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 May 06, 2023
Episode 18: Peter Gabriel’s “So” (1986)
Saturday May 06, 2023
Saturday May 06, 2023
We could not let our musical tribute to 1986 pass without acknowledging this legendary, groundbreaking album, Peter Gabriel’s “So” (1986). With guest vocalists Kate Bush, Youssou N'Dour, and Laurie Anderson, and guest musicians such as Nile Rodgers and Stewart Copeland, this entire album is a synthpop dream from start to finish. Join us as we explore, track by track, Peter’s musical masterpiece.
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
Episode 17: The Pet Shop Boys’ “Please” (1986)
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
Saturday Apr 22, 2023
This week we do a track-by-track deep dive into the 1986 synth pop classic, “Please.” Join us as we discuss the musical genius of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe on their debut album, which was destined to become an instant classic everywhere from Lake Geneva to the Finland Station.
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
Episode 16: The Music of 1986
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
Saturday Apr 08, 2023
We continue our exploration of new wave & alternative music in the 1980s with first of four episodes on the music of 1986! Join us as we celebrate the hits, the one-hit wonders, and the under-the-radar tunes from this banner year in music!
Saturday Mar 11, 2023
Episode 15: Duran Duran, The Power Station, and Arcadia (1985)
Saturday Mar 11, 2023
Saturday Mar 11, 2023
1985 was a year of transitions for the Fab Five members of Duran Duran: having just come off their Sing Blue Silver tour, the members found themselves going in different directions. After working together on a new James Bond theme, the Duran boys took a bit of a break to work on separate side projects: The Power Station and Arcadia. We delve into this and more as we examine 1985 from the perspective of Duran Duran fans.
Saturday Feb 25, 2023
Episode 14: Alternative Songs of 1985
Saturday Feb 25, 2023
Saturday Feb 25, 2023
Continuing with the music of 1985, this week we explore the less mainstream songs released that year .From the ethereal stylings of Cocteau Twins to the home-grown punk of Naked Raygun, 1985 was the year that alternative music really began to blossom, and we are here to give you the highlights of this legendary year.
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Episode 13: Pop Songs of 1985
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
Saturday Feb 11, 2023
This is the first of three episodes on the music of 1985, a banner year. In this episode, we delve into the popular music of the year, from Madonna’s emotional ballads to Til Tuesday’s new wave style and Tears for Fears’ synth-pop. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the pop music of 1985 together.
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Episode 12: Songs from Down Under—The Best Australian Bands
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
In honor of Australia Day (Jan. 26), this week we showcase our ten favorite Australian new wave & alternative bands (plus a couple honorable mentions)! Give a listen and then visit our Facebook page to vote for your favorite. We’ll reveal the winner in an upcoming episode.
Saturday Jan 14, 2023
Episode 11: The Music of 1984, part 2
Saturday Jan 14, 2023
Saturday Jan 14, 2023
Join us as we take a journey back to the latter half 1984, the height of the Cold War era. From the political and social turmoil of the time came a wave of music that reflected the angst and disillusionment of the youth. We'll explore the hits and hidden gems of the time and discuss their impact. Whether you're a fan of the era or just curious about the music of the time, this episode is not to be missed.
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Episode 10: The Music of 1984, part 1
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
In this episode of Accelerated Culture, we’re taking a trip back to 1984 to explore the sounds of the first half of the year.
We’ll start off by revisiting some of the most iconic and influential tracks of the era, including “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper, “The Reflex” by Duran Duran, and “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. These tracks defined the sound of the eighties and continue to be revered by fans of alternative and new wave music to this day.
Throughout the episode, we’ll be discussing the lasting impact of these tracks and how they continue to influence the alternative and new wave scene today. Also, Trey shares his story of an encounter with an “imposter” 80s band!
So, join us as we take a trip back to 1984 and explore the unforgettable sounds of the first half of the year.
The full playlist of this week’s songs (all 20 of ’em!) is available here: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHahx-btOMPo7uZ1x9XyV2hQ8TvlHFTo-&feature=share
Saturday Dec 17, 2022
Episode 9: Accelerated Culture 2022 Holiday Playlist
Saturday Dec 17, 2022
Saturday Dec 17, 2022
This week, Laurie & Trey take a step back from their hosting duties. Instead, we've put together a holiday playlist of songs from our favorite new wave & alternative artists. So, grab a cup of eggnog, sit back, and enjoy the Accelerated Culture 2022 Holiday Playlist!
1. “Do They Know Its Christmas,” Band Aid2. “Christmas Wrapping,” The Waitresses3. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” U24. “Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight),” The Ramones5. “Christmas in Hollis,” Run-D.M.C.6. “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” Bad Religion7. “Christmastime,” Smashing Pumpkins8. “Frosty the Snowman,” Cocteau Twins9. “Peace On Earth /Little Drummer Boy (Medley),” Bing Crosby & David Bowie10. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” Andy Taylor11. “Winter Wonderland,” Eurythmics12. “Silent Night,” Sinéad O'Connor13. “Il est né le divin enfant,” Siouxsie and the Banshees14. “We Three Kings,” Book of Love15. “Fairytale of New York,” The Pogues16. “Christmas Christmas,” Mojo Nixon17. “Silver Bells,” R.E.M.18. “Merry Christmas,” INXS19. “Things Fall Apart,” Cristina20. “Zat You Santa Claus,” Buster Poindexter & His Banshees Of Blue