Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

In this week's sparkling, poptastic O3L, we tackle our Top 5 (mostly) American (mostly) Power Pop Songs of the '70s.   Our Third Lad is a true '70s Power Pop hero - singer, songwriter and guitarist from Pezband, Mimi Betinis. Pezband released three albums chock full of melodic pop and explosive rock n' roll during their original run: Pezband (1977), Laughing In The Dark (1978), and Cover To Cover (1979). In the 21st century, Mimi has continued to write and record solo material, performed with Pezband, and worked on reissues, unreleased material, and remixes. During the show, Mimi treats us to two Pezband treasures: their last ever recording, a 2016 cover of Chuck Berry's "Memphis, Tennessee," and a sneak peek into an upcoming best of project with a remix of their classic "Baby It's Cold Outside."   Pezband were inducted into the Power Pop Hall of Fame in 2018.   Yeah, there's gonna be a couple of choices that will have discerning power pop purists crying "That's NOT Power Pop!" Speaking of which, that's also the name of the game where Mimi and Uncle Gregg face off to determine what's power pop...and what's NOT.   This one is fizzy, bubbly and refreshing. So play on!   This episode is dedicated to the memory of Pezband drummer Mick Rain, who we lost to COVID on August 14, 2021. Rest In Peace and Rock On, Mick.   #musicpodcast #musicpodcas ts #powerpop #1stwave #classicalternative #disco #pezband #mickrain #newwave #rickenbacker #oakpark     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had such a great time with Bill Goffrier from The Embarrassment and Big Dipper that we had to adjourn for a little while and reconvene after the sun went down.  And, if you recall our first After Dark micro-episode, we tend to go off the rails when we record at night! Hey, it's not Andrew Dice Clay, but we do talk about things that three red blooded American lads talk about.  You know, like pop stars and Hilary Clinton.   You have been warned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part two of the three part O3L extravaganza with the marvelous Bill Goffrier from The Embarrassment and Big Dipper! Hear nearly a half hour of our conversation with Bill that we couldn't fit into Episode 105.   Bill came up in the Wichita, KS punk rock scene of the late '70s, with The Embarrassment forging their own unique, nervy, nerdy brand of music that they dubbed "blister pop."  After the seminal group disbanded in 1983, Bill headed east to Boston to pursue a painting career, before getting drawn back into the music world with Big Dipper.  From 1985 - 1991, Big Dipper released three critically lauded indie albums before signing to major label Epic for what would turn out to be the fourth and final album of their initial run.  More recently, both bands have reunited throughout the years and Bill has returned to Wichita to fulfill his destiny as a renowned painter. We delve into the history of both The Embos & Big Dipper, the development of the Wichita scene, the legendary house parties, major label woes, his art career, and much more! Stay tuned for one more episode that we've culled from our time with Bill.   April 7, 2022: O3L After Dark, Volume 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hide the cats, strap yourself in and get ready for an O3L three part extravaganza! This week, we discuss the Top 5 Albums of 1986 with Third Lad Bill Goffrier, guitarist, singer and songwriter from not just one, but two groundbreaking bands of the O3L era, The Embarrassment and Big Dipper.   Bill came up in the Wichita, KS punk rock scene of the late '70s, with The Embarrassment forging their own unique, nervy, nerdy brand of music that they dubbed "blister pop."  After the seminal group disbanded in 1983, Bill headed east to Boston to pursue a painting career, before getting drawn back into the music world with Big Dipper.  From 1985 - 1991, Big Dipper released three critically lauded indie albums before signing to major label Epic for what would turn out to be the fourth and final album of their initial run.  More recently, both bands have reunited throughout the years and Bill has returned to Wichita to fulfill his destiny as a renowned painter. In this double-stuffed episode, we delve into everything from the formation of the bands, the legendary house parties, major label woes, Alice Cooper, ALF, destruction, the emotional death (and unlikely wardrobe) of Uncle Gregg's father, and Brett adds another nickname to the list?? But wait, there's more... We spent such quality time with Bill that we have enough extra content for two more shows to follow! April 6, 2022: In Conversation with Bill Goffrier April 7, 2022: O3L After Dark, Volume 2 Trust us...we know what we're doing!  (We think...) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clucking Bell...it's another O3L! This week, we're getting all amphetamined** up and discussing our favourite MOD songs of the O3L era. Whether you're a mod or rocker, mocker or moth, put on your parka, pour yourself a pimple & blotch, and join us.   We are beyond excited to welcome our Third Lad this week, none other than CHRIS POPE from The Chords UK! As one of the best and most prominent bands to rise up during the 1979 Mod Revival, Chris penned The Chords' five star classic album, 1980's So Far Away, and five UK chart hits: "Now It's Gone", "Maybe Tomorrow", "Something's Missing", "The British Way Of Life" and "In My Street". A comprehensive box set, Rechordings 1978-81, was issued in 2019.   More recently, Pope has released three albums with The Chords UK, including the brand new LP Big City Dreams. We talk about the new record and the band's upcoming tour of the US west coast.   **No amphetamines were actually involved in the making of this episode.   #alternativerock #mod #modrevival79 #modsmayday #britpop #musicpodcast #musicpodcasts #2toneska #northernsoul #thechordsuk #purplehearts #thejam #weller #vespa #lambretta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our two part retrospective covering our first 100 episodes concludes!  Relive some of our favorite stories from and hi-jinks with a variety of Third Lads ranging from legendary musical heroes to authors, comedians, friends and fellow podcasters.  Sometimes off-kilter, sometimes off-color, but always with a love for the O3L community and the classic alternative music we all love. Here's to the next 100 and beyond! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pour yourself a "stiff" drink, whether it be a Wrecking Eric, a Double Dury, or a whole cannister of instant coffee, and enjoy the "One Hundred and Tooth" episode of Only Three Lads...wherein we celebrate one of the seminal indie labels of the O3L era, STIFF RECORDS.   During Stiff's initial run between 1976-86, the London label released a slew of classics by Elvis Costello, Ian Dury, Nick Lowe, Madness, The Damned, The Pogues, Motorhead, Devo, The Go-Go's, Lene Lovich and so many more that it would make your mind melt. (Perhaps literally, so don't say we didn't warn you.) The label possessed a wicked sense of humour, as exhibited in their clever marketing and often outrageous taglines, and an inventive flair for graphic design.   One of the incredible groups on the Stiff roster was ANY TROUBLE, whom Melody Maker called "the most exciting band since The Pretenders" in 1980 and AllMusic today calls them "an underappreciated bright spot on Stiff..." For our Stiff celebration, we are very fortunate to welcome Any Trouble's singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire CLIVE GREGSON as our Third Lad. Clive recounts his memories of the label, and shares his favourite Stiff singles with us.   Need more Clive? Check out our bonus episode, featuring nearly a half hour of additional audio from our chat with Clive Gregson. You'll get more insights about Stiff Records, as well as Clive's very prolific music career beyond Any Trouble - from his acclaimed folk-rock duo Gregson & Collister right up to the staggering EIGHT albums that he released in 2020 alone!   For more information on Clive Gregson: https://clivegregson.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our main episode this week, we count down our Top 5 singles on the Stiff Records label.   One of the incredible groups on the Stiff roster was ANY TROUBLE, whom Melody Maker called "the most exciting band since The Pretenders" in 1980 and AllMusic today calls them "an underappreciated bright spot on Stiff..." For our Stiff celebration, we are very fortunate to welcome Any Trouble's singer, songwriter, and guitarist extraordinaire CLIVE GREGSON as our Third Lad. In the regular episode, Clive recounts his memories of the label, and shares his favourite Stiff singles with us.   Need more Clive? Of course you do!  Check out this bonus episode, featuring nearly a half hour of additional audio from our chat with Clive Gregson. You'll get more insights about Stiff Records, as well as Clive's very prolific music career beyond Any Trouble - from his acclaimed folk-rock duo Gregson & Collister right up to the staggering EIGHT albums that he released in 2020 alone!   For more information on Clive Gregson: https://clivegregson.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We celebrate 100 episodes by taking it to the very beginning.  Whether you're a new listener or you've been with us since the first show, relive some of the finest, funniest, and creepiest moments from Episodes 1 - 50.  You'll hear the stories, the characters, the accents, the wackiness, and the huge giant tentpoles that has made O3L the classic alternative music podcast.  Join us on this trip down memory lane! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's here...the landmark 100th episode of Only Three Lads!  A huge thanks to everyone in the O3L Community for sticking with us.  Without you, the big 1-0-0 would mean nothing.  It truly warms the cockles of our hearts (wasn't that a Jackyl song!?!). For our centesimal show, we bow down and pay tribute to arguably the most awesome of all rock n' roll tropes - the guitar solo.  Experience all the doodly-doodly-doodlies, the widdly-widdlies, the brrrrrrrrrrr-aps, the gaaaaaaasps, the doinkity-doinkity-weeeeeeeeees of the O3L era with Gramps and Clawfist. We're not worthy!   You know who is worthy?  This week's Third Lad, Nick Morrison.  Nick is the guitar sensei behind The Guitar Dojo – guitardojo and the Samurai Fingers - YouTube channel, and the best selling author of multiple guitar instruction books.  Through his innovative techniques, Nick will help you make music fun again, whether you are new to the instrument or have been playing for years.   Coming live and direct from Calgary, we discuss the things one does with a good and proper Canadian - Sarah McLachlin, The Tragically Hip, the return of apple bongs, underage drinking with Our Lady Peace...plus, Nick and Uncle Gregg talk a lot of metal, while Brett doesn't really have a horse in that race. This was a fun way to cap off our first hundred episodes.  Here's to the next hundred! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices