Dedicated in loving memory of two of the greatest drummers of the O3L era: Blondie (among many others) drummer Clem Burke, who passed away the day prior to this episode's release; and The Jam's Rick Buckler, who we lost the week we recorded it.

The title says it all: This week, we celebrate albums with super awesome drumming with Third Lads Evan Sult and Dave Eastman from The Open Flames!

Evan Sult is the super awesome drummer behind Harvey Danger and their '90s alt-rock classic 'Flagpole Sitta' (c'mon, you know you've played air drums to it before). Plus, Harvey Danger's underrated second album, King James Version, is getting the deluxe vinyl treatment for its 25th anniversary on Record Store Day - April 12, 2025!

Evan Sult and Paige Brubeck (who also make up the duo Sleepy Kitty) and bassist Len Bendel joined forces with singer/songwriter/guitarist extraordinaire Dave Eastman to form the literate pop noir band The Open Flames. Their new debut album, Same Time Next Year, rides a wild wave from crescendo to crescendo. Dave's novelist's eye tells narratives that he and co-vocalist Paige embody as characters which the band explodes into cinematic color via Evan's powerful drums, Paige and Len's inventive basslines, and a full spectrum of distorted guitar tones and harmonies. Same Time Next Year is out now on Subjangle: https://theopenflames.bandcamp.com

Dave also treats O3L listeners to an exclusive live acoustic version of the album track 'My Birthday'.

Oh, and did we mention it's super awesome?!?

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Call it an O3L spin-off. Call it a new direction. But after 264 episodes discussing classic alternative music, we (Gregg Gunner and Brett Maverick) decided that it was finally time to devote ourselves to our true musical passion...modern bro-country. In this inaugural episode, we will cover our Top 5 Bro-Country Songs. This was a nigh-on-impossible task, as there are soooooo many great tunes in this genre.

For those who may be less familiar with Bro-country, here's how the ever-reliable Wikipedia describes it:

Bro-country is a form of country pop originating in the 2010s, and is influenced by 21st-century hip hop, hard rock, and electronica. Bro-country songs are often musically upbeat with lyrics about attractive young women, the consumption of alcohol, partying, blue jeans, boots, and pickup trucks.

Truck yeah! That's like all of our favorite things rolled into one.

Don't worry, we're still the same ol' "lads" - just in Stetson hats and cowboy boots.

So come along on this ride...it's got more giddy up than an F150!

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Not to toot our own horns (so to speak), it's the undisputed truth that we've had incredible guests on O3L in the past. Our growing roster of "Third Lads" has collectively touched millions of lives. But is there any single person who has changed the very fabric of the music industry as indelibly as this week's Third Lad? Because this week we chat with Nick Holmstén, the man who revolutionized the modern playlist. In that spirit, we are going to "be your algorithm" and give you a wildly eclectic list of songs that you need to stream...RIGHT NOW! Well, OK, wait til after the podcast is done. Priorities, friends!

With three decades of diverse experience in the entertainment industry, Holmstén’s transformation from a thriving artist, producer, and songwriter into a pioneering leader in the realms of music and technology showcases his dynamic career progression.

His tenure as the Global Head of Music at Spotify is a testament to his significant impact on the digital music sphere. This role followed the strategic acquisition of his company, Tunigo, by Spotify in 2013, highlighting Spotify’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of the music discovery. He was instrumental in transforming Spotify into a global music powerhouse, introducing the modern playlist that revolutionized the way artists release music and reinvented how fans discover new music, thereby expanding the global reach of music artists.

He also established TSX Entertainment, a groundbreaking entertainment company based in Times Square, with the TSX Stage and the TSX Billboard becoming significant cultural icons. The debut performance on the stage by Post Malone earned Six Clio Awards in 2023.

Nick Holmstén’s journey is recounted in the book Fan Powered Futures, a compelling tale of passion, vision, and innovative spirit shaping the entertainment industry. His groundbreaking work in music, technology, and hospitality inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries, cementing his role as a key figure in the evolution of modern entertainment.

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This week, we celebrate songs from the amazing roster of female artists who were a part of the Lilith Fair touring festival during its run between the summers of 1997 and 1999.  The Lilith Fair was co-founded by Canadian songstress Sarah McLachlan after experiencing woes with concert promoters booking female artists and battling general sexism in the music business.  Taking its name from the Jewish biblical origin story that Lilith was Adam’s first wife who refused to bow down to his every whim, the Lilith Fair became a huge success, highlighting a rotating lineup of talent at every stop.

Joining us for this discussion is Sarah Seltzer, longtime executive editor at Lilith Magazine and now the author of her first novel, The Singer Sisters, on Flatiron Books (the Little Brown Book Group in the UK). 

About The Singer Sisters:

It's 1996, and alt-rocker Emma Cantor is on tour, with her sights trained on a record deal. Emma's got no lack of inspiration for her confessional songs, chief among them her mother Judie, a 1960s folk legend who is bitterly disappointed by Emma's choice to skip college.

Emma is baffled by Judie's coldness. Judie herself was only eighteen when she ran away to New York to pursue music, ahead of forming the influential folk duo the Singer Sisters with her sister Sylvia.

But Judie has a long-kept secret about why she abandoned her music career at the peak of her success, which is about to unravel.

This is an epic family saga that follows mother Judie and daughter Emma as they navigate the ups and downs of music stardom - asking what women artists must sacrifice for success.

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Get ready for a six pack of crisp, brand new tunes! Brett Vargo catches up with bassist CC Voltage from Canadian/American synth-driven power poppers Autogramm to chat about their new single and upcoming Spanish tour, plus new music by:

1) Autogramm - 'Randy' (single, Dirt Cult Records)

2) Real Sickies - 'Wild Imagination' (from Under A Plastic Bag, Stomp Records)

3) Rhymies - 'I Dream Watching' (from the I Dream Watching EP, Dandy Boy)

4) Brian Bilston & The Caternary Wires - 'Alexa, What Is There To Know About Love?' (from Sounds Made By Humans, Skep Wax)

5) Shriekback - 'Idiot Dancing' (from Monument)

6) Autogramm - 'Jenny's In A Sleep World' (single B-side, Dirt Cult Records)

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Yeah, we'll make the same disclaimer we made the last time we talked about shoegaze. We know the term is polarizing. We realize that it was coined by the press as a term of derision for what had previously been known as "the scene that celebrates itself." Legend has it that writer Andy Ross first used it in a Sounds review to describe how Moose singer/guitarist Russell Yates was constantly looking down at the lyrics he had taped to the floor and/or his guitar pedals. But, face it, you hear the term and you know exactly what it is...ethereal vocals, woozy melodies, ear-piercingly loud, effects-laden guitars, all awash in a psychedelic haze. Nowadays, the bands that play this kind of music wear the "shoegaze" badge with pride. But the O.G.s had to walk so you could run, kids.

Hence, this week we are celebrating some of the great shoegaze albums of the 1990s. Joining us is the singer/songwriter/guitarist of '90s Vancouver cult shoegazers Movieland, Alan D. Boyd. Movieland has been honored with the first installment of an archival series from 604 Decades that takes a look back at Vancouver's rich, if unexplored arts history. This rarities and demos collection, Then & Now, proves that they should have been at the top of the marquee during their time. https://movieland1990.bandcamp.com/album/then-now

After Movieland disbanded in 1994, Alan moved to the UK, and has enjoyed a long career as an acclaimed composer for TV ("Day of the Triffids") and film ("Four Strings Good"), as well performing in the folk trio Little Sparta (also featuring Susie Honeyman from the Mekons).

As you would expect during an episode on shoegaze, we divert our attention to Canadian pop stars, the other Movielands, and have a rare (maybe the first time?) double Triple Crossover!

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Live performances often bring an energy and spontaneity that studio recordings can't fully capture. On stage, musicians interact with the audience, infusing the song with a palpable energy and improvisational flair. The live setting can also allow for reinterpretation of arrangements—extended solos, altered tempos, or unexpected twists—that make the experience feel more personal and vibrant compared to the polished, precise nature of studio versions.

Just ask legendary bassist Mike Watt, who is about to embark on his 72nd tour over his 45 year career - a career that started with one of the greatest American punk bands ever, Minutemen, and countless projects including fIREHOSE, The Stooges, dos, and, currently, mssv. mssv is a post-genre supergroup consisting of watt, drummer Stephen Hodges (who played on some of Tom Waits's classic records, among others), and led by guitarist extraordinaire Mike Baggetta. Their new album, On And On is an exciting, trippy psychedelic fever dream featuring eight boundary-pushing tracks. It is out now on BIG EGO records on 12" vinyl LP, digital download, and streaming services. mssv's 52-date "haru tour 2025" starts in watt's hometown of San Pedro, CA on March 13th, and winds through the country before concluding at the Zebulon in Los Angeles on May 3rd. No matter where you are in the U.S., mssv will be close by this spring!

Much like your favorite live recordings, this is a one-of-a-kind O3L that you won't want to miss!

Special thanks to Howard Wuelfing at Howlin' Wuelf Media for the introduction and coordination.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network.

Be sure to take advantage of O3L Podperks, a curated selection of discounts for YOU with promo code 'O3L'. Visit http://onlythreelads.com and click on 'Promo Codes' to take advantage of these exclusive savings for O3L listeners!

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We're getting all investigative this week as we address songs that cover the "5 W's" - who, why, when, where...and WUT! Yes, that's right, W-U-T. Because our Third Lad this week is the utterly delightful Tracey Vath, bassist from the Vancouver indie pop trio WUT! It is an episode full of joyous laughter, the top 10 Satanic bands, and a brand new O3L game - "Wut 'chu Talkin' About, Brett?!?" Oh, and what happened in Vegas apparently didn't stay in Vegas.

Since 2018, Vancouver BC’s jangle-pop meets riot-twee trio WUT have been making a local name for themselves with their joyfully heartfelt live performances. In 2020, the trio released ‘NOW’, an energetic cassette accompanied by 10 DIY music videos. These earnest and often humorous videos reflect WUT’s playful yet sincere songwriting. Recently, WUT recorded ‘Mingling with the Thorns’, their sophomore full-length album, out now on HHBTM Records. ‘Mingling with the Thorns’ was created during two years of intermittent quarantines which caused guitarist Kaity McWhinney (Knife Pleats / Love Cuts), bassist Tracey Vath (Knife Pleats / Love Cuts), and drummer Lauren Smith (Tough Age / Jock Tears), to write songs independently, and share their ideas through countless emails, dropbox folders, and Google drives. Long periods of isolation were consumed by experimentation with different arrangements, and often an idea would be re-worked over and over (and over) again. This resulted in a collection of carefully crafted pop songs that reflect the bands mutual love for c86 jangle pop and early Flying Nun Records bands, with lyrical content drawing up themes that grapple with patriarchy and late stage capitalism; specifically the struggle to find personal autonomy within these social systems.

Also, we are pleased to introduce O3L PodPerks, where you can save just for being a part of the O3L Community! Use promo code 'O3L' at checkout at these fine vendors:

You save, and we receive a small commission on each order that goes right back into the show. When you think about it, isn't that really a double win for you?!?

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Waaaaay back in Episode 67 (Season 2), we discussed the albums from arguably THE most crucial year of the O3L era: the year two sevens clashed, 1977. It was such a fruitful, revolutionary time in music history that it's time we revisit some of the best records from '77.

Our Third Lads this week are founding members Matt Piucci (guitar/vocals) and Steven Roback (bass/vocals) from one of the leading lights of the '80s Paisley Underground scene, Rain Parade. Along with guitarist David Roback (who would later form Opal and Mazzy Star), keyboardist/violinist Will Glenn and drummer Eddie Kalwa, Rain Parade's first album, 1983's Emergency Third Rail Power Trip remains one of the defining records of the Paisley Underground - an album that critic Jim DeRogatis would declare "...ranks with the best psychedelic rock efforts from any era." Shifting lineups (always anchored by Piucci and Roback) would produce the fantastic 1984 mini-LP Explosions in the Glass Palace and 1985's Crashing Dream - the latter of which has since been revealed as a souped up double LP reissue for Record Store Day on April 12, 2025! In 2012, Matt, Steven, and mid-80s guitarist John Thoman regrouped for live performances and new music. Now augmented by multi-instrumentalists Derek See and Mark Hanley, and Stephan Junca on drums, the current lineup has released 2023's full length Last Rays of a Dying Sun and the 2024 EP Last Stop on the Underground, both of which serve as vital reminders of why Rain Parade was - and is - so important and influential to legions of neo-psych, dream pop, and harmony-drenched jangle pop bands.

https://rainparadelabel51.bandcamp.com

Thanks to Josh Mills from It's Alive Media for the introduction and coordination.

Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts network.

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The 1980s saw an explosion of independent record labels across the US, shaping the sound and spirit of underground music to this day. This week, Daniel House from Skin Yard and C/Z Records joins us as we dive into some of the finest labels whose DIY ethos, fearless experimentation, and raw energy broke away from the corporate music machine.

One of the crucial American indie labels of the era was C/Z Records, the Seattle imprint that will forever be remembered as the second most important label in the burgeoning grunge scene. That being said, it was C/Z, not Sub Pop, who released the defining document of the new sound of the Pacific Northwest with 1986's Deep Six compilation - introducing Soundgarden, The Melvins, U-Men, Green River, Malfunkshun, and Skin Yard. Founded in 1985 by Chris Hanzek and Tina Casale, Skin Yard bassist Daniel House took over operation of C/Z in 1987, subsequently releasing music by Nirvana, Henry Rollins, Built To Spill, The Gits, Hammerbox, Presidents of the United States of America, 7 Year B---h, Coffin Break and many more.

Skin Yard was a foundational band in the development of the grunge movement, not only due to the groundbreaking music they recorded between 1985 - 1991, but also the band members' other contributions to Seattle music. Aside from the aforementioned impact that House made with C/Z Records, guitarist Jack Endino would go on to produce and engineer some of the most enduring records of the era - including Nirvana's Bleach, and music by Mudhoney, Tad, Soundgarden, L7, and Screaming Trees. Lead singer Ben McMillan would form the band Gruntruck, and sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of 46. Drummer Matt Cameron is a world class musician who has been behind the kit for Soundgarden and, for the past 25 years, with Pearl Jam.

Skin Yard Select is the brand new, limited collection of 14 songs loving curated by Daniel House and Jack Endino, culling tracks from their four studio albums, but also featuring enough rarities to please long-time fans. This beautiful package consists of seven individual 7" singles, each in their own sleeve and pressed on limited edition colored vinyl (or good ol' fashioned black). Get your copy now from https://skinyardselect.com.

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