The ARCHives

Tom suggests keeping your ears out for this multi-genre-spanning newcomer.  

More great songs from the ubiquitous Zach Bryan--this guy has more songs than he knows what to do with!

Very pop, with a fun and sometimes humorous edge.  Great sister harmonies.

 New album by one of Tom's favorite singer-songwriters, just dropped on June 20, 2025. Definitely check it out.

 Fantastic live recording by Cincinnati's own, Arlo McKinley. It's also a nice preview for Tom who has tickets to his show this summer in Berwyn, IL.

 Directed by Christian Shwegal, starring Nick Offerman and Dennis Quaid, is a new film about 2 anti-government extremists who face off against a small-town police chief. In Tom's words, it looks "fucking intense."

Fiona Apple covers Neil Young, and Tom really likes the version.  Comes from the new album, Heart of Gold:  The Songs of Neil Young, Vol. 1 (2025).

An action-packed sequel to the 2020 Charlize Theron Netflix release, The Old Guard.  Perfect for our action movie episode--owes a lot to 3SI classic, The Highlander.

Tom plays the "new to me" card for his Staff Pick to open Season 8. An artist recommended to Tom by his brother, Eric. Such a good pick, it will stand for our first two episodes of Season 8, which starts with a 2-part interview with Matthew Grimm. Check that out, along with Tom's Staff Pick!

Promoting a Canadian tour of artists on the Red Scare Industries label.   Chris will not give up on Canada.  We hope they don't give up on us!

Great new song from one of Chris' picks to hit the big time.  Can't go wrong with the lyric, "loosey, juicy, crazy-in-the-head Gary Busey."

With thanks for the inspiration to former guest, Matthew Grimm, Chris recommends the new one from this always energetic and outspoken band.

A Springsteen song often misunderstood as a simple expression of patriotism gets a redo by Kentucky-born Noe. Much closer to Springsteen's more recent acoustic versions of the song, Noe recasts it as the true protest song it is.

When I saw that Honeymoon Suite had an actual new recording, I really had no choice but to make it my staff pick. After actually listening to the song, I probably should made a different choice

Outstanding live EP from Tulsa, Oklahoma band, Wilderado. Great intro to a really good group, so check it out.

Great love song that also comments on information overload in the current day and age.

New release from the string band side of Susto, out of Charleston, SC. They're joined by Asheville, NC's Holler Choir on some new originals and some great new versions of Susto songs, including "Friends, Lovers, Ex-Lovers, or Whatever."  

Hailing from Minneapolis, I was afraid this great 90's band was done. Thankfully, I was wrong (again). Song  is catchy as hell with fun, clever lyrics. Hoping this means a new album by the 'Dogs. I Miss Them (if you get it, you get it).

Recommended by our guest for the Season 8 finale, Doug Storm.   Published in 1959, but just as relevant today, the book is a study of the relationships between poetry, religion and philosophy.

Special guest Dante DiBartolo recommended this series, based upon a classic series of novels by Isaac Asimov.  Now streaming its third season.

Special guest Dan Dougherty recommended this new series in Episode 4.  Based upon an Image comic series co-created by one of Dan's colleagues, Tim Seeley.  

A lot of excitement for 10 new episodes of what many consider to be one of the greatest animated shows ever. Kids show only, I think not!

New release from the American-Canadian singer/songwriter from Vancouver.  She formerly recorded under the name Oh Susanna. Tom especially likes the 3rd song in, "Real Estate."

New release from Texas singer-songwriter, Pug Johnson.  He has a traditional country voice, which he combines with a swampy "border" vibe--melds Texas and Louisiana Americana sounds.

A detailed and insightful weekly look at great films.  Serrano is hilarious as he breaks down his favorite films.  Includes a "Pop-up Video" style breakdown of one scene in each blog.

Outstanding graphic novel written and drawn by one of the masters of the medium.

Amazing film from 2023, starring Teyana Taylor, William Catlett and Josiah Cross.  Tremendous acting and fantastic directing.

Not exactly brand new, but a new discovery by Tom of an excellent singer-songwriter from the 1970s.  Also Geardaddies have a great cover of My Maria.

Tom's comic book guy peeks through in his staff pick this week.  Highly recommended series, based on the Marvel Comics characters.

Released in March 2025, this new EP by Canadian singer-songwriter Whitcomb, is already one of Tom's favorites. He loves the British Columbia native's voice and "Medusa" has already made it to Tom's very exclusive workout playlist.

Fantastic music documentary, directed by Michael O'Brien about Ike Reilly. Streaming on Tubi but also available to buy or rent on the Apple Store. Definitely worth checking out.

First new album in 4 years from one of Chris's favorites. The many musical influences of this band are audible in just the first two singles, "Loser" and "Drinking with the Prince."

Released in 2024, but completely new to Chris. Love the many influences and also the political messages on this one. Check out "Fascist Discotheque," especially.

Future guest Matthew Grimm covers a timely anti-fascist song originally recorded by The Young'uns.  

Chris loves Roadside Graves, a great example of an "unknown unknown"-type band.  This is their newest release.

Good songwriting and nice balance of guitar work to highlight the lyrics.  Session guy made good.

Interesting new work from the country and blues-influenced rock band.  Growing on Chris with every listen.

Chris recommends a new-ish native American vampire novel.  "I am the Indian who can't die.  I am the worst dream America ever had."

A recent favorite band of Chris'.   This Texas band features Giovannie Yanez, whose distinctive voice carries this new album.

One of Chris's long-time favorite bands returns with great new music. The standout punk bluegrass band takes on a little more serious themes on this one, with "Hard Times" being a good example and great song. A little less serious, but just as good is "I Love Doing Drugs," which is Chris's current favorite on the album.

Great new music by the former lead singer of the Screamin' Cheetah Wheelies. Very bluesy with lots of horns and a cool, breezy feeling. Reminiscent of The Subdudes, a Third Song In favorite.

Feels like Robert Johnson, but also updated.  Acoustic, lots of slide guitar and washboard.  

Brand new song from a Lumineers-y duo.  Great alt-folk music!

New film directed by the Russo brothers dropping on Netflix on 3/14/25.  Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, based upon graphic novel created by Simon Stalenhag.  Not overly confident about the movie, but a great excuse to recommend the book, which came out in 2018.  

One of Tom's favorites  has a new solo album coming out March 7th. Check out the album, and also Tom's recent blog on Isbell - https://thirdsonginpodcast.com/pics-%26-words/f/can-there-be-more-of-them-jason-isbell-and-optimism#2e6977dd-ac77-4cd7-9637-18193d1642df

Great action-filled TV show, based upon the novels of Lee Child.  Third (and final?) season in--Tom is looking forward to bingeing the whole season!

Great Texas country blues, funky backbeat to his country voice. Around since 2005 with 11 albums. He has a smooth, twangy voice, reminds a little bit fof Kevin Welch, who Eady collaborates with on his last 3 albums.

Unique coming-of-age film, starring Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella.  Great message, well-acted and quirky-funny.  Now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Recommended by Todd Snider, but nothing like his music.  Amazing, husky, sexy voice, multi instrumentalist.  Serious blues guitarist. and a Duke graduate, so celebrated the big win against UNC!

  Time travel/romance. With a twist still on its way that I still haven’t quite figured out.  One of Obama’s favorite books of 2024.

 Double album (20 tracks) of acoustic versions of Lucero songs (shades of the Purple Building by Todd Snyder.)

Live EP,  with the version of “I Need You to Tell Me Who I Am” really shining. He is just a fantastic songwriter with a moving, stunning voice.   

Three new songs from an interesting new group.  Chris recommends "Heart of Sorrow" in particular.  

New single by a Canadian band that is quickly becoming one of my favorites. And note that I am keeping with the Canada theme far better than my co-host.

Really great new song by Nathanson, with a nostalgic, political bent. Indigo Girls really make the song. Outstanding vocals by everyone on a song that is already on repeat for me.

Another action-filled show.  Season 2 keeps up the pace and the humor of Season 1, while adding more characters and more spy-story-intrigue.

A sneak preview of our next episode, which is on Canada. The Blue Stones are a really good, guitar-driven band from Windsor, Ontario.  "Come Apart" is a rocking new song with a message not to fuck with Canada - "bite me, I bite back!" 

From February 14, 2025 release, "Mr. Luck and Mr. Doom."  The band is a new project from one of Chris' favorite songwriters, Willy Vlautin.  

The Philadelphia-born songwriter is on a roll, with two follow up albums since 2023's Drive It Like It's Stolen. The latest single is a preview of the new album, Nurses.

Hailing from the great state of Maine, The Mallett Brothers Band present a melting pot of musical styles, with their latest single just coming out this week. 

 Out of Lubbock, TX. They’ve released two compilation albums covering their first 10 years together with all their big songs, alternate takes, commentary, etc. Great way to start with this (finally) emerging band.   

 Debut novel by WashU alum, Pittsburgh Steelers' play-by-play voice, and future Third Song In guest. The first book in The Kravenland Series is already getting great reviews.

 Created and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez. Per Tom, it's a cross between Abbott Elementary and A.P. Bio, with a little Always Sunny in Philadelphia mixed in.

27 songs by NYC artist Jesse Malin, including collaborations with Counting Crows, Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams and others.

Tom can't wait for the follow-up to Season 1--great action/sci-fi series about immortal warriors, led by Charlize Theron.

Newest work from Kevin Smith.  It's a touching coming of age tale of a teenager in love with a girl and the movies, though not necessarily in that order.

Americana super-group consisting of Hayes Carll and the Band of Heathens. Tom still wondering how he missed this one originally.

Proudly midwestern country-folk, with a tinge of 70's soft-rock.  

Iconic Americana singer singing some of the best from the Beatles.  A few songs out now.

 Great mash-up of one of Tom's favorite Wilco songs with one of his new favorite voices (Josiah Leming). 

The last in the Matthew Corbett series that McCammon started more than 20 years ago with Speaks the Nightbird. It's a well-written, entertaining series that will be missed. Hopefully will show up as a TV series or movie(s).

Weird, cool collaboration between the lead singer of the Drive-By Truckers and one of baddest female lead singers out there. The two are touring together in 2025 and would highly recommend checking them out if you can.

This is a great band's direct response to the 2024 presidential election.

Hard country-rock band from Concord, North Carolina.

Great live album by Mark Sandman's  "secret band" formed before Morphine.

One of three new songs released by folk-pop duo that seems to be coming into its own.

Chris recommends this new single from a pair of his favorite artists.  

Chris recommends this new album, with standout songs, "High Road," "Leigh," and "Running Low."

One of three new songs released by Fort Worth's favorite groove-based rock band. 

Season 4 dropped recently, but Tom recommends starting from the beginning.

A Posthumous release of demos, covers and live performances by one of Tom's favorite artists.

Interesting work from a highly regarded director, starring Michael Fassbender.

Tom's "late to the party" discovery.  Stellar cast presents the origin story of Chess Records in Chicago, Illinois

Second book of a compelling trilogy, published by Penguin Books (2024)

Classic Joe Ely.

A funny sequel, starring a still-funny Eddie Murphy, streaming on Netflix.

Great new workplace comedy, set in eastern PA.  A little crude, but hilarious..

Tom especially loved "Nowhere Fast," and we both laughed at "idk shit about cars"

Four singles out now, full album release in May, 2025

"He's Canadian!!"

Chris recommends  the song "Swelling Seas." in particular.

Walker is also the subject of a recent blog by Chris.

Chris will be bingeing this one; it may be too scary for Tom.

Entertaining hard science fiction.

Chris sees big things for this band.

Starting out season 4 with a new release by an old favorite

Great new song that resulted in the sure-to-be-popular new word, "quartret"

From Season 4, Episode 7.  This is a new album from Sturgill Simpson performing as Johnny Blue Skies.  Andy recommends the songs "Scooter Blues" and "Mint Tea."

Liz joined us on Season 4, Episode 1, "Liz Likes"

Tom recommends this Americana artist whose voice is reminiscent of Guy Clark.  See him live if you get the chance.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro.  This one is 2:40 long and worth every minute.

In Brue's words:  ”I spent the winter of 2023 traveling through a box of Justin [Earle]'s journals that were on loan from his wife Jenn. I found never recorded songs, half written songs (that I had the honor of finishing), and also was inspired to write one last song to say thank you and goodbye.” Should be outstanding.

Directed by James Griffiths, this is a quirky comedy about an oddball who tries to reunite a famous folk duo from back in the day, by bringing them both to a remote island for a private concert.  Hilarious and touching.

For their first-ever joint Staff Pick, Tom and Chris recommend the brand new album from friend of the show Dan Dougherty and The Dan Dougherty Band.  Check out our As Mentioned page for the Kickstarter link! 

Not new, but new to Tom and considered one of the better sports-related documentaries ever.  Nominated for an Oscar for best feature documentary, won Best Documentary at a number of film festivals, including Sundance. 

Not a com, but a rom!  Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, this one marries (get it?) a spy thriller with romance, as British intelligence searches for a mole in the organization.

Hats off to former guest, Dante DiBartolo, for suggesting this century-spanning sci-fi show back in Season 8 of the podcast.  Season 3 of this show, based upon the Isaac Asimov novels, just dropped!

Tom enjoyed this sequel about an aging assassin just trying to relax with the family.  Check out Tom's blog about Bob Odenkirk, as well.  

 Starring Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Bad Bunny and Regina King, Tom's a big fan of this gangster shenanigans film released on 8/29/2025.

One of Chris' new favorites.  The new album reveals a band that is just starting to hit their stride.

Great new song, full of the usual Clem Snide Weirdness.

 New single from the movie, “The Long Walk” which looks scary as hell, but really good to see one of Tom's earlier staff picks (Stephen Wilson, Jr) doing so well.

Contemplative new album from 78-year-old pro football player-turned songwriter, Mike Reid, in collaboration with Americana icon, Joe Henry.  

For their first-ever joint Staff Pick, Chris and Tom recommend the brand new album from friend of the show Dan Dougherty and The Dan Dougherty Band.  Check out our As Mentioned page for the Kickstarter link! 

Cool new song from eclectic band from Asheville, NC. Any song with lyrics like, "once upon a motherfucking time, I want you..." is well worth a staff pick.

Chris enjoyed the fast-paced writing and cool characters. and found the book reminiscent of the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Lyrically interesting song from a Chris Derickson favorite performer.

Interesting song from a kid Chris didn't know from a town in Ohio Chris has never heard of.

Cool, new song, from a very eclectic and unique sounding band from Louisville, KY. Hopefully signaling a new album by one of Chris's favorites.

For the finale, Jope recommends "John Candy:  I Like Me," an outstanding documentary about the Canadian icon, Directed by Colin Hanks and featuring footage of an amazing number of comedy legends.

In Episode 9, Sloan recommended two books, (The Devils, by Joe Abercrombie and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones) and one band, Castle Rat.  Enjoy!