The Best Punk Podcasts

Long Way To The Top

The cult Australian podcast with Shayne Brian, Long Way To The Top has punks Dave Vanian, Ed Kuepper, Glen Matlock, J.J. Burnel and Hugh Cornwell on the record for fans of The Damned, The Sex Pistols, The Saints, and The Strangers.

These relaxed interviews offer unique insights into punk and new wave history.

Shayne Brian says, “This series was developed off the back of both The Bad Boys Podcasts and the wonderful chats I have had with artists on LAFM. Some are brand new and some are resurrected interviews from the archives. In some cases I will be joined by my Bad Boys co-host, Andrew Hackett and then other times it is just me, the mic and my musical hero.”

“Even now, after countless interviews, I still get a nervous excitement in chatting with my guests, and I hope that will never change because it is that admiration for their music that I want you to experience as you embark on your journey with them on their long way to the top.”

Gary Crowley and Jim Lahat

In London, you can listen to the acclaimed show G.C’s Punk and New Wave on Mixcloud.

First in the punk chart and first in the new wave chart too, this is Gary Crowley’s own boat cast, moored on The Boat Pod – helped along by Jim Lahat and Buddy the Punk Poodle.

 

New Dave Vanian Playlist

Roxy Music and New York Dolls

Dave Vanian took time out from The Damned’s final world tour to let Spin magazine know his preferred playlist.

In case you are looking for inspiration, what follows is Vanian’s best pick of five from his record collection.

Roxy Music’s self-titled album is top of his list.

Vanian: “They had a complete sound, but it wasn’t the smooth kind of 1930s feel [they] went to later with Avalon and stuff. Now that was how they broke America, with Avalon, but the first album, it was quirky and it borrowed from rock ‘n roll. It was very of that area of albums in the very early ‘70s, influences are very different than they were later.”

“No one had done it with that mix of sounds, which is so incredible. Of course, [Bryan Ferry] had such a distinctive voice as well. It was a strange voice, but on top of all that unusual-sounding material, and it was very filmic, which is something I’ve always liked. Without even the vocals the music gave you that openness and luxury, a feeling of luxury in the whole thing.”

Roxy Music by Roxy Music was released with model Kari-Ann Moller on the front who later married Mick Jagger’s brother Chris.
Virginia Plain is the standout track.

Also on Vanian’s list? The New York Dolls by The New York Dolls. Other favourites are Plastic Palace People by Scott Walker; And Suddenly It’s The Left Banke; Andy Warhol’s Blood for Dracula by Claudio Gizzi.

Jet Boy is the standout track from The New York Dolls.

The Soundcheck Secret Stash

If you want to see Friday On My Mind at soundcheck, there is only one YouTube channel for you.

Stevie Wright was filmed during rehearsal for the Melbourne Music Festival in 1988, with the stage still being set up around the band as they stun onlookers.
Laneway Music has other rarities in its collection too, like Colin Hay singing Down Under.