Guest: Paul Humphreys, co-founder of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Humphreys of OMD to discuss the musical duo's return to U.S. stages in 2025, their recent standout performance at Cruel World Festival , and the continuing creative evolution of one of synth-pop’s most influential acts. Paul reflects on the critical and commercial success of Bauhaus Staircase , OMD’s politically conscious lyrics, the band’s hybrid analog-digital production setup, and ...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min
Today, I’m joined by the legendary David J Haskins of the iconic post-punk bands Bauhaus and Love and Rockets. He’s here to talk about two powerful, intertwined new releases: a poetry collection titled Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer and a companion album, The Mother Tree —his most personal work to date, created in tribute to his late mother. We discuss memory, grief, creativity, his upcoming tour, other upcoming projects, and what’s next for Love and Rockets . I've had the pleasure of talking t...
May 17, 2025•44 min
Today, we’re talking with legendary drummer Dale Crover, best known for his work with The Melvins. Their unique blend of metal, punk, and experimental music helped shape the Grunge sound. In addition to The Melvins, Crover has worked with bands like Acid King, Altamont, Redd Kross, and most notably, Nirvana. Rolling Stone even named him the 69th greatest drummer of all time. But Dale Crover is more than just a great rock drummer—he’s also a solo artist, and he’s just released his third solo albu...
Oct 10, 2024•33 min
On this week's episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for synth-pop duo the Pulsars. The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio's brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio, were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their 1997 self-titled debut album, years before the post-punk revival of the early 2000s, when bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol became indie music darlings. Their debut album was chock full of New Wa...
Aug 30, 2024•39 min
The Sisters of Mercy are one of the most iconic Goth groups of all time. Despite not releasing an album since 1990's 'Vision Thing,' they retain a devoted fanbase, as evidenced by the rapturous acclaim of their 2023 North American tour, which saw them play hits like 'This Corrosion' along with deep cuts, and new material. And now the band are preparing to return to the U.S. and Canada with a Fall 2024 tour. On this week's episode I talk to band guitarist Ben Christo to discuss what fans can expe...
Aug 22, 2024•37 min
Join us for a special episode as we delve into the legacy of musical icon Michael Hutchence, whose career with INXS skyrocketed in the 80s. Beloved for his mystique and distinctive vocals, Hutchence left a lasting impact on millions despite his untimely passing in 1997. Now, producer Danny Saber (U2, Madonna, David Bowie) brings Hutchence's unfinished demos to life with the release of 'One Way' b/w 'Save My Life,' a 10-inch picture disk out August 9 via Boss Sonics and Deko Entertainment. Saber ...
Aug 01, 2024•39 min
Just in time for spooky season, Jack Sommerby and I list our picks of the 17 best horror films of all time, from the most iconic to to the slightly obscure. We're covering slashers, body-horror, sci-fi horror and more. So take a listen and see if you agree with our choices, and tell us your favorites in the comments.
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 50 min
Prong are an eternally underrated metal act, but their fervent underground following has fueled them since forming in NYC in 1986. Over 13 albums and revolving lineups, frontman/guitarist Tommy Victor has unleashed his patented brand of working class angst on classic tracks like 'Prove You Wrong', 'For Dear Life', 'Whose Fist Is This Anyway', and their best-known hit, 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' off 1994's ' Cleansing '. In addition to that body of work, he pulls double duty as the guita...
Oct 16, 2023•34 min
On our latest podcast episode we're doing a genre double-dip when I talk to director Mike Schiff about his informative new documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, which features notable luminaries from the worlds of film and metal discussing why the two genres feel so interlinked. The film is a treasure trove of genre trivia, with Schiff picking the brains of the likes of Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor, Kane Hodder, Richard Christie, Dave Mustaine, Phil Anselmo, Joh...
Oct 04, 2023•35 min
Emily Whitehurst first rose to prominence under the alias Agent M, lead vocalist for late 90's/early 00's punk act Tsunami Bomb. After leaving the group in 2005, Whitehurst would go on to form indie-electronic project Survival Guide alongside guitarist Jaycen McKissick, but she's been the sole creative force behind the project since McKissick's departure in 2015. Whitehurst/Survival Guide is gearing to release her new album Death Dreams (due October 19 on Double Helix Records), and it continues ...
Aug 25, 2023•38 min
Last week lovers of intense cinema were saddened by the passing of director William Friedkin, who died on August 7 at the age of 87. Friedkin was a true force of nature, an uncompromising director known primarily for two of the greatest films of the 1970's (and of all time): hardboiled crime drama 'The French Connection' (starring Gene Hackman) and 'The Exorcist', one of the most iconic and terrifying films ever made (and that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year). While his career waned in...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Royal Thunder are back with Rebuilding The Mountain , their first album in 5 years, out June 16th via Spinefarm . Like past efforts including Wick and Crooked Doors , it sees the group continue their unique marriage of classic rock and 90’s alternative with a contemporary edge. It also marks the return of drummer Evan DiPrima, who left the group in 2018. It’s also one of their most direct and immediate efforts, reflecting the group’s recent sobriety and renewed focus of their musical vision. And...
Jun 13, 2023•39 min
The Church have been brewing up their unique blend of psychedelia, post-punk, alternative and prog-rock ever since they formed in 1980. Over four decades, various lineup changes and 26 studio albums, their prolific streak has brought them an adoring cult following on albums including (to name but a few) The Blurred Crusade, Heyday, Starfish, Priest=Aura and Man Woman Life Death Infinity , (and the hit singles Under The Milky Way, Reptile and Metropolis ). And shepherding them along the way has b...
Feb 28, 2023•36 min
30 years ago this week, U2 released Achtung Baby , the 1991 opus that helped them roar back to relevance after being sidelined by the commercial and critical disappointment of their 1998 documentary and album Rattle and Hum . Click here for the best albums of 1991 Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, Achtung Baby saw the Irish outfit refresh their sound with the emerging alternative flavors of the day, including industrial and dance music, while also largely abandoning the self-serious tone ...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 5 min
As the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Cocteau Twins, Robin Guthrie's unique sonic palette helped spearhead and popularize the dream pop sub-genre, with songs that emerged like hazy daydreams through his unique combination of melody and his focused use of effects on albums like 'Treasure', 'Blue Bell Knoll' and 'Heaven or Las Vegas.' During that time, Guthrie also did extensive production work for a variety of artists including The Wolfgang Press, The Gun Club, A.R. Kane, ...
Nov 16, 2021•50 min
September 24th marks a sacred date for Gen Xers: Nirvana's 1991 grunge masterpiece 'Nevermind' celebrates its (get ready to feel old) 30th anniversary! Yes, that's right, the album that was the soundtrack to your 90's life is now 3-decades old, and in its honor, co-host Chris Logan and I celebrate why it still packs a punch. In this episode, we discuss what it was like hearing 'Nevermind' for the first time (including seeing the music video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'), how it still holds up, ...
Sep 23, 2021•1 hr 16 min
On today’s episode I speak to Trevor Dunn, the bassist and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work in the experimental rock group Mr. Bungle, as well as Tomahawk (who released their latest album ‘Tonic Immobility’ in March), Fantomas, The Melvins, Mad Love, and Nels Cline amongst many other projects. Dunn is back with “merdeka atau mati” the debut album from SpermChurch, his new project which sees him collaborate with the late avant-garde musician Sannety, and will be releasing the album S...
Sep 08, 2021•47 min
On today’s podcast episode I’ll be speaking to Steve Kilbey, best known as the vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter for veteran Australian alternative psych group The Church. With The Church, Kilbey has generated a whopping 25 studio albums since their formation, beginning with 1981’s Of Skins and Heart. The band are most notable in pop culture for their hit single Under The Milky Way off their 1988 album Starfish, but as diehard fans will tell you, that’s just a drop in the ocean to their ...
Oct 08, 2020•51 min
Wayne Hussey is goth-rock royalty. Between his tenure as guitarist in The Sisters of Mercy to founding the The Mission UK, the frontman/guitarist has created some of the most iconic and evocative work in the genre...and beyond. Never content to rest on his laurels, Hussey remains a creative force, as evidenced on The Mission's 2016 epic 'Another Fall From Grace.' And now he's lending his musical talents to a host of charities for Covid-19 frontline workers with a new charity version of one of hi...
Aug 26, 2020•47 min
Following last year's podcast episode celebrating the best albums from 1994 , co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 25 years ago, in this case the year 1995. '95 was another great year for alternative rock in all its disparate forms, and it was a particularly eclectic one as well, from anthemic rock from The Smashing Pumpkins, Faith No More, Radiohead, Oasis and Filter, to the emergence of stoner rock with Monster Magnet and Kyuss, and different variants of shoegaze (Slowd...
Jun 26, 2020•2 hr 2 min
Billy Gould has had a busy 2020. Not only has he reunited with Faith No More (for which he plays bass and is a founding member), he's just released 'Talking Book 2,' the long awaited follow-up to 2011's 'Talking Book' by the band of the same name. Gould rounds out the musical trio, which also features Jared Blum and Dominic Cramp of Gigante Sound, and 'Talking Book 2' (out April 24 on Gould's Koolarrow Records label) is a rich tapestry of sound, a set of dense instrumentals that are deeply evoca...
Apr 28, 2020•25 min
On this week's episode of the SLIS podcast, co-host Chris Logan and I choose our picks for the 2020 inductees for the RRHOF . It wasn't easy given next year's artists for consideration include Soundgarden, Depeche Mode, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, The MC5, T.Rex, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, Todd Rundgren, The Doobie Brothers, The Notorious B.I.G, Whitney Houston, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, and The Dave Matthews Band. We discuss why our choices belong in the RRHOF, what the...
Dec 18, 2019•1 hr 21 min
Following our podcast episode ranking the best albums from 1989 , co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 1993 turning 25 this year. '94 was a HUGE year for alternative rock, hip-hop and metal, with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Ween, Suede and more releasing instant classics, killer debuts from the likes of Weezer and Portishead, great soundtracks like The Crow, and under-the-radar gems from The Cult, Danzig and more. So give it a listen...
Oct 29, 2019•1 hr 40 min
On this week's podcast my special guest is Brad Laner, best known as the guitarist and songwriter for Medicine , one of the most interesting and uncompromising alternative acts of the 90s. Laner’s unique guitar tone and playing style led to the band being associated with the UK shoegaze scene, so much so that they were the first American band signed to Creation Records. The group are perhaps most iconically remembered for performing in the film The Crow (their song Time Baby III , featuring Coct...
Oct 21, 2019•38 min
This week's guest is David J , best known as the bass player for goth legends Bauhaus and as the bassist and co-vocalist of post-punk icons Love and Rockets . His work in both bands helped each achieve cult status, still revered to this day with classic tracks like 'Bela Lugosi's Dead', 'Dark Entries', 'She's In Parties,' 'So Alive', 'Haunted When The Minutes Drag' and 'Ball of Confusion' (to name but a few). J has also had an extensive and varied solo career, and he’s set to release his upcomin...
Oct 10, 2019•34 min
On this week's installment of the long-delayed follow-up to our ’Smells Like Cinematic Sadness' series, co-host Damon Shell and I look back at ‘Body Melt,' a 1994 Ozploitation horror cheapie about dietary supplements with very unfortunate side effects. A poor man's exercise into the splatstick oeuvre ala pre-LOTR Peter Jackson, 'Body Melt' is full of bad gross-out effects, a plot that never quite comes together and a tone that makes it hard to figure out what is intentionally funny vs. what insp...
Aug 22, 2019•27 min
Dutch actor Rutger Hauer passed away last month at the age of 75, and for 80's and 90's cult movie lovers, it was a huge loss. Kids from Generation X grew up watching the actor at either the local cineplex or on their VCR's thanks to classic films like Blade Runner, The Hitcher, Ladyhawke, Nighthawks, Blind Fury, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and much more, while modern movie audiences may recall him from films like Batman Begins, Sin City and Hobo With A Shotgun. On this week's episode for Smells L...
Aug 12, 2019•24 min
Following on the heels of last year's Smells Like Infinite Sadness episode ranking the best albums from 1988 , co-host Chris Logan and I decided to tackle all the best albums turning 30 in 2019. That's right, 1989 was 30 years ago! We're old!! 1989 was a big year for alternative rock, foreshadowing the rise of its commercial and critical appeal in the 90s (speaking of, we're tackling 1994 next) as well as a banner year for hip-hop and metal, featuring classics releases from the likes of Faith No...
Jul 12, 2019•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 27
While Marty Willson-Piper is best known for his work with Aussie alt-rock pioneers The Church, the guitarist/singer-songwriter has had a rich and varied solo career outside his former band (who he departed in 2013 after a 20 year run). He's also worked with the likes of Grace Slick, Linda Perry and Aimee Mann and has been a member of a number of bands including Noctorum, MOAT, and Swedish prog-rockers Anekdoten. And his busy output continues in 2019 with ' The Afterlife', the fourth release from...
Apr 09, 2019•59 min
On this week's episode of the SLIS podcast, co-host Chris Logan and I dive into the 2019 inductees for the RRHOF , including Radiohead, Roxy Music, The Cure, The Zombies, Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard and Janet Jackson. We discuss if these bands truly belong in the RRHOF, some of the more glaring omissions from over the years, and if the RRHOF even matters in the first place (always a polarizing topic with rock fans). Be sure to send us a voice message on Anchor or on Twitter to discuss your feeling...
Mar 24, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 25
