Accelerated Culture

“Some Friendly,” released by The Charlatans in 1990, is a timeless blend of alternative rock and Madchester vibes, capturing the essence of the era. With its jangly guitar melodies and swirling organ sounds, the album embodies the euphoria and energy of the early '90s music scene. Tracks like “The Only One I Know” and “Then” showcase the band's distinctive sound and lyrical depth, cementing their place in the pantheon of influential British bands. Join us for this nostalgic track-by-track deep dive! *** Laurie and Scott Free will be taking a couple of weeks off. We will return on May 25th with a brand new episode. *********************** NEW BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast

This week’s album deep dive is a fan request: “Heaven or Las Vegas” by Cocteau Twins is a mesmerizing sonic journey characterized by ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and dreamlike atmospheres. Released in 1990, it remains a quintessential shoegaze and dream pop masterpiece, renowned for its otherworldly soundscapes and Elizabeth Fraser’s enchanting singing style. Join us as we examine this timeless classic in alternative music history. ************************ NEW BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast

With the recent passing of singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger on March 10, 2024, we thought it appropriate to revisit his 1990 album “Goodbye Jumbo.”  In its blending of diverse musical styles with socially-conscious themes, the album remains a timeless classic and a fitting tribute to Mr. Wallinger. ************************ NEW BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast

This week, we move into a new decade & delve into the iconic Depeche Mode album “Violator,” a seminal work released in 1990 that marked a significant evolution in the band's sound. Join us as we dissect the album track by track, uncovering the raw emotions, innovative synth-driven compositions, and introspective lyrics that have solidified its status as a groundbreaking classic. From the pulsating rhythms and sensual undertones of “Personal Jesus” to the dark, atmospheric allure of “Policy of Truth,” we explore how “Violator” masterfully blended electronic beats with David Gahan’s distinctive vocals and Martin Gore’s lyrical prowess, creating an album that resonates deeply with listeners to this day.  ************************ NEW BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like what we do at Accelerated Culture Podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $5 a month: https://www.patreon.com/AcceleratedCulturePodcast

In this episode, we explore the influential soundscape of the Pixies’ 1989 album “Doolittle.” We unpack how this album shattered boundaries in the alternative rock scene of the late '80s with its raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics. Join us as we unravel the layers of its distinct sonic palette, dissecting its impact on music then and now. 

This week, we dissect the layers of melancholy introspection and sonic experimentation that define The Cure’s iconic 1989 album “Disintegration.” From the haunting opening notes of “Plainsong” to the brooding depths of the title track, we delve into each song’s emotional resonance and artistic evolution, from the lush atmospheric textures to the innovative use of studio effects. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of “Disintegration” and celebrate its enduring legacy in the pantheon of gothic and alternative rock.

Nick Egan returns to Accelerated Culture this week to discuss his storied career as an award-winning director of music videos. This week, he shares with us behind-the-scenes tales about working with Duran Duran, Alanis Morissette, and Oasis. Want to know what happened when Nick and two A-list rock stars went to Disneyland? Download this episode now to find out! You can view Nick’s incredible portfolio of work at nickegan.com. If you like the music featured in this episode, be sure to listen to our complete Episode 35 playlist on Spotify.

We begin the New Year with the first of a two-part interview with legendary artist & video director Nick Egan! In this first half, Nick discusses the art college scene during the heyday of punk rock in the late 1970s and his creating album covers for The Clash, Dexys Midnight Runners, Bow Wow Wow, Malcolm McLaren, Iggy Pop, and INXS. Nick also shares with us insights from his friendship with the late Michael Hutchence of INXS. Be sure to come back on Feb. 3, 2024, for the second part of the interview, in which Nick discusses working with the Psychedelic Furs, Duran Duran, Oasis, and Alanis Morissette. You can view Nick’s incredible portfolio of work at nickegan.com. If you like the music featured in this episode, be sure to listen to our complete Episode 34 playlist on Spotify.

Our next episode comes out in one week (Jan. 6). In the meantime, listen to this end-of-year message from Laurie & Rob. And be sure to check out our website at acceleratedculturepodcast.com. Best wishes for a happy & prosperous 2024! "Ethernight Club" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this podcast episode, the spotlight is on Tears For Fears’ iconic album “The Seeds Of Love.” The hosts delve into the making of the album, exploring its unique sound, lyrical themes, and the band’s artistic evolution. They discuss the impact of tracks like “Sowing the Seeds of Love” and “Advice for the Young at Heart,” providing insights into the musical landscape of the late ’80s. Quotes from band members and industry experts offer a comprehensive view of the album's significance, making it a must-listen for Tears For Fears enthusiasts and music aficionados alike.

Accelerated Culture continues its trek through 1989 with a deep dive into the debut album by Nine Inch Nails, “Pretty Hate Machine. ” Laurie and Rob start with an examination of Trent Reznor’s past, following the path that led him to create one of the landmark albums of the decade. That's followed by an in-depth inspection of each of the ten tracks, starting with the righteous anger of “Head Like A Hole” and wrapping up with the moody “Ringfinger.” Join us as we look at all the parts used to build such a “Pretty Hate Machine."

Accelerated Culture moves into 1989 in this episode as we do a track-by-track deep dive into New Order’s masterpiece, “Technique.” Listen along as Laurie and Rob, former Mr. Disco 1978 (allegedly!–Laurie), recap the origins of New Order and follow the path that led to the acid house tinge of this album. From the classic sound of “All The Way” to the shining synths of “Vanishing Point”, you’ll have a fine time listening as we break down the album with style and class, and show you how much we love “Technique.”

We return to 1988 in this episode to plunge into the landmark alt-rock album “Nothing’s Shocking” by Jane’s Addiction. Hosts Laurie and Rob examine the band’s beginnings and internal struggles before evaluating each individual cut, including the driving “Mountain Song,” the lazy beauty of “Summertime Rolls,” and the scathing “Ted, Just Admit It.” Join us as we explore the unforgettable sounds and stories behind this timeless album that influenced an entire generation of alternative artists.

Happy Halloween! In this eerie episode, Laurie and Rob deviate from the usual chronology to do a creepy deep dive into the Oingo Boingo masterpiece, “Dead Man’s Party”! We discuss the band’s origins and evolution and then delve into the mysteries behind each track from the album: the dark isolation of “Just Another Day,” the longing of “Stay,” the ghostly glee of “No One Lives Forever”—all here submitted for your approval.  Leave your body at the door and join us at the party everyone’s dying to get into!  

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the ethereal soundscape of The Church’s iconic 1988 album, “Starfish.” Join us as we embark on a sonic journey through its lush, dreamy melodies and poetic lyricism, exploring the album’s profound influence on alternative rock and its lasting legacy in the music industry. We unravel the creative process behind this masterpiece, shedding light on the album’s enigmatic title, its standout tracks, and the band’s unique blend of psychedelia and new wave elements. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to The Church’s sonic universe, this episode promises to immerse you in the timeless allure of “Starfish” and its enduring impact on the world of music.

In this episode we delve deep into the iconic Duran Duran album “Big Thing.” Join Laurie along with our new co-host and resident music aficionado Rob as they take you on a track-by-track exploration of this groundbreaking record. From the infectious rhythms of “I Don’t Want Your Love” to the ethereal sounds of “Palomino,” we dissect each song's unique production, lyrical themes, and the band's innovative sonic experiments that pushed the boundaries of their signature New Romantic sound. We also include a few non-album tracks, including Simon LeBon’s solo track “Grey Lady of the Sea” and “Follow in my Footsteps,” part of a band side project. Tune in to relive the magic of this influential album and gain new insights into the creative genius behind one of the ’80s most enduring bands. ================================================ Laurie & Rob are going to be participating in a LIVE video podcast for International Podcast Day on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Tickets to this virtual event are FREE, but you have to register here: https://hopin.com/events/international-podcast-day-2023 Accelerated Culture Podcast will be closing out the day with a set from 8:30-9:00pm EDT. Come join us LIVE as we share & discuss our favorite music videos from the 1980s! Be sure to register for FREE: https://hopin.com/events/international-podcast-day-2023 

In this captivating podcast episode, we take a nostalgic journey back to the musical landscape of 1988, a year that marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of alternative music. From the pulsating synth-pop sounds of Erasure and Information Society, to the irreverent and quirky punk vibes of The Dead Milkmen, and the enigmatic allure of Q. Lazzarus, whose haunting vocals graced the iconic “Goodbye Horses,” we explore the diverse and groundbreaking tracks that defined this era. Join us as we unravel the sonic tapestry of 1988, delving into the cultural and musical influences that shaped these artists and their enduring impact on the alternative music scene. We are sad to announce that this will be Trey’s last episode as co-host! Wishing him the best of luck with his future endeavors, including plans for a new horror film podcast. Check back in two weeks for Episode #27 when we will introduce our new co-host.

This week, Laurie & Trey dive into the sonic landscape of U2’s iconic 1987 album “The Joshua Tree.” We uncover the rich layers of each track and take you on a track-by-track journey through the album’s soul-stirring melodies and profound lyrical narratives. From the desert-inspired ambience of “Where the Streets Have No Name” to the introspective depths of “With or Without You,” this episode explores how the album’s themes of hope, spirituality, and social commentary were masterfully woven into every chord progression and poetic verse. Join us as we unravel the stories behind the songs, the creative process that brought them to life, and the enduring impact “The Joshua Tree” has left on the landscape of rock music. Whether you’re a dedicated U2 fan or a newcomer, prepare to be transported into the heart of this musical masterpiece.

With the recent passing of Sinéad O’Connor on July 26, 2023, we felt it was only appropriate to pay tribute to this legendary outspoken Irish singer. In this episode, we will explore the life of Sinéad O’Connor through bits of her 2021 memoir Rememberings as well as her songwriting, including a track-by-track exploration of her 1987 debut, The Lion & The Cobra. We’ll examine her complicated life, from her abusive childhood to her many loves, her religion... and of course, her controversies in the media. Please join us as we mourn the loss of this fiery, outspoken artist. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses child abuse, abortion, and suicide.

In the early 80s, a new band rose from the ashes of Joy Division. This Manchester quartet rebranded themselves as New Order, and they went on to have a string of pop and dance hits. “Substance,” released in 1987, stands as a remarkable compilation of the band’s most influential and innovative work up to that point, combining elements of electronic music with rock to a unique and captivating sound that would define the era. The album is a treasure trove of hit singles, including iconic tracks like “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith,” all of which have left an indelible mark on the music landscape.