Accelerated Culture
2024 WEBBY AWARDS HONOREE FOR BEST INDIE PODCAST! Accelerated Culture: The Rise of Alternative Music in the 80s and Beyond is a walk through an often-ignored bit of music history. We explore how new wave stormed the airwaves in the early 80s and gave way for the rise of alternative music. Find us on the web at AcceleratedCulturePodcast.com. Please note: The music clips included in this podcast fall under the ”Fair Use Doctrine” as defined by Section 107 of the Copyright Act. The law allows for use of music clips for purposes of criticism, comment, and news reporting.
Episodes
5 days ago
Episode 55: U2’s “Achtung Baby” (1991)
5 days ago
5 days ago
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.
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Nov 09, 2024
Episode 54: Material Issue’s “International Pop Overthrow” (1991)
Saturday Nov 09, 2024
Saturday Nov 09, 2024
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.
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Episode 53: Talk Talk’s “Laughing Stock” (1991)
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
This week marks a tonal shift as we explore Talk Talk’s fifth and final studio album, “Laughing Stock.” We begin by examining Mark Hollis and Talk Talk’s career and evolution over the course of their first four albums, moving from New Romantic pop stars to post-rock pioneers, culminating in a track-by-track deep dive into this lesser-known but widely influential album. Join us on a musical journey of Biblical proportions.
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
Episode 52: Jesus Jones’ “Doubt” (1991)
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
Saturday Oct 12, 2024
We continue our series on the best alternative albums of 1991 with Jesus Jones’ landmark 1991 album “Doubt.” Combining driving rock bass and guitars with dance-inspired beats and creative use of samples, “Doubt” beautifully captures the essence of 1991, evoking the atmosphere and emotions of a new decade when it seemed anything was possible.
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Episode 51: One-Hit Wonders of 1991 (LIVE for International Podcast Day)
Monday Sep 30, 2024
Monday Sep 30, 2024
In honor of #InternationalPodcastDay2024, Laurie & Scott free went LIVE for this week's episode on One-Hit Wonders of 1991.
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EARLY ACCESS & 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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Coming soon! Episode 51 LIVE for International Podcast Day
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Saturday Sep 28, 2024
Laurie & Scott Free will be podcasting LIVE this week for #InternationalPodcastDay2024! We'll be live video podcasting on Saturday, Sep. 28 at 3:30pm EDT. If you want to watch us live, you have to register. Register now for FREE at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/international-podcast-day-2024
Thanks to our friends at Poduty Live Events for organizing this event for a second year!
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Episode 50: Big Audio Dynamite II’s “The Globe” (1991)
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
This week, we dive deep into Big Audio Dynamite II’s 1991 album “The Globe,” a pivotal record that fused rock, dance, and hip-hop influences to define the early ’90s soundscape. We explore the band’s evolution under Mick Jones’ leadership following his departure from The Clash, highlighting the album’s genre-blending approach with its innovative sampling and catchy hooks, including standout tracks like “Rush” and the title track “The Globe.”
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
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Join us LIVE for International Podcast Day 2024! Laurie & Scott Free will be doing a live video podcast on Saturday, September 29, 2024, at 3:30pm EDT. Registration is free: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/international-podcast-day-2024
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Episode 49: Electronic’s “Electronic” (1991)
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Join us as we dive into the synth-laden world of Electronic’s self-titled 1991 debut album—a meeting of minds where New Order’s beats and The Smiths’ wit collided. We’ll unpack how Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner’s side hustle became the ultimate ‘90s supergroup flex, blending Britpop angst with dancefloor grooves. Tune in for a nostalgic trip that’s as smooth as a synth solo and as sharp as a Mancunian quip.
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Aug 17, 2024
Episode 48: Primus’ “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991)
Saturday Aug 17, 2024
Saturday Aug 17, 2024
“Here they come, Here come the bastards!” In our forty-eighth episode, we explore the 1991 classic “Sailing the Seas of Cheese.” It’s a quirky blend of funk, rock, and alternative metal, featuring Les Claypool’s distinctive bass playing and surreal lyrics. The album showcases Primus’ unique sound and has become a cult classic, including tracks like “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” and “Tommy the Cat.”
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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
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Coming soon! Episode 48
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Scott Free & Laurie introduce our upcoming episode on “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991) by Primus. Look for it on Saturday, August 17th!