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
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Episode 46: Nirvana’s “Nevermind” (1991)
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Saturday Jul 20, 2024
Nirvana’s landmark album “Nevermind,” released in 1991, is a cornerstone of the grunge movement and a pivotal moment in rock history. The trio, consisting of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, created a raw yet melodic sound that captured the angst and disillusionment of a generation. Under the masterful production of Butch Vig, the album achieved a polished yet powerful sound, making it accessible to a wider audience while retaining its edge. “Nevermind” is crucial not only for its commercial success but also for its profound influence on the music industry, bringing alternative rock into the mainstream and solidifying Nirvana’s legacy as one of the most influential bands of all time.
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Theme music: “Dancing Underwater (Instrumental Version)” by I'MIN, licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
Episode 45: INXS’ “X” (1990)
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
Saturday Jul 06, 2024
We end our series on influential albums of 1990 with “X” by INXS. From the opening harmonica notes of “Suicide Blonde” to the dulcet tones of “Hear That Sound,” Scott Free & Laurie take you track by track through this dance-rock classic. We also discuss the band’s legendary July 13, 1991 show at Wembley Stadium which was filmed for the concert movie “Live Baby Live.” Tune in & join us for this trip down memory lane!
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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.
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Episode 44: Happy Mondays’ “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches” (1990)
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
Saturday Jun 22, 2024
CALL THE COPS! We continue our exploration into the year 1990 with the Happy Mondays’ genre-defining classic “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches.” The Mondays were at the forefront of the Madchester music scene, and the revelry of the music was only rivaled by Shaun and Paul Ryder’s mischief offstage. This is a longer episode, but it’s a fun one. We know you’ll enjoy it.
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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.
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Episode 43: Sonic Youth’s “Goo” (1990)
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Saturday Jun 08, 2024
Sonic Youth’s 1990 album “Goo” is a seminal work in alternative rock, blending noise, punk, and pop elements into a distinctive sonic landscape. The album showcases the band’s experimental spirit and knack for crafting catchy melodies with dissonant guitars and unconventional song structures. Tracks like “Kool Thing” and “Dirty Boots” are standout examples of Sonic Youth’s ability to juxtapose raw energy with introspective lyricism, solidifying “Goo” as a landmark release in the band’s prolific career and a cornerstone of the '90s alternative music scene.
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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.
Saturday May 25, 2024
Episode 42: My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult’s “Confessions of a Knife” (1990)
Saturday May 25, 2024
Saturday May 25, 2024
This week, we continue exploring the alternative music of 1990 with sex, drugs, and Satan: Chicago industrial rockers My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and their album “Confessions of a Knife.” Join us as we ride the mindway!
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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 May 23, 2024
Coming soon! Episode 42
Thursday May 23, 2024
Thursday May 23, 2024
Scott Free, our cohost with the most, introduces our upcoming episode. Look for it on Saturday, May 25th!
Saturday Apr 27, 2024
Episode 41: The Charlatans’ “Some Friendly” (1990)
Saturday Apr 27, 2024
Saturday Apr 27, 2024
“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.
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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
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
Episode 40: Cocteau Twins’ “Heaven or Las Vegas” (1990)
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
Saturday Apr 13, 2024
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.
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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
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Episode 39: World Party’s “Goodbye Jumbo” (1990)
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
Saturday Mar 30, 2024
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.
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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
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
Episode 38: Depeche Mode’s “Violator” (1990) with Special Guest Cohost Scott Free
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
Saturday Mar 16, 2024
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.
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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