E324 - Anne Richmond Boston (The Swimming Pool Q's) - Top 5 Songs of 1972

Only Three Lads - Classic Alternative Music Podcast1h 33mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In Episode 324 of Only Three Lads, hosts Uncle Greg and Brett Vargo welcome Anne Richmond Boston, the iconic vocalist of the Swimming Pool Q's, to celebrate the release of her long-lost second solo album, *I Should Be Happy*, finally out in 2025 on DB Records. The conversation dives into Anne’s musical journey—from her roots in Louisville and Atlanta church choirs to her pivotal role in the Atlanta alternative scene and her time with the Q's, known for their jangly guitar sound and crystalline harmonies. She shares poignant memories of recording the album in the mid-90s, its 30-year delay due to personal upheaval and label changes, and the emotional joy of finally hearing her voice from three decades past. The episode then shifts to a nostalgic and spirited countdown of the top five songs of 1972, with each host offering deeply personal picks—Greg favoring Neil Young’s *Heart of Gold* and David Bowie’s *Ziggy Stardust*, Brett highlighting Lucho Battisti’s *Il Mio Canto Libero* and Paul Simon’s *Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard*, and Anne championing Stevie Wonder’s *Superstition* and the Raspberries’ *Go All the Way*. The episode blends music history, personal storytelling, and playful banter, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of music and connection. The tone is warm, reflective, and celebratory, with a deep appreciation for artistry and timelessness.

Key Takeaways
1

Anne Richmond Boston’s long-lost solo album *I Should Be Happy*—recorded in the mid-90s—was finally released in 2025 after 30 years of silence, a testament to resilience and artistic integrity.

2

The 1972 music landscape was rich with genre-defining tracks, from *Superstition* to *Heart of Gold*, showcasing a year of innovation, emotional depth, and cultural resonance.

3

The Swimming Pool Q's’ sound was built on Jeff Calder’s quirky songwriting, Bob Elsie’s jangly guitar, and Anne’s ethereal vocals—elements that continue to inspire decades later.

4

Music can transcend time: Anne’s 30-year-old vocals sounded current, proving that great art remains relevant across generations.

5

Personal connection to music—whether through memory, loss, or joy—shapes how we experience and cherish songs for life.

Chapters
0:00
8 min

Welcome to the Podcast & Introducing Anne Richmond Boston

The episode opens with a promotional segment for Metal Mondays, followed by the hosts welcoming listeners to the show and introducing Anne Richmond Boston as the special guest. They set the stage by highlighting her musical legacy with the Swimming Pool Q's and the significance of her new album release.

8:20
17 min

Anne's Musical Origins & Journey to the Swimming Pool Q's

Anne shares her early life in Louisville, her church choir roots, and her move to Atlanta, where she was inspired by local bands like Thermos Greenwood. She recounts how she joined the Swimming Pool Q's through a mutual friend and her evolving role as lead vocalist.

25:00
25 min

The Long-Awaited Release of 'I Should Be Happy'

Anne discusses the 30-year delay of her second solo album, citing personal loss, divorce, and label changes as key reasons. She describes the emotional experience of rediscovering the recordings and the joy of remastering them with new collaborators.

50:00
25 min

The Artistry & Legacy of the Swimming Pool Q's

The hosts reflect on the Q's’ major label era, their tours with Lou Reed, and the controversial 80s image makeover. Anne shares the behind-the-scenes story of the *Blue Tomorrow* album cover, including the infamous pony photo and her emotional reaction.

1:15:00
25 min

Top 5 Songs of 1972: A Personal Countdown

I should be happy, but yeah. Exactly. And that was the thing when I found those other songs, I thought, oh, well, this is beginning to make more of a theme.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Happiness, good living, peace, love, rock and roll. I just feel like this album is such a wonderful translation of that concept.
Anne Richmond Boston151:48
Viral: 90.0
I should be happy, but yeah. Exactly. And that was the thing when I found those other songs, I thought, oh, well, this is beginning to make more of a theme.
Anne Richmond Boston23:25
Viral: 85.0
You know, why should I have to change the way I look? Yeah. Do we have any pictures? I'm sure you had spiked hair.
Anne Richmond Boston40:34
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Hosts

Uncle GregBrett Vargo

Guest

Anne Richmond Boston
Topics Discussed
Music Legacy and Longevity92%1972 Music Culture90%Album Production and Release Delays88%Female Vocalists in Alternative Rock85%Personal Connection to Music83%Band Image and Major Label Influence80%Music as Emotional Expression78%Nostalgia and Memory in Music75%
People & Brands

Anne Richmond Boston

person

142xPositive

Brett Vargo

person

110xPositive

Uncle Greg

person

108xPositive

Swimming Pool Q's

other

89xPositive

DB Records

other

34xPositive

Stevie Wonder

person

28xPositive

Neil Young

person

18xPositive

Paul Simon

person

15xPositive

David Bowie

person

14xPositive

Lucho Battisti

person

12xPositive

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