E322 - Sgt. Splendor's Eric McFadden & Kate Vargas - Top 5 Songs This Messed-Up World Needs Right Now
Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music PodcastShow Notes
What the world needs now...is O3L, sweet O3L!
The lads are joined by guitarist/vocalist duo Eric McFadden and Kate Vargas — collectively known as Sgt. Splendor — to count down the top five songs this messed-up world needs right now. The conversation explores how music can heal, empower, and unite in difficult times.
Guest Bios:
Eric McFadden — A spellbinding guitarist with a catalog stretching back to the mid-'80s punk band Angry Babies. He's played with George Clinton & P-Funk All Stars, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Jackson Browne, Joe Strummer, Anders Osborne, Fishbone's Angelo Moore, among many others. Kate believes that Eric is one of the greatest guitarists of all time...and who are we to disagree?
Kate Vargas — A singer-songwriter with five acclaimed solo albums, including Golden Hour in the House of Lugosi (2025). Known for her gritty voice and evocative storytelling. Eric believes that Kate belongs in an elite group of songwriters that include Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen...and who are we to disagree?
About Sgt. Splendor: Eric and Kate met at Pat McDonald's (of Timbuk 3 fame) Steel Bridge Song Fest at the Holiday Music Motel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Their collaboration blends hard rock, riff blues, junkyard folk, desert psychedelia, alternative funk, and carnival-esque vibes. Their third album, Isotopia, is out now on Mother West.
Other Topics Discussed:
The Soil Dove immersive circus/dinner show featuring Joan Baez
Eric's personal encounters with Joe Strummer
The origin story of Sgt. Splendor at Steel Bridge Song Fest
The making of Isotopia
Their cover of Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta"
Uh...Lou Bega.
Music Featured:
Sergeant Splendor — "Brave, Rough, and Ready to Go"
Sergeant Splendor — "Play On"
Connect:
sgtsplendor.com
facebook.com/onlythreelads
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