varostreamA podcast that takes a look at the development of alternative music in the 80's with a focus on post-punk, electronic, dark wave, goth, synth, industrial, and indie genres. The podcast episodes feature stories, background, and discussions of artists, contributors, music, themes, and events of the early alternative era.The title of our podcast is based on the alternative song from 1988 by The Church, "Under the Milky Way".
Episodes
The Mekons - Post-Punk Country
The Mekons arrived during the late 70's UK post-punk scene and still perform today as one of the longest running artists from this era. The band never achieved mainstream commercial success, but has consistently received critical acclaim throughout their career especially in the mid-1980's while blending punk rock with traditional folk and country music to pioneer the alternative-country genre. The Mekons, or just Mekons, formed in Leeds in 1976 as an art collective with many musicians contributing over the years as they operated on principles that everything is created by the band and not individuals. This uncompromising band has always maintained their political edge with their lyrics and their style has constantly evolved over time to incorporate aspects many genres including country music, folk music, and alternative rock, among others. Although The Mekons' lineup has changed from time to time over the years, the core line-up gathered in the mid-80s and is still together today. This includes Sally Timms on vocals and Susie Honeyman on violin, along with founders Jon Langford on vocals and guitar, and Tom Greenhalgh on vocals and guitars. The Mekons, well known for their exuberant live performances, have released a total of 16 studio albums, starting with the 1979 debut and the most recent in 2025. This episode tells the story of the band from formation through the creative work of their albums of the 80’s and into the early 90’s.
34:43The Cult - Origins
The Cult formed in 1983, behind vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy. Initially known as Death Cult before changing their name in early 1984, this English band would establish a following with their post-punk and gothic rock sound before changing to a more hard rock sound in the later 80’s. The Cult's debut studio album, Dreamtime, was released in 1984 and their second studio album, Love, followed in 1985. Love was the band's breakthrough success and included the classic singles, "She Sells Sanctuary" and "Rain". The Cult’s early work mixed dark, atmospheric sounds with heavy guitar riffs while adding spiritual themes and Native American imagery. The band would be influential for bridging the gap between gothic rock/post-punk with later 80’s hard rock as they changed their musical direction working with producer Rick Rubin for the album Electric in 1987. The Cult would finish out the 80’s with the fourth studio album, Sonic Temple, which included the song “Fire Woman”. This podcast episode will explore the origins of The Cult from before the Death Cult days and through the first four albums as The Cult, all before the end of the 80’s.
33:34The Stranglers - The Men in Black
After starting on the pub rock scene in England, the core line-up of The Stranglers would form in 1975, and they would release their debut album in 1977 during the British punk explosion. During the band's early years, the aggressive and uncompromising approach of The Stranglers would result in the press and critics grouping them with the emerging UK punk rock scene. However The Stranglers, beyond dressing in all black outfits, were different. After the first two albums and over the following years the sound of the band would gradually shift through various genres and styles as the music matured and became more refined. Throughout the band’s history, The Stranglers have had multiple hit singles while releasing 18 studio albums, of which the first ten albums hit top 20 on the UK top album charts. The Stranglers are amongst the longest-surviving bands to have originated in the British punk scene, and one of the most commercially successful band from the UK punk era. This episode tells the story of the band through the first six albums, all by 1981 over a 4 and a half year span, including The Raven, Black and White, and The Gospel According to Meninblack.
35:41The Motels - Out of Los Angeles
Originally from Berkeley, California as the Warfield Foxes, this band relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-70’s and became The Motels. During the late 70's in L.A., The Motels became a vital part of the club circuit that helped launch the local punk and new wave scenes. The band’s early tracks were along punk rock lines, but by the early 80’s The Motels were more new wave and alternative rock behind atmospheric sound, theatrical style, and the sultry vocals of lead singer Martha Davis. Following their third studio album, The Motels became a fixture of the early 1980s MTV. Their music blended moody, melancholic lyrics with catchy, melodic pop-rock and synth-driven arrangements as they achieved commercial success with hit singles, "Only the Lonely" and "Suddenly Last Summer". Led by the charismatic Martha Davis, The Motels were one of the most successful and acclaimed bands to emerge from the Los Angeles new wave scene. The initial run of the band would end in 1987, but Martha Davis later revived the band that is currently known as "The Motels featuring Martha Davis." This episode will tell the story of the band from their early years through the 1980’s.
33:39The Feelies - Crazy Indie Rhythms
Originating from Haledon, New Jersey in 1976, The Feelies would play a post-punk, indie rock, jangle pop style of music. By 1980, The Feelies had become one of the more unique bands from the New York City underground music scene. Arriving during the early post-punk era, the band’s debut album was 1980’s Crazy Rhythms. This trend setting and influential album combined jangly guitars with chiming and droning guitar patterns, along with fast and sharp percussive beats setting the rhythm. The band was not commercially successful, but The Feelies would help shape the sound of American alternative and indie rock music in the 80’s and 90’s, influencing many artists. It would not be until six years after the debut when album number two would be released. That second album, The Good Earth, was co-produced with Peter Buck of R.E.M. By 1992, The Feelies would create two more studio albums before the end of their first run as a band. The band reunited in 2008, and released new studio albums in 2011 and 2017. This episode tells the story of the band from formation and early years through today.
31:14Siouxsie and the Banshees II - The John McGeoch Years
In late 1979 following their second album, two members of Siouxsie and the Banshees departed the band leaving them without a drummer and guitarist. By early 1980, the band had added drummer Budgie and guitarist John McGeoch, which accompanied a change in musical direction for the group. The shift began with the addition of synthesizers and drum machines on the 1980 album, Kaleidoscope. Changes continued with the fourth studio album, the seminal JuJu which featured innovative and unconventional guitar work from McGeoch. On their fifth studio album, A Kiss in the Dreamhouse, Siouxsie and the Banshees shifted toward a more sensual and psychedelia style while incorporating string arrangements. After the third album with McGeoch, they would part ways but not before McGeoch's work with the Banshees would influence many future alternative music guitarists. This episode tells the story of Siouxsie and the Banshees through the three albums with the legendary John McGeoch, and continues the story of our earlier podcast for the band's early years through their first two albums.
33:39Radiohead - Through The Bends
The genre-defying band Radiohead was initially considered as just another alternative rock and grunge act as their debut single "Creep" from their debut album, Pablo Honey, became a global hit in 1993. Radiohead's music would quickly evolve beyond the early labels as they developed a more guitar driven and ballad oriented second album, The Bends. Beyond Pablo Honey and The Bends, the band continued to experiment through the 90's to create a more complex sound on the 1997 landmark recording OK Computer, and abandon traditional rock structures with their 2000 album, Kid A. Radiohead's experimental approach to music is credited with advancing the sound of alternative rock and changing the landscape of 90s alternative music. This episode will tell the story of: Radiohead’s early years after forming in 1985 in Oxfordshire, England under the name On a Friday; the debut album Pablo Honey; and through the second album, The Bends. (Photo by Rupert Elvin for EMI)
39:12The Birthday Party - More than the Boys Next Door
The Birthday Party was an abrasive and chaotic band that mixed blues, free-jazz, and rockabilly to form a unique style of post-punk music. Initially named The Boys Next Door when formed in Australia in 1977, the band would relocate to London and rebrand themselves as The Birthday Party in 1980. This band would provide the jump start to the career of their lead vocalist and frontman, the legendary Nick Cave. Driven by his vocals along with Rowland S. Howard's screeching guitar work, the band would create songs of unusual stories and violent tales behind unsettling and noisy soundscapes. Before disbanding in 1983, the band only had limited commercial success, but was very influential to many other artists that followed. The Birthday Party' s creative core was much more than the boys next door. Beyond Nick Cave as singer and primary songwriter, this included multi-instrumentalist and Mick Harvey, and guitarist Rowland S. Howard, all of which continued beyond to acclaimed careers. This episode will tell the story of the forming of The Boys Next Door through The Birthday Party years, and all their music. (Photo by David Corio)
34:58Eurythmics - Dark Synth Dreams
Following the break up of their previous band The Tourists at the end of 1980, Eurythmics were formed by the duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. They released their debut studio album, In the Garden, in 1981 under the production of Conny Plank, but the album was not very successful. Eurythmics decided on a new approach for their second album, altering their sound to minimal, cold, dark synthesizer-based pop with Annie Lennox's distinct soulful vocals and a very unique visual style. With this came their second album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), which achieved global acclaim along with the number 1 smash hit title track. The music of this January 1983 release featured a dark undercurrent, electro-soul sound built with synthesizers, pioneering drum machines, and unconventional percussion, along with Annie Lennox's emotive lyrics. This was the start of a new era for Eurythmics that introduced Annie Lennox’s iconic, gender-bending visual style to the world and the MTV generation. This episode tells the story of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart from their early days in The Tourists through the first two Eurythmics albums, as they rose to the top of the music world in 1983.
37:10The Beat (The English Beat) - Socially Conscious Ska
The Beat, also known as The English Beat in the United States and Canada, formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. The music of this post-punk act fused various styles including ska, soul, reggae, pop, and punk rock to become one of the key and most successful bands of the UK ska revival and the two-tone scene of the early '80s. The Beat's songs would often include lyrics that took on socio-political themes, while the music and the danceable sound gave the band crossover appeal to go along with their message. The band released multiple critically acclaimed studio albums starting with their debut album of 1980, I Just Can't StopIt, along with a number of hit singles including "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Save It for Later". The Beat broke up in 1983 after the third studio album before some members went on to form two other notable bands, General Public and Fine Young Cannibals. The Beat reformed in the 2000's and continues today with a new make-up behind original member and lead singer Dave Wakeling. This episode tells the story of The Beat from their early days through the music of their three studio albums of the early 80’s.
35:05Front 242 - To the EBM Front
During the 1980’s, Front 242 became a pioneer of Electronic Body Music (EBM) and a key artist in the development of the industrial and electronic music genres. Their music blended aggressive, relentless, danceable, electronic beats with driving basslines, commanding vocals, tense militaristic aesthetics, and innovative media sampling. The Belgian based Front 242 formed in 1981 in an effort to create music and graphic design using emerging electronic technology. During their early albums and releases the band developed what would come to known as EBM. After signing with the the Wax Trax! Records label Front 242 achieved international success with their 1988 fourth studio album, Front by Front. This album spawned the iconic industrial club anthem "Headhunter", and the album and this song are considered among the greatest industrial music releases. This episode will tell the story of the Front 242 from their beginnings as they rise to the front of the EBM and industrial music scenes by the 1990’s.
34:49Altered Images - The Post-Punk Roots of Clare Grogan
Altered Images began in 1979 after forming from a group of five teenagers in Glasgow, Scotland. The band was fronted by singer Clare Grogan with her sweet and bubbly youthful vocals as the band would go from their post-punk roots onto new wave and synth pop in the early 80’s. The first two singles by Altered Images as well the majority of the songs on the debut album were produced by Siouxsie and the Banshees co-founder Steven Severin, who had taken the band under his wing. This early work with Severin was dark and moody post-punk along with Grogan’s more upbeat vocals and melodies, creating a unique mixture and sound. Martin Rushent produced the title track of the debut album, Happy Birthday , which brought the band commercial success, but was more pop sounding than the Severin produced work of the album. Rushent would remain producing for Altered Images with album number two, which was another successful LP and included the hit song “I Could Be Happy”. This Scottish band would find success with six UK top-40 singles and three top-30 albums by 1983, before breaking up following the third album. More recently, Altered Images reformed in 2021 and released a fourth studio album. Clare Grogan has been the one constant member from the original formation while also maintaining a successful acting career among her many ventures. This episode tells the story of this often overlooked band and the career of Clare Grogan, including the story of her connection to the song "True" by Spandau Ballet.
31:21Further Inside the Milky Way - Skeletal Family, Ghost Dance, James Ray
This episode is part of our Further Inside the Milky Way series. These are shows that we will do from time to time where we go deeper into vast collection of the music and artists from the early alternative era. In these episodes we will discuss a few artists in the one show. We will try to pick artists that have something in common or a connection between them. In this "Further" episode all of the bands fit into the gothic rock style or genre in some form. The first is a band that has had a very long career after their 1982 start, Skeletal Family. One of the original Skeletal Family members was lead singer Anne-Marie Hurst, who left to form the second band we discuss, Ghost Dance. Ghost Dance was formed with Hurst and Gary Marx, who had just left The Sisters of Mercy. For the third band, Andrew Eldritch of The Sisters of Mercy brought in the singer and musician James Ray to his Merciful Release Label after the departure of Marx, and would lead to the band, James Ray and the Performance. (Pictured : Anne-Marie Hurst)
35:03Gang of Four - More than Entertainment!
After forming in Leeds in 1976, Gang of Four became one of the most influential and original post-punk bands from the late 70’s UK music scene. Gang of Four took the musical freedoms that punk rock had created and used them to change the future of music. Known for post-punk, dance-punk, and funk rock sounds, the band played a stripped-down mix fusing hard funk rhythms, danceable beats, and jagged guitar while moving away from traditional rock structures for a more unconventional method. The band's music also emphasized social and political issues with the inclusion of radical lyrics and philosophies influenced by situationism and Marxist theory. Gang of Four's debut album from 1979, Entertainment! has been considered not only one of the best debut albums of all time, but one of the best and most influential of all time, and the band is considered one of the leaders of the post-punk movement. While their early seminal records like Entertainment! and the follow-up Solid Gold focused on tense, stripped-down post-punk, their later 1980s albums leaned further into danceable post-punk. This episode will tell the story of the rise of Gang of Four and their influential beginnings, music, and albums over their career with more emphasis on the music and background from Entertainment! and Solid Gold.
35:27The Style Council - The Soul of Paul Weller
When The Jam broke up at the end of 1982, their lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist Paul Weller decided to do something different musically. Weller, along with Mick Talbot, would form The Style Council, a band that would take a more soulful and polished approach to music. This English band would explore and incorporate various influences including European jazz, jazz-pop, classical, funk, R&B, 60's soul, and Northern soul. The music of The Style Council, with the lush arrangements, smooth keyboards, and fluid guitars would often fit the sophisti-pop style. The Style Council was not only about the music as Weller included social commentary in the lyrics and used this venture to address political concerns. Beyond the core members of the band, Weller would bring in other musicians and vocalists as The Style Council would release four studio albums between 1984 and 1988. After their first two albums and early hits like "My Ever Changing Moods" and "You're the Best Thing" , the band's popularity started to decline eventually leading a breakup in 1989. This episode will tell the story of The Style Council between 1983 and 1989, and discuss the band’s music and the content as Paul Weller created soothing and soulful alternative music.
34:46Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division was one of the first and most influential bands coming out of the early years of the post-punk era, and their debut album, Unknown Pleasures, would inspire generations of artists and change the future of music. This English band formed in 1976 and their first recordings were inspired by early punk rock as represented on the 1978 debut EP An Ideal for Living. Joy Division soon signed with the new independent label, Factory Records, where they would record Unknown Pleasures with producer Martin Hannett. This June 1979 release developed a sparse sound and style that made Joy Division one of the pioneering groups of the post-punk genre. The debut album, with the very iconic cover, would become one of the most influential post-punk albums of all time. This podcast episode will tell the story of the formation of Joy Division, their early recordings prior to and around the time of the debut album, and the creation and music of Unknown Pleasures.
33:43Severed Heads - Beyond Dead Eyes
The Australian band Severed Heads was a pioneering electronic and experimental artist, and one that is very underappreciated from the early alternative era. As one of the pioneering Australian alternative music acts, their music was part industrial, synth pop, electronic, dance, and ambient as well as experimental bringing in found sounds, tape loops, samples, and noise. The original two members, Richard Fielding and and Andrew Wright, formed the band in the late 70’s as Mr. and Mrs. No Smoking Sign. Tom Ellard joined in 1979 and soon after the band renamed themselves Severed Heads. By mid-1981, both founding members had departed leaving Ellard to continue the band. As Severed Heads moved through the 80’s behind Ellard, their sound evolved from the early avant-garde to more accessible electronic body music (EBM) style with synth hooks and pop structures taking on both an industrial and dance-oriented approach. In 1983, the band released their fourth studio album, Since the Accident, followed with the single "Dead Eyes Opened ", a critically acclaimed song that would become a dance club classic. Beyond the music, Severed Heads were also early pioneers of incorporating video, computer graphics, and digital technology into their performances and releases. In all, the band has 23 studio albums as well a number other releases including a number of video albums over a very prolific career as one of the longest running Australian post-punk era bands. Our podcast will tell the story of the pioneering Severed Heads, well beyond "Dead Eyes Opened"!
32:41The Afghan Whigs - Congregation and Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs earned a cult following during the early 90's with their music that mixed the Motown sound and R&B with indie and alternative rock. Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1986, The Afghan Whigs were led by singer-songwriter Greg Dulli whose songs presented vivid stories of broken relationships, obsession, guilt and toxic masculinity. The music was full of emotional anguish and the lyrics were introspective, dark, and mature behind Dulli's intense and gravelly vocals. The band's signature sound was a fusing of the passionate vocals with melodic guitars, gritty alternative rock of the grunge era, and soul and funk influences. It was all of this that separated the band from their peers in the early 90’s, and resulted in The Afghan Whigs as being one of the most critically acclaimed alternative bands of the 1990s. Their work was best represented on 1992's album, Congregation, where the band found their signature sound, and the critically acclaimed cinematic masterpiece from 1993, Gentlemen, which is considered a landmark, unapologetic breakup album. In this episode we will discuss the early years of the band with a focus on their two classic albums, Congregation and Gentlemen.
31:29Magazine - John McGeoch and Beyond
After being part of Buzzcocks, Howard Devoto left that group in 1977 to start a new band, known as Magazine. He launched this new venture in Manchester, England when he enlisted a young guitarist to join, named John McGeoch. Magazine would debut with the song “Shot By Both Sides”, followed by their debut album, Real Life. This classic and critically acclaimed album is considered by many as the first post-punk album. As one of the first post-punk bands, Magazine built off the energy of punk while adding various complex musical elements along with darker lyrics. With McGeoch, who would become one of the greatest guitarists of the alternative music era, Magazine would release three albums before McGeoch's departure in 1980. Magazine would release another studio album before breaking up in 1981. The band would reform under in 2009 and release their fifth and final studio album in October 2011, before the band ended. This episode will tell the story of the band including the first three albums with the late John McGeoch, and beyond with the albums that followed. We will also discuss the impact John McGeoch had on music before his passing at the age of 48 in 2004.
33:33The B-52's - Rock Lobster and Other Early Tales
After the release of their debut single, The B-52's quickly became known for their campy, high-energy party music with surreal lyrics and distinct retro 1960s fashion. This quirky group blended surf rock, punk, '60s pop, vintage soul, low-budget sci-fi and dance music, along with kitsch culture. That debut single was the cult hit “Rock Lobster”, which was followed by the classic self-titled debut album in 1979. Along with other early songs such as "Private Idaho," and "Legal Tender", The B-52's crossed over from the underground to the mainstream becoming one of the pioneers of new wave. Formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976 by Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, and Keith Strickland, the band developed trademark sounds including a call-and-response singing style along with harmonic vocals; angular guitar riffs and unusual guitar tunings; and keyboard driven instrumentation. The B-52's are considered one of the more influential early alternative bands having toured for decades, inspiring others with their unique music and style. This episode will tell the story and tales of the band from their formation through the early days and albums of through the early 1980’s.
41:26The Smiths - The Debut of Marr and Morrissey
The Smiths defined UK indie rock on their way to becoming one of the pioneers of indie music and one of the most influential bands of not just of the early alternative music era, but of the history of rock music. After The Smiths formed in 1982, The Smiths would reject the synth-pop and new wave dominated UK music scene, focusing on guitar-based rock. The key to The Smiths was the songwriting collaboration between lead singer Morrissey, with his unique vocal and lyrical approach, and guitarist Johnny Marr, with his jangly guitar style, as they created a new direction of alternative music defined as jangle pop. Over their short career of four studio albums, The Smiths achieved major commercial success while remaining on the independent record label, Rough Trade Records, before the team of Morrissey and Marr would break up in 1987. This episode will tell the story of the early years and formation of The Smiths with a focus on their self-titled debut album of 1984 and the non-album singles from this same time period.
31:42ABC - The Lexicon of Love
In 1982, ABC released their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, to critical acclaim as the album went straight to number 1 on the UK albums chart. The album is regarded as a masterpiece and a landmark album for the sophisticated and lush orchestral arrangements created by legendary producer Trevor Horn, as well as the emotional songwriting from the collective efforts of the band members. Horn’s production on this would be an influence to electronic music over the following years. ABC formed in 1980, evolving from the Sheffield, England based band Vice Versa when lead vocalist Martin Fry was added to the group. With the addition of Fry, the band’s music became a new romantic synth-pop style with funk-inspired basslines and electronic textures. The Lexicon of Love well represented this as ABC became a key band to the "New Pop" and "Sophisti-Pop" movements of the early 80’s while the band created several catchy, synth-driven hits including "Poison Arrow" and "The Look of Love," both from The Lexicon of Love. This episode will tell the story of ABC from their roots as Vice-Versa and the forming of ABC, along with the music of ABC focusing on the work with Trevor Horn and the debut album.
34:54Swans - Uncompromising
The band Swans formed in 1981 by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Micheal Gira and began as part of the New York City based no wave scene. Swans early years' music was known for a very intense and abrasive sound. Following the addition of vocalist and keyboardist Jarboe in 1986, Swans began to slowly incorporate melody into the music moving beyond the brutal music of the early years to a more diverse sound. The band's music would venture through a variety of styles and explore many different genres over the years including industrial, post-rock, drone, and neo-folk, among many others. Throughout their career, Swans become known for creating intense and experimental music that has often led to the band being referred to as "Uncompromising." This episode will tell the story of Swans from their beginning through the end of their initial run as a band in 1997.
36:07The Cure - The Original Gothic Trilogy
Following their debut album of 1979, The Cure became one to the key post-punk bands as they developed a dark, gothic rock sound over the next three albums. Many refer to the The Cure's three consecutive early-80's releases as The Gothic Trilogy. These melancholic albums represent the band's transition from their debut album into the bleak, atmospheric sound that helped define the gothic genre. These three albums are Seventeen Seconds from 1980, 1981’s Faith, and the conclusion to the trilogy, Pornography of 1982. At that time, the albums were not intended to form a trilogy nor have the impact that they did, but the music did establish The Cure and lead singer Robert Smith as seminal figures in both the post-punk movement and the emerging gothic rock subculture. This episode tells the story of The Cure from formation from the debut album, Three Imaginary Boys, through 1982 and the "original" gothic trilogy.
37:25The Sundays - Where the Story Begins
The Sundays were a critically acclaimed UK indie band that created the alternative and indie classic song, “Here’s Where the Story Ends”. This single from their 1990 debut album Reading, Writing and Arithmetic would reach number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and become one of the most well-known from the 90’s alternative music era. The Sundays were active from 1988 to 1997, but only released three albums over their career as the band never crossed over into the mainstream that they seemed destined for. Their music combined introspective lyrics with distinctive ethereal and melancholy vocals along with jangly, chiming guitars for their unique sound while building a cult base that still exists today. Led by vocalist Harriet Wheeler and guitarist David Gavurin, who met each other while at Bristol University, this band was very private and low profile right from the start. The band signed with indie label Rough Trade Records releasing their debut single, "Can't Be Sure", followed by the 1990 debut album. The Sundays exited the music world in 1997 after the third album so Wheeler and Gavurin, who had married each other a couple of years earlier, could focus on raising their family and enjoy their private life. This episode tells the story of where The Sundays began, their career, the albums, and the music of these alternative favorites of the 90’s.
32:06The Clash - London Calling
1979's London Calling from The Clash is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time as the record expanded the beyond the limitations of punk rock to successfully merge punk rock roots with reggae, rockabilly, ska, R&B, jazz, pop and hard rock. This massive double album of 19 songs contains socially charged lyrical themes include social displacement, racial conflict, unemployment, drug use, the cold war, and nuclear threats, all against the backdrop of a bleak time period in London. Behind the music and the themes, the album London Calling would influence countless bands and various genres as music moved into the 80’s, making it's release a definitive moment in music history, and solidifying The Clash as one of the most influential bands of the era. In this episode we will discuss the legendary album London Calling and it’s music, and the story behind it. We will also briefly discuss the early years of The Clash, a band that was right there are the beginning of punk.
32:25Depeche Mode - Constructing a Dark Reward
Depeche Mode is one of the most iconic electronic bands and a band that changed the music landscape. As a key synth-pop pioneer, Depeche Mode brought industrial-tinged electronic rock to the mainstream and expanded sampling technology with innovative means. Their synth-driven songs took moody and poetic lyrics mixed with creative soundscapes transforming electronic music into a deeply emotional experience. The band formed in 1980 in Basildon, England originally consisting of Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and Vince Clarke. Primary songwriter Clarke departed after the debut album and Alan Wilder joined for the third album, 1983's Construction Time Again. This began the move of Depeche Mode toward darker territory which continued to build on their next album, 1984's Some Great Reward. This episode will tell the story of Depeche Mode through the early years and through the fourth album, Some Great Reward, that opened the band up to international success.
39:07The Origins of Alternative Music - The Stooges
In this episode we take a look back to another origin artist of alternative music, The Stooges. Regarded as a seminal proto-punk band, The Stooges were instrumental in the development of punk rock, post-punk, alternative rock and various other forms of rock music. The Stooges started in Michigan in 1967, and were known for their sound that was simple, primitive, and energetic with stripped-down aggression. Along with the music, their performances were chaotic and confrontational helping to lay the foundation for punk rock along with the darker, intense, and experimental direction of countless future bands. Iggy Pop, also referred to as the "Godfather of Punk", was the lead singer of the band with his unique voice, lyrics, and his unpredictable and unusual stage antics that would set the bar for the intense performances found in punk and post-punk music. This episode will discuss the influence of The Stooges and their music, tell the story of the band's beginning and what was behind this music, and discuss the music of their three influential albums from the years 1969 through 1973.
36:01XTC - Making Plans for Drums and Wires
By the end of the 1970’s, XTC had evolved from a quirky punk type of band into an intelligent and elaborate art-rock post-punk band with pop sensibilities and punk energy. The band had formed in the early 70's in Swindon, England and was fronted by songwriters Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding. XTC's music featured distinctive angular guitars and witty lyrics as they were known for their energetic live performances and their non-conventional music. Their 1979 single "Making Plans for Nigel" was a commercial breakthrough and began the popularization of the reverberating drum sound. This was well represented on XTC's third album, Drums and Wires, produced by legendary producer, Steve Lillywhite. Our episode will tell the story of the band through their early years along with the development of XTC's music through the first three albums including the incredible third album, Drums and Wires.
35:58The Charlatans - Some Friendly Baggy
The English band The Charlatans were one of the most successful artists from the "Madchester" and "Baggy" music and cultural scene of late 80s and early 90s. The music of The Charlatans was a blend of indie rock, dance rhythms, and 60’s psychedelic influenced organ grooves. This was well represented on their 1990 debut studio album, Some Friendly, which debuted at number 1 on the UK albums chart. Their pre-album single release in early 1990, “The Only One I Know”, was a was a top 10 hit and one of the defining songs of the baggy movement. The band formed in 1988 and added lead singer Tim Burgess in 1989 before The Charlatans debut studio album. By the band’s third album the Madchester sound was fading and the band evolved their sound over the next few albums. The Charlatans have been one of the most prominent and longest running indie bands from the UK. All of the band's fourteen studio albums, including their newest from October 2025, have charted in the top 40 of the UK albums chart This episode will tell the story of the forming of the band through their debut number 1 album and music during the baggy years.
35:37The Sisters of Mercy - First and Last and Always
The Sisters of Mercy rose from the UK post-punk scene after forming in Leeds in 1980. The band’s sound was characterized by gloomy and dark atmospheres, heavy basslines, and cavernous reverb as The Sisters of Mercy and their music became a major influence on the gothic rock genre. Initiated by Andrew Eldritch and Gary Marx, The Sisters of Mercy have gone through many members over the years, but the constant force has always been lead vocalist Eldritch along with his drum machine known as "Doktor Avalanche". Eldritch's deep and melancholic singing voice, along with his appearance and style led the media to describe him as "The Godfather of Goth" for inspiring and defining the gothic scene. After releasing a number of singles in the early '80s to underground success, the group created their highly influential debut album, First and Last and Always, in 1985. This seminal gothic rock album with tracks like "Marian" and "Black Planet" would be the first of only three studio LP’s from The Sisters of Mercy ,even though the band continues today performing live and touring. Our podcast episode will tell the story of the band's early years leading up to and through the incredible debut album of 1985, First and Last and Always.
31:58Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights to Never for Ever
In 1978, Kate Bush hit number one on the UK singles chart with her debut song, “Wuthering Heights”. This was of the start of the unique, creative and successful journey of the legendary English singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, and producer. After being discovered during her teenage years with the help of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Kate Bush would soon follow the debut single with the release of her debut album in early 1978, The Kick Inside. After her second album, Kate Bush would perform her monumental Tour of Life, the first and only formal tour in her career. In 1980 her third album, Never for Ever, would reach number 1 in the UK. Bush co-produced this album that saw her sound become more experimental as she discovered new sonic territories, leading to visionary albums and international success. This podcast episode will tell the story of the influential Kate Bush’s early years covering her debut single, the first two albums followed by the world tour of 1979, and through the third studio album, Never for Ever.
33:28Psychic TV - Thee Music Collective Temple
After pioneering industrial music greats Throbbing Gristle broke-up in 1981, founding member Genesis P-Orridge started Psychic TV along with former bandmate Peter Christopherson and Alternative TV founding member, Alex Fergusson. Psychic TV would be a multimedia and experimental music and video art collective, while becoming one of the most unique bands of the era. Besides experimental music, the band's music explored psychedelic, acid house, industrial, electronic, punk, post-punk, and even melodic pop. During the late 1980's, Psychic TV was one of the more influential artists for the genre of acid house music releasing several compilation albums of songs they recorded under various fake band names helping to popularize the sound. When formed, Psychic TV was more than just a band as they also built a creative occultist organization known as Thee Temple Ov Psychic Youth or T.O.P.Y., which would be the magical order and philosophical portion of the venture. As a music collective, Psychic TV involved a wide range of artists and collaborators while P-Orridge remained the primary songwriter throughout the band's history. Pyschic TV would release over 100 albums, which included the years 1981 through 1999, and again from 2003 until 2020, until the passing of Genesis P-Orridge. This podcast episode shall tell the story of the band and their music from formation through the early years and into the beginning of the 90's.
31:19The Church - Beyond the Milky Way
After The Church formed in Sydney in 1980, the band would begin to develop a distinctive ethereal and psychedelic indie rock sound with atmospheric and surreal soundscapes. The Church released their debut album in 1981, Of Skins and Heart, followed by a number of excellent albums including The Blurred Crusade and Heyday. It would be with the fifth studio album, 1988's Starfish with the hit song "Under the Milky Way", that the band would experience their most success on their way to being one of the most accomplished Australian bands from the post-punk era. Behind lead singer and bassist Steve Kilbey, The Church's music over the years has ventured through various sounds and genre influences. During the 80’s, they were one of those bands that did not get the attention or notoriety they deserved for their music. Still recording and touring today, the band built a large international following while creating 27 studio albums over their career and has become one of the great alternative bands of the 80’s and beyond. This episode will tell the story of The Church from their formation and early years, and through through the 80's and into the 90's beyond the song "Under the Milky Way", a song whose title was the idea behind my title of this podcast series.
41:21Jane's Addiction - Building the Alternative Nation
Jane's Addiction was one of the most influential bands of the alternative rock movement that helped usher in alternative rock of the 1990’s. The band was founded in 1985 in Los Angeles by lead vocalist Perry Farrell, often referred to as the Godfather of Alternative Rock, and bassist Eric Avery following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band, Psi Com. Jane's Addiction would add drummer Stephen Perkins and guitarist Dave Navarro to round out the band before their first release. Jane's Addiction's debut was their self-titled live album in 1987 followed by the two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking of 1988 and Ritual de lo Habitual of 1990. Their fanbase grew with these releases that included iconic songs like "Jane Says", "Mountain Song" , and "Been Caught Stealing". The band's first farewell tour in 1991 launched the beginning of Lollapalooza. The event was co-founded by Farrell and included bringing together a large and diverse collection of bands forming what Farrell called, the "Alternative Nation". This episode will tell the story of the forming of and the early years for Jane’s Addiction, the band from their live album through the turbulent times of their first two studio albums, all while leading the way to being one of the first commercially successful alternative rock bands and setting the stage for 90’s alternative rock.
36:38Spandau Ballet - Before True Gold
Years before the hit songs "True" and "Gold", the English band Spandau Ballet had formed in 1979 inspired by the local post-punk underground dance scene. By 1980, the band became the house band at London’s Blitz Club for the club clientele, known as the Blitz Kids, and became a key band in the burgeoning New Romantic scene. Starting with their 1980 debut single "To Cut a Long Story Short", a song that would reach No. 5 in the UK, Spandau Ballet would became one of the most successful groups of the New Romantic era and part of the second British invasion. In early 1981 the band issued their debut album, Journeys to Glory, with music centered on the underground scene and the New Romantic movement. As the Blitz Club scene had faded, Spandau Ballet recorded and released their second album Diamond in 1982 album. The band chose to pursue a more pop-oriented sound leading to the 1983 International hit album, True, with the title track "True" and second single "Gold" becoming major hit singles. This episode will tell the story of Spandau Ballet and their music from the early years including the first two albums, all before "True", "Gold", and international success.
32:56Young Marble Giants - Colossal Youth
Although the band Young Marble Giants created only one full length studio album, that one album from 1980, Colossal Youth, would be a post-punk tone setter. This Welsh band formed in Cardiff in 1978 and was based around the vocals of Alison Statton along with the minimalist instrumentation of brothers Philip and Stuart Moxham. The trio created a sound from post-punk's experimental tendencies in a very minimal and unique form. There was nobody else like this band from this time. Based on a couple of demo songs, Young Marble Giants was signed by Rough Trade Records and would create their debut Colossal Youth followed by two EP’s. After that, the members moved on to other projects. The band would reunite a few times over the years as new generations of indie artists would be influenced by the unique music of Young Marble Giants. This episode will discuss the band and their music during the early years, the debut album Colossal Youth, and the years and projects after the original run.
25:52The Psychedelic Furs - Music the Butlers' Way
Soon after forming in London in 1977, The Psychedelic Furs would be part of the rising UK post-punk scene. However, they would not be just another post-punk band. Led by the Butler brothers of Richard, lead singer with his very distinctive vocal style, and bassist Tim, The Psychedelic Furs would start their career with a couple of excellent post-punk albums. Following their self-titled debut album in 1981 and the follow up album Talk Talk Talk a year later, the band would make a change in production and a slight change in sound. A string of hits in the 80's ensued beginning with the song "Love My Way" from their third album, Forever Now. The band would reach international recognition when in 1986, filmmaker John Hughes used their 1981 song for his film, Pretty in Pink. This podcast episode will tell the story of The Psychedelic Furs from formation and the early years through all eight of their studio albums with focus on the first four albums, which helped define the Furs.
35:43Catherine Wheel - Ferment and Chrome
The English band Catherine Wheel's 1992 debut album Ferment and the 1993 follow up album Chrome associated the group with the shoegaze music scene. As the band progressed over the years after their debut, the music would become heavier before shifting to a more textured sound crossing through genres with the ever changing landscape of alternative music in the 90’s. Catherine Wheel’s early attention and success started with the debut single , “Black Metallic” . They created another shoegaze anthem, "Crank", as the first single from the second album. It was during this early period over these two albums that Catherine Wheel incorporated shoegaze related elements of hazy and droning guitars, effects pedals, and somewhat buried vocals, along with some grunge and on the debut album, neo-psychedelia. The band, fronted by lead singer and guitarist Rob Dickinson, would end their run in 2000 after five full length studio albums and years of US college radio success. On this episode, we will explore the career of Catherine Wheel and their music with a little more focus on the first two albums.
24:50Björk - The Sugarcubes Years
The Sugarcubes were an Icelandic alternative band that formed in 1986, and by the time the band ended in 1992 they had become Iceland's biggest music group. During this short career, The Sugarcubes were a complex post-punk, dream pop, experimental, indie dance rock band. Their music was a upbeat blend of psychedelic sounds, punk energy, pop-driven melodies, angular guitar riffs, and tribal rhythms. They combined this with unique storytelling and quirky, surreal lyrics characterized by the distinctive and ethereal vocals of their lead singer, Björk. Björk had began her music career at the age of 11, but it would The Sugarcubes years where she gained world wide recognition. This would lead to her internationally successful solo career that followed as she became the bestselling Icelandic musician of all time, and an influential pioneer in electronic and experimental music. The episode tells the story of Björk’s early years through the band Kukl, the forming of The Sugarcubes, their signature song “Birthday” and the 1988 international hit debut album, Life's Too Good, and the music over the next two albums before The Sugarcubes ended in 1992.
28:06Cabaret Voltaire - The Original Sound of Sheffield
The story of Cabaret Voltaire began when they formed in Sheffield, England in 1973 by Chris Watson, Richard H Kirk, and Stephen Mallinder. The band would go on to one of the most innovative, influential, and pioneering industrial and post-punk acts as they became known as the original sound of Sheffield. Cabaret Voltaire took their name from the Zurich nightclub that was the center of the early Dada movement and began their career with Dada-influenced performance art where they challenged musical norms and experimented with sound creation and processing. This would lead to Cabaret Voltaire expanding their use and development of raw tape loops, avant-garde noise, sampling and other technology while mixing in danceable electronic sounds along with art, politics, and social issues. Their 70’s and into the early 80’s work would foreshadow industrial and electronic music genres that would follow, and inspire many artists as they became one of the most important bands not to just industrial music, but music in general. In this episode we tell the story of Cabaret Voltaire and their music starting from the early years including albums Voice of America and Red Mecca, through the music after Chris Watson departed in 1981 as the band continued through the 80's with albums such as The Crackdown and Micro-Phonies.
39:24Primal Scream - The Loaded Screamadelica
Screamadelica, the 1991 third studio album from Primal Scream, was a defining album as it successfully fused indie rock with electronic, techno, and house dance music. The album was instrumental in bringing this musical style to the international mainstream. Although Primal Scream formed in 1982 in Glasgow, Scotland, it was not until lead singer Bobby Gillespie left his other band (The Jesus and Mary Chain) in 1986 that Primal Scream began to rise. Behind Gillespie, the band’s music went through periods of jangle pop and a harder garage rock sound in the 80's before a change of direction to the acid house scene. This occurred with a new dance music sound mixing indie pop, techno, dub, and psychedelia on the landmark third album, Screamadelica. This episode will discuss this band’s formation, the early years and music up through the highly regarding 1990 single mixed by DJ Andrew Weatherall, "Loaded", and the album that followed under Weatherall's production, the classic Screamadelica.
26:49Origins of Alternative Music: The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground formed in New York City in 1964 and has been considered by many as one of the most influential American rock bands. The band's music contained experimentation with instrumentation and sounds while containing raw and provocative lyrics from lead singer and guitarist Lou Reed. These features, along with unconventional and minimalist arrangements, would lead to the development of punk rock, new wave, post-punk, indie rock and many other genres of the alternative music world. In 1966, the Velvet Underground became the house band at pop artist Andy Warhol's studio, The Factory. With Warhol as producer, the band released their debut album in 1967, The Velvet Underground & Nico, featuring the German singer and model Nico. This album is considered as one of the greatest albums in music history due to it's influence on future artists and genres. This episode will discuss the influence of this band and their music, tell the story of the band's beginning and what was behind this music, and discuss the music of the classic debut album.
31:5045 Grave - Halloween from the Grave
When 45 Grave formed in Los Angeles in 1979, their music would combine punk rock with a dark and horror themed aesthetic becoming one of the first American gothic rock bands as they helped create the genre, deathrock. After the rise of the deathrock sound from the LA Punk scene, 45 Grave would release their critically acclaimed debut album in 1983, Sleep in Safety. The band’s most notable success came with version of a song from that album, "Partytime", that was featured in the 1985 movie and soundtrack of Return of the Living Dead. 45 Grave broke up in 1985, but founding member and lead vocalist Dinah Cancer would later reform the band. Cancer would be deemed "The Queen of Deathrock" from her commanding stage presence and theatrics, and distinct vocals. This episode will discuss the origin of 45 Grave, the music from the band, and their dynamic lead singer, Dinah Cancer, as we welcome the band as our Halloween representative this week. Happy Halloween!
25:53Bauhaus - Bela Lugosi and a Dark Field
When Bauhaus created the song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” and released it as their debut single in early 1979, they did not realize the impact the song and the band's aesthetic would have on culture and music. The song would be considered one of the greatest debut singles and the song would be deemed the first gothic rock song. This led to the dark, gloomy, and intense debut album the following year, In The Flat Field. This highly original post-punk band, their image, and their early music would be a direct influence on contemporary goth culture. In this episode, we tell the story of the creation of the single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead" from the band's legendary first recording session, how the members of Bauhaus formed just weeks prior to that session, and the debut album In the Flat Field after the band signed with 4AD Records.
25:51Chrome - Sonics of Another World
Chrome was one of the more unusual alternative bands that arrived on the 70's San Francisco music scene. Chrome’s music would often take on sci-fi themes while employing tape loops, distortion and overloaded acid rock guitar, found sounds from television, and whatever noise they could create with electronics. These raw experimental and industrial sounds would be blended with elements from punk rock and psychedelia. The result of all of this would be a forerunner to industrial rock and noise rock of the 1980's. The band was founded by vocalist, drummer and keyboardist Damon Edge. After a debut album in 1976, Chrome added guitarist Helios Creed in 1977. With the pairing of Edge and Creed, Chrome became a cult band favorite with their next two albums, Alien Soundtracks and Half Machine Lip Moves. Edge and Creed went separate directions in the mid-80's with Damon Edge continuing the band until he passed away in 1995. Helios Creed, who had been away from the group since the mid-80’s, revived Chrome and has continued the band with performances and release of new albums. This episode will discuss this band’s early years, their music, and the work of Chrome especially during the influential Edge and Creed years.
30:32Blancmange - The Sweet Synth of Luscombe and Arthur
Blancmange formed in London in 1979 behind vocalist Neil Arthur and instrumentalist Stephen Luscombe. On their way to becoming a classic synth-pop duo, they would take a more exotic approach to the music than others in the electropop field. Besides often creating eccentric dance rhythms and a comforting atmosphere, Blancmange would sometimes fuse synth with eastern influences as part of their music. The band would create three studio albums in the early to mid-80’s before breaking up in 1986. The band would return in the 2000’s with a fourth album in 2011. However, Stephen Luscombe had to step away soon after due to health issues leaving Arthur to continue under the Blancmange name. Just last month, Stephen Luscombe passed away at the age of 70. This episode tell the story of how Luscombe and Arthur created the band, their music of the 80's, and the years the followed.
23:57The Raincoats - Storming the Social Conscience
In 1977 two art school students in London, Ana da Silva and Gina Birch, would start the post-punk band, The Raincoats. Not only did they develop an unusual sound and approach to music incorporating experimental and other elements, but this band also that took on social and political issues. The Raincoats would release their self-titled debut album in 1979 as an all-female band for this debut. The Raincoats would be one of the first bands to influence feminism and they would inspire generations of female fronted bands that came after. The band would break up in 1984 following their third album, but the band’s influence in the 90’s on artists including Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain would inspire a reissue of their catalog and a rekindling of the group in 1993. This episode will tell the story of the early years of the band, their impact on social issues, their music, and the chance meeting of Ana da Silva with Kurt Cobain that led to the reformation of The Raincoats.
24:08Galaxie 500 - A Key to Slowcore
Galaxie 500 formed in Boston in 1987 and would deliver three studio albums before disbanding in 1991. The creation from the band over this limited span was a mix of indie rock, dream pop, and neo-psychedelia using slow tempos and a minimalist approach. Much of this unique music would be a key to the development of the 90's sub-genre known as slowcore. Their second album, On Fire, was the most influential of their work toward slowcore. Besides impacting the development of this genre, the music from Galaxie 500 would also influence artists and other music styles. Following the break-up of Galaxie 500 in 1991, lead singer and guitarist Dean Wareham would go on to form the band Luna. In this podcast episode we will tell the story of the early years of Galaxie 500, the music and impact of the band, and the spin-off project Luna.
25:07The Chameleons - Script of the Bridge and Beyond
The Chameleons released their debut studio album in 1983, the classic and one of the best of the era, Script of the Bridge. This was followed by What Does Anything Mean? Basically in 1985 and Strange Times in 1986, completed an amazing trilogy of post-punk albums to start their career before they abruptly broke up in 1987. This Manchester, England band that formed in 1981 and was known for their atmospheric, layered guitar-based, post-punk sound became one of the most underrated and underappreciated band of the 1980s. The Chameleons reformed a couple of times over the years, most recently in 2021. Following extensive touring, the band has just released a new studio album, Arctic Moon. In this podcast, we will tell the story of the early years of the band and their first three albums, along with the years that followed up through the new release.
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