The western world has never been able to let go of the 1980s. For the last 3 decades we’ve been revisiting that time in our history, trying to recapture the magic.If you combined Michael Mann, Walter Hill and a Paul Schrader script with entirely too many ellipses you might get something like Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 film ‘Drive.’The film stirred up a modernised 80s nostalgia that that was represented perfectly by the musical genre Synthwave.In this episode of the Blastfrom Castfrom we discuss Drive and it’s influential soundtrack, fawn over Ryan Gosling and argue about Albert Brooks.

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In the absence of a live music experience over the last year, Blastfrom constructs the ultimate fantasy gig.In order to pass history class, we must collect historical figures from pop music history and force them to play before a packed San Dimas High School auditorium – this time without the guidance of George Carlin.Bear witness to the outcome of this absurd and convoluted premise in the latest episode of the Blastfrom Castfrom.

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Cover songs – the tracing paper of pop music. Or perhaps its more like flat pack furniture. Or ‘Paint by Numbers’ might be more accurate.Overwrought analogies run even more wild than usual in the latest episode of the Blastfrom Castfrom (which is really saying something) as we cover the covers.We talk about Pat Boone, who made a name for himself reimagining R&B hits for a particular audience. Jimi Hendrix, Limp Bizkit, Aretha Franklin, Fugees, Big Mountain, the Cast of Glee are just some of the artists who wanted a piece of someone else’s action.What were the motivations behind these cover songs? Obviously money, but perhaps there’s something more. We (or at least two thirds of us) take a listen to well known cover songs and try to figure out – was it all worth it?The latest episode of the Blastfrom Castfrom is available on all the podcast services worth knowing.

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The endlessly fascinating Lauryn Hill is a cherished icon of 90s Hip Hop and R&B. Her debut solo album was a smash hit, critically lauded and received an embarrassment of riches during awards season.In the years since, the reputation of this piece of work has grown. Retrospective reviews have heaped praise upon praise for Hill’s one and only solo studio album. It figures into just about every ‘best of’ list you can think of. In short, the people have held it up as a masterpiece.However, that doesn’t save ‘The Miseducation of Lauyn Hill’ from the Blastfrom Edit treatment. Released in 1998, deep into the Age of the Compact Disc, this album makes use of all everything the format has to offer. It would be impossible to cram every detail into a single disc LP.That’s what the Blastfrom Edits are all about. For no good reason other than it’s a thing to do, we take an album into our hearts, study it and find the most appealing way to butcher it into a format for which it was never designed.

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Belly was a film released in 1998, starring rappers Nasir “Nas” Jones and Earl “DMX” Simmons. It was very poorly received in it’s initial run but quickly earned something of an odd cult status. It was also the bare beginnings of a burgeoning film career for DMX. He was a big deal at the time. Nas’s film career was not quite as… burgeoning.Written, directed and produced by Harold “Hype” Williams, Belly was his baby. A notorious and highly influential music video director at the time, Belly was his first and only step into the world of motion pictures.The film chronicles a turbulent year in the life of the two main characters as they begin selling a new kind of narcotic in Nebraska.It’s a distillation of every element of late 90s mainstream rap music and a milestone in the folklore of that scene. Which is why it’s amazing none of the Blastfrom contingent had ever seen Belly, until now.Feedback and opinions can be sent to [email protected]. Remember to subscribe and follow on your favourite podcast service.

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A Christmas Gift for You from Blastfrom.24 festive songs are pulled from Santa’s sack are pitted against each other.We apply what is called Seasonal Reasoning among other things to decide which of these songs are etched into the Blastfrom Festive Playlist and which are banished forever into oblivion.If you disagree with any of the choices, there’s pretty much nothing you can do about it – recording’s over, you missed your chance. [email protected] is the address if you want to say something regardless.Happy Holidays.

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The first and possibly last Gerry Mak takeover on the Blastfrom Castfrom. As promised, topics of the day are addressed briefly before delving into the most interesting voices in pop music history.An additional strong disclaimer - do not follow the advice given by Gerry regarding social distancing. Maintain distance as recommended by government and health officials.

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The heady days of the 1960s. So in love with ourselves and each other that space travel seemed of utmost importance. If extraterrestrial life exists, they'd be so pleased to see us right? We come in peace - and love.Fast forward to 2020 and we can't even stand to be around each other -why in the name of all that is good should we spread our disease-ridden, hate-filled bodies all over the universe?So travel with us back to a simpler, loving but equally confusing time. We're talking about the granola of Woodstock, Apollo 11, Captain Beefheart, Jim Morrison, The Beatles (of course) and The Shaggs.

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Blastfrom goes to the movies. In the latest episode of the podcast we review the fascinating concerts film ‘The Song remains the Same’ starring Led Zeppelin.Released in 1976, The Song Remains the Same is an odd kind of concert film. The live performances at Madison Square Garden are interspersed with story sequences that apparently represent each band members particular tastes – mushrooms, fire swords, wigs, carpentry and mountain climbing.If you’d like to watch the film before you listen to the podcast, it’s available to buy from various online retailers. If not, listen anyway and get a slightly warped view of a concert film classic.

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Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Adele, Linkin Park, Neil Young, Prince, Smash Mouth, Queen, Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Rihanna and the Village People…These are some of the artists who would not appear on the Donald Trump playlist by their (or their estates) own volition.Toby ‘Suplex Machine’ Keith is eligible for the Donald Trump Playlist, among others. To hear a rundown of the musicians who endorse the 45th President of the United States, discussion of same and an earnest and admittedly failed attempt to remain completely impartial on the subject, listen to the latest episode of the Blastfrom Castfrom.As always, hate mail should be directed to [email protected].

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