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In this episode, Steve and Don dive into two highly anticipated releases. They take a deep, track-by-track look at Morrissey’s Make-Up Is a Lie, exploring its themes, standout moments, and where it lands in his ever-controversial catalog. The conversation then shifts to The Charlatans’ We Are Loved, where they break down the band’s latest release, discussing its sonic direction, pacing, and how it stacks up against their classic era.

The episode also features a busy music news segment, with the latest updates from Robyn Hitchcock and Trashcan Sinatras, both previewing upcoming albums with brand-new singles. Midge Ure returns with details on his ambitious new project, while Michael Stipe makes a surprising comeback with his first new song in years for an HBO series. There’s also new music from Peter Gabriel, and an unexpected return from Kon Kan.

Morrissey: https://www.makeupisalie.com/

The Charlatans: https://thecharlatans.net/

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In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Jesse Hartman from LAPTOP for a deep dive into the band’s past, present, and future. Jesse takes listeners back to the beginning, sharing the story of how LAPTOP first came together and reflecting on the early days of the band, including the debut album Opening Credits and the follow-up release The Old Me vs The New You. Along the way, he discusses the songwriting process behind those early records and even talks about the band’s unique take on a classic track by Billy Joel.

The conversation also explores LAPTOP’s 2009 album Don’t Try This at Home, the band’s recent reboot, and the new wave of music that is introducing the project to a new generation of listeners. Jesse shares stories from performing live, reflects on standout moments from the band’s catalog, and gives listeners insight into where LAPTOP is headed next.

LAPTOP: https://www.laptoptheband.com/

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In this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve & Don takes a deep dive into two releases that highlight different corners of the new wave and alternative landscape.

First up is a track-by-track look at The Lost Record from Susanna Hoffs — an album that blends timeless songwriting with that unmistakable melodic style fans have loved for decades. Then the spotlight shifts to Real, the long-shelved and rediscovered album from Kirsty MacColl, exploring how this lost chapter fits into the evolving early-’80s new wave sound.

Plus, the latest New Music News featuring new releases and updates from U2, Trashcan Sinatras, They Might Be Giants, Joe Jackson, and Morrissey.

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Darkwave and post-punk take center stage in this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast as Steve welcomes rising act Silent WVLF for the show’s New Music Spotlight.

Joined by band members Jeff and Tory, the conversation explores the band’s origins, the story behind their name, and the influences shaping their haunting, atmospheric sound that’s resonating with modern alternative and new wave audiences.

Silent WVLF:

https://silentwvlf.bandcamp.com/

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Steve is joined by special co-host Riff Royal for an in-depth review of two solo releases from New Wave icons. Together, they dive into The Ten Crowns, the latest solo album from Erasure front-man Andy Bell, and Night Mirror, the new solo album from Claudia Brücken.

The episode also features a packed music news segment, covering new releases and announcements from They Might Be Giants, Morrissey, Peter Gabriel, Ian McNabb featuring R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, and more.

Andy Bell: https://www.andybell.com/

Claudia Brücken: https://www.claudiabrucken.co.uk/

Riff Royal:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riff_royale/?hl=en

@riff_royale

Stranger Radio website Page: https://www.strangerradio.com/riff-for-love

Warrior X Radio: https://warriorxradio.org/the-happenings/

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Steve is joined by guest host Don from The Album Nerds to review two new releases from New Wave icons: Men Without Hats’ On the Moon and Sparks’ latest album Mad, digging into the highlights and standout moments.

Plus, in New Wave music news, there’s new music from Joe Jackson, Kissing the Pink, Billy Idol, Squeeze, and Cindy Wilson of The B-52s.

Men Without Hats: https://www.safetydance.com/

Sparks: https://allsparks.com/

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Steve and a surprise guest count down their 10 Best Albums of 2025. From darkwave and synth-pop to legendary artists delivering late-career highlights, this episode is a full year-end reflection on the records that defined 2025.

Along the way, they break down standout tracks, key moments, and why these albums rose above the rest. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, passionate look back at the year in new wave and classic alternative music, this is the episode.

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On this episode of The New Wave Music Podcast, Steve sits down with Brian Chatton, founding member and creative force behind Boys Don’t Cry. Brian takes us through the band’s early days, the origin of their name, and the playful nod to The Cure on their second album. We revisit the massive global success of “I Wanna Be a Cowboy,” how it reshaped the band’s trajectory, and the unforgettable (and sometimes bizarre) live moments that came along the way.

Brian also gives us an inside look at the making of the brand-new album 4Play. He shares the inspirations behind the project and breaks down several key tracks, including “I Was Just Thinking About Sex (At the Time),” “Rescue Me,”and the new single “When I Think About You” featuring Wade Hubbard. We discuss collaborations, creative surprises, and which track stands out most to him on the new record.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Boys Don’t Cry for the first time, this episode offers a fun, insightful look into the band’s history, humor, and newest musical chapter.

Boys Don't Cry:https://linktr.ee/boysdontcry1986?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

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