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 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
Saturday Dec 03, 2022
Episode 8: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees
Saturday Dec 03, 2022
Saturday Dec 03, 2022
This week we celebrate the 2022 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Duran Duran, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Jimmy Iovine, Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton, Judas Priest, Sylvia Robinson, Carly Simon, Allen Grubman, Lionel Richie, Eurythmics, Harry Belafonte, Eminem, and Dolly Parton. Congratulations to all this year’s inductees!
Check out this week’s playlist on YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHahx-btOMPoeSg36DiXKZusFpXE5kYHn&feature=share
Saturday Nov 19, 2022
Episode 7: Don’t You Forget About John Hughes (part two)
Saturday Nov 19, 2022
Saturday Nov 19, 2022
In this episode, we continue our two-part discussion on John Hughes films and their music. Part Two, we explore Hughes films from 1986-1989 from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” to “Uncle Buck.” These songs were more than film soundtracks; they formed the soundtracks to our lives!
Listen to this week's music playlist on YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHahx-btOMPrPUPJSXE1drAzqmctBop8N&feature=share
Saturday Nov 05, 2022
Episode 6: Don’t You Forget About John Hughes (part one)
Saturday Nov 05, 2022
Saturday Nov 05, 2022
This week we begin a two-part introspective on the new-wave music that formed the soundtrack for John Hughes films in the 80s. If you’re a child of the 80s, you probably grew up loving these films—and their soundtracks! In Part One, we explore Hughes films from 1980-1986, beginning with “National Lampoon’s Vacation” and ending with “Pretty in Pink.” You couldn’t ignore these songs if you tried.
Listen to this week's music playlist on YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHahx-btOMPq5hLOpOozU9WaFt-hY1PsW&feature=share
Saturday Oct 22, 2022
Episode 5: Spooky Songs of the 80s (and 90s)
Saturday Oct 22, 2022
Saturday Oct 22, 2022
Spooky season is upon us, and this week Trey & Laurie play our favorite Halloween-themed songs from the 80s (and early 90s). What punk rocker wrote a song while hanging out in Stephen King’s basement? Which 80s artist does Trey describe as “the gothic Frank Sinatra”? What band was heavily inspired by occultist Aleister Crowley? For the answers to these pressing questions and more, be sure to listen to this week’s Accelerated Culture podcast!This week's complete playlist can be found here: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHahx-btOMPoWuSFUA_E6EGlamwyIBi_G
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
Episode 4: New Wave Music of 1983
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
In Episode 1, we explored the rise of New Wave Music in 1982. By 1983, it was all over the airwaves. Being different was “in.” In this latest episode, Laurie & Trey play their favorite songs from 1983 and discuss how the musicians influenced their lives, their attitudes, and their fashion sense! You won’t want to miss this episode.
Be sure to listen to our Spotify Playlist here with all 20 songs from the episode: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZOWcdk0guAJsn2oCxPckf?si=21074973a1e44f22





