Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

1987: The year of the mega-album (Bad...Faith...The Joshua Tree...Appetite For Destruction...The Zit Remedy...) big, booming, glossy pop singles, hair metal, mall pop and hip-hop. But, lurking beneath that "high '80s" sheen were some of the finest alternative songs of the O3L era. That, dear listener, is where we come in.

In 1987's indie world, it didn't get much bigger than The Wedding Present, led by singer/songwriter/guitarist AND this week's Third Lad, David Gedge. The Weddoes, as they are affectionately known by fans, scored a #1 indie LP with their debut full-length, George Best, and occupied five spots (including four in the Top 10) on the legendary John Peel's year end Festive Fifty list. Over the next decade, The Wedding Present would remain a vital fixture on the scene, racking up 16 UK Top 40 hits. In 1992 alone, they tied a record set by Elvis Presley by releasing twelve Top 30 singles within a twelve-month period. Since then, the ever-prolific self-professed "workaholic" Gedge has released a consistent string of records both under The Wedding Present and Cinerama monikers, right up to the brand new Weddoes triple album 24 Songs. 24 Songs collects the twelve 7" singles (once every month) that Gedge and band released during 2022. This remarkable set is now available from Happy Happy Birthday To Me in the US and Clue Records in the UK. https://hhbtm.bandcamp.com.

Come on in to the deep end...just remember that we're never gonna give you up.

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

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

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

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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.

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If YOU like piña coladas, then come with us and escape. Of course, even if you don't like piña coladas, you're still welcome, because this episode we cover our top songs from 1980. Yes, among the smooth soft rock, schmaltzy ballads and booty-bumpin' disco was some truly groundbreaking classic alternative songs. As the Hungarians say, "dog poop on your nose!" We think. Plus, in the O3L Spotlight this week is the new single, "Wildfire" by Manchester artist Minerva Daisy. It's an empowering, sultry and summery indie-pop track that we are confident will replicate the Top 40 success of previous single "Euphoria." "Wildfire" is available on all platforms on July 15th. For more information on Minerva Daisy, go to: https://www.minervadaisy.co.uk/ #musicpodcast #1stwave #newwave #punkrock #indiepop #classicalternative #punkrock

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Crack open a six pack! That is to say that we're stepping out of the O3L era once again for six more songs that you should hear this weekend.

As many listeners know, Brett's son is currently attending UC Berkeley, which means that he's been spending a lot more time up in the Bay Area...which, in turn, means that he's been paying close attention to what's become arguably the best local indie music scene in the country. So, this week, we turn our focus to bands from that area. Our Six Pack:

1) Chime School - 'Coming To Your Town' (https://chimeschool.bandcamp.com)

2) The Umbrellas - 'She Buys Herself Flowers' (https://theumbrellas.bandcamp.com)

3) The 1981 - 'Easy (It's Not)' (https://the1981band.bandcamp.com)

4) Cindy - 'The Price Is Right' (https://cindytheband.bandcamp.com)

5) The Reds, Pinks & Purples - 'Unloveable Losers' (https://theredspinksandpurples.bandcamp.com)

6) Seablite - 'Melancholy Molly' (https://seablite.bandcamp.com)

What do YOU think is the best local music scene right now? Let us know on social media or at [email protected].

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