Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast

Ah, 1990...the year of acid washed jeans, Beverly Hills 90210, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Oh, and lots of Bea Arthur. Of course, none of which we really talk about on this episode. Instead, we're focusing on the best (mostly) alternative albums to come out of that fantastic year. Returning to Third Lad-dom is power pop great Jim Basnight, a fixture on the scene since the late '70s. What has Jim been up to in the past two and a half years since his last appearance? Well, good thing you asked, because the answer is "plenty." For starters, his bands The Meice and The Moberlys were honored with tracks on the definitive Cherry Red box sets Looking For The Magic: American Power Pop in the Seventies and I Wanna Be a Teen Again: North American Power Pop of the '80s. He also released a steady stream of singles throughout 2025 that culminated in the full length album release of Under The Rock in December. As a blues devotee and expert, he's finished writing an exhaustive history of Sonny Boy Williamson, which will hopefully see a silver screen adaptation one day. All that, and he's still found the time to partake in his favorite pasttime - hanging out with O3L. Relive the fun, memories and music of this pivotal year. Plus, play along with the brand new O3L game "Ninety...or Nonsense?!?" It's the most fun you can have without telling someone to "eat my shorts, man!" Buy Jim's music at https://powerpopaholicproductions.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're not quite ready to say goodbye to 2025 yet. Join Uncle Gregg and Brett as they celebrate some of the year's finest LPs...with YOUR help! Oh, and by the way...you think you're Andy Warhol, but you're not. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025: Was it a "Golden" year for songs or did it coast on the fumes of 2024's hits? This week, Uncle Gregg and Brett dive in to discuss their top songs of the year that was. Better yet, some of YOU chimed in with your opinions as well! Settle in as we recap the year's most listened-to songs, 2025 trends, discuss the future of physical media, give our 2026 predictions, and much more! Albums of 2025 episode coming soon. Happy New Year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think about your favourite records. Go ahead. Chances are, one of the first things that popped into your head was the album cover. And it makes sense...who hasn’t studied an album jacket while listening to a record?  Or scanned the track listing, or read the liner notes or credits?  How many of you have bought an album solely based on the cover art? The artwork colors how we hear the music, and, likewise, the music informs how we interpret the artwork.  Either way, when done effectively, the two are intertwined. But don’t take it from us.  This week, we have one of THE greatest creative art directors in music history joining as our Third Lad.  There's a near certainty that you have the iconic work of John Kosh sitting in your record collection - and it’s absolutely staggering list of credits since the late ‘60s.  For starters, how about his work as with The Beatles' Apple Records, like Abbey Road, Let It Be, or John & Yoko’s Wedding Album? Or how about Who's Next?  Get Your Ya-Ya’s Out?  Hotel California?  Out Of The Blue, featuring his familiar ELO spaceship logo?  In fact, he is the only Art Director to have worked with The Beatles, The Stones, and The Who.  That’s not enough for you?  Among the hundreds of album covers Kosh has designed, there are also familiar sleeves for Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, Donovan, Aerosmith, Family, The Moody Blues, Badfinger, 10,000 Maniacs, T. Rex, and so, so many more.  And, oh yeah, the four decade string of gorgeous covers he did for Linda Ronstadt, three of which have earned him Grammys. Aside from album covers, there’s artwork for singles, books, TV, film, posters, and billboards - like, for example, the simple but incredibly effective John & Yoko campaign declaring WAR IS OVER…if you want it.  Listen as Kosh recounts stories from his fabled career and discusses his Top 5 Album Covers (other than his own). This is living history, kids! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

’Twas the night of the O3L Holiday Party, and all through the cabin The drinks were a-flowin, and the friends were a-blabbin’ Meanwhile, the snow piled up, it was treacherous out there, And Bob Dylan’s words rang true, you ain’t going nowhere. The turntable hummed with a familiar warm crackle, As laughter rang out with a loud joyful cackle. Mixtapes were stacked by the glow of the fire, Each one tells a story, a hope, a desire. (Oh, and incidentally, cassettes melt, so that’s a really bad idea.) From post-punk to new wave, these songs tell our truth, We argued what really defined the music of our youth. There were games full of nonsense, of trivia and cheer, “Did this actually happen?”—the answer unclear. But what clatter arose, and echoed all through the city It was flippin’ “Word Girl” by Scritti Politti, But oh how they danced, some arguably twerked Brett was seething in the corner, like a judgmental jerk And just when they thought it couldn’t get any funner, “Come on Eileen” came on, by Dexy’s Midnight Runners. We all joined in on the chorus, what a jubilant sound, That is, except Uncle Gregg, but perhaps he’ll come around. So settle in close as for the 6th year, Our holiday tradition is finally here. Tonight, we’re all snowed in at O3L cabin So let the memories start, Let the party begin! Join Uncle Gregg and Brett for a holiday party filled with laughter, (mostly) good cheer, and plenty of holiday spirit(s) - including our friends Joshua, Kimberly (who brought along Timmy the Taxi with her!), Lance, Paul, and Matt & Stefan from Paisley Underground legends The Rain Parade. We make the most of the blizzard-like conditions, making themed mixtapes, playing brand new O3L games ("That's Soooo 2025!") and Alternativity") and spinning future holiday classics by Swansea Sound ("Not My Order"), Mossy Ledge ("Christmas Lights"), Autos ("X-Mas Eve At The Metro"), and Slow Owls ("Counting Down To Christmas"). It may be freezing outside the cabin, but inside we're gettin' LIT! Happy Holidays to you and yours from O3L! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices