The Mild Mannered Army

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 34 - Tracks of Our Years 1998

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, we dive into the music and memories of 1998—a year packed with unforgettable tracks and life-defining moments. From the indie brilliance of Idlewild and the dreamy pop of The Cardigans to the iconic grooves of Jurassic 5 and the genre-defying sounds of Air and Propellerheads, we’ve got something for everyone.

Join us as we reminisce about the Spice Girls' chart-topping reign, Pulp’s reflective storytelling, and the cult magic of Neutral Milk Hotel. Along the way, we share personal stories from our own lives in 1998, taking you on a nostalgic journey through one of the most eclectic years in music history.

Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering these tracks for the first time, this episode is a love letter to a year when music truly meant everything.

Music Featured:

• Idlewild
• Spice Girls
• The Cardigans
• Jurassic 5
• Air
• Propellerheads
• Pulp
• Neutral Milk Hotel
• And more!

Fair Use Statement:
This episode includes excerpts of copyrighted material used under the principles of fair use for purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. All rights remain with the original copyright holders.

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The Mild Mannered Army Episode 33 - Mark E. Nevin

In this special episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Mark E. Nevin for an engaging and insightful conversation. From his time as the driving force behind Fairground Attraction to his collaborations with Sandie Shaw, Kirsty MacColl, and Morrissey, Mark shares candid reflections on his life in music. As a solo artist and collaborator, his work is rich with stories and creative breakthroughs, and his warm humor shines throughout.

We explore Mark's incredible career, touching on the creation of timeless classics, his inspirations, and his unique experiences in the music industry. Whether you're a fan of "Perfect," a lover of Kirsty MacColl's storytelling, or curious about his time with Morrissey, this episode has something for everyone.

Featured Clips:

🎵 I Know Where Ray Davies Lives
🎵 I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives
🎵 While the Kingdom Crumbles
🎵 Perfect Tokyo
🎵 Interview Breakfast News
🎵 New York Doll
🎵 Sandie Jeane Gaytime TV
🎵 Bowie Starman Lift Off
🎵 Kirsty MacColl King Kong
🎵 Mozzer Stop Me

Fair Use Notice:

The audio clips featured in this episode are used under the principles of "fair use." They are included solely for the purposes of commentary, review, and education, in line with the podcast’s dedication to deepening appreciation for music and its creators.

Tune in for a fascinating look behind the curtain of Mark E. Nevin's remarkable career.

 

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 32 - Tracks of Our Years 1994

Get ready to take a deep dive into one of the most exciting years in music—1994! In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, Paul and Nick revisit the artists and albums that defined a generation, from shoegaze to Britpop, grunge to hip-hop, and everything in between.

We’ll cover the hits, the hidden gems, and the moments that shaped the music scene, featuring:
🎵 Ride – Shoegaze brilliance.
🎵 The Charlatans – Indie grooves for days.
🎵 These Animal Men – The new wave of new wave.
🎵 Suede – High drama and glamor.
🎵 Kristin Hersh – Haunting and poetic.
🎵 Weezer – Nerd rock anthems.
🎵 Morrissey – Love him or loathe him, his influence loomed large.
🎵 Shed Seven – Britpop staples.
🎵 Echobelly – Indie with an edge.
🎵 TLC – R&B icons.
🎵 Shampoo – Bubblegum brilliance.
🎵 Beastie Boys – Genre-bending legends.

We’re also thrilled to feature listener memories from Dave, Faye, and Catherine, sharing their personal connections to the music of 1994. It’s always a treat to hear how these songs shaped your lives!

Clips Used in This Episode
As part of our exploration, we’ve included some fantastic clips to jog your memory and enrich the conversation. You can check out the full tracks here:

• Ride – "Drive Blind"
• The Charlatans – "Can’t Get Out of Bed"
• These Animal Men – "Speeed King"
• Suede – "The Wild Ones"
• Kristin Hersh – "Your Ghost"
• Weezer – "Buddy Holly"
• Morrissey – "The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get"
• Shed Seven – "Speakeasy"
• Echobelly – "Insomniac"
• TLC – "Waterfalls"
• Beastie Boys – "Sabotage"

Fair Use Note
The clips featured in this episode are used under fair use for commentary and educational purposes. We encourage you to check out the artists' full works for the complete experience.

Tune in for a mix of deep nostalgia, great music, and lively conversation. Whether you lived through 1994 or are discovering it for the first time, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 31 - Tracks of Our Years 1987

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, we take a musical journey through the unforgettable year of 1987, as chosen by our esteemed co-host, Nick Amies. Known for his literary deep dives into Britpop and the cultural phenomena of Oasis (She's Electric and Where Did It All Go Wrong), Nick curates a playlist of tracks that defined a pivotal year in music.

Join us as we explore the sonic landscape of '87, a year that saw post-punk evolve into new, dreamy territories while indie and alternative rock carved out their indelible legacies. Expect stories, insights, and a whole lot of nostalgia as we discuss:

🎵 "Never Let Me Down Again" – Depeche Mode
A darkly euphoric anthem that solidified Depeche Mode’s place as synth-pop royalty.

🎵 "Lips Like Sugar" – Echo and the Bunnymen
Ian McCulloch and co. deliver a shimmering, poetic love song that’s pure alt-rock perfection.

🎵 "My Bag" – Lloyd Cole and the Commotions
Smart, jazzy, and irresistibly cool – Lloyd Cole's wit shines in this sophisticated classic.

🎵 "I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish" – The Smiths
Morrissey’s wry lyrics meet Johnny Marr’s jangling brilliance in a track brimming with swagger.

🎵 "Gentle Tuesday" – Primal Scream
An early gem from Primal Scream, blending jangle-pop and psychedelic charm.

🎵 "Just Like Heaven" – The Cure
A timeless, romantic masterpiece that encapsulates the magic of Robert Smith's songwriting.

🎵 "Real Animal" – The House of Love
The raw energy and haunting lyrics of this track showcase the early promise of an iconic band.

🎵 "When It Rains" – The Jesus and Mary Chain
Noise-pop brilliance with an unmistakable blend of melancholy and rebellion.

🎵 "Out of Hand" – The Mighty Lemon Drops
Driving rhythms and shimmering guitars define this indie rock treasure.

🎵 "Severina" – The Mission
Gothic rock grandeur with soaring melodies and a touch of mysticism.

🎵 "Love Removal Machine" – The Cult
A riff-heavy, swaggering rock anthem with undeniable energy.

🎵 "Where the Streets Have No Name" – U2
An iconic opening to The Joshua Tree that transports you to vast, open landscapes.

From soaring anthems to introspective gems, Nick’s selections showcase the diversity and creativity of 1987’s musical tapestry. Whether you’re reliving the era or discovering these tracks for the first time, this episode is sure to strike a chord.

Tune in, turn it up, and let us take you back to a year when music truly mattered.

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 30 - Tracks of Our Years 1991

Here we are again.  Another trip back to a year in pop music history.  This time it is 1991...the calm before the storm of Britpop.  Nick and I each pick six tracks from the year that soundtracked our lives at that point.  From the sublime to the, frankly, ridiculous.  Thanks, as ever, for listening!

None of the music in the episode is ours, we do not own the rights, any copyright infringement is not intended and this episode should be considered as falling under "fair use" classification.

 

Go well.

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 29 - Tracks of Our Years 1989

Episode 30 of the Mild Mannered Army, and this time it's my turn to fly solo through the tracks of my years for 1989.  This is the same year that we discussed with Hadley Freeman in episode 27...and there are some similarities in our list...but I also get to talk about Morrissey, The Kevin McDermott Orchestra, Del Amitri, and Erasure, amongst others.  

None of the music in the episode is ours, we do not own the rights, any copyright infringement is not intended, and this episode should be considered as falling under "fair use" classification.

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 28 - OASIS

Episode: Oasis – A Deep Dive into the Story of the Band That Defined a Generation

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, hosts Paul Laird and Nick Amies take a deep dive into the fascinating, chaotic, and polarizing story of Oasis – the band that became synonymous with Britpop and dominated British music in the '90s.

Nick brings his expertise as the author of Where Did It All Go Wrong, an acclaimed book that delves into the highs and lows of the Gallagher brothers and their musical legacy. Paul, known for his sharp critiques of Oasis and their impact on British music and culture, shares his unique perspective as the author of The Birth and Impact of Britpop.

Together, the hosts unpack the myth and reality of Oasis – exploring their meteoric rise, their role in the Britpop movement, and the lasting influence (or damage) they’ve had on British music. Expect strong opinions, spirited debates, and a comprehensive look at the band that defined an era.

Whether you're an Oasis superfan, a Britpop enthusiast, or simply curious about one of the most contentious bands in music history, this episode is for you.

Links:

• Nick Amies’ book: Where Did It All Go Wrong
• Paul Laird’s book: The Birth and Impact of Britpop

Follow us for more deep dives, long-form conversations, and interviews about music and culture.

 

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 27 - Tracks of Our Years 2001

Welcome back to the MMA.  This episode sees Nick Amies take us back to a pivotal year in his life, 2001.  As ever there are 12 tracks that we discuss as we attempt to make sense of our histories.  This was a year of real change for Nick, in more ways than one.  He shares his personal story and uses the music to soundtrack who he was, where he was, and how he coped.

Our theme music is Magenta Moon (Part II) by Line Noise and it is used under licence from Free Music Archive.

We do not own the short music clips in the episode and they should be considered as used under "fair use" classification.

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 26 - Tracks of our Years with Hadley Freeman

Episode: Hadley Freeman – A Journey Through the Music of 1989

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, host Paul Laird is joined by acclaimed author and journalist Hadley Freeman for a long-form conversation about the music that defined 1989. Known for her witty insights and deep cultural commentary, Hadley takes us on a nostalgic journey through the songs that shaped her world during that transformative year.

From Madonna’s iconic Like a Prayer to Prince’s eccentric Batdance, from the infectious pop of Boy Meets Girl and Milli Vanilli to the rebellious edge of Guns N’ Roses and Neneh Cherry, this episode revisits the eclectic soundtrack of a year that bridged the '80s and '90s. Together, we explore the stories behind these songs, their cultural significance, and the personal connections that make them timeless.

Tracks Discussed:

• Like a Prayer – Madonna
• Waiting for a Star to Fall – Boy Meets Girl
• Girl You Know It's True – Milli Vanilli
• Batdance – Prince
• You Got It – New Kids on the Block
• Patience – Guns N’ Roses
• Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
• Pictures of You – The Cure
• We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
• Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
• Stand – REM

Links:

• Hadley Freeman’s books:
  • House of Glass: The Story and Secrets of a Twentieth-Century Jewish Family
  • Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Lessons We Learned from Eighties Movies
  • The Meaning of Sunglasses: And a Guide to Almost All Things Fashionable
• Paul Laird’s book: The Birth and Impact of Britpop

Fair Use Statement:

This episode features brief audio clips from songs discussed for the purposes of commentary and critique. All music clips are used under fair use for educational and discussion purposes.

Join us for this vibrant trip down memory lane, celebrating the music of 1989 with one of the sharpest cultural commentators of our time.

The Mild Mannered Army Episode 25 - Tracks of Our Years 1981

The Mild Mannered Army Podcast – 1981: The Year Pop Exploded

In this episode, Paul and Nick take a deep dive into the music of 1981—a year that saw the explosion of synth-pop, the rise of the New Romantics, and a blend of post-punk experimentation with mainstream chart success.

Join us as we share our memories of 1981, a year filled with iconic fashion, unforgettable performances, and groundbreaking music. We explore the tracks and artists that defined the era, from shimmering synth melodies to rebellious rhythms and everything in between.

Artists Featured:
Soft Cell, The Human League, The Specials, The Go-Go’s, Duran Duran, Adam and the Ants, U2, Depeche Mode, Heaven 17, Altered Images, Grace Jones, and even Shakin’ Stevens (because no trip to 1981 would be complete without him).

Expect plenty of nostalgia, debate, and more than a few guilty pleasures as we celebrate one of the most exciting years in pop history.

Tracks Used:
We’ve compiled all the music featured in this episode on a Spotify playlist—take a listen and relive the sounds of 1981:
Spotify Playlist

Fair Use Statement:
This podcast may include short clips of music used under the principles of fair use for the purpose of commentary, critique, and education. We respect and celebrate the original artists and encourage listeners to explore and support their work.

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