This episode takes a different approach. No edits. No theme music. No carefully placed clips. Just a conversation between Paul and Nick—two longtime Britpop obsessives—looking back on the scene that shaped them. Using The Birth and Impact of Britpop as a springboard, we reflect on our personal connections to the music, the myths that fuelled the era, and how our views have evolved over time. We talk about: What we still love (and what we don’t) The bands that meant the most How Britpop feels now, decades later Why some things are best left messy It’s raw, nostalgic, sometimes critical—but always honest. If Britpop ever meant something to you, this one’s for you.

This week, Paul and Nick dive deep into Morrissey's often-overlooked 1997 album Maladjusted — a record that arrived at a crossroads in the former Smiths frontman's solo career. Misjudged by critics? Overshadowed by his earlier triumphs? Or a hidden gem filled with lyrical intrigue and sonic surprises? We explore: The context of Maladjusted in the late-'90s Britpop aftermath Why this album marked a shift in Morrissey’s public and musical persona The controversial “Sorrow Will Come in the End” and the spectre of legal battles Standout tracks and forgotten moments The legacy of Maladjusted and its place in Moz's discography Whether you're a devoted Moz disciple or a curious casual, this is the episode to reconsider one of his most enigmatic records.

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. Listen Now:[Insert link to the episode] Follow Us:Stay connected with The Mild Mannered Army on [social media links] and let us know your favorite songs and stories from 1998. Subscribe:Don’t miss future episodes—subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and join us as we explore more classic albums, unforgettable years, and the stories behind the music.

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.  

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 EpisodeAs 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 NoteThe 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!

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 ModeA darkly euphoric anthem that solidified Depeche Mode’s place as synth-pop royalty. 🎵 "Lips Like Sugar" – Echo and the BunnymenIan McCulloch and co. deliver a shimmering, poetic love song that’s pure alt-rock perfection. 🎵 "My Bag" – Lloyd Cole and the CommotionsSmart, jazzy, and irresistibly cool – Lloyd Cole's wit shines in this sophisticated classic. 🎵 "I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish" – The SmithsMorrissey’s wry lyrics meet Johnny Marr’s jangling brilliance in a track brimming with swagger. 🎵 "Gentle Tuesday" – Primal ScreamAn early gem from Primal Scream, blending jangle-pop and psychedelic charm. 🎵 "Just Like Heaven" – The CureA timeless, romantic masterpiece that encapsulates the magic of Robert Smith's songwriting. 🎵 "Real Animal" – The House of LoveThe raw energy and haunting lyrics of this track showcase the early promise of an iconic band. 🎵 "When It Rains" – The Jesus and Mary ChainNoise-pop brilliance with an unmistakable blend of melancholy and rebellion. 🎵 "Out of Hand" – The Mighty Lemon DropsDriving rhythms and shimmering guitars define this indie rock treasure. 🎵 "Severina" – The MissionGothic rock grandeur with soaring melodies and a touch of mysticism. 🎵 "Love Removal Machine" – The CultA riff-heavy, swaggering rock anthem with undeniable energy. 🎵 "Where the Streets Have No Name" – U2An 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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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 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. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Mild Mannered Army wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow us on social media for updates on future episodes!  

Episode 25 of The Mild Mannered Army is the second in our "Tracks of Our Years" strand.  This week it's my turn to pick twelve songs from a pivotal year in my life - my birth year of 1973.  Join Nick and I as we discuss the songs, the artists, and the memories from that year.Theme music is Magenta Moon (Part II) by Line noise from the Free Music Archive.You can follow us on X; @TracksOurYears @MildManneredMix

We're ba-ack.  Join Nick Amies and I as we take a journey through the tracks of our years...the music that was providing the soundtrack to our lives.  In this weeks episode we are going back to 1972 when Mama and Papa Amies welcomed little baby Nick into the world.  Nick has selected 12 tracks he loves from his birth year...join us on this deep dive into an epic year for music.Paul Laird is the author of "The Birth and Impact of Britpop" - the definitive story of the Britpop era.  He is also a regular contributor to BBC Radio Scotland on pop culture.  He writes for Our Sound Music.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Birth-Impact-Britpop-Mis-Shapes-Scenesters/dp/1399017470/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19QSKQ9DMWWCM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xmF5GdAmkTi23Js71kHZFw.IfKiY7vtyJFmf7NkVER8BT8RnqWtIx2KW9sgh7ETqCg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+birth+and+impact+of+britpop&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727957358&sprefix=the+birth+and+impact+o%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 Nick Amies is a journalist, author, screenwriter, and cultural commentator.  Nick has written books on Oasis, as well as novels set in the nineties "indie" scene.https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Nick-Amies/author/B00D85RSQ8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1727957302&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true  

I am joined by author Graeme Armstrong to discuss his debut novel "The Young Team".  Inspired by his own experiences of gang culture in North Lanarkshire Graeme has produced a debut novel that has generated real excitement and that looks set to be viewed as a classic in time.  With themes of family, identity, love, loss and belonging running throughout the tales of life as part of the Young Team this is a book that captures you, excites you, disturbs you and challenges you.  

A treat as I am joined, in the Filmhouse bar, by Rick McMurray from Ash to discuss 25 years of...teenage wildlife.  This is a real delight with Rick and I talking Top Trumps, Iron Maiden, the perfect set-list and almost everything else along the way.  Teenage Wildlife is available right now on CD, vinyl and a few limited edition formats of both are still available too.  You know what to do.

Former Britpop star James Cook follows up his fantastic memoir "Memory Songs" with a new book that deals with his experience of being the father of a child with non-verbal autism and how music helped him to connect with her.  James is open and honest about his experiences and the things he has learned on his journey.  The book is available from Blink and, right now, we would encourage you to order a copy from your nearest independent book shop.

In this episode I am joined by the legendary music producer Stephen Street.  Over his career Stephen has worked with some of the best known, best loved and iconic bands and artists in popular music; The Smiths, The Triffids, Blur, The Cranberries and Sleeper are just a few of those.  Here we discuss all of those bands and Stephen's memories of working with them.  This is a real treat...enjoy it!

What a treat.  An interview with Gene drummer and all 'round good egg Mr Matt "The Hat" James.  Matt and I met to talk about the debut album from Gene, "Olympian", and along the way we discover the history of the band, Martin Rossiters love of Queen, what working with Phil Vinall was like and so much more besides.  A treat I tells ya.

Ahoy, welcome to the first episode of the Mild Mannered Army Podcast of the roaring twenties.  Exciting isn't it?  In this episode I am joined by James and Jude Cook of The Flamingoes to discuss their album "Plastic Jewels" which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month.  2020 will see the same celebrations for a lot of the "big" albums of the Britpop era but few of those contain as much of the spirit of the nineties UK  music scene as this one.  Full of verve, vim and vigour, great pop songs and tender, moving, deeply personal songs about the loss of life, love and the human condition this is an album that has things to say and says them wonderfully.