Tracks from bands signed to the doyen of US indie labels, Merge
All eyes on this collection of tracks about watching, looking and seeing
Olivia Rodrigo inviting Robert Smith on stage at Glastonbury seems the perfect excuse to revisit the first 10 golden years of The Cure.
England, more than any other country arguably, has attracted a boatload of myths about its history and how it affects the country and its people today. Here are some songs on that theme.
An episode in which the tracks are sung by non-humans. Animals, insects, computers, guitars, aeroplanes, zombies, lasagne and lightning rods.
Songs of promises, songs of pacts and songs of pledges. Pretty well as described.
Tracks by horse-related bands (of whom there have been a recent flurry) and tracks about horses. A surprisingly productive paddock.
A world before all the weird things happened. Top tracks from 2015.
From dial tones to iPhones via payphones, a short history of great phone-related tracks.
City life can be thrilling or alienating. Here are some tracks about city life to suit every mood.
30 years after the release of Guided By Voices' classic twin album assault of Bee Thousand and Alien Lanes, here's a tribute. Also features some bands they've influenced.
A tribute to Clem Burke of Blondie; Dave Allen of The Gang of Four; David Thomas of Pere Ubu; and Rick Buckler of The Jam
Take a trip to the Appalachians for a selection of tracks from North and South Carolina.
Tracks with "Hey!" in their title. A plentiful supply: it's tough to leave so many good ones out.
A bonus episode, essentially the first episode in the podcast Steve's Mix Tapes; Ian is interviewed by Steve Pringle.
In a darkening world, aiming to throw light on transgender musical artists with this episode featuring their work.
Three-piece bands, sometimes called power trios, in the third part of our Graham Greene inspired trilogy of episodes.
Valentine's Day is upon us once more. But the flowers of romance can fade and die - as these tracks tell us, all too sadly.
Brighton Rock was a novel by Graham Greene. But there's also plenty of great (alternative) Brighton rock music (and post-punk and other genres) - as this episode demonstrates.
Isabel dupey
this is so brilliant! I love hearing the amazing bands of my long lost youth having spent so much time in Sheffield in the 80s. thank you!
Isabel dupey
My "hot" comment - loving this episode. Who knew so much cheese could be spun into gold?