Post-punk Heartstrings

In this episode, JimOA and I got an opportunity to chat with legendary musician and film director, Steve Taylor. He is a pioneer of Christian new wave/post-punk music and has had a major influence on me and so many others throughout his career over the past 45 years. He is known for his satirical social commentary, clever lyrics and rapid-fire vocal delivery. This is part one of our conversation so please join us and listen as we t...

In this episode, JimOA and I sat down for an enchanting chat with Jonathan “Jono” Womack of the Newcastle Upon Tyne, one-man project Citizens of YEAH! I was immediately pulled in by the warm, intimate vocals and indie post-punk ambiance. The production is rich with an edge of experimentalism and lives up to the self-described, “Recorded in a bedroom, for listening in stadiums.” Don’t forget to support this project and follow Citize...

This episode is part two of the conversation Jim Anderson and I had with Steve Scott. Steve is a legendary yet obscure musician and artist who played an essential role in the integration of new wave music and art in the church in the late 70’s and early 80’s. His unique musical style and vision has had a profound effect on many. Please follow the links in the show notes to check out Steve’s albums and spoken word projects. If you e...

This episode is part one of the conversation Jim Anderson and I had with Steve Scott. Steve is a legendary yet obscure musician and artist who played an essential role in the integration of new wave music and art in the church in the late 70’s and early 80’s. His unique musical style and vision has had a profound effect on many. Please follow the links in the show notes to check out Steve’s albums and spoken word projects. If you e...

In this episode, I share about the impact of Michael Knott’s life and art through music and vocal tributes. Shortly after Michael’s passing, I put a call out for friends to share voice tributes through text and social media messages. I have combined these tributes with musical clips from Michael’s extensive catalog to help me process the passing of this creative genius and dear soul. It’s amazing to hear from and read about how man...

In this episode I'm joined by Todd Pennington of The Cinder Highway to chat about the how the band got its start, their musical influences, their recently released album, Songs From the Fountain Gate and much more. Todd creates beautiful ethereal soundscapes that drift and float through soaring hard rocking anthems. The Cinder Highway released Songs From the Fountain Gate in July of 2024 and this is an album all fans of ambient...

In this “very special Blossom” episode, I welcome my good friends, Mark Feldbush and Jim Anderson to “turn the tables” and interview me about the stroke I sufferedin June of this year. We had what I hope will be a vulnerable and encouraging discussion about my experience and process of recovery.

Thank you for joining us!

All sounds and song clips used were procured from publicly posted sources:

ThePsychedelic Furs – In My Head

The77’...

In this episode, my good friend S. Price Horn joins me as we climb aboard the Light Ship and sail into THE NIGHT. Or is it out of THE NIGHT?  Either way, we’re sailing on… sailing on…sailing on… with the band D.O.X and their self-titled first album. Come along for the ride my little child!

D.O.X. is:

Mark de la Bretonne: Lead vocals, piano

Jeff Foster: Bass Guitar

Rick Lane: Lead & Rhythm Guitars

Robert Foster: Drums & percussi...

In this episode, my good friend Jim Anderson of AIRDALE joins me for the second of two episodes in which we discuss two of our favorite albums by the band The Church. In this episode, we dive deep into the ancient mystical sci-fi of the band’s 1990 album, “Gold Afternoon Fix”  We are sticking strictly with the original track list that we both knew the album as these many moons ago. Thanks for joining us!

All songs, sounds and clips ...

In this episode, my good friend Jim Anderson of AIRDALE joins me for the first of two episodes in which we discusstwo of our favorite albums by the band The Church. In this episode, we dive deep into the disillusionment and regret of the band’s 1986 album, “Heyday.”  We are sticking strictly with the original track list that we both knew the album as these many moons ago. Thanks for joining us!

All songs, sounds and clips were procu...

In this episode I have the privilege of chatting with Joe Lekkas and Ben Douglas, the two main drivers behind the band Palm Ghosts. I chatted with the fellas about their beginnings, inspirations and writing process as well as digging into some of the songs off of their latest album, I Love You, Burn in Hell. The duo, along with drummer, Walt Epting, craft melodic yet brooding rhythms and melodies that sway you back and forth betwee...

In this episode, Tegwen, Mark and I continue our discussion with Side B of the post-punk gothic masterpiece, Shaded Pain by the Lifesavers Underground. If you haven’t listened to the first half of this chat, be sure to stop right now and go listen to Episode 025 - Lifesavers Underground - Shaded Pain - Part 1 first and then come back to finish up here. If you’ve never heard of Lifesavers Underground (L.S.U) but like Bahaus, Peter M...

In this episode, Mark and I welcome his daughter Tegwen on the show to discuss the seminal yet obscure album Shaded Pain by the Lifesavers Underground. This album is in the top five albums that shaped my future musical tastes during my late teen years. If you’ve never heard of Lifesavers Underground (L.S.U) but like Bahaus, Peter Murphy, The Mission UK and bands of that ilk, you should definitely check them out. Thanks so much for ...

In this episode, Jamie Harmon and I finish up our discussion of Cerulean, the sophomore release from the band The Ocean Blue. I am a long-time fan, but Jamie has just been introduced to The Ocean Blue so we get a new fan’s perspective. This is one of my all-time favorite releases from one of my all-time favorite bands so I am excited to bring you part two of this two-part episode. If you’ve never heard of The Ocean Blue, but like E...

In this episode, I do a follow-up to Episode 005 - What is Post-punk and welcome to the Post-punk Heartstrings State of Mind– In that episode, I gave my own personal definition of post-punk and offered my pick for the first post-punk album released. After the episode, I received the following feedback from a listener: “Enjoyed this episode! I'd have been interested in more explication on what are the hallmarks of post-punk and ...

Mark and I continue our discussion of cut-out albums we have discovered and how each has impacted us. We each chose five releases and in this episode, we talk about each of our 4 & 5 picks. The artists/albums covered in this episode are:

T Bone Burnett – The Talking Animals

Steve Taylor – OnThe Fritz

The Call – Let the Day Begin

Link to the True Tunes podcast interview tape that Mark and I spoke of:  Here's To You! Michael ...