Show Notes
In what was supposed to be the episode 250 special (before last week's short-notice interview with Courtney Barnett), Oliver looks at some favourite 'storytelling' protest songs. Including an incredible unreleased song by MJ Lenderman about the Vietnam War, Jason Isbell and Drive-By Truckers with more introspective tales of U.S. involvment in The Iraq War, and a brilliant song about ex NRA Leader Harlon Carter's dark past.
Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This show is part of the Free FM 89.0 YOUTH ZONE. Made with support of NZ on Air.
More from A Sonic Youth
Music old and brand new from Philly indie rock legends The War On Drugs! Plus, new release garage punk from Aussie band The Grogans and Christchurch's Best Bets. Then a look at favourites from The Fizzgates, which take sonic influence from Dinosaur Jr, Husker Du, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The Hold Steady is one of Oliver's favourite bands, one that's all about rock ‘n’ roll power chords, frothing energy, and really fun lyrics. 'Boys and Girls in America' is the final record from the band's 3-album golden period. Oliver checks out favourite tracks and tells the interconnected stories behind the songs. Plus, Drive-By Truckers' bold 2016 protest album 'American Band'. It's an album that, sadly, is as lyrically relevant 10-years on. And it sounds as great as ever.
Oliver was a massive fan of This is Lorelei (Nate Amos)'s first 'full' album, 'Box for Buddy, Box for Star'. Now, he's signed to Matador Records and has released another great album of music which finds a space between slacker indie and alt-country. Also, Silver Jew's sophomore record 'The Natural Bridge' 30 years on. Oliver plays favourite tracks and tells some of the story of enigmatic band leader David Berman.
We are joined in the FreeFM studio this week by Nicholas Joseph, the day before the album release gig for his debut solo record ‘Sailing’. Nicholas talks to Oliver about his music history and influences, playing in post-punk bands in the Auckland scene, and writing this new guitar-based album after settling back in New Zealand after a period living in Shanghai.
Oliver checks out the beautiful cosmic Americana of Dylan LeBlanc's 'Coyote' and his latest album with The Family. Then, the psych-influenced power pop of Exploding Flowers. Also, Wand's Cory Hanson and a brilliant track omitted from his much revered 2023 solo album.