E271 - John Robb (Membranes) - Top 5 Blackpool Bands & Musicians

E271 - John Robb (Membranes) - Top 5 Blackpool Bands & Musicians

Author: O3L Media May 13, 2025 Duration: 1:26:18
Blackpool, Lancashire lies on the Irish Sea on the northwest coast of England, situated roughly 50-some miles north of Liverpool and 50-some miles west of Manchester. This seaside destination may conjure up visions of tourists, the Promenade, Pleasure Beach, or Blackpool Tower, but this week we focus on Blackpool as a crucial stop on the musical map. Joining us for this engaging discussion is one of Blackpool's favourite musical sons, John Robb! John was outside enjoying a lovely sunny day in Manchester, and we were lucky to get nearly an hour of his time before his phone connection went kaput. John has been at the centre of Blackpool post-punk legends the Membranes from their original 1977-1990 run to their post-hiatus return since 2009. Their initial era (including their three UK Top 20 indie albums and three Top 20 indie singles) is covered on Cherry Red's comprehensive 5 CD box set, Everyone's Going Triple Bad Acid, Yeah! They added to their already impressive body of work in the 21st century with two of their finest and most ambitious albums yet: 2015's Dark Matter/Dark Energy and 2019's What Nature Gives...Nature Takes Away. But wait, there's far more to this multi-faceted artist. Aside from also leading the punk band Goldblade, Robb has also produced bands like Therapy? and Cornershop; been a TV presenter and pundit; a journalist; best-selling author (including The Art of Darkness - The History of Goth, Punk Rock: An Oral History, Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop, The North Will Rise Again, and an upcoming Oasis biography); creator of the essential Louder Than War website and magazine; festival boss; green revolutionary; vegan behemoth...a true renaissance man. Thanks to Paul Richison for the suggestion and introduction! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the sonic landscape of the '70s, '80s, and '90s with Only Three Lads-Classic Alternative Music Podcast. Hosted by Uncle Gregg and Brett Vargo, this podcast is a weekly conversation with a rotating cast of "Third Lads" who share their deep knowledge and personal passion for the era's defining sounds. Each episode feels like hanging out with friends who can't wait to tell you about a forgotten B-side or argue the merits of a classic album. You'll hear curated Top Five lists, behind-the-scenes stories, and spirited discussions that span the entire alternative spectrum-from the raw energy of punk and the shimmering hooks of power pop to the dense atmospheres of shoegaze and the gritty rebellion of grunge. The show thrives on discovery, whether revisiting a new wave classic or unpacking a Britpop phenomenon. More than just a retrospective, this podcast captures the ongoing conversation and community around the music. It’s a space for both lifelong fans and curious newcomers to find common ground in a shared love for the artists and anthems that built a genre. Tune in for the insightful, often humorous, and always genuine chat that makes this podcast a destination for anyone who believes great music never gets old.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E278 - Arthur Alexander (Sorrows) - Top 5 Beatles Covers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:13
As arguably the single most important, most influential group in pop music history, The Beatles have been honored with thousands of cover versions. This week, Uncle Gregg, Brett, and Third Lad Arthur Alexander hand pick…
In Memoriam - The Most Extraordinary Terry Draper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:16
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Terry Draper from Klaatu. We remember Terry, his musical legacy, his sense of humor, and zeal for life. This is a repost of an episode from November 9, 2021. --------…
E273 - Minorcan - Top 5 "One Person Band" Albums [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:51
Get ready for the most unintentionally sexist O3L yet! We tried very hard to steer away from the phrase "one man band" during this episode...only to pick albums almost exclusively by one man bands (except for a bonus nod…
E272 - DJ Jake Rudh - Cruel World 2025 Special! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:48
It's double your O3L pleasure this week with our 4th Annual Cruel World Special! It’s that time of year again - on May 17, 2025, the masses will descend upon Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, for the 4th instal…
E270 - The Rishis - The Elephant 6 Recording Co. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:50:33
In the 2022 documentary The Elephant 6 Recording Co., they waste no time in addressing a very valid question: What exactly is Elephant 6? Is it a record label? (Yes, but not always.) Is it a collective of likeminded visi…
E269 - Pearl E. Gates (aka Pearl Harbour) - Top 5 New Wave Artists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:30
This week, Pearl E. Gates (aka Pearl Harbour) from Bay Area new wave faves Pearl Harbor & The Explosions gives us a glimpse of some of the artists of the era who had the biggest impact on her. Along the way, Pearl shares…
E268 - The Okmoniks - Top 5 Garage Rock Party Records! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:12
In 2008, they came down with a case of Party Fever!!! In 2024, they contracted Afterparty Fever!!! Now, in 2025, they have O3L Fever...and the only cure is more garage rock party records! (Well, that and an over-the-coun…