Smells Like Infinite Sadness

Legendary guitarist and vocalist Daniel Ash (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) talks about his new band Ashes and Diamonds and their debut album Ashes and Diamonds Are Forever. Hear about the making of their first single “On A Rocka”, the band’s unique chemistry, his signature guitar sounds, and a peek behind the scenes of creating music during lockdown. And stick around after the interview to hear their explosive track “On A Rocka.”

30 years since The Cranberries released their breakthrough album, No Need to Argue, a record that brought sharper emotional and political depth to the raw intimacy of their debut, and cemented vocalist Dolores O'Riordan as a 90's rock icon. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, a special expanded edition features CHVRCHES remixes, a rare demo of “Zombie,” and recordings from Woodstock ’94.In this episode, Cranberries drummer Fergal Lawler reflects on the making of the album, the band’s creative evolution, and the enduring legacy of O’Riordan’s voice and vision. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, insights from the road, and the memories that make this album a timeless classic.🎧 Listen now and step inside one of the defining albums of the ’90s.

Guest: Paul Humphreys, co-founder of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Humphreys of OMD to discuss the musical duo's return to U.S. stages in 2025, their recent standout performance at Cruel World Festival, and the continuing creative evolution of one of synth-pop’s most influential acts. Paul reflects on the critical and commercial success of Bauhaus Staircase, OMD’s politically conscious lyrics, the band’s hybrid analog-digital production setup, and his collaborative dynamic with Andy McCluskey.We also talk about what it’s like to perform songs that span decades, how they decide who sings lead, and what newer material has struck a chord with modern audiences.🎫 OMD Tour Info + Tickets🎧 Stream Bauhaus Staircase📸 Follow OMD on Instagram: @omdofficialIf you enjoy this episode, please consider rating the show, subscribing, or sharing it with fellow music fans. Every bit helps keep the conversations going.

Today, I’m joined by the legendary David J Haskins of the iconic post-punk bands Bauhaus and Love and Rockets. He’s here to talk about two powerful, intertwined new releases: a poetry collection titled Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer and a companion album, The Mother Tree—his most personal work to date, created in tribute to his late mother.We discuss memory, grief, creativity, his upcoming tour, other upcoming projects, and what’s next for Love and Rockets. I've had the pleasure of talking to David twice before, and he has always made for a captivating chat. This time proved no different.So, enjoy the interview and stick around afterwards, when we’ll close with the epic title track from The Mother Tree.David J Haskins new poetry book Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer and album The Mother Tree drop June 6, via Fonograph Media and Erototox Decodings. You can pre-order at davidjhaskins.com. 

Today, we’re talking with legendary drummer Dale Crover, best known for his work with The Melvins. Their unique blend of metal, punk, and experimental music helped shape the Grunge sound. In addition to The Melvins, Crover has worked with bands like Acid King, Altamont, Redd Kross, and most notably, Nirvana. Rolling Stone even named him the 69th greatest drummer of all time. But Dale Crover is more than just a great rock drummer—he’s also a solo artist, and he’s just released his third solo album, GLOSSOLALIA, out now via Joyful Noise Recordings (click here to order). The album features contributions from Tom Waits, Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Ty Segall, and others. In this episode, I talk with Dale about the creative inspiration behind GLOSSOLALIA, how he assembled his impressive list of collaborators, how his songwriting process differs between solo work and The Melvins, his current Eurpoean tour opening for Redd Kross (click here for tickets), and what’s next for The Melvins. So, stick around for the interview, and afterward, I’ll play 'I Quit', a track from his new album. You can listen to the episode via the Spotify embed below, or pn your podcast platform of choice via the buttons at the bottom of the post.

On this week's episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for synth-pop duo the Pulsars. The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio's brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio,  were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their 1997 self-titled debut album, years before the post-punk revival of the early 2000s, when bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol became indie music darlings. Their debut album was chock full of New Wave gems like 'My Pet Robot', 'Silicon Teens' and 'Technology'. And while they received some initial success and high profile tours with artists like Oasis and Beck, the dissolution of their record company heralded the end of the band, and their album went out of print for nearly thirty years.  The Pulsars are rereleasing a remastered edition of this album on vinyl, CD and digital on September 13 via  Tiny Global Productions. This is a treat for hardcore fans and should also appeal to electronic music fans unfamiliar with their work. On today’s episode I speak to Trumfio about his memories of the band’s initial success and the Chicago alternative scene of the 1990’s, his work as a member of The Mekons and as an in-demand producer and studio  musician for artists like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Liz Phair and Moving Units, why the band are finally reissuing their debut album, their upcoming tour, future releases, and much more. And stick around afterwards, when I’ll be playing 'Technology', one of my favorite songs off their underrated 1997 gem of an album.

The Sisters of Mercy are one of the most iconic Goth groups of all time. Despite not releasing an album since 1990's 'Vision Thing,' they retain a devoted fanbase, as evidenced by the rapturous acclaim of their 2023 North American tour, which saw them play hits like 'This Corrosion' along with deep cuts, and new material. And now the band are preparing to return to the U.S. and Canada with a Fall 2024 tour. On this week's episode I talk to band guitarist Ben Christo to discuss what fans can expect on the setlist, why the band are in no hurry to release a new album, the band's songwriting process (they continue to write songs, but only perform them live), their enduring appeal, and more. So check out the episode, and visit the bands website https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/ for tour dates and more.

Join us for a special episode as we delve into the legacy of musical icon Michael Hutchence, whose career with INXS skyrocketed in the 80s. Beloved for his mystique and distinctive vocals, Hutchence left a lasting impact on millions despite his untimely passing in 1997. Now, producer Danny Saber (U2, Madonna, David Bowie) brings Hutchence's unfinished demos to life with the release of 'One Way' b/w 'Save My Life,' a 10-inch picture disk out August 9 via Boss Sonics and Deko Entertainment. Saber meticulously reconstructed these tracks from loose demos the two recorded together just prior to his death. In this episode, I interview Saber to discuss the journey of 'One Way,' the nearly three-decade wait for its release, Hutchence's enduring appeal, future releases of more unearthed Hutchence material, and Saber's favorite memories of working with the legendary singer. And stick around afterwards when I'll be playing the new single.

Just in time for spooky season, Jack Sommerby and I list our picks of the 17 best horror films of all time, from the most iconic to to the slightly obscure. We're covering slashers, body-horror, sci-fi horror and more. So take a listen and see if you agree with our choices, and tell us your favorites in the comments.

Prong are an eternally underrated metal act, but their fervent underground following has fueled them since forming in NYC in 1986. Over 13 albums and revolving lineups, frontman/guitarist Tommy Victor has unleashed his patented brand of working class angst on classic tracks like 'Prove You Wrong', 'For Dear Life', 'Whose Fist Is This Anyway', and their best-known hit, 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' off 1994's 'Cleansing'. In addition to that body of work, he pulls double duty as the guitarist for Danzig, and has also lent his talents to the likes of Rob Zombie, Ministry and Teenage Time Killers. Prong are back with their 13th album, 'State of Emergency' (click here for my review), out now on Steamhammer SPV Recrds, and on today’s episode I talk to Tommy about the new album, from its songwriting genesis to recording on his home turf of NYC, the inspiration behind key tracks, covering Rush's 'Working Man', fatherhood, plans for touring, his tenure with Danzig, the band’s legacy and more. So take a listen to the episode via the embed above or on your podcast platform of choice (located at the bottom of this post) and stick around afterwards where I’ll be playing the single 'Non Existence', my favorite tune off the new album.

On our latest podcast episode we're doing a genre double-dip when I talk to director Mike Schiff about his informative new documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, which features notable luminaries from the worlds of film and metal discussing why the two genres feel so interlinked. The film is a treasure trove of genre trivia, with Schiff picking the brains of the likes of Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor, Kane Hodder, Richard Christie, Dave Mustaine, Phil Anselmo, John 5, Bill Mosely, Johnathan Davis and Alice Cooper (and that's just scratching the surface). It's a fun deep dive of all things scary and rocking, and in our interview Schiff discusses why this film took over five years to get released, what he found most illuminating from the interviews, cancel culture, remembering the late Gunnar Hansen, Sid Haig and , plans to release more material, a possible sequel, and much more. So take a listen, and if you want to buy or rent the doc, you can do so directly from the ⁠filmmakers website⁠ or via the Amazon link at the bottom of the blog post for this episode.

Emily Whitehurst first rose to prominence under the alias Agent M, lead vocalist for late 90's/early 00's punk act Tsunami Bomb. After leaving the group in 2005, Whitehurst would go on to form indie-electronic project Survival Guide alongside guitarist Jaycen McKissick, but she's been the sole creative force behind the project since McKissick's departure in 2015. Whitehurst/Survival Guide is gearing to release her new album Death Dreams (due October 19 on Double Helix Records), and it continues her unique miasma of 80’s New Wave and contemporary indie rock. On today's podcast, Whitehurst discusses how the creative process behind her new album got her out of her comfort zone, what it’s like working as a solo project vs a group dynamic, how mortality played a crucial role to the lyrical process, what makes a great Bond theme, and much more. So take a listen and stick around afterwards, where I’ll be playing Lady Neptune, a single off of the new album. You can listen to the latest episode via the Spotify embed below, or via the major podcasting platforms links at the bottom of the post. And if you'd like to buy her new single, click here.  

Last week lovers of intense cinema were saddened by the passing of director William Friedkin, who died on August 7 at the age of 87. Friedkin was a true force of nature, an uncompromising director known primarily for two of the greatest films of the 1970's (and of all time): hardboiled crime drama 'The French Connection' (starring Gene Hackman) and 'The Exorcist', one of the most iconic and terrifying films ever made (and that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year). While his career waned in ensuing decades, he remained a fascinating filmmaker, and on today's podcast, Jack Sommersby and I cover it all, from the two award winning films that gave him his notoriety, along with some reviled flops ( 'Cruising' and 'Jade) and other films that became cult classics despite failing at the box office ('To Live and Die In L.A.', 'Sorcerer') along with some 21st century films like 'Bug' and 'Killer Joe' that garnered him a new audience. So take a listen as we do a deep dive into a singular filmmaker's body of work, and why his like will never come again.

Royal Thunder are back with Rebuilding The Mountain, their first album in 5 years, out June 16th via Spinefarm. Like past efforts including Wick and Crooked Doors, it sees the group continue their unique marriage of classic rock and 90’s alternative with a contemporary edge. It also marks the return of drummer Evan DiPrima, who left the group in 2018. It’s also one of their most direct and immediate efforts, reflecting the group’s recent sobriety and renewed focus of their musical vision. And front and center is Mlny Parsonz, the powerhouse vocalist with an inimitable voice and delivery that is alternately fierce and introspective. In today’s interview, I speak to Parsonz about the band's personal struggles, how conquering her demons rejuvenated her dedication to Royal Thunder, how the group’s songwriting process has changed, reuniting with DiPrima and much more. Be sure to stick around afterwards, where I’ll be playing the song Cut off the new album. You can check out the interview via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the various platforms listed at the bottom of the page, and you can pre-order Rebuilding The Mountain via the Amazon link below.  

The Church have been brewing up their unique blend of psychedelia, post-punk, alternative and prog-rock ever since they formed in 1980. Over four decades, various lineup changes and 26 studio albums, their prolific streak has brought them an adoring cult following on albums including (to name but a few) The Blurred Crusade, Heyday, Starfish, Priest=Aura and Man Woman Life Death Infinity, (and the hit singles Under The Milky Way, Reptile and Metropolis). And shepherding them along the way has been been frontman/bassist/primary songwriter Steve Kilbey. And how The Church have returned with The Hypnogogue (click here for my review), their first proper concept album, and first release with guitarist Ashley Naylor and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Cain. On today's podcast, I speak with Kilbey about the new album, from its conception as a concept record, to the studio process and how Naylor and Cain have rejuvenated the band (which also includes longtime drummer Tim Powles and guitarist Ian Haug (who joined in 2013). In addition, we discuss the band's current U.S. tour, what the future holds for the group, Kilbey's other various projects in the works and much more. This is the fourth time I've had the pleasure of chatting with him, and he's always a pleasure to talk to (click here for my interview with him in 2020). So take a listen to our chat, and stick around afterwards when I'll be playing the band's new single There's No Other You. And you can purchase the new album on the band's website.

30 years ago this week, U2 released Achtung Baby, the 1991 opus that helped them roar back to relevance after being sidelined by the commercial and critical disappointment of their 1998 documentary and album Rattle and Hum. Click here for the best albums of 1991 Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, Achtung Baby saw the Irish outfit refresh their sound with the emerging alternative flavors of the day, including industrial and dance music, while also largely abandoning the self-serious tone of earlier works. It also produced some of the band's biggest hits (One, Mysterious Ways, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses) and some of their best deep cuts (So Cruel, Love Is Blindness, Ultraviolet (Light My Way). On this week's podcast episode, myself and co-host Chris Logan dive into the album's legacy, why it helped keep the band relevant in the face of Nirvana and the alternative rock revolution, how its held up over the years, why The Fly isn't better remembered as the monster single it was at the time, and the biggest question: which album is better, it or The Joshua Tree? *Side note: During my intro I noted U2 were a British band, along with a few other minor inaccuracies. Whoopsies. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep this week. You can listen via the above embed, or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, click here for Spotify, or you can listen via the podcast buttons at the bottom of the post. We've also included an Amazon link for the newly announced 30th anniversary deluxe edition of the album. You can also click here for our recent episode about the legacy of Nirvana's Nevermind.

As the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Cocteau Twins, Robin Guthrie's unique sonic palette helped spearhead and popularize the dream pop sub-genre, with songs that emerged like hazy daydreams through his unique combination of melody and his focused use of effects on albums like 'Treasure', 'Blue Bell Knoll' and 'Heaven or Las Vegas.' During that time, Guthrie also did extensive production work for a variety of artists including The Wolfgang Press, The Gun Club, A.R. Kane, Lush, Ian McCulloch, Guy Chadwick and The Veldt. While the Cocteau Twins folded in 1997, Guthrie forged ahead, continuing to produce, and also collaborating with artists like the late Harold Budd (including their score for the 2004 film Mysterious Skin), John Foxx, Mark Gardener among others. In addition, Guthrie has also led a prolific and engaging career all his own, and speaking of, he's back after a 9 year absence with both an EP ('Mockingbird Love') and a full-length album ('Pearldiving') both of which showcase his inimitable, ethereal and emotive sound through evocative instrumentals. In today's interview, Guthrie discusses why he's been away for so long, why he decided to put out two releases so close together, his creative process and signature sound, his memories of working with Harold Budd, the legacy and influence of The Cocteau Twins, and much more. So take a listen, and be sure to stick around afterwards when I'll be playing 'Oceanaire' off the new album.  Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, and click here to listen on Spotify. You can listen via all the podcast platforms listed at the bottom of the blog post on our main site as well, where you will also find an Amazon link for both of his new releases.

September 24th marks a sacred date for Gen Xers: Nirvana's 1991 grunge masterpiece 'Nevermind' celebrates its (get ready to feel old) 30th anniversary! Yes, that's right, the album that was the soundtrack to your 90's life is now 3-decades old, and in its honor, co-host Chris Logan and I celebrate why it still packs a punch. In this episode, we discuss what it was like hearing 'Nevermind' for the first time (including seeing the music video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'), how it still holds up, and how it changed the pop culture landscape, making alternative go from the underground into the mainstream. In addition we discuss which tracks hold up the best, Butch Vig's solid production, all the other great alternative music that came out in fall of 91 (including fellow Seattle grunge acts Pearl Jam's 'Ten' and Soundgarden's 'BadMotorFinger', why Kurt Cobain was such a transformational and tragic figure, the recent lawsuit over the album's cover art and much more. So put on your purple cardigan and join us, won't you? Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, and click here to listen on Spotify. You can listen via all the podcast platforms listed at the bottom of the blog post on our main site as well, where you will also find an Amazon link for the deluxe 30th anniversary 'Nevermind' reissue.

On today’s episode I speak to Trevor Dunn, the bassist and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work in the experimental rock group Mr. Bungle, as well as Tomahawk (who released their latest album ‘Tonic Immobility’ in March), Fantomas, The Melvins, Mad Love, and Nels Cline amongst many other projects. Dunn is back with “merdeka atau mati” the debut album from SpermChurch, his new project which sees him collaborate with the late avant-garde musician Sannety, and will be releasing the album September 3rd via his newly owned record label Riverworm Records. It’s an experimental project using electronics and percussion that is described in his press release as containing “elements of abstraction and trap music, battling cultural conditioning with non-traditional tunings, glissandos, percussion,  and a max/msp patch. Using minimal elements to play with (a lot of bass drums and bass mostly), we turn patterns inside out.” In today’s interview, Dunn discusses the origins of SpermChurch, what it’s like to promote an album in the wake of Sannety’s passing, the sonic approach behind the new album, the challenges and joys of launching his new label, the future of Mr. Bungle, upcoming music from Trio Convulsant, as well as other projects in the works. Click here to listen on Apple podcasts, or click here to listen on Spotify. Or just listen via the Anchor embed below or any of the other podcast platforms at the bottom of the post. You can buy the new SpermChurch record at https://spermchurch.bandcamp.com and you can keep track of all things Mr Bungle at https://www.mrbungle.com.

On today’s podcast episode I’ll be speaking to Steve Kilbey, best known as the vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter for veteran Australian alternative psych group The Church. With The Church, Kilbey has generated a whopping 25 studio albums since their formation, beginning with 1981’s Of Skins and Heart. The band are most notable in pop culture for their hit single Under The Milky Way off their 1988 album Starfish, but as diehard fans will tell you, that’s just a drop in the ocean to their immersive, impressive and expansive body of work, including their masterful 2017 album Man, Woman, Life, Death, Infinity. But Kilbey has also had a lengthy solo career, releasing 14 eclectic and stirring albums., including Unearthed, The Idyllist and Sydney Rococo.  And now he’s back with Eleven Women, one of his strongest solo efforts to date. In today’s interview Kilbey discusses the origins and creative process behind the new album, the challenges of being a musician during the Coronavirus pandemic, future solo work, his upcoming album with The Church, and a stirring account of a childhood experience with extraterrestrials. So check out the interview and stick around afterwards when I’ll be playing Woman #9, a song off the new album. Click here to listen to the interview via Apple Podcasts and click here to listen via Spotify, or listen via the RadioPublic embed or other podcast platforms at the bottom of this post. You can purchase Eleven Women via Kilbey's Instagram page at http://instagram.com/stvklby, and you can keep abreast of all his creative endeavors via his website thetimebeing.com.