Pop Rocks Radio

When Rock ‘n’ Roll Still Believed It Could Change the World | Rock & Rule + Paul Collins

February 19, 2026·1h 14m
Episode Description from the Publisher

There was a moment not that long ago when rock ’n’ roll didn’t just soundtrack reality. It tried to change it.This week’s Movie of the Week is Rock & Rule (1983), the strange, ambitious animated rock opera that emerged from a time when music still felt mythic, dangerous, and world-altering.We’re also kicking off a new featured-artist arc focused on the members of The Nerves — beginning with Paul Collins. From power pop urgency to post-punk polish, Collins helped define a sound that still echoes through indie rock today.Plus a clip from the legendary Greg Shaw of Bomp! Records...and plenty of melodic noise from the margins.New year. Same mission. Digging deep into cult cinema, power pop history, and the music that refuses to disappear.Be good. Be weird.Today's tracks:The Leopards - Block PartyThe Voltz - Over and DoneKim Theory - Child Star TeenybopperThe Webstirs - King of DistortionJoe Glass - Freight Train WomanJoint Pains - Everything ConsideredThe Goods - Back to YouThe Vandalias - Buzzbomb!The Go-Go's - Turn to YouPaul Collins Beat:Rock N Roll GirlThat's What Life Is All AboutI Still Want YouPaul Collins:Kind of GirlAll Eyes to SeeUni Boys - I Don't Wanna Dream AnymoreSharp Pins - I Could Find OutThe Darts (U.S.) - ApocalypseDrugs In Sport - CookedThe Arcs - She's Just That Kind of GirlBellvie - Feels So Far AwayThe Primitives - Way Behind Me

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