This week, I’m joined by Kay Hanley, lead singer of Letters To Cleo, for a deep dive into songs from across the band’s career — including tracks from Aurora Gory Alice, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

We dig into Letters To Cleo’s unforgettable presence on movie soundtracks like 10 Things I Hate About You, The Craft, and Josie and the Pussycats; Kay’s experience performing Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Gary Cherone of Extreme; and her work as part of the songwriting duo behind the music for Doc McStuffins. Kay also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ musical episode “Subspace Rhapsody,” collaborating with Greg Hawkes of The Cars and the late Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, and the inspiration behind the band’s latest singles, “Bad Man” and “It’s Sunny Outside.”

If you’re a fan of ’90s alternative rock, soundtracks, or the stories behind the songs that shaped a generation, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Here & Now

Big Star

Rim Shack

Wasted

Get On With It

Demon Rock

Awake

Fast Way

Co-Pilot

Disappear

Anchor

Dangerous Type (Originally Performed By The Cars)

Dreams (Originally Performed By Fleetwood Mac)

Cruel To Be Kind (Originally Performed By Nick Lowe)

I Want You To Want Me (Originally Recorded By Cheap Trick)

Come On

Shapeshifter (From Josie & The Pussycats)

Pretend To Be Nice (From Josie & The Pussycats)

3 Small Words (From Josie & The Pussycats)

Radiation Vibe (Originally Performed By Fountains Of Wayne)

Bad Man

It’s Sunny Outside

Veda Very Shining

I Could Sleep (The Wuss Song)

Purchase a copy of Kay’s cover of Fountains of Wayne’s “Radiation Vibe” from the “Saving For A Custom Van” compilation, which we discussed in the episode!