PODCAST · music
A Sonic Youth
by Oliver Grey
🎸 A love for indie rock as expressed by Kiwi taste-maker Oliver Grey.
Episodes
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ep 247 - The Hold Steady, Drive-By Truckers' American Band
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…
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ep 256 - This Is Lorelei, Silver Jews
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…
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ep 255 - Interview with Nicholas Joseph
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…
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ep 254 - Dylan LeBlanc, Exploding Flowers, Cory Hanson
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. Tracklist: 1. Dylan LeBlanc -...
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ep 253 - Ty Segall, Dinosaur Jr
It's a full noise episode of the show this week! Oliver looks at the new Dinosaur Jr album, one which many, (Oliver included), are calling one of the best of their 'modern' reformation period. Also, 'Chrome', the new album of sludgy guitar-based indie rock from Californian modern garage punk…
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ep 252 - Wild Pink, Teenage Fanclub
NYC-based loud Americana band Wild Pink have released the follow-up to their brilliant 2024 record 'Dulling The Horns'. Can this new record, 'Still Coming Down' maintain the distortion-drenched brilliance of the previous? Also, Scottish jangle rock legends Teenage Fanclub, and the first single…
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A Sonic Youth ep 251 - Storytelling Protest Songs
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...
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A Sonic Youth ep 250 - An Interview with Courtney Barnett
Oliver did have another episode 250 planned... But, last week he had the late notice opportunity to interview a long-time favourite artist, Courtney Barnett. So tune in as Oliver asks Courtney about her new album 'Creature of Habit', her new home in California, and her upcoming New Zealand tour!...
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A Sonic Youth ep 249 - A Mixed Bag Of Loose Ends
Oliver prepares for episode 250 by clearing up the "loose ends" from his A Sonic Youth playlists. We start by paying tribute to the legendary self-titled 'The Modern Lovers' album on its 50th birthday. Then, tracks from Defiance, Ohio, Ryan Adams and 764-Hero. Plus, two great covers, one of a...
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A Sonic Youth ep 248 - Carla Geneve, Ty Segall, Surf Trash
Oliver looks at music new and old from a favourite from the Australian indie rock scene, Carla Geneve. Her's is a powerful brand of Australian indie, led by a strong voice, emotionally-dense lyrics and a good dose of proper indie rock noise. Plus, new garage punk from the upcoming Ty Segall…
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A Sonic Youth ep 247 - The Go, Pip Blom, Snail Mail
The Go had it all going for them. They had a great sound, mixing garage rock with power pop and a bit of glam rock. They were signed (alongside Nirvana, Mudhoney, etc.) on Sup Pop Records. And, on their first record, their lead guitarist was a certain guy named Jack White. So why haven't you…
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A Sonic Youth ep 246 - Magic Shoppe, Dinosaur Jr, Mudhoney
Oliver plays favourites from Boston-based neo-psych/shoegaze band Magic Shoppe. Plus, music from two of the greatest and most influential alternative rock bands. One of whom is gearing up to release their next album. The other has just announced a bunch of exciting New Zealand live dates....
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A Sonic Youth ep 245 - Israel Nash's Rain Plans Deluxe - This Is Lorelei - Langkamer
Israel Nash's 'Rain Plans' is one of Oliver's favourite albums, a perfect blend of folky Americana and psych rock. Recently, we received a deluxe reissue featuring demos and cut tracks, and it lives up to the original. Then, new music from This Is Lorelei, and tracks from Bristol-based…
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A Sonic Youth ep 244 - An Indie New Release Marathon
Oliver looks at EIGHT indie new releases. We start with NZ's Office Dog, playing tracks from their new LP 'Prime Corner'. Also, Canadian neo-psych band Elephant Stone, Aussie indie from Julia Jacklin, Dutch indie rock from Pip Blom, and another great new song from Wild Pink. Then two new bands…
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A Sonic Youth ep 243 - Nada Surf, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Oliver Tree
Some 243 episodes later, Oliver looks back at the album that started it all! It's Nada Surf's punky 1996 debut 'High/Low' on its 30th birthday. Led by the iconic 'Popular', this is an album which Oliver thinks strikes a middle ground between the brands of noise rock heard from Pixies and Husker…
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A Sonic Youth ep 242 - Psychic Ills, Ty Segall, Jackal Onassis, The Minus 5
Oliver plays tracks from his favourite neo-psych album on its tenth birthday, Psychic Ills' 'Inner Journey Out'. Plus, loud indie rock from Ty Segall and Jackal Onassis. Then, a look at The Minus 5, including a cover of a Neil Young and Crazy Horse classic. Tracklist: Psychic Ills - I Don't Mind...
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A Sonic Youth ep 241 - Kurt Vile, The War On Drugs, J Mascis
Oliver checks out 'Philadelphia's been good to me', the new record from one of his favourite indie artists, Kurt Vile. Oliver reckons it's Kurt's best since his golden period in the early 2010s. Tune in to hear favourites from another hazed-out classic from Philly's constant hitmaker. Also,...
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A Sonic Youth ep 240 - Art Lown, Office Dog, Surf Trash, Wild Pink, levitation room
Oliver checks out a host of the best new indie rock singles. There's the disortion-drenched Americana indie of Wild Pink, surfy indie from Surf Trash, and jangly psych-rock from levitation room. Plus, new music from NZ's Office Dog and two songs from 'Piper Oz the Hound', an album by folk-rock...
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A Sonic Youth ep 239 - NZ Music Month Celebration
Oliver celebrates New Zealand Music Month with a collection of his favourite alt-rock tracks from Aotearoa. Including a classic 'genre forerunner' from The Clean and two great slices of guitar led indie from bands on Christchurch's Melted Ice Cream label. Then, a track from one of Hamilton's...
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A Sonic Youth ep 238 - Kurt Vile, The Asteroid No.4, Cola
Oliver looks at another spaced-out indie gem from Kurt Vile's upcoming record. Also, new music from U.S. shoegazers The Asteroid No.4. Then, a song from U.K. post-punkers Cola's new record 'Cost of Living Adjustment'. Tracklist: 1. Kurt Vile - Fo Sho 2. Kurt Vile - Zoom 97 3. The Asteroid No.4 -...
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A Sonic Youth ep 237 - Hiss Golden Messenger, Neil Young
Oliver looks at 'I'm People', the great new album of sunny Americana from Hiss Golden Messenger. Also, Oliver's favourite Neil Young album 20 years after its release. 'Living with War' was a fiesty anti-war and anti-bush protest record, backed up by plenty of that inconic Neil Young guitar noise....
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A Sonic Youth episode 236 - White Fence, The Jayhawks
Oliver looks at the new record from Californian psych rock and alt-folk musician Tim Presley's project White Fence. Also, a look at one of the great albums by alt-country group The Jayhawks ten years after its release. Plus, a taste of Oliver's Free FM 'De-Tour Du Jour', an hour long music show...
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A Sonic Youth ep 235 - Pavement, Deer Tick, Jason Isbell, Momma, This Is Lorelei
Oliver checks out the newly reissued early Pavement release 'Perfect Sound Forever'. It's Pavement at their most abrasively rock 'n' roll. Plus, a great new cover by Deer Tick and a live performance of a favourite from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Finally, a look at the super deluxe reissue of...
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A Sonic Youth ep 234 - Brown Horse, Waxahatchee
UK-based alt-country band Brown Horse released Oliver's favourite album of 2025. Now they're back with 'Total Dive', the group's third LP. Oliver checks out what is another great record. It evolves the Americana sound of Jason Molina, Uncle Tupelo and Wilco, and places the band firmly among...
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A Sonic Youth ep 233 - Kurt Vile, Tashaki Miyaki, Erin Rae
Oliver checks out the much anticipated new single from the upcoming Kurt Vile album 'Philadelphia's Been Good To Me'. Also, favourites from 'Waking on A Pretty Daze' on its 13th birthday. Then, covers of favourites by Father John Misty, Songs: Ohia and Bruce Springsteen. Follow…
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A Sonic Youth 232 - Hiss Golden Messenger, Snail Mail, Courtney Barnett
Oliver checks out 'Ricochet', the highly anticpated third record from Snail Mail. Their early releases are some of Oliver's favourite modern indie rock albums, so what does he think of the latest batch? Plus, a new single from the upcoming record 'I'm People' from North Carolina's Hiss Golden...
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A Sonic Youth ep 231 - Brennan Wedl, Courtney Barnett, Cola, Drive-By Truckers
Oliver plays up and coming alt-country artist Brennan Wedl, including a great new cover also featuring Waxahatchee. Then, a track from Courtney Barnett's new album and the next single from Canadian post-punkers Cola. Closing off is Drive-By Truckers with one of the great rock 'n' roll tribute...
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A Sonic Youth ep 230 - ⚾ Alt Rock Songs About Sport 🏏
Oliver looks at some of his favourite songs about sport. Including two great tracks about 🏏cricket, one detailing the career of the greatest to ever play, and another a Flying Nun influenced rocker about an iconic NZ test win. Also, Drive-By Truckers telling a Southern story about 🏎️ motor…
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A Sonic Youth ep 229 - Tinariwen, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Husker Du
Oliver looks at the fascinating story of Saharan desert blues collective Tinariwen, including playing a track from their new album and one from their back catalog featuring Kurt Vile and Matt Sweeney. Also, favourites from the predicted setlist when The Brian Jonestown Massacre play in NZ next...
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A Sonic Youth ep 228 - Nada Surf, Jason Molina's Magnolia Electric Co
Oliver checks out a favourite indie rock album on it's tenth birthday, Nada Surf's 'You Know Who You Are'. It's an album he thinks finds a perfect middle ground between the band's grungy early sound and their more pop-based indie sound. Then, a look at a reissue of the first studio release by...
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A Sonic Youth ep 227 - Snail Mail, Brown Horse, Cola
Modern indie rock figureheads Snail Mail are gearing up to release a highly anticipated new album. Oliver checks out the latest pre-release single 'My Maker', and plays favourites from the iconic 2018 record 'Lush'. Then, another great new single from the upcoming Brown Horse record, this one…
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A Sonic Youth ep 226 - Hiss Golden Messenger, Remember Sports
Oliver checks out alt/americana group Hiss Golden Messenger, including a brilliant new single from a recently announced album. Plus, Philly punk rockers Remember Sports' pre-release single 'Across The Line' from their new album 'The Refrigerator' was one of Oliver's tracks of 2025. Now the full...
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A Sonic Youth ep 225 - GHOSTWOMAN, Sonic Coincidences
Oliver checks out Canadian/Belgian neo-psych band GHOSTWOMAN, a brilliant group that he admits he's been late to the party on. Then, some indie rock 'sonic coincidences', great tracks with some uncanny sonic brothers, which means they're great tracks too. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and...
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A Sonic Youth ep 224 - Stephen Malkmus Solo Debut, Psych Box Compilation
Oliver checks out his favourite album across all of Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus' projects, his 2001 debut 'Stephen Malkmus' 25 years after it was released. It's an album which carries a strong sonic ancestry from Pavement, but also sees Malkmus experimenting with more instrumentation and...
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A Sonic Youth ep 223 - Brown Horse, Snail Mail, Courtney Barnett ft. Waxahatchee, Cut Worms
U.K Americana group Brown Horse released Oliver's record of the year in 2025, and now they're back already with the first single 'Twisters' from their next project 'Total Dive'. Oliver plays favourites from 'All The Right Weaknesses' and then checks out the new single. Plus, pre-release singles...
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A Sonic Youth ep 222 - Euphoria Again & Dogwood Tales, Yura Yura Teikoku - MJ Lenderman
The new collaboration record 'Destination Heaven' by American alt rockers Euphoria Again & Dogwood Tales. Plus, a lively garage rocker from 90s Japanese alt rock legends Yura Yura Teikoku and a beautiful cover by MJ Lenderman performed live and solo at the Chateau Marmont. Follow...
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A Sonic Youth ep 221 - A Selection of Hidden Gems
Oliver plays of selection of "hidden gems" from the wide world of alternative and indie rock. Tune in to hear a unqiue take on alternative blues, Chilean neo-psych, underground Japanese shoegaze and a brilliant solo track from Pavement's Stephen Malkmus. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and...
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A Sonic Youth ep 220 - Indie Rock Guitar Solos
We start 2026 off LOUD as Oliver plays a selection of favourite indie rock guitar solos. There's Dinosaur Jr (of course), Drive-By Truckers, Israel Nash and a cover of a Peter Green Fleetwood Mac epic. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This show is part of the Free FM 89.0 YOUTH...
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A Sonic Youth ep 219 - End of Year Favourites Wrap-Up
It's an end of year wrap up as Oliver looks at his favourite indie rock songs released in 2025 and played on A Sonic Youth. Central to the show is Brown Horse's 'All The Right Weaknesses', along with tracks from Wednesday, Colin Miller, MJ Lenderman and Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood....
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A Sonic Youth ep 218 - This Is Lorelei, Alternative Xmas Tracks
Oliver takes a look at 'Holo Boy', the new record from Nate Amos' project This Is Lorelei. Then, a collection of alternative Xmas tracks, including a set from the 'Psych-Out Christmas' record. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This show is part of the Free FM 89.0 YOUTH ZONE. Made...
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A Sonic Youth ep 217 - Ty Segall, levitation room
An exploration of modern garage rock legend Ty Segall, including a powerhouse hard rock cover of 'Diddy Wah Diddy' and a newly released live track. Also, a new live in studio version of L.A. psych rockers levitation room's greatest track. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This…
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A Sonic Youth ep 216 - The Hold Steady, Drive By Truckers and Jason Isbell
We have two of the greatest modern rock bands on this week's A Sonic Youth! First, The Hold Steady's 'Separation Sunday' 20 years on with a deluxe reissue. Then, Drive-By Trucker's greatest live performances with Jason Isbell including a recent feature on the Colbert late night show. Follow...
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A Sonic Youth ep 215 - This Is Lorelei, nabeel, Holy Wave, The Brian Jonestown Massacre
New tracks from the soon to be released album from slacker Americana artist This Is Lorelei (Nate Amos). Iraqi/American shoegaze from the excellent nabeel, and two tracks to round up neo-psych November from The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Holy Wave. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and...
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A Sonic Youth ep 214 - Neo-Psych November Week 4
It's the final week of Neo-Psych November! Oliver looks at the stripped and repetitive sensory deprivation side of the wider genre. Listen in to hear beautiful stripped-back tracks from Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound, Moon Duo, Rose City Band, Psychic Ills, and more. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast…
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A Sonic Youth ep 213 - Neo-Psych November Week 3 - Intricate Sensory Overload
It's week three of Neo-Psych November and it's time to look into the 'intricate sensory overload' side of the genre. Oliver plays tracks which merge neo-psych with acid psych (Moon Duo), shoegaze (LSD and the Search for God), and dream pop (The Warlocks), and more! Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on...
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A Sonic Youth ep 212 - Neo-Psych November Week 2 - History, Brian Jonestown Massacre
It's week two of Neo-Psych November! Following last week's introduction, Oliver looks at some of the history of the genre, from 60s psych through to New Wave and 80s alt-rock scenes. Then we take a deep dive into one of the genre's pioneering bands, The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Follow...
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A Sonic Youth ep 211 - Neo-Psych November Week 1 - An Introduction
It's the first week of Neo-Psych November! Oliver introduces the coming shows about the psychedelic side of indie rock by playing his favourite neo-psych songs from the likes of Psychic Ills, The Brian Jonestown Massacre and The Dolly Rocker Movement, plus a couple of hidden gems from Argentina…
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A Sonic Youth ep 210 - Glyders, Soccer Mommy, Courtney Barnett, Drive By Truckers
New music from Chicago psych rockers Glyders, Courtney Barnett and a Pavement cover by Soccer Mommy. Also, a couple of tracks from the 2003 Drive-By Truckers album, including a the first recorded performance of one of Jason Isbell's greatest songs. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and…
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A Sonic Youth episode 209 - Wild Pink's Dulling The Horns, Dexateens, Telethon
Favourites from Wild Pink's excellent heavy Americana record 'Dulling The Horns'. Plus, other favourite loud Americana tracks from Alabama's Dexateens and Milwaukee's Telethon (featuring The Jayhawks' Gary Louris). Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This show is part of the Free FM...
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A Sonic Youth episode 208 - Nada Surf, Pavement, Remember Sports
Oliver looks at favourite Nada Surf songs from their 2005 album 'The Weight Is a Gift'. Also, the new Pavement "greatest hits" release and a look at new and old tracks from Ohio-based punky indie rockers Remember Sports. Follow @asonicyouthpodcast on Insta and Facebook. This show is part of the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎸 A love for indie rock as expressed by Kiwi taste-maker Oliver Grey.
HOSTED BY
Oliver Grey
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does A Sonic Youth have?
A Sonic Youth currently has 162 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is A Sonic Youth about?
🎸 A love for indie rock as expressed by Kiwi taste-maker Oliver Grey.
How often does A Sonic Youth release new episodes?
A Sonic Youth publishes regularly with 162 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to A Sonic Youth?
You can listen to A Sonic Youth on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts A Sonic Youth?
A Sonic Youth is created and hosted by Oliver Grey.
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