Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Red Rose Way is an emerging alternative rock band blending emotive vocals, dynamic guitars, and anthemic hooks into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Rooted in raw honesty, their songs explore love, resilience, and self-discovery, balancing introspection with big, arena-ready energy.

Drawing influences from modern alt-rock and timeless pop craftsmanship, Red Rose Way creates music that connects instantly with heartfelt lyrics delivered with conviction and melodic power.

This is my conversation with Milos and Tony of Red Rose Way.

LINKS

Red Rose Way on Bandcamp

Singer-songwriter Pete Droge joins Center Stage for an in-depth conversation about his new album Fade Away Blue—a powerful and deeply personal collection that explores themes of identity, healing, and renewal. 

Emerging from the Pacific Northwest in the mid-’90s with his debut Necktie Second and its breakout single “If You Don’t Love Me (I’ll Kill Myself),” Droge quickly became known for his wry, heartfelt songwriting and timeless melodies. Over the years, his music has appeared in films like Dumb and Dumber, Beautiful Girls, Almost Famous, and Zombieland, while he’s also collaborated with Matthew Sweet and Shawn...

Los Yesterdays are a California-based band carrying the torch of Chicano soul into a new era. Formed in 2017 by drummer/composer Gabriel Rowland and singer-songwriter Victor “Bad Vic” Benavides, the group began as a studio project rooted in a deep love for vintage East L.A. soul.

Their sound—warm, nostalgic, and timeless—draws from Motown, doo-wop, and Latin soul traditions, blending sweet harmonies, textured instrumentation, and heartfelt storytelling. What started as a nod to the past has grown into a vital part of today’s “souldies” movement, connecting generations through music that feels both familiar and fresh.

...

The Ladies Of… are an Atlanta-based rock supergroup featuring James Hall, a notable figure in the city's music scene. Their sound is rooted in rock and roll, with Hall's lyrical prowess and dynamic vocals at the forefront.

Since their formation, The Ladies Of... have released several albums. Their music showcases a blend of raw energy and poetic songwriting, earning them a dedicated following in the Atlanta area and beyond. 

The band continues to perform and record, contributing to the rich and diverse landscape of the city's independent music scene.

LINKS

The Lad...

Mensclub emerged from San Francisco’s anti-indie scene in the early 1990s.

They dubbed themselves “the hardest rocking band in the Bay Area,” and they lived up to it—delivering full-throttle, no-frills hard rock that channeled the raw energy of the Midwestern trifecta of the MC5, Grand Funk Railroad, and The Stooges.

Mensclub became an underground staple through frequent West Coast tours, their music brimming with tongue-in-cheek swagger, heavy riffs, and a punch-to-the-gut rock attitude.

LINKS

Mensclub on Spotify

Bar None Records

“Fly” Official Video

SF Weekly fr...

Clay Tarver first came on the radar in the late ’80s as the co-founding guitarist for Boston’s Bullet LaVolta, a band that mashed up punk grit with hard rock muscle and a little post-punk weirdness. The band burned bright, fast, and called it quits by 1991.

Not long after, Tarver hooked up with Matt Sweeney, James Lo, and Scott Marshall in New York to form Chavez, releasing two beloved albums, Gone Glimmering (1995) and Ride the Fader (1996).

They went quiet for a while, but never really broke up—2006’s Matador compilation Better Days Will Haunt You pulled i...

Jeff Garber is a versatile singer‑songwriter and composer whose musical journey stretches from indie‑rock roots to TV soundtracks. In the ‘90s, he led the  Champaign‑Urbana group Castor, known for shifting time signatures with effortless flow (Castor, Tracking Sounds Alone).

He later fronted National Skyline and Year of the Rabbit, showcasing his range across shoegaze, post‑punk, and alt‑rock.

These days, Garber’s focus has shifted toward composition—he scores for Netflix hits like Virgin River and Full Swing, plus other series including Nancy Drew, Pretty Smart, and The Company You Keep. His trailer work i...

Dauzat St. Marie—that’s dō-zaht saynt mah-ree—the husband-and-wife duo of Mat Dauzat and Heather St. Marie can strip a song to its bare bones and still hit you right in the heart.

They started out in the alt-rock-leaning Hydrovibe, but traded the volume wars for something sharper: acoustic-forward, harmony-rich, folk-Americana with a backbone. Their debut EP Falling Again set the tone—grit, heart, and zero filler—and they’ve been relentless road warriors ever since, sharing stages with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Rick Springfield, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Schuyler Fisk.

Along the way, they...

In addition to being an actress, Schuyler Fisk (pronounced Skylar) is a noted singer/songwriter.

From the beginning, she has marched to the beat of her own drummer, carving a low-friction, roots-pop path that favors sincerity over flash and homegrown hustle over industry hype.

After signing with Universal Records and experiencing a bit of major-label chin-channery, Fisk trusted her gut and asked to be released from her contract to pursue an independent path.

Schuyler recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio to talk about that independent path, and this is our conversation.

LINKS<...

Fishbone is a genre-defying band from Los Angeles that emerged in the early 1980s, blending ska, punk, funk, metal, and soul into a high-energy, explosive sound.

Known for their chaotic live shows and fearless musical experimentation, Fishbone challenges genre and racial boundaries in the alternative rock scene. 

With landmark albums like Truth and Soul and The Reality of My Surroundings, and despite commercial ups and downs, Fishbone remains a cult favorite and a vital influence on artists across rock, punk, and funk.

LINKS

Fishbone online

Fishbone on IG

Jay Ryan is a Chicago-based musician best known as the bassist for the instrumental post-rock trio Dianogah.

Formed in 1995, Dianogah earned cult status for their unique two-bass lineup and collaborations with recording engineer Steve Albini. Ryan’s melodic, percussive playing helped define the band’s heavy and cinematic sound.

Named after the garbage-loving monster from the original Star Wars film, the band consists of Jay and fellow bassist Jason Harvey in tandem with drummer Kip McCabe.

Dianogah is one of the pioneers of the emerging mortgage core scene.

Outside of music, he’s...

Bad Mary—fronted by dynamic vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike Staub on bass and vocals, her father Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar—is a Long Island-rooted glam‑punk outfit known for wild energy and sharp wit.

Formed in 2011, draws on ’70s punk (Ramones, Blondie) and theatrical rock influences, blending classic punk, glam, and pop-punk elements into a sound that’s loud, fast, and fun.

A staple of NYC venues like Arlene’s Grocery and Pianos, they’re also expanding via live podcasts and indie collaborations—embracing evolution without losing edge.

Mike and A...

Rachel Fannan is a versatile American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet. She gained prominence as co-lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Sleepy Sun and later fronted the Los Angeles-based rock band Only You.

Fannan has collaborated with various acts, including UNKLE, Anywhere, Black Mountain, and Pussy Riot.

Her solo work spans genres like pop, rock, jazz, and folk. Beyond performing, she is an Emmy-winning commercial vocalist and has contributed to video game soundtracks, such as "Crimson Cloud" for Devil May Cry 5. 

This is our conversation with Rachel Fannan.

LINKS

R...

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...