Difficult Person, Interesting Artist

Welcome to the Beat Motel podcast, where this week Andrew is joined by Dr Sam for a deep-dive into one of music’s most controversial themes: why so many fascinating artists are also colossal bellends.

What starts as a light-hearted waffle about lubricated lips and ear balm (yeah, that happened) quickly takes a sharp swerve into the murky territory of artists who challenge our moral compasses. From Marilyn Manson’s whiny victim lyrics to Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13-year-old cousin, no sacred cows are spared. We get philosophical, sociological, and sometimes just downright sweary. But it’s all in the name of exploring the big question: can you separate the art from the arsehole?

Also featuring:

Suede and the joy of glam simplicity

Why Lou Reed was a magnificent pain in the neck

The brilliance and bafflement of Charles Mingus

Courtney Love finally getting the credit she deserves

ODB being… well… ODB

Dinosaur Jr's PR agent’s polite "don’t even bother" energy

And yes, we talk about cancel culture. And yes, we know that’ll annoy someone. Good.

### Riffs of the week

#### Dr Sam's Riff

- Say Sue Me - Vacation (0.15)

#### Andrew's Riff

- Suede - Disintegrate (2:10)

### Dr Sam's track choices

1. Marilyn Manson - User Friendly (opening)

2. Hole - Celebrity Skin (0.31)

3. Jerry Lee Lewis - Help Me Make It Through the Night (1:00)

4. Charles Mingus - Vassarlean (2.56)

### Andrew's track choices

1. Lou Reed - Satellite of love (1:00)

2. ODB - Shimmy shimmy ya (0:44)

3. Dinosaur Jr - Freak Scene (2:18)

4. Inspiral Carpets - I want you - Featuring Mark E Smith (0:29)

Email us - [email protected]

Welcome to Beat Motel Zine, the comedy-infused alt-music podcast! Born from a zine from the DIY scene, we blend laughs with punk, metal, and everything offbeat. Discover the weirder side of bands, from unintentionally funny stage antics to musical mishaps. Tune in for a profane, comedic journey through alternative tunes, where every episode is a laugh. Join us as we explore music's funniest fringes with a punk rock spirit!

Can the alternative music scene and comedy mix? Of course they can; we'll prove it to you. Warning, episodes contain creative profanities in the vein of The Thick of It.

• No. of episodes: 136
• Latest episode: 2025-06-16
• Music Music Commentary

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