Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

This week, we welcome multi-hyphenate Dave Paulson into Thunderlove Studio to talk about Sandusky, Ohio, the album he wrote as a tribute to the Chris Farley movie "Tommy Boy." 

It evolved into a career-spanning conversation with Dave, which included music journalism, major label record deals, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

This is our conversation with Dave Paulson.

LINKS

Sandusky, Ohio, on Bandcamp

The Privates on Bandcamp

The Pink Spiders

Tricia Halloran is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor and indie music curator with a career spanning radio, film, and television. She hosted Brave New World on KCRW for 15 years, introducing artists like Death Cab for Cutie and The Eels to wider audiences.

Her music supervision credits include Dead to Me, New Amsterdam, Tully, and Sound of Freedom.

Halloran also shares monthly indie music recommendations through her Substack newsletter, Brave New World.

LINKS

Brave New World

Tricia on IMDB

Bill McShane is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ultimate Fakebook, a power pop trio formed in 1994 in Manhattan, Kansas. Alongside bassist Nick Colby and drummer Eric Melin, McShane helped craft the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic performances.

Their 1999 album, This Will Be Laughing Week, garnered critical acclaim. After disbanding in 2003, McShane explored other projects and later reunited with Ultimate Fakebook for new releases like 2020's The Preserving Machine.

LINKS

Ultimate Fakebook on Bandcamp

Ultimate Fakebook on Spotify

Ultimate Fakebook on IG

Ultimate Fakebook...

Seth Timbs is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his sharp songwriting and piano-driven pop-rock.

Seth first gained attention in the late 1990s as the frontman of Fluid Ounces, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee band celebrated for their intricate arrangements and witty lyricism. 

Fluid Ounces carved out their niche with a blend of jazz-inflected piano hooks and power-pop energy.

Following the band's disbandment in 2008, Timbs continued to evolve his sound through solo projects and collaborations that showcase his versatility, blending classical pop influences with modern sensibilities.

In our chat, Seth delves into h...

Drawing from life’s experiences, Jess Yaffa has a keen ability to transform personal experiences into relatable anthems. 

Her debut album, Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night, released on April 4, 2025, showcases her commitment to authentic storytelling. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby, known for his work with Coldplay and John Legend, Yaffa delivers a collection of songs that are both polished and deeply personal.​

Beyond her music, Yaffa emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences. She believes that "our real experiences and stories are more powerful than anything that could be made up—my role is...

Their debut, A Balloon Called Moaning, released in 2009, introduced the band’s signature sound with soaring hooks grounded by a robust backbone of driving bass and drums. They quickly followed this with The Big Roar in 2011, which garnered critical acclaim for its raw intensity and infectious energy, spearheaded by the single “Whirring.”

Subsequent albums, including Wolf’s Law and Hitch, further explored sonic experimentation, reflecting the band’s ability to balance intricate guitar work with introspective lyricism.

Their ever-evolving approach and boundary-pushing style keep listeners guessing, ensuring each new release feels like an exciting chapter in a compe...

Murray Attaway, the distinctive voice behind Guadalcanal Diary, helped shape the American alternative rock landscape of the 1980s. The band blended Southern storytelling with punchy jangle-pop, earning critical acclaim for both its bold sonic experimentation and Attaway's literate songwriting. 

Though the group never reached the heights of some of its Athens, Georgia, contemporaries, the band's influence quietly rippled across college radio and beyond. 

Murray recently joined us in Thunderlove Studio to discuss the band's origins, his creative process, and the enduring resonance of Guadalcanal Diary’s music. 

More importantly, we chatted about his first...

King Missile emerged from the art-punk underground with a sound that defies easy categorization. Blending elements of spoken word, surrealist humor, alternative rock, and performance art, the band is best known for its 1992 hit “Detachable Penis,” a deadpan monologue over a hypnotic groove that unexpectedly broke into mainstream consciousness.

But King Missile is far more than a novelty act—it's the long-running vehicle for the singular voice of John S. Hall, a poet, satirist, and cultural observer with a sharp wit and even a sharper tongue. 

John S. Hall recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio, and we spok...

The Katies were a power pop/alternative rock band from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, active in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Known for their infectious melodies and raw energy, they blended elements of classic rock, grunge, and Beatles-esque harmonies. Their 1999 self-titled debut album gained a cult following, especially with standout tracks like "Noggin' Poundin'" and "She's My Marijuana."

Despite critical acclaim, the band never broke into the mainstream. However, their sound remains a hidden gem for fans of hook-driven, guitar-fueled rock with a mix of angst and euphoria.

LINKS

The Katies on...

The Record Company is one of the most exciting modern blues-rock bands, blending raw energy with soulful grooves. Their stripped-down, no-frills approach to rock is reminiscent of classic acts like The Rolling Stones and John Lee Hooker, yet they bring a fresh, contemporary edge.

With gritty vocals, punchy rhythms, and infectious hooks, they’ve carved a unique space in today’s rock landscape. Their music exudes authenticity, drawing listeners in with its heartfelt storytelling and foot-stomping beats.

Whether on record or live, The Record Company delivers high-energy performances that prove rock and blues are as powe...

Oppenheimer was an indie pop band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The band was made up of musicians Shaun Robinson and Rocky O'Reilly. Robinson and O'Reilly were previously members of the now disbanded Belfast group, Torgas Valley Reds. They met in 2003, in Belfast. O'Reilly had been mixing sound and recording Torgas Valley Reds, whom Robinson drummed for.

Inspired by their mutual love for Moog synthesizers, vocoders, and airhorns, O'Reilly and Robinson formed Oppenheimer in late 2004, using O'Reilly's spare room to record three songs, which they sent to their favourite labels.

And lucky for us, they found...

New Age Healers is a shoegaze/psych-rock project conceived from the mind of Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist Owen Murphy, featuring guitarist Jeramy Koepping, drummer Adam LeVasseur, bassist Allen Murray, and keyboardist Farkhad Saidmuratov.

LINKS

New Age Healer on Bandcamp

On Facebook

On Instagram

On Spotify

You may not be familiar with Bingham's work... but you should be.

So let's make that happen.

Glossary on Bandcamp

Electric Python on Bandcamp

Dick Valentine stands as an icon among modern rock frontmen, recognized for his flamboyant stage presence, witty lyricism, and audacious creative spirit. As lead vocalist of Electric Six, he guides the band’s explosive blend of rock, new wave, and disco influences with a flair that both entertains and provokes. Valentine's distinctive voice and charismatic performances reflect a boundary-pushing approach to songwriting, full of biting satire and over-the-top theatrics.

Offstage, he channels his relentless imagination into solo albums, delivering stripped-down, intimate tracks showcasing his vocal versatility. Beyond the music, Valentine’s creativity expands into fiction writing, where his...

Significance: The debut from new band Blueburst, featuring Craig Douglas Miller and Marty Willson-Piper, creates an evocative soundscape that bridges classic rock influences with contemporary flair.

Expansive guitar work seamlessly merges with Miller’s resonant vocals, imparting nostalgia and fresh energy. Each track unfurls with emotional depth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in lush harmonies and crisp production. The reflective lyrics address personal growth and resilience, showcasing an earnest sincerity. Marty Willson-Piper’s contributions add textured sonic layers, complementing Miller’s stirring presence.

Significance proves that Blueburst is a project of substance. It forges a captiv...

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I began the Abandoned Albums podcast with Rob Janicke, and we had a ton of fun doing it.

But then he went off to write his spectacular new book Slacker 1991, Teen Spirit, Angst and the Generation It Created.

Like Rob, I am of the generation he writes about and I found Slacker to be a great read. It's not only a great read about an era in American culture that has no shortage of interpretation, but the book also helped me understand the man I shared a mic...

Bite Me Bambi, hailing from Orange County, California, is a dynamic ska band formed in 2018. This assembly of seasoned musicians brings a wealth of experience to their energetic sound, drawing inspiration from British two-tone and third-wave ska.

Bite Me Bambi infuses their sound with pop-punk energy and rockabilly flair, creating a distinctive musical identity. Their influences include iconic ska bands like The Specials and Madness, as well as punk and rock acts, allowing them to craft a unique fusion that you're sure to dig.

Tahlena and Mike stopped by Thunderlove Studio for a chat recently...

Days Between Stations, the Los Angeles-based progressive rock duo of Sepand Samzadeh and Oscar Fuentes, has consistently pushed the boundaries of art rock since their debut in 2007. Blending the genre’s classic roots with contemporary creativity, they have become a vital force in modern progressive rock. Drawing inspiration from seminal acts like Yes, Genesis, and Marillion, the duo bridges the grandeur of the past with the innovation of the present.

Their latest album, Perpetual Motion Machines, exemplifies this tradition, weaving complex compositions with thematic depth. Similar to Genesis during the Peter Gabriel era, their music is theatrical, cr...

This week, bass player Matt Patterson of The Drive-By Truckers, Laura Jane Grace, The Dexateens, and Model Citizen stops by Thunderlove Studio.

Here is the last interview conducted with Lone Justice. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to listen to the first two episodes and our conversations with Marvin Etzioni and Ryan Hedgecock. 

Drummer Don Heffington passed in 2021, but through modern studio wizardry, he is an active participant in the "new to you" release Viva Lone Justice. 

These interviews have been released in the order in which they were conducted.

This last episode is our conversation with lead singer Maria McKee

Think of this as our Rashomon episode.

Welcome to Day Two.

Over the next three days, we'll release three separate interviews with the surviving members of the band Lone Justice: Marvin Etzioni, Ryan Hedgecock, and Maria McKee.

Drummer Don Heffington passed in 2021, but through modern studio wizardry, he is an active participant in the "new to you" release Viva Lone Justice. 

They're being released in the order in which they were conducted.

This second episode is our conversation with guitar player Ryan Hedgecock.  

Think of this as our Rashomon episode.

Over the next three days, we'll release three separate interviews with the surviving members of the band Lone Justice: Marvin Etzioni, Ryan Hedgecock, and Maria McKee.

Drummer Don Heffington passed in 2021, but through modern studio wizardry, he is an active participant in the "new to you" release Viva Lone Justice. 

These interviews are being released in the order in which they were conducted.

The first is bass player and songwriter, Marvin Etzioni. 

Think of this as our Rashomon episode.

This week's throwback is a revisit to the singer/songwriter/guitar slinger with an almost insatiable intellectual and musical wanderlust - Anders Parker.

We closed out the fifth season of Abandoned Albums talking with the troubadour who entered the scene in the mid 90’s when a 4-track recording he made in his Portland, OR apartment, titled Man of Sin, got passed around. Anders then formed a band and began walking a trail that has defined his life, as you’ll hear.  

As the leader/songwriter/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist of the band Varnaline, Parker toured and eventually relea...

THROWBACK THURSDAY

This originally aired in June of 2023.

While we're on hiatus, we're posting some of our favorite episodes, and this one caught both Geoff and me completely off guard. 

We'll return on 10.30. 

Do you like power pop? Well, we've got a band for you!

Dungeon of Skeletons!

Their album Patterns left Geoff speechless, and Keith thought it was the "best album of the year." And they both agree that despite the song title, "Doom and Gloom" is the song of the summer.

Once in a...

Zebrahead is an American punk rock band formed in Orange County, California, in 1996. Known for their energetic fusion of punk, rap, and alternative rock, the band has cultivated a unique sound that blends catchy melodies with rapid-fire vocals. 

The band gained significant attention with their 1998 debut album, Waste of Mind, and solidified their international presence with Playmate of the Year (2000) and MFZB (2003). Zebrahead has a strong fan base in Japan and Europe, often touring extensively in these regions. In recent years, they released the EPs III (2021) and II (2022), showcasing their continued evolution and commitment to high-energy performances. 

Jenna Fournier is a Cleveland-based musician and visual artist renowned for her ethereal vocals and expressive paintings. As the lead singer and guitarist of the dream pop band NIIGHTS, and with her solo project Kid Tigrrr, she captivates audiences with haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes. Both with NIIGHTS and Kid Tiger, Jenna has earned a dedicated following in the indie music scene.

Beyond music, Fournier is an accomplished painter whose artwork has been exhibited in many galleries. Her visual art explores themes of emotion and human experience, complementing the introspective nature of her music.

Fresh...

On this episode, we're spotlighting Las Nubes, a dynamic band hailing from Miami's vibrant music scene. Las Nubes—meaning "The Clouds" in Spanish—has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of indie rock, punk, and shoegaze influences. The band delivers a powerful mix of English and Spanish lyrics that explore themes of identity, emotion, and everyday life. 

They stopped by to chat about their career and their new album, Tormentas Malsanas.

So sit back and join us as we explore Las Nubes' atmospheric world and what makes them a standout act in South Florida's music...

Jacob Cade is Jaguar On Mars, a refreshing new artist who you will want to put on your radar. 

Jaguar On Mars straddles the line between rock and pop, and with his talent, he’s bound to leave a mark in both.

LINKS

Jaguar On Mars on Spotify

Jaguar On Mars on YouTube

Jaguar On Mars on IG

Orenda Fink is a musician, songwriter, performer, and writer whose work has been profiled in by NPR, Pitchfork, and more. She has been writing, recording, and touring for critically acclaimed records since 1997. Orenda got her start in Birmingham, Alabama, with the pop-rock group Little Red Rocket. 

In 2000, she formed the lauded ethereal folk duo Azure Ray with longtime friend Maria Taylor in Athens, Georgia. Azure Ray has cowritten with Moby and collaborated with Bright Eyes, Sparklehorse, and the Faint, among many others, with their music regularly featured in film and television programs. 

The Witch’s Daug...

This week, we welcome the husband-and-wife team of Rachel McNally and Chris O'Rourke from the band Sleepyhead to Thunderlove Studio. 

Fiercely independent, the band has built a loyal and dedicated following throughout its career, including a host of fellow musicians, critics, and our own Geoff Calhoun. They're a band that continues to record and what you're hearing right now is their latest release, "I Guess I'm Hoping That You're Lonely."

What follows is a career-spanning conversation with a band that may be difficult to categorize unless that category is just plain awesome.

LINKS

The original conceit of the Abandoned Albums podcast was to find albums that had been recorded but never released, in other words, abandoned. It has since morphed into so much more, but the band Shufflepuck fits perfectly into that original conceit. The band stormed through that Hollywood scene, whose ascension was fast and furious. When all the labels knocked, the band only had eyes for Interscope Records, the then-white-hot label. When Interscope knocked, Shufflepuck answered, a pairing as natural as peanut butter and jelly.

Shufflepuck was:

Adam Orth - vocals, guitar
Justin Fisher...

In this episode, I sit down with renowned drummer Don Harvey for an insightful conversation about his storied music career. We explore his work with legendary artists across numerous genres. Don shares behind-the-scenes stories from the studio and the road, offering a glimpse into the life of a professional drummer. We also discuss his solo work, a mix of ambient music reminiscent of Zero 7. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of rhythm and the art of Don Harvey.

LINKS

Don Harvey on the web

Don Harvey on YouTube

...

Too Much Joy is an American alternative rock music group, that formed in the early 1980s in Scarsdale, New York.

Original members Tim Quirk (vocals), Jay Blumenfield (guitar, vocals), and Sandy Smallens (bass, vocals) stopped by Thunderlove Studio for a career-spanning conversation with Keith and Geoff.

 "Humor and youthful energy enliven the good ol' rock 'n' roll dispensed by Too Much Joy." - Can confirm.

Links:

Too Much Joy on Bandcamp

Too Much Joy on IG

Too Much Joy on the web

Too Much Joy o...

Shazy Hade is an electrifying band hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, known for their unique blend of alternative rock and indie pop. The band is well-known for their energetic performances and catchy, thought-provoking songs. 

In this episode, I sit down with TK and Dave from Shazy Hade to discuss the band's musical journey, their creative process, and what it's like to be part of Madison's vibrant music scene. We dive into their inspirations, challenges, and future plans, offering listeners an intimate look at the band’s dynamic chemistry and artistic vision. 

LINKS

Shazy Hade on B...

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Henry Owings, a multifaceted force in the independent music and publishing scenes. Henry is the mastermind behind Chunklet Industries, an Atlanta-based independent publisher and record label renowned for its sharp wit and underground edge. Chunklet Magazine, which Henry launched in the 1990s, quickly gained a cult following for its satirical take on the music industry and pop culture.   But Henry's talents don't stop at publishing. He's an accomplished graphic designer, known for creating eye-catching posters, album covers, and other visual art for a plethora of bands and events. His distinctive s...

Hear the full story! 

Forty years after the final recording session, Los Angeles-based power pop band THE BINGS have released their debut album.

The 16-track multitrack master tapes sat forgotten in a California bedroom closet until they were discovered during the 2020 lockdown.

Mixed from scratch, the album the world has never heard: "Power Pop Planet - The Lost Tapes."

Links:

The Bings on Bandcamp

The Bings on the web

The Bings on FB

The Bings on IG

The Bings on Tik T...

Mapping the Sky is the brainchild of Jordin Swanson. At times a powder keg of raw guitars, at others soft and acoustic, but always a diverse blend loaded with integrity and artistry.

Mapping the Sky's sound is a unique blend that draws inspiration from the likes of Kings of Leon, David Bowie, and Radiohead. If these iconic artists were to collaborate, you'd have a pretty good idea of what Mapping the Sky sounds like, creating a sense of familiarity and connection for the audience. 

I sat down with Jordin a few weeks ago to chat a...

Join Keith for an exclusive interview with Dave Diamond of the iconic Canadian rock band The Kings. Discover the stories behind their classic hits, insights into their musical journey, and what the future holds. 

This episode is perfect for fans of Canadian rock and music history as a whole. It offers a deep dive into The Kings' legacy.

Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation with one of rock's enduring talents.

LINKS

The Kings on the web

The Kings on Spotify

The Kings on IG

T...

Professor Terry Barr and Keith got together a few weeks back to chat about how some singer/songwriters get academic treatment, like Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift (that’s real) and why some don’t… and probably won’t.

For the purpose of our discussion we looked at Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Paul Westerberg of The Replacements. Of the two, we both came to the same conclusion - Jeff will probably see an academic assessment (if he hasn’t already). 

Paul will be out back cleaning the erasers.

Terry Barr on Medium

David and David's album Boomtown was one of the records that made me want to start this podcast. The first time I heard "Welcome to the Boomtown," I knew I was hearing something unique. And truthfully, that album shaped my picture of Los Angeles for years. 

Connecting with David Baerwald and having him on the show to talk about his career is a highlight. He was very generous with his time and stories, and I'm very thankful we could capture some of his story.

In addition to being an acclaimed songwriter and performer, he will s...