Accelerated Culture

Greetings, Accelerated Culture vultures! Scott and I need a little more time to finish our next episode. We’ll be back with Episode 73 on Stereolab’s “Peng!” in one week. In the meantime, we’d like to share this episode of our friend Zabe’s podcast, Who Will Save Generation X? It’s a fun trivia game show, and I got to make a guest appearance in the last 15 minutes. So, check it out, and thank you for your patience. We’ll be back in one week!  –Laurie ************************************************************************* Who Will Save Generation X Challenging Stage #16: “Nice Beaver” The Naked Gun (feat. Laurie of “Accelerated Culture Podcast”) Here is the next episode of our 3rd format of the show that we call: Who Will Save Generation X: Challenging Stage. We have created this mini-game format to meet the needs of those who have asked for it. Give it a listen and let us know what you think on our website "Answering Machine" feature. In the bottom left corner of the website there is a blue microphone icon. Just tap on that and leave us a message. It’s free to use and your voice might be used on an upcoming episode of the show. We want to hear from you no matter what you have to say, but we are looking for YOU to ask us some GenX trivia questions that we can feature on upcoming shows. So, let's hear what you have to say. :) In this episode of the Challenging Stage we play in round 1 a game called “Second Guessing”, round 2 is our spotlight trivia round on the topic of "The Naked Gun", and we welcome guest-host Laurie of "Accelerated Culture Podcast" (https://acceleratedculturepodcast.com/), to take over the Captain's Chair in round 3 for some trivia questions featuring trivia on the movie "Hackers". There is something here for everyone that we hope you'll "especially like". Show Notes Check out our website: https://www.whowillsavegenx.com/  

In this episode, we explore INXS’s bold and underrated 1992 release, “Welcome to Wherever You Are.” Coming off the massive global success of the X Factor tour, the band took a creative left turn, trading glossy arena rock for experimental sounds, orchestral touches, and a rawer edge. From the sultry beauty of “Not Enough Time” to the sweetness of “Beautiful Girl,” we’ll explore how this album captured a band at the peak of their confidence, willing to reinvent themselves while still delivering the hooks that made them international icons. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

Scott Free and Laurie dig into a record that you may not even know you know. Don’t let the band’s name fool you: the Stereo MCs weren’t just another English hip-hop act. Bringing together elements of funk, soul, rap, and acid jazz, this album is full of dance-floor bangers and chillout-room grooves. A deeply underrated record (and one of Scott’s low-key favorites), “Connected” is far more than its smash-hit title track. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 give the Accelerated Culture treatment to “Hormonally Yours,” the 1992 genre-bending gem by Shakespears Sister. In this track-by-track exploration, we dive into the theatrical pop, gothic glam, and bittersweet balladry that define Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit’s second album. From the cosmic melancholy of “Stay” to the sly humor of “Are We in Love Yet,” we unpack the record’s dramatic flair, lush production, and unapologetically weird charm, proving once again that the ’90s had room for the bold and the beautifully strange. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 part two of our deep dive into “Check Your Head,” the Accelerated Culture crew picks up where we left off, wading deeper into the Beastie Boys’ fuzzed-out soundscape of punk riffs, jazz breaks, and rhymes about everything from pop culture ephemera to spiritual awakening. We break down the tunes that make this double LP more than just a 90s alt-rap classic—it’s a cultural time capsule. Join us as we celebrate the joyfully chaotic genius of a band that refused to be boxed in. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

The Accelerated Culture team dives into 1992 with an album so ambitious, so varied, so way out, that it’ll take two episodes to do it justice: The Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head.” After topping the charts with their debut LP and blowing minds with their sophomore effort, Mike D, MCA, and Ad-Rock spent three years returning to their punk rock roots, jamming on a funky tip, and just plain goofing. The result is one of Scott Free’s favorites: a sprawling, groovy, raw, riotously fun sonic adventure that pushed the boundaries of both hip-hop and alternative. Word. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

Set a course for The Ocean Blue: Laurie and Scott Free interview singer/guitarist/songwriter David Schelzel & drummer Peter Anderson, and explore the band’s sophomore effort, “Cerulean.” It’s the final album deep-dive of 1991, and it be well worth the wait. Yarr.  ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

Well, 1991 is finally drawing to a close. “But what about [insert that one band/album/song here]?!! You can’t talk about 1991 and not talk about that!” Fair enough. Laurie and Scott get into the other ones: 10 of the year’s most underrated, overlooked…and one or two they loved but just didn’t feel like doing a whole episode on. It’s a wild ride.  If you like the music featured in this episode, be sure to listen to our complete Episode 66 playlist on Spotify. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

What do you get when you mix funk, ska, soul, punk, old-school rhythm & blues, and a heaping helping of chaos? Laurie and Scott find out as they get into Fishbone’s would-be breakout album, “The Reality of My Surroundings.” This ambitious (if uneven) offering from the L.A. combo takes on social issues using top-notch musicianship, frenetic energy, and a quirky sense of humor: the result is like nothing else.   ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 “Mental Jewelry,” the 1991 debut album from Live that introduced the world to singer Ed Kowalczyk’s impassioned vocals and the band’s thought-provoking, spiritually charged music. Drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy and big existential questions, “Mental Jewelry” explores themes of self-discovery, compassion, and the search for deeper meaning—all wrapped in an energetic, alt-rock sound that set the stage for the band's breakout success. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 take a track-by-track deep dive into “Leisure,” Blur’s 1991 debut and a foundational record of the Britpop movement. From the psychedelic swirls of “She’s So High” to the baggy, Madchester-infused grooves of “There’s No Other Way”, we explore the album’s blend of shoegaze, indie rock, and danceable rhythms. How did “Leisure” set the stage for Blur’s evolution, and where does it stand in the grand scheme of Britpop history? Tune in as we unpack the sounds, influences, and legacy of this underrated classic.  ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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’re diving into Matthew Sweet’s 1991 breakout album, “Girlfriend”—a power pop gem that blends heartache, soaring melodies, and some of the most electrifying guitar work of the era. From its jangly, Beatles-esque hooks to the raw emotion behind Sweet’s lyrics, “Girlfriend” became an instant cult classic and remains a defining album of ‘90s alternative rock. We’ll explore its backstory, the impact of Sweet’s songwriting, and why this record still resonates more than 30 years later. So grab your headphones, and let’s take a ride through this power pop masterpiece! ******************** To support the Secret Gentlemen‘s Club CHIditarod team and support the CHIditarod Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to help solve Chicago’s hunger challenges, please donate here: https://www.classy.org/team/633030  ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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, the Accelerated Culture team explores one of Laurie’s all-time favorites and asks the age-old question, “How many bass guitarists can you fit into one alternative rock group?” Ned’s Atomic Dustbin answered the question with their debut album, God Fodder. A relentless, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride, this album urged you to think about your relationships and, of course, to “Kill Your Television.” ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 dive into Pearl Jam’s “Ten,” unpacking the layered storytelling and raw instrumentation that make standout tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” so compelling. Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocal delivery and introspective lyrics bring a unique depth to the record, adding a personal narrative that complements the band’s musical experimentation. Whether you're revisiting the album or discovering it for the first time, this conversation reveals fresh insights into a record that continues to spark curiosity and conversation. ******************** SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

The Accelerated Culture team takes a deep dive into the album that launched an entire genre: Massive Attack’s debut album, “Blue Lines.” Combining hip-hop, r&b, reggae, pop, and more, this trip-hop classic takes the listener on a dark, moody, and soulful journey: grooves designed as much for your head as for the dance floor. Laurie and Scott explore Massive Attack’s origins in the Bristol sound system scene, the culturally diverse influences that shaped their approach to music, and the production techniques that make this album a field day for fans of the “spot the sample” game. Put your headphones on and get ready to dive deep. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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, Laurie and Scott Free take a closer look at R.E.M.’s 1991 album “Out of Time,” a pivotal release that marked a shift in the band’s musical style. Stepping away from their jangly college-rock roots, R.E.M. embraced a richer, more diverse sound that incorporated elements of folk, pop, and orchestral arrangements. Featuring hits like “Losing My Religion” and “Shiny Happy People,” this Grammy-winning album brought the band widespread recognition while showcasing their willingness to experiment. Laurie and Scott discuss the album’s themes, production, and its place in ’90s music, offering a fresh perspective on this transformative moment in R.E.M.’s career. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

“We wanna be free! We wanna be free to do what we wanna do!” In this episode, we cover “Screamadelica,” the 1991 album by Primal Scream that pushed the boundaries of rock and electronic music. Celebrated for its fusion of acid house, psychedelia, and indie rock, “Screamadelica” became a cultural touchstone of the early ’90s. We explore the album's iconic tracks, such as “Loaded” and “Come Together,” its production by Andrew Weatherall, and its lasting influence on the music scene. Join us as we unravel how Primal Scream created a timeless soundtrack to the rave revolution. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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

For our final episode of 2024, we dive deep into “The White Room,” the iconic 1991 album by The KLF, and unravel the bizarre and bewildering mythology surrounding it. From cryptic Illuminati symbolism and the duo's obsession with chaos magic to a surreal Wicker Man ceremony in Scotland, the story behind this album defies belief. We’ll also explore the infamous car-pushing stunt, a jaw-dropping cliffside act of defiance, and the ultimate act of rebellion: the sacrificial burning of one million pounds. Buckle up for a journey into the avant-garde madness of music history! ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING AND SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT! 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 *********************** Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Laurie & Scott Free return from their two-week break to discuss one of the biggest albums of 1991: “Achtung Baby” by U2. After the mega-success of “The Joshua Tree,” followed by the disappointing box office performance of the film “Rattle & Hum,” the Dublin-based quartet decided to reinvent themselves with an entirely new sound, merging dance-floor beats with distorted guitars, industrial textures, and introspective lyrics. Tracks like “One,” “Mysterious Ways,” and “The Fly” demonstrated U2’s ability to blend emotional depth with cutting-edge production, solidifying their status as one of the most innovative bands of the era. Join us as we explore this landmark album and share the stories behind the songs. ********************* SUBSCRIBE ON PATREON FOR ADS-FREE LISTENING! 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 *********************** Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the power-pop trio Material Issue and their iconic debut album, “International Pop Overthrow.” Released in 1991, this album is brimming with infectious hooks, jangly guitars, and frontman Jim Ellison’s heartfelt lyrics. We explore the band’s origins, their rise in the Chicago circuit, and the creation of their cult-classic debut, which features standout tracks like “Valerie Loves Me,” “Diane,” and “Renee Remains the Same.” Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the band, this episode is a celebration of “International Pop Overthrow” and its place in pop music history. ********************* EARLY ACCESS 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 *********************** Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.