High Bias Mixtape

The roundtable discussion explores 1986 and a personal selection of albums released that year. We also welcome special guest Donald A. Guarisco from Schlockmania.com to share a few of his favorite New Wave obscurities.

To hear full versions of the songs referenced in this podcast, visit our Episode 06 Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1MvKavMhOKUSSbE5m2vWnp?si=6bc19e1e254d453c

Our namesake episode is all about the hallowed mixtape. From memories of these momentous mementos to understanding their cultural significance and optimistically hoping for the future survival of the format, the crew comes to terms with what it meant to give and receive compilation cassettes. Elsewhere Bobby recalls his introduction to underground culture via mixtapes from a punk rock mentor and we unspool a few special songs composed in tribute to these tokens of affection and sonic exploration.

The crew gathers virtually to reminisce about seminal journeys to see favored bands in concert. After almost an entire pandemic year without shows, the talk turns to the intrinsic nature and spiritual dimensions of live performance. Elsewhere Jason introduces himself via a vivid recollection of some of his earliest musical memories and Neil identifies the exact moment when punk went progressive.

To hear full versions of the songs referenced in this podcast, visit our Episode 04 Spotify playlist: tinyurl.com/yq6run38

The lads conclude their exploration of Industrial Music with an assist from special guest Jolene Siana (author of "Go Ask Ogre: Letters From A Deathrock Cutter") who discusses her very personal connection to a legendary band from the genre. We also hear from Brent who unpacks his love of all things sophisti-pop and comes to terms with how he ended up with so many guilty listening pleasures.

To hear full versions of the songs referenced in this podcast, visit our Episode 03 Spotify playlist: https://tinyurl.com/y8m3h9nz

This episode digs into the history, evolution, and influence of Industrial Music. Did this genre supercharge 80’s alternative with a much needed shot of testosterone? Or did its muscular motifs dance dangerously close to fascism? The lads put their heads together to untangle the complex themes and celebrate the stylistic high points of the bands that married punk energy with synthetic beats to wage a military assault on the dancefloor.

To hear full versions of the songs referenced in this podcast, visit our Episode 2 Spotify playlist: https://tinyurl.com/y6n38j7m

The lads gather virtually to discuss the songs that best evoke the feeling of autumn in all its glory. Also, Anders introduces himself and recalls the moment he first met the crew while Brent confesses to an essential guilty pleasure.

To hear full versions of the songs referenced in this podcast, visit our Episode 1 Spotify playlist: https://tinyurl.com/y4jqvnyg