Podcasts · Music

Accelerated Culture

acceleratedculture

91 episodes

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.

More about the show

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 page 1 of 2

  1. Episode 84: Scott & Laurie’s Halloween Mixtape

    · 1 h 31 min · Episode 84

    Back from the dead (well, from summer hiatus), just in time for Halloween, Scott & Laurie depart from the usual album deep-dives to celebrate the season in classic Gen X form: by making a mixtape! Join us as we talk…

  2. Episode 83: The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Siamese Dream” (1993)

    · 1 h 53 min · Episode 83

    By 1993 the Grunge movement had peaked, and the music industry was looking for the next Seattle. In recent years the Chicago scene had borne multiple power-pop and rock bands, but Smashing Pumpkins’ hard-hitting,…

  3. Episode 82: ...And the Rest (1992)

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 82

    So many great albums in 1992, but not enough weeks in 2026 to deep-dive them all. What’s the solution? “Episode 82: ...And the Rest (1992),” in which Scott Free & Laurie each pick five albums, select one or two songs…

  4. Episode 81: R.E.M.’s “Automatic for the People” (1992)

    · 1 h 58 min · Episode 81

    Just last year you released your biggest-selling album to date. What do you do for a follow-up? Release your second-biggest-selling album to date, of course, and your most critically beloved. (In this scenario, by the…

  5. Episode 80: The Lightning Seeds’ “Sense” (1992)

    · 1 h 28 min · Episode 80

    In this episode, Laurie and Scott Free dig into “Sense,” the second album by The Lightning Seeds, with all its hooks, synths, and samples. This album catches Ian Broudie mid‑process, still treating the Lightning Seeds…

  6. Episode 79: Sugar’s “Copper Blue” (1992)

    · 1 h 22 min · Episode 79

    Scott Free and Laurie return with a track-by-track deep dive into NME magazine’s Album of the Year for 1992. “Copper Blue” was the debut album by Sugar, the power-pop trio led by former Hüsker Dü frontman Bob Mould.…

  7. Episode 78: Lush’s “Spooky” (1992)

    · 1 h 37 min · Episode 78

    We’re back after a longer‑than‑expected hiatus with our first episode of 2026, and we’re diving track‑by‑track into Lush’s “Spooky” (1992). This episode traces how the album braids shoegaze swells with dream pop…

  8. Episode 77: The Jesus & Mary Chain’s “Honey’s Dead” (1992)

    · 1 h 45 min · Episode 77

    Following the modest success of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s 1989 album “Automatic,” Glaswegian brothers and fuzz pedal virtuosos Jim and William Reid went into the studio with the usual arsenal of effects, some new…

  9. Coming soon! Episode 77

    · 0:23 · Trailer

    Hello, Accelerated Culture fans! Laurie & Scott are taking a little time off for Thanksgiving. We will be back on Sunday, Dec. 7, with a new episode on "Honey's Dead" by The Jesus and Mary Chain. Stay tuned!

  10. Episode 76: Stone Temple Pilots’ “Core” (1992)

    · 1 h 41 min · Episode 76

    In this episode, we dive into the raw energy of 1992’s “Core,” the debut album that catapulted Stone Temple Pilots into rock history. Selling over 8 million copies and spawning three massive hit singles, this record…

  11. Episode 75: Sloan’s “Smeared” (1992)

    · 1 h 36 min · Episode 75

    In our milestone 75th episode, we dive into Sloan’s 1992 debut album “Smeared,” a swirling blend of shoegaze haze, grunge grit, and powerpop sparkle. Often overlooked, this Canadian gem delivers poppy genius with…

  12. Episode 74: The Soup Dragons’ “Hotwired” (1992)

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 74

    Following the monster success of 1990’s “Lovegod,” Scottish wunderkinds The Soup Dragons were free to do what they wanted… any old time (you see what we did there). But following backlash back home, what they wanted to…

  13. Episode 73: Stereolab’s “Peng!” (1992)

    · 1 h 36 min · Episode 73

    After the breakup of British indie pop band McCarthy, Tim Gane and Læitia Sadier blazed new trails with avant-pop band Stereolab. Jangly guitars, vintage synths, and mesmerizing female vocals deliver lyrics tackling…

  14. Special Crossover Episode: Who Will Save Generation X with host Zabe

    · 43 min · Bonus

    Greetings, Accelerated Culture vultures! Scott and I need a little more time to finish our next episode. We’ll be back with Episode 73 on Stereolab’s “Peng!” in one week. In the meantime, we’d like to share this…

  15. Episode 72: INXS’ “Welcome to Wherever You Are” (1992)

    · 1 h 41 min · Episode 72

    In this episode, we explore INXS’s bold and underrated 1992 release, “Welcome to Wherever You Are.” Coming off the massive global success of the X Factor tour, the band took a creative left turn, trading glossy arena…

  16. Episode 71: Stereo MCs’ “Connected” (1992)

    · 1 h 35 min · Episode 71

    Scott Free and Laurie dig into a record that you may not even know you know. Don’t let the band’s name fool you: the Stereo MCs weren’t just another English hip-hop act. Bringing together elements of funk, soul, rap,…

  17. Episode 70: Shakespears Sister’s “Hormonally Yours” (1992)

    · 1 h 52 min · Episode 70

    This week we give the Accelerated Culture treatment to “Hormonally Yours,” the 1992 genre-bending gem by Shakespears Sister. In this track-by-track exploration, we dive into the theatrical pop, gothic glam, and…

  18. Episode 69: The Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head” (1992) part two

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 69

    In part two of our deep dive into “Check Your Head,” the Accelerated Culture crew picks up where we left off, wading deeper into the Beastie Boys’ fuzzed-out soundscape of punk riffs, jazz breaks, and rhymes about…

  19. Episode 68: The Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head” (1992) part one

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 68

    The Accelerated Culture team dives into 1992 with an album so ambitious, so varied, so way out, that it’ll take two episodes to do it justice: The Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head.” After topping the charts with their…

  20. Episode 67: The Ocean Blue’s “Cerulean” (1991) with special guests David Schelzel & Peter Anderson

    · 1 h 41 min · Episode 67

    Set a course for The Ocean Blue: Laurie and Scott Free interview singer/guitarist/songwriter David Schelzel & drummer Peter Anderson, and explore the band’s sophomore effort, “Cerulean.” It’s the final album deep-dive…

  21. Episode 66: ...And the Rest (1991)

    · 1 h 36 min · Episode 66

    Well, 1991 is finally drawing to a close. “But what about [insert that one band/album/song here]?!! You can’t talk about 1991 and not talk about that!” Fair enough. Laurie and Scott get into the other ones: 10 of the…

  22. Episode 65: Fishbone’s “The Reality of My Surroundings” (1991)

    · 1 h 39 min · Episode 65

    What do you get when you mix funk, ska, soul, punk, old-school rhythm & blues, and a heaping helping of chaos? Laurie and Scott find out as they get into Fishbone’s would-be breakout album, “The Reality of My…

  23. Episode 64: Live’s “Mental Jewelry” (1991)

    · 1 h 53 min · Episode 64

    In this episode, we explore “Mental Jewelry,” the 1991 debut album from Live that introduced the world to singer Ed Kowalczyk’s impassioned vocals and the band’s thought-provoking, spiritually charged music. Drawing…

  24. Episode 63: Blur’s “Leisure” (1991)

    · 1 h 39 min · Episode 63

    In this episode, we take a track-by-track deep dive into “Leisure,” Blur’s 1991 debut and a foundational record of the Britpop movement. From the psychedelic swirls of “She’s So High” to the baggy, Madchester-infused…

  25. Episode 62: Matthew Sweet’s “Girlfriend” (1991)

    · 1 h 40 min · Episode 62

    In this episode, we’re diving into Matthew Sweet’s 1991 breakout album, “Girlfriend”—a power pop gem that blends heartache, soaring melodies, and some of the most electrifying guitar work of the era. From its jangly,…

  26. Episode 61: Ned’s Atomic Dustbin’s “God Fodder” (1991)

    · 1 h 50 min · Episode 61

    This week, the Accelerated Culture team explores one of Laurie’s all-time favorites and asks the age-old question, “How many bass guitarists can you fit into one alternative rock group?” Ned’s Atomic Dustbin answered…

  27. Episode 60: Pearl Jam’s “Ten” (1991)

    · 1 h 31 min · Episode 60

    In this episode, we dive into Pearl Jam’s “Ten,” unpacking the layered storytelling and raw instrumentation that make standout tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” so compelling. Eddie Vedder’s distinctive…

  28. Episode 59: Massive Attack’s “Blue Lines” (1991)

    · 1 h 42 min · Episode 59

    The Accelerated Culture team takes a deep dive into the album that launched an entire genre: Massive Attack’s debut album, “Blue Lines.” Combining hip-hop, r&b, reggae, pop, and more, this trip-hop classic takes the…

  29. Episode 58: R.E.M’s “Out of Time” (1991)

    · 1 h 48 min · Episode 58

    In this episode, Laurie and Scott Free take a closer look at R.E.M.’s 1991 album “Out of Time,” a pivotal release that marked a shift in the band’s musical style. Stepping away from their jangly college-rock roots,…

  30. Episode 57: Primal Scream’s “Screamadelica” (1991)

    · 1 h 25 min · Episode 57

    “We wanna be free! We wanna be free to do what we wanna do!” In this episode, we cover “Screamadelica,” the 1991 album by Primal Scream that pushed the boundaries of rock and electronic music. Celebrated for its fusion…

  31. Episode 56: The KLF’s “The White Room” (1991)

    · 1 h 52 min · Episode 56

    For our final episode of 2024, we dive deep into “The White Room,” the iconic 1991 album by The KLF, and unravel the bizarre and bewildering mythology surrounding it. From cryptic Illuminati symbolism and the duo's…

  32. Episode 55: U2’s “Achtung Baby” (1991)

    · 1 h 42 min · Episode 55

    Laurie & Scott Free return from their two-week break to discuss one of the biggest albums of 1991: “Achtung Baby” by U2. After the mega-success of “The Joshua Tree,” followed by the disappointing box office performance…

  33. Episode 54: Material Issue’s “International Pop Overthrow” (1991)

    · 1 h 22 min · Episode 54

    In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the power-pop trio Material Issue and their iconic debut album, “International Pop Overthrow.” Released in 1991, this album is brimming with infectious hooks, jangly guitars,…

  34. Episode 53: Talk Talk’s “Laughing Stock” (1991)

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 53

    This week marks a tonal shift as we explore Talk Talk’s fifth and final studio album, “Laughing Stock.” We begin by examining Mark Hollis and Talk Talk’s career and evolution over the course of their first four albums,…

  35. Episode 52: Jesus Jones’ “Doubt” (1991)

    · 1 h 32 min · Episode 52

    We continue our series on the best alternative albums of 1991 with Jesus Jones’ landmark 1991 album “Doubt.” Combining driving rock bass and guitars with dance-inspired beats and creative use of samples, “Doubt”…

  36. Episode 51: One-Hit Wonders of 1991 (LIVE for International Podcast Day)

    · 29 min · Episode 51

    In honor of #InternationalPodcastDay2024, Laurie & Scott free went LIVE for this week's episode on One-Hit Wonders of 1991. ********************** EARLY ACCESS & BONUS CONTENT FOR PATREON SUBSCRIBERS! If you like…

  37. Coming soon! Episode 51 LIVE for International Podcast Day

    · 0:45 · Trailer

    Laurie & Scott Free will be podcasting LIVE this week for #InternationalPodcastDay2024! We'll be live video podcasting on Saturday, Sep. 28 at 3:30pm EDT. If you want to watch us live, you have to register. Register…

  38. Episode 50: Big Audio Dynamite II’s “The Globe” (1991)

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 50

    This week, we dive deep into Big Audio Dynamite II’s 1991 album “The Globe,” a pivotal record that fused rock, dance, and hip-hop influences to define the early ’90s soundscape. We explore the band’s evolution under…

  39. Episode 49: Electronic’s “Electronic” (1991)

    · 1 h 20 min · Episode 49

    Join us as we dive into the synth-laden world of Electronic’s self-titled 1991 debut album—a meeting of minds where New Order’s beats and The Smiths’ wit collided. We’ll unpack how Johnny Marr and Bernard Sumner’s side…

  40. Episode 48: Primus’ “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991)

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 48

    “Here they come, Here come the bastards!” In our forty-eighth episode, we explore the 1991 classic “Sailing the Seas of Cheese.” It’s a quirky blend of funk, rock, and alternative metal, featuring Les Claypool’s…

  41. Coming soon! Episode 48

    · 0:29 · Trailer

    Scott Free & Laurie introduce our upcoming episode on “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” (1991) by Primus. Look for it on Saturday, August 17th!

  42. Episode 47: My Bloody Valentine’s “Loveless” (1991)

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 47

    In this episode of Accelerated Culture, we dive into the mesmerizing world of My Bloody Valentine’s iconic 1991 album “Loveless.” Renowned for its groundbreaking blend of dreamy soundscapes and innovative guitar…

  43. Episode 46: Nirvana’s “Nevermind” (1991)

    · 1 h 49 min · Episode 46

    Nirvana’s landmark album “Nevermind,” released in 1991, is a cornerstone of the grunge movement and a pivotal moment in rock history. The trio, consisting of Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, created a raw…

  44. Episode 45: INXS’ “X” (1990)

    · 1 h 10 min · Episode 45

    We end our series on influential albums of 1990 with “X” by INXS. From the opening harmonica notes of “Suicide Blonde” to the dulcet tones of “Hear That Sound,” Scott Free & Laurie take you track by track through this…

  45. Episode 44: Happy Mondays’ “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches” (1990)

    · 1 h 42 min · Episode 44

    CALL THE COPS! We continue our exploration into the year 1990 with the Happy Mondays’ genre-defining classic “Pills ’n' Thrills and Bellyaches.” The Mondays were at the forefront of the Madchester music scene, and the…

  46. Episode 43: Sonic Youth’s “Goo” (1990)

    · 1 h 36 min · Episode 43

    Sonic Youth’s 1990 album “Goo” is a seminal work in alternative rock, blending noise, punk, and pop elements into a distinctive sonic landscape. The album showcases the band’s experimental spirit and knack for crafting…

  47. Episode 42: My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult’s “Confessions of a Knife” (1990)

    · 1 h 21 min · Episode 42

    This week, we continue exploring the alternative music of 1990 with sex, drugs, and Satan: Chicago industrial rockers My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult and their album “Confessions of a Knife.” Join us as we ride the…

  48. Coming soon! Episode 42

    · 0:31 · Trailer

    Scott Free, our cohost with the most, introduces our upcoming episode. Look for it on Saturday, May 25th!

  49. Episode 41: The Charlatans’ “Some Friendly” (1990)

    · 1 h 21 min · Episode 41

    “Some Friendly,” released by The Charlatans in 1990, is a timeless blend of alternative rock and Madchester vibes, capturing the essence of the era. With its jangly guitar melodies and swirling organ sounds, the album…

  50. Episode 40: Cocteau Twins’ “Heaven or Las Vegas” (1990)

    · 1 h 19 min · Episode 40

    This week’s album deep dive is a fan request: “Heaven or Las Vegas” by Cocteau Twins is a mesmerizing sonic journey characterized by ethereal vocals, lush instrumentation, and dreamlike atmospheres. Released in 1990,…

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.