween, Arthur Alexander, and Charlie Feathers, and for collaborations with Alan Vega and Alex Chilton. As the leader of The Ben Vaughn Combo and through his solo albums—including the cult classic Rambler ’65, recorded entirely in his car—he has built a devoted following in his native Philadelphia, his adopted home of L.A. and beyond. His songs have also been recorded by artists including Marshall Crenshaw, The Morells, and Deer Tick. Get revved up and ready to go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 5 · 2 hr 9 min
E328 - Buried Beneath Me - Top 5 Metal Albums for Alt-Rock Fans
It's Metal MAY-hem over here at O3L! This week, we're talking about some of the metal albums that we would recommend to alt-rock fans, whether it be the thundering classics whose influence crossed stylistic boundaries or the albums that could serve as a gateway into the genre for the uninitiated. And, when we say "uninitiated", we might as well be talking about Brett. Fortunately, not only has Uncle Gregg been a connoisseur of metal for many years, but our Third Lad is the singer/songwriter/guitarist V of alt-metal band Buried Beneath Me. Fusing the raw aggression of post-hardcore with the cinematic weight of progressive metalcore, the band delivers a sonic assault of towering riffs, crushing breakdowns, and lyrics drenched in introspection and despair. With a reputation for dark, immersive storytelling and a sound that balances brutality and melody, Buried Beneath Me's 2025 concept album The House of Ash creates an atmosphere that pulls listeners into its abyss. Each track is a journey—a descent into struggle, self-destruction, and the fight to rise from the ashes. Sounds pretty dark and heavy, right? Well, then, it seems like the perfect guest to rope into a rousing O3L game - "METAL LORDS", in which contestants decipher lyrics to decide whether they are from a metal song...or a Christian song. It's a fine line, y'know. Whether you're a seasoned headbanger or a newbie growing out a sweet mullet, you are invited into our lair of doom...if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 28 · 1 hr 33 min
E327 - Bill Kopp (Author, What's The Big Idea?) - Top 5 Concept Albums...That Work Outside of the Concept!
Are you all sitting comfybold two square on your body? Then I'll begin. We return to the topic of the concept album...with a spin. Some concept albums simply don't work without context. Others function as a cohesive collection of songs, even divorced from a weighty backstory or overarching theme. Those are the records that Brett Vargo discusses with this week's Third Lad, Bill Kopp. You may remember renowned music scribe Bill Kopp from his O3L appearance a few years back discussing his book on classic San Francisco indie label 415 Records, Disturbing The Peace. Now Bill's back, celebrating the release of his latest book, What's The Big Idea - 30 Great Concept Albums, out now on Hozac Books. In What's The Big Idea, Bill explores 30 remarkable concept albums, drawing from new, firsthand interviews with the artists behind their creation, including Pete Townshend, Steve Kilbey, Captain Sensible, Utopia, and William Shatner. While there are some well-known classic concept albums covered such as The Pretty Things' S.F. Sorrow and Jethro Tull's Thick As A Brick, much of the book is dedicated to lesser known gems that dispel the myth that the concept album died in the mid-1970s. Order the book at: https://hozacrecords.com/product/pre-order-whats-the-big-idea-30-great-concept-albums-book-by-bill-kopp/ We also feature music by the great veteran Australian singer-songwriter Greg Williams ('Everyday Is Your Birthday') and Pillars of Creation, a band comprised mostly of early Creation Records musicians - led by Jasmine Minks' Jim Shepherd and featuring members of Primal Scream, The Loft, and June Brides ('Be Careful What You Wish For'). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 21 · 1 hr 23 min
E326 - The SALT Collective's Stéphane Schück - Top 5 Do's & Don'ts
DON'T you forget about us. DO listen to this week's O3L! That's right...we're covering songs with "do" or "don't" in the title. Our Third Lad is French songwriter/guitarist Stéphane Schück from The Salt Collective, the unique international collaborative project who recently released their second full-length album, A Brief History of Blindness, on Propeller Sound Recordings. The record features vocal, instrumental, and/or songwriting contributions by a wildly impressive "who's who" of indie rock, including Chris Stamey and Gene Holder (The dB's), Mitch Easter (Let's Active), Andy Partridge (XTC), Jason Falkner (Jellyfish), Kimberly Rew (The Soft Boys, Katrina & the Waves), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Aimee Mann (Til Tuesday), Mike Mills (R.E.M.), the late, great Lynn Blakey (Tres Chicas, Let's Active), Pat Sansone (Wilco), Rob Ladd (The Connells) and more. It's a striking testament to what can happen when great musical minds orbit under the spell of the same creative gravity. Thanks to Howard Wuelfing from Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices