Episodes

  • Episode 107: Remembering Midnight Movies
    Jan 27 2025

    In this episode of "The Planet LP Podcast," host Ted Asregadoo welcomes back guest Scott Malchus for a nostalgic dive into the world of midnight movies.

    Remember those late-night screenings of cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and "Pink Floyd: The Wall"?

    Scott and Ted share their favorite music-related films, including Ted's picks like "This is Spinal Tap," "Stop Making Sense," and "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage." Scott's selections include "Almost Famous," "A Hard Day's Night," "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream," and more. The guys also discuss how groundbreaking and weird David Lynch's "Eraserhead" was and the pros and cons of the Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown."

    Get ready for a lively discussion on the magic of cinema and the enduring power of music in film!

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 106: The 2024 Roundup Of Music You Need to Hear
    Dec 23 2024
    IT’S THE FINAL EPISODE OF 2024! Join Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and Popdose's Keith Creighton as they wrap up an incredible year of music! In this jam-packed episode, Ted and Keith dive into their favorite songs and albums of 2024—not with a ranked list, but with thematic categories that make for a thoughtful and entertaining retrospective. In the first segment, Keith and Ted talk about bigger music trends like: -- The deluge of streaming content. -- The impact of AI on music creation -- and how Spotify reaps the profits from these non-human-created songs. -- The importance of human creativity in cultural expressions like music. Breakthroughs and Debuts Keith talks up the music by and film about Kneecap -- a hip-hop trio whose raps are entirely in Galic. Their current album Fine Art is available now. Fat Dog also tops Keith's breakthroughs and debuts this year. If you're into the early Ministry and that whole industrial genre, you'll love Woof by Fat Dog. Finally, The Waeve, a UK duo featuring singer-songwriters Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall. Keith said that if he did rank his albums this year, City Lights by The Waeve would top his list. Ted's Single Play picks are: "The Flood" by Allie Sandt. If you're a fan of Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Paul Simon, or Madison Cunningham, Allie's music is a must-listen. With songwriting that reflects the depth and wisdom of an old soul, Allie weaves timeless influences into a sound that's uniquely her own. Her heartfelt lyrics and melodic craftsmanship show incredible promise, and Ted is rooting for her career to take off— because she truly deserves it. The second song is As For The Future's track "The Mob" -- a sly, samba-infused commentary on populism that's as counter-cultural as it is catchy. If you're a fan of Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 or were hooked on Swing Out Sister back in 1987, this song will strike a chord. With its smooth grooves and clever lyrics, "The Mob" blends nostalgia with a fresh, modern edge—proof that As For The Future knows how to make a bold musical statement. Another UK Invasion The Last Dinner Party is a UK band that formed during COVID-19. Surprisingly, before they had a single out, they opened for The Rolling Stones. The Last Dinner Party is what Keith called a total "buzz band" that entertained the public and press with their live shows, fashion, and visual style. Their album, Prelude To Ecstasy did deliver the goods -- as it were -- and lived up to its hype. Irish shoegaze band NewDad, which Keith describes as "very sweet, tender, dark, shoegazing music," reminds him of Lush -- which made him spin the album many times since its release. And while Brigitte Calls Me Baby are not from the UK (they are from Chicago), Keith connected with their music because their style reminds him of The Smiths crossed with Elvis Presley. Their debut album is The Future Is Our Way Out. Ted's sort of Single Play picks for this segment are: A Planet LP favorite! Ward White's "Continuity" is a masterclass in wit, quirky storytelling, and exceptional musicianship. The opening line is irresistibly catchy—it sneaks into your head and stays there, a sure sign the song is working its magic. Ward's sharp sense of humor shines throughout, making "Continuity" both clever and captivating. It's a standout track that showcases his unique charm and talent. Though Ward is not from the UK, he sure sounds like he could be -- kind of like the band Brigitte Calls Me Baby. It Leads to This by The Pineapple Thief has been Ted's most-listened-to album of 2024—and for good reason. He was hooked after seeing them live in San Francisco on December 9th. While he admits to unfamiliarity with their older work, It Leads to This completely won him over. It balances heavy guitar riffs with a meditative, Pink Floyd-like, immersive, and introspective vibe. It might not be for everyone, but if atmospheric, thoughtful rock is your thing, It Leads to This is absolutely worth a listen. New Power Pop When it comes to power pop, think The Knack's "My Sharona," or Rick Springfield, and Cheap Trick. But what's when it comes to power pop in 2024 sometimes what's old is new again. Keith recommends a band that opened for The Beatles during the final tour and shared the same manager. That band is The Cyrkle -- whose unusual spelling was suggested by John Lennon. Their 2024 release on Big Stir Records is called Revival, and it's among Keith's most-played albums this year. Fun fact: Band member Tom Dawes (alas, he died in 2007) was a successful jingle writer after The Cyrkle disbanded. He wrote "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz" for Alka-Seltzer, which ran in their ads from 1975-1980. Another power pop gem is The Half-Cubes, whose album Pop Treasures is a carefully curated album of cover songs that mine some tracks from 10cc, OMD, Del Amitri, and Trashcan Sinatras. Ted's Single Play picks are: Kula Shaker's "Indian Record Player" is a catchy pop anthem that seamlessly blends Western pop ...
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  • Episode 105: Books That Rock
    Nov 8 2024

    On this episode of the Planet LP podcast, host Ted Asregadoo meets up with novelist, pop culture writer, and podcast host Jeff Giles to recommend some essential reads for music lovers. Ted and Jeff dive into a curated selection of rock biographies, behind-the-scenes histories, and critical perspectives on some of music’s biggest names.

    Get ready for some deep talk about My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee, Nothing But A Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion by Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, Surrender by Bono, All Over The Place: The Rise of The BANGLES From The L.A. Underground by Eric M. Shade, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman by Robert Hilburn, Rememberings by Sinéad O'Connor, and more.

    Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering these artists, Ted and Jeff's recommendations are sure to add some rock & roll to your reading list!

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    42 mins
  • Episode 104: Ameican Idiot at 20
    Sep 28 2024

    American Idiot: A 20th Anniversary Retrospective

    Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo and guest pop culture and sports writer Beau Dure commemorate the 20th anniversary of Green Day's iconic album, "American Idiot." In this in-depth discussion, Ted and Beau delve into the political and social climate that shaped "American Idiot," exploring themes of generational alienation, disillusionment, and the impact of significant events like the 2000 presidential election, the 9/11 attacks, and the Iraq War.

    The album's central character, St. Jimmy/Jesus of Suburbia, is at the heart of the conversation -- which Beau wrote about in 2017 in an article published on Popdose. Ted and Beau explore the complexities of St. Jimmy/Jesus and how he/they embody the frustrations and anxieties of a generation coming of age in a tumultuous time. From the album's iconic tracks to its enduring legacy, this episode offers an in-depth look at "American Idiot" and its continued relevance in today's world.

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    30 mins
  • Episode 103: Purple Rain at 40
    Aug 19 2024

    Purple Rain Revisited

    Forty years after its release, Purple Rain continues to cast a mesmerizing spell. Join Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo as he delves deep into this iconic album and film with a panel of Prince experts: Keith Creighton from Popdose, Ultimate Prince and frequent Planet LP contributor, Matthew Wilkening from Ultimate Classic Rock and Ultimate Prince, and Theo Gonzalves who is part of the Prince fam.

    From their earliest encounters with Prince's music to dissecting the flawless tracks on Purple Rain, our guests share their journeys as devoted fans. They dive deep into the album's impact, choose their favorite songs from the record, and dive into the highs and lows of the Purple Rain film. This episode is a must for both Prince fans and casual listeners.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Episode 102: Single Play
    Jul 22 2024
    Single Play with Popdose founder and Mayor of the Humanities, Jeff Giles

    In episode 102 of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo is joined by Popdose founder Jeff Giles for a special Single Play episode.

    Get ready to expand your playlist and discover hidden gems from legendary artists like The Clash and concept project, Largo -- alongside impressive new music from As For The Future and Cold Specks. But this episode is more than just a "you should listen to this song" episode. Jeff and Ted jump into the deep end of the cultural pool to talk about the challenges of discovering new music in an era when we're offered an endless buffet of musical delights for very little money and effort. The result of all this abundance is a cheapening of the arts to the point where one artist featured (Cold Specks) is currently unhoused.

    Speaking of the arts, Jeff Giles has a new novel! Langley Powell and the Society for the Defense of the Mundane published by Humorist Books is the story of a man who spent his life debunking the supernatural and magic only to be killed by a falling piano -- and discover, much to his annoyance, that he is a ghost.

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    35 mins
  • Episode 101: Worth the Price of Admission?
    Jun 16 2024

    Concert Confessions: Planet LP Dives Deep on Live Shows!

    Inspired by their recent reviews of Echo & The Bunnymen and The Chameleons, Planet LP host Ted Asregadoo joins forces with Popdose writer Keith Creighton. Together, they unpack their wildest concert experiences – the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre.

    Get ready for insider stories, legendary live recordings, and discussions about unforgettable performances by Prince, KISS, The Frames, Talking Heads, Mike Watt, Rush, and Fleetwood Mac.

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    56 mins
  • Episode 100: No Plan B is Bullsh*t
    May 26 2024
    Blast from the Past & Music Biz Future

    This milestone episode reunites OG Planet LP co-host John Young with Ted Asregadoo! Forget reminiscing - the guys are diving DEEP into making it in the music business.

    Part 1: From Wickerfish to Bon Jovi - Was "all or nothing" the only way?

    John, co-founder of '80s indie band Wickerfish, clashes with Jon Bon Jovi's "no Plan B" approach (courtesy of Hulu's "Thank You, Goodnight: The Jon Bon Jovi Story"). Compelling stories and hard-earned wisdom collide as John reveals the realities of the LA indie scene when he and his bandmates, Jack and Paul Pitsker, were rockin' in clubs, recording their debut album, and trying to get signed to a major label.

    Part 2: The Music Industry - Metamorphosis or Mayhem?

    Social media's impact on promotion. With new paths to success - are the old ways still relevant? John and Ted dissect the ever-evolving music landscape, offering insights for aspiring artists as they try to stand out in the crowded field of performers.

    Songs featured:

    Shadows on the Sun, Wickerfish

    "Livin' On a Prayer" (Demo), Bon Jovi

    "That's Ted," John Young

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    50 mins