Podcast
Accelerated Culture
Hosted by acceleratedculture · EN
2024 WEBBY AWARDS HONOREE FOR BEST INDIE PODCAST! Accelerated Culture: The Rise of Alternative Music in the 80s and Beyond is a walk through an often-ignored bit of music history. We explore how new wave stormed the airwaves in the early 80s and gave way for the rise of alternative music. Find us on the web at AcceleratedCulturePodcast.com.
Please note: The music clips included in this podcast fall under the ”Fair Use Doctrine” as defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The law allows for use of music clips for purposes of criticism, comment, and news reporting.
40episodes
Episodes
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Episode 66: ...And the Rest (1991)
May 24, 202501:35:43Summary readyWell, 1991 is finally drawing to a close. “But what about [insert that one band/album/song here]?!! You can’t talk about 1991 and not talk about that!” Fair enough. Laurie and Scott get into the other ones: 10 of the year’s most underrated, overlooked…and one or two they loved but just didn’t feel like doing a whole episode on. It’s a wild ride. If you like the music featured in this episode, be sure to listen to our complete Episode 66 playlist on Spotify. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 65: Fishbone’s “The Reality of My Surroundings” (1991)
May 10, 202501:39:00Summary readyWhat do you get when you mix funk, ska, soul, punk, old-school rhythm & blues, and a heaping helping of chaos? Laurie and Scott find out as they get into Fishbone’s would-be breakout album, “The Reality of My Surroundings.” This ambitious (if uneven) offering from the L.A. combo takes on social issues using top-notch musicianship, frenetic energy, and a quirky sense of humor: the result is like nothing else.
SummaryEpisode 64: Live’s “Mental Jewelry” (1991)
Apr 26, 202501:53:25Summary readyIn this episode, we explore “Mental Jewelry,” the 1991 debut album from Live that introduced the world to singer Ed Kowalczyk’s impassioned vocals and the band’s thought-provoking, spiritually charged music. Drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy and big existential questions, “Mental Jewelry” explores themes of self-discovery, compassion, and the search for deeper meaning—all wrapped in an energetic, alt-rock sound that set the stage for the band's breakout success. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryComing soon! Episode 64
Apr 12, 202500:00:42Summary readyHello, everyone! This is Laurie. Scott Free and I are taking a break this week, but we will be back in two weeks with a very special episode for you as we continue our series on the albums of 1991. Be sure to tune in on Saturday, April 26th.
SummaryEpisode 63: Blur’s “Leisure” (1991)
Mar 29, 202501:39:10Summary readyIn this episode, we take a track-by-track deep dive into “Leisure,” Blur’s 1991 debut and a foundational record of the Britpop movement. From the psychedelic swirls of “She’s So High” to the baggy, Madchester-infused grooves of “There’s No Other Way”, we explore the album’s blend of shoegaze, indie rock, and danceable rhythms. How did “Leisure” set the stage for Blur’s evolution, and where does it stand in the grand scheme of Britpop history? Tune in as we unpack the sounds, influences, and legacy of this underrated classic. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 62: Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” (1991)
Mar 15, 202501:39:49Summary readyIn this episode, we’re diving into Matthew Sweet’s 1991 breakout album, “Girlfriend”—a power pop gem that blends heartache, soaring melodies, and some of the most electrifying guitar work of the era. From its jangly, Beatles-esque hooks to the raw emotion behind Sweet’s lyrics, “Girlfriend” became an instant cult classic and remains a defining album of ‘90s alternative rock. We’ll explore its backstory, the impact of Sweet’s songwriting, and why this record still resonates more than 30 years later. So grab your headphones, and let’s take a ride through this power pop masterpiece! ******************** To support the Secret Gentlemen‘s Club CHIditarod team and support the CHIditarod Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to help solve Chicago’s hunger challenges, please donate here: https://www.classy.org/team/633030 ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 61: Ned’s Atomic Dustbin’s “God Fodder” (1991)
Mar 1, 202501:49:46Summary readyThis week, the Accelerated Culture team explores one of Laurie’s all-time favorites and asks the age-old question, “How many bass guitarists can you fit into one alternative rock group?” Ned’s Atomic Dustbin answered the question with their debut album, God Fodder. A relentless, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride, this album urged you to think about your relationships and, of course, to “Kill Your Television.” ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 60: Pearl Jam’s “Ten” (1991)
Feb 15, 202501:30:59Summary readyIn this episode, we dive into Pearl Jam’s “Ten,” unpacking the layered storytelling and raw instrumentation that make standout tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” so compelling. Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocal delivery and introspective lyrics bring a unique depth to the record, adding a personal narrative that complements the band’s musical experimentation. Whether you're revisiting the album or discovering it for the first time, this conversation reveals fresh insights into a record that continues to spark curiosity and conversation. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 59: Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines” (1991)
Feb 1, 202501:41:43Summary readyThe Accelerated Culture team takes a deep dive into the album that launched an entire genre: Massive Attack’s debut album, “Blue Lines.” Combining hip-hop, r&b, reggae, pop, and more, this trip-hop classic takes the listener on a dark, moody, and soulful journey: grooves designed as much for your head as for the dance floor. Laurie and Scott explore Massive Attack’s origins in the Bristol sound system scene, the culturally diverse influences that shaped their approach to music, and the production techniques that make this album a field day for fans of the “spot the sample” game. Put your headphones on and get ready to dive deep. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
SummaryEpisode 58: R.E.M’s “Out of Time” (1991)
Jan 18, 202501:47:50Summary readyIn this episode, Laurie and Scott Free take a closer look at R.E.M.’s 1991 album “Out of Time,” a pivotal release that marked a shift in the band’s musical style. Stepping away from their jangly college-rock roots, R.E.M. embraced a richer, more diverse sound that incorporated elements of folk, pop, and orchestral arrangements. Featuring hits like “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People,” this Grammy-winning album brought the band widespread recognition while showcasing their willingness to experiment. Laurie and Scott discuss the album’s themes, production, and its place in ’90s music, offering a fresh perspective on this transformative moment in R.E.M.’s career. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast
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