Smells Like Infinite Sadness

Michael Taylor

The SLIS Podcast dives into the best of 80s and 90s alternative rock, metal, and the bands keeping that spirit alive today. Expect candid interviews with rock icons, honest reviews, nostalgic deep dives, and the occasional middle-aged Gen X rant. Theme song: “Hold It” by Interstelar.

  1. 10/06/2025

    Episode 58: Daniel Ash Talks New Band Ashes and Diamonds.

    Legendary guitarist and vocalist Daniel Ash (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets) talks about his new band Ashes and Diamonds and their debut album Ashes and Diamonds Are Forever. Hear about the making of their first single “On A Rocka”, the band’s unique chemistry, his signature guitar sounds, and a peek behind the scenes of creating music during lockdown. And stick around after the interview to hear their explosive track “On A Rocka.”

    31 min

  2. 08/19/2025

    Episode 57: Revisiting The Cranberries ‘No Need to Argue’: Fergal Lawler Talks 30th Anniversary Edition

    30 years since The Cranberries released their breakthrough album, No Need to Argue, a record that brought sharper emotional and political depth to the raw intimacy of their debut, and cemented vocalist Dolores O'Riordan as a 90's rock icon. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, a special expanded edition features CHVRCHES remixes, a rare demo of “Zombie,” and recordings from Woodstock ’94. In this episode, Cranberries drummer Fergal Lawler reflects on the making of the album, the band’s creative evolution, and the enduring legacy of O’Riordan’s voice and vision. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, insights from the road, and the memories that make this album a timeless classic. 🎧 Listen now and step inside one of the defining albums of the ’90s.

    30 min

  3. 06/02/2025

    Episode 56: Paul Humphreys on the Past, Present, and Future of OMD

    Guest: Paul Humphreys, co-founder of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Humphreys of OMD to discuss the musical duo's return to U.S. stages in 2025, their recent standout performance at Cruel World Festival, and the continuing creative evolution of one of synth-pop’s most influential acts. Paul reflects on the critical and commercial success of Bauhaus Staircase, OMD’s politically conscious lyrics, the band’s hybrid analog-digital production setup, and his collaborative dynamic with Andy McCluskey. We also talk about what it’s like to perform songs that span decades, how they decide who sings lead, and what newer material has struck a chord with modern audiences. 🎫 OMD Tour Info + Tickets 🎧 Stream Bauhaus Staircase 📸 Follow OMD on Instagram: @omdofficial If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating the show, subscribing, or sharing it with fellow music fans. Every bit helps keep the conversations going.

    30 min

  4. 05/17/2025

    Episode 55: David J Haskins Talks New Dual Release 'The Mother Tree' & 'Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer'

    Today, I’m joined by the legendary David J Haskins of the iconic post-punk bands Bauhaus and Love and Rockets. He’s here to talk about two powerful, intertwined new releases: a poetry collection titled Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer and a companion album, The Mother Tree—his most personal work to date, created in tribute to his late mother. We discuss memory, grief, creativity, his upcoming tour, other upcoming projects, and what’s next for Love and Rockets. I've had the pleasure of talking to David twice before, and he has always made for a captivating chat. This time proved no different. So, enjoy the interview and stick around afterwards, when we’ll close with the epic title track from The Mother Tree. David J Haskins new poetry book Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer and album The Mother Tree drop June 6, via Fonograph Media and Erototox Decodings. You can pre-order at davidjhaskins.com.

    44 min

  5. 10/10/2024

    Episode 54: The Melvins’ Dale Crover Talks New Solo Album 'Glossolalia'

    Today, we’re talking with legendary drummer Dale Crover, best known for his work with The Melvins. Their unique blend of metal, punk, and experimental music helped shape the Grunge sound. In addition to The Melvins, Crover has worked with bands like Acid King, Altamont, Redd Kross, and most notably, Nirvana. Rolling Stone even named him the 69th greatest drummer of all time. But Dale Crover is more than just a great rock drummer—he’s also a solo artist, and he’s just released his third solo album, GLOSSOLALIA, out now via Joyful Noise Recordings (click here to order). The album features contributions from Tom Waits, Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Ty Segall, and others. In this episode, I talk with Dale about the creative inspiration behind GLOSSOLALIA, how he assembled his impressive list of collaborators, how his songwriting process differs between solo work and The Melvins, his current Eurpoean tour opening for Redd Kross (click here for tickets), and what’s next for The Melvins. So, stick around for the interview, and afterward, I’ll play 'I Quit', a track from his new album. You can listen to the episode via the Spotify embed below, or pn your podcast platform of choice via the buttons at the bottom of the post.

    33 min

  6. 08/30/2024

    Episode 53: Pulsars' Dave Trumfio Talks 1997 Self-Titled Album Reissue

    On this week's episode, I interview Dave Trumfio, the songwriter and vocalist for synth-pop duo the Pulsars. The Chicago-based Pulsars, which also featured Trumfio's brother and multi-instrumentalist Harry Trumfio,  were one of the first bands to bring back an 80s retro sound on their 1997 self-titled debut album, years before the post-punk revival of the early 2000s, when bands like The Killers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol became indie music darlings. Their debut album was chock full of New Wave gems like 'My Pet Robot', 'Silicon Teens' and 'Technology'. And while they received some initial success and high profile tours with artists like Oasis and Beck, the dissolution of their record company heralded the end of the band, and their album went out of print for nearly thirty years.  The Pulsars are rereleasing a remastered edition of this album on vinyl, CD and digital on September 13 via  Tiny Global Productions. This is a treat for hardcore fans and should also appeal to electronic music fans unfamiliar with their work. On today’s episode I speak to Trumfio about his memories of the band’s initial success and the Chicago alternative scene of the 1990’s, his work as a member of The Mekons and as an in-demand producer and studio  musician for artists like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Liz Phair and Moving Units, why the band are finally reissuing their debut album, their upcoming tour, future releases, and much more. And stick around afterwards, when I’ll be playing 'Technology', one of my favorite songs off their underrated 1997 gem of an album.

    39 min

  7. 08/22/2024

    Episode 52: The Sisters of Mercy's Guitarist Ben Christo Talks Band's 2024 North American Tour

    The Sisters of Mercy are one of the most iconic Goth groups of all time. Despite not releasing an album since 1990's 'Vision Thing,' they retain a devoted fanbase, as evidenced by the rapturous acclaim of their 2023 North American tour, which saw them play hits like 'This Corrosion' along with deep cuts, and new material. And now the band are preparing to return to the U.S. and Canada with a Fall 2024 tour. On this week's episode I talk to band guitarist Ben Christo to discuss what fans can expect on the setlist, why the band are in no hurry to release a new album, the band's songwriting process (they continue to write songs, but only perform them live), their enduring appeal, and more. So check out the episode, and visit the bands website https://www.the-sisters-of-mercy.com/ for tour dates and more.

    37 min

  8. 08/01/2024

    Episode 51: Unveiling Lost Tracks: Producer Danny Saber on Michael Hutchence’s ‘One Way b/w Save My Life’

    Join us for a special episode as we delve into the legacy of musical icon Michael Hutchence, whose career with INXS skyrocketed in the 80s. Beloved for his mystique and distinctive vocals, Hutchence left a lasting impact on millions despite his untimely passing in 1997. Now, producer Danny Saber (U2, Madonna, David Bowie) brings Hutchence's unfinished demos to life with the release of 'One Way' b/w 'Save My Life,' a 10-inch picture disk out August 9 via Boss Sonics and Deko Entertainment. Saber meticulously reconstructed these tracks from loose demos the two recorded together just prior to his death. In this episode, I interview Saber to discuss the journey of 'One Way,' the nearly three-decade wait for its release, Hutchence's enduring appeal, future releases of more unearthed Hutchence material, and Saber's favorite memories of working with the legendary singer. And stick around afterwards when I'll be playing the new single.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The SLIS Podcast dives into the best of 80s and 90s alternative rock, metal, and the bands keeping that spirit alive today. Expect candid interviews with rock icons, honest reviews, nostalgic deep dives, and the occasional middle-aged Gen X rant. Theme song: “Hold It” by Interstelar.

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