With their latest single, It’s Amazing To Be Young, Fontaines D.C. continue their sonic evolution—embracing Britpop’s anthemic scale while remaining deeply rooted in their Irish identity. But how does an Irish band fit into Britpop’s legacy? And what does it mean for a band shaped by Dublin to make their mark in London?In this deep dive, we trace the band’s shift from post-punk outsiders to arena-ready contenders, linking Favourite to It’s Amazing To Be Young and exploring how their move to London places them within the long tradition of Irish artists navigating British music culture. We also examine how their take on Britpop differs from the past—pulling in art, cinema, and the weight of history to craft something entirely their own.00:00 Intro00:25 Tony Wilson 01:49 The Britpop Connection02:44 From Favourite to Now03:59 Britpop Through an Irish lens?05:00 Fontaines from the Disapora 05:30 “This is Dublin, we do things differently here…”08:48 The Count of Playlisto’s Irish Playlist15:28 Outro

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance wasn’t just a show—it was a power struggle in real time. Behind the corporate spectacle, Kendrick delivered a performance loaded with subversive messages, playing with ideas of control, propaganda, and rebellion. But did the audience—and the system—fall right into his trap?In this deep dive, Steve breaks down: • The hidden symbolism behind Kendrick’s performance • How Samuel L. Jackson’s Uncle Sam character exposes the fight for artistic freedom • The Trojan Horse & Jester’s Privilege—how Kendrick used the Super Bowl’s stage against itself • Why right-wing media reacted exactly as Kendrick predicted • The meaning behind his chilling line: ‘You picked the right time, but the wrong guy’00:00 Intro

00:25 Bertolt Brecht

01:17 The Super Bowl a Corporate Coliseum

02:35 The Trojan Horse & Jester’s Privilege

03:31 Uncle Sam04:37 You Picked the Right Time, But the Wrong Guy

05:46 Reaction and Review

11:41 Legacy

12:15 Outro

Kendrick Lamar is about to step onto the biggest stage in music—the Super Bowl Halftime Show—and it could be a career-defining moment.

In his recent Apple Music interview, Kendrick made it clear; “Hip-hop is not just music. It’s an art form. It’s high art.”

With “Not Like Us” dominating the culture, the weight of hip-hop’s fight for recognition, and the legacy of past Super Bowl performances that became cultural statements, this isn’t just a show—it’s a moment.

00:00 Intro00:25 James Baldwin 01:35 Music And Meaning 05:06 The Super Bowl Stage: A Cultural Battleground14:42 Irish Playlist21:12 Outro

Marianne Faithfull’s haunting voice in Metallica’s The Memory Remains is unforgettable—but the story behind it is even more powerful.

In this episode, we dive deep into the eerie and enigmatic world of David Lynch’s music, focusing on his 2011 album Crazy Clown Time. Known for his surreal films like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s approach to sound design has always been integral to his storytelling. But how does this translate to a full album of haunting, experimental music?

From the chaotic rebellion of Generation Terrorists to the introspective evolution of The Holy Bible and beyond, the Manic Street Preachers have carved one of the most compelling paths in rock history. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, we explore their remarkable journey, tracing the highs and lows of their career—from the enigmatic brilliance of Richey Edwards to the anthemic triumphs of Everything Must Go and the daring experimentation of Futurology.

This week, to mark the anniversary of David Bowie’s passing, Steve delves into how the song Heroes and Bowie’s Berlin Era shaped his artistry and our perspective on his work retrospectively. From chaos to heroes, maximalism to minimalism, the ever changing David Bowie created a masterpiece through adversity.

00:00 Intro

00:30 You remind me of the babe…

01:36 Bowie goes to Berlin

04:17 Heroes in Hansa

11:17 Finding minimalism

15:23 Changes

23:10 Out of the Ashes

24:02 Outro

This week Steve delves into his favourite U2 song, ‘Stay (Faraway, So Close!)’. Released as part of the 1993 album Zooropa, and inspired by Wim Wenders film Der Himmel Über Berlin and used in its sequel. The song captures the band at the height of their musical and stylistic powers.

00:00 Intro

00:30 U2 Stay (Faraway, So Close!) Review

26:50 Outro

This week Steve picks out his favourite song of 2024, ‘Starburster’ by Fontaines D.C. taken from the Irish bands’ seminal album Romance.

In this The Last Mixed Tape Christmas special Steve delves into the cultural impact of ‘Fairytale of New York’ by the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacCall. Decades on from its release, Shane MacGowan’s songwriting zenith hit its peak with the Pogues as he and Kirsty MacCall would change the sound of Christmas forever with a punkish subversion of the holiday sing-a-along.

0:00 Intro

0:30 Vibes Disclaimer

2:30 Fairytale of New York Cultural Deep Dive

26:11 Outro