

Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast
O3L Media
Only Three Lads is a lively podcast celebrating the Golden Age of Alternative Music from the '70s, '80s & '90s. Join Uncle Gregg, Brett Vargo, and a variety of ”Third Lads” as we share our Top Fives, stories, and news about the music we love, and have a lot of fun along the way! Whether you‘re into indie, punk, new wave, Britpop, power pop, synth pop, shoegaze, grunge...or whatever...there is going to be something for you to discover and love. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 23min
E205 - Top 5 "Wish There Was More" (with Steve Hovington from B-Movie!)
Some artists knew exactly when it was the right time to check out. Others ended their recording careers with a big question mark or ellipsis, like there was unfinished work to be done. The latter is the topic of our discussion this week: Which artists or bands do we wish had stuck around longer and released more music?A little more than a decade ago, we probably would have included B-Movie on that list, as they were one of the major "what if?" bands of the '80s. After a run on the Dead Good and Some Bizarre labels in the early '80s that resulted in post-punk classics such as the era-defining "Nowhere Girl", "Remembrance Day" and "Marilyn Dreams", they released the fantastic synth-pop single "A Letter From Afar" (1984) and their sole full-length LP, Forever Running (1985), before calling it a day. That is, until they resumed their recording career in 2012, picking up and expanding upon their legacy with the full length albums The Age Of Illusion (2013) and Climate Of Fear (2016), as well as the EPs Distant Skies (2013), Repetition (2018), and two new tracks in 2022. It has been a most welcome return and artistic triumph for our heroes.So then, what an incredible thrill it is for us to welcome singer, songwriter, and bassist from B-Movie, Steve Hovington, as our Third Lad this week!Special thanks to Paul Richison for making the connection! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 8, 2024 • 28min
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 9 - We'll Give You More!
It's true that we're givers here at O3L...so, to paraphrase from the gorgeous new Jack Rubies track that closes this episode, "we'll give you more." Once again, we step out of our era and treat you to a six pack of some of the finest new music to pass through O3L headquarters:
Crumbs - 'You're Just Jealous' (Skep Wax Records)
The Kobayashi Bookstore - 'World Gone Crazy'
High Water Marks - 'YFF' (6612 Tapes)
Fog Lamp - 'You Prove Yourself Wrong' (The Bucket Records)
Hollow Horse - 'I'm Building A Scarecrow'
The Jack Rubies - 'I'll Give You More' (Big Stir Records)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 33min
E204 - Top 5 Songs of 1996 (with author Kyle Wiltshire, The Dead Rock Stars)
This week, we set the way back machine for 1996…with a stop off in 1999, which is the setting for the new book by Kyle Wiltshire and Jay Watson, The Dead Rock Stars. Coincidentally, then, we welcome co-author Kyle Wiltshire as our Third Lad!Kyle is a husband, father, and writer who has seen U2 eleven times. He tries to paint like Bob Ross and enjoys talking about the Star Wars universe on a very deep level. He loves pop culture and prides himself on being able to name the year any movie from the 1980s or '90s was released. P.S. We put him to the test with a brand new O3L game, “B-Movie…or Be Dead!”About The Dead Rock Stars:What if famous rock stars from the past, those who died young, in sudden and tragic ways, actually faked their deaths to become secret agents? Welcome to the world of The Dead Rock Stars, the heroes we never knew we had. The Dead Rock Stars is a tale about Cole Denton, a young tech genius who discovers the secret world of rock star secret agents. He is tasked with saving the world from an unknown threat—one that’s closer to home than either Elvis Presley or the team can imagine. But can they beat the clock before it strikes midnight on December 31, 1999? In a twisting and nostalgic story, The Dead Rock Stars is an alternate history, placed squarely in the realm of real-world events, that happened without anyone knowing. Brimming with pop culture references for music lovers of every generation, the novel’s fast and hilarious plot will keep readers guessing at every turn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 12min
E203 - Top 5 LA Bands
Finally...a podcast episode that captures all of the glitz and glamour of the City of Angels. You'll feel like you're right there on the red carpet with all of your favorite stars.Or something like that.OK, we all know that Los Angeles has a rich musical history, from the '60s heroes lining the Sunset Strip and packing clubs like The Whisky and The Roxy, to sensitive Laurel Canyon singer/songwriters, to the laid back California studio sounds of the mid-'70s, to the debaucherous sleaze of hair metal. But how about the classic alternative bands who kept LA on the musical map during the O3L era? That's our challenge this week.Plus, Uncle Gregg has a chat with Brett's inner demon! A powerful anti-drug message (we think??)! Health trends! Sticking it to big corporations! Hot robots! Meowing!Yeah, it's another late at night recording, which typically means nothing but trouble. You have been warned.Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 40min
E202 - Top 5 Canadian Albums (with Autogramm)
If you wake up in the morning, feeling shy and lonely, and think "gee, I gotta go to school" (or work), brighten your day with O3L.If you don't think you can make it, don't think you can take it, and wonder what you're going to do, we're here for you.Everybody can succeed, all you need is to believe. Be honest with yourself, forget your fears and doubts. C'mon, give us a try at Degrassi...oops, we mean, Only Three Lads!By now, it may be abundantly obvious that we are celebrating our friends to our north, as we discuss our Top 5 Canadian Albums of the O3L era.Joining us for the topic on hand is the synth-soaked power poppers Autogramm, whose members are from Vancouver, Seattle, and Chicago. Their recently released album Music That Humans Can Play is out now on vinyl and digital formats on Stomp Records. It's an album that draws influences from The Cars, 20/20, Devo, Cheap Trick, The Boys and others, resulting in a cohesive and blissfully cool album that will appeal to listeners from record store snobs to garage rock slobs to synth-pop heartthrobs! We had a blast speaking with Jiffy Marx (vocals, synths, guitars), The Silo (vocals, drums, synths, guitars), CC Voltage (vocals, bass, guitars) and Lars Von Seattle (guitars, vocals).So please don't be a hoser or a broomhead - just listen, eh?Technical note: We experienced technical difficulties with a couple of audio tracks and had to resort to a lower resolution cloud recording for some sections. You may hear some echo or inconsistent volume at times, but it shouldn't impair your enjoyment of this fun conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 2024 • 27min
O3L Presents: Weekend Six Pack, Vol. 8 - The Presidential Suite
It's President's Day weekend here in the ol' US of A, so we invite you to come chill with us in the Presidential Suite with a six pack of new tunes!This weekend, we highlight:
Outer World - "The Drum, The Beat" (HHBTM Records)
Tony Valentino from The Standells, ft. Lisle Engle & Kristen Kohary - "Hollywood Fake"
Gentleman Jesse - "Where Time Stands Still" (Drunk Dial Records)
Hungrytown - "Another Year" (Big Stir Records)
Sorry Monks - "Girlfriend" (Subjangle)
Sirius Voltage - "For Your Dreams" (Invicta Sound & Vision)
How's that for a little high octane rock n' roll to kickstart your weekend?!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 50min
E201 - Top 5 Fire & Ice Songs (with Catherine Gairard)
Singer/harpist Catherine Gairard joins the hosts to discuss their Top 5 fire and ice songs. They also talk about personal appearance, fashion style, encounters with creatures, favorite songs, and announce a Metallica giveaway.

Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 2min
E200 - The Big O3L Episode 200!
We've made it...the big O3L 200th episode extravaganza!First off, it's the biggest reunion since Kajagoogoo - original Lad and O3L co-creator Bueno returns for this special occasion, for the first time since Season 2! We chat about the genesis of the show, divulge early contenders for our pod name, read our original treatment, share favorite moments, and catch up with the wild world of Bueno. Yeah, and some other wabbit holes like cartoon character crushes, petty thievery, and the endless wait for Cure music.Most importantly, we play messages from the most important people to this show...the "Third Lads" of the O3L community! We are so touched by all of the wonderful and thoughtful messages from listeners, friends, musicians, past guests, and fellow podcasters. It is because of all of YOU that we have made it to this milestone!Proud members of the Pantheon Podcasts family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30, 2024 • 49min
E199 - Top 5 Songs When You're Sick
Our scheduled guest this week called in sick at the last minute...oh no! So, instead of our planned topic, we decided to be a little opportunistic. We put together our list of songs to listen to when you're sick to lift your spirits. We've got just the cure for your ailments!****Please note that this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h
E198 - Top 5 South American Songs
Season 5 premiere…we missed ya! Join Gregorio Delirio & Bretto (El Rocktor) for a journey south…because this week, we’re talking about the songs of South America. New discoveries and utterly hi-larious attempts at Spanish pronunciations. THIS is real alternative, as much of it has crossed over to the English speaking world. Enjoy and learn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


