Sombrero Fallout

The second of three episodes rounding up the best alternative tracks from 2021.

The first episode in this year's best tracks selection, in the opinion of Sombrero Fallout.

A survey of all that's great in Australian post-punk over the last few years.

A celebration of the debt owed by the bands who listened to My Bloody Valentine's soundscape masterpiece from 1991: Loveless.

Berlin, internationally famous for its clubs, its lifestyle, its vibe. Take a tour with a collection of songs about Berlin or recorded in the city.

Part 2 of the Sombrero interview with indie music maven Pinko Fowler. Tales of Mark E Smith, Snub TV and the full-on craziness of Hunter S Thompson, plus classic alternative tracks.

Songs about books, reading, writing, libraries. Unfashionable these days, maybe, but the inspiration for some great tracks.

Modern life can often be very vexatious, even if cognitively we know we're better off than ever. Here's a celebration of how rubbish modern life is.

A tribute to Richard H Kirk of Cabaret Voltaire, electronic visionary, who died recently at the age of 65.

Pinko Fowler has videoed every indie star in the known universe (just about). Friends of the Fall, Sonic Youth, the Pixies, the Jesus and Mary Chain, the Cure, Nick Cave, the Go-Betweens, Pulp, Cabaret Voltaire and dozens more, here's Pinko's choice of tracks from his life in indie - plus all the anecdotes on top.

The very best type of cover song adds something new to the original. The icing on the cake? These tracks switch genre as well.

A tribute to the recently departed Lee 'Scratch' Perry, the architect behind reggae and dub.

Alternative improv comedian and DJ to the stars (e.g. Cher)Andrew McLelland co-hosts this eclectic mix of Australian indie-folk, post-punk, post-rock - and sea shanties.

Confessionals, memoirs, autobiographies - call them what you like, a collection of brilliant, highly personal songs.

To coincide with the release of Edgar Wright's outstanding Sparks Brothers movie, here's 50 years of the Maels and the bands they have influenced.

For half a century, one propulsive descending riff has provided not just covers but a framework for any amount of alternative music. Here we delve deeper into this rich history.

The guest host is Rajan Datar, BBC journalist, star of TV and Radio, and long time bass player in the group he founded, Maroon Town

From the northern line to the north circular, some tracks celebrating London and London life.

A celebration of alternative European music from countries competing at the 2021 Euros.

It's the third wave of Post-Punk and it's happening right now!

From Arcade Fire to Helena Deland, Montreal is arguably the music capital of Canada. Here we take a tour around some of its alternative highlights.

Dave O'Neil, comedian, film star, radio host, TV quiz panellist and bass player with Captain Cocoa, guest hosts this edition, choosing some of his all-time favourite tracks.

Some of the 4AD label's classic artists: from the Birthday Party to St Vincent, the Cocteaus to Pixies - and some lesser known gems along the way.

Brian Eno has been inventing, making, producing and collaborating on half a century of boundary-expanding music. Let's celebrate him.

A brisk walk through a dark, deadpan, detached setlist. A lot more fun than it sounds. To add one more D, starts with Dry Cleaning.