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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Cult classic albums

Album art for Television's "Marquee Moon"
Album art for Television's "Marquee Moon"Album Art

by Jill Riley

September 20, 2023

When we think about cult classics, we typically think of movies, but there are plenty of bands and artists that, despite their devoted following, never really broke through to the general public.

In some cases, an album may seem as if it’s on track to be “the best one yet,” but doesn’t make a splash. On the other hand, an album might not get any attention at first, and then it suddenly explodes in popularity and earns the right to call itself a cult classic.

We’re highlighting the albums that didn’t go mainstream, influential albums not recognized in their time, or albums that were straight-up just too unusual.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs from cult classic albums do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band - Moonlight on Vermont
Jellyfish - The Ghost At Number One
Neutral Milk Hotel - Holland, 1945
The Monks - Complication
The Shaggs - My Pal Foot Foot
Television - Venus
Daniel Johnston - She Called Pest Control
Weezer - Why Bother?
Death - Restlessness (bonus)