Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club wasn’t an instant hit. In fact, when it was released in 2020, it barely made a dent in the charts. But years later, the song has become an anthem—thanks to her audience, not the industry.In this deep dive, we explore how Pink Pony Club slowly found its people, why streaming algorithms bury great music, and what this s…

Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush’s Don’t Give Up is more than just a duet—it’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling. In this deep dive, we explore the song’s themes of resilience, how toxic masculinity prevents men from seeking support, and why Kate Bush’s voice became a musical safe space for so many. We also uncover Peter Gabriel’s original vision …

With their latest single, It’s Amazing To Be Young, Fontaines D.C. continue their sonic evolution—embracing Britpop’s anthemic scale while remaining deeply rooted in their Irish identity. But how does an Irish band fit into Britpop’s legacy? And what does it mean for a band shaped by Dublin to make their mark in London?In this deep dive, we trace t…

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime performance wasn’t just a show—it was a power struggle in real time. Behind the corporate spectacle, Kendrick delivered a performance loaded with subversive messages, playing with ideas of control, propaganda, and rebellion. But did the audience—and the system—fall right into his trap?In this deep dive, Steve br…

Kendrick Lamar is about to step onto the biggest stage in music—the Super Bowl Halftime Show—and it could be a career-defining moment. In his recent Apple Music interview, Kendrick made it clear; “Hip-hop is not just music. It’s an art form. It’s high art.” With “Not Like Us” dominating the culture, the weight of hip-hop’s fight for recognition, an…

Marianne Faithfull’s haunting voice in Metallica’s The Memory Remains is unforgettable—but the story behind it is even more powerful.When Metallica needed a voice that sounded like time itself—worn, fractured, yet unshakable—they turned to Marianne Faithfull. But how did a former ‘60s pop star, once known for her angelic voice and tragic downfall, …

In this episode, we dive deep into the eerie and enigmatic world of David Lynch’s music, focusing on his 2011 album Crazy Clown Time. Known for his surreal films like Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, Lynch’s approach to sound design has always been integral to his storytelling. But how does this translate to a full album of haunting, experimental …

From the chaotic rebellion of Generation Terrorists to the introspective evolution of The Holy Bible and beyond, the Manic Street Preachers have carved one of the most compelling paths in rock history. In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, we explore their remarkable journey, tracing the highs and lows of their career—from the enigmatic brillianc…

This week, to mark the anniversary of David Bowie’s passing, Steve delves into how the song Heroes and Bowie’s Berlin Era shaped his artistry and our perspective on his work retrospectively. From chaos to heroes, maximalism to minimalism, the ever changing David Bowie created a masterpiece through adversity. 00:00 Intro 00:30 You remind me of the b…

This week Steve delves into his favourite U2 song, ‘Stay (Faraway, So Close!)’. Released as part of the 1993 album Zooropa, and inspired by Wim Wenders film Der Himmel Über Berlin and used in its sequel. The song captures the band at the height of their musical and stylistic powers. 00:00 Intro 00:30 U2 Stay (Faraway, So Close!) Review 26:50 Outro…

This week Steve picks out his favourite song of 2024, ‘Starburster’ by Fontaines D.C. taken from the Irish bands’ seminal album Romance.Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto returns with his end of year Spotify playlist including nods to Kneecap, Trophy Wife, Shark School, Gurriers, New Dad, April, Aoife Wolf, Chalk, Sprints, Really Good Time, an…

In this The Last Mixed Tape Christmas special Steve delves into the cultural impact of ‘Fairytale of New York’ by the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacCall. Decades on from its release, Shane MacGowan’s songwriting zenith hit its peak with the Pogues as he and Kirsty MacCall would change the sound of Christmas forever with a punkish subversion of the hol…

The week’s End-of-Year episode Steve looks back on 2024 through a cultural lens, shining a light on the records, performances and moments where Irish Artists changed the culture both locally and globally. From Kneecap taking on the Tories to the Irish led SXSW boycott these acts have paved the way for 2025. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Irish Artists 2024 02:0…

This week Steve delves into Kendrick Lamar’s surprise new album GNX, and explores the continued reign of Lamar’s Imperial Phase and where to next. Is this a victory lap? Or the extension of his long run at the top of his game. Meanwhile, the Count of Playlisto reviews new music by Melina Malone, Annie-Dog, James Vincent McMorrow, Adrian Crowley, an…

This week Steve delves into Father John Misty’s brand new album Mahashmashana, discussing the thematic thread and commanding persona that has dominated Joshua Tillman’s music and if this is the end of Father John Misty as we know him. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by the Murder Capital, Queen Bitch, Vera, Ten Hail Mary’s…

This week Steve delves into Linkin Park and their brand new album From Zero. The group’s first studio album since the passing of Chester Bennington and the introduction of new vocalist Emily Armstrong. In this episode Steve will discuss the change and where it leaves Linkin Park and their fanbase in 2024.Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto pick…

This week Steve reviews Tyler, the Creator’s brand new album Chromakopia, delving into the evolving self-portraits of the acclaimed American rapper and how this album wrestles with his past and present personas. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by Rooue, April, Yard, Sister Ghost, Aislinn Logan, Kathy Long and Jerry Fish fe…

This week Steve muses on the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Compete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet and the relativity of the artists identity to the audience. Can such iconic figures as Bob Dylan truly be captured in snapshot? Or is Todd Haynes pseudo biopic I’m Not There the perfect way to navigate such a fragmented body of work? Meanwhile, the C…

This week Steve delves into Bon Iver’s new E.P. Sable, exploring Justin Vernon’s artistic evolution from his seminal debut to this strikingly raw new record. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music from Morgana, Vernon Jane, Houseplants, Shiv, Shobsy, and Proper Micro NV, adding them all to TLMT’s Irish Mixed-Tape playlist on Spot…

This week Steve reviews Silverbacks brand new album Easy Being A Winner, delving into the constructivist foundations, literary lyricism and textural shapes of the Irish post-punk outfits’ third record. Meanwhile, The Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by the T.A. Narrative, Skinner, The X Collective + Decaberet + Senita + Qbanaa, Sarah Crea…

This week Steve delves into what men can do to help make live gigs safe spaces for all, and the lessons in empathy learned after recent events surrounding the Last Dinner Party’s scheduled Lincoln show. Steve also reviews Orla Gartland’s brand new album ‘Everybody Needs A Hero’. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto picks out new music from the W…

This week Steve reviews Blind Faith, the brand new album from Gemma Hayes via the Frida Kahlo quote “I never paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality” and what kind of self portrait Hayes paints with her latest record. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto chooses new music from the Murder Capital, Big Sleep, Queen Bitch, Shark School, …

This week Steve muses on the negative effects of hype for both the artists receiving it and the music scene as a whole, reviews the debut solo album from NewDad’s Julie Dawson Bottom Of The Pool, and the Count of Monte Playlisto picks out new music from Big Love, Susan O’Neill, The Kates, PostLast, and Junior Brother.…

Steve reviews Gurriers debut album Come & See through the medium of Hunter S. Thompson’s famous Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas passage regarding the fall of the 60’s hippy movement. Meanwhile, the Count o Monte Playlisto picks out new music from Kynsy, Roe, Skinner, Lord Jane and Gemma Bradley, adding them to TLMT’s Irish Music Mixed Tape Playlist on…

As Oasis top the UK album charts with their 30th anniversary edition of the seminal debut record Definitely Maybe, Steve muses on the impact on working classes voices in art, then and now. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by Maria Kelly, Susan O’Neill, Spooklet, Bantum, The Psychs, and Róis, adding them to TLMT’s Irish Mixe…

This week Steve muses on the announcement of Oasis reuniting for live shows in 2025 via the history of Paris, how music exists beyond the confines of mere nostalgia and the positive influences and social aspects of the seminal rock bands reunion. Meanwhile, The Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music from Really Good Time, Big Sleep, Kingfishr, …

This week Steve reviews Romance, Fomtaines D.C. much anticipated fourth album via a detour to Du Cubisme and the concept of deconstruction and experimentation. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music from Gurriers, Elle Cove, Bicurious, Aby Coulinaly and Enola Gay, adding them to TLMT’s Irish Mixed-Tape playlist on Spotify.…

This week Steve reviews Tim Chadwick’s sublime new album Pulverise and pays tribute to Eoin French a.k.a Talos. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music from Julie Dawson, Gemma Hayes, Dylan Flynn & the Dead Poets, Lucy Gaffney and Lullahush, adding them to TLMT’s Irish Mixed-Tape on Spotify.…

This week Steve muses on U2’s classic album Achtung Baby and how the group’s stylistic change may be echoed in Fontaines D.C upcoming Romance. Also, we review And So I Watch You From Afar’s ‘Megafauna’. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto delves into the latest releases from the Irish music scene including Fontaines D.C, Roe, Silverbacks, Yard,…

This week Steve muses on the people of Dundalk and punk-trad act the Mary Wallopers protesting the far-right and the words of Pete Seeger “this machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender”, reviews Calmea’s debut album ‘Por enquanto não ao mar’, and the Count of Monte Playlisto picks out new music from Leah Rose, Lucy Gaffney, Gurriers, Bicur…

This week Steve previews All Together Now 2024 music festival, taking place at Curraghmore Estate in Waterford this August Bank Holiday weekend, focusing in on some Irish acts performing over the weekend.Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto returns and reviews new music from Jena Keating, Julia Maria, Anemoia, Shy, Hannahbella, Four Faces, and O…

This week Steve muses on the relationship and future of AI in music or art as a whole. Can we limit its use to being a tool alone? Or will the industry turn the tool into something far worse? Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto reviews new music by Ailsha, Kynsy, Tim Chadwick, His Fathers Voice, Modernlove and Laura Elizabeth Hughes adding them…

This week Steve reviews Callum Orr’s debut studio album The Trials Of Knowing. Meanwhile, The Count Of Monte Playlisto returns with new music from Jazzy, Shobsy, Sun Mahshene, Silverbacks, Vera and Skinner.

This week Steve muses on Banksy’s art piece melding with Idles set at Glastonbury 2024, and the act of Performance and Art as an act of Protest. Meanwhile, the Count of Monte Playlisto picks new tracks from Sister Ghost, Fake Friends, the Kates, Left on Read, and A Lazarus Soul.

This week Steve explores Lankum’s new album Live in Dublin and the social, sonic and communicative aspects of the band. Also, the Count of Monte Playlisto picks out new tracks from Chubby Cat, David Keenan, Persona, Kez, Malaki and The Mary Wallopers.

This week Steve delves into the five stand out Irish albums of 2024 so far... in no particular order.. just vibes!Also, the Count of Monte Playlisto rides again, and picks out new music from Fontaines D.C, Orla Gartland, AE Mak, Kiruu, Beauty Sleep and Sasha Samara

This week Steve reviews 'Fine Art', the much anticipated debut album from Kneecap and finds it to be a future classic Irish album in waiting, except for one small issue. Plus, new music from Aonair, Leah Rose, Guud Grief, Elaine Mai, X Collective, Redneck Manifesto, Gurriers and Big LoveVon The Last Mixed Tape

This week Steve reviews Niamh Regan's brand new album Come As You Are, and the Count of Monte Playlisto talks new music from Ailsha, AE Mak, His Father's Voice, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Big Sleep, Annie Dog, April, David Barrett, and Fangclub.Von The Last Mixed Tape

Steve previews Forbidden Fruit 2024 picking out his favourite Irish artists playing this years festival, review Ro Yourell's debut solo album Commencer, and picks out new music from Sorcha Richardson x Morgana, Maria Kelly, Vera, Rooue and Bog BandVon The Last Mixed Tape

This week we speak on Childish Gambino's Atavista and what it means to be an Artist/Performer, review Elephant's Keeping Well, and the latest releases from Orla Gartland, Callum Orr, Monjola, Toria and Arms That Fit Like LegsVon The Last Mixed Tape

Steve speaks on the passing of Steve Albini and the idea of unsung creative heroes working in the background, reviews Villagers sixth studio album 'That Golden Time' and talks new music from CMAT, AE MAK, Gemma Hayes, Jena Keating, Milk and CoshaVon The Last Mixed Tape

Steve muses on New Pagans instagram post regarding Unpaid Labour in the Music Industry, review Lemoncello's self-titled debut album and talks new music from Kneecap, Kez, Lucy Gaffney, Susan O'Neill and Sive.Von The Last Mixed Tape

This week Steve delves into Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department and the allure of lore, reviews Sick Love's debut album Champagne, and Big Sleep, Beauty Sleep, Of All Living Things, James Vincent McMorrow, MayKay/Elaine Mai/Faye O'Rourke.Von The Last Mixed Tape

Steve reviews Pillow Queens third studio album Name Your Sorrow, talks about Fontaines D.C. comeback single 'Starburster' and new music from Kynsy, Rooue and Louise Gaffney make it onto the Count of Monty Playlisto's Irish music playlist on Spotify.Von The Last Mixed Tape

Steve reviews Melts sophomore album Field Theory, The Count of Monte Playlisto adds His Father's Voice, Fee Gray, Ten Hail Mary's, April, Shiv & Aimee Cuffe to TLMT's Irish Spotify Playlist, Gigs of the Week and two years of The Sound Between The TreesVon The Last Mixed Tape

This week Steve reviews Nothing Hurt And Everything Was Beautiful the debut album from Belfast shoegaze band Virgins. and the Count of Monte Playlisto adds Sharkett, Pastiche, Lilla Vargen, Soft launch, Sick Love, Carlsbad and Zapho to TLMT's weekly Spotify playlist.Von The Last Mixed Tape

Steve talks the concept of Finished Is Better Than Perfect, reviews Affinity the brand new album from Fears, and the Count Of Monte Playlisto adds And He The Fool, Modernlove, Kazms and Kormac feat. MayKayVon The Last Mixed Tape

Steve delves into the idea of the Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Art and how music is a reflection of who and where we are, we review Niamh Bury's debut album Yellow Roses, playlist picks from Lucy Gaffney, Melts, Lucy McWilliams, Kojaque & Roe.Von The Last Mixed Tape

This week Irish artists have boycotted SXSW due to US Military sponsorship and in solidarity with Palestine, Fight Like Apes cover Sinead O'Connor's classic Black Boys On Mopeds, Havvk's third album To Fall Alseep review and additions to TLMT's Spotify Playlist.Von The Last Mixed Tape

Steve reports from the scene of Lankum's Choice Music Prize win, thoughts on the night itself, reviews Anamoe Drive 'Breakfast In Bed', and as always the Count of Monte Playlisto counts downVon The Last Mixed Tape