At SLIS, the only thing we love as much as classic alternative rock are movies that are so bad they're good. So we're launching a semi-regular series called "Smells Like Cinematic Sadness" where we discuss our favorite bad movies.

This week co-host Damon Shell and myself tackle Raw Deal, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's most ridiculous action flicks, full of horrible one-liners, lame action sequences and a plot that defies suspension of disbelief. We first discovered it in college, and it launched our love affair with seeking out best worst movies, which in turn also inspired us to do this podcast.

So sit back and enjoy and find out how Raw Deal lives up to its name, and why its not mentioned in the same circles as Conan, The Terminator and True Lies (hint: because is SUCKS).

And just a friendly reminder that if you like what you hear, you can now support our podcast by donating here: https://anchor.fm/slis.

Following our podcast episode ranking the best albums from 1988, co-host Chris Logan and I decided to tackle the best 1993 albums turning 25 this year.

To do so, we picked the 25 best–our own 12 individual picks and a mutual tiebreaker to wrap things up for the best of that year.

’93 was a massive year for alternative rock, with bands like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Afghan Whigs, Depeche Mode and Slowdive releasing career best albums, stellar debuts from the likes of the Cranberries and Digable Planets, and underrated gems from acts including Cop Shoot Cop, Gene Loves Jezebel, The The, Morphine and Radiohead (that’s right, Pablo Honey is amazing–deal with it!).

So dive in to our latest podcast episode and see if your favorites made the cut, and list your favorites in the comments.

And if you're digging our show, you can now support us in Anchor via Listener Support if you’re so inclined: https://anchor.fm/slis

Super excited to talk about a new feature on Anchor that will let listeners support their fave podcasts in a whole new way.

Gene Loves Jezebel were one of the most unique and infectious alternative acts of the 1980's, forging a unique mix of glam and goth resulting in memorable hits like 'The Motion of Love,' 'Desire,' 'Jealous,' 'Stephen,' and 'Twenty Killer Hurts'.

The group fronted by Jay Aston (known in America as Jay Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel for legal reasons--his twin brother and original co-founding member Michael Aston has his own band under the GLJ moniker in North America, but tours as Michael Aston's Gene Loves Jezebel in Europe) are getting ready for their first North American tour in almost 10 years.

On this week's episode I speak to Jay about why it's taken so long for the group to play the U.S., his thoughts on last year's well-received release 'Dance Underwater', what fans can expect as far as setlists, the 25th anniversary of their underrated album 'Heavenly Bodies' and more.

*GLJ fans: check out my earlier podcast episode featuring guitarist James Stevenson: https://bit.ly/2KDC1C4.

On this week's podcast we're shaking things up: instead of our normal music-related fare, we're talking to writer Brian Corley about his new book 'Ghost Bully,' which takes place in his (and my) hometown of Austin, TX and is a fun throwback to 80's horror.

1988 was a landmark year for music (and the end of the Reagan era), featuring iconic albums from the likes of Jane's Addiction, Ministry, REM, The Church, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Metallica, Siouxsie and The Banshees and more.

To celebrate the best from 30 years ago (yes, it's true: Metallica's ..'.And Justice For All' is 30 years old now), I chat with music aficionado (and childhood friend) Chris Logan to look back on a landmark year for metal, as well as the burgeoning alternative music scene.

We decided to do 30 for 30--picking 15 favorites apiece,  and discussing why they're the best of the best for a very great year for music.

So sit back and enjoy, and see if your favorites made the cut. And feel free to leave a voice message on Anchor telling us your own favorite albums from 1988. And for Spotify Premium members, I've made a playlist of classic tracks from our picks.

Spotlights are one of the most compelling new metal artists, comprised of husband and wife duo Mario Quintero (vocals, guitars, keyboards) and Sarah Quintero (bass, guitar, vocals).

Following on the success of last year's mesmerizing album 'Seismic', the band return with the EP 'Hanging By Faith,' (out June 15th via Ipecac Recordings) which features remixes and new interpretations of 'Seismic' tracks along with a cover of The Cure's 'Faith.'

On this week episode, Mario Quintero discusses the inspiration and approach behind the new EP, why they covered The Cure, their recent European tour and plans for 2018 and 2019.

Maurice Joseph Francois Engelen, best known by his alias Praga Khan, is one of the most influential figures in electronic music.

Engelen's pioneering work in the New Beat scene from his native Belgium would lead to forming The Lords Of Acid, a beloved techno act that gained instant notoriety thanks to their hook-laden dance singles (all of which are written and produced by Engelen) filled with sexually provocative lyrics on hit singles like 'Dipped in Acid' and 'The Crab Louse.'

Following on last year's tour celebrating their 1994 classic release 'Voodoo-U,' Lords of Acid are back with 'Pretty In Kink,' their first album of new material since 2012 (out 5/18 on Metropolis Records).

On this week's episode, Engelen discusses the creative process behind the new album, how his crowdfunding campaign allowed the fans to contribute to the project (in some surprising ways!), the new lineup, upcoming tour and more.

In addition, we're also playing 'Goldfinger,' a single off the new album.

Tyson Todd Meade was an influential figure in the alternative rock scene of the 90's, thanks to his unique musical and lyrical style, which began with Defenestration, before founding the Chainsaw Kittens in 1989.

Chainsaw Kittens combined 70's glam, punk, power pop and New Wave influences for a truly unique sound that, while never gaining mainstream success, inspired a loyal fan base, and influenced the likes of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.

Meade just released his new solo album Robbing The Nuclear Family, on Jett Plastic Recordings. And he recently made another major (and unexpected) announcement: he's running for U.S. Congress to represent Oklahoma's 5th District..

On this week's episode, I speak to Meade about what enticed him to enter the political arena, Robbing the Nuclear Family, a recent reunion with the Chainsaw Kittens and more, concluding with 'He's The Candy,' a anthemic track off his new album.

James Stevenson has lent his guitar talents to a host of classic 80's alternative, New Wave and punk artists, including Gene Loves Jezebel, The Alarm, Generation X, The Cult, Chelsea and a host of others.

This week we talk about his new double album 40 Years In The Rock and Roll Wilderness, compiling some of his greatest tracks from over the years, which in addition to many of the above acts, includes songs from Tricky, The International Swingers, Kim Wilde, Holy Holy and more.

We also discussed 2018 live dates for The Alarm and Gene Loves Jezebel (the latter being their first U.S. show in 10 years), his upcoming book, and much more. And we wrap things up with 'Big Tears,' one of many highlights off the new album.