Last Updated on January 19, 2026
We’re back, and frankly, if you’ve stuck around this long, you only have yourself to blame. After our first-ever break, Andrew and Dr. Sam return to discuss why cats don’t actually like dope beats, despite what Aaliyah told us in 2000, and why fireworks and techno are a bad mix for pets.
In this episode, we dive into the legendary Eric B. & Rakim, Japanese garage rock icons Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, and the “emotional grindcore” of Swarrrm. There’s also a deeply unnecessary deep dive into The Queers’ lyrical nuances from 1999 and a story about a band that split up because the singer decided to use the drummer as a urinal. We also explore why boredom is actually quite fast, the joy of “institutional Finnish pasta”, and why Beat Motel is effectively just a sticking plaster on the gaping wound of your personal issues.
Riffs of the Week Dr Sam’s Riff
- Thee Michelle Gun Elephant – “The Birdmen”
Andrew’s Riff
- Blood Incantation – “The Stargate [Tablet 3]”
Dr Sam’s Track Choices
- 88 Fingers Louie – “Newspaper”
- Swarrrm – “13”
- The Queers – “No Tit”
- HIRS – “Public Service Announcement”
Andrew’s Track Choices
- System of a Down – “Chic ‘N’ Stu”
- Buzzcocks – “Boredom”
- Sub Focus and Grimes – “Entwined”
- The Bluetones – “Fast Boy”
Email us – beatmotel@lawsie.com
Gabba dancing: https://youtu.be/FUD-HExh9ow?si=Kaq8OykylcVEUosL
