The Albums That Saved Us
by Doug Smith
These are The Albums That Saved Us...don't forget the songs that made you smile and the songs that made you cry. The music podcast based around the albums that changed our lives if you grew up in the 80s, MAYBE into the 90s, and SOMETIMES back to the 70s. #albumsthatsavedus
Episodes
-
91 X: San Diego's Alternative Music
For generations of San Diego listeners, 91X was the station that made you stop and ask, “Who is that?” In this episode of The Snoop Dougie Show Podcast, I look back at 91X’s shift to alternative music in 1983 and the role it played in the city’s music scene. We’ll talk about the bands that filled...
-
I Never Met a Bigfoot Documentary I Didn't Like
The first movie that truly scared me wasn’t Jaws or Psycho. It was a bizarre 1970s documentary called The Legend of Bigfoot. I was five or six, and it convinced me that something could be hiding just beyond the tree line, watching. That fear followed me through Boy Scout trips, cabin stays, and...
-
Depeche Mode - Violator
By the late ‘80s, Depeche Mode had already evolved from their early synthpop roots into one of the most successful and influential alternative bands in the world. The group had built a devoted following with dark, electronic anthems, but their sound was still evolving. Music for the Masses had...
-
Love and Rockets - Express
Dive into the dreamlike dimensions of Love and Rockets' Express with us! Explore track by track as we unravel the captivating fusion of post-punk psychedelia on Albums That Saved Us. Tune in and let the music take you on a journey! #LoveAndRockets #AlbumsThatSavedUs"
-
The Rolling Stones - Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers, released in 1971, stands as one of The Rolling Stones' most iconic albums, blending blues, rock, and country in a way that solidified their reputation as rock legends. The album also marked several important milestones for the band: it was their first release on their own Rolling...
-
The Smiths - The Queen is Dead
In this episode we’re discussing The Smiths often considered quintessential album, The Queen is Dead. The Smiths are arguably my favorite band, and their singer Morrissey is arguably is my favorite artist. I love The Smiths and I don’t tell many people this, but I lean towards Morrissey solo over...
-
The Fixx Reach the Beach
In this episode, we’re talking about one of my favorite bands from when I was in high school, The Fixx. We will also dig into my favorite Fixx album, Reach The Beach. When I moved to North County San Diego, in Oceanside California, I was exposed to new music from the alternative station 91X out…
more -
Oingo Boingo and Dead Man's Party
I discovered Oingo Boingo going to high school in southern California and listening to 91 X out of San Diego. I was attracted to this punky southern California band everyone seemed to love. They were fun, whacky, and had this interesting little halloweeny association, especially in southern...
-
The English Beat and General Public
In this episode, we’re turning up the volume on The English Beat and General Public, bands that defied categorization and left an enduring legacy. The English Beat, often lumped into the ska revival of the late 1970s and early 1980s, was far more than just another two-tone band. Their music was a...
-
X Marks the Spot: Celebrating the Legacy of Punk Legends
Alright, let's dive into the world of X. This ain't your average punk band, folks. We're talking about a group that took the raw energy of punk and infused it with a poetic, almost folk-like sensibility. They were the heart and soul of the LA punk scene, and their influence stretches far beyond…
more -
Rockabilly: The Lifeblood of American Music and Culture
Rockabilly music and culture have left an indelible mark on American music and style. From the pioneering work of Sam Phillips and the legendary Sun Records artists to its lasting influence on punk, Americana, and beyond, rockabilly continues to inspire and captivate new generations. The blend of...
-
Raffi - Baby Beluga
In this episode, we're journeying back to 1980 with a children's classic that has enchanted generations: Raffi's "Baby Beluga." Known for its joyful melodies and gentle themes, this album isn't just for kids—it's a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, no matter their...
-
Blue Öyster Cult - Fire Of Unknown Origin
Formed in Long Island, New York, in the late 1960s, Blue Oyster Cult or B.O.C. has etched its name in rock history with a unique blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and psychedelic influences. Known for their cryptic lyrics and complex musicianship, Blue Oyster Cult has maintained a distinctive…
more -
Big Audio Dynamite
Big Audio Dynamite was a band formed from the slowly drifting ashes of The Clash. The Clash would last a little longer, but would never be the same. Co-founder Mick Jones had just been kicked out of The Clash for wanting to move the punk pioneers in new directions and into new sounds. Less than a...
-
Punk, Rockabilly, and Pearl Harbour
Pearl Harbour has quite a musical legacy. As part of the 70’s San Francisco rock scene she sang background vocals for the Tubes. She formed her own band Pearl Harbour and the Explosions, released an album, and toured with the Talking Heads. She moved to London and became part of a new scene and...
-
The Power Station
In this episode we're talking about none other than The Power Station's self-titled debut album. Released in 1985, this album brought together a supergroup of musicians for an explosive mix of rock, funk, and pop.
-
Concert Shirts and the Ones That Got Away
On this episode I talk about My Favorite Concert Shirts and the Ones That Got Away. Over the years I amassed quite a collection of concert shirts, at quite an expense. I then gave them away in one fell swoop to a pair of identical twin teens who probably hadn’t heard of half the bands. I was...
-
Depeche Mode Black Celebration
With their sixth studio album, "Black Celebration," Depeche Mode embarked on an artistic exploration that delved deeper into the shadows of human existence. Released in 1986, Black Celebration represents a pivotal moment in Depeche Mode's career, marking a departure from their earlier synthpop...
-
Duran Duran Danse Macabre
Danse Macabre is the sixteenth studio album from Duran Duran. A Halloween-themed album including three new tracks, covers and reworked versions of Duran Duran classics. Former guitarists Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo appear, and Nile Rodgers and Victoria De Angelis of Måneskin also feature as...
-
Arcadia So Red the Rose
Arcadia's debut album, "So Red the Rose," released in 1985, stands as a testament to the artistic prowess of Duran Duran's side project. With their innovative blend of synth-pop, art-rock, and new wave influences, Arcadia delivered a captivating and atmospheric sonic journey that remains a…
more -
David Bowie Let's Dance
David Bowie's 1983 album "Let's Dance" marked a significant departure from his previous experimental and avant-garde sound, embracing a more commercial and accessible style. The album was produced by Nile Rodgers, known for his work with the funk and disco group Chic, and this influence is…
more -
U2 Achtung Baby!
One this episode of The Albums that Saved Us we're taking a closer look at Achtung Baby by U2, released in 1991. Achtung Baby is a masterpiece that challenged U2's fans to embrace change and pushed the boundaries of what a rock album could be. Its impact can still be felt today, and it remains a...
-
A Musical Journey With R.A. MacLean
Listen in as R.A. MacLean discusses his musical journey starting with early influences, his time as a DJ, stint as a rock journalist, his time in the San Diego music scene and beyond with Deadbolt, The Scariest Band in the World, his band Swamp Angel, nautical adventures, and more. Look for...
-
My Rockabilly Journey
Rockabilly is such American music and culture. It touches rhythm and blues, hillbilly music, gospel, country, punk, psychobilly, Americana and more, It's also a lifestyle for many that ties into fashion, furniture, cars. My journey with this music has taken me through shows, Hootenannys, clubs…
more -
The Soundtracks of John Hughes
The Soundtracks of John Hughes, the music of our 80s teen movie tears, loves and crushes from Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful and more. Look for #albumsthatavedus, email me at [email protected], Instagram @albumsthatsavedus, Facebook @...
-
My Punk Journey
Not a history of punk rock, but my punk rock journey. From tongue in cheek punk to political punk and hardcore, back to the origins in NY and UK and earlier, to SoCal punk, to the 90s mainstream acceptance. From FEAR, Dead Kennedys, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Social Distortion, The Runaways, Green…
more -
Men At Work Business As Usual
Albums that saved us are made by BANDS that saved us. One of the bands that saved me was Men At Work. Technically only three studio albums, and a fall from the biggest band in the world to “Where Are They Now” status, but they were early groundbreakers in first stage new wave, and a huge spike on...
-
Behind the Music: Rio Duran Duran Tribute Band
Welcome to Behind the Music...this week we discuss Southern California’s Rio A Tribute to Duran Duran...the band, the lineups, the shows, the highs, the lows, the groupies. The height and the eventual rock bottom... Look for #albumsthatavedus, email me at [email protected], Instagram...
-
I Never Stalked a Band I Didn't Like
Fandom is a largely thankless job. I've heard story after story of fans meeting famous musicians and being disappointed or even devastated. Obviously we've got this version in our heads of what our idols are like. If we meet them and they're not like we think, it's disappointing. I think this is...
-
Duran Duran Rio
Rio by Duran Duran -- the quintessential 80s album, the quintessential 80s videos that helped put MTV on the map, and the quintessential 80s band, at least until about 1985. This year is the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Rio album, and it’s certainly one of the albums that saved us. Look for...
-
KISS Double Platinum
Double Platinum came out in 1978, and my bio dad gave me the double cassette for my 8th birthday. Double Platinum, double cassette. I had a little bad portable tape recorder that sounded terrible, but it was my only option to listen to my new cassettes. These were the first cassettes I had. I…
more -
The Concerts That Saved Us
I’ve seen a lot of concerts. My first concert was Duran Duran in 1987 on the Strange Behaviour Tour, with Erasure opening. Several months later I saw Depeche Mode for the first time, and that was even better. I was hooked. I loved live music, and seeing the bands I loved. There’s nothing like a...
-
AC/DC Back in Black
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes after the death of their original singer Bon Scott, AC/DC releases their masterpiece Back in Black in 1980. One of the greatest and biggest-selling albums of all time. Changed many lives, especially of pub singer Brian Johnson, who was picked by the band to…
more -
Welcome to the Albums That Saved Us!
Welcome to The Albums That Saved Us. Music has always been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid. I think I can tie it back to 1976, those days before VCRs and Youtube, and if you didn’t see it, you didn’t see it. KISS. Paul Lynde Halloween Special, 1976. The Albums That Saved Us will…
more
About this show
These are The Albums That Saved Us...don't forget the songs that made you smile and the songs that made you cry. The music podcast based around the albums that changed our lives if you grew up in the 80s, MAYBE into the 90s, and SOMETIMES back to the 70s. #albumsthatsavedus
Hosted by
Doug Smith
Categories