Podcasts by This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80s & 90s

This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's

This Is Modern Rock is a podcast about Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's. Each episode takes a look at one month on the Billboard Modern Rock charts, beginning with September 1988. This Is Modern Rock is currently in Season 5 (1992).
Hosted by Will Westercauw - thisismodernrock@gmail.com

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
55 - The Sound of Seattle (1992 Bonus) from 2022-01-22T06:29:31

Will sits down to an epic double-length interview with musician Ron Nine (Love Battery, Purple Strange) to talk about the music of Seattle, 1992. Bands under discussion include Temple of the Dog, ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
54 - Cracker "Teen Angst" (May 1992) from 2021-12-30T17:39:05

Will and Orly listen to the big songs of May 1992, and share some thoughts on BTS, cracker varieties and Edie Brickell. Songs under discussion include:

Cracker - "Teen Angst (What the Worl...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
53 - U2 "One" (April 1992) from 2021-12-13T07:07:51

Will is joined by Rob Elba, host of That Record Got Me High podcast, to talk about the modern rock hits of April 1992. Songs under discussion include:

U2 - "One"
The Cure - "High"
...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
52 - They Might Be Giants "Fingertips" (Bonus Episode) from 2021-11-01T06:08:49

Welcome to a very special (and very unusual) episode of This Is Modern Rock! In this episode, Will and his 7 year-old daughter Violet discuss one of her favorite songs of all time: "Fingertips" by...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
51 - Teenage Fanclub "The Concept" (March 1992) from 2021-10-12T05:32:34

Alison Dennis (Dr. Something) joins Will to talk about the importance of mass transit, sexy ghosts, and of course, the Modern Rock songs of March 1992.

Lightning Seeds - "Life of Reilly"<...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
50 - Matthew Sweet "Girlfriend" (Feb 1992) from 2021-09-27T05:19:47

Dusty Reske and Ellen Osborn (Rocketship) join Will to talk about even more songs of February 1992. Brace yourself - Strong opinions are shared ;)

Matthew Sweet - "Girlfriend"
The KLF...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
49 - Talking Heads "Sax and Violins" (Feb 1992) from 2021-09-13T04:04:29

Will and Orly discuss four songs that charted on the Modern Rock charts in February 1992.

Talking Heads - "Sax & Violins"
Lou Reed - "What's Good"
Sugarcubes - "Hit"
Social Dis...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
48 - Dramarama "Haven't Got A Clue" (Jan 1992) from 2021-08-28T04:57:27

Will Westercauw and his guest host John Easedale (Dramarama) discuss four songs that charted on the Modern Rock charts in January 1992.

Ocean Blue - "Ballerina Out of Control"
Enya - ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
47 -American Music Club "Rise" (Bubbling Under 1991) from 2021-08-05T01:39:51

Will Westercauw and his guest host Julia Fernandez (Pleasure Holiday, The Fall Colors) discuss four songs that didn't chart on the Modern Rock charts in 1991, but maybe should have?..

Amer...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
46 - The JudyBats "Native Son" (1991 Wrap-up) from 2021-07-01T06:39:49

In this extra long bonus episode, Will and Orly discuss statistics and trends in modern rock, as they wrap up the 1991 season.

Songs under discussion include "Native Son" by The JudyBats, ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
45 - The Shamen "Move Any Mountain" (Dec 1991) from 2021-03-11T19:52:08

Will Westercauw and guest host Brooke Twist (Mieux Mieux) discuss four modern rock songs that charted in December 1991, including "Move Any Mountain" by The Shamen, "Tell Me When Did Things Go So W...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
44 - Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Nov 1991) from 2021-02-22T22:53:23

Will Westercauw and guest host Matt Sebastian (SlicingUpEyeballs.com) discuss the big modern rock songs of November 1991, including both "The Fly" and "Mysterious Ways" by U2, "Smells Like Teen Spi...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
27 - Los Lobos "Down on the Riverbed" (October 1990) from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Will interviews Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), and they discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in October 1990. Songs under discussion include "Merry Go Round" by The Replacements, "Be...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
43 - Red Hot Chili Peppers "Give It Away" (Oct 1991) from 2021-01-26T03:29:12

Will Westercauw and Orly discuss the modern rock songs of October 1991, including "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Sexuality" by Billy Bragg, "One Shot" by Tin Machine, and "Come Inside" b...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
42 - Robyn Hitchcock "So You Think You're in Love" (Sept 1991) from 2021-01-12T02:59:15

Will Westercauw and Sam Coomes (Quasi, Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers) discuss the modern rock songs of September 1991, including "Until She Comes" by the Psychedelic Furs, "So You Think You're In Lov...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
41 - Big Audio Dynamite II "Rush" (August 1991) from 2020-12-29T21:21:10

Will Westercauw and Jeni Wren Stottrup (Gritty Birds podcast) discuss the modern rock songs of August 1991, including "Rush" by Big Audio Dynamite II, "Satisfied" by Squeeze, "Walking Down Madison"...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
40 - Stan Ridgway "I Wanna Be A Boss" (July 1991) from 2020-12-15T00:32:33

Will Westercauw and Erik Menteer (Blitzen Trapper) discuss the final chart appearances (July 1991) of four elder statesmen of Modern Rock. Songs under discussion include "I Wanna Be A Boss" by Stan...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
39 - Crowded House "Chocolate Cake" (July 1991) from 2020-12-01T00:33:32

Will and Orly discuss songs that appeared on the Modern Rock charts in July 1991. Songs under discussion include "Kiss them for Me" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, "Chocolate Cake" by Crowded House, ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
38 - Black Musicians of Modern Rock (1991 Bonus Episode) from 2020-05-06T06:21:58

Will Westercauw and Andre Middleton(Executive Director at Friends of Noise) discuss Black Musicians/Bands that appeared on the Modern Rock charts in 1991. Songs under discussion include "Crazy" by ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
37 - Electronic "Get the Message" (June 1991) from 2020-04-23T05:10:51

Will Westercauw and Orly (Fun Yeti) discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in June 1991. Songs under discussion include "Get the Message" by Electronic, "Texarkana" by R.E.M., "Do...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
36 - Simple Minds "See The Lights" (May 1991) from 2020-04-07T06:27:18

Will Westercauw and Kirk Hamilton (Strong Songs podcast) discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in May 1991. Songs under discussion include "See the Lights" by Simple Minds, "The ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
35 - Material Issue "Valerie Loves Me" (April 1991) from 2020-03-26T17:52:45

Will Westercauw and Kathy Foster (The Thermals, Roseblood, Slang) discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in April 1991. Songs under discussion include "Valerie Loves Me" by Materi...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
34 - EMF "Unbelievable" (March 1991) from 2020-02-26T06:38

Will Westercauw and Chris Slusarenko (Eyelids, Guided By Voices) discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in March 1991. Songs under discussion include "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
33 - Jesus Jones "Right Here, Right Now" (February 1991) from 2020-02-13T06:22:34

Will Westercauw and regular guest Orly discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in February 1991. Songs under discussion include "Right Here, Right Now" by Jesus Jones, "Wicked Game...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
32 - Happy Mondays "Kinky Afro" (January 1991) from 2020-01-29T05:28:08

Will Westercauw and music critic David Greenwald discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in January 1991. Songs under discussion include "Kinky Afro" by The Happy Mondays, "All Thi...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
31 - Ric Ocasek (1991 Bonus Episode) from 2020-01-11T01:04:43

In this extra long bonus episode, Will and guest host Jonathan Moore (Streetcar Conductors) look back at the life and music of Cars frontman Ric Ocasek, who passed away in September 2019.

...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
30 - The Lightning Seeds "Pure" (1990 Wrap-up) from 2019-09-20T05:16:24

In this extra long bonus episode, Will and Orly discuss statistics, trends, and modern rock, as they wrap up the 1990 season.

Songs under discussion include "Pure" by The Lightning Seeds,...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
29 - Sisters of Mercy "More" (December 1990) from 2019-09-02T05:23:30

Will talks with John Isaacson about his music comic, Feedback, and they discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in December 1990. Songs under discussion include "More" by The Siste...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
28 - Iggy Pop "Candy" (November 1990) from 2019-08-19T07:30:08

Will interviews Stanton Hall (The Zags), and they discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in November 1990. Songs under discussion include "Don't Ask Me" by Public Image Ltd., "Ice...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
26 - Jane's Addiction "Stop" (September 1990) from 2019-07-23T06:41:13

Will interviews James from Kill Rock Stars, and they discuss four songs that hit #1 on the Modern Rock charts in September 1990. Songs under discussion include "Stop" by Jane's Addiction, "Every B...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
25 - Gene Loves Jezebel "Jealous" (August 1990) from 2019-07-08T07:41:53

Will Westercauw and Orly talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in August 1990.

Songs under discussion include "Jealous" by Gene Loves Jezebel, "I'll Be Your Chau...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
24 - Concrete Blonde "Joey" (July 1990) from 2019-06-24T15:24:31

Entertainment Lawyer Peter Vaughan Shaver (Sound Advice) joins Will Westercauw to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in July 1990.

Songs under discussion incl...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
23 - Depeche Mode "Policy of Truth" (June 1990) from 2019-06-10T05:11:32

Lael Alderman (The Loved) joins Will Westercauw to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in June 1990.

Songs under discussion include "Policy of Truth" by Depech...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
22 - The Sundays "Here's Where the Story Ends" (May 1990) from 2019-05-31T16:17:01

Jim "Child of the 90's" Delphine joins Will Westercauw to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in May 1990.

Songs under discussion include "The Emperor's New Cl...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
21 - Midnight Oil "Blue Sky Mine" (April 1990) from 2018-04-30T03:44:31

Orly Marella (Fun Yeti, Flora Majora)joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in April 1990.

Songs under discussion include "Blue Sky Mi...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
20 - Sinead O'Connor "Nothing Compares 2 U" (March 1990) from 2018-04-09T06:56:52

Kristi Balzer (Executive Director of Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls)joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in March 1990.

Songs under di...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
19 - Peter Murphy "Cuts You Up" (February 1990) from 2018-03-26T04:32:11

Comedian Jason Traeger (Traeger Method) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in February 1990.

Songs under discussion include "Cuts ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
18 - Nine Inch Nails "Down In It" (January 1990) from 2018-03-12T05:06:06

in the Season 3 opener, Orly Marella (Fun Yeti / Flora Majora) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in January 1990.

Songs under dis...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
17 - Kate Bush "Love and Anger" (December 1989) from 2017-12-18T05:32:58

Orly Marella (Fun Yeti / Flora Majora) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in December 1989.

Songs under discussion include "Love...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
16 - Ian McCulloch "Proud to Fall" (November 1989) from 2017-11-27T06:54:18

Frank Goulart (PDX Punk Rock Collective, The Watch List) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in November 1989.

Songs under discussi...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
15 - Tears for Fears "Sowing the Seeds of Love" (October 1989) from 2017-11-06T05:07:56

Larry Crane (Jackpot! Recording Studio / Vomit Launch) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in October 1989.

Songs under discussion ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
14 - Indio "Hard Sun" (September 1989) from 2017-10-23T06:50:12

Orly Marella (Flora Majora) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in September 1989.

Songs under discussion include "Love Shack" by t...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
13 - The B-52s "Channel Z" (August 1989) from 2017-10-09T05:02:30

Jillian Lowery (Deathbed Playlist) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in August 1989.

Songs under discussion include "Channel Z" b...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
12 - Public Image Ltd "Disappointed" (July 1989) from 2017-09-25T00:07:39

Jacob Avery (singer/guitarist for Heavy Sweaters) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in July 1989.

Songs under discussion include ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
11 - Love and Rockets "So Alive" (June 1989) from 2017-09-10T23:46:37

Orly Marella (singer/guitarist for Fun Yeti) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in June 1989.

Songs under discussion include "So A...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
10 - The Cure "Fascination Street" (May 1989) from 2017-08-27T16:34:56

Jeremy Tiedeman joins Will to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in May 1989.

Songs under discussion include The Cure's "Fascination Street", Fine Young Canni...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
09 - XTC "Mayor of Simpleton" (April 1989) from 2017-08-13T20:18:33

Will Westercauw invites Elizabeth Merritt into the studio to talk about songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in April 1989, as well as the importance of older siblings on developin...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
08 - The Replacements "I'll Be You" (March 1989) from 2017-07-31T03:06:15

Paul Regan (Watchlist, Stars of Cascadia) joins Will in the studio to talk about songs from March 1989 on the Billboard Modern Rock charts.

Artists under discussion include The Replaceme...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
07 - Lou Reed "Dirty Blvd" (February 1989) from 2017-07-17T01:40:32

Will and Orly talk about some of the top Modern Rock hits of February 1989, including "Dirty Blvd." by Lou Reed, "Sweet Jane" by the Cowboy Junkies, "Punk Rock Girl" by The Dead Milkmen, and "Teena...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
06 - Julian Cope "Charlotte Anne" (January 1989) from 2017-06-28T00:00

In the first episode of Season 2, Will is joined by co-host Emily, as they talk about four songs that peaked on the Billboard Modern Rock charts in January 1989. Songs include Julian Cope's "Charl...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
05 - Pixies "Gigantic" (1988 Wrap-up) from 2017-05-08T03:46:50

Will, Orly, and a baby wrap up 1988 with a special episode about songs that could have potentially charted on the Modern Rock charts if the charts had existed since the start of that year. The son...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
04 - They Might Be Giants "Ana Ng" (December 1988) from 2017-04-28T00:00

Will talks about the alternative rock songs of December 1988, including "The Great Commandment" by Camouflage, "Angel of Harlem" by U2, "What I Am" by Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians, and "Ana Ng...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
03 - Cocteau Twins "Carolyn's Fingers" (November 1988) from 2017-04-24T00:15:44

Will and Orly discuss the top modern rock songs of November 1988, including The Cocteau Twins' "Carolyn's Fingers", Siouxsie & the Banshees "The Killing Jar", REM's "Orange Crush", and "Jane Says" ...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
02 - The Psychedelic Furs "All That Money Wants" (October 1988) from 2017-04-16T22:57:45

Will talks about The Psychedelic Furs, U2, The Escape Club, and The Timelords. Featuring special guest and Clash-expert Todd.
Season 1 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RaSy...

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This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's
01 - Siouxsie & the Banshees "Peek-A-Boo" (September 1988) from 2017-04-09T23:22:47

In the first episode of This Is Modern Rock, WIll and Orly talk about Siouxsie & the Banshees, Big Audio Dynamite, The Primatives, and The House of Love.
Season 1 Spotify Playlist: https://open...

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