Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Murray Attaway, the distinctive voice behind Guadalcanal Diary, helped shape the American alternative rock landscape of the 1980s. The band blended Southern storytelling with punchy jangle-pop, earning critical acclaim for both its bold sonic experimentation and Attaway's literate songwriting.  Though the group never reached the heights of some of its Athens, Georgia, contemporaries, the band's influence quietly rippled across college radio and beyond.  Murray recently joined us in Thunderlove Studio to discuss the band's origins, his creative process, and the enduring resonance of Guadalcanal Diary’s music.  More importantly, we chatted about his first solo album in over thirty years, Tense Music Plays, which is out on May 9th. This is our conversation with Murray Attaway. LINKS Murray on Bandcamp Murray on IG Murray on FB Murray Wiki Guadalcanal Diary Wiki

John S. Hall, the sharp-witted poet and satirist behind King Missile, shares insights on the band’s unique blend of humor and alternative rock. He discusses their iconic hit 'Detachable Penis' and how it transcends novelty to represent deeper artistic themes. Hall reflects on his creative journey, the influence of spirituality on songwriting, and the balance between personal expression and industry challenges. With anecdotes about absurdism and identity in music, listeners gain a richer understanding of Hall’s artistic vision and the cultural impact of his work.

The Katies were a power pop/alternative rock band from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, active in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for their infectious melodies and raw energy, they blended elements of classic rock, grunge, and Beatles-esque harmonies. Their 1999 self-titled debut album gained a cult following, especially with standout tracks like "Noggin' Poundin'" and "She's My Marijuana." Despite critical acclaim, the band never broke into the mainstream. However, their sound remains a hidden gem for fans of hook-driven, guitar-fueled rock with a mix of angst and euphoria. LINKS The Katies on Bandcamp The Katies on IG The Katies on YouTube Wayne Mosh on the web Wayne Mosh on IG Wayne Mosh on YouTube PLEASE SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC

The Record Company is one of the most exciting modern blues-rock bands, blending raw energy with soulful grooves. Their stripped-down, no-frills approach to rock is reminiscent of classic acts like The Rolling Stones and John Lee Hooker, yet they bring a fresh, contemporary edge. With gritty vocals, punchy rhythms, and infectious hooks, they’ve carved a unique space in today’s rock landscape. Their music exudes authenticity, drawing listeners in with its heartfelt storytelling and foot-stomping beats. Whether on record or live, The Record Company delivers high-energy performances that prove rock and blues are as powerful and relevant as ever. LINKS The Record Company Online The Record Company on IG The Record Company on YouTube The Record Company on Bandcamp  

Oppenheimer was an indie pop band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The band was made up of musicians Shaun Robinson and Rocky O'Reilly. Robinson and O'Reilly were previously members of the now disbanded Belfast group, Torgas Valley Reds. They met in 2003, in Belfast. O'Reilly had been mixing sound and recording Torgas Valley Reds, whom Robinson drummed for. Inspired by their mutual love for Moog synthesizers, vocoders, and airhorns, O'Reilly and Robinson formed Oppenheimer in late 2004, using O'Reilly's spare room to record three songs, which they sent to their favourite labels. And lucky for us, they found a home at Bar None Records. Many thanks to Mark at Bar None Records for making this happen.

New Age Healers is a shoegaze/psych-rock project conceived from the mind of Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist Owen Murphy, featuring guitarist Jeramy Koepping, drummer Adam LeVasseur, bassist Allen Murray, and keyboardist Farkhad Saidmuratov. LINKS New Age Healer on Bandcamp On Facebook On Instagram On Spotify    

You may not be familiar with Bingham's work... but you should be. So let's make that happen. Glossary on Bandcamp Electric Python on Bandcamp

Dick Valentine stands as an icon among modern rock frontmen, recognized for his flamboyant stage presence, witty lyricism, and audacious creative spirit. As lead vocalist of Electric Six, he guides the band’s explosive blend of rock, new wave, and disco influences with a flair that both entertains and provokes. Valentine's distinctive voice and charismatic performances reflect a boundary-pushing approach to songwriting, full of biting satire and over-the-top theatrics. Offstage, he channels his relentless imagination into solo albums, delivering stripped-down, intimate tracks showcasing his vocal versatility. Beyond the music, Valentine’s creativity expands into fiction writing, where his narrative style captures the same off-kilter energy that resonates within his stage persona. The juxtaposition of his comedic charm and poignant social commentary gives his art a unique, refreshing edge. Forever evolving yet consistently surprising, Dick Valentine remains an influential figure, commanding attention with his fearless experimentation and unwavering dedication to showmanship and innovation. We were lucky enough to have Dick stop by Thunderlove Studio recently to discuss his illustrious career and his new album, The Final Musician. Here is our conversation with Dick Valentine.  Dick Valentine on Spotify Electric Six on Bandcamp Shortwave Records on Bandcamp

Significance: The debut from new band Blueburst, featuring Craig Douglas Miller and Marty Willson-Piper, creates an evocative soundscape that bridges classic rock influences with contemporary flair. Expansive guitar work seamlessly merges with Miller’s resonant vocals, imparting nostalgia and fresh energy. Each track unfurls with emotional depth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in lush harmonies and crisp production. The reflective lyrics address personal growth and resilience, showcasing an earnest sincerity. Marty Willson-Piper’s contributions add textured sonic layers, complementing Miller’s stirring presence. Significance proves that Blueburst is a project of substance. It forges a captivating musical path and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating more. Blueburst on Bandcamp  

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I began the Abandoned Albums podcast with Rob Janicke, and we had a ton of fun doing it. But then he went off to write his spectacular new book Slacker 1991, Teen Spirit, Angst and the Generation It Created. Like Rob, I am of the generation he writes about and I found Slacker to be a great read. It's not only a great read about an era in American culture that has no shortage of interpretation, but the book also helped me understand the man I shared a mic with for about a year. It’s Rob’s personal stories woven throughout the book that give Slacker a unique intimacy.