One Hit Wonders: New Radicals – Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too

For the next four podcast episodes we will be reviewing what are considered to be one-hit wonders. Here we are on our second of four picks with our One Hit Wonders series, looking at artists and albums that were One Hit Wonders – loosely meaning that the album had one or so big singles, then we likely never really heard from the band again. I’ve always liked the song You Get What You Give by New Radicals, bought the album when it came out, but don’t remember listening to it beyond the single, and have been listening to that single a lot recently. Then the Foo Fighters announced Josh Freese as their new drummer in May 2023, and while reading about him, I noticed he drummed on two songs from Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too by New Radicals, and decided to make this my pick for the month. – Scott Coates @ The Sonic Collective

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One Hit Wonders: a-ha — Take on me from Hunting High and Low

one-hit wonders a-ha

For the next four podcast episodes we will be reviewing what are considered to be one-hit wonders. Member Darren Scott started off by choosing a-ha. a-ha is often considered a one-hit wonder, largely due to the immense success of their debut single “Take on Me.” The song reached number one in the United States and several other countries in 1985, and its innovative music video became an iconic part of 80s pop culture. While a-ha did have other hits in Europe, including “The Sun Always Shines on T.V.” and “Hunting High and Low,” they were unable to replicate the massive success of “Take on Me” in the US. However, the band’s overall discography is quite extensive and they have continued to release albums and tour throughout the years.

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Patty Loveless – When Fallen Angels Fly

This month we’ll be listening to When Fallen Angels Fly by Country artist Patty Loveless. When Fallen Angels Fly was her seventh studio album and was certified platinum. It also won the Country Music Awards album of the year, with Patty being only the third woman to ever have done so. Will this album still hold up? Tune in at the end of the month and find out!

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The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground

For March 2023 we will listen to and share our thoughts on The Velvet Underground’s 1966 debut and almost self-titled album, “The Velvet Underground and Nico”. This album is said to have been one of the biggest influences on rock and alternative music ever, but when it was first released, it was a flop, largely in part to its controversial subject matter. How does it hold up to modern tastes and sensibilities? Will any of us enjoy this album? Tune in at the end of the month to see our review.

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King Crimson: In the Court of the Crimson King

For February 2023 we will listen to and share thought on King Crimson’s 1969 debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King. They have been cited by countless, legendary bands as a major influence and In the Court of the Crimson King, their debut album, noted as their best and also an inspiration to a slew of bands. Enjoy the listen ahead!

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Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here

Our podcast album review selection for January 2023 by Darren Scott, is Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here. Listen to Darren explain why he thought this particular album was worth revisiting and why you should probably make some time to listen to this classic. Pink Floyd were at the forefront of exploring concept albums, atmospheric and ambient sounds and experiences. Does this 1975 album stand the test of time? Listen along and join us at the beginning of February for the album review.

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Alice in Chains – Dirt

Alice in Chains

Alain here, with our pick for July 2022. A couple of months ago, my girlfriend seemed to have stumbled onto the band Alice in Chains for the first time, and very quickly began extolling their music, and specifically their album Dirt as being pure genius. High praise from someone who has never really demonstrated much interest in 90s alt rock. So I pretty much HAVE to check it out, right? And why not bring the Sonic Collective family along for the ride!

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Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division

Joy Division

I’ve heard the strange legacy of Ian Curtis, who committed suicide in May 1980, mentioned on a number of episodes of The Ongoing History of New Music with Alan Cross and been intrigued. When I started out as a DJ at Lloyd’s Recreation in Calgary as a teenager, Blue Monday and Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order were huge and some of the original 12-inch singles I learned how to beat-mix on. I had no idea that Joy Division was the precursor to New Order back then and it’s time to see where their roots came from.

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Saint Dominic’s Preview by Van Morrison

Saint Dominic's Preview album cover

We’ve gone pretty far afield starting with a taste of neo soul, sliding into a lounge/chillhop and rounding out with a modern throwback to the roots of the genre. Scott is going to take us back and give us a taste of blue eyed soul with Van Morrison’s 1972 album Saint Dominic’s Review.

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