Podcast
Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast
Hosted by O3L Media · EN
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.
47episodes
Episodes
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E343 - Kevin & Scott Robertson - Top 5 Albums of 1971
6d ago02:10:18Tap to summarizeWhat's going on, you ask? Well, we can't make any promises, but we have a sneaking suspicion that we're gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove...because this week we focus on the classic albums of 1971! Our Third Lads love the music of 1971 as much as we do, as evidenced by their sparkling jangle pop and harmony-drenched folk-rock - the Scottish father/son combo Kevin and Scott Robertson! The pair have been recording music for a nearly a decade as part of the band The Vapour Trails, and now have treated us to their first album as a duo, simply entitled Robertson. Separately, Kevin and Scott have also released terrific solo records (Kevin appeared as a Third Lad during Episode 159 on the heels of his marvelous 2023 album Magic Spells Abound). Feel the family love as we talk about the joy and pride of recording together, being a first time grandad (Kevin) and uncle (Scott), and...huge spoiler alert...we pick the World Cup winner! (Second spoiler alert: yeah, we know it's already over. We recorded this episode before though.) (Third spoiler alert: we got it wrong.) Turn and face the strange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 33 - David Myhr (The Merrymakers)
1w ago00:37:33Tap to summarizeWe'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
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E342 - Strawberry Alarm Clock - Top 5 Songs That Best Represent the Psychedelic Era
2w ago01:33:05Tap to summarizeWhoaaaaaa, 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
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E341 - Strawberry Alarm Clock - Unwind with the Clock
2w ago01:16:45Tap to summarizePass 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
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E340 - It's BANDAMANIA! with Brazil's Phenomenal Pop Combo Banda AL9
3w ago01:28:54Tap to summarizeIt'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
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E339 - Jackson Reed - Top 5 "Cooler Than Their Hits" Artists
4w ago02:03:19Tap to summarizeSome 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
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E338 - John Thomas Griffith (Red Rockers, Cowboy Mouth) - Top 5 Songs of Revolution
Jul 1401:19:42Tap to summarizeBrothers! 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
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O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 32 - Midnight Mixtape
Jul 1100:31:46Tap to summarizeIt'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
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E337 - Robert Ellis Orrall (Taylor Swift, Hit Country, Rock & Pop Songwriter) - Top 5 Songs Written for Other Artists
Jul 701:55:55Tap to summarizeThis 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
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E336 - The Blue Herons - Top 5 Jangle Pop Songs of the '80s & '90s
Jun 3001:35:42Tap to summarizeThis 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
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