Beat Motel Zine

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew hands over the reins to Dr. Sam for a deep dive into the legendary, prison-escaping, 6-string wielding titan that is Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter .

We wade through the chaotic history of his iconic 1940 RCA Victor sessions for The Midnight Special and Other Southern Prison Songs, explore how he basically invented modern pop, folk, skiffle, and rock music, and debate whether the neighbour's family in The Good Life made their money from slavery . Along the way, we hit the Portsmouth Sinfonia , the Lomax family's questionable white-saviour complex , Kurt Cobain's obsessed cover era , Bertolt Brecht's weird German poetry , and a Brazilian Jewish kids' cover of Pick a Bale of Cotton that nearly caused a heart attack in the editing suite .

It is rough, informative, completely off the rails, and full of musical detritus. Put it in your ears.

Amazing additional voice clips provided by Voiceover Artist Martin Whiskin - https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

Indie music didn't start in a damp Manchester rehearsal room with a bunch of miserable lads wearing oversized raincoats. It was pinched straight from Motown.

In this episode, Andrew Culture and Dr Sam trace the line connecting Detroit's assembly lines, Peckham bedrooms, and sweaty, talcum-powdered floors in Wigan to show how Northern Soul accidentally birthed British indie, Britpop, and baggy culture.

We cover:

The Peckham militant who ran a Motown fan club, bought records for Paul McCartney, and told Mick Jagger to jog off.

Why Barry Gordy tried to destroy every copy of a song that later sold for £100,000.

How The Smiths, The Charlatans, and Soft Cell basically owe their entire careers to American soul B-sides.

7:50AM end-of-night rituals and the birth of UK music tribalism.

Amazing additional voice clips provided by Voiceover Artist Martin Whiskin - https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

CITATION LINKS

Dave Godin, Northern Soul & His Legacy Dave Godin's Guardian obituary detailing his civil rights activism, founding the Tamla Motown Appreciation Society, coining "Northern Soul," and his ashes being scattered at Wigan Casino: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2004/oct/20/guardianobituaries.artsobituaries

BFI documentation on Dave Godin and the history of the Northern Soul movement: https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/northern-soul-brief-history

The Twisted Wheel & Manchester Soul History BBC archive detailing Manchester's Twisted Wheel as the original birthplace of Northern Soul: https://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/10/09/twisted_wheel_feature.shtml

The official Manchester Digital Music Archive entries on The Twisted Wheel's history: https://www.mdmarchive.co.uk/venue/the-twisted-wheel

The £100,000 Frank Wilson Record BBC News report on the history of Frank Wilson's "Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)" and its record-breaking auction sale: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-53603417

Wigan Casino & The "Three Before 12" Ritual The Guardian's retrospective on the Wigan Casino all-nighters and the 7:50 AM end-of-night ritual: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/19/wigan-casino-northern-soul

Andy Rourke, The Smiths & James Jamerson MusicRadar / Bass Player interview archive where Andy Rourke breaks down his Motown influences and James Jamerson's impact on his basslines: https://www.musicradar.com/news/bass/andy-rourke-on-the-smiths-basslines-gear-and-johnny-marr-611116

Soft Cell & Gloria Jones Official Charts history of Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" taking Gloria Jones' 1965 Northern Soul track to UK #1 in 1981: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/flashback-1981-soft-cell-tainted-love__23725/

The Charlatans & Madchester's Soul Roots Tim Burgess interview discussing the soul and organ roots behind "The Only One I Know": https://www.clashmusic.com/features/in-conversation-tim-burgess/

Fatboy Slim & Just Brothers Sampling Bridge WhoSampled technical breakdown showing Norman Cook sampling Just Brothers' 1965 track "Sliced Tomatoes" for "The Rockafeller Skank": https://www.whosampled.com/sample/2015/Fatboy-Slim-The-Rockafeller-Skank-Just-Brothers-Sliced-Tomatoes/

So, what do you actually know about pirates ? Probably nothing, considering most of your historical knowledge comes from Johnny Depp, Disney rides, and an actor in the 1950s laying the West Country accent on way too thick .

In this episode, Andrew Culture and Dr Sam derail the podcast train immediately to talk about DIY studio tape failures, prison etiquette, whether female pirates fought with their tits out, and how Henry Avery managed to nick £100 million before vanishing into thin air like a proper legend . They also dive into why keytars in metal bands are a crime against humanity, why accordions have no business being associated with 17th-century sea shanties, and the terrifying reality of a dirty butt plug left at an Ipswich bus stop .

It's educational, it's completely unnecessary, and it's mostly accurate if you don't ask a real historian .

Amazing additional voice clips provided by Voiceover Artist Martin Whiskin - https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

What do a 13-year-old Phil Collins, a violent music manager dangling people off balconies, and a psychedelic album packaged in a tobacco tin have in common? They are all part of the completely unhinged history of The Small Faces.

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew and Gimby (yes, he's back) dig into the story of Steve Marriott—arguably the greatest white soul singer the UK ever produced—and how his career peak might have actually been playing the Artful Dodger in 1960. We talk about Don Arden (Sharon Osbourne's notoriously terrifying dad), fixing the charts with mod networks, paying for suits with stolen royalties, and why putting an LP in a round tin is a structural disaster for record shop shelves. There's also some completely unnecessary sidetracks about Sting's real name, Rod Stewart's tight trousers, and a random bloke named Chris walking into the studio mid-record.

Amazing additional voice clips provided by Voiceover Artist Martin Whiskin - https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

YouTube Video Description The bizarre history of the 1960s mod scene and the absolute chaos behind the music industry.

In this episode, we chart the rise and fall of The Small Faces, from their childhood theatrical roots to becoming rock icons—all while getting completely fleeced by their management.

Discover how future stars like Phil Collins and Davy Jones are linked through a single West End musical, how chart-fixing actually worked in the 60s, and why Don Arden was known as the 'Al Capone of Pop' (hint: it involves dangling rival executives by their ankles from four floors up).

🚀 Binge more chaotic music chat here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWvEIcKhJxA&list=PLwnzX0gT6IrcZqrF2Xslb19NiBRgd9rj9

Timestamps / Chapters: 00:00 The Best White Soul Voice in the UK 05:30 Steve Marriott, Phil Collins, and Oliver! 16:40 Davy Jones and The Beatles on Ed Sullivan 24:30 What Exactly is a Mod "Face"? 31:30 Meeting in a Music Bar & Rehearsing with Iron Maiden 44:00 Don Arden: The Al Capone of Pop 53:30 Ripped Off on Carnaby Street 58:30 The Balcony Incident (Ankle Tones) 01:08:00 Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake & The Round Tin Disaster 01:19:30 Enter Rod Stewart & The Faces 01:29:00 The Grim End of Steve Marriott 01:36:00 Gimby's Pop Quiz

Amazing additional voice clips provided by Voiceover Artist Martin Whiskin - https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/

#smallfaces #stevemarriott #60smusic #modculture #rockhistory

Fact 1: Steve Marriott and Phil Collins both played the Artful Dodger in the West End production of Oliver!

Fact 2: Davy Jones played the Artful Dodger in the West End and transferred to Broadway, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show the same night as the Beatles

Fact 3: Seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show inspired Davy Jones to pursue pop stardom

Fact 4: Davy Jones received a Tony nomination (not a win) for Best Featured Actor for his Broadway debut in Oliver! (1963)

Fact 5: Small Faces formation -- Marriott and Lane met at J60 Music Bar in 1965; the band name combined their physical stature with mod slang for a style leader

Fact 6: Steve Marriott's voice was a cited influence on Robert Plant, Paul Stanley, Ozzy Osbourne and others

Fact 7: Don Arden, the Decca deal, and the exploitation of the Small Faces (including the Carnaby Street clothing accounts charged back against earnings)

Fact 8: Sharon Osbourne is Don Arden's daughter; Peter Grant learned the business under Arden before managing Led Zeppelin

Fact 9: Robert Stigwood -- who he was and why the Arden incident matters

Fact 10: Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake -- Stanley Unwin narration, the Spike Milligan near-miss, Unwinese origins, and the tobacco tin packaging

Fact 11: Why Marriott left the Small Faces -- the Frampton tension, songwriting resentment, the unplayable album, the chart flop, and the financial mess

Fact 12: The Faces rebrand -- dropping the "Small", the "Quite Melon" near-name, and the US "Small Faces" album mistake

Fact 13: The death of Steve Marriott -- 20 April 1991, Arkesden, Essex; the timeline, the wrong-turn detail, and the broke-and-distrustful context

Fact 14: The Small Faces' influence on later British bands -- Weller/The Jam, Blur, Oasis, Ocean Colour Scene and the wider mod/Britpop lineage

Did the ancient Egyptians have B major, or were they just really into papyrus condoms? This week, Andrew and his resident logic-botherer Sam attempt to dissect the musical history of ancient Egypt, mostly concluding that three thousand years of history can't quite be summed up by Bruce Dickinson or an overly loud 90s metal kick drum.

Expect a completely uncalled-for bass-tuning intermission, a deep dive into why the 'Woke Police' banned The Bangles after 9/11, and the shocking revelation that ancient Greek war music sounds a bit too much like an Offspring track. We also listen to some genuine electronic pioneer madness involving barking dogs and celestial shapes, plus a bit of Coptic embalming music that sounds exactly like a knife going into some pharaoh's guts. It's educational, it's chaotic, and Andrew actually learns what a pentatonic scale is (sort of).

In a desperate bid to look like we know what we are talking about, we have overhauled the format. This week, Andrew drags a bewildered Dr. Sam through 1980s Liverpool to discuss why a three time Oscar winner spent his youth hiding in a camouflage suit.

We are diving deep into:

The Scouse Trinity: Exploring the "Crucial Three".

Julian Cope's Fear of the Floor: Why he performed on step ladders because he felt the floor was too dangerous.

The Mysterious Drum Machine: The story behind the machine they called "Echo".

The Big Lie: How they admitted the drum machine story was just a way to mess with journalists.

"Caramelised Hair": The era of sugar-styling that attracted swarms of flies and smelled like a burnt bakery.

The Cosmic Gateway: The time Bill Drummond decided a manhole cover in Matthew Street was a cosmic gateway to Iceland.

It is peak 80s chaos, involving more sugar and camouflage netting than a primary school bake sale in a war zone.

"The Killing Moon": The one Ian McCulloch insists was written by God, though it is actually the intro to Space Oddity played backwards.

"The Cutter": The band at the absolute peak of their 80s powers.

"People Are Strange": The Joel Schumacher and Lost Boys payday produced by Ray Manzarek of The Doors.

"Over the Wall": A masterpiece from their very dark, silhouette-heavy period.

"Brussels is Haunted": The sound of the band in 2026, because they are still at it.

Viking metal is a sad parody of music. Or at least, that's how Andrew starts this episode before Sam drags him through a hedge of historical facts. In a bold new format where one of us actually prepares and the other just reacts with increasing confusion, Dr. Sam (our resident academic-lite) guides us through the reality of Viking influence on music. We cover why Wagner is responsible for the horn-helmet lie, why Led Zeppelin is basically a Viking recruitment brochure, and why the Harp Twins might be the most terrifying thing we've ever watched. We also learn that real Vikings probably sounded less like growling Swedes and more like barking dogs. If you've ever wanted to know about Viking divorce laws, fossilized worms, or why the Finns freaked everyone out, this is the rambling mess you've been waiting for.

Show Notes

Right, here we go. In this episode, Andrew and Dr. Sam tackle 'Foreign Music'—which is basically just a fancy way of saying 'songs where we don't understand the words'. We kick things off with an enormous tube of lube and some fizzy water that's apparently trying to destroy Andrew's teeth.

The lads dive into the archives to discuss why the British are so terrified of music that isn't in English, the mystery of Joe Strummer's 'garbled nonsense' Spanish on 'Should I Stay or Should I Go', and the revelation that Plastic Bertrand was basically a French Milli Vanilli on a trampoline. Dr. Sam tries to bring some 'academic' weight to the proceedings by reading high-brow philosophy about repetition, while Andrew just wants to talk about Nena's bass player and why subscription underpants are a recipe for disaster. Expect tangents on Star Trek moral codes, stealing cars you can't drive, and the universal truth that everyone eventually gets 'yogurt chucked up' at them.

Email us: beatmotel@lawsie.com

Look, we tried to have a sophisticated chat about interwar music (the stuff between the two big global scraps) but obviously, it devolved into a conversation about penis tattoos and whether or not Reddit is a valid academic source.

Dr. Sam brings the "knowledge" (mostly from books he is actually holding, for once), and Andrew tries to figure out how to eat a Scotch egg without a plate while pondering the sexual deviance of 1920s novelty songs. We cover Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo, the absolute filth hidden in "I'm Going to Bring a Watermelon to My Girl Tonight," and why Robert Johnson might have just practiced really hard instead of selling his soul to the devil. It is a rambling journey through jazz, folk, and German Marxist theatre that somehow ends with Woody Allen and a two-fingered guitarist.

Duke Ellington - Mood Indigo Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - I'm Gonna Bring a Watermelon to My Girl Tonight Brecht - Instead-Of Song Harlem Hamfats - Let's Get Drunk and Truck

Laurel and Hardy - Trail of the lonesome pine Robert Johnson - Crossroad blues Woodie Guthrie - This Land Is Your Land (1940) Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli - Minor Swing

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

This is it. The big one. Episode 161. A milestone nobody asked for and even fewer likely wanted. It's the "Ego-death indulgent Spectacular Special," which is basically a fancy way of saying Andrew and Dr. Sam have finally disappeared up their own backsides to look at the wreckage of the last 160 episodes.

Expect a lot of self-congratulatory stats, clips of the pair sounding like absolute melts, and the usual technical failures that have become the show's unintended trademark. We've got deep dives into why Queen is discussed more than played, the actual number of times we've mentioned bodily functions (spoiler: it's lower than you'd think, which is disappointing), and a look back at the time Mike Watt told us he hated Zoom. It's a retrospective of chaos, bad decisions, and the occasional riff.

Watch more Beat Motel chaos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWvEIcKhJxA&list=PLwnzX0gT6IrcZqrF2Xslb19NiBRgd9rj9

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew is joined by Tom Klute, a man who has spent 25 years running the Commercial Suicide label and presumably even longer trying to figure out how to stop CDRs from rotting into useless plastic coasters.

The pair embark on a quest to identify the 'Great Basslines of Our Time', a journey that takes them from the bowel-ripping valve amps of the 70s to the distorted sub-bass of 90s jungle. Along the way, they discuss why buying a headless bass is a cry for help, the terror of music trackers, and the peculiar joy of being a 'cool dad' who gives his son massive 70s speakers only to realise his lounge ceiling is now a vibrating drum skin.

Expect tangents on why the Smokey and the Bandit remake in Suffolk failed, the mystery of delaminating discs, and why the Sugarhill Gang might be absolute fibbers. It's an hour of gear talk, punk history, and bass-heavy nostalgia that'll make your trousers wobble.

Kenny Loggins - Footloose

Fucked Up - Crusades

Stranglers - Toiler On The Sea

Roni Size - Share the Fall (Grooverider's Jeep Mix)

Discharge - Ain't No Feeble Bastard

Chic - Good Times

LFO - LFO

Fu Manchu - Grendel Snowman

Blur - Popscene

Venetian Snares - Öngyilkos Vasárnap

Gravediggaz - 6 Feet Deep

NOFX - The Decline

Look, we've all been there. You go to a gig at a university campus that looks like a concrete fever dream from A Clockwork Orange, you feel ancient because the students are all drinking a gallon of water from Stanley cups instead of proper ale, and then you have to question your own bowel integrity because someone in the crowd is weaponising their flatulence.

This week, Andrew and Dr. Sam dive into the "Normal Lineup, Weird Noises" theme—basically, what happens when a standard rock band decides to make sounds that shouldn't exist. We've got Jerskin Fendrix (aka Jocelyn Dent Pooley, the man with a name like a removal firm heir), the sonic separation of Big Business, and the avant-garde chaos of Deerhoof.

Also: Why do people heckle sensitive jazz drummers? Is every Ukrainian black metal band actually staffed by archaeologists? And why does Paul Westerberg spend the start of a Replacements track sounding like he's hoovering up a pharmacy floor? It's music, it's chaos, and it's probably the only podcast that mentions both Agathee Christie and the "Pissed Resistance" in the same breath.

Jerskin Fendrix – Jerskin Fendrix Freestyle

The Callous Daoboys – Distracted by The Mona Lisa

Big Business – Cats, Mice

Deerhoof – The Perfect Me

Victims Family – The Germ

Adam and the Ants – The Day I Met God

Caroline Polachek – Dang

Everything Everything – Cough Cough

The Charlatans – I Can't Even Be Bothered

1914 – 1914 (The Siege of Przemyśl)

Email us: beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this episode, Andrew and Dr Sam attempt to justify their existence as middle-aged men with a music podcast by discussing the "sheer fucking arrogance" of music journalism. Between reenacting being a hydroelectric dam and discussing the logistics of dressing up like a facade of the Pentagon, they actually manage to talk about some records. Expect a deep dive into the dry drum sounds of early Faith No More, the naive charm of The Fall, and the surprising revelation that Hanoi Rocks basically invented Guns N' Roses. We also learn about the "poo sick" (don't ask) and why being 5'11" and 11/12ths is a legitimate personality trait. It's 70 minutes of your life you aren't getting back, but at least you'll know which bass pedals make you sound like a Moog.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff - Big Business - The Moor You Know #### Andrew's Riff - Baroness - The Birthing

### Dr Sam's track choices 1. Faith No More - As The Worm Turns 2. The Lookouts - I Saw Her Standing There 3. The Damned - New Rose 4. Hanoi Rocks - Tooting Bec Wrecked

### Andrew's track choices 1. The Fall - Rebellious Jukebox 2. Television - Marquee Moon 3. The Kinks - Villiage Green Preservation Society 4. The Velvet Underground - Sister Ray

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

The Fall episode - https://beatmotel.com/podcast-episodes/revisiting-the-fall-with-mark-beaumont-thomas/

In this episode, Andrew and Dr Sam tackle the high-brow topic of Autumn, which mostly involves Sam moaning about how grey Finland is and Andrew recounting the time he kicked a pile of dog muck while trying to be whimsical.

We also dive deep into the world of Roy Orbison, specifically his secret life as a competitive remote-control car enthusiast and how he basically wore the same pair of filthy glasses for 25 years. Andrew finally sees the Rocky Horror Picture Show and is traumatised by middle-aged men in stockings, Sam tries to find a version of 'Autumn Leaves' that doesn't taste like high-fructose corn syrup, and we discuss why the Beatles were basically ancient by the time they hit 30. There's also some talk about Jeff Lynne (obviously), stealing cheese from Blur, and why you should never go to an all-you-can-eat buffet if you value your self-respect.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff - Roy Orbison - (All I Can Do Is) Dream You #### Andrew's Riff - Rocky Horror Picture Show - Sweet Transvestite

### Dr Sam's track choices 1. Nat King Cole - Autumn Leaves 2. Cannonball Adderley - Autumn Leaves 3. Roger Williams - Autumn Leaves 4. Edith Piaf - Les Feuilles Mortes

### Andrew's track choices 1. Guns n Roses - November Rain 2. Autumn Almanac - The Kinks 3. Crowded House - Fall at your feet 4. Forever Autumn - Justin Hayward and Jeff Wayne

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew and Dr. Sam attempt to discuss "Great Songs with Questionable Lyrics" but mostly end up talking about accidental calls to the emergency services and the thermal advantages of having an itchy jumper for a face.

We dive into the grottier side of grindcore with Edinburgh's CHOU, wonder why Wolf Alice has a drummer singing in a thicket, and Dr. Sam tries to justify why he once owned a Limp Bizkit record. Also featuring: Slade being sued for sounding like a brickyard, Jimmy Page "borrowing" songs again, and why you should never store your Lego boxes in a greenhouse. It's less of a music podcast and more of a documented descent into madness.

CHOU - Vulnerable Blether

Wolf Alice - White Horses

Slade - Let's Call It Quits

Limp Bizkit - Counterfeit

Public Enemy - Sophisticated Bitch

Cannibal Corpse - I Cum Blood

Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm gonna leave you

Steve Miller Band - The Joker

Sonic Youth - Kool Thing

Suede - Stay Together

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In what can only be described as a new low for the Beat Motel, Andrew and Dr. Sam dive headfirst into a theme so thin you can practically see through it: Water. What starts with Jackie Chan karate-chopping peanut packets somehow devolves into a harrowing discussion about men who refuse to wipe their backsides because it's "too gay," and the pungent aroma of a father's "beefy" morning ritual.

Musically, we're forced to endure everything from Janet Jackson's "Moist" (a song that makes everyone's knees feel funny for the wrong reasons) to a Deep Purple video featuring a pilgrim on a Mad Max vehicle. We also touch on why Jimmy Carr is the Nigel Farage of comedy, the baffling rise of J-Pop sensation Ado, and why Weezer's Rivers Cuomo looks like he's constantly checking his watch for an exit strategy. It's damp, it's irreverent, and it's probably best listened to while weeping into a Victoria sponge.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff - Ado - Kura Kura #### Andrew's Riff - Zatokrev, Bolzer, Schammasch - Red Storm

### Dr Sam's track choices 1. TLC - Waterfalls 2. Aerosmith - Cryin' 3. Janet Jackson - Moist 4. Joan Armatrading - Water with Wine

### Andrew's track choices 1. The Stone Roses - Waterfall 2. Nirvana - Territorial Pissings 3. Deep Purple - Smoke on the water 4. Weezer - Africa

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Here's that Deep Purple video: https://youtu.be/Q2FzZSBD5LE?si=7lmp39n-ZpcOQPnn

We've got Drew Ailes (aka David Lunch, aka Egg Norton) from Minneapolis punk outfit Citric Dummies. We spend a suspicious amount of time talking about the horrors of SEO and marketing because, apparently, being a punk doesn't pay for the artisanal bread anymore. Drew explains how his background in "mucking about with systems" on the internet led to a career in corporate consulting, and why having a drummer who is actually a musical genius is the only reason the band hasn't folded in on itself.

Expect tangents on the "blokey-bloke" culture of Oasis, the mystery of what on earth Arby's is, and why John Peel is the patron saint of record nerds. We also touch on the lighthearted topic of the political chaos in Minneapolis and ICE agents eating at the very Mexican restaurants they're supposed to be patrolling. You know, the usual cheery stuff.

We're back, and frankly, if you've stuck around this long, you only have yourself to blame. After our first-ever break, Andrew and Dr. Sam return to discuss why cats don't actually like dope beats, despite what Aaliyah told us in 2000, and why fireworks and techno are a bad mix for pets.

In this episode, we dive into the legendary Eric B. & Rakim, Japanese garage rock icons Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, and the "emotional grindcore" of Swarrrm. There's also a deeply unnecessary deep dive into The Queers' lyrical nuances from 1999 and a story about a band that split up because the singer decided to use the drummer as a urinal. We also explore why boredom is actually quite fast, the joy of "institutional Finnish pasta", and why Beat Motel is effectively just a sticking plaster on the gaping wound of your personal issues.

88 Fingers Louie - "Newspaper" Swarrrm - "13" The Queers - "No Tit" HIRS - "Public Service Announcement"

System of a Down - "Chic 'N' Stu" Buzzcocks - "Boredom" Sub Focus and Grimes - "Entwined" The Bluetones - "Fast Boy"

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Gabba dancing: https://youtu.be/FUD-HExh9ow?si=Kaq8OykylcVEUosL

If you've ever wondered why some bassists look like they're having a conversation with a ghost or why your favorite punk record sounds like it was recorded in a cupboard, Mike Watt is here to explain it all. We sat down with the Minutemen and Stooges legend to talk about everything from the physics of why playing too many notes makes you "smaller" to the absolute bigotry drummers face in the industry.

Watt walks us through his "third opera," why he wrote an entire album on a Telecaster instead of a bass just to spite himself, and how he ended up playing with the Stooges for 125 months. We also get into the weeds on the early Hollywood punk scene, the "autonomy" of major labels (or lack thereof), and why the internet is basically just a tool for collaborating with people in Peru. It's rambling, it's philosophical, and it's probably the most intellectual we've ever been on this show. Don't get used to it.

Welcome to a truly unhinged episode, where Andrew's cold-ridden brain meets Sam's particular brand of chaos. This week, we're diving into Musicians in Odd Places—which, let's be honest, is mostly an excuse for us to get wildly off-topic and fact-check things on the fly (and usually get them wrong). Andrew even managed to misspell the theme title on his notes.

We kick off by debating the horrors of modern parenting and screen time, reminiscing about the simple joy of having the TV just... turn off. From there, it's a short, unsettling skip to a discussion about Conkers, which, inevitably, turns into a mention of "Bollock Conkers". You're welcome.

The main theme gets a slightly more musical start with Sam's Riff of the Week—a deep, pumping slice of dub that Andrew associates with summer. This somehow leads Andrew to mix up Jeff Lynne and Jeff Wayne (an ongoing national embarrassment).

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff - Jacob Miller - Keep on Knocking #### Andrew's Riff - Buggery Act - Rusted Pliers

### Dr Sam's track choices 1. Mike Patton - Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles Theme 2. Johnny Cash - Don't Take Your Ones to Town 3. D.O.A. - That's Why I Am An Atheist 4. Tiny Tim - Living in the Sunlight, Lovin' in the Moonlight

### Andrew's track choices 1. The Wombles - Remember You're A Womble 2. War of the worlds - The Spirit of Man 3. Labi Siffre - I Got The... 4. Public Image Ltd - Rise

On the Menu of Oddness:

* Mike Patton's Paycheck: Faith No More's Mike Patton pops up where he has no business being: singing the theme for a video game version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He said he did it so his nieces could enjoy something he was involved in. * Wombles Rock: Andrew's choice of session musicians in unusual places is Chris Spedding lending his guitar skills to The Wombles. * Johnny Cash vs. His Ones: Sam digs up the horrifyingly earnest Sesame Street parody of "Don't Take Your Guns to Town," where Johnny Cash sings about the little cowboy Billy Joe trying to take his number ones (as in toys and cookies) to school instead of sharing. * The Jeff Wayne Fiasco: Andrew confesses a lifelong belief that Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds was an ELO side project, before Sam sets the record straight that the producer/composer is actually a TV theme tune guy. Also, a surprisingly passionate and improvised vocal performance from Phil Lynott is on the album. * Joey Shithead for Council: The legendary frontman of hardcore band DOA is now a local politician, serving as a city council councillor in Burnaby, British Columbia. * Chas and Dave: Funk Brothers: The unlikely Cockney duo were session musicians (the 'fuckbrothers', apparently) for Labi Siffre's fantastic tune "I Got The...". * The Tiny Tim / SpongeBob Connection: The ukulele-wielding oddball is apparently part of a kid's playlist because his song "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" was on an early SpongeBob episode. This leads to the discovery of his truly offensive Christmas single, "Santa Claus Has Got The AIDS This Year". * PIL's All-Star Band: A surprising lineup for Public Image Ltd's "Rise" featured Tony Williams (Miles Davis's drummer) and Steve Vai (guitar) on the album version.

A lot of questionable facts and even more questionable chat. Get stuck in, you awful people.

Congratulations, we've actually made it to episode 150—time to lower the bar even further.

Andrew and Dr Sam reluctantly delve into the world of sport, finding the few tracks they can tolerate that actually cover the theme. Before they get there, they waste a solid half hour arguing about:

* The proper spelling of Lemmy from Motorhead's surname. * A bizarre 1994 scuffle involving Neil Diamond and Lemmy in a Billeriki Toys R Us. * The viability of starting a new podcast called "Liberal Filth". * A tangent on Viking history, property rights, and why Vikings had itchy bums. * Defining "Aerosmith Money"—the huge financial windfall from unexpected licensing (like Guitar Hero), which is apparently a "well-known phrase".

The Music Choices (Finally):

Riffs of the week: Dr Sam's Riff: Reagan Youth - Jesus Was a Communist Andrew's Riff: Smote - The opinion of the lamb Pt.1

Dr Sam's Track Choices: 1. Richard Dawson - Jogging 2. Hanson Brothers - Stick Boy 3. Dead Kennedys - Jock-O-Rama (Invasion of the Beef Patrol) 4. Fleshies - Runner's Legs

Andrew's Track Choices: 1. Kraftwerk - Tour de France 2. Chemical Brothers - Theme for Velodrome 3. Fu Manchu - King of the road 4. Pansy Division - He Whipped My Ass In Tennis (Then I Fucked His Ass In Bed)

If you've made it this far, you deserve a chocolate bar. We're heading off to the loo. Enjoy the filth.

Email us with your hate mail, facts, or spelling corrections: beatmotel@lawsie.com

Who says taste can't evolve? This week, Andrew and Dr Sam go on a full-blown U-turn, confessing their love for bands they once treated with the kind of disdain normally reserved for traffic wardens and warm lager.

Expect shocking revelations: Bonnie Tyler's absurdly overproduced 80s epic is now basically gospel. Cradle of Filth? Once unlistenable black metal, now "charmingly chaotic". The Beastie Boys go from party-clown pariahs to filth-toned bass gods. Deep Purple gets a love letter. And Split Enz? The band nobody asked for suddenly gets a sparkly redemption arc.

Also:

Finnish shopping centre linguistics

How a Mercedes almost caused an international incident

Traffic wardens, German police, and the time an entire road of cars vanished

Folk music's stealthy mission to win your heart through Pete Seeger-related Stockholm syndrome

Basically, it's the usual chaos with a theme loosely stuck on like a peeling gig poster on a damp venue wall. Stick around for ludicrous Hard-Ons album titles and an exploration of music that makes your genitals not catch fire (unlike Bonnie Tyler's).

Dr Sam's Riff:

Gorilla Toss – Panglossian Mannequin

Andrew's Riff:

The Stone Roses – One Love

Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out for a Hero

Cradle of Filth – Desire in Violent Overture (Remixed)

Japan – The Art of Parties

Hamish Imlach – Johnny O'Breadislee

Split Enz – I See Red

Hard-Ons – Carrot Top

Deep Purple – Speed King

Beastie Boys – Gratitude

💌 Email us your confessions of musical flip-floppery: beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this week's episode of Beat Motel, Andrew and Dr Sam dig deep into the muddy puddle of nostalgia. We've got:

Lycra-based band trauma

John Barnes rapping about... something

An important public health warning about Coco Pops

Dead Kennedys covered in Parisian jazz cafés

A little gig promotion wrapped in existential dread

The legacy of punk, rewritten by whoever was shouting loudest in 1978

We also explore vital global topics like whether "buggery" is too rude for a poster in Costa, how to polish your ring the Rimmer way, and why listening to football songs from the 90s might be causing irreversible brain damage.

Oh, and there's music chat too. Sort of.

The Black Dahlia Murder – A Shrine to Madness

These Are End Times – The Pit

A Tribe Called Quest – Excursions

Cock Sparrer – Where Are They Now

Nouvelle Vague – Too Drunk to Fuck

Thee Sinseers – Can't Do That To Her

Adam and Joe – Football Song

New Order – World in Motion

Paul Simon – Duncan (Live 1973)

Los Lobos – La Bamba

Ever bought an album just because you should love it... only to file it under "respect, but no thanks"? This week, Andrew Culture and Dr. Sam go full chin-strokey and dive deep into the bands, albums, and entire genres that make them go, "I get it. I just don't want it."

We're talking Flux of Pink Indians' sonic assaults, John Zorn's sex-jazz chaos, Minutemen's minute-long jazz-punk spasms, and yes, that unholy racket from Merzbow. Along the way we also chat about Damon Albarn's trouser-based stage antics, Janis Joplin's wardrobe malfunctions, and what happens when Rick Wakeman tries to write a stadium-rock opera about Henry VIII's wives. Seriously.

It's an episode filled with love for the bold, the bizarre, and the borderline unlistenable. So grab your brandy, light your pipe, and stroke your chin in a disapproving-yet-respectful fashion.

Why Andrew would rather chew tinfoil than listen to Merzbow again

What makes Dr. Sam say "this is basically an angry Jackson Pollock painting"

Who wins the battle of "I admire them, but no thanks" — Apex Twin or The Minutemen?

Why Flux of Pink Indians were literally banned by the police (hint: it wasn't for being catchy)

The sexy noises of John Zorn and why jazz speedrunning should be a sport

Plus! Music recommendations, tangents about driving in America, dodgy cod reggae, and why you should never trust someone who plays saxophone and wears a beret.

🎸 Riffs of the Week

👉 Dr. Sam's Riff: Danny Brown – Copycat

👉 Andrew's Riff: Die Spitz – Throw Yourself to the Sword

🎵 Dr. Sam's Track Choices: 1. Flux of Pink Indians – The Fucking Cunts Treat Us Like Pricks 2. John Zorn – Erotico (The Burglars) 3. Taraf de Haidouks – The Return of The Magic Horses 4. Merzbow – Woodpecker No. 2

🎵 Andrew's Track Choices: 1. Aphex Twin – Windowlicker 2. Rush – Spirit of Radio 3. Minutemen – This Ain't No Picnic 4. Primus – Tommy the Cat

📧 Email us: beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this episode, we dive into the slightly baffling and often hilarious world of musicians turning up in films that have absolutely nothing to do with their own music. Some do it well. Some… should've just stayed on stage. From Joe Strummer's pigeon-themed songwriting to Damon Albarn's dodgy gangster role, we shine a flashlight on cinema's most unexpected rock star cameos.

Expect righteous rambling, questionable facts, and a whole lot of chaos as Andrew and Dr. Sam chew over:

Flea appearing in Back to the Future II as a race-happy chancer

Joe Strummer pretending a traffic cone is a megaphone

David Bowie's aggressively tight trousers in Labyrinth

Placebo showing up in Velvet Goldmine dressed like sexy peacocks

Tom Waits being better at acting than most actual actors

Tim Armstrong from Rancid randomly playing a tramp in The X-Files

And that time a song was written just to impress a member of Bananarama

Also in this episode: We slag off Spotify for kicking us off their platform, complain about camping at festivals (again), and attempt to remember what the word "railway" sounds like without sounding like we've joined the Bullingdon Club.

This one's for the cinephile who loves music, or the punk who accidentally sat through Straight to Hell thinking it was a Clash documentary.

Subscribe, tune in, and remember: just because you're in a band doesn't mean you should be in a film.

Joe Strummer – Evil Darling Alan Silvestri – 4 x 4 Tom Waits – Kommienezuspadt Rancid – Rats in the Hallway

Spandau Ballet – True Placebo – 20th Century Boy Blur – Sing David Bowie – Magic Dance

Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com

What do stoner-era ZZ Top, a mountain named Billy with a tree girlfriend, and a kid who astral projects into Rasputin's beard all have in common? Concept albums, mate. And not just any old proggy b*llocks – this week we're diving into the oddest concept albums we could find (and a few we just wanted to waffle on about anyway).

Andrew is joined by first-time Beat Motel guest host James Kindred – a fellow Ipswich musician, longtime mate, and possibly the only person who can explain a Mastodon plotline without crying blood. Together, they take you on a journey through the weird, the wonderful, and the "what the hell were they thinking?" of the concept album world.

Expect the following nonsense:

ZZ Top as proto-stoner gods (with bonus slipper sales)

Agriculture's queer-core black metal positivity

Mastodon's astral plane + Rasputin collab (yep)

Frank Zappa's 40-minute tale about a mountain fighting the US government

The madness of Mansun's Six – A.A. Milne gone rock

Mark Lanegan scaring the life out of everyone (including Josh Homme)

Brian Eno inventing ambient music while still in nappies

NoFX writing an 18-minute punk symphony just to piss everyone off

Throw in some jazz-metal tangents, disdain for ska-punk, and why John Hopkins makes Andrew need a wee, and you've got a classic Beat Motel episode. Warning: contains opinions. Also, possibly bears.

### Riffs of the week

#### Kindred's Riff

- Precious & Grace - ZZ Top (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Agriculture - Bodhidharma

### Kindred's track choices

1. Mastodon – Crack the Skye (cosmic metal odyssey) - Song - The Czar (1. Usurper, 2. Escape, 3. Martyr, 4. Spiral)

2. QOTSA – Songs for the Deaf (desert-drive fever dream) - Song - Songs for the Dead

3. Pink Floyd – The Wall (psychological rock opera) - Song - Comfortably Numb

4. Brian Eno – Music for Airports (ambient architecture for calm) Song - 1/1

### Andrew's track choices

1. Frank Zappa and the mothers of invention - Billy was a mountain

2. Mansun - Legacy

3. NoFx - The Decline

4. John Hopkins - Tayos Caves, Ecuador i

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

If you've ever flipped a vinyl and thought, "well that was a limp finish," then this episode is your new religion. Andrew and Dr. Sam dive into the fine art of ending Side A—the lost craft of crafting a sonic cliffhanger that makes you want to flip that record like your nan flips a Digestive into her cuppa.

We've got:

The Clash's perfectly measured chaos

An R.E.M. song even the R.E.M. boys can't remember

Richard Dawson punching you in the feelings

A mystery smackhead guitar hero who wandered into a Funkadelic session and laid down one of the greatest solos of all time

And very strong feelings about Brett Anderson's 12" misadventure with Suede's "Stay Together" (hint: the band hate it, and Andrew can't stop hearing horn sections)

Throw in some serious digressions about class consciousness, cat whiskers, baked beans in mouths, and Gregg's colonisation of the high street, and you've got yourself a full-fat Beat Motel stew.

Dave Rowntree of Blur sues PRS over 'black box' royalties

All creatures will evolve into crabs

Cats' whiskers = biological gap gauges

Stripper Vicars: helping painters and decorators since 1995

Midori – "Yukiko-san"

Gorillaz ft. Sparks – "The Happy Dictator"

Grab a pint, slap on your headphones, and ask yourself – how does YOUR favourite album end Side A?

Stuff that might be true (but we didn't check):

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Midori - Yukikosan (0:19)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Gorillaz Ft. Sparks - The Happy Dictator

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. The Clash - Straight to Hell (4.30)

2. Funkadelic - Get Off Your Ass and Jam (1.33)

3. Armstrong & Ellington - Do Nothing 'Til You Hear From Me (opening)

4. Richard Dawson - Two Halves (0.29)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Stone Roses - Bye Bye Badman

2. Mansun - Stripper Vicar

3. REM - Can't get there from here

4. Suede - Stay Together

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Ever watched a music doc and thought, "Cor, this band's story is brilliant!" only to press play on their actual music and feel your soul quietly retreat into your ankles? This week, Andrew and co-host Dr. Sam put the needle on the record and realise some bands should've stayed in the cutting room.

We take a scenic drive through the trainwreck glory of Milli Vanilli, the baffling existential crisis that is Metallica's St. Anger, and the CIA's alleged soft-rock psy-op via The Scorpions. Plus, there's a detour through the fever-dream nonsense of Brian Pern, Joan Jett's bad reputation, and the ongoing mystery of why The Sex Pistols are still interesting despite sounding like a wasp in a tin mug.

Expect spiky opinions, tight trousers, and the occasional descent into lyrical despair. And yes, there's hummus chat. Of course there is.

What's inside:

Bands who are great… as a subject, not as a sound

Can AI replace all pop music? (And should it?)

Was Wind of Change written by the bloody CIA?

Stretchy testicles and Mob Dad: Your new Cartoon Network faves

Come for the music chat. Stay for the jalapeño hummus.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Barbara Dane - I Hate the Capitalist System (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- I'll pay you more if you let me watch - Crippling Alcoholism (3:40)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Milli Vanilli - Take it as it comes (opening)

2. Scorpions - Loving You Sunday Morning (2.43)

3. Metallica - "Shoot Me Again" (0.35)

4. Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation" (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Bros - When will I be famous (2:09)

2. Brian Pern

3. Sex Pistols - Silly Thing (0:36)

4. The Lurkers - Ain't got a clue

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

We dig music podcast - https://pod.link/wedigmusic

This is the episode with Crippling Alcoholism on it -

We Dig Music - Series 8 Episode 9 - Now Playing Sept 2025 - Magdalena Bay, Crippling Alcoholism, & Ethel Cain

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-dig-music-series-8-episode-9-now-playing-sept-2025/id1246759934?i=1000728773079

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wBWpR24jRvxRKw7YL1Z8b?si=LbwRnR38RnOhOaC-09MSpg

This week on Beat Motel, Andrew relives his childhood by rolling down Ed Sheeran's hill into a pile of dog muck, and Dr. Sam reveals he's spent more time chasing cheese than dignity. Somewhere along the way, they accidentally remember this is supposed to be a music podcast.

The theme? Cats. That's it. Not subtle. Not deep. Just cats. From SpongeBob's snail-pet Gary to the purring sleaze of Queen's "Cool Cat," we dig into feline-inspired tunes like they're buried in a litter tray.

Expect:

A semi-academic breakdown of The Cure's "Lovecats"

A loving rant about Citric Dummies reviving Dr. Sam's faith in punk

The Stray Cats (who aren't British, but fooled us all)

Psychobilly hair, ska that doesn't suck, and why Jules Holland might secretly be a dog person

A jazz track from 1931 that the BBC had to rename because it was "too rude" (spoiler: it wasn't about a cat, but we're pretending it was)

Andrew's website gets cyber-attacked mid-show (presumably by a Japanese feline overlord), and we waste far too much time translating song titles through every Nordic and Baltic language available. We also discover the only way to pick a cat from a rehoming café is to let it slap you in the face.

It's a mess. It's musical. It's got Matt Berry rubbing a snail on his face. It's Beat Motel at its most confusingly brilliant.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Citric Dummies - I Am Your Napkin

#### Andrew's Riff

- vildhjarta - + byta ut alla stjärnor på himlen mot plustecken +

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Spongebob - Gary's Song

2. Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut

3. Queen - Cool Cat

4. Presidents of the United States of America - Kitty

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Cure - Love cats

2. Squeeze - Cool for cats

3. The Slackers - El Gato

4. Harry Roy & His Bat Club Boys - My girl's pussy

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

If you've ever wondered what a Finnish man in a bedroom with a broken keyboard sounds like, then you're weird. But also in the right place. This week, Dr. Sam joins Andrew for a dive headfirst into the murky swamp of obscure music genres, where rules don't matter and the cats are in charge.

Expect tangents galore: from liturgical black metal to folk electronica via squee (yes, it's a thing), this episode is a chaotic tour of sounds you probably never asked for. There's also rants about Winamp, philosophical crises over Adam Buxton's new album, and an alarming amount of discussion about bodily functions—human and feline.

Other highlights:

Discover why Primus are their own genre.

Chatpile vs. Nick Cave (don't @ us).

The truth about the Super Mario cartoon theme.

What happens when cats demand mid-podcast poo patrol.

Childhood trauma via 70s UK sitcoms and cartoons.

So, whether you're sickening for a new genre or just want to hear two middle-aged blokes descend into sonic madness, this episode will either enlighten or deeply confuse you. Either way, you'll come out the other end feeling like you've learned something. Probably.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Adam Buxton - Doing it Wrong (0.18)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Chatpile - Shame (2:24)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Primus - Restin' Bones (2.13)

2. Ana Lua Caiano - Ando Em Círculos (opening)

3. Thomas Ignatius - Sum qui sum (1.00)

4. Super Mario Rap (0.2)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Suicide - Ghost Rider (1:24) - No Wave

2. Eero Johannes - We Could Be Skweeeroes - Skweee

3. Batushka - Yekteniya I - Liturgical Black Metal

4. Phace - Hot Rock - Neurofunk

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this nostalgia-drenched episode of Beat Motel, Andrew Culture and voiceover man extraordinaire Martin Whiskin hurl themselves headfirst into the deep, murky swimming pool of school memories—and promptly slip on a Verucca sock.

Expect less of a structured discussion and more of a chaotic ramble through:

Drinking out of pickle jars, Nutella jars, and possibly things we shouldn't mention.

Childhood trauma via public service announcements that were more "accidental snuff film" than "safety first."

Rollerskating on dodgem floors, fights over tractors, and smoking on tractors.

The weird tribal warfare between grunge kids and ravers (spoiler: bomber jackets were tactical gear).

And yes, a deep dive into why the f**k "Funkytown" played on a school jukebox every single day.

We also spin some musical back-to-school picks, featuring the Replacements, Pop Will Eat Itself, Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers (Martin is very sorry), Despond, and Ganja Kru. There's even a serious attempt to connect jungle music to GCSE coursework. God help us.

Plus: We try to remember what Grange Hill was called, and forget everything else in the process.

This one's for the misfits at the back of the classroom. Probably the only podcast episode where you'll hear the A-Team theme, tales of aristocratic mastering engineers, and the sentence: "Did your mum ever bring home 200 dead man's harmonicas?"

#### Marf's Riff

- Despondent - Confined

#### Andrew's Riff

- Blackbraid - And he become the burning stars

### Marf's track choices

1. Pop Will Eat Itself - Karmadrome

2. The A-Team TV Theme Tune

3. Red Hot Chili Peppers - They're Red Hot

4. Super Sharp Shooter - The Ganja Kru

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Replacements - Fuck School

2. Ski Sunday theme tune

3. The Ramones - Rock and roll high school

4. Lipps Inc. - Funkytown

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Ever wondered what it's like to be whipped in the cobblers by a carbon fibre tent pole? No? Well, you're about to. In this episode, Andrew returns to the studio and brings along Dr. Sam for a high-brow chat about testicular trauma, Trev & Simon, and the absolute best music to make your hips involuntarily wiggle like an over-caffeinated toddler.

The theme this week? Songs to swing your pants to. The result? A genre-skirting playlist filled with funkadelic basslines, ska-punk chaos, and whatever Clipping are doing (which might be witchcraft).

From George Clinton's Moog-powered madness to the playful brilliance of Little Simz, from Missy Elliott in an inflatable suit to Dexys being much more than "Come On Eileen," this episode jumps between groin injuries, nostalgia, street crossings turned flags (ffs), and musical elitism that would make a vinyl collector blush.

We also learn about ancient British tribes, the legitimacy of "potholes in lawns," and how you can use "in Minecraft" to legally dodge confessions. It's educational. Sort of. Mostly not.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Barren Path - The Insufferable Weight

#### Andrew's Riff

- Clipping - Dominator

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Thumpasaurus - Struttin'

2. Streetlight Manifesto - If and When We Rise

3. Dexy's Midnight Runners - Jackie Wilson Said

4. Little Richard - Keep A Knockin'

### Andrew's track choices

1. Everything Everything - Cough Cough

2. Missy Elliot - WTF (where you from)

3. Funkadelic - One Nation

4. Little Simz - 101fm

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Elitists https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJwcMyToUUK/?igsh=MTR4dWFnOGR5anV5bw==

What is it about British summer holidays that brings out the absolute weirdest memories? Andrew Culture is joined by returning co-host and beard-stroking wordsmith Martin Whiskin for a full-tilt, memory-lane-meets-puke-stained-train episode about all things "Summer Holidays."

We kick off with threats from Grotbags, traumatising pantos, and a deep dive into the bizarre puppetry obsession of '80s kids TV. From Bob Carolgees and Spit the Dog to the musical trauma inflicted by Orville, it's a warped nostalgia trip with the distinct smell of Dettol.

Expect riffs of the week that range from children's YouTube bangers to industrial J-pop-metal chaos. Martin finds beauty in Down By Law's one-minute face-punch punk, Therapy?'s surprise chart invasion, and the unlikely Shed Seven resurgence. Andrew counters with a romantic tale of vomit at the Steamboat pub, a Double Deckers TV theme tribute, and a Queens of the Stone Age song that's basically just a shopping list of narcotics.

Also covered:

Why Cliff Richard was in a bus with The Shadows

How band advances don't work

Punk shows in Welsh working men's clubs

Why you never want to eat a dry roll with one slice of iceberg lettuce

The fine art of projectile vomiting into jacket sleeves

If you've ever wanted a podcast episode that transitions seamlessly from 'Summer Holiday' by Cliff Richard to vomming on the tube while discussing Trash Theory's Therapy? documentary, this is it.

Music, memories, mayhem. This is Beat Motel.

### Riffs of the week

#### Marf's Riff

- Danny Go - Gorilla Smash

#### Andrew's Riff

- BABYMETAL - from me to u feat. Poppy

### Marf's track choices

1. Blameless - Breathe a Little Deeper

2. Down by Law - Independence Day

3. Therapy? - Screamager

4. Shed Seven - Kissing California

### Andrew's track choices

1. Cliff Richard and The Shadows - Summer Holiday

2. Johnny Keating - Theme from the Double Deckers

3. The Jesus And Mary Chain - I Can't find The Time For Times

4. Queens of the Stone age - Feel good hit of the summer

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Jesus and Mary Chain playlist https://tidal.com/playlist/5d9661ef-d473-477e-8e59-9c069d2b1267

Ever argued over who controls the aux cable on a long drive? In this episode of the Beat Motel Podcast, Andrew and Dr Sam dive into the tunes that keep them sane (or send them spiralling) on epic car journeys.

From Queen's Greatest Hits to post-metal tantrums, and from Pete Seeger's calm reassurance to jazz-adjacent Icelandic loops, we dissect the soundtracks that power our road trips, intentional or accidental.

Expect ridiculous stories involving bargain-bin CDs, iPad vomit catchers, and why you should never, ever start a circle pit with only 12 people in the venue. Plus, we ask the big questions like: why is Disney music turning up at protests? And is clapping during a gig actually a war crime?

📌 Don't miss a second, click play and take a long drive with us (from the safety of your headphones).

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Editrix - The Queen (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- GoGo Penguin - Umbra (1:30)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Harry Belafonte - Angelina (0.38)

2. Pete Seeger - Little Boxes (Live) (0.09)

3. Edvard Grieg - March of the Trolls, Op. 54 (2.18)

4. Queen - Somebody to Love (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Public Image Ltd - Careering (3:13)

2. Danger Man Theme Edwin Astley Orchestra (0:11)

3. Kiasmos - Looped (3:45)

4. Godspeed You Black Emperor - Like antennas to heaven (5:29)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this special detour from our usual Beat Motel rambling, Andrew and Dr. Sam swap the studio for the chaos of Hellsinki Metal Festival (yes, with two Ls, because one L just isn't metal enough). We navigate Finnish beer, dodge suspicious wrestling moves, and try to work out why 8% lager is even legal in a place with mosh pits.

Expect unfiltered commentary on bands like Kanonenfieber, Decapitated, and Fear Factory, plus on-the-ground insights into earplug economics, dungaree etiquette at metal gigs, and whether wrestling at a metal fest is meant to be taken seriously (spoiler: no). We also wonder why no other Brits seem to have worked out that Finnish festivals are cleaner, better run, and infinitely less likely to smell like a port-a-loo graveyard.

It's loud, it's wet, it's metal, and it's gloriously daft — just the way we like it.

This episode of the Beat Motel Podcast drops you into the sweaty, glorious middle of a music fundraiser that brought Bury St Edmunds together in the loudest way possible. I hit the Hunter Club and the town's rehearsal rooms to catch a full day of DIY brilliance, chat with bands and scene-makers, and find out what happens when a town fights for its music spaces.

Whether you're into punk, indie, or just stories of people doing something real, this one's for you. No fluff, no filler, just the kind of energy that keeps scenes alive and rehearsal rooms open.

📌 Featuring:

Field recordings from the event

Stories from bands and organisers

Loud music and louder opinions

Proof that local scenes still matter

Is it possible to judge an album by its cover? Absolutely. Especially when it's got skeleton hands, raging suns, or Geiger's flesh nightmares on it.

In this episode of the Beat Motel podcast, Andrew and recurring co-host Martin Whiskin dive deep into the album art that shaped our musical tastes, plastered our pencil cases, and possibly got Dead Kennedys sued. From the raw power of Monster Magnet and Kyuss, to the delicate doodles of The Levellers, to Pink Floyd being accused of ripping off Blur 20 years early (or was it the other way round?), it's a deep, noisy, nostalgic ride.

▶ Featuring tales of crusty gigs, folk festivals, DIY patches, and massive, illegal sound systems. ▶ Not featuring: tasteful restraint, coherent structure, or Richard Ashcroft's blessing.

### Riffs of the week

#### Martin Whiskin's Riff

- Bellowhead - Rigs of The Time

#### Andrew's Riff

- Smote - Drommon Pt1

### Martin Whiskin's track choices

1. Monster Magnet - Power Trip

2. Levellers - Levelling the Land

3. Ye Wiles - Soothing Away The Horrors of Indigestion

4. Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley

### Andrew's track choices

1. Pink Floyd - See Emily Play

2. Verve - She's a superstar

3. Led Zepplin - Gallows Pole

4. Dead Kennedys - MTV - Get Off the Air

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Episode 140: Great Bands, Awful Names (feat. Dr Sam)

Brace yourselves for a melodic mess as Andrew and the returning legend Dr Sam dive into the world of bands that slap sonically but utterly fumble the name game. From the majestic chaos of Defeated Sanity (yes, really) to the ultra-bland University, it's a wild ride of killer riffs and cringe monikers.

Expect:

Funkadelic basslines from Graham Central Station (who apparently named themselves after a sodding train station).

Deep thoughts on Car Seat Headrest (sounds like IKEA flatpack instructions, but damn, they're good).

A loving roast of Hanoi Rocks (plus a bit of Michael Monroe fanboying).

Death metal that sounds like it was named by a teen with a Latin dictionary and a nosebleed.

There's also the usual chaos: kebab regrets, biscuit philosophy, Monster Munch trauma, and why headless basses should be banished to the fiery pit.

Grab a non-alcoholic beer, sit on your own car seat headrest, and prepare for an episode that's heavier than a Greggs bag after a night out.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Between the Buried and Me - Things We Tell Ourselves in the Dark (0.30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Prolapse - Cha Cha Cha 2000 (1:00)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Hanoi Rocks - Malibu Beach Nightmare (0.40)

2. Graham Central Station - Release Yourself (opening)

3. Viagra Boys - Man Made of Meat (0.45)

4. Defeated Sanity - Condemned to Vascular Famine (1.43)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Nice - America (0:40)

2. Car Seat Headrest - Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales (4:21)

3. University - Notre Dame made out of flesh (4:28)

4. Agriculture - The glory of the ocean (6:12)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

John Peel. The man, the myth, the reason you accidentally got into Bulgarian throat singing that one time. This episode of Beat Motel is a loving, ramshackle dive into the chaotic universe of Peel Sessions.

Andrew Culture is joined by Mick Derrick from Prolapse, who proves that the road from crusty-sounding band names to DIY folklore is paved with weirdness, cassette tapes, and gigs no one came to. Expect tales of friendly old men who just happen to be in Mayhem, Welsh insults passed down to daughters, and the mystery of 500 unsellable t-shirts.

This episode includes:

Pen-palling with Datblygu

Bridget St John vs. aggressive jazz drummers

How to make an album that sounds like a pub quiz gone wrong

Firehose and the miracle of Mike Watt in Maida Vale

And an impromptu quiz on obscure Peel Session stats that nobody really wins

Also, Prolapse has a new album. We mention that too, after slagging off ragtime, waxing lyrical about noise abatement, and trying not to get sued by the estate of John Martyn.

A celebration of DIY music, Peel magic, and the joy of saying "I liked them before they had a second single."

### Riffs of the week

#### Mick's Riff

- Sharp Pins - Lorelei

#### Andrew's Riff

- University - Diamond Song

### Mick's track choices

1. Datblygu - Cristion Yn Y Kibbutz

2. Bridget St. John - Ask Me No Questions

3. Yeah Yeah Noh - Blood Soup

4. Quickspace - Happy Song

### Andrew's track choices

1. Ivor Cutler - Joe's Thick Coat (Peel Session)

2. The Auteurs - Happy birthday Buddha

3. Desperate Bicycles - The medium was tedium

4. fIREHOSE - She Paints Pictures (Peel Session)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

John Peel photo by Duca di Spinaci

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhikku/1076455

If you've never been ready to square up in a Spoons car park over your favourite band, are you even a real music fan? In this unreasonably passionate episode, Andrew is joined by the charmingly volatile Martin Whiskin as they dive fists-first into the bands they'd get into an actual fight over. Expect tales of local legends, rag-tag riffs, posh ska punks, and very specific ball-based analogies.

Featuring bands that should've made it, bands that did, and bands no one's heard of (but somehow still inspired violence), the duo unpack the emotional landmines hidden in guitar feedback. Andrew laments the trauma of his first kiss being ruined by Guns N' Roses, and Martin outs himself as the Medway scene's unofficial enforcer.

Subhumans, Ruben, Waldo's Gift, Russian Circles, Inner Terrestrials, Lupen Crook and the Murderbirds, The Hold Steady... they're all here, along with a few others you'll pretend you always knew about.

Come for the music chat, stay for the emotional damage.

### Riffs of the week

#### Martin Whiskin's Riff

- And So I Watch You From Afar - North Coast Megafauna

#### Andrew's Riff

- Waldo's Gift - Candifloss (LIVE)

### Martin Whiskin's track choices

1. Lupen Crook and The Murderbirds - Lest We Connect

2. Ruben - No One Wins The War

3. The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend

4. Hundred Reasons - I'll Find you

### Andrew's track choices

1. Subhumans - Apathy

2. Inner Terrestrials - Enter the dragon

3. Russian Circles - Fathom

4. Against Me - Those Anarcho Punks Are Mysterious

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Frank Turner interview

https://beatmotel.com/interviews/frank-turner-interview-beat-motel/

Ever looked at a band and thought, "Yeah, I'd ruin that with my presence"? Well, so have we. This week on Beat Motel, Andrew is joined once again by the mighty Oli as they dive headfirst into the chaotic world of bands they wish they'd been in.

From the sleek, suited swagger of Interpol to the beer-soaked riff factories of Gentleman's Pistols, we ramble through a weird and wonderful landscape of musical desires. Expect tales of porn ties, Led Zeppelin's airborne fireplaces, and discovering why having a drum machine made from bits of a broken toaster is the height of musical cool.

We also reflect on the importance of looking like a band, the magic of weird basslines, and why being in a band is just clinging to your mates while pretending it's not all a colossal waste of time. Plus, we settle the age-old debate: Would you rather play Glastonbury or the Steamboat in Ipswich?

Buckle up. It's a trip.

### Riffs of the week

#### Oli's Riff

- Faraquet - Cut Self Not

#### Andrew's Riff

- Patristic - Catechesis

### Oli's track choices

1. Young Marble Giants - Eating Noddemix

2. Interpol - Heinrich Manevour

3. Led Zepellin - No Quarter

4. Beach Boys - Little Pad

### Andrew's track choices

1. Axes - Junior

2. Gentlemans Pistols-Comfortably Crazy

3. Prolapse - Headless in a beat motel

4. Blur - Won't do it

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this ear-bleeding episode of Beat Motel, Andrew is joined once again by Dan Callis for a deep dive into the heavy, the noisy, and the downright daft corners of modern metal and punk. If you're here for thoughtful analysis, jog on. This is a celebration of volume, riffs, and the bands that make you question your own taste.

Starting off with tech issues and a healthy dollop of despair at podcasting platforms, our lads quickly launch into a barrage of riffs. Callis brings the chaos with the likes of Big Ass Truck (yes, that's a real band and no, they're not subtle), while Andrew goes full nostalgic riff nerd with Pelican.

They dish out praise (and some sass) for local legends Dude Smell, debate whether Babymetal is genius or Eurovision in disguise, and unleash rage at the fascist-flirting metalheads of yore. There's a surprise orchestral metal pick from Callis (are we feeling okay?), a hilarious tale involving Lamb of God's Randy Blythe getting locked out, and general beef with Google, Spotify, and algorithmic inshitification.

Tracks from Teeth, Stray from the Path, The Haunted, and Ironstone also make an appearance in what is possibly the least coherent but most entertaining playlist you'll encounter this month.

If you like your podcasts raw, sarcastic, and filled with two blokes yelling about blast beats and gig etiquette, you're in for a treat.

### Riffs of the week

#### Callis's Riff

- Bring me the horizon - Wonderwall

#### Andrew's Riff

- Dudesmell - Fatal Attraction

### Calliss track choices

1. Big Ass Truck - Big Ass Truck

2. Teeth - Blue and cold

3. Ironstone - Forgive me anew

4. Stray from the path - Fuck them all to hell

### Andrew's track choices

1. Pelican - Gulch

2. Sylosis/Heriot - The Path

3. The Haunted - Warhead

4. Purified in blood - Primal pulse thunder

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

This week on Beat Motel, Andrew is joined by the ever-eloquent Dr. Sam to unpack the joys, horrors, and outright weirdness of musicians who make sweet music and even sweeter love together. Things get rolling with a heated debate about whether soup is a drink, a meal, or just a gateway to genital injury. Seriously.

From Tom Waits' transformation at the hands of Kathleen Brennan to the relentless Yoko Ono bashing that both Andrew and Sam righteously defend, this episode is a heady blend of irreverent insight and musical deep cuts. We also plunge into the murky waters of band names that make you cringe (hello, Mum Jeans), and wax lyrical about the magic - and occasional monstrosity - of musical power couples.

Expect shoutouts to Fleetwood Mac's inter-band bonking, Linda McCartney's immovable sausages, and some righteous love for Man On Man (yes, Roddy Bottom and Joey Holeman are real names). We also throw in rants about Giraffe (not the animal), bad reggae breakdowns in Bond themes, and a stunningly middle-aged moan about fusion food restaurants.

Riffs of the week

Dr Sam's Riff

Cypress Hill with the London Symphony Orchestra - When The Shit Goes Down (1:30)

Andrew's Riff

Prince Daddy & The Hyena - Thrashville 2/3 (ft. Kississippi) (1:54)

Dr Sam's track choices

Tom Waits - No One Knows When I'm Gone (0:10)

Yoko Ono - Give Me Something (opening)

Man on Man - Showgirls (0:40)

Year of the Knife - Your Control (1:30)

Andrew's track choices

The Kinks - Big Sky (0:56)

Wings - Live and Let Die (0:45)

Sonic Youth - 100% (1:53)

Fleetwood Mac - The Chain (3:02)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Who knew an episode about colours could spiral into tales of crusty white-boy dreadlocks, the audio texture of brown, and Robbie bloody Williams dragging Tony Iommi into the Britpop bin fire?

This week, Andrew and Dr Sam dive into the murky, vibrant, and occasionally neon world of music and its connection to colour. We're not talking about your A-Level synaesthesia essay here. This is a chaotic ramble through records that sound "pink," bands that are spiritually "brown," and the kind of drummers who play like malfunctioning clockwork toys (yes, Rage Against the Machine guy, we're looking at you).

Expect discussions about:

Why The Fadeaways might be Japan's answer to garage rock perfection

Why Wet Leg makes Sam think of lounge-based self-pleasure

Sharon Osbourne being Sharon Osbourne (which is never a compliment)

What it means when a song sounds like Primus and why that's both brilliant and deeply unsettling

How audience chat at gigs should be punishable by public flogging or at least polite shushing

All this and more, plus Andrew's eternal quest to have singing lessons… and fail.

Plug in, lie back, and prepare to rethink the rainbow.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- The Fadeaways - I Don't Care (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Wet Leg - CPR (2:13)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Black Sabbath - God is Dead? (0.45)

2. Melt Banana - Chain-Shot to Have Some Fun (1.15)

3. Dan Deacon - Arp III: Far From Shore (1.10)

4. Primus - Shake Hands with Beef (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. NoFx - Don't call me white (opening)

2. Red Fang - Throw Up (4:46)

3. Orkestra Obsolete - Blue Monday (2:54)

4. Split Enz - I see red (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

What happens when you love music but live with people who have ears? This week, Andrew and Dr. Sam dive headfirst into the steaming skip bin of Forbidden Music—those tracks that are so loathed, so divisive, or just so downright baffling that they've been banned in their own homes.

From the glitchy chaos of Venetian Snares to the crime against ears that is Nightwish, no genre is safe. We cover everything from folk revolutionaries to jazz breakdowns that sound like a musical nervous breakdown. Dr. Sam gets philosophical about lo-fi wallpaper beats, and Andrew admits to weaponising avant-garde metal to end late-night YouTube sessions.

Expect:

Punk-pop cheese that could clog your arteries

Jazz that sounds like someone dropped a saxophone down the stairs

Finnish metal with the subtlety of Eurovision on steroids

Why silence might be the ultimate forbidden tune

Casual academic analysis interrupted by fart stories

Also in this episode:

The unholy genre of metal for grandmas

How to destroy dinner parties with free jazz

Why BBC Radio 6 is for people pretending they still have an edge

Sparks. Always Sparks.

This one's about taste, tolerance, and trauma. What's your forbidden music? Send us your shameful tracks and tell us which song gets you kicked out of your own living room.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Peggy Seeger - Lady, What Do You Do All Day? (1.03)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Sparks - A Little Bit Of Light Banter (2:01)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. No Use for a Name - Chasing Rainbows (0.45)

2. Albert Ayler Trio - Ghosts: Variations 1 (0.30)

3. Nightwish - I Wish I Had an Angel (opening)

4. Defacement - Duality (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Venetian Snares - Hanjal (4:35)

2. Imperial Triumphant - Pleasuredome (feat. Dave Lombardo & Tomas Haake) (3:30)

3. Spiritbox - Circle With Me (2:40)

4. The Velvet Underground - European Son (6:31)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

This week Andrew is joined by the ever-lovely Dr. Sam to discuss albums that feel like coming home. Naturally, they barely stick to the topic. Expect bowel-related rants, coffee-fuelled enema chat, and Dr. Sam outing himself as the world's most dangerous urinal misuser.

They dive into the albums that comfort them like a warm blanket (or a familiar loo seat), including Ugly Kid Joe, Black Sheep, The Kinks, and the Charlatans, while getting stuck into the finer points of why Weird Al is the hero we don't deserve, why Led Zeppelin would have been insufferable to drink with, and why toilets in Finland might be the pinnacle of personal hygiene.

There's also a controversial theory connecting Smells Like Teen Spirit to Shangri-La by The Kinks, which is guaranteed to get the comment section frothing.

Expect industrial-grade tangents, as the lads try and fail to stay on musical track but somehow land the plane into the cozy arms of nostalgia—covered in hot sauce and regret.

Stuff we sort of talked about:

Coffee enemas vs garden hoses

Binoculars covered in wee

Funk metal is not dead, it's just pretending to be polite

The joy of albums that teleport you back to awkward teenage years

Why Weird Al might be the gym soundtrack you never knew you needed

Squatting over skatepark-style toilets (yes, really)

If you like your music podcasts barely about music, you're in the right bog.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Honningbarna - Schäfer (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- BC Camplight - Two Legged Dog ft. Abigail Morris (1:54)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Ugly Kid Joe - Everything About You (1.18)

2. Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Revisited) (2.20)

3. Wayne Gibson - See You Later, Alligator (0.57)

4. Weird Al - Bohemian Polka (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Kinks - Shangri La (2:47)

2. The Charlatans - I never want an easy life if me and he were ever to get there

3. Led Zeppelin - Achilles last stand (4:07)

4. Courdroy - Motorhead (1:32)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Hold on to your ethically-sourced coffee and buckle in for a truly chaotic dive into the shallow end of music industry sellouts. This week, Andrew is joined by the ever-cynical Dr Sam, and the pair bravely attempt to answer the big questions: Can Slayer officially sod off? Is ABBA secretly prog disco royalty? Would Paul McCartney say "alright mate" if you bumped into him on the street?

From slagging off Kickstarter walking boots to dissecting the Misfits' career strategy and cringing at the tragic tale of Slade 2, the duo take you through bands that have clearly replaced artistic ambition with spreadsheets and pension planning. There's love for The Halo Effect, suspicion about The Verve's reformation, and real shade thrown at Sting for treating The Police like a PLC.

This episode's a riot of riffs, rants, and real talk about what happens when passion turns into product.

Riff of the Week: Monarch Death Judge – "Stoner aggression for people who think Clutch need a kick up the rear."

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Demonic Death Judge - Goner (0.50)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Halo Effect - Conspire to deceive (0:09)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Slayer - I'm Gonna Be Your God (0.20)

2. ABBA - If It Wasn't for the Nights (1.00)

3. Slade - Hot Luv (0.30)

4. Misfits (feat. Ronnie Spector) - You Belong to Me (1.06)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Oasis - Slide Away (4:37)

2. The Police - Don't stand so close to me (2:44)

3. Verve - Gravity Grave (opening)

4. The Beach Boys - A Day in the Life of a Tree (2:26)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

**Takeaways**

- Punk rock humor often straddles the line between clever and offensive.

- Consumer products like Tesla can be disappointing in quality despite their hype.

- The quest for quality in products often leads to a trade-off between comfort and durability.

- Punk rock has a history of misogyny that still needs to be addressed today.

- Many punk bands fail to evolve their message over time, leading to stagnation.

- Nostalgia plays a significant role in how we perceive past trends and products.

- Clackers were a nostalgic toy that exemplified a carefree childhood.

- The punk scene has both progressive and regressive elements that reflect societal issues.

- New music often draws from past influences while trying to innovate.

- The podcast aims to explore music and its cultural implications. The transition of bands into business transactions is a significant theme.

- Criticism of iconic bands often stems from their perceived lack of authenticity.

- Celebrity interactions can lead to awkward expectations from fans.

- Musicians are often seen as public figures, losing their personal space.

- The craftsmanship in music production can be overlooked in favor of commercial success.

- ABBA's return highlights the business side of music, despite their artistic contributions.

- The sound quality and production techniques play a crucial role in music appreciation.

- Critiques of musicians often reflect broader cultural sentiments about authenticity.

- Celebrity culture can distort the perception of personal interactions.

- Understanding the artistry behind music can enhance appreciation for the genre. Andrew discusses a book on business theory and creativity.

- The conversation touches on Sting's portrayal in the music industry.

- They reflect on the dynamics of famous bands and their relationships.

- The impact of fame on artists is a recurring theme.

- The commercialisation of music often overshadows artistic integrity.

- They discuss the evolution of bands and their legacy over time.

- The importance of creativity in business is emphasised.

- The conversation highlights the challenges of maintaining artistic vision.

- They explore how artists view their audience in a commercial context.

- The discussion concludes with reflections on the state of the music industry.

This week, Andrew Culture is joined by Dr. San to answer the all-important question: what do Viz magazine, squirrel-based hip-hop folklore, and Captain Sensible have to do with sunglasses? A lot, apparently. From tales of tragically inebriated rodents to obscure country pastiches and mid-80s goth crooners, we dive eyeballs-first into a lens-tinted trip through musical mayhem.

Expect a lovingly detailed discussion on Viz's Buster Gonad and the gang, a passionate defence of Ray Orbison's vocal blanket, ZZ Top's fraudulent tour as The Zombies, and the serious existential implications of Skepta's lyrics: "I can't see anything." Same, mate.

The riffs are glorious, the tangents are ridiculous, and the jokes? Almost clever. Almost.

Whether you love Skeeter Davis or just want to hear two aging music nerds trying to remember why the 2004 Viz movie was a thing, this is your stop. Just don't Google blue waffle. We warned you.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Gary Owens Jr - Tomorrow's Stew (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Current Value - Serenity (3:20)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Roy Orbison - Dream (opening)

2. the Damned - Anti-Pope (0.10)

3. ZZ Top Cheap Sunglasses (0.43)

4. Tracey Ullman - Sunglasses (0.45)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Echo and the Bunnymen - Killing Moon (3:11)

2. Skeeter Davis - Sunglasses (0:27)

3. Skepta - Sunglassses at night (1:22)

4. Jesus and Mary Chain - Just like honey (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Takeaways

- The importance of humor in storytelling.

- Cultural references can enhance podcast engagement.

- Childhood memories shape our perspectives.

- Health discussions can be both serious and humorous.

- Music can evoke nostalgia and personal connections.

- The evolution of genres reflects societal changes.

- Creative processes often stem from everyday observations.

- Engaging with listeners through relatable content is key.

- Exploring themes in music can lead to deeper discussions.

- Humor can be a bridge to discuss serious topics. Ray Orbison's voice is described as comforting and warm.

- The aesthetic of sunglasses in music reflects deeper themes.

- Punk movement stripped down the concept of stage clothes.

- ZZ Top's unique history includes impersonating British bands.

- Skepta's humor adds a layer of absurdity to his music.

- Tracy Ullman's covers highlight the obscurity of 60s music.

- The conversation reveals the personal connections to music.

- Music aesthetics evolve with cultural movements.

- The influence of past artists is evident in modern music.

- Humor in music can bridge generational gaps.

Ever slagged off a band only to later realise you were the idiot? Andrew and Dr Sam rip into their own bad takes this week as they revisit artists they once dismissed with sneering pride—only to sheepishly backpedal years later.

Expect a gloriously messy mix of:

Why Pharrell isn't just the Blurred Lines guy (but also maybe he is)

Prolapse's majestic return and the punk power of peppercorn rent

The jaw-smashing genius of Backxwash

Yodelling and Hank Williams yanking open the doors of country for cynics

Velvet Underground's "Sister Ray" inspiring both confusion and adoration

NoFX's The Decline being too good for the band that made it

Har Mar Superstar getting misjudged by shirtless novelty vibes

And the glory of metal mosh pits run like Strictly Come Dancing

Oh, and there's some toilet trouble, musical misfires, and a shout-out to Hello Kitty Funland—one of the most exciting young metal bands we've seen in years (yes, really).

It's punk, it's passionate, and it's a little bit unhinged. Just how we like it.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Backxwash - Wake Up (1min)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Prolapse - On the quarter days (2:55)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Pharrell Williams - Just A Cloud Away (opening)

2. Hank Williams - I'll Never Get Out of this World Alive (opening)

3. Hella - City Folk Sitting, Sitting (2.50)

4. Dillinger Escape Plan - Jim Fear (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Har Mar Superstar - How did I get through the days (2:26)

2. Pink Floyd - Echos (18:22)

3. NoFx- The Decline (0:05)

4. The Velvet Underground - Sister Ray (15:58)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Hello Kitty Funland https://www.instagram.com/hkfl.band/

Clip shows suck, don't they? But hey, what you're going to do? This is a clip show. In this so-called episode (which is mostly filler), Andrew Culture looks back at some of the people who have been guest hosts over the past year.

The Influence of the Velvet Underground with special guest Dave Lennon (Lost in the Groove Podcast)

What happens when two podcast hosts—one from sunny Florida, the other from soggy Suffolk—sit down to worship at the altar of The Velvet Underground? Absolute chaos, that's what.

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew is joined by Dave Lennon from Lost in the Groove to unravel the weird, wonderful, and often dysfunctional legacy of Lou Reed and co. Expect deep dives into the genius of John Cale, Nico's awkward-but-iconic vocals, and why Mo Tucker deserved better.

Along the way, we also offend Replacements fans, ponder what David Bowie talked about while curling one out, and discuss how Arctic Monkeys gave a pension to a punk poet. There's also a band called Prolapse. Yes, really.

If you're a Velvet Underground hater, stay tuned. You might just learn something… or at least laugh at our expense.

Featuring:

Nico's German glamour and tragic misdiagnosis

John Cale's Welsh wizardry

Lou Reed: songwriting genius or professional nightmare?

How VU inspired noise rock, punk, and half of Andrew's record collection

Bands that owe everything to VU (but won't admit it)

Why the Jesus & Mary Chain sound like a hangover in church

Shoutouts to Prolapse, Arctic Monkeys, Spacemen 3, and more

This is the most passionate episode we've done about a band, It's chaos. It's love. It's The Velvet Underground.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dave Lennon's Riff

- Harry Nilsson - Without You (2:06)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Pijn - Our endless hours (5:23)

### Dave Lennon's track choices

1. The Velvet Underground - Sweet Jane (2:29)

2. The Velvet Underground - Tomorrow's Parties (2:49)

3. The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning (opening)

4. The Velvet Underground - Run Run (3:36)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Spacemen 3 - Come down easy (2:39)

2. The Jesus and Mary Chain - Snakedriver (opening)

3. The Arctic Monkeys - Cornerstone (1:23)

4. Prolapse - Flex (9:11)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Ever found yourself at a gig, three beers deep, staring at a merch table and wondering why the hell a band is selling a manhole cover? Well, Andrew Laws and Dr Sam (aka Dr Roid Rage) have. This week, they dive headfirst into the bizarre, impractical, and sometimes downright offensive world of band merchandise.

From Misfits flogging literally anything with a skull on it (including Tiki mugs, because obviously) to Norwegian punk bands financing entire albums with municipal infrastructure, this episode is a deep dive into capitalism gone feral.

Also covered:

Strap in for tales of merch regret, punk rock nonsense, and Andrew nearly wetting himself by the end of the episode.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- clipping. - Dominator (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Trelldom - The voice that whispers (2:50)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Sick of it All - America (1.10)

2. Misfits - Forbidden Zone (opening)

3. Minutemen - Shit From an Old Notebook (0.30)

4. The Dogs - Melt (1.00)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Red Flag 77 - How Low (0:10)

2. John Shuttleworth - Two Margarines (0:20)

3. The Brand New Heavies - People Get Ready (0:50)

4. Wolves in the Throne Room - Born from the serpents eye (3:20)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

What music will we love when we're old and decrepit? Will we swap death metal for classical funeral masses, or will we just keep playing Rush until it finally makes sense? In this episode, Andrew Laws and Dr. Sam (aka Salmonella) explore how our musical tastes might evolve (or decay) as we age.

🎵 Featuring riffs from:

Mozart (because funeral music is just evil classical metal)

Rush (because we might be patient enough for them someday)

Louis Armstrong (because soft landings are needed as life gets harder)

Pigface (because industrial chaos never dies)

Marvin Gaye (because funk basslines are eternal)

🔥 Other highlights include:

The ultimate testicle-based weather forecasting system

Do metalheads realise their music is ridiculous?

How to lose YouTube subscribers by mentioning Pantera

The unhinged genius of John Shuttleworth

🖕 Angry metal bros, leave your hate comments below!

WATCH MORE BEAT MOTEL PODCAST EPISODES:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWvEIcKhJxA&list=PLwnzX0gT6IrcZqrF2Xslb19NiBRgd9rj9

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more music nonsense every week!

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- ODDLY - Alligator (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- John Shuttleworth - One Cup of Tea is Never Enough (But 2 is 1 Too Many!) - (1:03)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Mozart - Requiem in D Minor (0.11)

2. Louis Armstrong - A Kiss to Build a Dream On (1.05)

3. Pigface - The Bushmaster (0.30)

4. Living Gate - To Cut Off the Head of the Snake (0.34)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Rush - La Villa Strangiato (6:11)

2. Gustav Holst - Mars (1:05)

3. John Hopkins - Welcome (opening)

4. Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Louis Armstrong - A Kiss to Build a Dream On

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT49gOujQGI)

Welcome to Beat Motel Podcast - Episode 121, where Andrew Laws and Dr Sam set fire to good taste and dance around the ashes.

🔊 This week:

Also, Andrew finally gets round to telling people about his new YouTube video series featuring noise gigs, angry synths, and, er… prosthetic man-parts.

🔥 Listen now, argue later!

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Laibach - Fedayeen (1.20)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Havukruunu: Laulunhenki (5:39)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. SpongeBob - Goofy Goober Rock (1.04)

2. Naked City - Demon Sanctuary (0.09)

3. Sepultura - Territory (0.52)

4. Jose Afonso - Cantar Alentejano (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Jeff Mills - The Bells (1:03)

2. The Sword - Freya (opening)

3. The Vince Guaraldi Trio - Linus and Lucy (0:33)

4. Venetian Snares - Hajnal (3:26)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Havukruunu review https://www.angrymetalguy.com/havukruunu-tavastland-review/

Bert Jansch - Avocet - https://tidal.com/browse/album/273477322?u

Ever looked at your old gig T-shirts and thought, "What was I on?" Well, we have, and in this episode, Andrew and his co-host, Dr. Sam, take a long, hard look at the bands and genres they once adored but now make them cringe (or at least yawn).

We start strong with Andrew explaining how Jackie Chan's autobiography is more important than socialism, followed by a deep philosophical debate about whether public transport seats and kids' clothes share the same stain-hiding technology.

Then, it's time for Riff of the Week, featuring Vulture Feather, leading to complaints about modern albums being allergic to variety. From there, it's straight into the theme—genres and bands we've grown out of—which turns into an old-man rant-fest about ska-punk, pop-punk, groove metal, and the perils of a one-trick-pony approach to music.

Expect:

As always, we go wildly off-topic, including a passionate discussion about AI eating your data, how ska bassists should be paid double, and why people walking around with their hands in their trousers need to get a grip (literally).

Then Andrew slams the door on the episode mid-sentence, leaving Dr. Sam confused but not surprised.

Give it a listen. If you disagree, go start your own damn podcast.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Vulture Feather - Blood Knot (0.46)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Shels - Journey to the plains (5:35)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Reel Big Fish - She's Famous Now (opening)

2. Chocking Victim - 500 Channels (1.45)

3. Pantera - 13 Steps to Nowhere (0.30)

4. Whores - Participation Trophy (0.50)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Inspiral Carpets - Gimmie Shelter - Peel Session version (2:49)

2. No Use For a Name - Inside (1:29)

3. Kyuss - Un Sandpiper (0:18)

4. Saosin - I can tell there was an accident here earlier (1:26)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

This week, Andrew and Sam dive into the sheer agony behind some of music's most infamous recordings. From bandmates quitting mid-session to entire studios being demolished, these albums came at a heavy price.

In this episode:

Music, pranks, politics, and a deep appreciation for bands that suffered for their art.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Laura Jane Grace - Your Dick (God's Dick) (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- White Ward - Leviathan (8:30)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Against Me - Black Me Out (0.34)

2. Streetlight Manifesto - The Littlest Things (0.29)

3. The Clash - We are the Clash (0.30)

4. Capdown - Blood, Sweat and Fears (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

5. My Bloody Valentine - Only Shallow (opening)

6. Fleetwood Mac - The Chain (dunno)

7. Suede - Introducing the band (opening)

8. The Rolling Stones - Rocks Off (4:00)

We start strong with batter-fried nonsense, birthday chaos, and a bit of early swearing to keep things respectable (naturally). From there, we rip into bands, black metal, weird band names, and whether or not you should ever talk to someone at the urinal (spoiler: no!).

This week's theme? Albums that should've been EPs, or as we call it: "Long-winded b0llocks that should've been cut down before they met the general public." Orville Peck, System of a Down, Franz Ferdinand, and more are on the chopping block.

There's praise, rants, and digressions into classic black metal, punk rock toilet moments, Norwegian insults, and Dillinger Escape Plan references. Also, how exactly did The Lars and their obsession with vintage dust drive their label insane?

If you came for structure, well… good luck. But if you want a messy, raw music rant with urine-soaked detours, you're in the right place.

This week on Beat Motel, Andrew welcomes Daz Hewitt, Ipswich music legend and former bandmate, to talk about band reunions—both glorious and catastrophic. Of course, they immediately derail the topic and spiral into madness.

Expect absolute nonsense, including:

🎸 New Wave of Pretty Heavy Metal – Daz accidentally invents a new genre while describing Poison, and we might be onto something.

🎶 Billy Idol is Davros in Doctor Who – Apparently, Billy Idol's 90s motorbike accident means he'd make a great Dalek overlord. This is now canon.

🎭 Status Quo: The Musical – Andrew describes Queen's reformed lineup as "a bad West End show", leading to the inevitable question: Would you pay to see a Status Quo musical?

🎤 Michael Crawford as the new singer of Queen – If we're already treating Queen like a West End show, why not go full Phantom of the Opera? Daz's impression seals the deal.

🔊 Genesis' Apocalypse in 9/8 – Daz gets proggy, Andrew pretends to care.

🕺 The Bee Gees: Label Puppets or Disco Geniuses?

🎷 The Big & Ed Rome – Ipswich ska legends that Andrew was too stubborn to appreciate at the time.

🔥 The Waxing Captors – A band that broke more mic stands than records, but should still come back.

👑 Queen without Freddie – Paul Rodgers? Adam Lambert? Michael bloody Crawford? We discuss where it all went wrong.

🎸 The Stone Roses – Their reunion single was a lazy retread of old ideas, and Andrew's not having it.

💊 Happy Mondays' comeback – Daz paid real money to see them, and he still wants a refund.

🥴 Oasis reunion: Nostalgia or rip-off? – Are people paying £400 to relive a youth spent drinking cheap lager in a field? Probably.

Along the way, Andrew confesses to thinking Billy Idol and Billy Joel were the same person, Daz unveils the rock family tree nobody asked for, and we answer the burning question: Does Elton John have friends?

💥 If you like chaotic music chat, unfiltered opinions, and utterly pointless tangents, this episode is for you.

### Riffs of the week

#### Daz's Riff

- Apocalypse in 9/8 - Genesis (2:45)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Dudesmell - Gold Tooth (0:20)

Find them at https://www.instagram.com/dudesmell/

### Daz's track choices

1. The American Metaphysical Circus by The United States of America (2:00)

2. Ready Steady Go by Generation X (0:58)

3. Cosmic Rockin - Queen (2:38)

4. Kinky Afro - Happy Mondays

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Big - Trains (0:47)

2. The Waxing Captors -Shrinking Telephone (0:30)

3. The Stone Roses - Beautiful Thing (2:25)

4. Oasis - Acquiesce (1:21)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Including:

New Wave of Pretty Heavy Metal

Billy Idol is Davros in Doctor Who

Status Quo the musical

Michael Crawford is the new singer in Queen

This week, Andrew welcomes Dr. Sam (aka Flan F***er Page—yes, really) for a deep dive into _great_ musical collaborations. Along the way, they cover everything from Tito Puente to Sinead O'Connor, the genius of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, and a story about Ginger Baker's olive farm that involves derelict barns, blind-drunk driving, and horses casually chilling indoors.

Expect rants about Gary Boys (and how they ruined Ipswich's traffic flow), the horror of Elton John being "a bit too nice," and why Michael Jackson's legal team was probably modeled after Mr. Burns' army of lawyers. Oh, and the duo revisits Bowie collaborations—because sometimes even the Thin White Duke gets it wrong.

Also discussed:

- Why siblings harmonize better (scientifically proven during heated sibling arguments).

- Prog metal that sounds like unicorns having a fistfight.

- How to tell if you've ever accidentally given your partner a migraine with music.

This episode is a messy, joyful, and slightly unhinged celebration of collaborations—because life's too short for solo acts.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Tito Puente - Cua Cua (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Cream - Toad (0:20)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. The Last Poets with Bernard Purdie- Blessed Are That Struggle (opening)

2. Motorpsycho - Through the Veil (5.20)

3. Lina_Raul Refree - Foi Deus (opening)

4. The Slits - So Tough (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1 - John Grant and Sinead O'Conner - GMF (2:20)

2 - Elton John, Kiki Dee - Don't Go Breaking My Heart (2:53)

3 - Queen and David Bowie - Under Pressure (2:54)

4 - Finn - Angels Heap (2:10)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Andrew Culture teams up with Dr. Sam to unpack the most baffling, eyebrow-raising, and just plain pointless musical collaborations ever inflicted on humanity. From Elton John's karaoke shenanigans with Orville Peck to the baffling Lou Reed and Metallica mash-up that _should have stayed a rumor_, this episode is a glorious deep dive into the "why even bother?" of music history.

Along the way, Andrew mourns the repetitive sound of butter dishes, Dr. Sam defends Franz Ferdinand (but not their Doppler obsession), and both hosts gleefully alienate entire fan bases. You'll hear mentions of singing potatoes, Christian vulvas (don't Google that), and the painful truth about Guinness.

Whether it's Dropkick Murphys leaning too hard into Irish clichés or Scott Walker doing... whatever that was with Sunn O))), Andrew and Sam leave no collaboration unmocked. And for those brave enough to listen, there's even a side rant on why people clapping at gigs should be outlawed.

---

**Highlights**:

- Elton John covering his _own_ song with Orville Peck. Why?!

- Lou Reed and Metallica's "Lulu"—the art rock album no one asked for.

- The Dropkick Murphys, Shane MacGowan, and the world's most tragic enablers.

- Scott Walker and Sunn O))), or: how many amps does it take to ruin a song?

- Musical side hustles, singing raisins, and why plastic picnic tables are the true MVPs of the noise scene.

Tune in if you're not afraid to laugh at (and love) the absurdity of music.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Franz Ferdinand - The Doctor (1.37)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Insomnium - 1696 (3:45)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Orville Peck & Elton John - Saturday's Night Alright (For Fighting) : 0.30

2. Dropkick Murphys & Shane MacGowan - Good Rats (0:20)

3. Soulfly with Christian Wolbers - No (0:40)

4. Scott Walker + Sunn 0))) - Brando (1.10)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Sonic Youth & Chuck D - Kool thing (1:57)

2. Lou Reed & Metallica: The View (0:54)

3. Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus - Don't dream it's over (2:11)

4. Mick Jagger and David Bowie - Dancing in the Street (2:06)

https://youtu.be/BHkhIjG0DKc?si=_edu5W-c1_Zg_Ky6

In this episode of **Beat Motel**, Andrew Culture and Ollie dive headfirst into the treacherous waters of cover songs. From Blur's awkward moments to Jimi Hendrix being untouchable, the duo debates which bands and tracks are simply too sacred, complex, or ridiculous to cover. Along the way, they drop truth bombs about Madonna's infamous coffee table book, dissect Damon Albarn's lounge act origins for "Song 2," and explain why American men are just _built different_.

Hear tales of function band virtuosity, the chaotic logistics of covering Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and the unspeakable madness of Frank Zappa's rock operas. Plus, you'll discover why Sparklehorse feels like reading someone else's mail and why trying to recreate Emperor's riffs live might just cause a nervous breakdown.

Also, Ollie tries to guess some classic tracks and... fails gloriously. Think you can do better? Tune in for riffs, banter, and one of the most hilariously unstructured episodes yet.

### Riffs of the week

#### Oli's Riff

- Bedhead - Golden Brown (0:00-0:30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Gatecreeper - Dead Star (3:12 - 3:41)

### Oli's track choices

1. Polvo - Can I Ride (0:20-0:50)

2. Godspeed you! Black Emperor - East Hastings (11:30-12:00)

3. Sparklehorse - Gold Day (3:00-3:30)

4. Grouper - I'd Rather be Sleeping (2:06 - 2:36)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Elder - The Fallen Veil (1:34)

2. Emperor - Depraved (2:00)

3. Jimi Hendrix - Axis bold as love (2:44)

4. Frank Zapper and the Mothers of Invention - Billy the mountain (23:29)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

It's the episode where **Andrew Culture** and Dr. Sam somehow make an entire hour of toilet chat, dodgy sampling, and musical rambling sound like a work of art. From unicorn stools (Google at your own risk) to squatting like a Baltic legend, the pair venture into a shambolic journey across music that sampled _what?!_

Expect the unexpected as they break down:

- **Bodsore** sounding like a black metal fever dream.

- A British punk banger sampling Windows' startup sound.

- _Tricky's_ expensive 90s sampling wizardry when only the four richest kings of Europe owned a sampler.

- **DJ Shadow**, pre-_Endtroducing_, and _Prodigy's_ cheeky meow-powered rave anthem.

- A bizarre mashup of _Biggie Smalls_ and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Oh, and Andrew once owned a wardrobe from a public toilet. As you do.

So get ready to question your music taste, learn more about squat angles than you ever asked for, and celebrate the ridiculousness of samples that make you yell: _They sampled WHAT?!_

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Bedsore - A Colossus, an Elephant, a Winged Horse, the Dragon Rendezvous (7.30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Man/Woman/Chainsaw - The Boss (0:51)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Aceyalone - The Walls and Windows (opening)

2. Fig 4.0 - CTRL+ALT+DEL (opening)

3. Megachurch - Receive It (1.40)

4. Thomas the Dank Engine (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Tricky - Struggling (2:57)

2. Dj Shadow and the Groove Robbers - Hindsight (0:50)

3. The Prodigy - Charlie Says (1:25)

4. M.I.A - Paper Planes (2:10)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

This week on **Beat Motel**, Andrew is joined by the triumphant return of Ollie, a co-host who's now "back by beat demand" (his words). Together, they light a candle for forgotten bands—metaphorically, of course, to avoid the insurance fraud that their shrine mishap inspired. From nostalgia-soaked anecdotes to relentless riffs, this episode explores the dusty edges of musical memory.

**Highlights**:

- **Turbo Prog Love:** Ollie's "Riff of the Week" honors Cleft's "Trap Door," described by a mate as "so good I want to sip on it."

- **Bands Gone Missing:** Andrew and Ollie dig into forgotten gems like Salad, Kickball, and Polaris, pondering why talent doesn't always equal longevity.

- **Tech Talk:** A lament for the pain of four-track recording and the joys of modern marketing. Apparently, Ableton saves more than music—it saves sanity.

- **Marketing and Mysteries:** Why TikTok is a dumpster fire but still revives obscure bands, and how skateboarding DVDs accidentally curated the soundtracks of our youth.

- **The Origins of Riff Love:** Andrew shares how the proto-metal swagger of Spitfire ignited his obsession with guitar riffs and questionable snare sounds.

Whether they're cracking wise about shoegaze feet or tracking down bands who disappeared into obscurity, Andrew and Ollie keep the banter fast and the humor sharp. This episode is a tribute to bands who didn't make it but still left their mark.

**Full Tracklist**:

- **Cleft** – Trap Door

- **Salad** – Drink the Elixir

- **Kickball** – Opposite

- **Polaris** – Good Time

- **The High** – Box Set Go

- **Dokudangu** – Mystery Skater Anthem

- **Killerest Expression** – Memory Loss

- **Spitfire** – Superbaby

Dive in for a laugh, a tear, and a reminder to check your old iPod classics for forgotten treasures.

### Riffs of the week

#### Oli's Riff

- Cleft - Trapdoor (0:57)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Gaerea - The Poet's Ballet (2:20)

### Oli's track choices

1. Kickball - Opposite (0:09)

2. Cumbersome - Billie (0:30)

3. Polaris - Good Time (opening)

4. Douku Dango - Unknown Track - (3:20)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Salad - Drink The Elixir (2:00)

2. The High - Box Set Go (1:20)

3. The Killerest Expression - Memory Loss (opening)

4. Spitfire - Wild Sunshine (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Andrew's new band - https://youtu.be/9CAb4szeXX8?si=Kei81Jji7EVsmmjM

This week, Andrew and Jago dive into the chaotic world of **musical rivalries**, from playground-level spats to outright murderous feuds. Highlights include:

- Jago's dangerous addiction to seaside 2p machines, proving the only real winner is the arcade owner.

- The eternal bitterness of Dave Mustaine (_35 million albums sold but still salty_).

- Blur vs. Oasis—teen idols or commercial gladiators?

- Charles Manson: misunderstood artist or murderous twit? (_Spoiler: Jago's hero worship is… complicated_).

- Brian Harvey of E17's many adventures—from parking tickets to jacket potato chaos.

With riffs of the week by **Will Haven** and **Jesu**, a dash of Blur's weirdness, and some surprisingly heartfelt moments (looking at you, Softplay), this episode is chaos wrapped in catchy melodies. Will Andrew and Jago choose sides in these rivalries? Spoiler: expect zero objectivity.

Like, subscribe, or just send Brian Harvey your best wishes—he might need them more.

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- Will Haven - Miguel (1:55)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Jesu - Silver (opening)

### Jago's track choices

1. Metallica - The Four Horsemen VS Megadeth - Mechanix

2. Oasis - Hey Now VS Blur - Battle

3. Take That - Could It Be Magic VS East 17 - Stay another day

4. The Beach Boys - Never learn not to love VS Charles Manson - Cease to exist

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Not if you were the last Dandy on earth VS The Dandy Warhols - Bohemian like you

2. Tupac - Hit 'em up VS Notorious BIG - Who shot ya

3. Soft Play - Everything and Nothing VS Sleaford Mods - Jobseeker

4. Husker Du - Don't want to know if you're lonely VS The Replacements - Something to du

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

**Episode Title:** _When the Drums Kick In – and Other Musical Mishaps_

**Hosts:** Andrew Culture & Dr. Sam

**Summary:**

Get ready for an unhinged exploration of the greatest moments when drums _really_ kick in – whether it's a masterful fill or just chaos in a trench coat. Andrew and Dr. Sam stumble through topics like Phil Collins' shiny dome revolutionizing baldness, the orchestral carnage of WWI-themed metal gigs, and why Greg's vegan sausage rolls might double as building materials. Plus, the duo attempt to decide whether it's ever okay to stick an orange somewhere unconventional (spoiler: it's not).

Expect anecdotes about drum risers that double as death traps, the gritty charm of Oransi Pazuzu, and a heartfelt lament about the disappearance of the punk energy from bands like Pears. Oh, and they take a detour to ponder why James May memes involve pineapple. All that, and a sprinkling of hip-hop, techno minimalism, and general nonsense about pastry condoms.

**Music Featured:**

- _Igana_ by Yabai T-Shirts Yasan

- _Kampf und Sturm_ by Canonfiber

- _In the Air Tonight_ by Phil Collins (yes, _that_ bit)

- _Ilmestys_ by Oransi Pazuzu

- _Rather Be Dead_ by Refused

- _All Balls_ by AC Alone

- _Shame Face_ by François X

**In This Episode:**

- The joy of drum fills that slap harder than your nan when you nick her tea biscuits.

- Why Andrew gets weepy over techno tracks while Dr. Sam takes the piss.

- A shocking revelation about James Hetfield's secret love for Finnish noise rock.

- And, of course, a discussion on vegan sausage rolls that'll make you regret lunch.

**Quote of the Episode:**

_"Greg's vegan sausage rolls are like paste in a pastry condom." – Andrew Culture_

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- ヤバイTシャツ屋さん - Eegana

#### Andrew's Riff

- KANONENFIEBER - Kampf und Sturm (1:11)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Zz Top - La Grange (0.15)

2. Oranssi Pazuzu - ilmestys (4.40)

3. Pears - You're Boring (opening)

4. Aceyalone - All Balls (0.06)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Phil Collins - In the air tonight (3:15)

2. Nirvana - Scentless Apprentice (opening)

3. The Refused. - Rather be dead (0:28)

4. François X - Shamefaced (3:34)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this week's audio catastrophe, Andrew is joined by Dr. Sam to discuss "best album endings." Naturally, this means chaos, sarcasm, and several tangents about guinea pig recipes, Björk's cat in pajamas, and why the Rolling Stones are basically for your mum.

Musical choices span the predictable (Stone Roses) to the avant-garde (Bjork making cat noises). Plus, the duo spends more time rambling about band names, random memories of Ipswich gigs, and the existential sadness of Lemmy's apartment than actually talking about music. Classic Beat Motel.

Listen in for:

- ACDC's post-orgasmic groove.

- Why The Stone Roses' "I Am the Resurrection" might keep the party alive.

- The time Status Quo acted like divas while Motorhead just turned up.

- American Football's emo nostalgia (and Andrew's CD shelf musings).

- The art of "album-ending drama."

Also featuring:

- Comments on TikTok that make Mastodon fans cry.

- What happens when cats in pajamas get fed up with Bjork.

- Why nobody should ever try to cover ACDC.

Like a chaotic mixtape of humor, niche knowledge, and unfiltered rants, this episode is exactly what you didn't know you needed. Don't skip the ending—you might miss a guitar amp smashing into oblivion.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Julian Mayorga - No te comas las blanquisimas mofetas (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- American Football - I'll See You When We're Both Not So Emotional (2:09)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. AC/DC - Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution (0.40)

2. Kid Dynamite - Fuckuturn (0.15)

3. Bjork - Triumph of A Heart (0.50)

4. Big Business - Lonely Lyle (3.00)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Stone Roses - I am the resurrection (7:36)

2. The Charlatans - No one, not even the rain (3:55)

3. The Rolling Stones - You can't always get what you want (0:50)

4. Gravediggaz - Rest in peace (outro) - (1:30)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

https://youtu.be/0z-rhM-dcO8?si=86Xdhjw7qSl2E8Rw

In this week's Beat Motel, Andrew and his co-host Dr. Sam tackle the odd world of _Great Albums with Terrible Songs_. Ever wondered why a near-flawless record gets ruined by a random ear-sore? Same here. Andrew dives into the trenches with Metallica, Kyuss, Radiohead, and others, pondering why bands sabotage themselves with tracks that barely qualify as filler.

Dr. Sam treats us to a sociological study of the infamous "skullet" and rants about modern bands who go through music school rather than the gritty DIY route. This episode finds the two slipping into all the irreverent tangents you'd expect: a heated debate on the Doors, bizarre childhood habits, and the joys of listening to Busta Rhymes while teaching their kids about hip-hop. With witty jabs, a sprinkle of _The Office_ references, and some choice British slang, this week's episode promises more laughs than it should.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Ana Lua Caiano - Os Meus Sapatos Tocam Nos Teus (1.05)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Bizarrekult - Du Lovet Meg (1:40)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be (0.52)

2. Guns N Roses - Anything Goes (0.14)

3. Rancid - Life Won't Wait (0.42)

4. A Tribe Called Quest - What? (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Kyuss - Yeah (entire track!)

2. Radiohead - Fitter Happier (opening)

3. The Replacements - Hootenanny (0:29)

4. The Doors - Horse Lattitudes (0:18)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this episode, Andrew and Dr Sam dive into the world of singing drummers—because why settle for just bashing skins when you can also belt out tunes? Expect a thorough dissection of jazz chaos theory, led by Peter Evans and his so-called "three-stooges" approach to organised sound. The duo also explore Karen Carpenter's dual talents, Red Fang's unadulterated riffage, and Mastodon's... well, let's say, questionable riff decisions.

Dr Sam throws in some knowledge grenades about jazz producer legends, while Andrew recalls a traumatic encounter with Reading Festival toilets that left him missing Mastodon for a "pressing" appointment. They also ponder how Robert Wyatt of Soft Machine managed to keep it together, both rhythmically and vocally, before a window accident shifted his life forever. From awkward gig moments to a deep-dive into prog jazz and even John Grant's soundcheck playlist, this episode has it all—except, maybe, subtlety.

_Featured Tracks and Artists_:

- Peter Evans and friends with some chaotic jazz noodling

- The Morons with "I Want to Stab You in the Neck" (naturally)

- Anderson .Paak, making soul look way too easy on the Tiny Desk

- Queens of the Stone Age, with zero Grohl vocals

- Yoshida Tatsuya's wild prog jazz

- A head-turning pick from Soft Machine with Robert Wyatt singing and drumming

Grab your headphones (and maybe a stiff drink); it's a wild ride through rhythm, riffs, and a solid bit of nonsense.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Peter Evans - Freaks (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Ruins of Beverast - Anchoress in Furs (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. The Morons - Stab You in the Neck (0.10)

2. Anderson .Paak - Heart Don't Stand a Chance (from NPR tiny desk) : 3.57

3. Soft Machine - Moon in June (0.20)

4. Koenjihyakkei - Rattims Friezz (1.44)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Carpenters - Close to you (1:15)

2. Mastodon - Blood and Thunder (opening)

3. Queens of the Stone Age - Song for the dead (0:02)

4. Velvet Underground - After Hours

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Anderson .Paak - Heart Don't Stand a Chance (from NPR tiny desk) : 3.57 - https://youtu.be/ferZnZ0_rSM?feature=shared&t=237

In this episode of Beat Motel Andrew is joined by Dr Hannah. Join us as we dive into non-English music, from French hip-hop to North African future funk and Italian soap-opera jams. Along the way, we touch on archaeology, conspiracy theorists, and of course, toilet humor – because what's a Beat Motel episode without that?

We chat about:

- Dr. Sam's political philosophy doctorate (no, he can't save lives).

- Sparks' 70s awkward sexiness and North African beats that sound straight out of _The Fifth Element_.

- Anime, cyberpunk, and Blade Runner-inspired 80s Japanese pop (shout-out to _Bubblegum Crisis_ fans).

- Icelandic shout-singing with Bjork before she got _really_ weird.

- French hip-hop legends that groove smoother than my grandmother's custard.

Hold onto your milking stools (yes, we explain that), as we explore weird instrumentals, wax lyrical about vinyl obsessions, and debate which music genre has the weirdest accents. Also, if you're into Matt Berry and his mysterious music career, we've got you covered.

Dr. Hannah's knowledge runs deep, and we pretend to keep up.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Hannah's Riff

- Sparks - Happy Hunting Ground (2:54)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Norma Tanega - You're dead (opening)

### Dr Hannah's track choices

1. Abdel Kader (Live à Bercy, Paris / 1998) (2:56)

2. Bubblegum Crisis - Konya wa Hurricane (2:46)

3. Maria Arnal i Marcel Bagés - Tú Que Vienes a Rondarme (1:50)

4. Mina - Se telefonando (2:20)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Sugarcubes - Birthday (Icelandic Version) (2:00)

2. MC Solaar - Nouveau Western (1:47)

3. WIZO - Quadrat im Kreis (1:30)

4. Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol (2:05)

Hannah made a playlist of her tracks! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1R19nDqVi8F8JplAjOalJq?si=gG518yOgSAu3O0hh4_tnfQ&pi=di55wqNKTg-f-

In this episode of "Beat Motel," Andrew Culture and _Spamuel Rage_ (because who else could conjure up such bizarre music choices?) return to the long-anticipated second half of their chaos-fueled breakdown: _Great Band, Terrible Decision_. Naturally, things get out of hand, with deep dives into bands that alienate their own fans, riffs that make zero sense, and Devon Townsend's baffling alien coffee addiction (yes, seriously).

Expect more music geekery, deranged anecdotes, and Andrew's rants about Finnish milkmen's stiffy-shaped bottles—because why not? They also explore what happens when you ask your partner, mid-act, "Who's making love?"—results vary.

Highlights:

- ASMR misfires and a thorough misunderstanding of the purpose of _ASMR_ (what even is it?!)

- Andrew Culture's near-confession about allotment-based dogging (we're all left hanging, thank God).

- How _King Prawn_ went from experimental brilliance to "WTF were they thinking?"

- The horror of strapping young lads deciding to ditch metal for 'comedy'. Spoiler: it wasn't funny.

- Why asking random bus-stop strangers "Who's making love?" in Finland leads to awkward silence and not much else.

It's a wild ride as always, with random bouts of technical difficulties and Andrew Culture monologuing about _Spamuel Rage_'s suspiciously symbolic tassels. Oh, and they manage to insult at least three beloved bands (because that's how they roll).

Listen for laughs, questionable musical taste, and a slight risk of learning absolutely nothing.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Johnnie Taylor - Who's Making Love (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- At the drive in - Cosmonaught (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Misfits - Forbidden Zone (0.07)

2. King Prawn - Smoke Some Shit (1.00)

3. Mos Def - Rock N Roll (3.45)

4. Devin Townsend - Tall Latte (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Ride - Drive Blind (2:30)

2. Spacemen 3 - Revolution (4:10)

3. The Buzzcocks - Boredom (1:38)

4. Radiohead - Pyramid Song (2:02)

In this episode of **Beat Motel**, Andrew and the eloquently deranged **Spamuel Rage** dive deep into the delightful chaos of _Great Bands, Terrible Decisions_, and the unexpected tangents of _Multiple Songwriters in One Band_. Expect loud opinions, questionable facts, and unfiltered rants about music that might just leave you scratching your head—and, if you're like Andrew, maybe scratching something else too.

The dynamic duo kicks off by discussing inappropriate use of toenails (yes, that's a thing) and eventually stumble through topics like:

- **Riff of the Week**: From obscure bands like "The Barbarians of California" to classics with questionable re-recording choices (_Johnny Cash, we're looking at you_), it's a musical rollercoaster.

- **Troll Attacks**: Apparently, people online think they're AI-generated… which begs the question, why would anyone make this mess on purpose?

- **Cannibal Corpse**: Yes, they talk about _Cannibal Corpse_ and their "delicate" approach to songwriting. Really.

- **Wu-Tang Clan Skits**: Are they iconic or just disruptive nonsense? Andrew's got some strong opinions.

- **Oasis**: Should Andy Bell have even been allowed near Oasis? Why does Noel Gallagher love this album so much? Discuss.

Also featured: **The Doors' worst circus tune** and **Against Me!'s snare drum debacle**, because what's a music podcast without some hardcore nitpicking?

This episode's as unfiltered as it gets—bad jokes, crude hints, and plenty of nonsense that'll make you wonder why you're still listening. But hey, that's why it's fun!

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- The Barbarians of California - 'Bazooka' (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Smile - Zero Sum (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. fIREHOSE - Can't Believe (0.13)

2. Cannibal Corpse - Make them Suffer (opening)

3. Oasis - Turn Up the Sun (opening)

4. Descendents - Sour Grapes (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Johnny Cash - Classic Cash: Hall of Fame Series Walk the Line (1:00)

2. Wu Tang Clan - Method Man (0:24)

3. The WASP (Texas Radio And The Big Beat) (3:30)

4. Reinventing - Axl Rose (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

**Episode Summary:** In this episode of _Beat Motel_, host Andrew Culture welcomes guest co-host Ollie Pearson to chat about one of life's crucial topics: music for hangovers. Together, they explore the perfect tracks to ease the pain, from ambient soundscapes to feel-good ska, and discuss how to nurse a hangover in style. From nostalgic memories to surprising musical connections, this episode covers all the bases in a delightful, soothing, and occasionally raucous way.

**Key Highlights:**

- **Riff of the Week:** Ollie kicks things off with Need New Body's "Hot Shot," an avant-garde tune full of cartoonish fun. Andrew follows up with the heavy, raw sound of Kulk's "Lives For One," a testament to the explosive music scene in East Anglia.

- **Hangover Soundtrack Selections:** The hosts each choose a series of tracks to create the ultimate hangover recovery playlist, diving into the relaxing vibes of AIX Em KLEMM, the deep ambiance of Kiasmos, the glitchy experimentalism of Oren Ambarchi, and even the big, bold ska beats of The Big.

- **Finding Musical Comfort:** Andrew and Ollie share their personal hangover music philosophies, from soothing, ambient tones that unravel gently like a head massage, to upbeat ska rhythms that remind you everything's going to be okay.

- **Music Discovery Journeys:** The duo reminisce about discovering new bands in the pre-streaming era, the joy of crate-digging, and finding inspiration from bands like Stars of the Lid, Godflesh, and even The Velvet Underground.

- **Nostalgic & Experimental Tunes:** From tracks that recall childhood Saturdays to the overlooked brilliance of The Verve's early shoegaze, this episode takes listeners on a musical journey filled with surprises and thoughtful insights.

- **Bass, Beats, and Sound Baths:** Bass is the theme of the day, with Andrew and Ollie exploring how deep bass notes bring depth to ambient music, how certain songs are like an "auditory medicine," and how even modular synths can help you through a morning of malaise.

**Standout Tracks Featured:**

- **Need New Body – "Hot Shot"**: Avant-garde chaos that captures the mayhem of a pre-hangover night out.

- **Kulk – "Lives For One"**: Heavy, fuzzy riffs from East Anglia's thriving music scene.

- **AIX Em KLEMM – "The Luxury of Dirt"**: A soothing ambient piece for a gentle start to the day.

- **Oren Ambarchi – "Remedios the Beautiful"**: Guitar-based glitch that unravels with soft, intricate detail.

- **The Big – "Think Bigger"**: Ska beats to brighten up the morning after.

- **Microstoria – "Endless Summer"**: Computer-driven soundscapes with warm, comforting bass lines.

- **The Verve – "The Sun, The Sea"**: The shoegaze roots of a band that later became huge pop stars.

- **Elaine Radigue – "Trilogie de la Mort"**: A meditative three-hour drone for deep immersion.

- **The Velvet Underground – "After Hours"**: The perfect wind-down track for a restful end to a long day.

**Who Should Listen?** If you've ever woken up feeling worse for wear and in need of some musical therapy, this episode is for you. Andrew and Ollie curate the ultimate hangover playlist for those who need to soothe, distract, and revive their spirits with a carefully chosen soundtrack. Expect eclectic recommendations, music history, and lots of laughs.

### Riffs of the week

#### Oli's Riff

- Need new body - Hot Shot (1:10)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Kulk - Lives for one (opening)

### Oli's track choices

1. Aix Em Klemm - Luxury of dirt (opening)

2. Oren Ambarchi - Remedios the Beauty (0:15)

3. Microstoria - Endless Summer (opening)

4. Éliane Radigue - Kilasha (9:20)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Kiasmos - Looped (opening)

2. The Big - Think Bigger (1:37)

3. Verve - The Sun, The Sea (2:37)

4. The Velvet Underground - After Hours (Opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

In this episode of Beat Motel, Andrew Culture and Dr Sam, aka "Spamuel Rage," dive headfirst into music, madness, and musings with their signature punk rock attitude and chaotic humour. From noise gigs that leave them temporarily deaf to exploring the wildest genre mashups, the hosts passionately share the bands they wish they could have been part of. Expect raucous riffs, personal stories, and more than a few tangents about life, music, and everything in between.

**Key Highlights:**

- **Noise Gig Gone Wrong:** Andrew shares a wild story from the front row of a deafening noise gig, featuring Pikachu costumes and experimental post-rock.

- **Riffs of the Week:** Dr Sam kicks things off with Pyron's experimental riff, and Andrew follows up with Wolfheart's metal anthem, "Death Leads to the Way."

- **Bands We Wish We Were In:** The main theme of this episode is all about bands that inspire, from No Means No to the Stone Roses, Queen, and the Misfits. Discover what makes each band special and why they'd be on the Beat Motel dream roster.

- **Music Philosophy and Absurd Moments:** Ever wondered if free jazz and death metal broke up the Beatles? Or how about theories on why Queen are just too good to hate? Andrew and Dr Sam break it all down, with plenty of laughs along the way.

- **Ipswich Anecdotes:** Expect tales about Ipswich, where teeth are apparently shared among the locals, leading to some top-notch banter about the joys (and struggles) of the town.

- **The Art Punk Thrust:** The hosts get philosophical about what "art punk" truly means and explore how punk bands like The Slits, Adam and the Ants, and even Minutemen changed the genre forever.

- **Musical Discoveries & Influences:** The Stone Roses channelling Bow Wow Wow? Absolutely. How Donald "Duck" Dunn of Booker T. & the MG's fame could have been playing bass on the _Test Match Special_ theme tune? You bet. And of course, plenty of love for the 12-inch era of records and a nostalgic dive into discovering music before TikTok.

- **Waitresses on a Plane:** A hilarious riff on Ian Brown's airline escapades and why being a bellend gets you remembered (for all the wrong reasons).

- **Sunburnt Bumcheeks & Hat Mancock:** Yes, these topics come up. And yes, they're as ridiculous as they sound.

**Who Should Listen?** If you're a punk, noise rock, or post-punk fan—or you just want to laugh at irreverent commentary on music and life—this episode is a must-listen. From high-energy discussions to outrageous humour, Andrew and Dr Sam will keep you entertained and craving more.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Pyrrhon - The Greatest City on Earth (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Wolf Heart - Death Leads the Way (2:45)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. NoMeansNo - Machine (1.22)

2. Queen - Best Friend (opening)

3. Misfits - Saturday Night (0.22)

4. Ruins - Outburn (0.49)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Stone Roses - One Love (5:25)

2. Led Zeppelin - Dazed and Confused (3:25)

3. Booker T and the MG's - Soul Limbo (0:34)

4. Russian Circles - Death Rides a Horse (opening)

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Citric Dummies - Look Out World (I'm Eating at Arbys) (0.30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Smashing Pumpkins - Sighommi

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Metallica - Creeping Death (1.24)

2. Black Midi - John L (opening)

3. GWAR - The Salaminizer (opening)

4. Beastie Boys - No Sleep Til Brooklyn (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. David Bowie - Join the gang (1:31)

2. Blur - She's so high (0:52)

3. Slayer - Black Magic (2:30)

4. Radiohead - I can't (0:10)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

The Musician's Union campaigned to ban drum machines. That's like a chunk of cauliflower campaigning to ban toilet roll. It just makes no sense.

In this episode of The Beat Motel Andrew is joined by the always hardcore Dan Callis. What we didn't know before we started recording this episode is that Dan is currently under the influence of some fairly heavy sedation following surgery.

Listener discretion is advised...

### Riffs of the week

#### Dan's Riff

- How long you been driving - Party song (0:21)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Wolfheart - Ancient Cold

### Dan's track choices

1. Nerve Peel - Gutter Punx in Space (2:00)

2. Linus-Fitness Centre - Boot leather (3:09) - only 7 views!

3. Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Merry cyrstmeth (1:46)

4. Big Black - Kerosene (3:05)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Jesus and Mary Chain - Reverence (0:36)

2. Clipping - body for the pile (0:43)

3. Optimum Wound Profile - Tranqhead (2:49)

4. Carter USM - Only living boy in new cross (2:20)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Girls in Cars? Boys in Cars? Nonbinary people in cars? Nongendered People in Cars? Animals in Cars! Animals driving cars! Absurd. Lets just stop, now. Please. PC gone mad! Slightly fluffy skin bags in cars!

Everybody loves a car, don't they? They've have been a feature in rock'n'roll since rock'n'roll was wore bobby socks. (Apparently, Bobbysocks were a 1980s Norwegian band who entered Eurovision.)

This week, Andrew and Sam take this week as their opportunity to explore, this week, the many-varied roll of the car in the modern Western rock and/or roll tradition. This week. And, boy do they do it! You gotta get your ears in this shit. Wowee. They conclude by discussing the unique perspective of Grace Jones channelling a parking space – she is objectifying the car whilst turning herself into an object. Wrap your head around that, academics.

Andrew and Sam also discover the joy of internet comments. Sam wants the Internet to be turned off, as he sends these show notes in an email. If he posted them to Andrew, they'd take about 3 weeks to arrive.

Love.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Dan Deacon - Sat By A Tree (0.10)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Rad Pitt - I went to Bristol and saw Macaulay Culkin on a boat once (1:20)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Kaonashi - I hate the Sound of Car Keys (1.06)

2. Madness - I Like Driving in My Car (opening)

3. Velvets - My Baby's Car Crazy (0.06)

4. The Dead Milkmen - Bitchin' Camaro (1.43)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Bluetones - Autophillia (1:17)

2. Suede - Breakdown (4:35)

3. Deep Purple - Speed King (1:47)

4. Grace Jones - Pull up to my bumper (2:15)

Listen to Rad Pitt - https://radpittradpitt.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-for-the-hopeful

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Noteable tracks we didn't choose

- Chop Suey by System of a Down

- I'm in love with my car - Queen

- All songs by Fu Manchu

- Little Red Corvette - Prince

- No particular place to go - Chuck Berry

- Maybelline - Chuck Berry

- Baby you can drive my car - The Beatles

Movies are too long these days. The big ones are all bladder-busting lengths, indulgences rarely seen since the bloated bullshit of early 1970s prog nonsense. If you want a bit of escapism these days, you tend to have to endure the flatulence of this nonsense. Is the death of the cinema neigh?

Who cares? A fun thing to do is watch music videos (Sorry, Jello Biafra—good ones are an art!). A lot of these, however, show us a scene and do not tell stories. But some give us a story like, er, Michael Jackson (maybe), was perhaps kind of the format.

This is why, this week, Andrew and Sam are back in their respective holes, studiously ignoring that and talking about other narrative-based music videos. Andrew gets Flowered Up, which makes Sam feel stupid about forgetting Red Fang. Sam panics and surprisingly finds a Primus song Andrew doesn't hate (HE'S BREAKING).

All that nonsense and more. We love you.

sorry

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Inter Arma - New Heaven (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Francois X - Blurry Youth

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Beastie Boys - Body Movin (0.30)

2. Fang Island - Daisy (1.50)

3. Primus - Wyonna's Big Brown Beaver (opening)

4. Guns N'Roses - November Rain (3.55)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Richard Dawson - Ogre (4:22)

2. Red Fang - Wires (1:47)

3. My Chemical Romance - I'm not okay (2:45)

4. Flowered Up - Weekender (11:00)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Do you like metal? Do you like death? Probably not, and that's quite understandable. But do you like live music that is more metallic than Iron Man's codpiece? Or would you rather a nice sit down? For this episode, we're in the Finland, soaking up punishing music that's brutal in timbre and attack.

Andrew Culture and Dr Sam went to Finland to attend the most punk rock Death Metal festival in Christendom. Expect strong language, brutal riffs and adult spicy language. Because we're going to Deathfest and we don't give a fig.

This is the first live review we've made a fancy pants video for, so even if you don't like death metal, you should at least watch the video for the spectacle of Sam and Andrew trying to look pretty for the camera.

Since the dawn of civilisation, rock'n'roll has been featured in films. Many talking heads, in documentaries featured once upon-a-time on the BBC, have spoken about the groin-and-brain-fireworks set off by seeing Willy Hailey and his Comets on the silver screen. Elsewhere, Elvis flooded cinemas with his cinematic gyros. Even Little Richard stood on a piano in one, and in doing so, stood above everyone. Ever. The real and true kueen (sic).

Anyway, I digress. This week, we look at the efforts of bands to make films, themselves. Or at least, be heavily featured in them. In doing so, we look at Guitar Wolf, the Beedles, Weird Al, Floyd's Pink Pants and still more. We explore how these two things are inexplicably linked – rock'n'roll and dramatic movies, and reach surprising conclusions.

And Sam is back from spurlunking.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Thumpasaurus - Struttin' (0:10)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Putrid Defecation - Impending Anal Leakage (0:36)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Slade - Far Far Away (0.18)

2. Weird Al - Beat on the Brat (entire song!)

3. Guitar Wolf - Wild zero (opening)

4. Metallica - Through the Never (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Monkees - Porpoise Song (2:56)

2. Pink Floyd - Echos Part 1 - Live at Pompeii (7:49)

3. The Ramones - Rock and Roll High School (0:59)

4. Peter Sellers: A Hard Day's Night (0:10)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Edit at 40 minutes

Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall when a fly on the wall documentary is made? Do music documentaries only tell a sanitised version of the truth?

We have no idea, which will become apparent when you listen to this week's episode. With special guest David Jago.

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- The Trio - Ennio Morricone (The Good, The Bad And The Ugly) (3:53)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Ruins of Beverast - Exuvia (12:49)

### Jago's Track Choices

1. Metallica - "Some Kind of Monster" (7:35)

- Documentary: _Some Kind of Monster_

2. The Beatles - "The Long and Winding Road" (opening)

- Documentary: _Get Back_

3. Oasis - "Champagne Supernova" (1:56)

- Documentary: _Supersonic_

4. Bros - "Drop the Boy" (2:41)

- Documentary: _When the Screaming Stops_

### Andrew's Track Choices

1. Blur - "Oily Water" (4:30)

- Documentary: _Starshaped_

2. The Refused - "Rather Be Dead" (0:45)

- Documentary: _The Refused Are Fucking Dead_

3. Against Me! - "The Party's Over" (0:15)

- Documentary: _Never Going Home_

4. Public Enemy - "Fight the Power" (2:38)

- Documentary: _Camden_

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

The best bits of the Bros documentary

https://youtu.be/LioQzFiPCyg?si=1NANEKbTOAg-b4vS

Join Andrew Culture and Dave Jago on this electrifying episode of Beat Motel as they delve into the cinematic world of music biopics.

From the masterpieces to the absolute trainwrecks, the duo dissects what makes a biopic great and what makes it a total flop. Get ready for some unfiltered opinions, hilarious commentary, and unexpected picks.

Introduction to Biopics:

Definition and significance of music biopics. Overview of what to expect in this episode.

Best Biopics:

James Brown - Get On Up: Elton John - Rocketman:

Worst Biopics:

Sid Vicious - Sid and Nancy: Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody:

Honorable Mentions and Dishonorable Discharges:

Brief discussions on other notable biopics, both good and bad.

Riff of the Week:

Andrew and Dave's picks for this week's riff of the week.

Listener Interactions:

Shoutouts and thanks to listeners interacting on social media.

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- Muse - Stockholm Syndrome (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Smote – The Opinion Of The Lamb Pt. 1 (Live In Blank Studios) (13:12)

### Jago's track choices

1. James Brown - Mind Power (6:50)

- FILM: Get on up

2. **Elton John - Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding** (6:43)

- **Film**: Rocket Man

3. **The Doors - When the Music's Over** (0:25)

- **Film**: The Doors

4. **Happy Mondays - Step On** (Opening)

- **Film**: 24 Hour Party People

### Andrew's track choices

1. Sid Vicious - Something Else (0:37)

- FILM: Sid & Nancy

2. Jimi Hendrix - Axis Bold as Love (2:49)

- FILM: Jimi: All is by my side

3. Queen - Brighton Rock (3:18)

- FILM: Bohemian Rhapsody

4. Johnny Cash - Walk the line (opening)

- FILM: Walk the line

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Can you separate the art from the artists? Which songs do you really love, despite the writer's abhorrent views? Are there any artists you really respect, but absolutely can't tolerate the terrible music they churn out?

If so then you're normal. In the new episode of Beat Motel host Andrew Culture and co-host David Jago dig into the complex, and often very funny twisted logic behind the link between art and artist.

Jago on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/david_jago_/

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- Shocking Blue - The Butterfly And I (2:55)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Corduroy - Motorhead (0:15)

### Jago's track choices

1. Robbie Williams - No Regrets (4:15)

2. Sweating Bullets - Megadeth (0:25)

3. Kiss - Let's Put The X In Sex (2:28)

4. Pantera - Cemetery Gates (0:56)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Stone Roses - The sun still shines (1:58)

2. Ed Sheeran - Castle on the Hill (0:27)

3. The Kinks - Shangri-la (2:50)

4. Led Zepellin - Achilles last stand (6:49)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

What gigs do you wish you had gone to? It might be gig that you could have gone to, but couldn't be arsed, or it could be a gig that requires a time machine.

In this episode, Andrew is joined once again by David Jago as they discuss the raw brutality of Metallica, the weirdness of Mr Bungle and the groove of the Newport Jazz Festival. Buckle in; things are gonna get weird. In a good way. Or Not. Why are you still reading this?

Follow David Jago on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/david_jago_/ (that's an order)

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- The Faceless - Legion of the serpent (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Rad Pitt - Hot... Hot... Hotter... Gone! (1:19)

### Jago's track choices

1. Richie Havens - Freedom at Woodstock (2:19)

2. Mr Bungle- 1992-04-20- The Warfield, San Francisco (CA), USA (23:43)

3. Metallica - Fight Fire With Fire - Canada - 1986 (0:42)

4. Smashing Pumpkins - Siva (Reading Festival 1992)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Ride - Dreams Burn Down (live at Brixton Academy 27/03/1992) (3:57)

2. The George Shearing Quintet - Rondo Live at Newport Jazz Festival 1958 (0:20)

3. Santana - Soul Sacrifice live at Woodstock (3:54)

4. The Stone Roses - I Am the Resurrection (Live In Blackpool) (9:09)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Listen to Rad Pitt!

https://youtu.be/pdin_fQPNpY?si=nw_2MPS8-RAcsPwD

You know how it goes, you start your musical career as a screamo band and a few albums into your lifespan you realise you're not longer screamo. You're now a country power ballads bands. Sound familiar? No? Listen to this episode anyway. What else have you got going on in your life, really?

Follow David Jago on Instagram (that's an order) - https://www.instagram.com/david_jago_/

### Riffs of the week

#### Jago's Riff

- Soundgarden - 4th July (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Spitfire - Wild Sunshine (0:26)

### Jago's track choices

1. The Clash - Lose This Skin (0:30)

2. Radiohead - Like spinning plates (2:17)

3. Scott Walker - Hand Me Ups (opening)

4. The Doors - Runnin' Blue (0:55)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Ride - Seagull (0:06)

2. Cave In - Trepanning (1:20)

3. Blur - Fool (0:16)

4. Beastie Boys - Sabrosa (0:48)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Summer lovin': happened so fast. It was a bit disappointing that it took longer to clean up the mess.

In the last podcast to feature Sam until August (unless something strange happens), SAmdrew talk about the hot music of the summer: that's right, shit that went down years ago, but they missed out. Because they were ignorant, entitled, cis-gendered white men, too busy concentrating on being cis-gendered to let their hair down and just enjoy themselves.

They talk about missing out on the Beastie Boys, At the Drive-In, and B*witched, amongst others.

Remember what Kurt Cobain sang: just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you.

And, if summer music is about anything, it's about missing out on what's genuinely fun for whatever shit is playing festivals.

Lesson is: music isn't want it used to be. We could've been there, we knew about it. But we weren't there. Because being there isn't cool, but it was too obvious.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- April March - Ton Rayon Vert (0.37)

#### Andrew's Riff

- University - Notre Dam Made Out Of Flesh (2:16)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. At The Drive-In - Cosmonaut (opening)

2. Franz Ferdinand - Come on Home (1.10)

3. Deafheaven - Sunbather (4.50)

4. Iron Maiden - Aces High (1.15)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Big - Insanity (0:40)

2. The Refused - New Noise (3:35)

3. Beastie Boys - Gratitude (1:41)

4. Wu Tang Clan - Method Man (1:45)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Sam will write show notes

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- The Faint - Agenda Suicide (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Bluetones - If (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Coal Chamber - Big Truck (opening)

2. Newtown Grunts - Out of the Crowd (0.51)

3. Ruins Alone - Stonehenge (0.26)

4. Ornette Coleman - Free Jazz (8.40)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Charlatans - Then (2:50)

2. Still Little Fingers - Suspect Device (1:38)

3. Prolapse - Headless in a beat motel (3:20)

4. INSOMNIUM - Valediction (2:00)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Chris Lamont commented: "what a boring load of shite"

They say write what you know, and many, many, many musicians have just done that. Obscure lyrics about mainlining Anusol, and tell-it-like-it-is ones about that weird smell at the back of the tour bus that was there before you bought it. It's all there, and it's all wonderful.

Sam is back, so join him as he joins Andrew as they fail to check anything they say and barely talk about the music they've decided to talk about. This week's sponsor's include Shell Oil, Camel Cigarettes and the HMR Treasury.

Did we talk about how awful the Offspring are these days or last week? Is Ed Sheeran still playing for them? The usual amounts of toilet humour and ponderings what embracing European orchestral traditions suggest in black metal. Oh, and Metallica. Yes. They sponsor us this week, as well. (Actually? Not actually).

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Les Savy Fav - What We Don't Don't Want (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Aquilus - Into the Earth (7:10)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Minutemen - History Lesson, pt. 2 (1.34) - LOAD MATTS END AFTER THIS

2. Ozzy Osborne - Goodbye to Romance (opening)

3. Reel Big Fish - Sell Out (1.52)

4. Metallica - Turn the Page (0.30)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Replacements - Treatment Bound (0:42)

2. Mindless Self Indulgence - Shut me up (0-:27)

3. NoFx - Theme From A NoFx Album (1:25)

4. Against Me - Even At Our Worst We're Still Better Than Most (The Roller) (0:57)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

https://youtu.be/QFvAf7rjtC8?si=8ZItdfW-e1f7jIfe

Duuuuuuude, did you hear that? Do ya know what that means? This changes EVERYTHING!

Have you had your brain wiring fuddled about with by a song, a band or genre? Have you emerged from a monocultural wasteland and found yourself bathed in the wonder of a brave new aural world?

Nah, us neither, here's two people talking spaff about some tunes they like.

Dr Sam's seat is vacant this week, so his socks are ably filled by Oli A.K.A Anrufen. Get Oli up in your chuff by visiting https://www.instagram.com/anrufenmusic/

### Riffs of the week

#### Ollie's Riff

- 'Ἡ τῶν λυσσημάτων ἄγγελος (2:30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Lemonheads - If I Could Talk I'd Tell You (2:09)

### Ollie's track choices

1. saleontomorrow - tide of tongue and toothache (1:45)

2. Jim O'Rourke - Ghost Ship in a Storm (0:24)

3. Storm & Stress - Meet Me In The Space They Stare At Leaving Their Seat During A Show (0:25)

4. Dettinger - Intershop 6 (4:47)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Subhumans - Apathy (0:11)

2. Against Me! - True Trans Soul Rebel (0:32)

3. Pelican - March into the sea (6:10)

4. Rival Consoles - Howl (2:22)

https://youtu.be/ywcshfrpO3A?si=EWPilc28r3Wc5A4K

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- The Rapture - House of Jealous Lovers (1.30)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Mother Mother - All the dying (1.14)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. The Offspring - We Never Have Sex Anymore (0.50)

2. System of a Down - Protect the Land (opening)

3. Rage Against the Machine - How I Could Just Kill a Man (0.20)

4. PJ Harvey - Prayer at the Gate (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Duran Duran - White Lines (1:04)

2. The Kinks - Somebody Stole My Car (0:35)

3. Led Zeppelin - Hot Dog (0:55)

4. Metallica - Fuel (0:55)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Progressive music is a terrible name for a genre, isn't it? If we take the dictionary definition ("happening or developing gradually or in stages"), prog doesn't really live up to that. Instead, it's a series of long winded nerdy time signatures and modes: ideas repeated since the late 1960s. No, you stop being so petty minded.

This week, we tackle the prickly subject of only needing one album from a band. Some bands, you don't need an entire album of, with others, you're missing a journey. But, what about that band that's incredible for an album, and nothing else nears it again?

Of course, this is all tackled in a scatological-friendly approach. As it should be, right? And Sam reveals his deep love for documentaries on progressive bands and his deep mistrust of progressive bands actual output.

Leading us onto another subject: what bands would be better left as documentaries?

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Fantastic Negrito - In My Head (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- John Kongos - He's gonna step on you again (2:45)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Between the Buried and Me - Son of Nothing (opening)

Album - Colors

2. King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man (3.56)

Album - In the court of the Crimson King

3. Slayer - Dead Skin Mask (opening)

Album - Abyss

4. Coheed and Cambria - Welcome Home (0.11)

Album - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Stone Roses - Elizabeth my dear (0:23)

Album - The Stone Roses

2. Santana - Hope you're feeling better (opening)

Album - Abraxis

3. Torche - Pirhaña (0:50)

Album - Meanderthal

4. Kiasmos - Looped (opening)

Album - Kiasmos

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

What makes a great compilation album? Can they define a genre, or even a generation? How many of your favourite bands did you discover through compilation albums? Do you have a compilation album in your list of your most favourite albums? Do some of your fingernails grow much faster than others?

If you answer no (or yes) to any of these questions then you need to listen to the new episode of Beat Motel Podcast!

Find this episode on any podcast platform by searching for Beat Motel, or head on over to www.beatmotel.com more episode details, bonus content and other listening links.

#BeatMotel #BeatMotelPodcast #musicpodcasts #musicpodcast #zine #podcast #zines #musichumour #comedy

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Anybody can put out a classic album, yeah? Anybody. Like me. I've done it. Suck it. Anybody can put out two classic albums, yeah? Anybody. Like you. Or three. It's EASY. I'll tell you how. You can even ask ChatGBT to do it (but there'll be something inauthentic about it, so maybe not).

But, what does it take to make a career in it? To transcend the scene one emerges from, to continuously make good, interesting music that means people don't just want to hear stuff from your first two albums.

Maybe you can go down the tech death metal route, where stuff is just too complicated to digest and thus you can play anything you want. But ... I mean, who likes technical and progressive music, anyway?

Or you can go down the route where you take an artistic approach, and the music transcends its limitations.

So, this is how you can make a classic album: just copy Scott Walker. Or Robert Wyatt.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- The Rentals - Friends of P (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Green Lung - Mountain throne (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. NoMeansNo - Heaven Is the Dust Beneath My Shoes (2.56)

2. Cannibal Corpse - Time To Kill Is Now (1.33)

3. Robert Wyatt - Just As You Are (0.48)

4. Scott Walker - The Old Man's Back Again (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. The Bluetones - My neighbours house (0:15)

2. Kyuss - Sandpiper (0:17)

3. Crowded House - Not the Girl You Think You Are (2:01)

4. Against Me - Rebecca (opening)

Andrew was going to choose Beatles but they get the video blocked worldwide!

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Sam swore 43:20

Comment from Callis

Hiiiirs!

Letter from Bowditch

Morning. Was listening to your podcast on the way to work and a couple of things about Cattle Decapitation. There is only one singer, Travis Ryan, who has an incredible range of styles. Plus, the band started out as having all vegan members and their position was that if we viewed what we do to animals as if we did the same to humans, its would be horrific. So that's what their songs are about. Plus now also about the unsustainability of the human race as a whole. One of my favourite metal bands 🤘🏼

Gonzo review of Green Lung and Lowen at Colchester Arts centre. Thanks to Roki End Times, Joe and Paul for getting involved.

Sounds bad, feels so good.

There's an abundance of tracks that sound jolly but have underlyingly bad lyrics. That's what we covered last week. WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER WAY AROUND, though? Why does angry stuff HAVE to be angry, and can it be something other than just dumb/wacky comedy if its not?

Neither of us went down the comic root, and both of us struggled. Along the way, we explore the deeper meaning of Otto, whether evolution may save us, and what the hell is going on with Billy Bragg? Is he truly the UK's answer to Bob Dylan?

As with every week, we also offer scatological advice and horrorscopes and riffs of the week. What does Husker Dü?

One world, one love. Why are they spending so much money on bombs, and not enough on health care?

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Folterkammer - Agolagnia (2.43)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Husker Du - I'll never forget you (opening)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Cattle Decapitation - Terrasitic Adaptation (1.35)

2. The Hirs Collective - XOXOXOXOXOX (opening)

3. Irreversible Entanglements - Our Land Back (3.17)

4. Billy Bragg - The Internationale (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. System of a down - Vicinity of obscenity (0:42)

2. Bjork - Hyperballad (1:54)

3. Dead Kennedys - Too drunk to fuck (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

https://youtu.be/GUtQMfrhOeM?si=qfpukGNVbEbPSBSn

"Watcha talkin' 'bout, Willis?" (Spelling as stylised by Google) Said Gary Coleman as his character Arnold Jackson in the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. Far be it from us to analyse the racial and other identity-based issues bought up by the existence and popularity of that catchphrase and the related sitcom, rather it is a point of departure. It's about capturing attention, jarring you out of your complacent listening, about refusing to be put in the background. Sam is back from his endless holiday seeking, watch an April snowstorm out of his window, and needs something to capture his attention away from the question of how to get a child home. That is a strange line. That is a great one. That is a ponderous what. What ARE they talking about? Does Willis know? Join us, again, as we ponder some great opening lines. Ones that shriek "look at me", and ones that just jar. And for some Slayer-fan bating. 'Cos Slayer got back together, and WHO CARES? Get more Beat Motel at https://beatmotel.com/

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Iron Monkey - Concrete Shock (opening)

#### Andrew's Riff

- The Beastie Boys - Sounds of Silence (2:00)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Against Me - TSR (opening)

2. A Tribe Called Quest - Buggin Out (opening)

3. The Clash - Koka Kola (opening)

4. Slayer - Angel of Death (opening)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Against Me - Bourne on the FM waves of Love (opening)

2. Subhumans - Apathy (0:15)

3. Jesus and Mary Chain - Snakedriver

4. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - Billy was a Mountain (opening)

Email us - beatmotel@lawsie.com

Beat Motel Zine started as an award-winning print zine sometime around 2004, and this podcast continues that trajectory with attitude, enthusiasm and curiosity. Tune in, turn up & kick back! We dig into the alternative music we live for. Join us for deep dives, on-the-spot live reviews and laughs. This is not about the world of pop, this is an alt music podcast with a punk rock zine attitude. Beat Motel is about the fringes of the musical world, and we're going to pull at those threads until it unravels. LISTENING LINKS: Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beat-motel-zine/id1678093566 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2gScWrQd5kMCZDpu7X1smT Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9kY2ZjMmM5MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beatmotelzine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beatmotelzine/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/beatmotelzine