E322 - Sgt. Splendor's Eric McFadden & Kate Vargas - Top 5 Songs This Messed-Up World Needs Right Now

E322 - Sgt. Splendor's Eric McFadden & Kate Vargas - Top 5 Songs This Messed-Up World Needs Right Now

Author: O3L Media March 24, 2026 Duration: 1:38:38
What the world needs now...is O3L, sweet O3L! The lads are joined by guitarist/vocalist duo Eric McFadden and Kate Vargas — collectively known as Sgt. Splendor — to count down the top five songs this messed-up world needs right now. The conversation explores how music can heal, empower, and unite in difficult times. Guest Bios: Eric McFadden — A spellbinding guitarist with a catalog stretching back to the mid-'80s punk band Angry Babies. He's played with George Clinton & P-Funk All Stars, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Jackson Browne, Joe Strummer, Anders Osborne, Fishbone's Angelo Moore, among many others. Kate believes that Eric is one of the greatest guitarists of all time...and who are we to disagree? Kate Vargas — A singer-songwriter with five acclaimed solo albums, including Golden Hour in the House of Lugosi (2025). Known for her gritty voice and evocative storytelling. Eric believes that Kate belongs in an elite group of songwriters that include Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen...and who are we to disagree? About Sgt. Splendor: Eric and Kate met at Pat McDonald's (of Timbuk 3 fame) Steel Bridge Song Fest at the Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Their collaboration blends hard rock, riff blues, junkyard folk, desert psychedelia, alternative funk, and carnival-esque vibes. Their third album, Isotopia, is out now on Mother West. Other Topics Discussed: The Soil Dove immersive circus/dinner show featuring Joan Baez Eric's personal encounters with Joe Strummer The origin story of Sgt. Splendor at Steel Bridge Song Fest The making of Isotopia Their cover of Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta" Uh...Lou Bega. Music Featured: Sergeant Splendor — "Brave, Rough, and Ready to Go" Sergeant Splendor — "Play On" Connect: sgtsplendor.com facebook.com/onlythreelads 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: 50

Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E346 - Mark Wilkerson (Author, Pub Rock) - Top 5 Pub Rock Songs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:44
Surrender to the rhythm as we drink up the Pub Rock scene with author Mark Wilkerson! U.K. , early 1970s: In response to the glitz of glam and the pomp of prog there emerged a DIY, back to basics scene known as pub rock:…
E345 - In Conversation with Adrian Sherwood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:58
During last week's episode, Jon Langford from The Mekons joined us on the heels of Horror-ble, their newly released dub reimaging on their 2025 album Horror. While we’ve got dub on the mind, we were reminded that we have…
E344 - Mekons' Jon Langford - Top 5 Songs of the Sea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:38
Ahoy, mateys! This week, we hoist the sails for a swashbuckling, deadline-fueled speed date with a genuine punk legend: Jon Langford of The Mekons (as well as The Three Johns, Waco Brothers, and Men of Gwent). We catch u…
E343 - Kevin & Scott Robertson - Top 5 Albums of 1971 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:10:18
What's going on, you ask? Well, we can't make any promises, but we have a sneaking suspicion that we're gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove...because this week we focus on the classic albums of 1971! Our Third La…
E341 - Strawberry Alarm Clock - Unwind with the Clock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:45
Pass time with the SAC...as we welcome '60s psych-pop pioneers the Strawberry Alarm Clock to O3L for a very special two parter! During part 1, bassist George Bunnell, keyboardist Mark Weitz, drummer Randy Seol, and guita…
E340 - It's BANDAMANIA! with Brazil's Phenomenal Pop Combo Banda AL9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:54
It's BANDAMANIA as we welcome Brazil’s sensational pop combo Banda AL9 to celebrate the release of their new album, Hey! Hey! We’re Banda AL9, on Wicked Cool Records. Known for their dazzling harmonies, retro-inspired st…