Just in time for spooky season, Jack Sommerby and I list our picks of the 17 best horror films of all time, from the most iconic to to the slightly obscure. We're covering slashers, body-horror, sci-fi horror and more. So take a listen and see if you agree with our choices, and tell us your favorites in the comments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Prong are an eternally underrated metal act, but their fervent underground following has fueled them since forming in NYC in 1986. Over 13 albums and revolving lineups, frontman/guitarist Tommy Victor has unleashed his patented brand of working class angst on classic tracks like 'Prove You Wrong', 'For Dear Life', 'Whose Fist Is This Anyway', and their best-known hit, 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' off 1994's 'Cleansing'. In addition to that body of work, he pulls double duty as the guitarist for Danzig, and has also lent his talents to the likes of Rob Zombie, Ministry and Teenage Time Killers. Prong are back with their 13th album, 'State of Emergency' (click here for my review), out now on Steamhammer SPV Recrds, and on today’s episode I talk to Tommy about the new album, from its songwriting genesis to recording on his home turf of NYC, the inspiration behind key tracks, covering Rush's 'Working Man', fatherhood, plans for touring, his tenure with Danzig, the band’s legacy and more. So take a listen to the episode via the embed above or on your podcast platform of choice (located at the bottom of this post) and stick around afterwards where I’ll be playing the single 'Non Existence', my favorite tune off the new album. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

On our latest podcast episode we're doing a genre double-dip when I talk to director Mike Schiff about his informative new documentary, The History of Metal and Horror, which features notable luminaries from the worlds of film and metal discussing why the two genres feel so interlinked. The film is a treasure trove of genre trivia, with Schiff picking the brains of the likes of Rob Zombie, John Carpenter, Kirk Hammett, Corey Taylor, Kane Hodder, Richard Christie, Dave Mustaine, Phil Anselmo, John 5, Bill Mosely, Johnathan Davis and Alice Cooper (and that's just scratching the surface). It's a fun deep dive of all things scary and rocking, and in our interview Schiff discusses why this film took over five years to get released, what he found most illuminating from the interviews, cancel culture, remembering the late Gunnar Hansen, Sid Haig and , plans to release more material, a possible sequel, and much more. So take a listen, and if you want to buy or rent the doc, you can do so directly from the ⁠filmmakers website⁠ or via the Amazon link at the bottom of the blog post for this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Emily Whitehurst first rose to prominence under the alias Agent M, lead vocalist for late 90's/early 00's punk act Tsunami Bomb. After leaving the group in 2005, Whitehurst would go on to form indie-electronic project Survival Guide alongside guitarist Jaycen McKissick, but she's been the sole creative force behind the project since McKissick's departure in 2015. Whitehurst/Survival Guide is gearing to release her new album Death Dreams (due October 19 on Double Helix Records), and it continues her unique miasma of 80’s New Wave and contemporary indie rock. On today's podcast, Whitehurst discusses how the creative process behind her new album got her out of her comfort zone, what it’s like working as a solo project vs a group dynamic, how mortality played a crucial role to the lyrical process, what makes a great Bond theme, and much more. So take a listen and stick around afterwards, where I’ll be playing Lady Neptune, a single off of the new album. You can listen to the latest episode via the Spotify embed below, or via the major podcasting platforms links at the bottom of the post. And if you'd like to buy her new single, click here.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Last week lovers of intense cinema were saddened by the passing of director William Friedkin, who died on August 7 at the age of 87. Friedkin was a true force of nature, an uncompromising director known primarily for two of the greatest films of the 1970's (and of all time): hardboiled crime drama 'The French Connection' (starring Gene Hackman) and 'The Exorcist', one of the most iconic and terrifying films ever made (and that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year). While his career waned in ensuing decades, he remained a fascinating filmmaker, and on today's podcast, Jack Sommersby and I cover it all, from the two award winning films that gave him his notoriety, along with some reviled flops ( 'Cruising' and 'Jade) and other films that became cult classics despite failing at the box office ('To Live and Die In L.A.', 'Sorcerer') along with some 21st century films like 'Bug' and 'Killer Joe' that garnered him a new audience. So take a listen as we do a deep dive into a singular filmmaker's body of work, and why his like will never come again. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Royal Thunder are back with Rebuilding The Mountain, their first album in 5 years, out June 16th via Spinefarm. Like past efforts including Wick and Crooked Doors, it sees the group continue their unique marriage of classic rock and 90’s alternative with a contemporary edge. It also marks the return of drummer Evan DiPrima, who left the group in 2018. It’s also one of their most direct and immediate efforts, reflecting the group’s recent sobriety and renewed focus of their musical vision. And front and center is Mlny Parsonz, the powerhouse vocalist with an inimitable voice and delivery that is alternately fierce and introspective. In today’s interview, I speak to Parsonz about the band's personal struggles, how conquering her demons rejuvenated her dedication to Royal Thunder, how the group’s songwriting process has changed, reuniting with DiPrima and much more. Be sure to stick around afterwards, where I’ll be playing the song Cut off the new album. You can check out the interview via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the various platforms listed at the bottom of the page, and you can pre-order Rebuilding The Mountain via the Amazon link below.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

The Church have been brewing up their unique blend of psychedelia, post-punk, alternative and prog-rock ever since they formed in 1980. Over four decades, various lineup changes and 26 studio albums, their prolific streak has brought them an adoring cult following on albums including (to name but a few) The Blurred Crusade, Heyday, Starfish, Priest=Aura and Man Woman Life Death Infinity, (and the hit singles Under The Milky Way, Reptile and Metropolis). And shepherding them along the way has been been frontman/bassist/primary songwriter Steve Kilbey. And how The Church have returned with The Hypnogogue (click here for my review), their first proper concept album, and first release with guitarist Ashley Naylor and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Cain. On today's podcast, I speak with Kilbey about the new album, from its conception as a concept record, to the studio process and how Naylor and Cain have rejuvenated the band (which also includes longtime drummer Tim Powles and guitarist Ian Haug (who joined in 2013). In addition, we discuss the band's current U.S. tour, what the future holds for the group, Kilbey's other various projects in the works and much more. This is the fourth time I've had the pleasure of chatting with him, and he's always a pleasure to talk to (click here for my interview with him in 2020). So take a listen to our chat, and stick around afterwards when I'll be playing the band's new single There's No Other You. And you can purchase the new album on the band's website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

The Toadies have been a Texas music staple ever since the hit the scene in 1989, with their unique mix of alternative rock with a Southern twist. They broke through to the masses with 1994's 'Rubberneck', thanks to hits like 'I Come From The Water', 'Tyler' and 'Possum Kingdom'.   Now the group are hitting the road for that album's 25th anniversary. In addition, they've also just released 'Damn You All To Hell,' a four song EP of new material, including a cover of David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision.' In this week's episode I talk to Toadies drummer Mark Reznicek about the highlights of celebrating 'Rubberneck' on the road, his memories of making the album and the DFW alternative music scene of the 90s, the band’s new EP (and why they chose a Bowie cover), future plans, and much more.  So check out the interview, and stick around afterwards when I’ll be playing  a track off the new EP. And you can get concert tickets and purchase the EP via the group's official website: thetoadies.com   *Support our podcast here: https://anchor.fm/slis/support --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

30 years ago this week, U2 released Achtung Baby, the 1991 opus that helped them roar back to relevance after being sidelined by the commercial and critical disappointment of their 1998 documentary and album Rattle and Hum. Click here for the best albums of 1991 Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, Achtung Baby saw the Irish outfit refresh their sound with the emerging alternative flavors of the day, including industrial and dance music, while also largely abandoning the self-serious tone of earlier works. It also produced some of the band's biggest hits (One, Mysterious Ways, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses) and some of their best deep cuts (So Cruel, Love Is Blindness, Ultraviolet (Light My Way). On this week's podcast episode, myself and co-host Chris Logan dive into the album's legacy, why it helped keep the band relevant in the face of Nirvana and the alternative rock revolution, how its held up over the years, why The Fly isn't better remembered as the monster single it was at the time, and the biggest question: which album is better, it or The Joshua Tree? *Side note: During my intro I noted U2 were a British band, along with a few other minor inaccuracies. Whoopsies. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep this week. You can listen via the above embed, or click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, click here for Spotify, or you can listen via the podcast buttons at the bottom of the post. We've also included an Amazon link for the newly announced 30th anniversary deluxe edition of the album. You can also click here for our recent episode about the legacy of Nirvana's Nevermind. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

As the guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Cocteau Twins, Robin Guthrie's unique sonic palette helped spearhead and popularize the dream pop sub-genre, with songs that emerged like hazy daydreams through his unique combination of melody and his focused use of effects on albums like 'Treasure', 'Blue Bell Knoll' and 'Heaven or Las Vegas.' During that time, Guthrie also did extensive production work for a variety of artists including The Wolfgang Press, The Gun Club, A.R. Kane, Lush, Ian McCulloch, Guy Chadwick and The Veldt. While the Cocteau Twins folded in 1997, Guthrie forged ahead, continuing to produce, and also collaborating with artists like the late Harold Budd (including their score for the 2004 film Mysterious Skin), John Foxx, Mark Gardener among others. In addition, Guthrie has also led a prolific and engaging career all his own, and speaking of, he's back after a 9 year absence with both an EP ('Mockingbird Love') and a full-length album ('Pearldiving') both of which showcase his inimitable, ethereal and emotive sound through evocative instrumentals. In today's interview, Guthrie discusses why he's been away for so long, why he decided to put out two releases so close together, his creative process and signature sound, his memories of working with Harold Budd, the legacy and influence of The Cocteau Twins, and much more. So take a listen, and be sure to stick around afterwards when I'll be playing 'Oceanaire' off the new album.  Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, and click here to listen on Spotify. You can listen via all the podcast platforms listed at the bottom of the blog post on our main site as well, where you will also find an Amazon link for both of his new releases. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

September 24th marks a sacred date for Gen Xers: Nirvana's 1991 grunge masterpiece 'Nevermind' celebrates its (get ready to feel old) 30th anniversary! Yes, that's right, the album that was the soundtrack to your 90's life is now 3-decades old, and in its honor, co-host Chris Logan and I celebrate why it still packs a punch. In this episode, we discuss what it was like hearing 'Nevermind' for the first time (including seeing the music video for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'), how it still holds up, and how it changed the pop culture landscape, making alternative go from the underground into the mainstream. In addition we discuss which tracks hold up the best, Butch Vig's solid production, all the other great alternative music that came out in fall of 91 (including fellow Seattle grunge acts Pearl Jam's 'Ten' and Soundgarden's 'BadMotorFinger', why Kurt Cobain was such a transformational and tragic figure, the recent lawsuit over the album's cover art and much more. So put on your purple cardigan and join us, won't you? Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts, and click here to listen on Spotify. You can listen via all the podcast platforms listed at the bottom of the blog post on our main site as well, where you will also find an Amazon link for the deluxe 30th anniversary 'Nevermind' reissue. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

On today’s episode I speak to Trevor Dunn, the bassist and multi-instrumentalist best known for his work in the experimental rock group Mr. Bungle, as well as Tomahawk (who released their latest album ‘Tonic Immobility’ in March), Fantomas, The Melvins, Mad Love, and Nels Cline amongst many other projects. Dunn is back with “merdeka atau mati” the debut album from SpermChurch, his new project which sees him collaborate with the late avant-garde musician Sannety, and will be releasing the album September 3rd via his newly owned record label Riverworm Records. It’s an experimental project using electronics and percussion that is described in his press release as containing “elements of abstraction and trap music, battling cultural conditioning with non-traditional tunings, glissandos, percussion,  and a max/msp patch. Using minimal elements to play with (a lot of bass drums and bass mostly), we turn patterns inside out.” In today’s interview, Dunn discusses the origins of SpermChurch, what it’s like to promote an album in the wake of Sannety’s passing, the sonic approach behind the new album, the challenges and joys of launching his new label, the future of Mr. Bungle, upcoming music from Trio Convulsant, as well as other projects in the works. Click here to listen on Apple podcasts, or click here to listen on Spotify. Or just listen via the Anchor embed below or any of the other podcast platforms at the bottom of the post. You can buy the new SpermChurch record at https://spermchurch.bandcamp.com and you can keep track of all things Mr Bungle at https://www.mrbungle.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

When Monster Magnet frontman/songwriter Dave Wyndorf was stuck in pandemic lockdown, he decided the best thing to do was keep busy, and he and his bandmates holed up in the studio and got to work on a new album. Monster Magnet have always stuck out like a sore thumb in the musical landscape in the most beautiful way, from their 1991 debut 'Spine of God', to seismic releases like 1995's 'Dopes to Infinity' and 1998's 'Powertrip,' which contained their hit single 'Spacelord.' For their latest, the group decided to revisit their psychedelic and proto-metal roots, by crafting their first full length album of covers. The resulting album, 'A Better Dystopia,' (click here for my review) eschews well-known anthems in exchange for underrated, forgotten tracks from the late 60's and early 70's, including covers of tunes by bands including Dust, Hawkwind, Poo-bah, The Pretty Things, Pentagram and more.  In today's podcast episode, Dave Wyndorf discusses the inspirations behind the new album, how he was able to tie it thematically to the COVID-19 pandemic, how the group embrace their outsider status, the state of the music industry and our current political landscape, what the band has in store as society slowly creeps back to some sense of normalcy, and much more. This is the 3rd interview I've done with Wyndorf, and he continues to be one of the sharpest and shrewdest minds in the business, and it's always fascinating to hear his take on things. So check out the interview and stick around afterwards when I’ll be playing 'Learning to Die', a song off the new album. Click here to listen to the interview via Apple Podcasts and click here to listen via Spotify, or listen via the Anchor embed or other podcast platforms at the bottom of this post. You can also purchase 'A Better Dystopia' via the Amazon link included in the bloglink for this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

On today’s podcast episode I’ll be speaking to Steve Kilbey, best known as the vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter for veteran Australian alternative psych group The Church. With The Church, Kilbey has generated a whopping 25 studio albums since their formation, beginning with 1981’s Of Skins and Heart. The band are most notable in pop culture for their hit single Under The Milky Way off their 1988 album Starfish, but as diehard fans will tell you, that’s just a drop in the ocean to their immersive, impressive and expansive body of work, including their masterful 2017 album Man, Woman, Life, Death, Infinity. But Kilbey has also had a lengthy solo career, releasing 14 eclectic and stirring albums., including Unearthed, The Idyllist and Sydney Rococo.  And now he’s back with Eleven Women, one of his strongest solo efforts to date. In today’s interview Kilbey discusses the origins and creative process behind the new album, the challenges of being a musician during the Coronavirus pandemic, future solo work, his upcoming album with The Church, and a stirring account of a childhood experience with extraterrestrials. So check out the interview and stick around afterwards when I’ll be playing Woman #9, a song off the new album. Click here to listen to the interview via Apple Podcasts and click here to listen via Spotify, or listen via the RadioPublic embed or other podcast platforms at the bottom of this post. You can purchase Eleven Women via Kilbey's Instagram page at http://instagram.com/stvklby, and you can keep abreast of all his creative endeavors via his website thetimebeing.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Wayne Hussey is goth-rock royalty. Between his tenure as guitarist in The Sisters of Mercy to founding the The Mission UK, the frontman/guitarist has created some of the most iconic and evocative work in the genre...and beyond.  Never content to rest on his laurels, Hussey remains a creative force, as evidenced on The Mission's 2016 epic 'Another Fall From Grace.' And now he's lending his musical talents to a host of charities for Covid-19 frontline workers with a new charity version of one of his biggest hits. Hussey has remade The Mission's 1988 classic 'Tower of Strength' (retitled as 'TOS 2020') with a huge host of musicians (christened as The ReMIssion International) that reads like a Who's Who of alternative icons, including (deep breath) Andy Rourke, Billy Duffy, Budgie, Evi Vine, Gary Numan, James Alexander Graham, Jay Aston (who we've interviewed for this podcast), Julianne Regan, Kevin Haskins (who we've ALSO interviewed for this podcast), Kirk Brandon, Lol Tolhurst, Martin Gore, Michael Aston, Michael Ciravolo, Midge Ure, Miles Hunt, Rachel Goswell, Richard Fortus, Robin Finck, Steve Clarke, Tim Palmer and Trentemøller. In this episode, Hussey and I discuss what inspired remaking 'Tower of Strength', the Herculean task of assembling such an intimidating list of collaborators (and how he got Jay and Michael Aston to appear on the same track), his thoughts on being a musician during a pandemic, his other recent creative pursuits and more. So check it out, and be sure to stick around afterwards, when we'll be playing the radio edit edition of 'TOS2020', And you can purchase the new single in a variety of digital and physical formats by visiting the band's official website. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Following last year's podcast episode celebrating the best albums from 1994, co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 25 years ago, in this case the year 1995. '95 was another great year for alternative rock in all its disparate forms, and it was a particularly eclectic one as well, from anthemic rock from The Smashing Pumpkins, Faith No More, Radiohead, Oasis and Filter, to the emergence of stoner rock with Monster Magnet and Kyuss, and different variants of shoegaze (Slowdive, Garbage, Hum).  It was also a year that showed an increased interest in electronic music, from ambient (Aphex Twin), techno (Moby, The Chemical Brothers), trip-hop (Tricky) and jungle (Goldie), to singular heavyweights like Bowie and Bjork, who dabbled in all of the above. So take a trip down memory lane and tell us your favorites from 1995 via message or comment. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Billy Gould has had a busy 2020. Not only has he reunited with Faith No More (for which he plays bass and is a founding member), he's just released 'Talking Book 2,' the long awaited follow-up to 2011's 'Talking Book' by the band of the same name. Gould rounds out the musical trio, which also features Jared Blum and Dominic Cramp of Gigante Sound, and 'Talking Book 2' (out April 24 on Gould's Koolarrow Records label) is a rich tapestry of sound, a set of dense instrumentals that are deeply evocative, feeling like a soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist. In this episode of the Smells Like Infinite Sadness Podcast, Gould and I discuss the new album, from its origins to the importance of sequencing, as well as how the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting Faith No More's upcoming summer tour (and the effect of the pandemic on musicians in general), the 20th anniversary of their 1995 underrated classic 'King For a Day, Fool For A Lifetime' and much more.  So give it a listen, and stay tuned afterward where I'll be premiering  'Heridor', a track off the new album. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

On this week's episode of the SLIS podcast, co-host Chris Logan and I choose our picks for the 2020 inductees for the RRHOF.  It wasn't easy given next year's artists for consideration include Soundgarden, Depeche Mode, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Kraftwerk, Nine Inch Nails, The MC5, T.Rex, Thin Lizzy, Pat Benatar, Todd Rundgren, The Doobie Brothers, The Notorious B.I.G, Whitney Houston, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, and The Dave Matthews Band. We discuss why our choices belong in the RRHOF, what the odds are that our selections actually get in, and give a bit of history and insight into all of the artists up for consideration in 2020. Be sure to send us a voice message on Anchor or on Twitter to discuss your favorite choices and predictions for next year's inductees--we might might give you a shoutout in future eps! And click here to listen to our episode from earlier this year where we discussed the musicians inducted into the 2019 RRHOF. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

Following our podcast episode ranking the best albums from 1989, co-host Chris Logan and I dive in to the best 25 albums from 1993 turning 25 this year. '94 was a HUGE year for alternative rock, hip-hop and metal, with bands like Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Ween, Suede and more releasing instant classics, killer debuts from the likes of Weezer and Portishead, great soundtracks like The Crow, and under-the-radar gems from The Cult, Danzig and more.  So give it a listen and tell us your favorites via message or comment.  And be sure to check out my recent interview with Medicine's Brad Laner.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support

On this week's podcast my special guest is Brad Laner, best known as the guitarist and songwriter for Medicine, one of the most interesting and uncompromising alternative acts of the 90s.  Laner’s unique guitar tone and playing style led to the band being associated with the UK shoegaze scene, so much so that they were the first American band signed to Creation Records. The group are perhaps most iconically remembered for performing in the film The Crow (their song Time Baby III, featuring Cocteau Twins' Elizabeth Frazer was also featured on the soundtrack).  Laner has also done a variety of other projects, including the Electric Company, and has worked with artists like M83, and has been sampled by the likes of Caribou and Brian Eno. In this week's episode, Laner and I discuss Medicine's new album Scarred For Life (Drawing Room Records October 4th 2019), their first new album since 2014’s Home Everywhere, and the first album to feature the band’s original vocalist Annette Zilinkas.  The albums features a diverse and unexpected collection of cover songs, including tracks from artists like Judee Sill, Slaphappy and The Monkees, all given Laner’s unique sonic stamp.  We chatted about what inspired this collection of covers, what it was like to reunite with Zilinkas, his memories of the alternative rock heyday of the 90s, his thoughts on touring and being a musician in the 21st century and much more. So give it a listen and stay tuned afterwards when I’ll be playing the title track off the new album. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slis/support