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: 100

Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E291 - doubleVee - Top 5 Family Bands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:52:53
"Here's the story of a lovely couple Who are in a cool band they call doubleVee Allan & Barb Vest went on a podcast To discuss bands that are family. Here's the story of a groovy podcast, Hosted by two guys named Uncle G…
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 25 - Music Is Our Mattress [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:49
It’s Labor Day Weekend here in the U.S. and for our friends in Canada. And you know what THAT means? That’s right…mattress sales from coast to coast! Slashing prices 50%, 60%, 70%! (Plus applicable tariffs.) Well, guess…
E290 - Lemoyne Alexander - Top 5 Alt-Rock Inspired Hip-Hop Songs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:22
Hip-hop culture was a dominant force during the '80s and '90s, and inspired language, fashion, film, and music. Yes, that includes plenty of alternative music. But that's not what we're talking about today. Instead, we e…
E289 - Chris Stamey (the dB's) - Top 5 Producers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:18
Anything is possible as we welcome power pop icon Chris Stamey from the dB's as our Third Lad! Our focus topic is on the producers of the O3L era - the sonic architects that carry out the visions of the artists we love a…
E288 - Will Dailey - Top 5 Singer-Songwriter Albums of the '80s [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:00:14
This week, it's just "boys talking" (or lads conversing, if you will), as we welcome the sublime singer-songwriter Will Dailey as our Third Lad. Will has spent the past two decades perfecting a style that is not beholden…
E277 - David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) - in Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
We are thrilled to welcome one of the seminal figures of alternative music - David J. Haskins (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets, solo). O3L's Brett Vargo chats with David J about his new poetry book, Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer,…
E287 - Willie Nile - Top 5 Songs about New York [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:46
We’re in a New York State of Mind. Sure, L.A. has beaches and sun, San Francisco clings onto its peace and love vibes, Chicago oozes the blues, and these make for remarkable settings for great songs, but New York…New Yor…
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 24 - Pinch Punch! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
Pinch, punch, first of the month. White rabbit, white rabbit. Blowing cinnamon out of your front door. So superstition goes, these are all rituals that bring luck and prosperity for the month ahead. Might we suggest one…
E286 - Columbia Records SVP Paul Rappaport's Top 5 Album Rollouts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:31
The music business from the late '60s through the '90s was an exciting time that mirrored the music and the musicians making it. It was also a time of new and creative ideas on how to market this groundbreaking cultural…
E285 - Ozzy Osbourne Tribute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:56
And now for something completely different...in this special episode, we pay tribute to the late, great Ozzy Osbourne and each pick five of our favorite songs from the rock legend's career. So you may ask yourself, why a…