Like so many second and third wave grunge bands, aka post-grunge, the opportunity for chart and sales success depended on a big hit. For Atlanta, Georgia's doubleDrive, they didn't manage to score the big radio or MTV single in 1999 with their debut album 1000 Yard Stare, but what they produced was something more interesting than what many of their contemporaries had to offer. The production gives the entire band a chance to shine, and the twin guitar attack gets closer to the post-hardcore of Helmet, Quicksand, and Handsome at times. Unlike their post-grunge contemporaries Puddle of Mudd or Creed, the band doesn't slog around the mid-tempo for long, injecting plenty of energy and avoiding a ballad completely. But also like their post-grunge contemporaries, a reliance on the vocal stylings of singers like Eddie Vedder and Scott Weiland put a stamp on the sound that chips away at the originality.   Songs In This Episode Intro - 1000 Yard Stare 22:31 - Belief System 27:12 - Tattooed Bruise 35:02 - Vamp 38:45 - Gone 40:50 - Reason Outro - Hell   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

From the cover art for Ritual de lo Habitual by Jane's Addiction to the music videos for Jeremy by Pearl Jam or Closer by Nine Inch Nails, the 1990s were full of controversial and provocative artists and music. Whether it was rapper Ice-T fronting hardcore thrash band Body Count and their single "Cop Killer" to Marilyn Manson pushing boundaries musically and visually, there was no shortage of outrage and hysteria aimed at Gen-X musicians and their fandom. Bands and artists as varied as Tool, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Madonna, Green Day, Megadeth, NOFX, Tin Machine, Ministry, Sublime The Prodigy, Suede, Van Halen, Manic Street Preachers, Slayer and many more faced backlashes for lyrics, album artwork, videos, or just existing.   Songs In This Episode Intro - Closer by Nine Inch Nails 25:55 - Jesus Christ Pose by Soundgarden 32:55 - Smack My Bitch Up by The Prodigy 40:52 - Cop Killer by Body Count 55:24 - Love Is a Good Thing by Sheryl Crow Outro - Jeremy by Pearl Jam   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Aside from Suede and Spacehog, few bands in the 90s embraced the glam sound as wholly as Lowcraft. Except Lowcraft wasn't from the UK, instead claiming Portland, Oregon in the U.S. as their home. The one and only album, 1999's Manticore, is baked with the sound and feel of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, David Bowie, and Mott the Hoople. How exactly? Can certain guitar chords and riffs sound glam? Sure, but it helps if there is a big vocal from the likes of lead singer Nathan Khyber. But like many 90s albums, the extended runtime of the compact disc gives time for songs to go on too long, and what should have been a tight forty-four-minute LP turns ends up a flabby fifty-seven minutes.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - An Inch Away From Heaven 13:32 - Transcendental Meltdown 19:21 - Pornstar 31:15 - One of Us Outro - Happy in My Pants   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Badmotorfinger sits in the middle of the Soundgarden discography at an interesting crossroads. With new bass player Ben Shepherd on board, the band expanded upon their Black Sabbath meets Black Flag twist on metal with precision riffs and rhythms that integrate odd time signatures and alternate guitar tunings. While other bands were relegated to in-the-know hardcore fandom, thanks to the once-in-a-generation vocals of Chris Cornell, Soundgarden began their ascent as a commercial entity on MTV and mainstream radio.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Outshined 4:39 - Birth Ritual 29:01 - Jesus Christ Pose 36:05 - Somewhere 45:18 - Mind Riot 50:39 - Room A Thousand Years Wide Outro - Rusty Cage   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

There is a lot to talk about when we look back on 2022. Albums new and old from 80s and 90s artists blasted from our speakers and headphones on a daily basis. As with our previous year-in-review episodes, we take a look back at our favorite new album discoveries, most brought to us by our Patreon community, as well as our most enjoyable round table experiences, and our favorite interviews conducted by Chip Midnight. Here's to season thirteen in 2023!   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney Outro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Canadian singer/songwriter Paul Hayden Desser, known simply as Hayden, released his debut Everything I Long For on his own label in 1995. Shortly after, it was picked up and later re-released in 1996 on Sonic Unyon (internationally on Outpost Recordings/Geffen Records) after receiving acclaim in his home country. Channeling the likes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits, Hayden deep voice carves out a unique niche in 1990s folk, indie, and alternative rock. Though the album is almost always in first gear, Hayden ups the volume occasionally, matching it with a more aggressive, guttural vocal. If you enjoy confessional singer/songwriters with a penchant for deliberate slowcore, this might be an album worth checking out.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Bad As They Seem 14:30 - I'm To Blame 20:24 - Hardly 24:56 - Skates Outro - In September   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Dig Me Out listeners know Jeremy Toback from his time playing bass in Brad with Shawn Smith (vocals), Stone Gossard (guitars) and Regan Hagar and his appearance on that band’s first three albums: Shame (1993), Interiors (1997) and Welcome to Discovery Park (2002). During the ‘90s, he also released 2 full-lengths, Perfect Flux Thing (1997) and Another True Fiction (1999), as well as a self-titled EP (1996). After being burned out by the music industry and the major label experience, Jeremy took some time off before discovering a new outlet for his songwriting. With the help of a long-time friend, Renee Stahl, Jeremy began recording softer lullabies for young children which eventually led to peaceful reinterpretations of popular rock songs by artists ranging from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Led Zeppelin to INXS. Renee and Jeremy’s latest single is a cover of Harry Styles’ “As It Was.” In November, Jeremy released his first new solo song in two decades, the beautifully minimalistic “Conjuring,” with an equally enthralling video.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Unbecome (from Perfect Flux Thing) 4:24 - Circle & Line (from Interiors by Brad) 34:26 - 20th Century (from Shame by Brad) 1:08:36 - Buttercup (from Shame by Brad) Outro - Butterfly Elephant (from Perfect Flux Thing)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The twin guitar attack by Adam Franklin and Jimmy Hartridge on Swervedriver's 1991 debut Raise is unlike anything else under the shoegaze umbrella. While 80s dream pop was a touchstone for many of their contemporaries, the band from Oxford, England took some American influences like Dinosaur Jr., The Stooges, Sonic Youth, and Hüsker Dü into consideration. Their sound is more aggressive, more visceral, and often more exciting, leaning into the guitar's ability to shift tones quickly without relying on a wall of noise and feedback.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Raise 12:10 - Sci-Flyer 17:29 - Son of Mustang Ford 25:15 - Feel So Real Outro - Deep Seat   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

It's our third year of getting the patrons together and giving thanks for the new music that gave us happiness and good vibes in 2022. There's a wide array of bands and artists, new and old, that helped make 2022 a great year for music. New albums from 1980s and 90s artists like The Afghan Whigs, Suede, Archers of Loaf, The Cult, Rammstein, The Crystal Method, The Hellacopters, and many more all released great late career records, while newer bands like The Glad Machine, Noiseheads, The Bishop's Daredevil Stunt Club, Goodbye June, and a number of others landed on our radar.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - I'll Make You See God by The Afghan Whigs (How Do You Burn?) 11:43 - Nervous by Noise Unit (Cheeba City Blues) 26:23 - Times Like These by Soulside (A Brief Moment In The Sun) 32:44 - Magical Thinking by Sloan (Steady) 41:40 - Feed The Wound by Pig (The Merciless Light) 53:00 - October's Song by Skid Row (The Gang's All Here) 1:10:39 - Reality Spiral by Greg Puciato (Mirrorcell) Outro - Personality Disorder by Suede (Autofiction)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Scotland's Gun didn't make much of a dent stateside in the 80s or 90s, slightly out of tune with what was happening in mainstream. Their third album, Swagger, is aptly named, as the band is fully in control of their 80s AOR meets 90s hard rock approach. While 1994 was ground zero for grunge and alternative on US radio and MTV, Gun injected their sound with Bon Jovi big rock, Billy Idol energy, and even some Red Hot Chili Peppers funk on the questionable cover of "Word Up" by Cameo.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Don't Say It's Over 13:43 - Find My Way 21:59 - Something Worthwhile 31:52 - Word Up Outro - Vicious Heart   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Formed in 1994 out of punk rock roots, Pohgoh’s poppier sounds earned the Florida band comparisons to acts like Velocity Girl and Superchunk. A split single with Braid was released in 1996 and by the time Pohgoh was ready to record a full length, singer Kobi Finley had been replaced by Susie Richardson. What should have been the start of a great relationship with the newly created label Deep Elm Records wound up dissolving quickly after drummer Keith Ulrey unceremoniously quit the band after the full length, In Memory of Bab, had been recorded but shortly before a record deal was signed. Ulrey’s departure led the band to break up in 1997 though Ulrey and Richardson’s relationship developed and the former bandmates wound up getting married in 2000. In 2016, Pohgoh reunited and two years later released Secret Club on Ulrey’s New Granada Records. An opening slot on a Jawbreaker reunion tour happened in 2019 which led to the band recording another new album, Du Und Ich, which came out in October 2022.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Friend X (from The Emo Diaries Chapter One: What's Mine Is Yours) 6:03 - Tell Me Truly (from In Memory of Bab) Outro - Try Harder (from Secret Club)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Although Chris Cornell had written solo tracks for soundtracks during the Soundgarden era, it wasn't until the band had broken up that he released his proper solo debut. 1999's Euphoria Morning is both expected and unexpected, as some songs aren't far off from "Blow Up The Outside World" or "Fell on Black Days," minus the band bombast, while others showcase his phenomenal vocal talent over folk, blues, and psychedelic turns.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Can't Change Me 17:15 - Moonchild 21:50 - Wave Goodbye 27:13 - Preaching The End Of The World 33:38 - Disappearing One Outro - When I'm Down   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Lead by brothers Jag (guitarist) and Chris (drummer) Tanna, I Mother Earth made layered Latin percussion, alternative rock bombast, and hints of progressive and psychedelic rock a part of the formula from the get go. But the band comes into their own on the 1996 sophomore release Scenery and Fish, opening with Afro-Cuban-influenced percussion that weaves throughout the record. Where some bands might trim out extended jams or unexpected divergences mid-song to attract a more commercial audience, the band plants the flag with full-throated bravado that no musical stone will be left unturned.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - One More Astronaut 12:50 - Songburst And Delirium 16:22 - Raspberry 24:41 - Pisser 29:37 - Another Sunday Outro - Hello Dave   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

On their third and final studio album, Bedhead, lead by brothers Matt and Bubba Kadane, craft an intimate record built on space and restraint. But 1998's Transaction de Novo isn't entirely a down-tempo affair, as the band pushes the sonic envelope on noisier tracks like "Extramundane" and "Psychosomatica" with mixed results. The sweet spot lies in the slowcore creep of opener "Exhume," which remains instrumental for most of its four plus minute running time, or expansive closer "The Present," which builds like an Explosions in the Sky song. The band finds new and interesting ways to stay true to their sound while tweaking it along the way.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Lepidoptera 10:25 - Exhume 13:48 - More Than Ever 21:54 - Extramundane 26:09 - The Present Outro - Half-Thought   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The past few decades have solidified Linda Perry as a pop songwriting machine for the likes of Pink, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and many more artists in the 2000s. But the talent was already there in 1992 when "What's Up!" struck a chord with listeners as the first track off of the one and only 4 Non Blondes album "Bigger, Better, Faster, More!" While the neo-folk of "What's Up!" slotted in nicely alongside fellow non-grunge acts like Blind Melon, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, Dave Matthews Band, and others, the rest of the record tackles a variety of genres, like the shuffling blues of "Pleasantly Blue" to the bass-popping funk of "Superfly" to mixed results.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - What's Up! 17:12 - Drifting 23:56 - Old Mr. Heffer 32:15 - Calling All The People Outro - Superfly   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

An established artist starting a new musical project is always a tricky proposition, and the 90s were no different. Whether releasing a solo album or starting a new band, quality doesn't always matter when it comes to fans accepting a new sound or direction. After the amicable split of Bikini Kill in 1998, Kathleen Hanna returned a year later with the retro-inspired Le Tigre, forgoing punk bombast for dancier sounds rooted in homemade drum loops, Farfisa organs, 60s girl groups, 80s new wave and electroclash. But that doesn't mean politics and social commentary take a back seat, as Hanna is as sharp lyrically as ever on the self-titled debut album while balancing pop melodies with a lo-fi approach.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Deceptacon 11:22 - Les and Ray 17:36 - What's Yr Take On Cassavetes 24:46 - Phanta 28:56 - Eau D'Bedroom Dancing Outro - My My Metrocard   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The line between influence and blatant copying is thin, but bands like Salmonblaster fall more towards the former on their 1996 self-titled and only officially released album. The howling vocals and chugging guitar riffs easily recall Nirvana but in a way that pays respect rather than simply aping the sound, and it's not the only trick the band has up their sleeves. Guitars are big and occasionally chaotic in a shoegaze way that makes the more restrained elements shine brighter, while the band shifts between sounds as easily as their lead vocalist jumps from cathartic screams to melodic harmonies.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Sugarrush 14:26 - Transistors & Turbines 20:36 - Freeway 26:46 - Brian Jones 31:49 - Visonblur Outro - The Perfect Fit   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Garage rock can be a catch-all term that rubs shoulders with punk, rockabilly, surf, and more. But thanks to a variety of known and lesser-known bands, there has always been a group of dedicated musicians writing and playing revved up and relatively simple rock that traces its lineage back to the primitive and raw sounds of 60s that popped up after the British Invasion with roots in American rhythm and blues. After a very underground 80s, the sound returned in fits and starts with bands like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and later The White Stripes, The Hives, The Strokes, and plenty of other bands starting with "The." We dig into the whole sound, the local scenes that helped foster the sound over decades, and much more.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Fell In Love With A Girl by The White Stripes 16:20 - Paint It Black by The Avengers 21:49 - Touch Me I'm Sick by Mudhoney 31:09 - (Gotta Get Some Action) Now! by The Hellacopters 40:11 - Heaven by The Hydromatics 1:07:31 - The Reproduction of Death by The (International) Noise Conspiracy Outro - Singin' A Song About Today by The Mooney Suzuki   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Shoegaze is a term tossed out whenever a band leans in on the wall-of-sound distortion and pairs it with obscured vocals and dreamy feedback. But few bands actually stuck to My Bloody Valentine's template, adding their own flavors like the 1993 debut album Against Perfection by Adorable. Here the vocals are less obscured, and even hooky at times, recalling everyone from Echo & the Bunnymen and The Smiths to The Verve and Spiritualized. But it's not just the vocals that give Adorable a unique twist, as the rhythm section, especially an occasional Pixies-like bassline, gets their times to shine as well.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Breathless 17:49 - Sister Chapel Ceiling 21:26 - Homeboy 28:07 - Sunshine Smile 34:45 - Still Life Outro - A To Fade In   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Chicago and the surrounding areas like Champaign-Urbana nurtured a big guitar rock sound found in the Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, Catherine, Veruca Salt, Fig Dish, and others. Originally called Mother for their debut, the band signed to a major label, changed their name to Menthol, and produced an album worthy of that group with 1995's self-titled release. But the band takes a different approach vocally, spitting big chunks of lyrics filled with a variety of references and twisted wordplay.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Dry Heaves (Of The Well-Adorned) 17:34 - Stress Is Best 20:35 - U.S.A. Capable 26:35 - Perfect Spirals 32:58 - Briefcase Full Of Cash Outro - Francis Scott Key   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Bands cultivating a look to match their sound in rock and roll is nothing new, but the 90s weren't the most receptive decade to a well thought out image. The Sharp, with their black and white color scheme, upright bass, and precise take on 80s new wave with twists of rockabilly and power-pop, make a case that The White Stripes would follow at the end of the decade with their 1993 debut This Is The Sharp. Sounding blender filled with albums by The Knack, Brian Setzer, sElf, Joe Jackson, Fountains of Wayne, Jellyfish, and more, the tight, clean sounds are at odds with the distorted grunge overtaking the music world in 1993. But their charm of being totally at odds with the times means the skill and craftsmanship of the songwriting really shines, even if it dips into familiar patterns at times.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Scratch My Back 17:28 - Talking Sly 24:12 - Love Kiss 33:04 - Kiss Me Again Outro - Don't Waste My Time   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

College rock is a broad term, but one that can be applied to the post-Blake Babies band Antenna founded by John Strohm and Freda Love. On the second and final album by the band, 1993's Hideout, the influences of American indie and underground pop are infused with strands of shoegaze and dream-pop noise, with tasteful guitar effects, and unexpectedly crafty baselines and backing vocals. All of that makes it not entirely appealing to mainstream radio in 1993 looking for the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam, but ideal for the college radio crowd in search of something different.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Wallpaper 12:43 - Don't Be Late 21:09 - Easy Listening 31:21 - Stillife Outro - Shine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The moniker "post-hardcore" was used to describe the wave of bands following the hardcore-punk sound but pushing the musical envelope. In the 80s it was Husker Du and Minute, the 90s Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Jawbox. None were exactly the same, each stretching and pushing the boundaries of what made up post-hardcore. New York City, home to Helmet, Quicksand, and Chavez, was fertile ground for the sound, which included Into Another. On their 1994 sophomore album, Ignaurus, the band take the edge and energy of post-hardcore, combine it with some progressive rock, and end up with a sound unlike just about anyone else was making at the time.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Running Into Walls 14:44 - Maritime Murder 30:24 - Anxious 45:02 - Poison Fingers Outro - Ungodly   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Though Fu Manchu often comes up when discussing the stoner rock of Sleep, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet, and, the Orange County band has made the prime focus skate boarding, California vibes, and science fiction, all stuffed in a smoke-filled custom 70s van. As proponents of fuzzed-out guitar riffing, tight arrangements, catchy hooks, and finding the balance between bombast and restraint, Fu Manchu marks all our boxes. The fact they do such a good job not only writing great music, but creating an entire look and feel from album artwork to merchandise helps us look into what was once an aspirational idea of the West Coast to a pair of flat-land Ohio boys.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - No Dice 18:33 - Drive 27:15 - King of the Road 34:56 - Boogie Van 40:35 - Weird Beard Outro - Freedom of Choice   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Montreal's Doughboys, like so many bands who tipped their toes in the power-pop sound, were mostly ignored by US listeners. Unless led by a ballad like the Goo Goo Dolls or pushing a punkier sound, artists with layered harmonies and a keen sense of melodic hooks were often overlooked for pure pop. On their 1993 album Crush, the band never compromise on the guitars, combining hardrock riffs with catchy leads and an occasional ripping solo. Only when the band slows down and gets dirgy does the momentum falter on an overall underappreciated gem.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Tearin' Away 18:00 - Fix Me 27:03 - Everything 30:25 - Neighborhood Villain Outro - Shine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Bruce Kulick, a member of KISS from 1984 to 1996, and John Corabi, a member of Motley Crue from 1992 to 1997, joined forces to form Union with capable players Jamie Hunting on bass and Brent Fitz on drums. The songwriting style Corabi brought to Crue is evident from the first track "Old Man Wise," which combines classic hard rock riffs with melodies and vocals that fit well into 90s alternative and grunge, such as Alice In Chains. What helps make this something more than just another album is the small touches - the harmony vocals from all members paired with clean and unfussy production that serve the songs well.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Old Man Wise 13:56 - Around Again 20:20 - October Morning Wind 28:40 - Let It Flow 39:26 - Pain Behind Your Eyes Outro - Get Off My Cloud   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

While G. Love is currently doing the press circuit to discuss his latest album, Philadelphia Mississippi, the affable blues artist is more than happy to talk about his experiences in the ‘90s. Born in Philadelphia and raised on the finest music that city had to offer in the ‘70s and ‘80s, namely soul and blues, G. Love moved to Boston to continue his busking career with hopes of landing a record deal. As glam became grunge, and grunge became pop-punk, G. Love’s alternative hip-hop with blues-style guitar playing was a bit of an anomaly though, in retrospect, artists like Beck and Fun Lovin’ Criminals could now be considered peers. A deal with Sony imprint Okeh was solidified in ‘94 with the release of the first G. Love and the Special Sauce album and G. Love got into the write, record, tour cycle for the rest of the decade releasing three more albums before the turn of the new century. Looking at G. Love’s discography, he never slowed down though he left Okeh to release solo - and band - albums on Brushfire Records, all the while maintaining a consistent touring lifestyle. 2022’s Philadelphia Mississippi was born out of pandemic SoulBques where G and his makeshift group of musician friends would hang out, grill up some meats, and sit around playing blues music. You can catch G. Love on stage opening the Dispatch/O.A.R. tour as well as headlining some of his own dates this summer.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Rhyme for the Summertime 8:06 - Baby's Got Sauce Outro - Blues Music   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

In the 1990s Dinosaur Jr. was primarily the J Mascis show, with both Lou Barlow and Murph out of the band. Their 2000s reformation has resulted in a steady release of some of the band's best material, but the origins trace back to the early 80s and the high school hardcore band Deep Wound where J and Lou began. Then known only as Dinosaur, the band toned down the hardcore elements for more jangle, and with J growing into a guitar shredder somewhere between Sonic Youth and Neil Young. On each of their three releases, the band grows as songwriters and players, and production considerably improves as the studios and budgets slowly increase. We dive into the early years to hear the earliest inklings of what the band would later become on albums like Green Mind and Without A Sound.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - The Leper from Dinosaur 17:49 - Repulsion from Dinosaur 28:21 - In a Jar from You're Living All Over Me 34:03 - The Lung from You're Living All Over Me 41:06 - No Bones from Bug Outro - Freak Scene from Bug   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Though known for a variety of harder post-hardcore bands like Helmet, Quicksand, Biohazard, and many more in the early 90s, the New York City indie music also include a number of outliers who had their major label moments. Like Soul Coughing or Firewater, Skeleton Key sought to do something slightly different. Sure, there are guitar-driven alternative rock tunes like "Wide Open" or "The Worlds Most Famous Undertaker," but the majority of the album isn't so straightforward. With a "junk" percussionist, there is a pallet of sounds not regularly heard on most alternative rock records of the decade.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Watch The Fat Man Swing 23:05 - Wide Open 28:22 - All The Things I've Lost 35:24 - Vomit Ascot Outro - The Worlds Most Famous Undertaker   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

One-hit wonders are not unique to the 1990s, and revisiting sophomore albums is always a hit-or-miss experience. Double down on what made the band or artist successful, evolve the sound into something unexpected, or somewhere in between? After scoring a hit with "Counting Blue Cars" on their 1995 debut Pet Your Friends, Dishwalla returned in 1998 with And You Think You Know What Life's About. From the opening track, the band play with sounds and melodies that stretch from the industrial rock of Stabbing Westward to the big choruses of Oasis to the experimental quirk of Radiohead. The album is unafraid to go BIG, with soaring guitar lines and vocals, but does it add it up more than just a collection of disparate influences?   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Healing Star 11:56 - Stay Awake 18:03 - Until I Wake Up 23:06 - Pop Guru Outro - Bottom Of The Floor   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The late mid-to-late 90s were overwhelming based on the number of new album releases each week. Unfortunately, that meant bands like Little John either had a breakout single and video or were quickly relegated to the cut-out bin. In the case of their 1996 album Derailer, full of pop-rock that veers between Dinosaur Jr. guitar riffs and the quirky lyrics and melodies of They Might Be Giants, the band crafted some earworms alongside some less engaging album tracks. From the opening title track to the Presidents Of The United States of America-esque "Evel Knievel," the band craft tight, fun songs that more people should know.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Fell From The Sun 15:24 - Shoelace 22:05 - Scared 31:40 - Evel Knievel 40:49 - Derailer Outro - Down On Me   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

There isn’t a Dig Me Out listener who isn’t familiar with Everclear, a staple of ‘90s alternative rock radio and MTV. With a string of hits like “Santa Monica,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” and “Father of Mine,” Everclear spent the better part of the decade relentlessly touring, playing to sold-out crowds around the globe. But, had it not been for the relative success of the band’s 1993 debut, World of Noise, Everclear might have been just another footnote in a long line of forgotten bands. Singer Art Alexakis had tried his luck in San Francisco with the band Colorfinger in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s but after that band’s demise, moved with his pregnant girlfriend to Portland, Oregon where he decided to give the music thing one last try. Though World of Noise was cheap to make, the songs that Alexakis recorded with bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Scott Cuthbert - rough and raw as they were - caught the ears of major label A&R reps looking for the “next Nirvana.” After an initial release on indie label Tim/Kerr Records, Capitol Records picked up the band and reissued the debut, and set Alexakis on the way to a career that has lasted 30+ years. For the first time ever, World of Noise is now available on all major streaming services, and a vinyl reissue is planned for later 2022. While Montoya and Scott Cuthbert (and Cuthbert’s replacement, Greg Eklund) are long gone, Alexakis continues to make a living by releasing new Everclear music and touring. While the venues may be smaller, the passion is still there and Everclear will be celebrating World of Noise, and the rest of its catalog, on a summer tour with openers Fastball and The Nixons.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Fire Maple Song 4:38 - Nervous and Weird Outro - Sick and Tired   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Face To Face had established themselves over their first three albums as a skate punk band with elements of Bad Religion and Hüsker Dü. But for 1999's Ignorance Is Bliss, they purposely showed the tempos and expanded the pallet to a much more alternative rock sound. That left some fans confused, others angry, but also welcomed new listeners into the fold. Depending on whether you're a punk purist or prefer creative detours, there is plenty to enjoy on the album, which sounds confident and catchy in a way that only veteran players with songwriting chops could pull off.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Heart of Hearts 15:37 - The Devil You Know (God Is A Man) 22:33 - Prodigal 27:26 - (A)Pathetic 40:25 - I Know What You Are Outro - Overcome   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Describing rock bands can be tricky, as there is usually a need for comparison to set expectations. In the cast of Headstones, it's not that simple. The band is heavy, but not metal. They rock in a way that fits into the 90s, but they're not grunge or alternative. Smart lyrics, big guitar riffs, and short catchy songs that have hints of Australian bands like AC/DC or The Angels, with a touch of Guns 'n Roses and even a ballad or two. On their 1993 debut Picture of Health, all the ingredients for a smash hit debut are there, and while the band is beloved in Canada, they didn't make a ripple outside their home country.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - When Something Stands for Nothing 17:10 - Heart of Darkness 22:39 - Oh My God 35:19 - It's All Over Outro - Judy   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Composed of Jean-Luc De Meyer of Front 242, Mark Heal of Cubanate, and Ged Denton of Crisis n.T.i., along with special appearances by members of Front Line Assembly and Haujobb, C-Tec is something of a 1990s industrial supergroup. What that allows is the members to experiment on their debut Darker with a broader range of sounds away from their regular bands, like including breakbeats on "Being Nothing," going 80s on "The Lost," or punishing noise on "Shift IV." Of course, there are some four-one-the-floor thumpers made for the 12" remix, like the Rammstein-esque "Foetal" and driving "Stateless." A few of the tracks take a little more time than necessary to get going, and De Meyer's vocal approach won't be for everyone, but Darker is a worthwhile album to add to your industrial collection.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Flowing 10:25 - Being Nothing 15:37 - Foetal 25:38 - Flowing 28:19 - Shift IV Outro - The Lost   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The EP, that strange format in-between singles and albums. What makes up an EP? It can be anything - all new material, demos, live tracks, remixes, or anything else an artist (or record label) can think of. While around since 1919, the EP format never had a more successful decade on the charts than in the 1990s. "Jar of Flies" by Alice In Chains became the first artist to have an EP reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and that wasn't the only commercially successful EP of the era. Nine Inch Nails, Ugly Kid Joe, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Ride, The Smashing Pumpkins, and many more released essential music on EPs.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - EP of the 90s Medley (Wish by Nine Inch Nails, I Stay Away by Alice In Chains, Blue by The Smashing Pumpkins) 15:15 - Everything About You by Ugly Kid Joe 22:40 - Making Love by Shiner 35:23 - Come See About Me by The Afghan Whigs 42:51 - JC Auto by Sugar 53:38 - One Too Many Mornings - The Dust Brothers 1:08:54 - I Could See The Dude by Spoon Outro - Shooting Star by Golden Smog   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Melbourne, Australia's Sandpit only managed one full-length, 1998's On Second Thought, along with a few earlier EPs before disappearing. Mellow and sparse one minute, abrasive and noisy the next, the band finds a sweet spot between the two thanks to inventive vocal melodies that play with phrasing and cadence to keep the listener's ears engaged. Like American counterparts in Slint, Seam, or Polvo, there are slowcore and post-hardcore benchmarks the band hits with ease, while still creating interesting guitar lines between the crawling drum and snare hits.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Hold Yr Horses 11:23 - Walking in a Straight Line 19:04 - Metamorphosis 21:52 - I Positively Hate You Now 24:16 - Along The Moors Outro - Helicopters   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Known as the more melodic half of the New Zealand alternative "Dunedin Sound" rock band Straightjacket Fits for their first two albums, Andrew Brough left in the early 90s to forge his own path. By the mid-90s Bike had formed and in 1997 would deliver their one and only album, Take In The Sun. The name is appropriate, as the album is full of shimmering, psychedelic sounds, and melodies that cry out for sunshine and warmth. But the band isn't a 60s retro act, incorporating fevered 80s alternative like on "Keeping You In Mine" or shoegaze noise on "Inside." On a pair of headphones, the album swirls and surrounds the listener, an aspect lost on lesser speakers that may turn off less engaged ears. As mentioned in the episode, our Patreon suggester wrote a eulogy for Andrew Brough after his passing in 2020 that is worth your time.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Take In The Sun 10:35 - Save My Life 18:20 - Inside 23:44 - Keeping You In Mine Outro - Circus Kids   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

On their 1993 debut Bring It Down, Madder Rose's Mary Lorson brings melodic sharpness and emotional depth to her vocals that helps make the band special. Billy Coté's guitar matches Lorson, weaving intricately disjointed solos and leads, while also bringing in shoegaze-styled textures and noise. This gives the band a unique niche in 90s rock, somewhere between the East Coast alternative rock of Belly, Letters to Cleo, or the Breeders along with UK bands like Lush or Slowdive. But with all the magic happening in the songwriting and performances, the end result is missing a gear. A lackluster production, with thin guitars and bass, doesn't give the band a needed punch when the energy levels rise.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Beautiful John 22:03 - While Away 29:22 - Swim 34:43 - Altar Boy Outro - Bring It Down   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Though Steelheart was considered a new band when its self-titled release came out in 1990, the nucleus of the band had been together for nearly a decade. As Red Alert, the band spent most of the ‘80s honing songwriting skills and recording demos in Connecticut while playing occasional shows in a state that didn’t offer a lot of opportunities for a hard rock band. With a plane ticket and 4-song demo cassette in hand, the band, now called Steelheart, scored a record deal almost immediately after relocating to Los Angeles and within a year of moving to the West Coast, Steelheart was topping charts with “I’ll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)” which showcased Milijenko Matijevic’s soaring and glass-shattering vocals. With a modest level of success, the age old question of, “What would have happened had Steelheart moved to L.A. five years earlier?” is one that Matijevic has considered but knows he’s powerless to answer. After playing 50 shows in support of 1992’s Tangled in Reins, Steelheart played a Halloween gig opening for Slaughter. Matijevic attempted to climb a lighting truss only to discover it had not been properly secured. The 1,000 pound truss fell on Matijevic breaking his nose, cheekbone and jaw and, subsequently, led to Steelheart’s breakup as Matijevic was in the hospital and rehab for a considerable amount of time. With a new lineup in tow, Matijevic has carried on the Steelheart name and released Wait (1996), Good 2B Alive (2008) and Through Worlds of Stardust (2017) while playing gigs whenever he can. The singer also provided the vocals for Mark Wahlberg’s character in the 2001 film Rock Star which featured Steelheart’s “We All Die Young”. In 2022, Matijevic released the single “Trust in Love” in multiple languages in support of global peace and hopes that the song becomes an anthem for those who need hope in their lives.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - I'll Never Let You Go 10:27 - She's Gone Outro - Can't Stop Me Lovin'   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

While bedroom recordings are nothing new to the music world, especially after the availability of cassette four-track recorders in the 1980s, going from crude demos to fully fleshed-out compositions is something else entirely. Many artists have taken advantage of computer-based recording programs in the 2000s, but musicians like F.M. Cornog, under the name East River Pipe, figured out to take an eight-track reel-to-reel home recording set-up and eschew any limitations. On the 1994 compilation Shining Hours In A Can, shimmering guitars and atmospheric keys backed by minimalist production give the sound a lo-fi Bruce Springsteen feel, with songs loaded up on regret, solitude, and loneliness.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Make A Deal With The City 10:48 - Helmet On 14:48 - My Life Is Wrong 22:00 - She's A Real Good Time 31:55 - Psychic Whore Outro - Axl or Iggy   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Alternative in the late 80s included several artists who successfully mixed funk and hip-hop with hard rock and metal, such as Faith No More, Living Colour, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In Melbourne, Australia, Defryme would form in 1989 with a similar sound, but it would take them five years to release their debut Purekiller. By that time, the fusion of hip-hop, funk, and metal was a far less original concept, and while Defryme craft a handful of tight tracks, the band struggles with consistency. The catchy hook of "Therapy" is absent on at least half of the record, which dips into yarling grunge territory on "Sanity" and attempts an ill-advised cover of LL Cool J's "Mama Said Knock You Out."   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Pure Killer 12:03 - Gunn 22:57 - Therapy 33:12 - Sanity Outro - Rivers   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

While 2020 seemed like it lasted several terrifying years, 2021 flew by with somehow the same number of days, and for us, episodes. As with our previous year-in-review episodes, we take a look back at our favorite new album discoveries, most brought to us by our Patreon community, as well as our most enjoyable round table experiences, and our favorite 80s album discoveries, episodes which are exclusive to our patrons. And we've got news to share about 2022!   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney Outro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Just like how the 1990s produced hundreds of alternative bands signed to major labels that barely made a dent in radio, MTV, or Billboard, the 80s had their fair share of obscure and forgotten acts of might-have-beens. Those rock bands that straddled the line between the two decades often suffered the worst, coming in at the tail end of hair/glam rock dominance into the emergent alternative and college rock scene ready to explode. Phantom Blue is a perfect example of this interesting time, a band whose 1989 debut is more in line with 80s metal, while their 1993 follow-up (and last) record Built to Perform shows growth in multiple directions, incorporating the drop-d riffing of Soundgarden and Alice In Chains flawlessly with Guns 'n Roses licks and energy.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Better Off Dead 15:32 - Lied To Me 21:11 - Little Man 31:01 - My Misery Outro - Time to Run   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Band reunions aren't new, as some of the best-selling and most well-known bands have gone on hiatus or broken up for extended periods of time. Back in 2015, we discussed 1990s rock bands that had broken up and gotten back together. Six years have passed, and more bands have reunited, released material, or at least toured. We decided to revisit the topic and discuss bands like Swervedriver, Hum, The Psychedelic Furs, The Vapors, Guns 'n Roses, and many more who have been back in the studio (either to record or rerecord) and hit the road together.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Step Into You by Hum 11:50 - Thread by Shades Apart 18:09 - Don't Believe by The Psychedelic Furs 34:50 - Amputation by The Jesus And Mary Chain 47:00 - The Colour of Love by The Smashing Pumpkins Outro - Mary Winter by Swervedriver   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Lots of bands have brothers, but how about two pairs of brothers? Perhaps growing up with a musical sibling is the reason the Kerns and Dahle brothers are able to crafty such a hooky and satisfying album of power-pop tinged rock on their third and final released as The Age of Electric - 1996's Make A Pest A Pet. Along with fellow Canadian 90s rock bands like Sloan, Odds, and Zumpano, TAOE bring their own take to the nebulous power-pop genre, bashing through three-minute guitar lead bursts without sacrificing dynamics or melody.    Songs In This Episode: Intro - Remote Control 18:56 - Mad at the World 21:34 - Nothing Happens 29:35 - Don't Wreck It Outro - Unity or Grenadine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Of the all bands that scored alternative hits in the 90s rock, few managed to recapture that sales magic on ensuing albums. But that doesn't mean their follow-ups records were lesser, and in some cases they made superior albums that got overlooked by fickle record buyers. Case in point: Better Than Ezra. After having their 1993 self-released sophomore album Deluxe repackaged and reissued by Elektra in 1995, and scoring a hit single with "Good," the band quickly reconvened and recorded the follow-up Friction, Baby. What the 1996 album lacks is the killer-hook single, but what it gains is confidence. While still boasting a pair of quality radio friend tracks in "King of New Orleans" and "Desperately Wanting," the album overall has the air of a band confident and secure in the sound while still stretching. That can lead to some magic, like on the blazing "Long Lost" and somber "Speeding Up To Slow Down," but also some hubris to go too far on the bad funk of "Normal Town" and "Still Live with Cooley."   Songs In This Episode: Intro - King of New Orleans 19:36 - Long Lost 27:33 - Scared, Are You? 31:24 - Speeding Up To Slow Down 34:31 - Normal Town Outro - Desperately Wanting   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

For every obvious major label signing in the mid-90s trying to capitalize on the success of a variety of Seattle-sounding guitar bands, there was an equal number of head-scratchers that seem to make little sense in retrospect. Take Southern Culture on the Skids, a North Carolina rockabilly outfit that had kicked around since the mid-80s, but found a home on Geffen Records alongside Weezer, Sonic Youth, Veruca Salt, and White Zombie for their 1995 release Dirt Track Date. What the three-piece had going for them is a tight unit of skilled players steeped in American music history, smoothly transitioning from steel-pedal Hawaiian influenced ballads to B-52s-esque kitschy minimalist pop. Dirt Track Date may have only made the slightest dent thanks to its quirky single "Camel Walk," but like the swing revival, the attempt at recapturing the sounds of the past comes across as earnest rather than nostalgic.   Song In This Episode Intro - Camel Walk 17:50 - Firefly 22:50 - Nitty Gritty 26:08 - Make Mayan A Hawaiian Outro - 8 Piece Box   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

For our latest Dig Me Out '80s episode, available only to our Patreon community, we revisit the 1981 album Fair Warning by Van Halen. While tensions mounted within the Van Halen camp between Eddie, Dave, and producer Ted Templemen, the band explored dark sounds and themes, integrating dirty disco grooves, screaming slide guitar, and synthesizer mayhem that marked a turning point in the Van Halen story. Check out the first thirty-five minutes of this two-hour and fifteen-minute episode for free, join the Dig Me Out Union to access the previous dozen '80s episodes, vote in our monthly album pick polls, and more.

Noise rock is a moniker tossed around about a number of 1990s bands. Australia's Ricaine are no different, except that they are different, and their 1996 debut album Regret Is An Inevitable Consequence of Life is proof of it. While there are plenty of bursts of howling guitar feedback, grinding bass, and crushing drums, the band excels at balancing the noise with moments of tension-filled restraint, playing with the quiet/loud dynamic in a myriad of interesting ways. Did we say dynamics? This album is chock full of them, turning on a dime in ways that left us impressed, bolstered by a perfectly natural production style that compliments the sonic shifts throughout the record.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - The Failed Actor 18:13 - Three From Three 22:03 - Judith's Fence 28:14 - Meek 34:40 - Contradictory Black Muzzle Outro - Even In Death   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

After the industrial noise rock of Cop Shoot Cop, lead singer/bassist Tod Ashley moved on to the eclectic sounds of Firewater, drawing on the sounds of American indie rock equally with European traditional music such as cabaret and Klezmer. With the help of future Gogol Bordello guitarist Oren Kaplan and a variety of skilled players, the band jumps from the Screaming Trees-esque alternative rock of "I Still Love You, Judas" to the Peter Gunn aping intro track "Ponzi's Theme." At their best, Firewater are a challenging and diverse listen thanks to the gravel-voice Tod A., but that's counterbalanced by some kitschy organ and piano sounds that sound more Smash Mouth than Tom Waits.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Green Light 10:23 - So Long, Superman 13:40 - Knock 'em Down 21:15 - Whistling In The Dark Outro - Caroline   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Something must have been in the Missouri River that helped produced so many Kansas City post-hardcore heavy-hitters. We've already talked about Shiner and Giants Chair on this podcast, and this time we're checking out the 1994 sophomore album In A Perfect World by Season To Risk, who shared members with Shiner and Molly McGuire, also of K.C. Leaning more into the more chaotic noise rock of early Soundgarden, Killdozer, or The Jesus Lizard, with a manic rhythm section, and Lemmy-meets-Buzz Osborne, the fact that this was released on a major label at the height of Seattle radio and MTV dominance is a testament to the talent of the band and the free flow of major label money in the decade. There is a radio single on the sledgehammer of an album, but any attempt to reign in the mayhem would have resulted in a watered-down and inferior release.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Jack Frost 21:25 - Nausea 26:29 - Future Tense 34:50 - Timebomb Outro - Remembered   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Portishead may remain the most interesting enigma of the 1990s. First is Beth Gibbons, who channels Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins, Billie Holiday, and Jane Birkin into an unmatched vocal for the decade. Second is Geoff Barrow, creating 60s and 70s sounding spy movie and spaghetti western sound scapes via downtempo, gothic, and hip-hop samples and influences, with the tone-perfect playing of Adrian Utley on guitar. Though cast with trip-hop peers Massive Attack, DJ Shadow, and Bjork, Portishead forge an entirely unique path.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Sour Times 21:07 - Glory Box 31:19 - Wandering Star 36:25 - Roads Outro - Mysterions   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The Athens, Georgia music scene might have been put on the map by R.E.M., but in truth they were one piece of a vibrant, diverse puzzle that included Pylon, The B-52s, Love Tractor, and others. A college town with nowhere to play in the late 70s and early 80s, bands and artists made their own spaces happen. Thanks to day-long drive to New York City and an influential college arts program, the sleepy Georgia town transformed in the 80s into one of the most important centers of musical, political, and social expression in the country. The 90s continued that exploratory spirit, finding a home for The Elephant 6 Collective and its respective bands, and well into the 2000s. To help us track the decades worth of stories and details, we're joined by college professor Grace Elizabeth Hale, author of "Cool Town: How Athens, Georgia, Launched Alternative Music and Changed American Culture" and guitarist Mark Cline of Love Tractor.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Athens, GA Medley (Radio Free Europe by R.E.M., Rock Lobster by The B-52s, Party Train by Love Tractor) 13:46 - Cool by Pylon 47:30 - Sarcophag by Bar-B-Q Killers 1:11:03 - Grey Hats by The Glands Outro - Jane by Elf Power   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Very few bands can claim the influence and legendary status as Athens, Georgia's Neutral Milk Hotel. While the band released just a pair of records, an EP, and single in their ten years, 1998's In The Aeroplane Over The Sea has grown from critically appreciated to cult status over the past two decades. With enough distance from the release, it's easy to see why, as 2000s bands such as The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, Beruit, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and more picked-up on the lo-fi, psychedlic sounds that countered the late 90s/early 00s mainstream push of processed and packaged third-generation grunge, comically aggressive nu-metal, and sanitized pop-punk. Maybe the mystique was assisted by the long step out of the spotlight by singer/songwriter Jeff Mangum, who has never attempted a follow-up. Did he make his magnum opus, or was there nowhere else to go?   Song In This Episode: Intro - Two-Headed Boy 24:23 - King Of Carrot Flowers Pts. 2 & 3 39:03 - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea 46:22 - [Untitled] Outro - Holland, 1945   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Were the 90s just Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and various other grunge bands and their followers? Of course not, but revisiting Morphine's 1993 album Cure For Pain makes a strong case that the true alternative of the decade never bubbled up to MTV TRL, Clear Channel playlists, or Rolling Stone covers. A horn driven, blues and jazz influenced rock band that channeled Tom Waits and The Velvet Underground was never going to sell ten million albums. But along with fellow outsiders like those in Soul Coughing, The Jon Spencer Blue Explosion, and others, there was room on college radio and 120 Minutes for more askew views of what rock and pop meant.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Buena 24:28 - Thursday 29:53 - A Head With Wings 32:42 - I'm Free Now 35:56 - Let's Take A Trip Together Outro - Cure For Pain   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

It's episode 500 of Dig Me Out! At our Patreon page, we asked our patrons to pick a record for this special occasion, but not just any record. We gave them the top ten best-selling rock albums of the 1990s, and let them choose from Alanis Morissette, Kid Rock, Santana, Hootie & The Blowfish, No Doubt, Matchbox 20, Metallica, Green Day, Creed and Nirvana. Thanks to their votes, we got the chance to revisit possibly the most iconic and legendary album of the decade - 1991's Nevermind. But we weren't alone, as we invited our patrons and past guests to join us via a group Zoom chat to dive into this record, the shifting musical landscape of the early 90s, the evolution of discovering new music over the past few decades, and much, much more during our two-hour extravaganza.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Smells Like Teen Spirit Outro - Territorial Pissings   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

In 1995 PJ Harvey was relatively unknown in the US, aside from college radio and others tuned into the underground. Thanks to the breakout single "Down By The Water," for a brief moment she was in the same spotlight as Tori Amos, Bjork, Sarah McLachlan, Liz Phair, and other female artists who transcended the dominance of Seattle grunge and guitar rock. On To Bring You My Love, Harvey bounces between the minimalist blues of the title track and the krautrock drive of Working For The Man, and the blistering distortion of Meet Ze Monsta and pounding drive of Long Snake Moan. But in the age of Spotify skipping, can minimalism and restraint with bursts of nasty distortion still catch an ear?   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Down By The Water 22:22 - C'mon Billy 26:09 - Long Snake Moan 34:10 - The Dancer 38:03 - Working For The Man Outro - Meet Ze Monsta   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Thanks to our Patreon community, every so often we get to step outside the our 90s comfort zone of American, UK and Australian alternative and indie rock. Having previously gotten hip to the rock en español of Café Tacvba and the Indian/Britpop fusion of Cornershop, this time we're getting the fusion from a different starting point. On the 1997 live recording Desert Rain by Indian Ocean, the fusion starts with the North Indian style of Indian classical music known as Hindustani, and from there incorporates elements of jazz, rock and folk. Able to stand on its mightily on its own with regard to craft and technical ability, making sonic connects to artists such as Tool drummer Danny Carey and his use of the tabla or the mathematical improvisation of Steely Dan helped our understanding and deepened our appreciation for our latest discovery.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Village Damsel 20:17 - Euphoria 23:42 - From The Ruins 33:35 - Going to ITO Outro - Melancholic Ecstasy   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Maybe more so than any other decade, the 90s pumped out tribute albums at a furious rate. Whether it was loving takes on beloved artists, exposing underground heroes to new audiences, or updates with kitschy and nostalgic themes, nearly every month a new tribute compilation CD was probably at your local record store. Our roundtable shares what makes a successful tribute album and what can derail an effort, whether it's simply cloning the original song, or completely ignoring it. We also investigate the phenomenon of random, lesser-known bands popping up in tracking listings alongside a group of heavy-hitters, and the one-off collaborations that showed up on occasion.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Tribute by Tenacious D 5:39 - Hard Luck Woman by Garth Brooks (Kiss My Ass - Classic Kiss Regrooved) 9:24 - Summer Of Drugs by Soul Asylum (Sweet Relief - A Benefit For Victoria Williams) 14:31 - Making Plans For Nigel by The Rembrandts - XTC: A Testimonial Dinner 21:02 - We Only Just Begun by Grant Lee Buffalo (If I Were A Carpenter) 27:02 - Clampdown by the Indigo Girls (Burning London: The Clash Tribute) 36:48 - She Don't Use Jelly by Ben Folds Five (Lounge-A-Palooza) Outro - She's Lost Control by Girls Against Boys (A Means To An End: The Music Of Joy Division)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

The cross-pollination of punk and rock between the United States and Australia has been going on for decades, but one of lesser-known but most interesting (to us, at least!) is the 1980s and early 90s grunge scene, and how Australian bands like The Scientists, The Birthday Party, and Cosmic Psychos had an influence on their American Pacific Northwest counterparts. In the case of the Cosmic Psychos, it was finding commonality with bands like Mudhoney and the Melvins, and releasing their 1989 album on the then upstart Sub Pop label. In 1991 the band recorded with Butch Vig following the Nirvana's Nevermind sessions and produced Blokes You Can Trust, released on the influential Amphetamine Reptile label. For a three-piece, the sound is massive thanks to the fuzzed-out bass that will remind some of the desert and stoner rock scenes, while the old-school AC/DC riffs combined with punk and hardcore attitude of Black Flag and Motorhead lands on the spiritual kin of Seattle's grunge scene.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Dead Roo 20:16 - Back At School 29:40 - Loser 36:26 - Do It To Me Outro - Nightshift   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

If you remember the Smoking Popes, it's probably thanks to their Buzzbin / Clueless soundtrack single "Need You Around." Lead singer Josh Caterer got tagged as punk-rock Morrissey, and while the band continued on, many were left with the impression that the Smoking Popes were something of a novelty. As we dug into this album for the first time, the realization quickly set in that the early Morrissey comparisons were way off base, as both Caterer, along with his brothers Eli and Matt, and drummer Mike Felumlee, are significantly less punk than expected. Sure, you can hear the energetic down strums of Ramones across the record, but instead of 90s pop/punk, the band channels the likes of Wings, The Smithereens, Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra and more in their quest to write exquisitely arranged pop-rock gems.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Need You Around 18:49 - Rubella 21:56 - Mrs. Me And You 25:46 - My Lucky Day 28:30 - Gotta Know Right Now Outro - Midnight Moon   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

Pollyanna's 1996 EP Junior and 1996 debut album Long Player scored them multiple hit singles in Australia and put them on the national radar, which means the sophomore follow-up Hello Halo in 1997 had expectations attached. As we discovered, the band expanded their pallet. While the record is full of radio-friendly alternative rock ("Peachy Keen" and "Brittle Then Broken)", where the group really excels is their willingness to take some detours, like on the horn-backed tracks "Pulling Teen" and "Butterman," or the Helmet-esque post-hardcore of "Tank." Thanks to the deft production of Paul McKercher (Violetine, Ratcat, Falling Joys, Spiderbait, You Am I), the diversity of approaches manages to stay consistent even if all the material isn't up to par.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Peachy Keen 12:01 - Pulling Teeth 15:20 - Butterman 20:03 - Tank 28:03 - Brittle Then Broken Outro - Effervescence   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Thanks to a reliance on off-kilter retro sounds and lo-fi instrumentation, Eels were often compared to Beck (and not always favorably). On their second album, 1998's Electro-Shock Blues, they utilized one of the producers who helped Beck transition from one-hit-wonder status with Loser to the layered mastery of 1996's Odelay. But instead of matching the mayhem, singer/multi-instrumentalist Mark Oliver Everett constructs a sixteen-track somber affair with a few noisy interludes delving into personal loss at a bone-chillingly intimate level. What struck us was the deliberate shift from their debut that produced the hit single "Novocaine For The Soul," and wondering if like many, the lyrical content was too heady to digest, needing the growth and loss of maturity to fully appreciate the depths that E is willing to explore.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Last Stop: This Town 16:39 - 3 Speed 20:58 - Hospital Food 24:21 - Elizabeth On The Bathroom Floor 38:52 - Cancer For The Cure Outro - Climbing To The Moon   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

When they released their debut album Showbiz in the US in 1999, Muse were one of a number of bands compared to the Pablo Honey/The Bends era of Radiohead thanks to Matt Bellamy's Thom Yorke like tenor and Johnny Greenwood's guitar acrobatics. But Muse were doing it as a three-piece, and over time the band shed the unfair comparisons to forge a path that paid as much homage to the bombast of classic Queen to the aural assault of Rage Against The Machine, all the while releasing a slew of hit singles, moving from opening slots, to sheds, to arenas across the globe, and becoming one of the few bands to still carry the dying torch of rock. We revisit their debut, their early EPs, and touch on their 2000s releases to trace the origins of the band that has gained a global audience while splitting fans over their embrace of poppier and dancier material.   Songs In This Episode:   Muscle Museum (from Showbiz) 6:40 - Cave (from Showbiz) 17:28 - Falling Down (from Showbiz) 23:47 - Uno (from Showbiz) 42:14 - Plug In Baby (from Origin Of Symmetry) 1:02:49 - Agitated (B-Side) Outro - Sunburn (from Showbiz)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Thanks to old friend of the show Chip Midnight, when patron Dewey Cole suggested revisiting the 1993 self-titled debut album from Dig, Chip reached out to lead singer and guitarist Scott Hackwith to have him join us to revisit this record. Dewey only came to record recently, so he provides a unique perspective of discovering an album seventeen years after its release. Chip interviewed Scott when the band was just starting out, gigging around the country with frequent stops in Ohio in the early-to-mid 1990s. Scott, who started out as a guitarist in T.S.O.L., learned to be a producer on the spot making the debut album, which led him to work on records by the Ramones, Spiritualized and other, shares stories and insights on album artwork, demo'ing tracks on a four-track machine, making music videos, and working on new Dig music.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Believe 32:22 - Let Me Know 37:24 - Feet Don't Touch The Ground 1:00:33 - Conversation Outro - Unlucky Friend   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

If you've listened to this podcast long enough, you know that we are not always in agreement about what works and doesn't work for us on various albums. One of the earliest disagreements was back in Season One when we checked out the 1993 album Four by Seaweed. Thanks to a recent listener suggested poll on our Patreon site, we're back ten years later to check out the 1995 follow-up Spanaway, the band's only release on the Hollywood Records label. While the band faced the tired "sell-out" label for signing to a major, in reality, the band stayed close to what they did well - a bombastic combo of East Coast post-hardcore and PacWest grunge, with some extra nuance thanks to the skilled fingers of Andy Wallace behind the mixing board, as well as guest visits in the drum throne by Barrett Martin (of Screaming Trees) and Matt Cameron (of Soundgarden). The question remains - has anything changed in our diverging opinions?   Songs In This Episode   Intro - Start With 18:45 - Magic Mountainman 22:53 - Assistant (To The Manager) 31:59 - Free Drug Zone Outro - Last Humans   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

While we have chatted with many artists over the years, rarely have we been able to get the record label perspective on the various ups and downs of the 90s. For this episode, we're lucky to get singer/songwriter Michael McDermott, who has been making records for thirty years, and the A&R rep who helped kick off that career, Brian Koppelman. While Brian is better known for his screenwriting (Rounders, Ocean's 13) and showrunning (Billions), his life in the music industry dates back to high school with A&R stints at Elektra Records, Giant Records, SBK Records and EMI Records. We dig into the album Michael and Brian worked on together, 1993's Gethsemane, and the various trials and tribulations of releasing a singer/songwriter album in the heyday of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, the producer and songwriter relationship in the studio, why being too sympathetic to the artist can be a negative, and much much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro/1:47 - Just West Of Eden 17:03 - The Idler The Prophet And A Girl Called Rain 46:54/Outro - Need Some Surrender   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

While the 90s were dominated by the touring festival as opposed to the current day destination festival, the first half and second half had decidedly different approaches. Lollapalooza took a variety of artists from across genres with the intention of exposing artists across differing fanbases, whereas the Warped Tour, Ozzfest, H.O.R.D.E. Tour, and Lilith Fair each narrowed their focus. In the case of Lilith Fair, the simplistic history is that it was a female-centric folk tour, headlined by the likes of Sarah McLachlan, the Indigo Girls, Suzanne Vega, and Sheryl Crow. In reality, over the course of three years, the festival provided a much broader spectrum of female artists, including Queen Latifah, Bonnie Raitt, Letters To Cleo, Liz Phair, Dance Hall Crashers, K's Choice, Luscious Jackson, Nenah Cherry, The Pretenders, Missy Elliott, The Cardigans, Susanna Hoffs, Juliana Hatfield, and many many more. To help us revisit we invited back a pair of performers (Kay Hanley of Letters to Cleo and Jill Cuniff of Luscious Jackson) and a pair of attendees (friend of the show Matt Shiverdecker and show announcer Katie Minneci), along with special call-in guests performer Tracy Bonham and attendee John Cornish.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Angel (Live) by Sarah McLachlan with Emmylou Harris 17:20 - Naked Eye (Live) by Luscious Jackson 24:49 - Surrounded (Live) by Chantal Kreviazuk 34:05 - The One (Live) by Tracy Bonham & telephone interview 41:27 - Not An Addict (Live) by K's Choice & memories with John Cornish Outro - Here And Now (Live) by Letters To Cleo   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Forging a sound out of American grunge and alternative along with British Invasion hooks and power pop melodies may seem like a recipe for disaster, but on their 1996 debut Less Is More, the Melbourne, Australian trio Even find the right balance. Channeling a Kurt Cobain cadence on one track and a John Lennon howl on another works best when the band keeps the songs short and tight, with plenty of catchy guitar riffs toss around. While we dug the high energy performances that pre-date the garage rock revival to come at the end of the decade, some of the production and rhythm choices (or lack of) left us wanting.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Karmic Flop 14:35 - End To End 19:45 - Don't Wait 26:02 - Eternal Teen 31:29 - No One Understands Me Outro - Dean Morris     Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Once the alternative gold rush hit for bands in the 90s, one song could make or break an album. But for every Sex And Candy, Cumbersome or Possum Kingdom, hundreds of other bands failed to make the Top 40 for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the music. Take Vancouver, Canada's Odds, whose third album Good Weird Feeling is a smart combination of alternative guitar rock powered by two strong singers with a knack for lyrical twists. The two obvious singles, "Eat My Brain" and "Truth Untold" never found a home on American mainstream radio, and like so many of their northern counterparts, the band remains almost entirely unknown in the lower forty-eight.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Satisfied 17:41 - Oh Sorrow Oh Shame 20:55 - Break The Bed 24:56 - Truth Untold 31:07 - I Would Be Your Man Outro - Eat My Brain   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Though not as lauded as grunge, Brit-pop, the rise of pop-punk or other 90s-centric genres, electronic music evolved throughout the decade as well thanks to subtler sounds coming out of the UK. While electronica and trip-hop each had their moments in the mainstream spotlight, groups like the brother-duo Boards of Canada from Scotland slid under the radar with slightly different takes, theirs being a more chill, downtempo approach utilizing vintage synths and drum machines, tape loops and field recordings. Music Has The Right To Children, their 1998 debut after several well-regarded singles and EPs, takes full advantage of the tools, creating atmospheric soundscapes backed by drum and bass loops that lived-in rather than dialed-up, giving the record a timeless element that so many of their contemporaries failed to achieve.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Telephasic Workshop 18:06 - Roygbiv 20:48 - Turquoise Hexagon Sun 27:09 - Aquarius Outro - Open The Light   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Though the mid-to-late nights are more regarded for the commercial rise of electronic music, specifically in the form of UK electronica from the Chemical Brothers, Prodigy and others, the mainstream interest in high octane beats and synth-over-guitar was nothing new. As the 80s transitioned to the 90s, bands like Depeche Mode and New Order were firmly established global phenomenons, while up-and-comers like Ministry and Nine Inch Nails were bringing industrial sounds to the mainstream on MTV. Nitzer Ebb began in 1982 and established themselves throughout the decade as an Electronic Body Music (EBM) pillar, but when 90s arrives the band pivoted to a more pop sound, and on 1991's Ebbhead, the band fully embraced pop structure and sound, crafting catchy hooks at trimmed down lengths. But that evolution, while moderately successful in getting the band on mainstream rock radio, didn't necessarily sit well with the fans who discovered the band during their EBM period.   Songs In This Episode   Intro - Reasons 12:52 - I Give To You 15:09 - Lakeside Drive 18:57 - Godhead 28:00 - Family Man Outro - Sugar Sweet   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

As we have learned in our Sophomore Slump Revisited roundtable series, there are many factors and circumstances that can sink a band's second album, especially when coming off a hit single. In the case of Dada and their 1994 release American Highway Flower, the lack of an obvious radio single to match Dizz Knee Land off their debut is a fair consideration. Rather than repeat a formula, the skilled trio of singer-guitarist Michael Gurley, singer-bassist Joie Calio and drummer Phil Leavitt pushed the band in a variety of directions while maintaining a more consistent sound than their first release. But pushing the envelope doesn't always result in a match with the cultural trends, and while the band flexes their muscle with harmonious power-pop and '60s psychedelic flourishes while unafraid to get extra noisy or delicately hushed. They may not have scored a Top 5 single or moved a million units with American Highway Flower, but that doesn't mean this sophomore release qualifies as a slump.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - All I Am 13:11 - Feet To The Sun 17:22 - Feel Me Don't You 23:00 - Real Soon 30:35 - S.F. Bar '63 Outro - Pretty Girls Make Graves   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Edward James "Ed" Hamell, better know as Hamell On Trial, has been writing, recording, and touring for over thirty years, bouncing from major labels to minor labels to his own, with either a studio or live album out almost every other year. While production values have shifted, the fiery anti-folk and spoken word approach has remained constant, and his 1999 album is definitely on the lower end of the recording quality spectrum. That doesn't impact the performances or songs, as Hamell On Trial makes stunning use of his Gibson acoustic guitar, plucking out staccato rhythms on one track before leading a dirty blues romp on the next. All of it adds up to a uniquely singular performance and vision, one that can definitely split opinions on what worked and didn't work.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Hamell's Ramble 17:56 - I'm Gonna Watch You Sleep 24:07 - The Lottery 28:10 - Nancy's Got a New Boyfriend 35:18 - When Bobby Comes Down 46:30 - Shout Outs Outro - Bill Hicks   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Sunny Day Real Estate has famously been a band of influence but impermanence, with multiple break-ups and rumors of an unfinished album in the can for over a decade. On their second release, the 1995 self-titled or Pink Album or LP2, vocalist/guitarist/lyricist Jeremy Enigk left unfinished vocals as placeholders as the band splintered. What it creates is something unique, while words or phrases pop in occasion, the majority of the record utilizes the vocals as an instrument in a way that a band like My Bloody Valentine features vocalist Bilinda Butcher. But what makes SDRE special is the contributions from all four members - who each get their moment to shine in a way that recalls 1970s progressive rock without overly-long world-building and self-indulgence.   Songs In This Episode   Intro - Red Elephant 16:38 - Rodeo Jones 22:45 - 5/4 30:36 - 8 Outro - J'Nuh   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

So many bands got signed to major labels in the 1990s it could keep our podcast going well into the 22nd century. Rarely did artists get a second go-around as a new act, as was the case with vocalist Blake Smith and bassist Mike Willison after the breakup of their band Fig Dish. After recruiting a new guitarist and drummer, they formed Caviar and in 2000 released their self-titled debut on Island Records. While Smith's catchy melodies are still present, the band takes advantage of their second major-label chance by adding a variety of samples, including a bossa nova intro on the single "Tangerine Speedo." The band tries to walk a thin line between the quirky pop sounds of Sugar Ray, Smashmouth or Cake, the more aggressive pop-punk guitar of bands like Blink-182 or Weezer.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Tangerine Speedo 19:42 - OK Nightmare 22:09 - I Am The Monument 26:13 - Goldmine 30:39 - Looked So Hard I Nearly Wrecked My Eyes Outro - Sugarless   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Lots of bands were successful in the 90s, but few reached the decade long highs and success that R.E.M. managed while constantly shifting their sound. Perhaps only U2 matched the same levels of critical acclaim and pushback, album sales and slumps, turmoil and triumph of R.E.M., conquering not only their home countries but stadiums around the globe. In our past "In The 90s" episodes, we've looked back at bands that first gained success and notoriety in the 1980s and traced their path through the alternative landscape of the 1990s, but it could be said that R.E.M. was leading the charge of the underground into the mainstream long before anyone else. As they entered the 90s, they were no longer college radio upstarts, but MTV and commercial radio regulars who would shoot through the stratosphere with "Losing My Religion" of 1991's Out Of Time. The rest of the decade would see them tackle everything from fuzzed-out 1970s glam rock to minimalist programmed beats to Beach Boys-esque harmonies. In other words, they evolved, but in doing so, did they lose the sound that made them stand out in the first place? We revisit the decade with a group of knowledgable R.E.M. fans who walk us through an often exciting and occasionally perplexing decade for the band.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro Medley - Losing My Religion/Everybody Hurts/What's The Frequency, Kenneth?/Bittersweet Me/Daysleeper 18:15 - Country Feedback from Out Of Time 28:45 - Drive from Automatic For The People 42:36 - Star 69 from Monster 55:02 - The Wake Up Bomb from New Adventures In Hi-Fi 1:09:53 - At My Most Beautiful Outro - Man On The Moon from Automatic For The People   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Among the many signings by the legendary Sub Pop label in the 1980s and 1990s, a few bands get tagged with "the first" label. The Afghan Whigs were the first band from outside region to be signed to the label, and in the case of this week's episode, The Walkabouts were the first country (or folk, or Americana, or alt-country) band to be signed to the label. Core members vocalist Carla Torgerson and vocalist/songwriter Chris Eckman started playing together in 1984, and by the time of their sixth album Satisfied Mind released in 1993, the band had built up quite a following and list of friends in the area. Guests include Mark Lanegan of the Screaming Trees, Peter Buck of R.E.M., and Ivan Kral of the Patti Smith Band, who all manage to blend into this uniquely timeless sound channeling some expected artists (The Carter Family, Gene Clark, Charlie Rich) and some more unexpected choices (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, John Cale, Patti Smith) that all sound seamless together.   Songs In This Episode   Intro - Satisfied Mind 15:09 - Free Money 20:51 - Buffalo Ballet 23:53 - Feel Like Going Home 28:44 - Dear Darling Outro - Loom Of The Land   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

You may ask yourself, why is a 90s-centric podcast revisiting an album from 2000? Well, we are nothing without our listeners, and if they suggest and then vote for an album that came out in 2000, but was from a band that got their start and had several releases in the 90s, who are we to argue. And it turns out revisiting Idlewild's 2000 album 100 Broken Windows gave us an excellent opportunity to look back upon the decade and see how its various sounds and genres were interpreted by younger artists. In the case of Idlewild, with veteran producers Dave Eringa and Bob Weston behind the board for the young band meant channeling the volume and chaos of their earlier releases into a weapon to be deployed skillfully, giving the band a blistering edge and allowing vocalist Roddy Woomble the opportunity to craft unique earworm melodies. It may not make the top 100 albums of the decade or the year, but there's a case to be made for 100 Broken Windows as one of the finest distillations of everything that went right musically in the 90s. Songs In This Episode   Intro - Little Discourage 19:45 - Idea Track 24:26 - Roseability 29:52 - Mistake Pageant Outro - These Wooden Ideas     Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

It took twenty-three years for Giants Chair to follow-up their 1996 sophomore album Purity And Control with the 2019 album Prefabylon, which we discussed briefly in our 2019 New Albums Roundtable. Though we've covered plenty of 90s bands reuniting a decade or two later to make new records, prior to Prefabylon Giants Chair weren't on our radar. Thanks to one of Patreon patrons we got the chance to revisit this Kansas City, Missouri band's 1995 debut. While the post-punk math-rock sounds fit nicely into our previously expressed admiration for bands such as Jawbox, Shudder To Think and Quicksand, as well as the neighboring Shiner, we didn't expect to unearth a local scene that included Season To Risk, Molly McGuire, Boys Life, and others all dishing out their own versions of angular guitars, tricky rhythms, and indie/emo vocals. Perhaps a Digging Your Scene episode is in the future, but on this one, we got to dive into this three-piece and their unique take on mid-90s post-punk.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Gunshot And The Jogger 11:55 - New Orleans 24:03 - Mother Brother Sister Lover 26:31 - Weed Roses Outro - Semi   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

1990 is a strange, contradictory year for music. How else do you explain alternative and underground bands like Jane's Addiction, Concrete Blonde, Faith No More and The B-52's taking up regular MTV rotation slots next to MC Hammer, Warrant, Paula Abdul and Vanilla Ice? There's a good chance you saw They Might Be Giant's "Birdhouse In Your Soul" right after Billy Idol's "Cradle of Love," or "We Die Young" by Alice Chains on the same Headbanger's Ball episode as "Unskinny Bop" by Poison. What we're saying is, there was a lot going on, and we attempt an overview of some of the most interesting overlooked, under-appreciated, and influential albums of the year.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Stop! by Jane's Addiction 10:46 - Graveyard Shift by Uncle Tupelo 24:15 - Is She Weird by Pixies 36:12 - There You Are by Goo Goo Dolls 47:41 - Candy by Iggy Pop Outro - Cliffs Of Dover by Eric Johnson   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

One and done bands are always an interesting listen, whether they were full-formed bands, one-off side-projects or solo albums, or something else entirely. In the case of Bandit Queen, they formed out of the ashes of Swirl, retaining three of the four members and an indie rock sound. Gone were the jammy rhythms and chorus'd guitars for a more straightforward approach, reminiscent of American female-led alternative acts like Throwing Muses and The Breeders. While the harmony vocals and honest production kept us interested throughout, a few more soaring vocal hooks would have made Hormone Hotel a can't miss record.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Back In The Belljar 14:00 - Big Sugar Emotional Thing 18:54 - Blue Black 20:57 - Scorch Outro - Give It To The Dog   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

There are plenty of anomalies in what did and didn't become popular in the rise of alternative music during the 1990s. Take for instance They Might Be Giants, who's breakthrough 1990 album Flood with almost thirty tracks of weird and quirky songs that combine humor and musical knowledge into a wholly unique recording. So what then to follow it up? The band decided to produce themselves, and rock out a bit more on the 1992 follow-up Apollo 18. While the experimentation with a slightly more traditional pop-rock sound on songs like The Statue Got Me High and Dig My Grave made the band a bit more palatable to our ears, the stripped-down reliance on simplistic looped drums held back what expanded in year with a full band backing them. Two notes: Tim was battling a cold, hence the nasal congestion you can clearly hear in his voice. Also, this was recorded prior to the death of Rush drummer/lyricist Neil Peart, which is why there was no mention of it when Rush was briefly brought up during the episodes. #RIPTheProfessor   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - I Palindrome I 11:48 - The Statue Got Me High 16:15 - My Evil Twin 24:17 - Mammals 38:47 - Spider Outro -  Dig My Grave   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

By 1999, the musical landscape had seen the rise and fall of a variety of genres touted as the next big thing. The electronic sounds of The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy offered varying takes on electronica, which bands would incorporate elements of over the years that followed. In the case of Skunk Anansie and their 1999 album Post Orgasmic Chill, it means adding layers to an already layered sound. Guitars are buzzsaw aggressive on one track, followed by a pop ballad approach on the next. Feedback is replaced by orchestrated strings. Booming drums by breakbeats. And making it all work is the dynamic Skin, who vocally covers all the ground with thought-provoking lyrics and near-unparalleled range.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Charlie Big Potato 17:00 - The Skank Heads 21:32 - Good Things Don't Always Come To You Outro - We Don't Need Who You Think You Are   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Our look back at Season Nine of the podcast really highlighted how much growth we've experienced and how much more we have ahead of us. We turned over the selection of our roundtable episodes to our Steering Committee and Board of Director level Patreon patrons, and the results did not disappoint. Our poll selected episodes were as interesting and diverse as ever, and our patrons selected reviews also provided us with a chance to revisit some familiar names (Nirvana, The Verve Pipe, etc.) as well as expand the sounds and genres to include rock en español, symphonic metal, avant-garde noise pop, and much more.   Songs In This Episode: Intro/Outro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

For our final roundtable of 2019, we invited several of our Patreon patrons to discuss the new albums released this year from artists connected to the 1990s. Turns out, 2019 had dozens of albums that qualified, over a hundred in reality. We talked about new releases from bands like UK shoegazers Swervedriver and Ride, the long-awaited return of Tool, a stellar new release from The Sheila Divine, plus names you know like Bob Mould, Fastball, UNKLE, Beck, Sleater-Kinney, etc., as well as lesser-known releases like Giants Chair and New Rising Sons.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Saw Lighting by Beck from Hyperspace 10:07 - White Collar by Fastball from The Help Machine 18:42 - Russian Racehorse by Giants Chair from Prefabylon 31:34 - Future Love by Ride from This Is Not A Safe Place 40:25 - Age Is Just A Number by The Sheila Divine from Beginning Of The End Is Where We'll Start Again 1:06:07 - Can I Go On by Sleater-Kinney from The Center Won't Hold 1:15:07 - Miracle Pill by Goo Goo Dolls from Miracle Pill Outro - Africa by Weezer from Weezer (Teal Album)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Bands like Animal Bag were dime a dozen in the early 1990s. Getting signed, putting out a record, the musical landscape shifts, and suddenly your sound is outdated and the record label is in flux. Their 1992 self-titled debut has reverb-filled production that pins it to the start of the decade, and taking cues from fellow Californians like Faith No More, Jane's Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. But their funk and weirdness only shows up in short bursts, as this band could easily be lumped in with the jeans and t-shirt alternative metal and grunge bands like Raging Slab, Mind Funk, and label mates Mother Love Bone. Though they lack Andy Wood's penchant for an epic ballad, there is no doubt Animal Bag had their sights set on Seattle rather than the Sunset Strip. Does it all come together in a timeless way? Depends on the listener.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Another Hat 21:24 - Personal Demons 35:55 - Mirrored Shades 42:11 - Everybody Outro - Moonsong   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Where is the line between rock and metal? What about stoner or desert? And what is doom besides a video game and bad movie? All questions worthy of discussion as we revisit the 1992 album Sleep's Holy Mountain by Sleep. Baked into the sound of Sleep is the ever-present influence of 70s Black Sabbath, but with an occasional pummeling dirge closer to The Melvins, while trafficking in the same sun-soaked low-end riffage of Kyuss. It's dark, heavy, psychedelic, drone-filled head-nodding rock that works best when the rhythm section gets to swing.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - The Druid 17:00 - Evil Gypsy/Solomon's Theme 25:20 - Holy Mountain 30:31 - Inside The Sun Outro - Dragonaut   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

San Diego may be known for beaches and year-round mild weather, but the second-largest city in California is also home to a vibrant if isolated music scene dating back to the 1960s with Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and Iron Butterfly. As per our "Digging Your Scene" episodes, we're interested in sounds of the 1990s - where those bands played, bought and sold records, recorded their music, read and listened to other bands, and all the other interesting and unique elements that help define a scene. What we discovered is a deep and vast collection of guitar rock heading off in multiple directions - from punk to post-punk, hard rock to nu-metal, industrial to experimental. To help us discover it all, we're joined by members of No Knife, Jejune and aMiniature to talk bands, venues, record stores, labels and more.   Songs In This Episode   Intro Medley (Academy Flight Song by No Knife / Peddler's Talk by aMiniature / Hileah by JeJune 28:16 - Does Not Compute by Drive Like Jehu 53:33 - Flexiclocks by The And/Ors Outro - Deadbolt - Voodoobilly Man   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Greta was and is definitely not a household name when discussions of 90s bands come up. But like so many, major labels still found them and on occasion put out stellar releases that have gone forgotten, which is sort of the entire point of this podcast. Their second and final album, 1995's This Is Greta! may not fall into the stellar and must-have category, but it's got a lot going for it. Tight alt-rock songs with tinges of Beatle and Cheap Trick pop on a few tunes, hard-driving rockers with big guitars, all backed by a solid rhythm section has more than it's share of standout performances. They keep the songs tight, but perhaps a little too reliant on the well-worn verse/chorus/verse formula, that keeps everything familiar but also stale after a listen or two.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - About You 9:08 - Some People 11:35 - Charade 18:03 - Rocking Chair 23:47 - Nothing At All Outro - Stained   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

By 1994, shoegaze was no longer the hip, underground music scene the UK press was enamored with just a few years prior. The Britpop of Blur, Oasis, Elastica, and Pulp had taken over, My Bloody Valentine had collapsed, and blissing out on feedback and layers of guitar was no longer novel. Smartly, the singing/songwriting/guitar-slinging tandem of Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson of Lush evolved, and on 1994's Split, the band toe the line between the underground dream pop and shoegaze sounds that got them started, while mixing in some less noisy and more melodic tunes. It sounds both remarkably stamped to 1994 in its tones and production, but with the resurgence of dream pop and shoegaze in the 2010s, that doesn't mean it out of place.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Blackout 14:19 - Hypocrite 18:31 - Never-Never 23:49 - Undertow Outro - Light From A Dead Star   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

A lot of ink has been spilled on the biggest band of the 90s. Whether it was reviews, interviews or in-depth cover stories, or modern retrospective or anniversary pieces, it's not hard to find a "your favorite band's album ranked" clickbait article on nearly every "grunge" platinum seller. What is there anything left to say about these bands? When Nirvana's 1993 album In Utero enter into our review queue, it timed nicely with our recent Producers Of The 90s roundtable, because it's hard not to discuss In Utero without the sonic contributions of Steve Albini. For as slick and radio-friendly their sophomore album Nevermind sounded, Albini and the band take a utilitarian approach to In Utero. Effects are minimal, overdubs are minor, reverb is hardly noticeable, Cobain growls and howls with abandon. It's the sound of a band making a fast and deliberate record for themselves, with an undeniable ear for hooks and melodies that manages to stand the test of time.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Heart-Shaped Box 19:03 - Scentless Apprentice 31:13 - Milk It Outro - Pennyroyal Tea   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Twenty years ago, emo wasn't a Hot Topic brand or a nostalgic DJ night. It was the sound of teenagers and twenty-somethings taking the urgency of punk, combining it with emotional and confessional (re: not sad) lyrics, and playing to a generation of kids too young for the early 90s grunge wave. If you were apart of that scene, hitting all-ages venues or DIY punk houses at the end of the 20th century, there's a chance you caught Saves The Day on one of those nights, perhaps after the release of their 1999 album Through Being Cool. Joining us to discuss the 20th anniversary of the record is lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Chris Conley, sharing thoughts on making and revisiting the album for its re-release, the emo label, touring then and now, being a rock 'n' roll parent, and much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Shoulder To The Wheel 23:15 - Third Engine Outro - All-Star Me   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Steve Albini. Nigel Godrich. Butch Vig. Bob Rock. Jack Endino. Michael Beinhorn. J Robbins. Sean Slade. Paul Kolderie. Youth. Ric Ocasek. Dave Fridmann. Ken Andrews. Brendan O'Brien. Brad Wood. Rick Rubin. Ted Niceley. Stephen Street. Flood. Terry Date. Dave Jerden. Alan Moulder. Dave Ogilvie. Chances are, if you purchased a CD in the 1990s and read through the liner notes, whether it was a major label release or a regional indie label, there is a possibility their name, or someone else you may recognize, is listed as the producer. But what does a producer do, and how do they influence the sound of a record? We often talk about liking or not liking some aspect of the production, and on this roundtable, we dig into what exactly that means, who does what in the studio, and some traits, commonalities, and differences of producers who worked in the 1990s.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Stuck On You by Failure (Ken Andrews) 8:04 - Rusty Cage by Johnny Cash (Rick Rubin) 17:36 - Pull The Cup by Shellac (Steve Albini) 41:56 - Holes by Mercury Rev (Dave Fridmann) 49:04 - Buddy Holly by Weezer (Ric Ocasek) 1:08:59 - Girls And Boys by Blur (Stephen Street) Outro - Never Said by Liz Phair (Brad Wood)   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

When our listeners bring us an obscure 90s album to check out, it's usually something along the lines of a rock band on an indie label that managed one or two releases before fading into obscurity. On the flip side, we have Café Tacuba - a massively successful band around the world, including the United States. Unless you are tuned into the rock en español bands, you've probably never heard them or of them. While rock en español goes back decades, the 90s saw the incorporation of a variety of sounds, including ska, industrial and alternative rock. On their 1994 sophomore album Re, the band explores all that and more alongside norteño, huapango de mariachi, and bolero. With twenty tracks, it's easy to be overwhelmed, but that approach means whether your interested in more traditional sounds or newer flavors, there really is something for everyone.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - El Tlatoani del barrio 14:08 - El borrego 16:52 - Madrugal 21:51 - El metro 26:52 - Verde Outro - La pinta   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

If there is a new episode of Dig Me Out in your feed on a Thursday, that can only mean one thing - we are sharing with you a preview of our latest Dig Me Out '80s episodes. With the help of our Patreon Board of Directors and Steering Committee tiers, we're revisiting another album from the 1980s based on suggestions and votes of our patrons. This month we're checking out the 1982 album Junkyard by The Birthday Party. Join the DMO Union for as little as $2 a month and get access to bonus content like this episode, vote in our album review polls, get exclusive merchandise and more! Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Though best known for their string of pleasant if repetitive mid-to-late 90s alt-rock radio hits, Everclear started out as a scrappy, rough-around-the-edges early 90s trio with as much fire in their sound as their lyrical content. On their 1993 indie-label debut World Of Noise, singer/guitarist/songwriter Art Alexakis was able to channel the trendy soft/loud verse/chorus format made commercially successful by Nirvana without devolving into a Nirvana clone. The reported $400 recording sounds immediate and visceral, pairing well with his matured voice and lyrical content, and left us wondering what would have happened if the band had kept some of their raggedness going forward to keep from becoming too slick and sterile in comparison.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Your Genius Hands 14:10 - Nervous And Weird 18:31 - Fire Maple Song Outro - Malevolent   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

The 1993 debut Exile In Guyville by Liz Phair was declared a landmark album that helped define the 1990s almost as soon as it was released. To be a decade-defining artist can be a stifling burden, but Phair managed to release a worthy follow-up in 1994 with Whip-Smart, sticking with mostly the same group of players and studio folks for both. On her third album whitechocolatespaceegg from 1998, all the lo-fi was stripped away as 3/4's of R.E.M. and a bevy of other musicians and studio pros joined the team on Phair's quest to reinvigorate and reorient her sound. From touches of trippy psychedelia on the opening title track to the swinging sixties Baby Got Going, Phair isn't afraid to explore and expand. Layers of guitars and synths pair well with her songwriting, which switches between character-driven story songs and personal sketches of aging, motherhood, and marriage. But at sixteen tracks and over fifty minutes, the precise production can get fatiguing on the ears, and we wondered if some editing and rearranging would have been for the best.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Polyester Bride 11:26 - What Makes You Happy 13:44 - Whitechocolatespaceegg 22:02 - Baby Got Going Outro - Johnny Feelgood   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Having a three-guitar band can often mean the lead singer simply strumming chords on an acoustic while the other two do the heavy lead lifting and riffing. That's not the case with Juno, and their 1999 debut album This Is The Way It Goes And Goes And Goes on DeSoto Records. Like their then label-mates Shiner, Juno unleashes a big, layered guitar sound, but Shiner sound much leaner in comparison, as Juno gets full usage out of their three axe attack. The sound shifts from a hoe-gaze influenced, wall of sound approach that dips its toes in the space and math rock sub-genres, as delayed guitar leads bleed over lush mid-range distortion, to straight-on instrumental jams that would find a nice spot on any Explosions In The Sky album.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Rodeo Programmers 11:26 - A Listening Ear 14:55 - The Great Salt Lake/Into the Lavender Crevices of Evening the Otters Have Been Pushed 20:33 - January Arms 27:15 - Leave a Clean Camp and a Dead Fire Outro - All Your Friends Are Comedians   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

What if Nick Cave or Mark Lanegan decided to record an album of Bob Marley, ZZ Top, War, and Slim Harpo covers? That's the question posed by the 1993 album The Honeymoon Is Over by The Cruel Sea, an instrumental blues and surf band from Australia that added Beasts of Bourbon frontman Tex Perkins to create a weird and oddly compelling album. Somehow, that combination managers to come together better than we could have ever expected, as the players involved completely buy into the swampy grooves with organ stabs, lurching bass lines and more. It may not be for everyone, and we may not even agree on it completely, but it's definitely worth a spin to reorient your understanding that the 90s weren't just grunge, pop-punk, industrial rock, etc.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Delivery Man 5:27 - Black Stick 14:36 - Naked Flame 21:48 - Woman With Soul Outro - Better Than Love   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

On their 1994 debut album Rubberneck, the Toadies managed to score a hit single that is still a staple of rock stations spinning 90s alternative hits. But like a lot of people, that one single is our starting point with the band. When we gave the entire album a listen, we discovered a band confident from the get-go in their style and strengths - energetic, concise, no-frills alternative riff-rock with a distinctive lead vocalist. Spending time with the record, the deeper layers revealed themselves - a circular rockabilly-esque riff on I Come From The Water, nods to the blues-based thump Led Zeppelin on Backslider - without being obvious or sounding dated. But the superior single Possum Kingdom also made us wonder what happened to the distinctive and inventive lead guitar driving that tune, and wonder if this material translated better to the live setting.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Possum Kingdom 17:59 - I Burn 20:17 - I Come From The Water 22:22 - Backslider Outro - Quitter   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

To paraphrase a rock 'n roll saying, you get a lifetime to make your first record, but six months to make your second. As we've discovered in our Sophomore Slump Revisited series, it is not always the case that limited time causes the dreaded Sophomore Slump. Record label management shake-ups, shifting radio playlists and various other factors have impacted the success or failure of second albums. But what about the opposite? Bands that made okay or solid freshman efforts, but kicked it up a notch on their sophomore album and finally "discovered their sound" or "delivered on their promising debut." Or bands that released massive, chart-topping first albums, only to equal or exceed with their follow-up. There's a lot to cover, and a lot to discuss as we talk about a bunch of bands and albums that reversed the curse of the Sophomore Slump.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Sophomore Jinx by Self 9:57 - Cut Your Hair by Pavement 24:34 - Not Too Late by Satchel 37:20 - Pen Pals by Sloan 48:41 - Until You Came Along by Golden Smog Outro - Spice Up Your Life by Spice Girls   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

While we've touched on some alternative country over the years on the podcast, we've never encountered a straight-up folk record. Until now. Thanks to a patron selection, we checked out the 1999 debut album Bareback by Hank Dogs. A family band with lineage to the Sex Pistols, we had no idea what to expect, though the name and album cover tipped us off to something country-ish. The reality is much more traditional, recalling the English folk of The Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, Richard Thompson, etc. - all well outside our respective wheelhouses. But albums like this help expand our musical horizons, even if they fall victim to the overstuff compact disc era, and foreshadow the 2000s folk and freak-folk revival.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Lucky Break 13:06 - 18 Dogs 19:52 - I'm An Angel 25:27 - Take Back My Own Heart Outro - Sun Explodes   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

If we told you that a soul/blues singer from Detroit released a record on Sub Pop on 1996 backed by funk rockers Big Chief, who had themselves just released an album influenced by 70s Blaxploitation films, you'd think we'd have a crazy game of Mad Libs going on. But the end result of Thornetta Davis' debut solo album Sunday Morning Music is much more traditional than expected, find space between the 1990s neo soul of Maxwell, D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, and the new wave of young American blues artists like Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepard.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Helpless 10:38 - Only One 13:58 - Cry 21:01 - And I Spin Outro - Come Go With Me   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

If there is a new episode of Dig Me Out in your feed on a Thursday, that can only mean one thing - we sharing with you a preview of our latest Dig Me Out '80s episodes. With the help our Patreon Board of Directors and Steering Committee tiers, we're revisiting another album from the 1980s based on suggestions and votes of our patrons. This month we're checking out the 1989 album Freedom by Neil Young. Join the DMO Union for as little as $2 a month and get access to bonus content like this episode, vote in our album review polls, get exclusive merchandise and more! Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Touring festivals were all the rage in the 1990s, with Lollapalooza kicking things off in 1991, following by Lilith Fair, the H.O.R.D.E. Tour, Ozzfest, Family Values Tour and others. We're heading back to 1995 to revisit the Warped Tour, from those who attended it and those who played it, gaining insight on the various line-up incarnations of the 90s, as well as the evolving line-up of artists, that started as a pop-punk-ska skate boarding, but morphed into a broader "youth-oriented" festival thanks to co-founder Kevin Lyman. We learn the various quirks (daily line-up shuffling!), the queasy (no showering for days! port-a-potties!) and the community that was built over twenty-five years of the Warped Tour.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Al's War by Less Than Jake Outro - History Of A Boring Town by Less Than Jake   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.    

When singer/guitarist Toni Halliday and multi-instrumentalist Dean Garcia paired up to form Curve in 1989, they already had established bonafides in the music world with previous releases on Anxious Records, set-up by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. While those efforts failed to connect, their three 1991 EPs gained enough momentum that the 1992 debut album Doppelgänger, with assistance from soon to be in-demand producer Flood, was primed for widespread acclaim and respectable sales. Doppelgänger cracked the top twenty UK album chart, but their sound, an at times hypnotic combination of noisy-pop, shoegaze, dreamy textures and Madchester big beats, failed to connect with a larger audience, a sound that years later Garbage would refine for the mid-nineties radio waves. But for all the forward thinking and ahead-of-its-time accolades, there is a decidedly 1990s time stamp to the wall of sound approach, especially in the layered drums and percussion that left us equally fatigued and fascinated.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Horror Head 13:25 - Ice That Melts The Tips 19:41 - Sandpit 26:30 - Lillies Dying 29:48 - Split Into Fractions 29:57 - Mine All Mine (Van Halen) Outro - Fait Accompli   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

If you are checking us out for the first time, you'll quickly learn what our regular listeners already know: reggae and/or ska were not our thing back in the 1990s. Now, we're not going to claim to have fully converted to fandom, but the 1996 album Forever = 1 Day by Fighting Gravity left us with positive vibes. When the band locks into a relaxed mid-tempo groove, we're fully on board. When they occasionally pick up the pace to skanking speeds, or slow to a new age crawl, we found less reason to stay engaged. We got to explore all sides of the band, as well as the dig into the touring regional band phenomenon prevalent in the 1990s with access to cheap CD replication and an established college fraternity circuit that will no doubt come up again in future episodes.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - One Day 12:20 - Fools And Kings 21:35 - Ted's River Song 31:22 - Quiet Angel Outro - Mission Bells   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Maybe you listened to Modest Mouse in 1996 or 1997 and thought, yes, this band will invade the public consciousness with a catchy single in the 2000s, launching them into elite status as a festival headliner, collaborate with a legendary guitarist, and influence a new generation of artists like Silversun Pickups, Future Islands, Car Seat Headrest and more. Most likely like us, you didn't, and figured a solid career in the indie music world was their destiny. We're okay with not foreseeing what may end up being the underground's last stab at infiltrating the mainstream, and decided to revisit for our second "Origins" roundtable the early years of Modest Mouse in the 1990s. Isaac Brock's unique songwriting style is present immediately, but the refinement of later years hasn't happened, allowing for exploration and experimentation across expansive (re: long) albums. It's in 1997's sophomore album The Lonesome Crowded West that the band gels, the focus sharpens, and the seeds of what were to come begin to sprout just enough at the intersection of distinct yet recognizable.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Teeth Like God's Shoeshine 10:30 - Novocaine Stain 16:18 - Talking Shit About A Pretty Sunset 23:29 - Sleepwalking 31:04 - Trailer Trash 39:48 - Float On Outro - Gravity Rides Everything   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Albums made in 1990 or 1991 often have the "sound" of the 80s in their production - lots of reverb on the drums, particular guitar effects, etc. Sometimes in reviewing albums from this period, it can date the album, pinning it down to a certain time instead of receiving the "timeless" accolade that so many well-regarded albums receive. But what if big, booming reverb gives the album a personality instead of a stamp? That's the case with the 1990 album Bloodletting by Concrete Blonde, who mined the vampire novels of Anne Rice to deliver an album that matches lyrical content with its musical approach. "Goth" is the term thrown around, and the album plays with dark themes matched with occasional dissonance. But what is really on display is a singer fully in command of their voice, constructing unique melodies, wrapped around a diverse selection of songwriting styles and approaches that deliver over and over again.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - The Bloodletting (The Vampire Song) 17:47 - Tomorrow, Wendy 21:57 - The Sky Is A Poisonous Garden 24:14 - Caroline 35:05 - Joey Outro - Darkening Of The Light   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

Movie soundtracks, as we have learned, come in all shapes and sizes. The 1994 Backbeat soundtrack is an interesting concept - get a bunch of well-respected alternative musicians of the day, and have them tackle early cover songs played by The Beatles. The list is impressive even today: Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum and Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs sharing vocal duties, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and Don Fleming of Gumball handling the guitars, Mike Mills of R.E.M. on bass guitar and vocals, and Dave Grohl, then of Nirvana, later of Foo Fighters, pounding away on the drums. On the one hand, you'd love to hear what this band could do with the restriction of making these period specific recordings to fit the film, or what actual Beatles tunes might sound like. On the other, hearing the band stick to the format, and tear through two-minute rock 'n roll classics is its own special thing. We hope they were having fun, because the energy and enthusiasm for the material is evident, leaving us to wonder what would/could happen if this line-up reunited every so often.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Money 12:11 - Rock and Roll Music 15:36 - Good Golly Miss Molly 24:26 - Please Mr. Postman Outro - Carol   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

By the end of the 90s, a number of bands had penetrated the mainstream with ambitious, layered albums. Like with OK Computer, The Soft Bulletin, Deserter's Songs and Ladies & Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, dEUS took a turn on their third album, 1999's The Ideal Crash. Dialing down the Frank Zappa and Captain Beefheart influences and incorporating contemporary sounds from trip-hop, electronica and alternative rock slot The Ideal Crash nicely alongside the aforementioned, even managing to find spots for banjos and theremins. But like so many bands utilizing the compact disc format, too much of a good thing can be a negative, as the band often turns what could be a three minute gem into five-plus minutes.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Put The Freaks Up Front 11:44 - Instant Street 16:03 - The Ideal Crash 27:33 - Everybody's Weird Outro - Magdalena   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

If there is a new episode of Dig Me Out in your feed on a Thursday, that can only mean one thing - we sharing with you a preview of our latest Dig Me Out '80s episodes. With the help our Patreon Board of Directors and Steering Committee tiers, we're revisiting another album from the 1980s based on suggestions and votes of our patrons. This month we're checking out the 1983 album Flick Of The Switch by AC/DC. Join the DMO Union for as little as $2 a month and get access to bonus content like this episode, vote in our album review polls, get exclusive merchandise and more! Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

We're kicking off a new roundtable series with Slim Moon and Kill Rock Stars, who shares with the history of the Olympia, Washington (now Portland, Oregon) independent label that has been home to an amazing roster of musicians and bands, including Sleater-Kinney, Unwound, Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, The Decemberists, Elliott Smith, Huggy Bear, Mary Lou Lord, Gossip, Deerhoof and many more. We discuss how the label got started, leaning on K Records founder Calvin Johnson for advice, the riotgrrl scene and bands in Olympia, how bands were discovered, the impact of success with Elliott Smith and the importance of legacy catalogs, the end of the decade digital music revolution, and so much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - New Energy by Unwound 3:45 - Words and Guitar by Sleater-Kinney 1:07:45 - Between The Bars by Elliott Smith Outro - I Could Have Loved You by The Peechees   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

In 1991, Material Issue released their long-in-the-works debut album International Pop Overthrow. Along with bands and artists like Jellyfish, Matthew Sweet, The Posies, Redd Kross, major labels were taking chances on the hard-to-pin-down genre known as Power Pop, and the future looked bright until the steamroller known as Nirvana arrived in the fall. Rather than scoop up the next Big Star or Cheap Trick influenced outfit, the next Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains were the priority, and Beatles, Byrds and Badfinger devotees rarely found their favorite bands on mainstream radio or MTV. In retrospect, that might be what makes an album like IPO so listenable after so many years.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Valerie Loves Me 13:12 - Diane 18:02 - This Far Before 22:27 - This Letter Outro - Li'l Christine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.  

What's your memory of The Verve Pipe? Are they filed away with the alternative rock one-hit wonders of the 90s thanks to the single "The Freshman"? Are they lumped in with other mid-decade "alt rock" bands like Live and Bush? Did you see them in their early indie days when the were Midwest up-and-comers? Did you bother to check out their 1999 post-hit follow-up album? Did you check out more than the singles? As listeners who reassess with an ear on the past and present, the 1996 album Villain provides lots to chew on. Album tracks reveal divergences into slightly more adventures territory while the singles show off noisy guitar licks and tones that sound foreign compared to the modern Top 40.   Songs On This Episode:   Intro - Cup Of Tea 18:01 - The Freshman 23:11 - Villains 26:39 - Photograph 37:28 - Real Outro - Barely (If At All)     Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The 1991 album Spiderland by Slint has taken on icon status since release, the bridge between Sonic Youth noise, Velvet Underground drone, Joy Division dread and the 1990s wave of post, math, indie and other alternative rock sub-genres. Like so many revered albums discovered via slow burn over years thanks to the accolades of musicians and rock journalists, the influence of Spiderland can be heard in bits and pieces in dozens of bands, yet tracing them back to the source leads us to a perplexing conclusion - what happens when an album of modest creation becomes mythic when listening with fresh years decades after the release?   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Breadcrumb Trail 8:49 - Good Morning Captain 25:06 - Nosferatu Man 35:33 - Washer Outro - For Dinner...   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com    

Twenty-five years after the release, Mike Gent of The Figgs stops by to tells us about their 1994 release Low-Fi At Society High. From the small town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, The Figgs spent years writing, recording and playing out long before the rest of the nation got a taste of their punk, mod, power-pop and rock sound that recalls the best of Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Cheap Trick and The Jam, treading familiar ground with an updated take. We discuss their brief tenure on the Imago label, recording with producer Don Gehman (R.E.M., John Mellencamp, Hootie and the Blowfish), hooking up with legendary new wave/pub rocker Graham Parker to be his backing band, and much, much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Favorite Shirt 25:25 - Stood Up 38:47 - Step Back Let's Go Pop 1:16:16 - Tint Outro - Chevy Nova   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com    

We often discuss production as an aspect of what makes a record sound good to our ears, but the truth is that different styles of music often demand different production choices. On the 1995 sophomore album Hi Fi Way by You Am I, terms like organic or immediate get tossed around to describe the sound of a band that gives a performance not fussed over, but clearly considered. With Sonic Youth's Lee Renaldo behind the board, the band gets the most of out their limited recording schedule, as every instrument gets a chance to shine with minimal overdubs and effects. While other 90s alternative rock bands might have taken the opportunity to layer track upon track or head down indulgent tangents, You Am I focus on melody and concise song structures, resulting in an album that surpasses their debut in every way.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - She Digs Her 11:43 - The Applecross Wing Commander 15:15 - Handwasher 19:19 - Pizza Guy 26:45 - Ain't Gone And Open Outro - Jewels And Bullets   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com  

Some bands and artists leave you wanting more, with only a single album to their name. In some cases, they are one-off side projects or solo releases that act as an outlet for material not in-line with the primary band. Sometimes, personalities clash and bands quickly implode. In other cases, tragedy strikes down an artist at the start of their career. The 1990s, like every other decade, have their share of unique "one and done" albums from bands and artists for all different reasons. We revisit those lesser known albums worthy of revisiting, talk about those that came with hype but slipped off the radar, as well as those that didn't live up to it, our wish list for sophomore albums that will never come, and our personal favorite one and done albums of the decade.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley 9:53 - Life's A Gas (T. Rex cover) by Replicants 20:30 - Shake My Tree by Coverdale/Page 30:20 - Burning Tree by Burning Tree 41:01 - Pushing Forward Back by Temple Of The Dog Outro - River Of Deceit by Mad Season   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

The 1997 album Nothing Feels Good by The Promise Ring lays at an interesting crossroad. On the one hand, vocalist Davey Von Bohlen can grind on a melodic hook like a power pop pro, giving the listener plenty of ear candy on this tightly constructed record, while backed by a tight and creative rhythm section that never looses the groove. On the other hand, there are enough jarring structures, repetitious lyrics and twin-guitar abrasiveness to keep the hardcore kids happy. With vet J. Robbins behind the board, they definitely add some muscle, but it's not the clean and beefy guitar sounds he would get out of Braid, or what Jimmy Ear World would accomplish with Clarity, leaving us slightly underwhelmed.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Nothing Feels Good 14:35 - Perfect Lines 19:06 - Is This Thing On? 20:56 - Raspberry Rush Outro - Pink Chimneys   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

By the time of their 2000 album Odyssey Number Five, Brisbane, Australia's Powderfinger had sharpened their sound and created an album that found a balance between sweet radio friendly alternative rock hooks and melodies, while also giving headphone listeners interesting bits to revisit the album over and over again. At home, this lead to a string of chart topping albums and singles, but abroad, the band failed to find a foothold. Not surprising, considering the band drew not from the popular sounds of the moment, but from a wide range of influences, both in terms of songwriting and production. With veteran producer Nick DiDia behind the board, the band swiftly moves from Oasis balladry to bluesy riffing to arena anthems with ease, finding cohesion among them all, albeit with perhaps too much cohesion among the tempos from song to song.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - My Happiness 17:19 - My Kind Of Scene 20:30 - Up And Down And Back Again 25:09 - Like A Dog 35:57 - Thrillology Outro - Waiting For The Sun   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

By the time of their fifth album Everclear from 1991, American Music Club was anything but a household name. If you caught their single "Rise" on late on night on MTV, or by chance on an adventurous radio station, you are among a lucky few. Considering the musical landscape for rock, where 80s hair/glam metal was still dominant while ascendent alternative had yet to be come a proper decade-defining brand name, it's easy to see why you may have missed it. AMC evokes ideas of genres without ever settling on one, making mainstream classification all but impossible. Touches of Americana thanks to acoustic guitars, but not really any twang. Downbeat and bleak slowcore until Mark Eitzel furiously strums an acoustic in bursts of kinetic release. The album feels timeless, yet could easily be the recollection of a single night of boozing and fury. It did make Rolling Stone take notice, granting the album "of the year" consideration and naming Mark Eitzel the preeminent songwriter of the moment, so maybe it's time everyone else finds the reverbed-out beauty in Everclear.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Rise 15:02 - Why Won't You Stay 17:21 - The Dead Part Of You 22:35 - The Confidential Agent 29:16 - Miracle On 8th Street Outro - Sick Of Food   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

If there is a new episode of Dig Me Out in your feed on a Thursday, that can only mean one thing - we sharing with you a preview of our latest Dig Me Out '80s episodes. With the help our Patreon Board of Directors and Steering Committee tiers, we're revisiting another album from the 1980s based on suggestions and votes of our patrons. This month we're checking out the 1989 album self-titled album by Max Q. Join the DMO Union for as little as $2 a month and get access to bonus content like this episode, vote in our album review polls, get exclusive merchandise and more! To support the podcast, join us at Patreon. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Neither of us had any previous exposure to The Residents prior to this review, and it's a weird entry point. The avant-garde music collective celebrated their twentieth anniversary in 1992 not by released a greatest hits album, but instead taking bits and pieces of old songs and combining them into new works. The result is Our Finest Flowers, a rather low-key affair that relies on drum loops, synths, some occasional singing, and a variety of randomness that includes both female backing vocalists and possibly acetylene torches. This may be the least "rock" album we've ever done to date, but our appreciation for the material ultimately landed on whether the songs stand on their own, which on a sixteen-track album, unfortunately had a lot of misses for us.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Mr. Lonely 11:48 - The Sour Song 15:18 - Dead Wood 19:58 - I'm Dreaming Of A White Sailor 24:57 - Forty-Four No More Outro - Ship Of Fools   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

With their 1997 self-titled debut, Third Eye Blind charted five hit singles, three that made the Billboard top ten, while moving six million units worldwide. Over a year after the release, they were still logging hit singles and touring, and as we've learned over many episodes, the follow-up doesn't always get the same attention to detail. With the 1999 sophomore album Blue, their limited studio time didn't stop the band from stretching musically, conducting some interesting sonic experiments to compliment Stephan Jenkins rapid fire sing/speak delivery. But 1999 looked very different from 1997 - radio changed, Napster would become a thing, pop music was dominant - was their even room for a jangly rock band anymore? Whether trying to keep up with the times or not, they delivery the most pop-friendly single of their career in "Never Let You Go." While the music takes a leap forward on the rest of the album, the melodies and lyrics either sound under baked or over thought, leading to a potential dreaded sophomore slump.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Never Let You Go 18:47 - 1000 Julys 23:37 - Farther 32:06 - Darwin 46:51 - The Red Summer Sun Outro - 10 Days Late   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Grindcore band Old Lady Drivers, or OLD, ended their four-album run in 1995 with the wildly eclectic Formula. Despite the title, Formula is anything but, swapping heavy guitar dirges for tape loops, synths, drum machines and lots of experimentation. Switching gears from Napalm Death to electronic instrumentals might have failed in the hands of lesser musicians, but James Plotkin and Alan Dubin manage to create a compelling, hypnotic record.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Last Look 14:27 - Under Glass 24:30 - Thug 29:53 - Devolve 34:49 - Amoeba Outro - Break (You)   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

When New Order entered the 1990s, they were coming off their first number one album on the UK charts along with two top twenty singles. So what did they do? Immediately split into multiple factions. While the well received 1993 album Republic would produce one of their finest singles in Regret, the 90s for New Order are defined by side projects. For bassist Peter Hook, it started with Revenge and continued with Monaco. For Bernard Sumner, he paired up with former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and brought along a number of notable collaborators from bands such as the Pet Shop Boys, Kraftwerk and Black Grape to form Electronic, while Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert formed the slightly passive-aggressively named The Other Two for a pair of albums. Along with our guests, we revisit the entire decade for the band and their various extracurricular activities, and how that impacted the sound New Order in the 90s and 2000s.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Regret by New Order 8:51 - World In Motion by New Order 14:05 - Pineapple Face by Revenge 19:49 - Tasty Fish by The Other Two 28:47 - World by New Order 39:54 - What Do You Want From Me? by Monaco 56:36 - Rock The Shack Outro - Getting Away With It   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Whenever we have a guest on to discuss an album either they made, had a hand in producing or releasing, our are suggesting for a review, we always come away with unique personal insights not always available from just a surface listen or new release review. For the sophomore 1996 album Aenima by Tool, our guest Patrick had a close personal connection to the music and the lyrics of the band that he shared with us that gave a deeper appreciation for one of the most original and trailblazing bands and albums of the decade.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Stinkfist 32:50 - Eulogy 42:50 - Aenima 51:41 - Third Eye 1:03:30 - Jimmy Outro - Forty Six And 2     To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Sophomore albums are notoriously tricky, we've even dedicated a round table series to the phenomenon of hugely successful 90s debuts with follow-ups that, for a variety of reasons, didn't connect with audiences in the same way as their first release. Sometimes it record label politics scuttling the promotional support, sometimes its the shifting musical landscape after time off, and sometimes its artists evolving in ways listeners weren't expecting. To help us explore the 1995 sophomore Soup by Blind Melon, we're joined guitarist Christopher Thorn and longtime contributor Chip Midnight to delve into an album that, upon release, received a notoriously scathing review from Rolling Stone, but has since garnered praise and adulation upon it's twentieth anniversary. We discuss forming the band, the rollercoaster ride that was their debut, the legacy of "No Rain," writing and recording Soup, and the tragedy that followed it's release with the death of Shannon Hoon, and much, much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Galaxie 28:38 - Vernie 40:15 - Toes Across The Floor 53:11 - St. Andrew's Fall Outro - 2x4   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Although Human Radio's debut self-titled album was released in 1990, their isn't much to the sound that pins it to the decade. Between the jazz-pop nods to Steely Dan, the funk flourishes reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, the new wave pop of XTC, along with a whole host of other subtle (and not subtle) influences we heard throughout the record. Thanks to the quirky lead-off track and single "Me And Elvis," we didn't quiet get off on the right foot with Human Radio, as some of the dated sounds left us less than enthusiastic, but luckily the record recovers quickly, revealing a masterfully produced and mixed record that, for better or worse, runs a wide gamut, sometime connecting, sometimes not.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Me And Elvis 9:37 - Hole In My Head 13:27 - My First Million 23:30 - N.Y.C. Outro - Harsh Light Of Reality   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

We've tackled metal in its various forms and sub-genres, but this week for the first time we're checking out the symphonic metal of Finnish band Nightwish via their 1998 album Oceanborn. Combining operatic vocals with shredding guitars, double kick-drum beats and classical-influenced strings, keyboards and pianos, we're left mouths agape at the musicianship and ambition of this band and album. While a few choices left us scratching our heads (odd synth choices, overly dramatic male vocals), for most of the run time we were on board with Oceanborn.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Gethsemane 14:47 - Stargazers 21:20 - Swanheart 24:37 - The Devil And The Deep Dark Ocean 28:21 - Sacrament Of Wilderness Outro - The Pharaoh Sails To Orion   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

After departing 1980s new wavers Berlin, bassist and vocalist John Crawford and drummer Rob Brill formed the rock power trio The Big F. With the addition of guitarist Mark Christian, the band manage to forge some interesting musical ground on their second and final album Is from 1993. Unfortunately, the band is caught between worlds, showing off more eccentric and ambitious choices (saxophone jazz jam, anyone?) while also firmly planted in the no frills early 90s riffing that at times recalls pre-fame Soundgarden or the heavier streamlined moments of King's X. With a tight rhythm section and talented guitarist, most of the fault falls on Crawford, a steady if unremarkable vocalist that never reaches the euphoric highs or a Chris Cornell or the showy lyricism of Mother Love Bone's Andrew Wood.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Patience Peregrine 12:49 - Way Low To Be Be Low 15:42 - Patience Peregrine 19:02 - Idiot Kid Heads Out 29:34 - Mother Mary Outro - Lube   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

You're probably wondering, why is there a new episode in my podcast feed on a Thursday? We wanted to share with you a preview of our first of six Dig Me Out '80s episodes in 2019. Starting this month, and continuing every other month this year, with the help our Patreon Board of Directors and Steering Committee tiers, we'll be revisiting an album from the 1980s based on suggestions and votes of our patrons. This month we're revisiting the 1980 album Panorama by The Cars. Join the DMO Union for as little as $2 a month and get access to bonus content like this episode, vote in our album review polls, get exclusive merchandise and more! To support the podcast, join us at Patreon. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

 The shadow of Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly looms large over 1990s alternative and indie rock. They were both members of seminal 1980s bands, Deal in the Pixies, and Donelly in Throwing Muses, and had second acts in the 90s in their own bands, The Breeders and Belly. For one album, before Kim's sister Kelley joined the band, Donelly joined forces with Deal on the 1990 album Pod by The Breeders, then conceived as a side project for the two. The result is a subtle and restrained record that only hints at the pop prowess the two would unleash with future singles like "Last Splash" and "Feed The Tree." With engineer Steve Albini behind the board, the album pushes the artists to work with space, finding equal footing for all the instruments. For some, the deliberate nature may turn plodding, but the atmosphere created is one truly unique, and it's clear why musicians like Kurt Cobain would find the tension between hard hitting drums, melodic bass lines and stripped down guitar lines so appealing.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Happiness Is A Warm Gun 14:44 - Glorious 17:02 - Oh! 23:15 - Fortunately Gone Outro - Hellbound   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

The term "Pop-Punk" started showing up in the mid-90s - a hybrid of the breakthrough punk sound via bands like Green Day and The Offspring, but with a decidedly more pop (re: melodic) twist in the vocal department. It's not easy to pin down with what band or at what time pop-punk took off, but from what we discussed with our guests, we know artists such as Blink-182 helped set the proverbial table for what would be a full-on pop-punk explosion in the 2000s. We put our thinking caps on and try to determine the unique characteristics, good and not so good, that made pop-punk unique, and how it factors into the story of the 1990s music scene.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - What's My Age Again? by Blink-182 15:56 - May 16 by Lagwagon 26:08 - Redundant by Green Day 38:15 - Come Out And Play by The Offspring Outro - Nineties by Busted   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Compact discs were the predominant physical medium for music in the 90s that, like cassettes and vinyl before, came with positives and negatives. No more rewinding or fast forwarding to find a song. Mobility meant moving from your home stereo, to your Discman, to your car with ease. Plus, you had almost eighty minutes to work with. That last one, however, became a curse as much as a blessing with albums like the 1996 release Machine Fish by Galactic Cowboys. If you're into hard rock/metal with a melodic bent, this album is just up your alley. Alas, left to their own devices, the gentlemen of Galactic Cowboys manage to stuff nearly every minute of this compact disc with riff upon riff, sometimes burying a gem behind walls of guitars, turning what could be three minute pop metal masterpieces into bloated five minute head scratchers. If this were an eight or nine songs album released on vinyl in the 1970s, that wouldn't be as much of an issue, but at fourteen songs and almost seventy minutes, even the most hearty will start to fatigue. And if that wasn't enough, we even conducted a bonus review of the Feel The Rage EP exclusive at our Patreon page.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Feel The Rage 18:25 - 9th Of June 30:33 - Fear Not 35:15 - Easy To Love 43:47 - Patting Yourself On The Back Outro - Psychotic Companion   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Sometimes we revisit albums that have little to no internet presence, reviews that only appeared in print, and barely managed to slip into the big name publications. When that happens, there is little baggage or preconceived notion of what we're getting into. On the other end of spectrum, we have the 1991 album Goat by The Jesus Lizard. Now heralded as one of the defining alternative rock albums of the 90s, specifically of the "noise rock" sub genre, the list of bands that draw influence back to this band and album are numerous. But it left us questioning - what exactly is noise rock? To us, this was another example of Steve Albini's sharp and clean production paired with top notch musicianship. We split on our appreciation for David Yow's vocals, which shouldn't be a surprise - they are an acquired taste, but we agreed that this compact, thirty-minute recording is worth revisiting.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Mouth Breather 15:08 - Then Comes Dudley 17:24 - Nub 22:44 - Monkey Trick Outro - Rodeo In Juliet   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com    

The release of Nirvana's album Nevermind in 1991 shaped the musical landscape of the 1990s in numerous ways, but 1999 may be the year that truly upended everything. Along with our favorite albums, our hidden gems, our late discoveries, and our long forgottens, we also dig into the year that foretold the re-emergence and dominance of pop music that has never been challenged since, the year that gave us Napster, the return of Woodstock, the rise of Nu-Metal and Rap-Rock, and much more.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - 1999 Medley (Wilco, Blur, Nine Inch Nails, Live) 7:16 - Driftwood by Travis from The Man Who 21:10 - Church On Sunday by Stone Temple Pilots from No. 4 38:47 - Muscle Museum by Muse from Showbiz 51:03 - Swingin' by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers from Echo 1:02:28 - Shooting Stars by The Black Halos from s/t Outro - Fast As You Can by Fiona Apple from When The Pawn...   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com    

We're not sure what album Mantissa intended to make with their 1992 debut Mossy God. On the one hand, it's got the guitar riffage that would find allies in heavier/dirtier 1980s hard rock/metal bands like Circus Of Power or Faster Pussycat. On the other hand, with producer Terry Date onboard, there is a tinge of the Seattle sound, like early Alice In Chains or pre-Superunknown Soundgarden. There is even a touch of Red Hot Chili Peppers funk. What does this all add up to? Kind of a mess, but not surprising considering the shifting landscape of early 90s hard rock/metal, where band either stuck to their quickly out-of-date guns or attempted an alternative makeover. Along with a confused albums comes and evening confusing (and exasperating) back story of an Australian band trying to "break" in America.     Songs In This Episode: Intro - Sanctify 23:02 - Ruby's Mind 27:44 - Dream Alone 32:41 - Extro 36:52 - Mystery Line Outro - Mary Mary   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

The term "album tracks" gets thrown around to describe perfectly fine songs that are clearly not going to be a radio single for a band. It represents what the band does, but maybe is less melodic in favor of a sound that expands, experiments or diverts enough to make it worthy of inclusion. For a band like Stanford Prison Experiment, we tossed around the term "album track" a number of times for a band that subtly takes turns inhabiting the styles and sounds of a variety of contemporaries. On their third and final record, 1998's Wrecreation, we found a lot to like in a band that touched on punk, post-punk, post-hardcore, emo, math-rock and grunge, but do they ever find themselves? Tune in to find out.   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Hightower 15:14 - Contusion 18:09 - Burner 24:27 - I'm A War 32:44 - Machaca Outro - But Of Course   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

To understand "Desert Rock" and the Palm Desert Scene, you have too look further than Queens Of The Stone Age, as we learned on our Desert Rock episode. That's when you discover a number of bands and important figures, including Chris Goss and his band Masters Of Reality, contemporaries of Kyuss and others who helped bring the bass heavy guitar dirges of the desert to the mainstream. But there is more to it than that as we discover on 1993 album Sunrise On The Sufferbus, which explores quieter moments that left us scratching our heads at times. With the propulsive pulse of Cream drummer Ginger Baker behind the kit for this album, songs like She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On) bounce to life, but in a grunge dominated era it's no wonder this is relegated to cult status. Is it worthy of revisiting?   Song In This Episode:   Intro - Gimme Water 12:40 - T.U.S.A. 20:18 - She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On) 25:04 - Gimme Water 32:08 - Moon In Your Pocket Outro - J.B. Witchdance   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

2018 seem to fly by, and with it another slate of reviews, roundtables and interviews that we look back upon with equal parts amazement and exhaustion. Thanks to our great community of folks at Patreon, the burden of actually picking records to revisit was lifted off our shoulders this year, and we got to check out some completely new discoveries like Fini Scad, Sheena Ringo and The Gathering, while also going deep on records by The Posies, Scott Weiland and Mansun we already knew but hadn't fully connected with over the years. Of course, our roundtables continued to be a highlight, digging the scenes of New York City and Dayton, Ohio, diving into the origins of Spoon, dissecting 90s Power Pop and Desert Rock, and much more. Thanks to all who helped make 2018 a great year, see you in 2019!   Songs In This Episode:   Intro - Dig Me Out by Sleater Kinney 12:08 - I Am A Liar by Sheena Ringo 17:13 - Soaked In Cinnamon by Ultimate Fakebook Outro - Dig Me Out by Sleater Kinney   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Although we host a 90s-focused music podcast, if you think Fugazi is a no brainer for us, think again. While we both had passing interest and exposure, neither of us were ardent followers of punk, hardcore or post hardcore during that time, and really only came to it years later thanks to our varied appreciations for bands like Jawbox, Sonic Youth and At The Drive-in. This makes revisiting Fugazi's 1993 third album In On The Kill Taker an even more enlightening experience. The band stretches their sound, we won't call it jamming, incorporating long musical passages that teeter on the edge of ambient dissonance. With their stellar rhythm section, the guitars and vocals play off each other with increasing confidence.   Songs On This Episode:   Intro - Returning The Screw 15:18 - Facet Squared 24:43 - Great Cop 29:31 - Rend It Outro - Smallpox Champion   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

With his work as Sparklehorse, Mark Linkous left behind a collection of music wholly unique - masterfully combining the intimacy of his home recording setup paired with his singular lyrical approach. His songs shift from abrasive guitar driven "Pig" and "Ghost Of His Smile" to the laid back pop of "Sick Of Goodbyes" with little interruption, managing to find common ground in melody with such contemporary artists as Grandaddy, The Jayhawks and Guided By Voices. During this episode we discussed our current partnership with Sudio. Check them out online and use the discount code "DMO" to receive 15% off your purchase. For the holiday season, each purchase includes a gift box, and shipping is free worldwide.   Songs On This Episode: Intro - Painbirds 11:53 - Pig 14:58 - Ghost Of His Smile 22:19 - Sick Of Goodbyes 30:27 - Chaos Of The Galaxy/Happy Man 34:04 - Maria's Little Elbows Outro - Hundreds Of Sparrows   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

While the Seattle record label Sub Pop is primarily associated with "grunge," the list of artists and catalog of releases is far more broad. Take for example Eric Matthews, whose whispered vocal and orchestral arrangements couldn't stray further from the so-called Sub Pop sound. On his sophomore solo release from 1997, The Lateness Of The Hour, Matthews expertly and often densely constructs songs that would sound at home on either an Elliott Smith album or coming out of Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys, never forgetting to layer sweet melodies on top of his sometimes classical arrangements. While the vocal approach took some getting used to, we discovered an album that reveals more musicially and emotionally upon repeated listens. During this episode we discussed our current partnership with Sudio. Check them out online and use the discount code "DMO" to receive 15% off your purchase. For the holiday season, each purchase includes a gift box, and shipping is free worldwide.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Ideas That Died That Day 12:02 - My Morning Parade 14:48 - Festival Fun 16:49 - Pair Of Cherry 26:07 - Everything So Real Outro - Dopeyness   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

There are not many 1990s albums that fall under the "alternative rock" banner that prominently feature harp and horns the way the lone 1997 album Free Mars by Lusk does. The fact that it does so featuring a wide cast of characters from bands such as Tool (Paul D'Amour), Failure (Greg Edwards), Guns 'n Roses (Chris Pitman) and Medicine (Brad Laner) only adds to the unique and intriguing charm of this one-and-done release. During this episode we discussed our current partnership with Sudio. Check them out online and use the discount code "DMO" to receive 15% off your purchase. For the holiday season, each purchase includes a gift box, and shipping is free worldwide.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Backworlds 16:15 - Savvy Kangaroos 23:02 - The Hotel Family Affair 30:31 - Free Mars Outro - Kill The King   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Power pop, as we have learned over the years, is a hard subgenre of rock 'n roll to pin down. The 1999 self-titled debut by Owsley has been referred to as power pop, with some calling it a masterpiece. It's not hard to hear why, as the album is chock full of catchy hooks, harmonies, tasteful nods to The Beatles and checks all the boxes of retro without being nostalgic. For as much as we've enjoyed debating the merits of what is and isn't power pop, we can't overlook the fact that this record didn't quite live up to the masterpiece billing, as we often struggled with slower tunes that slid into a jangle pop plod.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - I'm Alright 14:44 - Zavelow House 17:57 - Coming Up Roses 25:26 - Oh No The Radio Outro - Sonny Boy   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our "In The 90s" series exploring successful 1970s and 80s artists and bands has discovered a common theme - sometimes it was not the rise of grunge and alternative music that through a wrench into their success, sometimes overwhelming success created a watershed moment leaving the band in flux. What was Metallica to do after the Black album? And in this case for our latest episode, what was Aerosmith to do after they fully rebounded from their early 80s descent into drugs with a pair of successful albums to close out the decade (Permanent Vacation and Pump) leading into the ubiquitous 1993 chart topper Get A Grip. Becoming MTV darlings and radio mainstays pushed the band into more pop territory, culminating in the 1998 Diane Warren-penned single "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" for the Armageddon soundtrack. We walk through the decade and wonder if the apparent wedge driven between lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry started when the band reached its cultural and chart apex.   Songs In This Episode: Aerosmith Medley - Cryin', Crazy, Amazing from Get A Grip 17:09 - Livin' On The Edge from Get A Grip 25:29 - Fever from Get A Grip 33:50 - Pink from Nine Lives 40:47 - Crash from Nine Lives Outro - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing from the Armageddon soundtrack   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Many musical genres and subgenres previously found in the cultural underground bubbled to the mainstream surface in the 1990s thanks to a major label feeding frenzy and the ever expanding definition of "alternative." Like punk, ska, swing and even grunge, industrial and electronic music had their moments in various ways, and gave rise to interesting iterations that briefly snuck onto MTV and commercial radio. God Lives Underwater is one such example, who wrote traditional structures and melodies wrapped with an electronic and industrial exterior. Thanks to uber-producer Rick Rubin, their 1995 debut Empty has a unique reverb-free sound at odds with many of their peers, providing more intimacy and less expanse without sacrificing quality, even if all the songs themselves cannot match the stellar production.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Still 13:08 - Empty 18:00 - All Wrong 21:10 - No More Love 27:03 - We Were Wrong Outro - Weaken   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For some, metal shock rockers Gwar are more style than substance. In fact, we were in that camp, having paid little attention to the band beyond their notorious stage antics and costumes. But thanks to our second annual Halloween-themed episode, we're checking out the 1990 sophomore album Scumdogs Of The Universe. While we expected over the top lyrics with various R-rated subject matter, we did not anticipate how musically diverse the band would sound, managing to integrate New York thrash ala Anthrax along side Quiet Riot-esque glam metal riffs, and even some hardcore punk attitude. It all made for interesting sound they may have slightly overstayed its welcome by the end.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Sick Of You 13:44 - Vlad The Impaler 22:59 - Slaughterama 26.52 - Sick Of You 30:27 - Cool Place To Park Outro - King Queen   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Built To Spill have remained an anomaly in a number of ways throughout their career - a band steeped in classic rock conventions that seamlessly integrates 1990s indie rock guitar shredding, but does so without sacrificing vocal melodies, and doing in on major label Warner Bros. for twenty years. On 1999's Keep It Like A Secret, Doug Martsch shortened the length and kept the six plus minute long jams to a minimum, but still manages to concoct his stew of six string wizardry and even throw in a kitschy tune (You Were Right) that would have sounded at home on a Ben Folds Five album.   Songs in this Episode: Intro - Carry The Zero 19:49 - The Plan 22:49 - Time Trap 29:55 - You Were Right Outro - Center Of The Universe   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

After the success of the Sound Of White Noise album with new lead singer John Bush, New York city thrashers Anthrax took the band in a direction that angered and alienated longtime fans. For Stomp 442 from 1995, the band relied less on the chugging thrash riffage of their past, and played with sounds that would be at home in Helmet's post hardcore and alternative metal sound, or the mainstream hard rock that Metallica had cultivated on their Black album. While tag as a "grunge" sell-out, over twenty years later we find it hard to locate an trace of Seattle sound, and find a band brimming with confidence and swagger. Perhaps they made the wrong album at the wrong time, but looking back, it's not hard to hear why so many were confused by the new direction - hopefully this time around they'll give it another spin.   Songs in this Episode: Intro - Fueled 11:19 - Fueled 15:22 - In A Zone 23:14 - Perpetual Motion 29:21 - Nothing 33:36 - Bare Outro - Random Acts Of Senseless Violence   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Cleveland is the home of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, Cincinnati is home to legendary soul label King Records and The Afghan Whigs, Akron has Devo and the The Pretenders, but if there is a 1990s alternative and indie rock epicenter of Ohio, it's Dayton, known for its Air Force Base and (alleged) alien cover-ups. The Breeders, Guided By Voices and Brainiac all call Dayton home, breaking through in their own unique ways, but Dayton's musical roots dig deep into 1980s punk and 1970s funk all the way into the 2000s. We discuss the venues, record stores, bands and more that made and make Dayton unique.   Songs in this episode: Intro - Dayton Medley (Guided By Voices, The Amps, Brainiac) 12:56 - No Wrong Track by The Method 23:48 - God Bless America by Toxic Reasons 30:33 - Flying Pizza by Swearing At Motorists 41:40 - Listen To The Quiet by Mink 45:13 - Toilet Knife by Dirty Walk Outro - Weapons Of Love Destruction by Shesus   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For his 1998 album Since, Richard Buckner enlisted a strong supporting cast (John McEntire of Tortoise, The Sea And Cake / Dave Schramm of Yo La Tengo, The Schramms / David Grubbs of Squirrel Bait, Gastr Del Sol, Bastro) to shape an Americana/Alt Country record that feels out of place for the time, but perfectly in sync with the Jason Isbell's and John Moreland's of today's musical landscape. It helps that Buckner's poetic approach eschews the compact disc bloat and hones a tight sixteen track / thirty seven minute album that actually left us wanting more in spaces rather than wishing for restraint and editing.   Songs in this episode: Intro - Believer 12:04 - Raze 16:56 - Brief & Boundless 20:12 - Lucky Buzz 29:34 - Coursed Outro - Goner w/Souvenir   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We revisit Beck's major label debut Mellow Gold, was it a warm-up for the multi-platinum Odelay, or is Loser the only worthwhile nugget?   Songs in this episode: Intro - Loser 12:54 -Soul Suckin' Jerk 17:58 - Beercan 26:28 - Truckdrivin Neighbors Downstairs (Yellow Sweat) Outro - Sweet Sunshine   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Wondering about our exclusive content over at Patreon? Here's a sample of the first five minutes of our extended twenty minute discussion on Power Pop as we chat about the 2000s. Hear the entire bonus content, be eligible for quarterly contests, vote in our polls, and support the podcast at patreon.com/digmeout.

For a lot of people, the rock music subgenre known as "power pop" is one of those "you know it when you hear it" situations. However, over the years many have tried to describe and dissect what makes power pop unique from musical cousins such as pop rock or jangle pop. Like the 70s and 80s before them, 90s power pop bands put their own spin on the sound, adding a little more guitar crunch while incorporating the hallmark harmonies, British Invasion influenced melodies and arrangements, and other key elements, thanks bands like Sloan, Jellyfish, Teenage Fanclub, Superdrag, Fountains Of Wayne and The Posies, and artists like Matthew Sweet, Tommy Keene and Jason Falkner. With our panel, we dig into the sounds, the songs, the albums and the artists of 90s power pop.   Songs in this episode: Intro - Sick Of Myself by Matthew Sweet 32:14 - Buddy Holly by Weezer 37:05 - Bottle Of Fur by Urge Overkill 46:17 - Money City Maniacs by Sloan 52:41 - What You Do To Me by Teenage Fanclub Outro - Red Dragon Tattoo by Fountains of Wayne   To support the podcast, join us at Patreon for bonus content and more. Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Craig Finn is best known for his distinctive vocal and lyrical style thanks to The Hold Steady in the 2000s. But while that band channeled Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements and The Band for musical inspiration, his 1990s outfit Lifter Puller took a decidedly more angular approach with nods to Television, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Pavement. Digging into 1997's sophomore released Half Dead and Dynamite, the drugged up and drunken stories familiar to Finn fans are there, but the band backing him presents a different sonic approach, eschewing bombast and power chords for jagged rhythms and Radioshack keyboards. Intro - The Gin and the Sour Defeat 10:45 - Half Dead and Dynamite 17:03 - Nassau Coliseum 21:18 - I Like The Lights 29:17 - Rock for Lite Brite Outro - The Bears Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Concept albums are as old as albums themselves, though defining what exactly qualifies as a concept album is flexible. The 90s were no different, as many bands and artists took loose ideas and strung together narratives and themes to form a cohesive idea. Of all the bands you were probably expecting to do so back in day, Local H was probably not high on that list, but songwriter/guitarist/singer Scott Lucas has dipped into the concept album well often during the past several decades, first with their 1996 break-through As Good As Dead, and then the 1998 follow-up Pack Up The Cats. Lucas and drummer Joe Daniels weave a tale not unfamiliar to rock fans - the rise and fall of a musician, but with the decade specific twists and turns that make it a uniquely 90s affair, both lyrically and sonically, and craft a concept album worthy of the decades medium of choice: the compact disc. Intro - All The Kids Are Right 32:13 - All-Right (Oh Yeah) 34:49 - Cool Magnet 36:58 - Laminate Man 40:47 - Deep Cut 43.46 - Lucky Time 50:16 - Hit The Skids Outro - What Can I Tell You Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

The 1990s are known as the grunge decade, but really Seattle's reign was contained to the first half, which is when The Posies power-pop tour de force Frosting On The Beater happened to be released in 1993. It's not hard to understand why this band from the Pacific Northwest struggled to find an broad audience - the singles are teeming with Big Star, Cheap Trick, The Beatles, and other classic power pop influence, and only Matthew Sweet was able to crack mainstream radio playlists and MTV video rotation with a similar but equally melodic approach. It doesn't help that in an era of Discman players and vinyl decline, Don Fleming's beefed up production truly only finds its sweet spot when the stereo speakers are pushing serious air, which we are happy to oblige. Intro - Dream All Day 9:54 - Definite Door 13:28 - Love Letter Boxes 19:51 - How She Lied By Living 29:37 - Solar Sister Outro - Flavor Of The Month Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

When musicians aren't busy writing, recording and touring with their main band, often times you'll find them in side projects, mixing it up with new sounds and new collaborators. The 1990s were no different, as folks from the biggest bands to lesser known indie artists often found a new creative outlet outside their main gig. But what exactly makes it a side project, as opposed to just putting out a solo album, or recording with a fabled "super group?" We try to lay down some (admittedly) shaky criteria to figure out what makes a side project, revisiting those that worked, a few that didn't, some that left us scratching our heads and some that left us wanting more. Intro - Side Project Medley (Friends Of P by The Rentals, Hunger Strike by Temple Of The Dog, Tipp City by The Amps) 7:17 - That's Just How That Bird Sings by The Twilight Singers 20:06 - Gimme Indie Rock by Sebadoh 26:48 - Wasting Away by Nailbomb 40:57 - Song For A Dead Girl by Three Fish 46:54 - 20th Century by Brad Outro - Yoo Hoo by Imperial Teen Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

After Nirvana exploded in the 1990s, bands across the globe got signed for sounding just enough like the Kurt, Krist, and Dave, an inevitable result of major labels hoping to find "the next Nirvana." It was also inevitable that young artists would be influenced by the band dominating radio and MTV, and so began the delicate balance of imitation and influence, recycling and reinterpretation. On their sophomore album Into The Pink, Verbena had a lot to shoulder. With the multi-pronged assault of electronica, nu-metal and manufactured pop, some decried the end of rock'n'roll in the later half other decade, and searched for a savior. With a single that tipped a nod to Cobain vocally and Nirvana sonically, and with Dave Grohl onboard as producer, the hype machine declaring Verbena to be "the next Nirvana" was in full swing, coloring the band before most got to hear the record in full. We try to get beneath the marketing and figure out what really worked, what didn't, and why rock music fans in general are so intent on tearing down the latest thing. Intro - Into The Pink 15:09 - Baby Got Shot 19:06 - John Beverly 24:41 - Monkey, I'm Your Man Outro - Pretty Please Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On their 1996 major label debut Tin Cans With Strings To You, the Sacramento, CA band Far find themselves at an interesting crossroads. By this point in the decade, grunge is well past its expiration date, so how do you describe a rock band that can synthesize New York City post-hardcore and Washington D.C. emo, with hints of the burgeoning San Diego screamo scene? Thanks to our Patreon patrons suggestion, we revisit a record that on the surface hits all of our respective musical sweet spots, but gave us some some head scratching moments as well with regard to production choices and track list order. Intro - Love, American Style 13:14 - Girl 22:30 - Celebrate Her 36:25 - Joining The Circus Outro - Seasick Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For the tens of thousands of bands who signed to a major label, put out a record, scored a minor hit and disappeared, there just as many divergent stories of what happened after the temporary spotlight dimmed. In the case of Jonny Polonsky, his tale started in the suburbs of Chicago, home recording cassette albums as a teen in his bedroom and dialing up famous guitarists for feedback, which lead him to move to Boston, the support of Frank Black of the Pixies, and a deal with Rick Rubin's American Recordings. His 1996 debut Hi My Name Is Jonny scored a college radio hit with "In My Head," but like so many in the mid and late 90s music industry machine, the churn happened quickly and soon after he find be looking to new outlets for releasing music and relocating to Los Angeles to start anew. There is a chance you've heard or seen Jonny in the 2000s without even realizing it, playing on records by Pete Yorn, Puscifer, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Minnie Driver and more, while hitting the road with many more. Jonny shares with us his story, his approaches to songwriting, recording, learning new instruments, his love of David Bowie's side-project Tin Machine, and much much more. Intro - In My Mind Outro - Love Lovely Love Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

When an established name like Trent Reznor shows up in the credits of a 90s industrial album, the natural starting point is to compare it Nine Inch Nails. But what about when the artist is not a contemporary or disciple, but a predecessor? That's the case with Kevin McMahon, veteran of new wave group Lucky Pierre going back to the 70s, and where the Reznor connection occurs in the late 80s. Thanks to having over a decade worth of experience, on the 1995 eponymous debut by Prick, Reznor acts as less an overwhelming force upon McMahon and his band and more of a slightly different flavor. It's not hard to pick out which tracks Reznor had a hand in, but compared to the majority of the album, they pair nicely with the overall experience rather than stick out like the proverbial sore thumb. While so many industrial acts can either get weighted down by lyrical dreariness, musical repetition or underwhelming vocal performances, McMahon uses his new wave background wisely, crafting melodic hooks and not losing the rock aspect of industrial rock thanks to some well-produced guitar riffing. Intro - Animal 9:36 - Tough 12:19 - Crack 14:44 - Other People 18:12 - No Fair Fights 25:42 - I Apologize Outro - I Got It Bad Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

In the first of a new roundtable series, we're taking a look back at the 90s origins of Spoon, and how they went from devotees of Frank Black and Robert Pollard, to one of the most consistently interesting and successful bands of the 2000s. Britt Daniel and Jim Eno, the core singer/songwriter/guitarist and drummer/producer of Spoon, have been at it for almost thirty years. In the 2000s, starting with Girls Can Tell, and up to their most recent release Hot Thoughts, the band has managed to expertly toe the line between slick songwriting worthy of radio, television and film placement, while keeping a shape-shifting edge that expertly slips back and forth between minimalist and embellished production, tied together with Daniel's emphatic but easy on the ears delivery that manages to inhabit Ray Davies, Tom Petty and Prince all at the same time. But before they began their run of successful 2000s releases, the band was almost another tragic tale of the 1990s major label signing frenzy, bouncing between taste-maker Matador for their debut Telephono and EP Soft Effects, to then jump to the majors on A Series Of Sneaks at Elektra that saw them dropped four months after their sophomore release. Like so many before that have carved out long careers, the early years of Spoon reveal a band struggling to channel their influences into something wholly unique while Daniel's begins the process of finding his own voice. Intro - Utilitarian (A Series Of Sneaks) 14:42 - Theme To Wendell Stivers (Telephono) 18:54 - Nefarious (Telephono) 22:43 - Mountain Of Sound (Soft Effects EP) 33:49 - The Minor Tough (A Series Of Sneaks) 47:39 - Metal Detektor (A Series Of Sneaks) Outro - The Agony Of Laffitte (Laffitte 7" single) Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Let's get this out of the way - thanks to the ridiculous nature of regional rights and legal mumbo-jumbo surrounding album releases, we are occasionally stuck reviewing the edited and inferior US release of an album rather than the original UK or Australian version that the artist intended. That's what happened when one of our Patreon patrons selected the sophomore album Six by Mansun for us to check out. The original 1998 UK release features extra songs, a different track list and mixes, and is overall considered to the superior to the chopped-down and rearranged US version released in 1999. Back in the day, we would have made a visit to the local Virgin Megastore and dropped twenty to thirty bucks on an important version, but that option is long gone, so we're playing the hand as dealt. While the band made no secret on their debut Attack of the Grey Lantern that straight-up Brit-pop was of no interest, the band managed to craft radio-friendly pop melodies with twisted instrumentation and odd embellishments. Six takes it one step further, honing the pop songs while doubling-down on the twisted and odd, taking long divergences into instrumental passages, drastic tempo shifts and, uh, The Nutcracker? Intro - Six 14:23 - Negative 20:23 - Legacy 26:06 - Anti-Everything 34:48 - Being A Girl Outro - Fall Out Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Mark E. Smith of The Fall was a divisive character, turning people on or off with his kinetic one-note, occasionally slurred, stream of consciousness vocal delivery. After a decade and a half of abrasive post punk, line-up changes and restlessness led to a stylistic change, accounting for several electronic and IDM influenced albums. 1993's The Infotainment Scan falls into this era, while still featuring a jagged guitar line, clean (or sterile) production on programmed drums and synth keyboards dominates the overall sound, featuring odd cover song choices and sonic stretches that left us scratching our heads. There's a lovable cantankerous aspect to Smith's vocals that endears us to his limitations, but hearing the band go full rave seemed to a bridge too far. Intro - Paranoia Man In Cheap Sh*T Room 14:17 - Glam Racket 19:30 - It's a Curse 28:44 - Ladybird (Green Grass) Outro - Lost In Music Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

The story of The Nixons is not unlike a number of 1990s bands. Record some demos and release them on your own, find a small regional label to release your first album recorded on a shoe-string budget, get some buzz, the major labels swoop in, offer to re-release the album with a few new tracks, new cover art and a fresh mastering job, then throw out a single or two in hopes of a "next big thing" hit, only to see the follow-up album a year or two later (if they got one) get lackluster promotion and be promptly dropped. If bands like this were lucky, they managed one single that made an impression. With their 1995 album Foma, The Nixons managed just that with "Sister," which finds itself at the perfect crossroad of early Pearl Jam earnestness and Matchbox 20 radio pleasantry. What struck us and our guest about Foma was not the second wave of grunge sound that pins it so specifically to the decade, but the unexpected amount of social and political commentary in the lyrics that come across equally daring and off-putting. Listeners can still hear "Sister" on alternative rock radio stations across the country today, but thanks to a sound that covers all the 90s alternative rock touchstones, do they even know their listening to The Nixons? Intro - Sister 17:37 - Sweet Belief 30:45 - Drink The Fear Outro - Happy Song Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Fini Scad only managed to release one album during their short existence, but thanks to one of our listeners we're giving it a new lease on life. 1998's Wider Screen, and their EP from two years early, got the band onto Australian radio and television, but they burned out quickly and were gone the same year the album came out. We don't know what exactly happened, but we do know they left behind an interesting album, partially thanks to the production work of John Agnello (Buffalo Tom, Dinosaur Jr.), who helps gives the guitars twin guitar attack the right amount of punch. Singer/guitarist Dave Thomas kept us guessing, as his vocals morphed from bellowing hard rock one moment to whispered and intimate the next, which worked on most if not all the album. As our listener noted, it's a shame Fini Scad never managed to follow-up Wider Screen, because what they do well could have easily been refined and expanded upon, and the few nitpicks we had could easily be rectified. Intro - Coppertone 5:45 - Sonic Boy 8:13 - Just A Show 17:12 - Wider Screen 20:27 - It's Not Real Outro - More Of The Same Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Every decade of rock music and its various sub genre offshoots has produced oft-debated lists of notable drummers, and the 1990s is no exception. From the jazz-influenced speed of The Smashing Pumpkins Jimmy Chamberlain, to the technical progressive prowess of Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, there is drummer for every style and flavor. Rather than discuss "the best," we're talking favorites, both well known and not-so-well known. Who gave us fills we still air drum to at our desks? Who pounded rhythms that make us shake our heads in awe? Whose beats influenced the next generation of drummers? From the groove metal of Pantera's Vinnie Paul to the skittish bounce of Dismemberment Plan's Joe Easley, we're scratching the surface and a bit more to get the conversation started on drummers of the 1990s. Intro - Drum Medley (I Am One by The Smashing Pumpkins / Pacific 231 by Burning Airlines / Jesus Christ Pose by Soundgarden / The City by Dismemberment Plan) 8:04 - Rhinosaur by Soundgarden 18:34 - Would? by Alice In Chains 34:37 - Hello by Oasis 41:32 - Wiser Time by The Black Crowes 58:06 - Puppets by Hum 1:02:30 - Andalusia by Shiner 1:15:07 - Milwaukee Sky Rocket by Braid Outro - Enjoy The Silence by Failure Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

By the time William and Jim Reid of the Jesus And Mary Chain put out the 1998 album Munki, the band had been through several iterations. From the noise drenched simplicity of Psychocandy to the pulsing beats of Automatic and the lazy strums of Stoned and Dethroned, the brothers had covered plenty of musical territory while still maintaining the attitude and sound unique to the band. In what would be their last release together until 2017's Damage And Joy, they manage to revisit nearly every phase of the band, and even explore some new ideas. But at seventeen songs and seventy minutes, the sheer length of the album, especially with some ill-advised forays into overlong noodling and keyboard driven tracks, left us wondering if the lack of an outside voice (i.e. a producer with a surname other than Reid) would have shaped a more concise, cohesive and ultimately satisfying listen. Intro - I Love Rock'n'Roll 11:46 - Degenerate 16:14 - Moe Tucker 20:37 - Perfume 23:03 - Commercial Outro - I Hate Rock'n'Roll Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Hailing from Canberra, Australia, the 1992 sophomore album Psychohum by the Falling Joys is what alternative or college or indie rock, however you want to classify it, looked to be heading pre-Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Eclectic and unpredictable, with guitar tones and vocals that easily slip between shoegaze, jangle pop, new wave and mainstream rock riffing, the Falling Joys sound like a band hitting their stride as songwriters and musicians. Led by vocalist/guitarist Suzie Biggie, who manages to invoke 79/80 Blondie one moment and Spooky era Lush the next, pulls off a wide array of styles with melodic cohesion. Paired with bassist and vocalist Pat Hayes on tunes like Incinerator, and Stuart Robinson's effected riffage on a song like God In A Dustbin, there is a lot to like about Psychohum. At the same time, that uninhibited approach can take a band down some lesser advised paths, with odd tangents into Chili Pepper funk and Sinatra swing. Which approach wins out? Tune in to hear our take on Psychohum. Intro - Dynamite 10:16 - Black Bandages 15:05 - Incinerator 19:50 - A Winter's Tale 22:17 - Lullaby 24:36 - Fortune Teller Outro - God In A Dustbin Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our Patreon patron Brandon wanted to check out the 1999 (or 2000, if you bought the Sony rerelease) album This Will Be Laughing Week by Ultimate Fakebook. Through the magic of our Facebook page, we ended up connecting with lead singer and guitarist Bill McShane and drummer Eric Melin, and they ended up joining us as well. In addition, we gave away a pair of Sudio Regent headphones to one of our lucky Patreon patrons. It's a jam-packed episode! In addition to talking about the actual record, we also discuss what went on with the band signing to a major label at the end of the 1990s, touring, songwriting, band origins, vinyl reissues, Manhattan vs. Lawrence, new music and much more. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden for providing our May giveaway. On episodes 381 and 382 we followed up on our previous Tre and Regent reports, if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT for 15% off your purchase during the month of May. Intro - She Don't Even Know My Name 32:58 - Soaked In Cinnamon 59:46 - Real Drums 1:07:27 - Little Apple Girl Outro - Tell Me What You Want Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

By 1998 Tori Amos was already established an artist who balanced both commercial success and critical praise. With her fourth album, From The Choirgirl Hotel, Amos dialed down the piano and dialed up the band, exploring a fuller sound that moved between electronic(a) beats, Beatle stomps and a slew of new sounds. In surrendering her confessional piano ballad comfort zone, a broader approach does reveal some cracks that left us scratching our heads both from a songwriting and production standpoint. Gone are the unmistakable hooks of "God" or "Crucify" while the vocals, now competing with a bigger sounds from the background players, get compressed and pushed up front to a dizzying degree. It's a frustrating episode for as much as we liked about the album, we found ourselves unable to connect with the material like expected. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden for providing our May giveaway - a pair of Regent headphones. Join us at Patreon by May 15th to be eligible to win, winner announced on episode 384. We’re following up on our previous Tre and Regent reports, if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT for 15% off your purchase. Intro - Spark 10:46 - Raspberry Swirl 14:33 - Cruel 19:11 - She's Your Cocaine 27:32 - Jackie's Strength Outro - Iieee Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Through the 1980s, U2 had gone from upstart punks to political firebrands to stadium superstars, reaching the critical crossroad of either delivering what people expected and remaining creatively stagnant or reinventing their sound and risk alienation. By all accounts, 1991's Achtung Baby managed to position the band as a force at the beginning of the decade creatively, commercially and critically. That comes with its own risk, as one reinvention begets another - as the earnest and sincerity of the past is replaced with irony and spectacle. With Zooropa and the Passengers project with Brian Eno, the band continued to evolve sonically, but the U2 of The Unforgettable Fire and War was essentially retired. Depending on who you talked to, the band reached their 90s apex or nadir on 1997's Pop, forcing the band to release their greatest hits collection shortly after, and then to dial back the disconnect and on 2000's All That You Can't Leave Behind. With our guests, we dig deep into the U2 of the 90s, and try to figure out what what right, went went wrong, and where it left the band at the start of the new millenia. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden for providing our May giveaway - a pair of Regent headphones. Join us at Patreon by May 15th to be eligible to win, winner announced on episode 384. We’re following up on our previous Tre and Regent reports, if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT for 15% off your purchase. Intro - Discothèque from Pop 25:17 - The Fly from Achtung Baby 30:37 - Mysterious Ways from Achtung Baby 40:28 - Numb from Zooropa 43:47 - Stay (Faraway, So Close!) Outro - Staring At The Sun from Pop Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Nada Surf scored a quirky one-hit wonder with "Popular," and as with most one-hit wonders, pressure from the record label to follow it up caused a divide. In this case, Nada Surf were dropped, record in hand, which they were able to release on their own label. While The Proximity Effect received some positive press upon release in 1998 (in the UK, 2000 in the US), it went mostly unnoticed. It wasn't until Let Go in 2002 that the band fully arrived, garnering rave reviews, following that up with Chris Walla-produced The Weight Is A Gift in 2005. Upon reflection, The Proximity Effect comes across as a transition album, with the band sound clearing, fuller and more confident, while not quite hitting the highs they would reach on their next two releases. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden for providing our May giveaway - a pair of Regent headphones. Join us at Patreon by May 15th to be eligible to win, winner announced on episode 384. We’re following up on our previous Tre and Regent reports, if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT for 15% off your purchase. Intro - Hyperspace 14:34 - Firecracker 21:23 - Dispossession 28:18 - Spooky 36:29 - Amateur Outro - Robot Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

While we have traveled, musically speaking, to Europe and Australia quite often, Japan has been a much rarer trip, and we've never revisited an album that wasn't primarily recorded in English. Until now. Thanks to a patron selection, we're checking out the 2000 album Shōso Strip by Ringo Sheena. It's hard to nail down the sound or style of Ringo Sheena on her second album, which bounces from electronic pop to metallic distortion to cabaret swing, all backed by a talented band and produced to the nth degree, using every studio trick in the book. For a pop record, there is almost no western comparison. The better comparisons are trailblazing iconoclasts Bjork or Tori Amos, but even that fails to truly capture the twisted and wild ride that is Shōso Strip. Intro - I Am A Liar 7:30 - Instinct 14:47 - Excuse Debussy 25:37 - Sickbed Public 32:31 - A Broken Man and Midnight 38:27 - Stoicism Outro - Bathroom Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Do you remember 1995? If you do, you probably remember "In The Meantime" by Spacehog off their debut album Resident Alien. The single went to number one on the US mainstream chart, number two on the US modern rock chart, and top fifty in about every country that had a radio station. The album went Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada, and the video was in constant rotation on MTV. So what happened with their second effort, 1998's The Chinese Album? We don't know because neither the album nor any single charted in the US. So it's time for a sophomore slump revisited, and decide once and for all if we need to revisit Mungo City, or leave it a ghost town. Intro - Mungo City 15:45 - Goodbye Violent Race 18:15 - Captain Freeman 23:07 - Beautiful Girl Outro - One Of These Days Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

By 1993, James were already established with a string of successful UK singles on their four previous album. But with the release of Laid, they managed to crack wide open United States college and mainstream radio playlists with the quirky and catchy title track. However, like so many albums released in the 90s, a hit single does not always represent the sound of the band overall. While James had their fair share of uptempo tunes, including the New Order-esque Say Something from the same album, with the help of our Patreon patron Patrick (of Three Bines Hopped Spirits) who picked the album, we discovered a moodier, more melancholy sound, driven by bass and atmospheric guitars. While some of that credit is probably due to legendary musician/producer Brian Eno, the band themselves unveil a unique combination of post-punk edge, folk storytelling, Madchester bounce and Brit-pop swagger. It all makes for a listen that bares repeated listens to discover the layers, which also reveal some deficiencies that grew over time. Intro - Laid 13:23 - Say Something 16:51 - Out To Get You 27:27 - Five-O Outro - Sometimes Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our Patreon patrons often surprise us. Our poll for April of 1998 included revered and critically acclaimed albums, but instead the votes went a surprising way. Stabbing Westward's third album Darkest Days, could (and was) written off in some circles as a Nine Inch Nails wannabe. In revisiting this, and other records there were not critical darlings in the 1990s, it is easy to see why. Following up a hit single (one-hit wonder?) on their previous record, the odds were against them pulling out another, especially while wrapping it all in a sixteen track, sixty-four minute concept album, in a genre (industrial rock) as pinned to the 1990s as grunge. But a funny thing happened, while lesser bands were layering oodles of synths and metallic guitars on top of mechanical drum beats, Stabbing Westward remember to write the hooks and keep it grounded in the more rock end of industrial rock. Sure, it's loud and abrasive one minute and whisper quiet serious the next, but with production master Dave Jerden assisting behind the board, the band manages to make it all in work despite the odds. Intro - Save Yourself 12:15 - Waking Up Beside You 23:23 - Haunting Me 27:23 - When I'm Dead 33:13 - Goodbye Outro - You Complete Me Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Upon release in 1996, Skinny Puppy's eight album The Process divided and confused longtime fans, some accusing the band of selling out and writing rock and metal singles for a major label. While a band like Ministry was able to slip the heavier/noiser end of industrial into periphery of mainstream of MTV and commercial radio with Psalm 69, neither reached the heights of a band like Nine Inch Nails, or the legion of wannabes who followed. Thanks to our patron Josh "funkdoc" Ballard bring this record to us, we're able to not only check out a diverse and divisive album fraught with creative tension and tragedy, but also examine the shifting concept of what "commercial" and "selling out" meant in 1996 versus today. Check out Josh's article on Medium, "The Billion-Year Voyage”: Skinny Puppy’s Last Rights. Intro - Candle 14:18 - Curcible 19:36 - Hardset Head 23:02 - Amnesia 34:31 - Jahya Outro - Blue Serge Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

New York City has been a global epicenter for music and culture in general for decades, so it is no surprise that the the 1990s are no different. From the legendary Velvet Underground, KISS and Blondie, to indie rock progenitors Sonic Youth, Talking Heads and Television, to the punk of the New York Dolls, Ramones and The Dictators, as well as the hip-hop, disco, electronic and dance scenes, the 1990s combined it all into a stew of unique sounds interpolated by artists such as the Beastie Boys, Living Colour, White Zombie, Girls Against Boys, Helmet, Biohazard, and more. Like every scene we've dug into, finding the venues, the media, the record stores, recording studios and labels that fostered the sound for the band, New York City has its own spin. How do you get gear to shows in a city most travel by subway? How do you get your band noticed in a sea of competition? How do you not get robbed and randomly punched in the face on the street? To help us unpack it all, we're joined by Eli Janney of Girls Against Boys and The 8G Band from Late Night with Seth Meyers, Mike Lustig of Ruth Ruth, and Mike Stuto from Brownies and Beggars Banquet Records. Intro - New York Medley (New York City by The Cult, New York State of Mind by Billy Joel, Back in the New York Groove by Ace Frehley, New York City by T. Rex) Outro - Safe In New York City by AC/DC Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

During our revisit of the one and only Talk Show album featuring the three guys not named Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots during their infamous 1997 hiatus, we remarked how the music remained steady but the vocals and melodies were less interesting. Now we get to examine the other side of that temporary split with Weiland's 1998 solo debut 12 Bar Blues. Would the lack of the DeLeo brothers inventive riffing similarly hamper the lead singers creative output? The simple answer is no, thanks to Weiland's willingness to experiment, filling the record with interesting sounds and surrounding himself with accomplished musicians. It is an admirable, if occasionally messy, attempt to shatter the perceptions of what it meant to be "the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots," but more often than not, the influences start to show. Sadly, this left us wondering if the lukewarm critical reception, albums sales and radio play pushed Weiland back into the easy embrace of Stone Temple Pilots too quickly, who churned out successive radio friendly if bland riffage that palled to their primer-era output. Weiland never pushed the envelope like he did on this record, and we try to figure out why. Intro - Barbarella 13:20 - Mockingbird Girl 18:05 - About Nothing 29:28 - Son Outro - Lady, Your Roof Brings Me Down Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Like any decade of rock music and commercial radio, the 1990s had plenty of one hit wonders, many of which we talked about in our One Hit Wonders Roundtable. Marcy Playground managed their own, with Sex and Candy in 1997 spending fifteen weeks at number on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and top ten on four other US charts, as well as top ten in Canada and Australia, and top thirty in the UK. In other words, it was a massive hit, so how did they follow it up? In 1999 they released Shapeshifter, the whips between more radio friendly pop, Americana-folk, Butthole Surfer weirdness and Nirvana riffage. In other words, it is all over the place. Sometimes an eclectic approach provides a interesting and diverse selection of tunes, other times it is a mess of one-off attempts and half-way-there ideas. Where does Shapeshifter fall? Tune in to find out. Intro: It's Saturday 12:25 - America 14:09 - Love Bug 19:33 - All The Lights Went Out 24:14 - Secret Squirrel Outro - Bye Bye Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Going into this episode, we thought desert rock and stoner rock were the same thing. We were wrong. We thought the "desert rock sound" started with the Sabbath influence lowend fuzzed riffs of Kyuss. We were wrong on that as well. There is an important lesson here - makes sure you are open to preconceived notions being challenged because the truth maybe more interesting than the vision in your head. That wasn't only the case for us. We invited on Jason Georgiades, director of Desert Age, a film about the 80s and 90s desert rock scene, who also had to shift his thinking once he started digging into history, talking to the people, and hearing the music of the California desert around Palm Springs. You've heard of Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, but what about Across the River and Yawning Man? Or Unsound or Target 13? We talk the bands, the landscape, the (lack of) places to play and the illegal substances that made the desert rock scene of the truly most original in punk, alternative and hard rock. We also get a behind the scenes look at the making of a rock documentary in the twenty first century. Use the promo code "Green Machine" to get 15% off anything in the Desert Age store. Intro - Green Machine by Kyuss 11:05 - Monster in the Parasol from The Desert Sessions, Vol 3 & 4 24:04 - N.O. by Across The River 35:37 - She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On) by Masters of Reality 53:33 - Rock Formations by Yawning Man Outro - Rodney on the Roq by Target 13 Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

You may know him from the "avant-punk" of 1990s Shudder To Think, but you'd probably been listening to Craig Wedren in some way in the last twenty years. From his frequent collaborations with writer/director David Wain on the various Wet Hot American Summer television seasons and movie, Role Models, Stella and Wainy Days, to his recent work on shows like Fresh Off The Boat, GLOW, Powerless, Hung and Blunt Talk, or his contributions on films such as Velvet Goldmine, School of Rock, Search Party, Wanderlust and many more, Craig has put his ear for 70s rock radio and 80s MTV to work. He stops by to talk about his latest solo release, Adult Desire from 2016, and discuss the virtual reality component that took us back to the immersion of yesteryear when audio and visual worked in thoughtful tandem. We also discuss his years spent in the Cleveland area, fronting teenage coverbands and enjoying the sounds of the Michael Stanley Band and Donnie Iris on WMMS, his apprehension writing music for 1990s based television, watching director and former Lemonheads bassist Jesse Peretz burn a suitcase on tour, and of course, KISS, plus so much more. Intro - I Am A Wolf, You Are The Moon from Adult Desire 5:26 - Are We from Wand 12:07 - Safe Home (Live) from Adult Desire 38:52 - Main Title Song from Role Models 50:11 - Spin Doctor-ish Song from Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later 51:06 - Pearl Jam and RHCP-ish song from Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later 1:15:46 - Until Summer by BAby Outr - I Am A Wolf, You Are The Moon from Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

There are independent artists, and then there is Ani DiFranco. Forging her own path since starting Righteous Babe Records at age nineteen, busking tapes out of the back of her car in Buffalo, NY, DiFranco has remained as proficient and relevant for three decades. After a string of critically acclaimed albums and a well received live album, she released Little Plastic Castle in 1998 and was nominated for a Grammy for Rock Female Vocalist. Known for her folk rock staccato, Little Plastic Castle opens up the sound to incorporate horns, extra percussion, keyboards and more, and finds her breaking the rapid-fire delivery for songs built around mood and groove. Those alterations provide her with a large sonic pallet to play with, but come with some questionable choices, which left us split on what we liked and didn't like about the album. Intro - Glass House 9:03 - Fuel 12:26 - Pulse 15:25 - As Is 19:44 - Independence Day 22:52 - Pixie Outro - Little Plastic Castle Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Like so many previous artists and bands referred to as "power pop," The Tories debut album Wonderful Life from 1997 came and went with little fanfare. Perhaps it was timing, as the early and mid-nineties alternative rock gold rush led to a unwieldy number of releases, most which got lost in the shuffle. Perhaps it was due to the label, which specialized in East Coast jazz and house music instead of California pop rock. Or was it the songs? No, it wasn't the songs. The Tories have the songs, as well as the melodies, the harmonies, the guitar fuzz, everything you expect when the chemistry is right, and creates a power pop album worth checking out. Along with our Patreon special guest, we try to figure out what went right and wrong with Wonderful Life. Intro - Flying Solo 13:39 - Gladys Kravitz 23:40 - Happy 29:12 - Spaceships in the Sky Outro - Not What it Appears Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

"We live in urban hell, we destroy rock and roll." Those were the closing sentiments of the 1991 single Motown Junk by the Manic Street Preachers, a band of Welsh nihilist iconoclasts who declared greatness from the start, aligning themselves with The Clash, Public Enemy and Guns n' Roses. Four albums and the disappearance of one member later, the band was no longer a confrontational blitzkrieg. 1998's This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours is the sound of a band collectively exhaling and confronting both the past and their heartache, while building upon the success achieved on the previous album, Everything Must Go. On TIMTTMY, the band embraces a clean pop production that would propel the single "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" to number one in the UK, trading in guitars for organs, electric pianos and sitars. We revisit the record recognizing now that the band would continue on the path of deconstruction with Know Your Enemy three years later and the synth heavy Lifeblood in 2004. In fact, it would take almost a decade to recapture the guitar driven bombast on 2007's Send Away The Tigers. It's a fascinating if uneven attempt to pair pathos and pop sensibility that works for some but not all. Intro - If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next 13:38 - Ready for Drowning 17:43 - Black Dog on My Shoulder 26:45 - Tsunami 41:20 - If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next Outro - The Everlasting Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

There was a brief flicker of a moment at the end of the 90s, before the garage rock rival of The Strokes and White Stripes, before the post-post-punk of Interpol and Bloc Party, before Jimmy Eat World and Dashboard Confessional took emo to the mainstream, that the American underground punk of the New Bomb Turks and Rocket From The Crypt were going to have their moment. At the same time, across the pond in Scandinavia, it took the shape of The Hellacopters signing to Sub Pop and veterans Turbonegro refining their sound with the 1998 release Apocalypse Dudes. Maybe it was wishful thinking that those who previously embraced AC/DC, Motley Crue and Buckcherry would find common cause with the action rock crowd, one that favored Iggy and Stooges as much as Bob Seger and Lynyrd Skynyrd. While The Hellacopters and Gluecifer traffic'd in their own brand of riffage gymnastics, Turbonegro added an extra layer - social and political commentary via bombastic lyrics and outrageous stage presence. In retrospect, it may have all been too much, like the layer upon layer of guitar tracks that would make Billy Corgan crack a smile. It's confrontational, it's explicit (earmuffs for the kids!) and it's also a lot of fun. Intro - Get It On 13:19 - Rock Against Ass 23:14 - Humiliation Street 27:15 - Don't Say Motherf*cker, Motherf*cker 32:42 - Zillion Dollar Sadist Outro - Are You Ready (For Some Darkness) Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

It's time to travel back twenty years and revisit the albums of 1998. What albums were overlooked upon release that have gained critical acclaim and fans in the years since? Which albums were big releases that have stood the test of time, and which ones have failed that same test? Are there albums we bought back in 1998 and immediately regretted the purchase? And what are our favorite albums from this wildly divergent year that witnessed the rise of nü-metal bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit along with the pop of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys, that also featured new albums from major artists like Madonna, the Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam and The Smashing Pumpkins. To help us dig into it all, we're joined by Andy Derer of The Andy Derer Show, Chip Midnight of Kids Interview Bands and Jim Hanke of Vinyl Emergency. Intro - 1998 Medley (Marilyn Manson, The Smashing Pumpkins, Semisonic, Beastie Boys) 15:54 - Starfighter Pilot by Snow Patrol 23:18 - Poets by The Tragically Hip 36:29 - Something' Hot by The Afghan Whigs 51:02 - At My Most Beautiful by R.E.M. 1:08:25 - California Stars by Billy Bragg and Wilco 1:12:29 - Car Radio by Spoon Outro - Ray of Light by Madonna Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We haven't reviewed much (or any) European progressive gothic doom metal shoegaze trip-hop, so thanks to our latest Patreon pick, we're checking out the 1998 double-album How to Measure a Planet? by The Gathering. The question we ask is - how to measure a band that is equal parts Massive Attack, the Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Dream Theater and Slowdive? What we do know is that in the age of overlong compact discs, a double album had better be worth it, and like most 90s double albums, the indulgence doesn't quite live up to the output. However, there is definitely something unique and interesting happening, providing us with a true album that sounds best listened to as a whole rather than searching for singles. The ambitions are grand, but surprisingly it is the restraint in both the playing and production that make HTMAP? an album that both reinterprets the past and forges a path for bands of the 2000s. Intro - My Electricity 15:31 - Liberty Bell 26:03 - Travel 29:44 - Great Ocean Road Outro - The Big Sleep Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On their third full-length album, Adelaide, Australia's The Mark Of Cain enlisted Henry Rollins to produce their rooArt debut, 1995's Ill At Ease. The band scored a number one on the independent album chart and managed two successful Triple J singles. Recalling Rollins work with his own Rollins Band, as well as post-hardcore bands such as Helmet and Quicksand, Ill At Ease succeeds and suffers thanks to lead singer and guitarist John Scott, whose guitar riffing alternates between inspired and generic, and whose voice maintains a consistent bark. But while there are all the hallmarks pinning this band to its 1990s influences, we also discovered sounds reminiscent of the alternative metal of 2000's band like Mastodon.. Give a listen and share your thoughts on Ill At Ease. Intro - First Time 9:52 - LMA 13:43 - The Contender 21:14 - You Let Me Down Outro - Point Man Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Another season is complete, so we’re looking back at our favorite album discoveries, roundtables, interviews and more from 2017. We also pick our five favorite tunes from season seven, which featured everything from the guitar power pop of Brendan Benson and pop punk of Ruth Ruth to the Indian-meets-Britpop sounds of Cornershop and alternative fuzz of Violetine. We also give a sneak peak of 2018 - discussing some of the early reviews picked by our Patreon patrons and our various roundtables. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Tre earphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney 7:43 - Freak by Silverchair 11:44 - All Sideways by Scarce 17:53 - I Think I’m In Love by Spiritualized 29:08 - Crosseyed by Brendan Benson 32:23 - Uptight by Ruth Ruth 37:38 - 6am Jullander Shere by Cornershop 40:53 - The Bright Light by Tanya Donelly Outro - Temptation by The Tea Party Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Formed after the untimely death of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Arc Angels pick-up the Texas blues-rock torch on their 1992 self-titled release. Pairing the seasoned rhythm section of drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon with guitarist and singers Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton, the band expands upon Vaughan’s blues template and mildly dips its toes in more pop and radio friendly territory. At times it works, but at other times it comes off sound like imitations of better known tunes. We discuss, as well as where this fit in the early 1990s landscape. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Living In A Dream 8:54 - Too Many Ways To Fall 17:58 - Shape I’m In 23:34 - Good Time 27:02 - Spanish Moon Outro - The Famous Jane Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

In 1993 Living Colour released an album filled songs of alienation, social commentary and heavy themes that still resonate today. Stain was the first album with Doug Wimbish on bass, and the band fires on all cylinders with their unique brand of metal, sliding easily from funk to experimental to thrash and hard rock with ease. But two years later the band would take a five year break, and Stain would temporarily leave the band frozen on dark and foreboding note. Thanks to a Patreon pick, we revisit the record with fresh ears and take in all that Vernon Reid and his arsenal of guitar wizardry has to offer. After checking out our review of Stain, visit our Patreon page to hear our quick review of Living Colour’s latest release - Shade from this past September. Make sure to sign up at Patreon to hear bonus content from this and other episodes, as well as be eligible to win our 2017 4th Quarter Giveaway of the exclusive Newbury Comics limited edition white vinyl pressing of Sleater-Kinney’s 1997 album Dig Me Out and a copy of Tom Mullen’s new book Anthology of Emo Volume One. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Tre earphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Never Satisfied 11:35 - Ignorance Is Bliss 19:03 - Bi 25:50 - Go Away 32:52 - Mind Your Own Business Outro - Leave It Alone Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We’re back with another “In The 90s” episode, this time tracking the chronology of rock legends KISS through the decade. After rising to fame in the 70s, the 80s were less kind to the band, who shed the makeup, band members and eventually albums sales through a turbulent time They entered the 90s on a positive note, with 1989′s Hot In The Shade scoring a hit with the power ballad “Forever,” but faced tragedy with the death of fan favorite drummer Eric Carr. While 1992′s Revenge initially sold well, it struggled to reach Gold and hte ensuing tour sputtered as the shifting musical landscape at the beginning of the decade pointed the band in a heavier direction foretold by the Revenge single “Unholy.” The eventual result would be 1997′s Carnival of Souls, with heavy nods to Alice In Chains and Soundgarden, but by the time of release it was an afterthought thanks to the 1995 MTV Unplugged performance that reunited the original line-up and stoked a short lived KISS revival in popular culture. The end result would be the 1998 album Psycho Circus, a reunion album in name only. It was a tumultuous ten years in which KISS would recapture their past at the cost of their future. To help us break it all down, joining our roundtable is Julian Gill, the man behind KissFAQ.com, author of a number of books on the band and host of the KissFAQ podcast, Joe Royland of Sit and Spin with Joe, and the Patreon patron who made this episode happen, Chris Martz. Make sure to sign up at Patreon to hear bonus content from this and other episodes, as well as be eligible to win our 2017 4th Quarter Giveaway of the exclusive Newbury Comics limited edition white vinyl pressing of Sleater-Kinney’s 1997 album Dig Me Out and a copy of Tom Mullen’s new book Anthology of Emo Volume One. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Tre earphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase. Songs in this Episode Intro - Psycho Circus (from Psycho Circus) 18:16 - Unholy (from Revenge) 21:37 - God Gave Rock ‘n Roll To You II (from Revenge) 27:13 - I Just Wanna (from Revenge) 51:16 - Master and Slave (from Carnival of Souls) 58:12 - Into The Void (from Psycho Circus) 1:04:10 - We Are One (from Psycho Circus) Outro - I Walk Alone (from Carnival of Souls) Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Rick Ruhl and Every Mother’s Nightmare are back with a new album, and he stops by to share their story. He takes his back to his formative years, his first concert (Alice Cooper!) and his earliest bands before forming EMN, who ended up signed by the legendary Clive Davis to Arista records after just thirteen gigs together. We dig into the awkward early 90s when bands with ballads and hair were lumped together regardless of their sound, and then written off collectively as grunge and alternative exploded. We discuss the Perris Records years, the various guest artists who appear on the new album, and a whole lot more. Special thanks to Bill Chavis at HighVolMusic for helping put this together! Songs in this Episode Intro - Loco Crazy 1:46 - Loco Crazy 50:56 - Upper Hand Outro - Blown Away Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On the follow-up to their breakthrough album, The Cardigans 1998 release Gran Turismo asks you to put on headphones and chill. Though known for their bouncy pop single Lovefool, words like moody and introspective better represent their overall sound. Taking cues from a wide range of musical styles and distilling them into a controlled and unique album that owes as much to 90s downtown electronica and trip-hop as well as metal and industrial music. Yes, we’re dead serious, there more on going here than you probably noticed at first glance, so allow us to indulge our digressions, then let us know if you agree or disagree on our take. Songs in this Episode Intro - Erase/Rewind 9:44 - My Favorite Game 18:22 - Paralyzed 21:27 - Do You Believe 32:43 - Your Love Alone Is Not Enough (Manic Street Preachers feat. Nina Persson) Outro -  Explode Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On the follow-up to their teenage debut, Silverchair fattened the sound but not the sales, we try to figure out what happened. When 1995′s Frogstomp exploded, the kids from Australia were pegged as Nirvana wannabes with plenty of growing to do. The still managed to sell millions of albums and score a bunch of hit singles. The sophomore release Freakshow from 1997 actually fared better with critics, but the sales dipped considerably, both in the US and their native Australia. To help us determine if this is truly a sophomore slump, we’re joined by Jeff Takacs (Rocketfuel podcast), Joe Royland (Sit and Spin with Joe vidcast) and Steve Muczynski (Hollow Earth) to revisit the record with fresh ears. Hear bonus content from the show over at Patreon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Freak 14:31 - Slave 25:21 - Cemetery 47:56 - Roses Outro - Abuse Me Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On her sophomore release Firecracker, Lisa Loeb mixes pop hooks and confessional ballads with mixed results. Known for the hit “Stay” from the Reality Bites soundtrack and the 1995 album Tails, her 1997 release under her own name has some made for radio pop singles as well as more intimate material. Sometimes the sparse approach works, adding flavor to the sound, and other times the musicians backing her leave us wondering who this album is for - pop listeners? Adult contemporary stations? Coffee house singer songwriters? Our confusion left us with mixed opinions - give a listen and share your thoughts if we got it right or wrong on Firecracker. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I Do 11:38 - Falling In Love 16:47 - Let’s Forget About It 18:50 - Firecracker Outro - Truthfully Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

It’s Halloween, a perfect time thanks a requested review to revisit the the Groovie Ghoulies 1997 album Re-Animation Festival. With a mixture of early rock ‘n roll riffs courtesy Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, mixed with Ramones energy and Monkees goofiness, all wrapped in a Misfits-style horror punk sound, the Ghoulies give us some good creeps on All Hallows Eve. The band hit their stride keeping it simple, and our complaints are few. We also wonder if the Ghoulies were ahead of their time and missed out on an opportunity to cross platforms and launch a Doc McStuffins/Jake and the Neverland Pirates kids show. Songs in this Episode Intro - Graveyard Girlfriend 8:46 - Zombie Crush 12:03 - Tunnel of Love 14:30 - Graceland 15:45 - If You Need Me 18:47 - Evading The Grays Outro - Chupacabra Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Cornershop’s 1995 sophomore album Woman’s Gotta Have It gives a hint of the hit they would release two years later. The album shifts between rhythm driven “Hindi Pop” and jarring, dissonant indie guitar rock. While both have their merits, the melodies flow smoother on the former leaving the latter wanting. This album may have been out of step with the UK Battle of Britpop taking place between Blur and Oasis in 1995, but we contemplate if the sounds of Woman’s Gotta Have It would influence Damon Albarn’s songwriting on future Blur releases. Bonus audio from this episode can be found at Patreon, including a mini-review and discussion on the Foo Fighters latest album Concrete and Gold. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Regent headphonesto test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase with free worldwide shipping. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wog 8:48 - My Dancing Days Are Gone 12:09 - 6am Jullandar Shere 22:05 - Hong Kong Book of Fung Fu Outro - Camp Orange Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

The second album from Hot Water Music gives us plenty to like, but much to scratch our heads at as well. Whether you call them punk, post-punk, post-hardcore or emo, HWM forge a unique path on 1997′s Forever and Counting, avoiding the rhythms and structures traditionally associated with punk rock. While we dug the diversity, the presentation left us wanting, as a dynamic-less mix and some questionable guitar and bass tones muddied the water. Give a listen and share your thoughts. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Regent headphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase with free worldwide shipping. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Translocation 14:26 - Just Don’t Say You Lost It 18:36 - Manual 22:24 - Man The Change 33:45 - Three Summers Strong Outro - Position Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We’re heading to the land of ten thousand lakes to uncover the Minneapolis St. Paul music scene of the 1990s. With names like The Replacements and Husker Du, the twin cities have been established as an 80s mecca for underground hardcore and punk rock, but the story of the city is much deeper and broader. In the 90s bands like Soul Asylum and Semisonic scored massive hits, while The Jayhawks, Low and the Dillinger Four expanded the sonic pallet. And of course, there’s Prince. To help us understand the roots of the punk and hardcore scene, we invited author/writer/KFAI DJ Cindy “Cyn” Collins, who recently released Complicated Fun: The Birth of Minneapolis Punk and Indie Rock, 1974-1984 to talk the early years and bands like The Suicide Commandos and The Suburbs. Returning is Michelle Leon, former Babes In Toyland bassist and author of I Live Inside: Memoirs of a Babe In Toyland to give us insights on the various famous (and infamous venues) and more, along with record producer, engineer, singer-songwriter and touring musician Jamie Woolford of The Stereo, Animal Chin and Let Go to share memories of various record stores, local media and other important aspects of the Minneapolis St. Paul scene. Be sure to join us at Patreon for bonus content from this episode. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Regent headphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase with free worldwide shipping. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Minneapolis by that dog. 8:54 - Attacking the Beat by The Suicide Commandos 33:28 - Dust Cake Boy by Babes in Toyland 39:03 - Walks Alone by Cows Outro - She Would Hever by The Stereo Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

With help from Jason Falkner of Jellyfish, Brendan Benson crafted a fine if overlong debut album in 1996′s One Mississippi. Some of us may have discovered Benson thanks to his team-up with Jack White in The Raconteurs, but he had a number of solo releases to his name by that point, and One Mississippi shows the promise of what was to come. Like so many 90s albums, the first half was satisfying while the back half became less focused and felt padded, but there is still plenty to like about this power pop debut, brought to us thanks to a twelve-month Patreon anniversary pick by past guest Keith S. Special thanks to Sudio Sweden (Facebook/Instagram), who hooked us up with two pairs of Regent headphones to test out. We’re reporting on them all month - if you like what you hear and want to grab a pair, use the code DIGMEOUT15 for 15% off your purchase with free worldwide shipping. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I’m Blessed 13:31 - Emma J 18:40 - Got No Secrets 23:00 - Insects Rule 32:08 - House in Virginia Outro - Crosseyed Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Into Another bring the riffs, the big vocals and locked-in rhythm section on 1995′s Seemless. Even though we’re fans of New York City bands such as Quicksand and Handsome, Into Another somehow flew under our radar. However, thanks to Patreon patron Chris M. with his twelve-month anniversary pick, he enlightened us on the major label debut (and third overall) album by the band. We dug deep into the record, enough to give you some bonus content over at Patreon discussing b-sides and more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Mutate Me 12:43 - Mutate Me 21:42 - For a Wounded Wren 27:20 - The Way Down 30:30 - Actual Size Outro - T.A.I.L.   In the 1990s the term alternative country appeared, we’re talking the bands, the sound and influences. What is alternative country an alternative to? Country? Rock? We dig into the unique aspects that separate alternative country from its more mainstream counterparts and the sounds that help create it. We talk some of the biggest influences upon 90s alternative country, including Gram Parsons, Neil Young, the punk rock from labels like SST and more. We talk about our favorite 90s alternative country albums, and which artists today are carrying the alternative country torch. To do so, we’re joined by returning roundtable guests Eric Grubbs of Dallas Observer, Jim Kopeny of Chicagoist and Jim Hanke of Vinyl Emergency. Songs in this Episode Intro - Are You Ready for the Country by Neil Young 16:42 - Blue by The Jayhawks 29:08 - Postcard by Uncle Tupelo 47:36 - California Stars by Billy Bragg and Wilco 1:01:32 - Dancefloors by My Morning Jacket Outro - Hot Burrito #2 by Dinosaur Jr (Flying Burrito Brothers cover) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

In the 1990s the term alternative country appeared, we’re talking the bands, the sound and influences. What is alternative country an alternative to? Country? Rock? We dig into the unique aspects that separate alternative country from its more mainstream counterparts and the sounds that help create it. We talk some of the biggest influences upon 90s alternative country, including Gram Parsons, Neil Young, the punk rock from labels like SST and more. We talk about our favorite 90s alternative country albums, and which artists today are carrying the alternative country torch. To do so, we’re joined by returning roundtable guests Eric Grubbs of Dallas Observer, Jim Kopeny of Chicagoist and Jim Hanke of Vinyl Emergency. Songs in this Episode Intro - Are You Ready for the Country by Neil Young 16:42 - Blue by The Jayhawks 29:08 - Postcard by Uncle Tupelo 47:36 - California Stars by Billy Bragg and Wilco 1:01:32 - Dancefloors by My Morning Jacket Outro - Hot Burrito #2 by Dinosaur Jr (Flying Burrito Brothers cover) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

What happens when you remove Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots - you get Talk Show. Attempting to fill the hole left by Weiland’s drug problems in 1996, the DeLeo brothers and drummer Eric Kretz recruiter former Ten Inch Men frontman/guitarist Dave Coutts to take the lead on this self-titled release from 1997. The album failed commercially and band quickly dumped Coutts to welcome Weiland back into the fold. We revisit the album with fresh ears to try to figure out if Talk Show was a missed opportunity for listeners or a misfire by the band. We also delve into the career trajectory of Stone Temple Pilots to determine if Talk Show was a harbinger of things to come for the band as they chased radio friends sounds (i.e. “Down”) and relevancy in the 2000s. Over at Patreon, we take a few minutes to discuss if any band successfully pulled off the lead singer switch, whether with an existing band (like AC/DC or Alice in Chains) or a new outfit (Audioslave). Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hello Hello 14:08 - Peeling An Orange 15:34 - Everybody Loves My Car 24:16 - Wash Me Down 28:28 - Ring Twice Outro - So Long Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

The debut Save Ferris album It Means Everything is everything you know and love/hate about 90s ska-punk. The snappy snare, the upstroke guitar lines, the energetic horn stabs - all the hallmarks of the familiar 90s sound utilized by early No Doubt, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish and others. Save Ferris don’t break the mold, but they do add a few extra layers, inserting a distorted guitar from time to time, as well as taking advantage of Monique Powell’s pipes to slow down the tempos into classic reggae and dub influenced grooves. Neither of us are ska punk aficionados, or really fans for that matter, but did Save Ferris win us over? Tune in to find out.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Come On Eileen 18:11 - Lies 22:56 - SuperSpy 32:20 - The World Is New Outro - Goodbye Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

From up north comes The Tea Party, creating a stew of eastern scales, industrial rhythms and Zeppelin-esque dramatics. Their 1997 sophomore release Transmission is the quintessential headphones album. Though only a three piece, they pile on a wide range of non-traditional instrumentation to create a unique, swirling sound that goes big rock in the vein of The Cult or Led Zeppelin while grounding with industrial rhythms at home on a Nine Inch Nails or Stabbing Westward record. All while frontman Jeff Martin bellows and shrieks like the lost cousin of Jim Morrison and Ian Astbury. It can be exciting and overwhelming just a few bars apart - we try to figure out which way the overall experience leans. Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Temptation 15:11 - Gyroscope 17:54 - Psychopomp 22:05 - Babylon Outro - Alarum Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Sandwiched between 80s metal and 90s alternative, Mindfunk occupy the same limbo space as Mother Love Bone and Saigon Kick. We’re checking out their self-titled 1991 debut, a mix of big metal riffs, groove rock with funk influences and some slow burn nods to what would later be called desert or stoner rock. While Jason was familiar with this from when it was released and bought it on cd when it came out, Tim had never heard a note prior to reviewing the record. Does it still hold up for Jason? Is it a worthwhile discovery for Tim? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sugar Ain’t So Sweet 14:17 - Bring It On 16:55 - Sister Blue 22:21 - Blood Runs Red Outro - Innocence Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Greg Glover, co-founder of the Arena Rock Recording Company stops by for a lengthy chat. After some initial Goonies talk, we revisit our recent review of Harvey Danger’s Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone to fill in some blanks and learn some information about the behind the scene machinations involving the record business. We cover Greg’s childhood and college days, running a fanzine and how he got into “the music industry.” He share how Superdrag ended up being release number one for Arena Rock and the story of how they returned to the label years later. We get into reissuing previous releases, and how the Mineral rereleases came together, as well as the dreaded “unsolicited demos,” signing Elf Power, MTV and 1980s, dinners with Seymour Stein at Sire, how to get free shipping and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - NA Kicker by Superdrag 8:12 - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger 15:34 - Private Helicopter by Harvey Danger 40:20 - Lighting The Way by Superdrag 47:34 - Let It Out by The Life And Times Outro - Calling All Lovers by The Sheila Divine Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

From charity comps to label samplers, the 1990s may have been the peak decade for compilation albums. We discuss the qualities that make a worthy compilation album with our guests Keith Sawyer from WMBR, Jim Hanke of Vinyl Emergency and Eric Peterson of Love That Album. We pick our favorite comps and favorite compilation-only tracks, and discuss whether compilation albums are still relevant in the age of streaming music playlists. We’ve got over ten minutes of bonus content over at Patreon this week. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sexual Healing by Soul Asylum (Marvin Gaye cover), from No Alternative 13:14 - Riot on the Rocks by The Hellacopters, from Riot on the Rocks Vol. 1 20:35 - Effigy by Uncle Tupelo (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover), from No Alternative 42:03 - Einstein on the Beach (For an Eggman) by Counting Crows, from DGC Rarities Vol.1 Outro - Compilation Blues by Sonic Youth, from DGC Rarities Vol.1 Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

With her first solo outing, Tanya Donelly attempts to balance her indie rock past with a radio friendly approach. 1997′s Lovesongs for Underdogs, our latest album selected by our Patreon voters, came with the burden of Tanya having been a part of numerous successfully and respected indie rock group, including Throwing Muses, The Breeders and Belly. Striking out on her own with a bevy of players, she shows off a wide array of songwriting styles all grounded by her sharp and hooky melodies. Songs in this Episode Intro - The Bright Light 8:25 - Pretty Deep 12:01 - Lantern 14:06 - Bum 19:45 - Clipped Outro - Breathe Around You Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Harvey Danger being tagged as a “one hit wonder” can be both a blessing and a curse. Is the rest of the album criminally overlooked, or does it pale in comparison? We put it to a vote on our Patreon page, and our patrons made Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?, released in July 1997 our latest review. Reviews at the time were mixed, but this album and band have gained their share of advocates, who praise lead singer Sean Nelson’s witty and self-deprecating lyrics and the tight power-pop-punk songwriting of this and their follow-up album, King James Version. One of of us thought this was a start-to-finish gem worthy of revisiting, and one of us thought the brilliance of Flagpole Sitta set the rest of the album up to fail. Disagreement! Songs in this Episode: Intro - Flagpole Sitta 9:21 - Radio Silence 14:48 - Carlotta Valdez Outro - Jack The Lion Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For our latest roundtable we aim at the heavens and request an audience with the gods! The guitar gods, that is. The 60s had Clapton and Hendrix, the 70s had Page and Blackmore, the 80s had Eddie and a slew of gunslingers, now it’s time to christen the guitar gods of the 90s. First, we try to figure out what exactly elevates a guitarist to god status. Then we open the floor for nominations. Some of the names will be familiar and expected, while others may be more obscure and surprising. To help us, we’re joined by returning guests Andy Derer, Eric Grubbs and Joe Royland.  Make sure to visit Patreon for over fifteen minutes of bonus content from this episode at https://www.patreon.com/digmeout. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Guitar God Medley (Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden, Dinosaur Jr., Pantera) 13:28 - Bulls on Parade by Rage Against The Machine 27:50 - No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne 33:09 - Chemical World - Intermission by Blur 1:00:21 - Tired of Sex by Weezer Outro - Pull Me Under by Dream Theater Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com  

Back when we started this podcast, we created a long list of albums we wanted to eventually get to, mostly due to only knowing one song off an album thanks to a lone minor radio hit single. One of those bands is Ruth Ruth, and it’s finally time we got around to checking out their 1995 debut Laughing Gallery. To help us dig into this album, we invited roundtable alum Jeff Takacs of Rocket Fuel Podcast, who authored a history of Ruth Ruth for Punktastic a few years back, for some insight on why this band with a catchy pop-punk-flavored single in the heyday of mainstream punk didn’t make it past the first single. Where they miscategorized? Does the album hold up? Tune into find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Uninvited 13:08 - Uptight 19:19 - I Killed Meg The Prom Queen 23:19 - I Grew Up Outro - All Readydown Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For our last review of June 2017, our Patreon patrons selected from one of four albums from June of 1997, and settled on Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, the third album by Spiritualized. Much has been written about the album, from reviews to anniversary retrospectives detailing the creation and recording of the massive achievement that finds Jason Pierce and crew exploring gospel, soul, britpop, blues, psychedelia, noise, experimentation and more, including an orchestra. It’s a headphone album of sprawling proportions one moment and cacophony worthy of a stadium the next. We try to figure out which works better for us, if at all. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Come Together 10:07 - Cop Shoot Cop... 13:46 - Cool Waves 20:15 - I Think I’m In Love Outro - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We don’t often get a chance to check out bands from the 90s where the terms ragtime or waltz get tossed around, but The Whitlams qualify. We’re checking out the 1997 album Eternal Napcap by this Newtown, Australian band. Led by vocalist/pianist Tim Freedman, The Whitlams can tow the line between indulgent Rufus Wainwright-style balladry and Ben Folds-esque pop, remaining radio friendly with mature lyrical content. Does it all work for us? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - No Aphrodisiac 11:42 - You Look Like Louis Burdett 15:09 - Life’s A Beach 20:23 - Charlie No. 1 Outro - Buy Now Pay Later (Charlie No. 3) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Previously we chatted about movie soundtracks of the 1990s, so this week we’re switching to the small screen and hosting a roundtable discussion on television soundtracks of the 90s. The best and memorable, the one’s that surpassed the show and stand on their own, and the one’s that were HUGE at the time but maybe haven’t aged all that well. We talk about them all (or all that we can squeeze into an hour). To help us do so, we’re joined by two veterans of our program, Eric Grubbs and Joe Royland, to talk My So-Called Life, Friends, Melrose Place and much more. Yes, even Cop Rock. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts (from Friends) 9:53 - Teenage FBI by Guided By Voices (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) 25:36 - Good Intentions by Toad the Wet Sprocket (from Friends) 51:22 - Down in the Park by Foo Fighters (from The X-Files) Outro - Here and Now by Letters to Cleo (from Melrose Place) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

This week we chatted with Jody Porter, who just released his third solo album this past March, Pacifier. Jody started out in the early with The Belltower, a dreamy/shoegaze band featuring Britta Phillips (later of Luna) that garnered positive press in the UK but ultimately dissolved. However, a late addition to the band named Adam Schlesinger would later form Fountains of Wayne, who Jody would join after their debut was recorded. Spending the rest of the run with the band until they ended in 2013, Jody released his first solo album Close to the Sun in 2008, followed by Month of Mondays in 2013 via Kickstarter. We talk about all that, his vast guitar collection, his earliest musical recollection learning instruments and playing bands all the way up to recording demos on Garageband for the latest release. Download Pacifier at CDBaby / Stream it at Spotify Songs in this Episode: Intro - Valerie Sometimes by Jody Porter (from Pacifier) 7:22 - Lost In Hollow by The Belltower (from In Hollow EP) 38:31 - In The Beginning by Jody Porter (from Pacifier) 48:51 - The Last Chapter by Jody Porter (from Pacifier) Outro - Supercollider by Fountains of Wayne (from Welcome Interstate Managers) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

This week a requested review gives us a chance to revisit the 1995 debut album Whirligig by The Caulfields. A confection of jangly guitars, story-telling lyrics and power pop melodies might remind some of 70s and 80s masters like Elvis Costello or Cheap Trick, but The Caulfields forge their own path, for better or worse. When done well, they have few peers among 90s bands. Unfortunately, the highest highs are betrayed by some pretty low lows. We try to sort it all out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Devil’s Diary 10:17 - Alex Again 14:00 - Hannah, I Locked You Out 20:59 - The Day That Came and Went 28:06 - Alex Again Outro - Breathe Under Water Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We gave our Patreon patrons the opportunity to vote one four different releases from May of 1997, and the consensus winner was eclectic soundtrack from the Batman & Robin movie starring George Clooney, Chris O’Donnell, Alicia Silverstone and more. A mixed bag for sure, there are some clear gems and some awful groaners. We sift through track-by-track and try to find more of the former than the latter. What is worth a revisit? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - The End Is The Beginning Is The End by The Smashing Pumpkins 10:53 - Look Into My Eyes by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony 13:46 - Gotham City by R. Kelly 21:12 - Lazy Eye by Goo Goo Dolls 27:08 - The Bug by Soul Coughing 34:15 - True to Myself by Eric Benét Outro - The Beginning Is The End Is The Beginning by The Smashing Pumpkins Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

The winner of our first quarter Patreon contest stops by with his free requested review pick - 1995′s Cockamamie by Jennifer Trynin. Though part of a fertile 90s Boston music scene, Jen Trynin is a bit of an anomaly, self-releasing her debut album prior to a major label bidding war. Her guitar playing shifts between familiar alternative pop and more angular riffing with a rock solid rhythm section. But ultimate, it’s the songs that matters. She managed to score a minor hit with “Better Than Nothing,” but how does the rest of the album fair? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Better Than Nothing 5:17 - Happier 8:59 - Knock Me Down 17:54 - Do It Alone Outro - One Year Down Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We’re back with another “In The 90s” roundtable, our chance to revisit a popular artist from the 1980s and see how they navigated the shifting musical landscape of the 1990s. With fourteen Top 40 hits and two number one singles in the U.S., Duran Duran were one of the most successful artists of the 80s. However, they entered the new decade on the decline, their fifth album Big Thing failing to resonate with fans or critics the way their previous four releases had. How did their 90s output fare in comparison? To help us navigate through their catalog, we’re joined by Annie Zaleski (Salon, AV Club), Chip Midnight (Kids Interview Bands) and Keith Sawyer (WMBR). Songs in this Episode: Intro - Duran Duran Medley (Come Undone, Ordinary World, Electric Barbarella) 9:21 - All She Wants Is (from Liberty) 18:23 - Too Much Information (from Duran Duran/The Wedding Album) 28:36 - 911 is a Joke (from Thank You) 36:31 - Out of My Mind (from Medazzaland) Outro - White Lines (from Thank You) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Musician, label owner, DJ, writer, teacher - you name it, Marko DeSantis has probably done it. You probably know him as the guitarist in pop punk band Sugarcult, and he shares the history of their formation, as well as his involvement in bands such as The Ataris, Nerf Herder, the Swingin Utters, Bad Astronaut. Marko shares his experiences growing up in Santa Barbara, CA, and contributing to the upcoming Sweet Relief “Strange 80s” benefit show. Make sure to visit our Patreon page for bonus content. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Pretty Girl (The Way) by Sugarcult Outro - Lately by The Ataris Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our Patreon subscribers helped us pick an album from April of 1997 to review, and thanks to a tie-breaking coin flip, we’re checking out the self-titled Cheap Trick album. It’s actually the second self-titled album from Cheap Trick, the first being their debut from twenty years earlier. To help us dissect this record and provide historical context on this era of the band, we’ve enlisted Colin Gawel of Watershed, League Bowlers and formerly Why Isn’t Cheap Trick In The Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame? to lend a hand. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Say Goodbye 9:12 - Anytime 15:05 - Carnival Game 17:51 - It All Comes Back To You Outro - You Let A Lotta People Down Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We’ve reviewed plenty of bands from Australia over the years, but rarely have we revisited an album that boasts a number one single. This week we’re checking out the band Ratcat, and their 1991 album Blind Love, which scored a number one hit on the ARIA charts with “Don’t Go Now.” Contorting the sunny pop of The Beach Boys in a similar fashion to The Jesus and Mary Chain, Ratcat layer on disparate sounds like 60s surf and 80s new wave. It is an interesting combination, but does it work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - That Ain’t Bad 3:34 - History of the Band 9:35 - Yes I Wanna Go 17:37 - That Ain’t Bad 19:19 - Don’t Go Now Outro - Baby Baby Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

It’s time to revisit another sophomore album from the 1990s and compare it to it’s successful freshman effort. In this case, we’re checking out the 1997 album Eight Arms To Hold You by Veruca Salt, who scored a platinum album and three charting singles with their 1994 debut American Thighs. Though initial sales were strong, after Volcano Girls the singles fell off, and the reviews were not as positive as the first time around. Some pointed the finger at producer Bob Rock, known for his work with big rock and metal acts like Metallica and Motley Crue. But was it really necessary to point any fingers? To determine what went right, what went wrong and how it sounds twenty years later, we’ve assembled a veteran group to for this roundtable: Chip Midnight (Kids Interview Bands), Jeff Takacs (Rocketfuel Podcast) and Jim Kopeny (Chicagoist). Songs in this Episode: Intro - Volcano Girls 13:58 - Straight 18:49 - The Morning Sad 25:08 - Don’t Make Me Prove It 40:00 - Venus Man Trap Outro - Shutterbug Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

This week’s requested review takes us back down under to check out Melbourne, Australia’s Violetine and their 1998 one and only album Small Speaker Joyland. Dual vocals, fuzzy guitars and an urgent rhythm section give Violetine a little something extra, and some quality chorus melodies don’t hurt either. Though the band didn’t make a dent stateside, we think there might be something to this Aussie three piece worth checking out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Birmingham 14:38 - Surrounded 17:06 - Red 19:20 - Fuzzanova 28:45 - Finer Place Outro - Any Day Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For our next installment of the Digging Your Scene roundtable series, we are exploring sights and sounds of Los Angeles in the 1990s. To help us do so, the following guests joined us: Brian Klein of Scout B Entertainment - his first time on the show, Brian moved to Los Angeles in the early 90s, starting as an intern at Rick Rubin’s American Recordings label as well as employee of Aron’s Records, he has worked in management and promotion of dozens of bands and currently manages Fitz and The Tantrums among others. Kellii Scott of Failure - making his third visit (#211 & #239), Kellii moved to LA in the 80s and played in a number of bands before joining Failure, later drumming for Blinker The Star, Campfire Girls, Veruca Salt and more. Failure are currently wrapping up the Pledgemusic campaign for the 20th anniversary live recording of their 1997 album Fantastic Planet. Shawn Michael Foster, director - also making his third visit (#64 & #236), Shawn moved to LA in the latter half of the 90s and started as music video director for bands such as Stabbing Westward, Chevelle, Sugarcult, Drive-by Truckers and many more. He is currently working on a television pilot and videos for Los Kingdom. We talk music clubs, weekly papers, records stores and more, plus reminisce about bands starting out that made it big and those that should have but never did, plus muggings, drugs, tangents and more tangents. It’s a lively, loose conversation that would have taken place at the Rainbow Room in 1998 if we had a time machine and a bunch of cash. Also, what’s the coolest thing currently about Ohio according to Kellii Scott, who shares some details on the next Failure album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - LA Medley (Jane’s Addiction, Weezer, Beck, Rage Against The Machine, Tool) Outro - Stuck on You by Failure Previous Episodes Referenced: #060: Cheer Up by Plexi with Michael Angelos and Michael Barragan #072: August Everywhere by Blinker The Star with Jordon Zadorozny #156: Villa Elaine by Remy Zero #200: Use Your Illusion 1 & 2 by Guns ‘n Roses with Chip Midnight #201: Interview with Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom Be sure to join us at Patreon to listen to bonus content from this episode. Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

This week we get to chat with Eli Janney, who you may know as the keyboardist, bassist and backing vocals in Girls Against Boys. You may also know him as the producer for such bands as Brainiac, Ryan Adams, Skeleton Key, Jesse Maiin and many more. You may also know him as the man who remixed tracks by artists such as the Sneaker Pimps, Ruby, Hooverphonic, Enon and more. You may also know him as the current keyboardist and associate music director in the 8G Band on Late Night with Seth Meyers. What we’re saying is, Eli is a busy guy, because that doesn’t even include his music engineering and mixing credits, as well as his other work in television and film. We talk to about how he ended up in the world of late night television all the way back to his time working at the legendary Inner Ear recording studio with Don Zientara that documented so much of the ‘80s DC punk and hardcore scene. We learn how GVSB formed, the trials of a touring with a keyboard in 1992, and what it means to be in a band with a distinct and recognizable “sound” and how that both focuses and restricts creativity. All this and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Let Me Come Back Outro - Boogie Wonderland Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our latest Patreon pick revisits the one and only album from Super TransAtlatnic, the 2000 release Shuttlecock. You may be familiar with the band thanks to their contribution to the 1999 American Pie soundtrack, or the fact that 3/4′s of the band were previously called Saigon Kick (the 1/4 from Extreme, to round out the equation, so to speak). Either way, the sound of STA won’t come as a shock - guitar riffs paired with melodic vocals and harmonies that recall the layered assault of The Smashing Pumpkins one minute and power-pop-punk of Marvelous 3 the next. It’s big, loud and hooky, but is it any good? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Super Down 12:44 - Shuttlecock 19:02 - Superstar 22:09 - Dumb 27:18 - Satellite Outro - Can’t Stand Losing You Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

There were dozens, perhaps hundreds, of tribute albums in the 90s to feature a wide array of talented artists with varying results. Thanks to a Patreon subscriber suggestion, we’re checking out the 1996 release Twisted Willie - A Tribute To Willie Nelson. As with all tribute albums, some artists and bands stay close to the original version while other radically reinterpret, and that’s the case with Twisted Willie. We definitely found interpretations we liked and others that left us scratching our heads - tune in to find out which ones. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Shotgun Willie by Tenderloin 14:48 - She’s Not For You by Mark Lanegan 17:15 - Home Motel by X 19:34 - I’ve Seen All This World I Care To See by Jerry Cantrell 29:44 - Time of the Preacher by Johnny Cash Outro - Bloody Mary Morning by Supersuckers Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Tim Kasher of The Good Life and Cursive has a new solo album out this March (No Resolution) on a new label (15 Passenger). We talk to him about the why he decided now was the time to start the new label away from Saddle Creek and the plans for reissuing late 90s Cursive material later this year. We discuss the transition in the mid-00s from writing as a band to writing alone at home and how that changed not only his writing style, but the way he sings. We chat about his current move out to Los Angeles, as well as his previous relocation out west a decade ago to work on films and his experience writing screenplays, and the independent film he recently completed. All this and much more, including how Tim identifies with Steve Harris of Iron Maiden and which trip-hop band is a major influence. Also, make sure to visit 15 Passenger and pre-order the new album before the release date of 3/3/17 and be entered into contest to win all the releases from the label forever. Songs in this Episode: Intro - An Answer for Everything Outro - Break Me Open Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Remember Electronica? Well we do, and we’re not quite sure what it was, so we’re hosting a roundtable discussion this week to talk about the explosion of electronic music that hit MTV, radio, Billboard and more in the late 90s. To help us figure out what it means, we’ve got a pair of guests, returning regular Andy Derer from The Andy Derer Show, and a first time visit from our old college radio music director Matt Shiverdecker, currently of the Austin-American Statesman Austin360. We look back at the origins of Electronica, revisit four pivotal albums from 1997, and how this all evolved into the ‘00s juggernaut that is EDM (or Electronic Dance Music).  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Medley (The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, The Crystal Method & Filter, Daft Punk) 12:25 - Setting Sun by The Chemical Brothers 27:09 - Around The World by Daft Punk 37:10 - Firestarter by The Prodigy 43:12 - Busy Child by The Crystal Method Outro - Ray of Light by Madonna Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Thanks to our friend Gavin in Australia, we’re checking out 28 Days from Melbourne and their sophomore album Upstyledown from 2000. Though it charted at #1 on the Australian ARIAnet album chart, the band failed to make a dent in the United States, which seems like a missed opportunity considering the band combines the sounds of late 90s/early 00s pop punk and rap rock into a familiar sound. Though the band has an ear for hooks and it sounds good, we revisit the “timeless” vs. “dated” production debate and wonder whether some of the musical and lyrical choices were the right ones. If you’re a fan of bands like Zebrahead, Sum 41, Biohazard, Phunk Junkeez, etc., this might be a lost gem waiting to be discovered. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rip It Up 7:19 - History of the Band 11:53 - Sucker 14:06 - Song for Jasmine 19:02 - Information Overload Outro - 16 Kill The Fake (Seshoo) (Featuring Uzumaki) Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

As The Pretenders once sang, we’re going back to Ohio to check out Dayton’s legendary Brainiac thanks to the winner of our 2016 year-end Patreon giveaway. In just five years, the band put out a significant body of work, including three full-length albums, half a dozen 7″s and a pair of EPs. We’re checking out their third and final album Hissing Prigs in Static Couture, released on Touch & Go Records in 1996, recorded with Eli Janney of Girls Against Boys. Besides exploring the record we also spend some time (too much?) discussing the Super Bowl and our guest Chris makes his pick for a future roundtable episode. You wanted the best, you got...well, us. Songs in this Episode: Intro - K155 M3, U JACK3D UP J3RK 19:13 - PU55YF00T1N' 21:08 - 5TRUN9 29:25 - 1 AM A CRACK3D MACH1N3 Outro - H0T 53AT CAN'T S1T D0WN Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

We got a requested review for an album released in 2000, and since we’re not above stretching the rules outside the 90s occasionally, this week we’re revisiting the third and final Marvelous 3 album ReadySexGo. Between Butch Walker’s stint in late 80s/early 90s glam metal band SouthGang and his current occupation as a successful music producer (who releases solo albums when not working on albums with Katy Perry or Taylor Swift) he fronted this rock trio that scored a hit with Freak of the Week, which sounded suspiciously like another song. We had differing opinions on what we liked and didn’t like about this album, about Butch Walker as a songwriter, and the early 2000s pop rock movement he was at the forefront of - give a listen and then let us know what you think. Some links from our requestor Luke: Butch’s comments about ReadySexGo at the time of its release. Butch’s comments six years later. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Get Over (from ReadySexGo) 5:51 - Freak of the Week (from Hey! Album) / So You Wanna Be A Rock ‘n Roll Star by The Byrds 16:47 - Radio Tokyo (from ReadySexGo) 19:54 - Grant Park 25:33 - Cigarette Lighter Love Song (from ReadySexGo) / All The Young Dudes by Mott The Hoople 28:48 - Better Off Alone (from ReadySexGo) / Movin’ Out by Billy Joel Outro - I Could Change Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

On the surface, our latest requested review for the 1996 album Deadsexy by Scarce sounds eerily familiar to a lot of 90s band. Band forms, records demos, puts out singles on small indie labels, gets some buzz, major labels start calling, band signs and puts out their debut, no singles race up the charts, and the band is done. But there is more to the story, so we invited singer/bassist Joyce Raskin and singer/guitarist Chick Graning to give us the bigger picture, take us through the demo’ing, writing and recording process, the major label cat and mouse game, the tours, and the album release, as well as the dramatic life-changing event that nearly ended it all, and how art acted as a cathartic release and the rebirth of the band. Check out Chick Graning’s solo album M.T. on iTunes and at CD Baby. Check out Joyce Raskin’s books Aching To Be, The Fall and Rise of Circus Bloy Blue, My Mom Is a Rock Star and more at Lulu and Amazon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - All Sideways 24:55 - Rains of Kansas 27:41 - All Sideways Outro - Honeysimple Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

It’s our first roundtable discussion of 2017, and we’re tackling the albums from 20-years prior, with special guests Andy Derer (The Andy Derer Show), Eric Grubbs (Do You Know Who You Are podcast) and Jeff Takacs (Rocketfuel podcast) to help us cover the best, the overlooked, the letdowns and faded-aways of ‘97. While 1997 might be remember as the year that saw the return of pop music in the US with albums by the Spice Girls and the Backstreet Boys, it was also the year Radiohead released their masterpiece OK Computer, the year Dave Grohl took the Foo Fighters to the next level with The Colour and The Shape, the year britpop heavyweights Blur and Oasis took different paths while their successors like Travis, Supergrass and Stereophonics put out solid releases. In other words, 1997 was all over the map, musically and geographically. After you’re done listening to this episode, be sure to visit our Patreon page for our extended chat on albums that didn’t make it into this episode. Songs/Topics in this Episode: Intro - 1997 Medley (Foo Fighters, Blur, Ben Folds Five, U2) 5:11 - Albums from 1997 that have stood the test of time 13:55 - Albums from 1997 that were overlooked upon release 23:11 - Albums from 1997 that have not aged well 36:27 - Albums from 1997 discovered much later 46:18 - Albums from 1997 that were disappointments on purchase 55:25 - Favorite album from 1997 Outro - Stereo by Pavement Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Every year we dig deeper and deeper into bands from Australia that didn’t make much of an impact in United States to try to understand the global story of music in the 1990s thanks to requested reviews from our dedicated listeners down under, and this week we’re back to check out the self-titled 1991 debut by Sydney’s Baby Animals. The sound of the band harkens back to a more straightforward ‘80s AOR sound that draws comparison to Heart or the radio-friendly sounds of The Pretenders thanks to a skilled if nondescript backing band behind dynamic lead singer Suze DeMarchi. Even though it came out the same month as Nevermind by Nirvana and Use Your Illusion I & II by Guns ‘N Roses, there isn’t much in common with those bands -  that’s both a good and bad thing. Tune in and chime in with your comments. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rush You 13:20 - Early Warning 15:35 - Ain’t Gonna Get 18:54 - Break My Heart Outro - Painless Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For our first episode of season seven, it’s a requested review thanks to a Patreon subscriber. We’ve talked about Mike Patton previously on the podcast, but never actually revisited an album from one of his many musical outfits. For the first week of 2017, we’re checking out the 1995 sophomore album Disco Volante by Mr. Bungle. Although Faith No More is known for their eclectic brand of hard rock/alternative metal, Mr. Bungle move well past that, playing around with sounds that borrow from a variety of styles including tango, doom metal, country, jazz, easy listening, Arabic and more. We revisit the album with our suggestor Scott, who shares how he discovered the band, what went into seeing the band eight nights in a row in eight different cities, neural pathways, double grooved records, and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Desert Search for Techno Allah 5:33 - History of the Band 17:04 - Platypus 25:36 - Carry Stress In The Jaw 30:44 - Merry Go Bye Bye (Nothing) Outro - After School Special Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   Facebook / Twitter / Instagram   Zazzle Merch Store   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

As is our year-end tradition, for our final episode of 2016, we look back at season six of the podcast to review the year that was and look forward to season seven in 2017. We give thanks to our long list of supporters on Patreon and our requested reviews, as well as all of our roundtable participants and interview guests. We also pick our favorite roundtable and interview episodes, choose which 90s album we revisited was our favorite discovery and what new album released by in 2017 we enjoyed. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney 20:05 - Hard Drugs by Screaming Jets 26:25 - Any Way But Down by The Lees of Memory Outro - Lazarus by David Bowie Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

Our previous “In The 90s” episodes examined the careers of Van Halen and Metallica in that decade and discussed if they had managed to survive the turbulence that was the rise of alternative and independent rock music. For our latest edition, we’re joined by author/songwriter Paul Zollo to revisit the career of Tom Petty, who released the book Conversations With Tom Petty in 2006. Starting with the Jeff Lynne produced Heartbreakers backed album Into The Great Wide Open, we dig into the changes in Petty’s songwriting, the band personnel changes, his second solo album Wildflowers with producer Rick Rubin onto the decade closing album Echo. Of course, there is much more to the story, so be sure to tune and then leave us your thoughts on Tom Petty in the 90s. Songs in this Episode:   Intro - Medley (Into the Great Wide Open, Learning to Fly, Mary Jane’s Last Dance, You Don’t Know How It Feels) 47:07 - Walls (Circus) from She’s The One Outro - Honey Bee from Wildflowers Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2017 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

For our final review episode of the year, we’re tackling one of those oddball side-projects from major label artists that seemed to pop up on a weekly basis in the 90s. The self-titled 1993 debut by Hater, featuring members of Soundgarden, Monster Magnet and Devilhead isn’t what you’d expect. Instead of polished hard rock and metal riffs, there’s 60s garage and psychedelic rock. If you bought this thinking you were getting some Badmotorfinger-esque, you might have been disappointed. Were we? Tune in to fine out.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Who Do I Kill? 12:58 - Roadside 15:36 - Lion and Lamb 25:50 - Down Undershoe Outro - Circles Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon   http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com

With ties to the perfectionist power-pop of Jellyfish and Guns ‘n Roses guitarist Slash’s Snakepit, this one-album-and-done band is perfect fodder for Dig Me Out - Imperial Drag and their self-titled 1996 album. Combining T. Rex grooves with analog synths, Imperial Drag we found more in common with British glam revisionists like Suede and Placebo than their North American alternative and indie rock counterparts. So why didn’t these radio friendly hooks grab mainstream listener ears? We discuss, and make sure to share your thoughts as well. Songs in this Episode: Intro -  Boy or a Girl 2:10 - History of the Band 8:46 - Crosseyed 15:30 - The Man in the Moon 18:55 - Dandelion 25:42 - Playboy After Dark Outro - Stare into the Sun   Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Our Patreon patrons voted on which November 1996 release we should check out, and they voted on the sophomore album II by the Presidents of the United States of America, who scored a number one single with Lump a year earlier off their debut. With such a quick turnaround from their freshman release, is a dip in quality or are their gems to be rediscovered? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Mach 5 6:33 - History of the Band 16:30 - Tiki God 21:27 - Ladies And Gentlemen Part I Outro - Toob Amplifier   Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Our latest requested review features a band from Australian we were completely unfamiliar with - Regurgitator. Their second album Unit came out in 1997, going triple platinum, producing hit singles and winning music awards. It’s an eclectic mix of pop, rock and punk powered by ‘80s synth sounds and melodies galore. We previously encountered Spiderbait and enjoyed their genre-hopping approach, does Regurgitator match their success? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff 3:09 - History of the Band 8:44 - The Song Formerly Known As 12:31 - Just Another Beautiful Story 1734 - Mr. T 23:06 - I Will Lick Your Arsehole Outro - Polyester Girl   Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

For our second sophomore slump revisited episode of 2016, we jump in the time machine again to revisit 1996 and check out the second album from Bush, the Steve Albini-produced Razorblade Suitcase. Following up a massively successful debut with five hit singles is a tough job, but doing so in short period of time makes the job even harder. It sold half as many and failed to place as many hit singles on the charts, so we’ve invited back Matt Wardlaw (Ultimate Classic Rock, Lost Together Podcast) and Joe Royland (Sit And Spin VideoCast) to help us figure out if this is a true sophomore slump or an album worth redeeming. Songs in this Episode: Intro -  Swallowed from Razorblade Suitcase 8:32 - Machinehead from Sixteen Stone 18:33 - Personal Holloway from Razorblade Suitcase 31:55 - Mouth from Razorblade Suitcase 41:19 - Mouth (The Stingray Mix) from Deconstructed Outro - Greedy Fly from Razorblade Suitcase   Follow on Twitter / Facebook   Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon  

Our latest requested review gives us a chance to revisit the 1996 album Building, the third release by Sense Field. Concise, urgent songs packed with guitar and vocal hooks, the album flies by at just thirty five minutes. We dig into it, and find sounds and styles varying from Bob Mould to The Offspring to Tool. Give a listen, and let us know if you agree with our take on Building. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Overstand 3:19 - History of the Band 12:45 - Will 16:59 - Leia 21:17 - Shallow Grave Outro - No Man’s Land Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Thanks to a requested review, we get revisit the 1997 album American Psycho by the Misfits. Minus founder/original lead singer Glenn Danzig, this album saw the band return after years of being an underground influence upon bands like Metallica, Guns ‘n Roses and others. The “horror punk” sound created by the band shifts in the direction of the bands it influenced, incorporating a decidedly more metal sound, while still utilizing the compact song structures, gang vocals and melodic hooks familiar to the band rom the 80s. But at seventeen tracks, is it too much of a good thing? Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dig Up Her Bones 4:24 - History of the Band 20:07 - Speak of the Devil 26:22 - Mars Attacks Outro - The Hunger Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

To help us revisit the 1995 album Wake by Emmet Swimming, we’re joined by Suburban Metal Dad cartoonist and Slayer author DX Ferris. A little bit of R.E.M. jangle combined with a touch Morrissey-esque vocals give this mid-90s album flavors not heard on other releases around this time. We dive into the players, the history and more to determine if Wake swims or sinks. Bonus: you can listen to the 1995 Epic Records re-release of the album on Spotify, and you can also check out the original 1994 original running order as put together by DX Ferris Songs in this Episode: Intro - Jump In The Water 19:37 - Expect Me 45:40 - When Morning Comes Outro - Broken Oar Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

In the spring we hosted a roundtable on the Chicago music scene of the 1990s, so for our next “Digging Your Scene” episode, we decided to head to Boston, the home of the Pixies, Dinosaur Jr., Belly, Buffalo Tom, Morphine, The Lemonheads, Juliana Hatfield, Letters to Cleo, Sebadoh, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and many more. To help us on our quest to figure out what made Boston such a vibrant city for alternative/independent music in the 1990s, we’re joined by a trio of Boston music vets: Aaron Perrino - leader singer/guitarist of The Sheila Divine, who released their 4th album The Morbs in October 2015 Kay Hanley - lead singer of Letters to Cleo (and much more), who just released a new EP Back to Nebraska via their Pledgemusic campaign Keith Sawyer - DJ at 88.1 WMBR at MIT in Cambridge, MA since 1996 Songs in this Episode: Intro - Boston Medley (Pixies, Letters to Cleo, Dinosaur Jr, The Sheila Divine, Morphine, Gigolo Aunts) 10:25 - Way You Walk by Papas Fritas 31:24 - His Lamest Flame by Mary Lou Lord 43:33 - Clear Spot by Pernice Brothers Outro - Rock & Roll Band by Boston Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We’ve reached a new milestone, and to help us celebrate, we’ve invited the author of the 33 1/3 book entry for Dig Me Out by Sleater-Kinney to join us, author and historian Jovana Babovic. We discuss how the album was chosen, researching and writing the book, and the difficulty of writing about sound. We get into the nitty gritty of the 33 1/3 submission process, the importance of ‘zines to the history of 90s music and the concept of “selling out.” We also talk about the shifting coverage of Sleater-Kinney in the music and mainstream press, the influence of the band in the ‘00s and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dig Me Out 8:14 - Words And Guitar Outro - Turn It On Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We gave our Patreon subscribers four album options that were released in October 1996, and they decided we should revisit the self-titled debut by Fountains of Wayne. All the hallmarks of power pop are present - tight songwriting, big vocal hooks with guitar riffs to match, and the occasional harmony to sweeten the sound - from the band that would go on to write the massive single “Stacy’s Mom.”  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Radiation Vibe 4:04 - History of the Band 12:36 - Leave The Biker 18:11 - She’s Got A Problem 27:51 - Radiation Vibe Outro - Sink To The Bottom Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week we’re joined by former Babes in Toyland bassist Michelle Leon, author of the recently released book I Live Inside: Memoirs of a Babe in Toyland. We discuss her upbringing in suburban Minnesota prior to joining the band at the age of 17, her struggle with the idea of “authenticity” and defying expectations writing a “rock biography.” We get into the nuts and bolts of writing the book, how she approached reconstructing memories from over twenty-five years ago, muscle cars, oversized bass cabinets, her time as a realtor in New Orleans, Prince, and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro/1:58 - He’s My Thing Outro - Dust Cake Boy Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Our roundtable for September is actually a two-parter on the swing revival of the 1990s. We start with an interview with Scotty Morris of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy joining us to talk about his early musical upbringing, how BBVD came together in the early 90s, being a part of Swingers, the 1999 Super Bowl and the arc of swing music in the 90s. In part two, we’re joined by Eric Grubbs and Eric Peterson to take a big picture view of the swing revival in the 90s. Songs in this Episode: Intro/1:21 - Kind of Swing by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy 50:30 - You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby) by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Outro - Go Daddy-O by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Be sure to visit our Patreon page for bonus material from this episode. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week we are checking out the 1992 album Salutations from the Ghetto Nation by Warrior Soul. Brash and loud with one foot in the sound of 80s hair metal and the other in 90s alternative, the band is hard to pin down musically. Lyrically, not so much, as they cover anti-government and anti-corporate territory that would make friendly bedfellows with Rage Against The Machine. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Love Destruction 10:20 - The Party 17:34 - Punk And Belligerent 19:23 - Dimension Outro - Ghetto Nation Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Thanks to our voters at Patreon, this week we’re checking out the 1997 album Animal Rights by Moby. Plenty of ground is covered on this 72+ minute long, sixteen track album. Slow burning ambient tunes? Check. Pulsing instrumentals? Check. Industrial metal? Check. Down-tuned dirges? Check. Post punk cover? Check. There is a little bit for everyone, but who is this really for? We try to figure that out and more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - That’s When I Reach For My Revolver 22:17 - That’s When I Reach For My Revolver 24:44 - Come On Baby 28:02 - Say It’s All Mine Outro - Love Song For My Mom Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

The Tragically Hip have been mentioned a few times on the show, but we’ve never gotten around to reviewing an album on an actual episode. Until now. Hailing from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, the band has been a stadium act for over two decades up north while making smaller inroads in the lower forty eight. With the spring announcement of lead singer Gord Downie’s terminal brain cancer, and their just completed tour for their thirteenth album Man Machine Poem, we decided to ask our friend/college radio alum/fellow Columbus musician Billy Peake (of Miranda Sound and Bicentennial Bear) to help up dig into their moody and sparse 1996 album Trouble at the Henhouse, which sits sandwiched between the successful albums Day for Night and Phantom Power. We talk about the album, the legacy of the band, the perceptions and misconceptions about them, the (possibly) final show on August 23rd (the day before this was recorded), and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Ahead by a Century from Trouble at the Henhouse 23:58 - Gift Shop from Trouble at the Henhouse 28:42 - I’ll Believe In You (Or I’ll Be Leaving You Tonight) from Up To Here 36:26 - Springtime in Vienna from Trouble at the Henhouse 46:37 - Heaven Is A Better Place Today from In Between Evolution Outro - Coconut Cream from Trouble at the Henhouse Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week were exploring the bands that sold millions of albums in the 1990s, but by the time the ‘00s rolled around, had disappeared from the sales charts and radio stations they used to dominate. The Cranberries, Live, Creed, Blues Traveler, Hootie & The Blowfish and more we try to figure out what happened - where they overexposed and people got bored? Did follow-up albums flop? Did the collapse on under the weight of their egos and success? To help us do so, Eric Peterson (Love That Album podcast, YouTube) of and our show announcer Katie Minneci join us to discuss. If you want to hear about 10 minutes of bonus content from this episode, make sure to become a patron at Patreon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - The Cranberries/Hootie & The Blowfish/Live 2:47 - I Alone by Live 17:08 - Dream by The Cranberries 53:55 - Only Wanna Be With You by Hootie & The Blowfish Outro - Rain King by Counting Crows Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Thanks to a requested review, we’re heading back down under to Melbourne, Australia check out the 1998 self-titled debut album by The Living End. Best known in the U.S. for their 2000 single “Roll On,” from their sophomore release, we get an earlier glimpse at this three piece and their combination of punk, rockabilly and ska. They’ve got melodies and energy, but aren’t afraid to slow down the tempo. Does it work overall? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Prisoner of Society 8:03 - History of the Band 12:03 - Bloody Mary 29:52 - Trapped Outro - Monday Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Joining us this week is Jacob Slichter, drummer for Semisonic and author of the 2004 book So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star. Jacob talks about how the book came together and led to a career as a collegiate writing professor. We discuss the financial realities of a major label artist and the impact of streaming, mp3s and YouTube. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Closing Time Outro - This Will Be Our Year Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Recently we asked our Pateron patrons to vote on our first album review for August from five albums released twenty years ago in August of 1996, and the winner was The Curtain Hits The Cast, the third overall by Low. Slowing the tempos to a glacial crawl is the sound Low is known for, leaving space and silence where most bands would try to fill space. Can they pull it off over the course of a full album? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Over the Ocean 9:13 - History of the Band 16:12 - Do You Know How To Waltz 20:24 - Coattails Outro - Anon Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week our requested review takes us down South to Atlanta, GA to check out the fifth album Smoke by Drivin’ N Cryin’. After previously scoring a moderate hit “Fly Me Courageous” off the album of the same name, the band returned with this hard rock ode to the classic rock riffage of AC/DC, Aerosmith and Jimi Hendrix, with a little Paul Simon thrown in for good measure. Songs in this Episode Intro - Smoke 13:33 - She Doesn’t Want To Go 15:34 - 1988 22:36 - Eastern European Carny Man 26:02 - Back Against The Wall Outro - 1000 Swings Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This we’re talking about second acts, sequels, part deux - whatever you call it, it’s when band and artists get a second go around. Morrissey and Marr after The Smiths. Bob Mould after Husker Du. Dave Grohl after Nirvana. Which artists faired better the second time around, and which couldn’t escape their previous band’s shadow. To help, roundtable veterans Eric Grubbs and Joe Royland join us to who made their second acts the one to remember, and which one’s do we wish never happened. Head to Patreon for bonus material as we discuss artists who haven’t made a solo album, but we’d like to hear one. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dyslexic Heart by Paul Westerberg 7:41 - See A Little Light by Bob Mould 18:55 - Vivid by Electronic 37:51 - Los Angeles by Frank Black 56:55 - Honestly by Zwan Outro - If I Had A Gun by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week we are joined (from across the Atlantic) by Andrew Low of The Jazz June. He shares the origins of the band in Kutztown, PA playing house shows and VFWs before graduating to club shows in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He talks about his earliest influences and variety of pre-Jazz June bands. We get into recording their 2000 album The Medicine with J. Robbins, how a multi-year hiatus changed his singing style on the 2014 album After the Earthquake, and much much more. Be sure to check out the Noisey oral history of The Jazz June referenced during the show. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rich Kid Shakedown from They Love Those Who Make The Music 21:20 - The Phone Works Both Ways from The Medicine 36:21 - Over Underground from After The Earthquake 44:00 - Two Floors Down from After The Earthquake Outro - When In Rome from They Love Those Who Make The Music Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Another week, another requested review from one of our listeners. This week we’re checking out The Origin, and their second and final release Bend from 1992. Steeped in the pleasant pop that would guide Toad the Wet Sprocket to success, The Origin expand on that sound with touches of soul, psychedelia and country. This album didn’t make much of dent beyond college radio and we try to figure out why. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Jumping To Fall 3:18 - Mad World by Gary Jules (Tears for Fears cover) 4:54 - History of the Band 9:54 - Racing With the Moon 14:22 - Bonfires Burning 19:23 - Candymine Outro - Trapped in a Dream Machine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week we travel to Denmark via a requested review and check out the 1994 debut album Travelogue by Kashmir. Indebted to the early 90s American influences such as Pearl Jam, Primus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kashmir concocts a sometimes compelling, sometimes frustrating combination of sounds and approaches that left us with more questions than answers. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Jamie Fame Flame 11:32 - Don’t Look Back It’s Probably Hydrochondriac 15:28 - Yellow 19:53 - Art of Me Outro - Leather Crane Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Joining us this week are Phil Leavitt and Joie Calio currently of the band 7Horse, who just released their third album this spring, Living in a Bitch of a World. You may know 7Horse thanks to The Wolf of Wall Street soundtrack, thanks to Martin Scorcese using their song “Meth Lab Zoso Sticker” in the movie. You might also know them as two-thirds of the band Dada, who released five albums between 1992 and 2004, scoring a successful single earlier in their career with the song “Dizz Knee Land.” We chat about 7Horse, Dada, touring, cds vs vinyl, record labels, crowd funding and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Meth Lab Zoso Sticker by 7Horse 1:17 - Dizz Knee Land by Dada 4:22 - Low Fuel Drug Run by 7Horse 12:50 - Here Today Gone Tomorrow by Dada 49:21 - Meth Lab Zoso Sticker by 7Horse Outro - Stayin’ Alive (Bee Gees cover) by 7Horse Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Expanding our our Metallica in the 90s roundtable from last month, this week we’re exploring the evolution of metal music in the 1990s. It’s a big job, so to help us take a chronological walk through the decade, joining us are our metal masters Chip Midnight, Eric Grubbs and DX Ferris. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Metal Medley (Pantera, Megadeth, Prong, Korn, Sepultura) 17:27 - Sea of Sorrow by Alice In Chains 27:00 - Cowboys from Hell by Pantera 40:43 - Bring Tha Noize by Public Enemy (featuring Anthrax) 55:58 - Mama, I’m Coming Home by Ozzy Osbourne 1:12:55 - Stone the Crow - Down 1:32:33 - Green Machine by Kyuss 1:49:06 - Prison Sex by Tool Outro - Birth Ritual by Soundgarden Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We’ve got a new requested review, and there’s a good chance this will be a new discovery for everyone who listens to the show. This week we’re checking out the band Sect. 8 from New Jersey, and their album 88 CM. Kanone. As far as we can tell, it’s their only album, though the two members did spend some time in Bone Machine, led by Ted Poley after 80s hair metal band Danger Danger broke up. With elements of King’s X style progressive hard rock, Stone Temple Pilots grunge swagger, shoegaze and more, Sect. 8 provides a mixed bag of styles. But is the quality mixed as well? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Get Over It 8:06 - Choke 11:31- ? 13:52 - Declaration 17:44 - Waco 21:30 - Vampira Divine Outro - Take Him Out Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Since May gave us a bonus Tuesday to post an episode, we decided to try something new, as in new album reviews. We gathered up some of our roundtable regulars and Patreon subscribers, and put together a bunch of reviews for new albums released in the winter and spring of 2016. Steve Muczynski reviews You Know Who You Are by Nada Surf  Joe Royland reviews Hidden City by The Cult Annie Zaleski reviews Night Thoughts by (London) Suede Annie Zaleski reviews The Narrows by Grant-Lee Phillips Scott Russell Halgrim reviews Post Society EP by Voivod Jeff Takacs reviews Weezer (The White Album) by Weezer Jeff Takacs reviews Patch The Sky by Bob Mould Jim Kopeny reviews Black Star by David Bowie Jim Kopeny reviews Distroland by The Dandy Warhols Eric Grubbs reviews The Astonishing by Dream Theater Eric Grubbs reviews Protection by Face to Face Andy Derer reviews Change of Fortune by Soul Asylum Andy Derer reviews A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week John Davis (Superdrag, Epic Ditch) returns to chat about the second soon-to-be-released album by The Lees of Memory. We go track-by-track through Unnecessary Evil, talk song origins, recordings, influences, instrumental and mix choices, album artwork and much, much more. To hear 12 minutes of bonus material, become a subscriber at Patreon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Unnecessary Evil 13:17 - Any Way But Down 29:12 - XLII 1:04:18 - Artifical Air 1:17:22 - Squared Up Outro - Stay Down Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

The memory remains how much fun we had during our Van Halen In the 90s round table episode last year. The struggle within was to find another artist to fuel our conversation and load up on great guests, because in the end nothing else matters. Mama said Metallica would be our choice, with special guests Annie “Fixxxer” Zaleski (AV Club, Salon and more), “Unforgiven” Eric Grubbs (Do You Know Who You Are, Dallas Observer and more ) and Matt “Prince Charming” Wardlaw (Ultimate Classic Rock) doing the devil’s dance to determine if it’s sad but true James, Lars, Kirk and Jason trans versed through the never of the 90s as king nothings, or if they were really hero’s of the day. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Enter Sandman from Metallica 44:49 - Until It Sleeps from Load 1:04:32 - Fuel from ReLoad Outro - The Memory Remains from ReLoad Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

After our chat about the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion last week, we decided to go a little further down the 1990s garage rock rabbit hole and check out a band we had both seen live, Zen Guerrilla, and their 1999 album Trance States in Tongues. Whereas JSBX took a more stripped down and deconstructed take on the blues, ZG amps up the tempo and volume to eleven for a high energy brand of rock. But does that come at a cost to the songwriting? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Moonage Daydream (David Bowie cover) 3:01 - History of the Band 8:14 - Preacher’s Promise 12:58 - Ghetto City Version Outro - Heart Attack Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

This week Jim Hanke of the Vinyl Emergency podcast joins us to revisit the 1996 album Now I Got Worry by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. We explore the unique sound and place JSBX has in the overall landscape of 90s music. We also spend the first half of the show reminiscing about our personal recollections of Prince and his impact on our music listening history. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wail 24:27 - 2Kindsa Love 37:32 - Skunk Outro - Can’t Stop Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

With there eleventh album about to be released, we decided it was a perfect time to revisit the Goo Goo Dolls first release of the 1990s. For their third album Hold Me Up from 1990, the band began it’s transition from Robby Takac-led pop/punk band to alternative rock hit-makers of the 2nd half of the decade. This album shows the pieces falling into place, with guitarist John Rzeznik taking the lead vocals on five of the fourteen tracks, up from two on the previous two albums. From track to track, you can hear the past and future of the band colliding, but does that make for a worthwhile overall listening experience? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Never Take The Place of Your Man 18:48 - There You Are 20:48 - Two Days In February 34:59 - Kevin’s Song Outro - Million Miles Away Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We’re kicking off a new roundtable series revisiting the dreaded sophomore slumps of successful bands from the 1990s. The first album we’re checking out is the 1996 album Wax Ecstatic by Sponge with special guests Chip Midnight of KidsInterviewBands.com and Jeff Takacs of Rocketfuel Podcast. With two hit singles and a gold record on their debut Rotting Pinata, their second album took a number of unexpected twists that may have thrown critics and listeners for a loop, but the lack of an killer chorus or hook like on the first record may have doomed them as well. We try to figure out whether or not this sophomore slump is worth redeeming. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wax Ecstatic (to sell Angelina) from Wax Ecstatic 14:42 - Molly (16 Candles) from Rotting Pinata 23:28 - I Am Anastacia from Wax Ecstatic Outro - My Baby Said from Wax Ecstatic

Our latest requested review takes us back to Australia, this time checking out the 1992 sophomore album Tear of Thought by The Screaming Jets. On first listen, you might pigeonhole the band as nothing more than AC/DC influenced pub rock, but further investigation reveals a wide array of classic and hard rock influences from the twin guitar attack of Thin Lizzy to the southern rock boogie of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Sound interesting? How about some horns and jazz guitar? Does that work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Alright 4:45 - History of the Band 12:50 - Dream On 15:00 - Meet Anybody 20:02 - Alright 21:34 - Hard Drugs Outro - Helping Hand Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

For this week’s requested review we’re taking a ride on the wild side, revisiting Mötley Crüe’s self-titled 1994 album, the only one featuring John Corabi on lead vocals. Mega producer Bob Rock returned after helming the successful Dr. Feelgood album, but the sheen of the Sunset Strip was cast aside for a heavier twin guitar attack. With a new singer and new sound, the album divided fans and critics at the time, and the album failed to meet commercial expectations in the prime alternative and grunge years. Is this a classic hard rock album awaiting rediscovery? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hooligan’s Holiday 23:39 - Uncle Jack 30:17 - Poison Apples 33:44 - Misunderstood 41:41 - Welcome to the Numb Outro - Hammered Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We’re back with our latest requested review, this week we’re checking out the second and final album by School of Fish, 1993′s Human Cannonball. The band scored a minor hit on their first album, but none of the singles reached the same level of success from this release, and we try to figure out why. While the main songwriting tandem of Josh Clayton-Felt and Micheal Ward stayed in tact, the rhythm section changed, and that might have had some impact, while other parts that should have made an impact didn’t. We struggled with this record, are we justified in our criticisms? Tune in hear what we’ve got to say, and let us know if you agree or disagree. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Take Me Anywhere 2:25 - 3 Strange Days 16:47 - Everyword 20:13 - Stand in the Doorway 23:15 - Fuzzed and Fading Outro - Complicator Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Last year we had a lot of fun (and learned a lot) during our Australian music of the 90s episode. In fact, we had so much fun, we decided to turn it into new series we’re calling “Digging Your Scene,” where we explore a city or region that made an impact on alternative and indie music in the 1990s. To kick off the series, we’re heading to a city once described (like a few others) as “the next Seattle,” Chicago, Illinois. To help us getting dig deep into the Chicago music scene, we’ve invited back Andy Derer of the Chicago-based Andy Derer Show podcast, Chicagoist Senior Editor Jim Kopeny and Annie Zaleski, writer for AV Club, Salon and more, to talk the history, the bands, the venues, the record stores, the legacy and more of Chicago. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Chicago Medley (The Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Urge Overkill, Liz Phair, Ministry) 12:17 - Suffocation by The Pulars 25:15 - Valerie Loves Me by Material Issue 33:11 - Lotion by Wesley Willis 51:58 - Sugar, We’re Going Down by Fall Out Boy 55:51 - Get Over It by OK Go Outro - Via Chicago by Wilco Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Another week, another requested review! This week we’re checking out the 1993 debut album Icky Mettle by Archers of Loaf. Check out any music website, blog or magazine, and when the best alternative albums of the 90s are ranked, you’ll usually find this album somewhere on it. Propulsive drums, melodic bass, dissonant guitars and urgent vocals are combined in short bursts without adhering to the verse/chorus/verse format. The results are definitely superior to most of their 90s counterparts, but does that make it a perfect record? We have thoughts, tune in to find out what they are. Note: we apologize for the audio quality on this one, we had some technical difficulties with Jason’s microphone. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Web in Front 17:35 - Last Word 23:00 - Web in Front 24:31 - Hate Paste 27:53 - Might 31:20 - Learo, You’re A Hole Outro - Wrong Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Our latest requested review brings us The Welcome Mat’s debut release Gram from 1993. This four-piece from Sydney, Australia packs some power-pop worthy hooks thanks to crisp vocal harmonies, well-crafted tunes and expert guitar riffage. It’s only when either of the vocalists steps out on their own that the songs start to suffer, but how much? It’s (mild) disagreement time! Songs in this Episode: Intro - Everyone’s Gone 3:13 - History of the Band 6:52 - Deathbag 8:36 - Junkmail 12:48 - All or Nothing 18:07 - Blew Outro - Gram Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Thanks to a requested review, we’re joined by Bluebottle Kiss lead singer/guitarist Jamie Hutchings to revisit the 1996 album Fear of Girls. We chat about his earlier years playing drums and how that influenced his guitar playing and singing. We discuss seeing late 80s/early 90s American indie-rock bands touring Australia before forming Bluebottle Kiss, then getting signed and working with producer Jack Endino on Fear of Girls. We talk touring, songwriting, going solo, his new band Infinity Broke and more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Helping You Hate Me from Fear of Girls 18:38 - Claim from Fear of Girls 33.52 - Stained Mouth from Fear of Girls 38:51 - Return to the City of Folded Arms from Patient Outro - Outside Are The Dogs Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We’ve got a requested review this week, and to help us revisit his request, we invited Brandon Trammell, guitarist for Braidedveins and Kid Brother Collective on to talk about his pick - 1997′s Pure Juice by Summercamp. After an independent release under a different name, this was the only album released by the band, and it runs the gamut from syrupy power-pop to grungy thumpers and big rock ballads. There are some real diamonds in this rough to be discovered, but also a few lumps of coal. Is it a worthy record? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drawer14:42 - Nowhere Near28:24 - Should I Walk Away39:00 - Ninety Nine49:25 - Two Shades of GrayOutro - Keep An Eye On You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

Joining us this week is Kevin Martin to walk us through the past, present and future of Candlebox and his career in music. Kevin fills us in on his earliest musical influences - his Mom and Dad, the Texas punks, and the mid/late 80s Seattle scene. From there, Kevin walks us through the wild ride that landed Candlebox on Madonna’s Maverick record label and put the band on the road for well over the year. We explore trials and tribulations surrounding the release of the bands second album Lucy and third album Happy Pills before going on hiatus. From there, we talk reforming Candlebox, releasing new albums in the ‘00s, politics in music, songwriting (for himself and others), working with Ken Andrews, the new album on Pledgemusic and much much more. For bonus content from this interview, be sure to join us at Patreon.com. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Candlebox medley (You, Simple Lessons, Far Behind, Best Friend, Change)18:25 - You from Candlebox45:18 - Butterfly from Lucy1:02:44 - Best Friend from Lucy1:12:44 - It’s Alright from Happy Pills1:31:35 - Stand from Into The Sun1:43:54 - Simple Lessons from Lucy1:50:48 - Sweet Summertime from Love Stories and Other MusingsOutro - 10000 Horses from Happy Pills Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

What exactly is emo? To help us, and several listeners who have asked this same question, we’ve assembled an emo all-star team to figure it out. Joining us is Tom Mullen (Washed Up Emo podcast, Is This Band Emo?) Eric Grubbs (Do You Know Who You Are? podcast, author of Post), and Jeff Takacs (Rocketfuel podcast, Punktastic). In This Episode: Intro - Emo Medley (Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, Cursive, At The Drive-in)9:05 - What does the term “emo” mean?13:40 - What’s the difference between emo, post-punk and post-hardcore?”23:30 - What are the musical hallmarks of emo?30:30 - How did emo become mainstream in the ‘00s?53:50 - What’s the first emo album you give to someone who’s never heard emo?59:25 - What is the current state of emo?Outro - The Day’s Refrain by Texas Is The Reason Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

With an well-received new album just released, it’s the perfect time to check out an album by Britpop pioneers Suede (or, The London Suede here in the states). We put it up for a vote on our Patreon page, and after a tie-breaking coin flip, we’re checking out the 1994 sophomore album Dog Man Star. Like a lot of sophomore albums in the ‘90s, this album came after a well received (critically and commercially) debut. Did Dog Man Star suffer the dreaded sophomore slump? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - We Are The Pigs5:58 - History of the Band16:17 - We Are The Pigs23:58 - Still Life30:39 - HeroineOutro - The Asphault Life Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

For our first interview of 2016, we’re chatting with Andy Hindman, current bass technician (aka, roadie) for the Goo Goo Dolls. Andy started out in Columbus, Ohio playing in bands and going out on the road as a driver/roadie first for Watershed, then Howlin’ Maggie. After short stints with Dovetail Joint and Luscious Jackson, he joined the Goo Goo Dolls crew, which led him to jobs on tours for artists such as Buckcherry, Santana, Alanis Morrisette and Britney Spears. Andy gives us a behind the scene look at the world that takes place in the shadows of your favorite live shows. To hear a bonus clip from this episode, become a subscriber at Patreon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Roadie Medley (Jackson Browne, Tenacious D, Motorhead, Alice Cooper)Outor - Fucked by Lights by Angry Neighbors Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

It’s our first roundtable discussion of 2016, and we’re tackling the albums from 20-years prior, with special guests Matt Wardlaw (Ultimate Classic Rock, Lost Together podcast), Chip Midnight (KidsInterviewBands.com) and Jeff Takacs (Rocketfuel podcast, Punktastic) to help us cover the best, the overlooked, the letdowns and faded-aways of ‘96. In This Episode: Intro - 1996 Medley (Soundgarden, Soul Coughing, Weezer, Stone Temple Pilots, Nada Surf)3:36 - Overall Thoughts on Music in 199610:08 - Albums That Made An Immediate Impact29:39 - Anticipated Albums That Were Letdowns40:57 - Discussion on R.E.M.’s New Adventures in Hi-Fi46:47 - Albums from 1996 Discovered Later in Life56:13 - Albums That Have Not Stood The Test of Time1:04:01 - Choose One Albums to Represent 1996Outro - If I Could Talk I’d Tell You by The Lemonheads Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

It’s with heavy hearts we share with your are latest episode, recorded four days prior to the passing of David Bowie. With Black Star, his 26th album just released, we decided to revisit his 1993 album Black Tie White Noise, co-produced with Nile Rodgers, who worked with Bowie on the successful Let’s Dance album ten years earlier. With drum and keyboard loops influenced by the burgeoning house and early 90s dance scene, BTWN shows off Bowie’s penchant for melodic hooks and Rodgers talent for infectious grooves, but the spotless production ended up sacrificing some of the emotion and left us feeling a bit cold, despite the inspired cover choices. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Black Tie White Noise10:44 - The Wedding Song13:33 - I Know It’s Gonna Happen18:41 - Don’t Let Me Down and DownOutro - Jump They Say Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

We start our first show of the 2016 season addressing the passing of Scott Weiland before tackling our first requested review of the year, the 1991 album Thrumdone by Carnival Art. Band member connections to Weezer and Jane’s Addiction make this an interesting listen, but the sounds of those bands aren’t really present, for better or worse. Bouncing between catchy new wave, metal riffing and arty experimentation, Thrumdrone rarely stays on one idea for too long. Does that make for an interesting listen? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hammers and Nails14:09 - Wrestling Swamis17:12 - Itchy Little House25:19 - Sticky GreenOutro - Mrs. Pears's Reptile Homework  Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request a 2016 Review / Subscribe at Patreon

It’s the final episode of 2015, and what a year it was! We recently kicked off our Patreon campaign, and on this episode dig a little deeper into what that means for the future of the show. We talk about our favorite interviews, roundtable discussions and album reviews, read some listener feedback and preview 2016. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our final review of 2015, we’re checking out the sophomore album Aluminum from Gods Child. This New York City band has an interesting and at times odd combination of influences and sounds, jumping from jazz verses to soaring Bon Jovi choruses literally in the same song. Sometimes it works, other times it left us scratching our heads. But did we like it? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - This is the Real World3:36 - History of the Band7:01 - Serve Yourself13:09 - Need16:24 - Heart of ExtasyOutro - Female Elvis Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

As we discussed in our October roundtable episode on female artists of the 90s, 1995 was a historic year thanks to Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette. But Alanis wasn’t the only artist to make an impact. The New York Times noted in early 1996 about the debut album Hello by Poe and her “moody hip-hop to hymnlike piano to fingerpicking pop-folk.” We revisit this eclectic record that features contributions from former Guns ‘n Roses drummer Matt Sorum, late hip-hop producer/artist J Dilla and Alice in Chains/Jane’s Addiction recording engineer Dave Jerden.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Junkie1:38 - History of the Band10:33 - Hello16:36 - Choking the Cherry19:45 - Angry Johnny24:00 Trigger Happy Jack (Drive By A Go-Go)Outro - Hello (Band Version) Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our final roundtable of 2015, we’re joined by Matt Wardlaw and Eric Peterson to discuss movie soundtracks of the 1990s. Where the 90s the ultimate decade for movie soundtracks? Can a great soundtrack redeem a mediocre movie? What were the best songs written specifically for movies? What artists made their careers thanks to soundtrack songs? All this more, plus special thanks to our guest introduction announcer who filled in for our regular. Songs in this Episode: Intro - A Girl Like You by Edwyn Collins (Empire Records)9:19 - Kids in America by The Muffs (Clueless)20:54 - Runnin’ on Go by New Bomb Turks (Glory Daze)32:36 - Seasons by Chris Cornell (Singles)50:40 - BBC by Ming Tea (Austin Powers)Outro - Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe by the Afghan Whigs (Beautiful Girls) Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week Scott Lucas of Local H joins us to talk about their latest album Hey, Killer and their recent tour with Failure. We dig into Scott’s early years in Zion, IL, getting his first Harmony guitar and playing basement and garage shows in the dry town. We discuss the early years of the band, working various jobs while gigging and writing before signing to Island Records. We talk about the upcoming 20th anniversary of their breakthrough sophomore album As Good As Dead, plans for reissues and upcoming shows. The music industry, streaming vs. physical media, Mad Max, the upcoming book coffee table book “Twenty-Five Years of Skin in the Game,” and much much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - City of Knives3:45 - Gig Bag Road40:39 - Bound for the FloorOutro - Age Group Champion Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Atari Teenage Riot’s 1995 album Delete Yourself! was supposed to be at the start of the wave that would usher the end of guitar music and a takeover by synths, samples and drum machines. That didn’t exactly happen, however plenty of interesting albums were released during that time, and we’re checking out the German trio’s self-described “digital hardcore” debut. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Into the Death2:43 - History of the Band14:34: Riot 199521:28 - Hetzjagd auf nazis! (live)23:42 - Kids are United!Outro - Cyberpunks are Dead! Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

It’s been twenty years since Son Volt released their debut album Trace, which means it is up for repackaged remastered re-release and reappraisal. Always compared to Wilco thanks to their time together in alt.country pioneering band Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt finds Jay Farrar at his songwriting peak, easily shifting from uptempo rockers to acoustic slow burns with radio friendly production tying it all together. Does it stand the test of time? Is Tim’s love of Son Volt still strong? Has Jason come around to any of it? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Route4:01 - History of the Band6:01 - Drown18:45 - Live Free29:05 - Catching On31:35 - WindfallOutro - Out of the Picture Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re kicking off the first of a series in which we revisit the 90s output of a band from the 1980s that was massive popular. For the first “in the 90s” round table, we’re tackling Van Halen, who sold a combined 47 million albums from 1980 to 1988, and enter the 90s with the successful For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album in 1991 that spawned the gigantic single “Right Here Right Now.” From there, the band fumbled through a not very live double album before the uneven Balance album in 1995, the final with Sammy Hagar. We revisit the wild months in 1996 that feature the departure of Sammy, return and quick departure of David Lee Roth and addition of Extreme singer Gary Cherone for 1998′s III. To make sense of it all, we’re joined by Van Halen Rising author Greg Renoff, Ultimate Classic Rock writer Matt Wardlaw, writer/author/podcaster Eric Grubbs, and 80s Rock Savant/KidsInterviewBands.com proprietor Chip Midnight for a lively and lengthly discussion. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Man on a Mission11:34 - Judgement Day47:55 - Take Me Back (Deja Vu)1:06:50 - Me Wise Magic1:17:05 - Without YouOutro - Can’t Stop Loving You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re checking out the 1993 album Earth vs the Wildhearts by The Wildhearts, which came up in the comments for our recent review of The Almighty. While they share some similarity in the big riffing department, The Wildhearts take a decidedly different approach to the vocals, dipping into power pop melodies and harmonies throughout. Jason, who picked the album, says this should be his favorite band, but isn’t. Tune in to find out why. Songs in this Episode Intro - Greetings from Shitsville4:20 - History of the Band11:18 - TV Tan14:43 - The Miles Away Girl16:55 - Loveshit26:42 - My Baby Is a HeadfuckOutro - Shame on Me Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

A few weeks back we with spoke with musician/producer J. Robbins and touched upon his production work with Braid. This week we decided to revisit their 1998 album Frame and Canvas, which has made it onto top whatever lists for emo from NME, LA Weekly and Treble, just to name a few. Does it live up to the hoopla? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Killing a Camera5:57 - History of the Band15:25 - The New Nathan Detroits20:44 - I Keep A DiaryOutro - A Dozen Roses Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re joined by Morgan Taylor, formerly of the band Mink, to help us revisit our review of their album Get In Get Out from season one. We didn’t know much about the band and their history, or of the Dayton, Ohio scene in the ‘80s or ‘90s, so Morgan walks us through this small but influential town. Morgan takes us back to his earliest bands, opening for an embryonic Guided By Voices. He walks through the half dozen bands he played with, including the short lived acoustic duo Glee & Beak, that opened for Bob Dylan, along with tracing the connected lineage of each Mink member, and how an opportunity to play in the opening band for a Lisa Loeb tour launched Mink. Morgan talks about becoming the “it” band in Dayton, hanging out at Bob Pollard’s legendary Monument Club, getting a standing ovation from Kim Deal, and what led to the band breaking up. There so much to cover, including how Morgan utilized his decades as a musician and interest in illustration to create Gustafer Yellowgold, a multi-media performance of live music, colored-pencil animations and storytelling for children. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Straight Man from Get In Get Out47:57 - A Social Life from The Red AlbumOutro - Ohio at the End from Come Over Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week were discussing the influences on, the influence of and the variety of female artists who made an impact on alternative and indie rock in the 1990s. To help us scratch the surface of this very big topic, we’re joined by Annie Zaleski of the AV Club, Salon and many more, Jim Kopeny of the Chicagoist and Chip Midnight of Kids Interview Bands. From Riot Grrrl to Lilith Fair and Justine Frischmann to Jewel, we do our best to dissect what made the 90s different than the preceding 80s and decade that followed. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rot by Scrawl7:22 - You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette27:45 - Violet by Hole40:46 - Connection by Elastica52:46 - Beautiful John by Madder RoseOutro - Dream of the 90s by Portlandia Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week, we’re joined by producer and musician J. Robbins, of such bands as Government Issue, Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels and Office of Future Plans. What do we cover in our two and half hours? Marriage and kids, and how they change a musicians life. Writing, recording and touring. Vans vs. Buses. The styles of Zach vs. Pete. Steve Albini: producing vs. engineering. Dealing with the major labels in the 90s. Guitars and amps. Touring with Stone Temple Pilots and appreciating David Bowie. Playing in Scream with the Stahl brothers and Dave Grohl. Covering (and hating) Tori Amos. Rock artists covering pop artists, and the politics of privilege. Recording Braid and Hey Mercedes. Lyric writing and how listeners interpret them. Current and future vinyl reissue plans. The difference between physical media and streaming on musical appreciation. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Savory by Jawbox30:34 - Scissoring by Burning Airlines1:38:54 - Cornflake Girl by Jawbox (Tori Amos cover)2:05:58 - Spoiler by Jawbox2:37:48/Outro - Helen Mirren by Channels Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Jon Fine, author of Your Band Sucks: What I Saw at Indie Rock's Failed Revolution (But Can No Longer Hear), and guitarist of Bitch Magnet, joins us to discuss his newly released book. We talk the genesis of the book and what makes a good rock memoir, try to figure out what exactly is “indie rock,” chat about gear and how to properly dispose of guitars in disrepair, and so much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - MesenteryOutro - Dragoon Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

After Jason’s pick last week, Tim takes a shot and brings Dandelion’s 1995 sophomore (and final) album Dyslexicon to the table on the strength of the single “Weird-Out.” The album owes a heavy debt to Nirvana, from the familiar vocal style to big drums and guitars. The question becomes: when does influence become imitation? Songs in this Episode: Intro - Trailer Park Girl3:23 - Weird-Out5:39 - History of the Band14:29 - Retard19:33 - Melon from HeavenOutro - Snow Job Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re getting to one of our own picks, and Jason has brought us some prime debate material - 1993′s Powertrippin’ by The Almighty. Down-tuned guitars, double bass drum pedals and Motorhead meets Alice In Chains riffage, this band made zero impact in the United States, but their sound is familiar to anyone who has listened to hard rock in the last 20+ years. Has all that time made the band sound derivative, or were they from the start? Songs in this Episode: Intro - Instinct5:40 - History of the Band19:36 - Out of Season24:39 - Takin’ Hold28:48 - Sick And Wired35:24 - MeathookOutro - Powertrippin’ Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

The description “shoegaze” has been applied to My Bloody Valentine to Ride to Slowdive to Swervedriver to Lush. But what exactly is shoegaze, what links these bands and others to this late 80s/early 90s movement? To help us break it down we’re joined by Aaron Perrino, Andy Derer and Eric Grubbs to talk the bands, the sounds, the albums, the guitar pedals and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Only Shallow by My Bloody Valentine10:53 - Duel by Swervedriver22:26 - Little Fury Things by Dinosaur Jr.32:56 - Heliotropic by Failure40:28 - Just Like Honey by The Jesus and Mary ChainOutro - The Sight of You by Pale Saints Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Next week will be hosting our round table discussion on shoegaze, so to get in the mood, this week we’re tackling one of the lesser known entries in the genre - the 1994 album Tatoonie by Blind Mr. Jones. Many of the things you come to expect from a shoegaze band are present - etheral vocals and guitars that switch from chorus clean to distorted chaos in an instant. As we dug deeper, we discovered some nods to power pop and early Britpop that make this album more intriguing that expected, but with a few issues to overcome. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Disneyworld 5:40 - History of the Band 10:33- Hey 15:12 - See You Again 17:59 - Mesa Outro - Big Plane Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our latest episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dale Cover, drummer and occasional guitar/bass player for the Melvins, Altamont, Fantomas, Nirvana and Broken Bat. To say this was a “wide-ranging” interview would be an under statement, as the two-plus hours interview spent about half the time talking music, the rest covering topics such as children’s birthday parties, Texas BBQ spots, European coffee, Ohio accents, and at one point Dale turns the tables and interviews us. We’re presenting this unedited in glorious raw form, and we hope you enjoy. Songs in this Episode: Intro - QueenOutro - Sweet Willy Rollbar Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our latest round table discussion, we’re revisiting punk rock of the 1990s with a pair of special guests: author and podcaster Eric Grubbs, and music writer Scott Colvin. We trace how the 80s punk underground paved the way for the 90s mainstream explosion, dissect the various punk sub-genres, discuss the overlooked gems, tackle the “sell out” label, and much more. Who’s punk, what’s the score? We try to figure it out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Ruby Soho by Rancid15:20 - Save Your Generation by Jawbreaker24:22 - Welcome to Paradise (Kerplunk version) by Green Day43:05 - Firestorm by Earth Crisis56:11 - On A Rope by Rocket From The CryptOutro - Someday I Suppose by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Back in January, Kellii Scott of Failure joined us to discuss the reunion of his band, his career in music, and their in-progress recordings. Eight months later, the album has been released, so it’s the perfect time to have Kellii back on to talk about Failure’s new album, their fourth overall and first in nineteen years, The Heart Is A Monster. To help us do so, we’re rejoined by our old friend Keith Jenkins, who revisited Fantastic Planet with us way back on episode #12. We talk writing, recording, mixing and touring the new album, plus learn more interesting anecdotes from Kellii, like auditioning for Queens of the Stone Age and why he’ll never be on a Desert Sessions recording (hint: it’s too hot), how the democratic process influences his preferred number of band members, what’s the best tank-driving song on THIAM, what a Pledge campaign is really like for bands, how softer is sometimes better when recording drums, why it’s good to have an app on your phone to order food in the studio, and much, much more. Grab a beverage and a snack, and plant yourself in a comfortable chair for this two-plus hour in-depth discussion. Songs in this episode: Intro - The Focus19:42 - Hot Traveler36:33 - A.M. Amnesia57:51 - Atom City Queen1:19:10 - Counterfeit Sky1:37:58 - Mulholland Drive1:57:12 - The FocusOutro - I Can See Houses Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

It’s been twenty-five years since Mother Love Bone released their one and only album, Apple. Neither hair metal nor grunge, the band bridged an interesting time between the 80s and 90s. To help us revisit, we’re joined by Eric Peterson of the Love That Album podcast to talk Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, Temple of the Dog, Pearl Jam, the Singles soundtrack and much more. Songs in this Episode Intro - Stardog Champion4:01 - History of the Band27:28 - Gentle Groove31:36 - Mr. Danny Boy47:48 - Man of Golden WordsOutro - Crown of Thorns Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We’re checking out Throwing Muses 1991 album The Real Ramona, that last to feature Tanya Donelly as a full time member alongside Kristin Hersh. There is plenty to like about the twin-guitar attack and layered vocals of Donelly and Hersh, but a few we had a few complaints as well. Are we are on target, or do our criticisms miss the mark? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Counting Backwards4:13 - Not Too Soon5:49 - History of the Band13:12 - Honeychain17:04 - Ellen WestOutro - Say Goodbye Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We’re back with another round table discussion, this month we’re discussing the influential bands of the 90s. Which bands from the 90s are we shocked became influential? Which bands from the 90s should have been more influential, but aren’t? Too help us break it down, we have a pair of special guests - video music director Shawn Michael Foster, and Eric Peterson of the Love That Album podcast. The Flaming Lips, Mother Love Bone, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails and more, agree - disagree? Let the debate begin! Songs in this Episode: Intro - Longview by Green Day8:17 - Stardog Champion by Mother Love Bone18:59 - March of the Pigs by Nine Inch Nails31:33 - Get It On by Turbonegro53:54 - We Are The Normal by Goo Goo DollsOutro - Super Bon Bon by Soul Coughing Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is Chris Wyse, whose rock ‘n roll resume includes past stints with Ozzy Osbourne and The Cult, and who now holds down the low end for Ace Frehley when not fronting his own band Owl. While he spent the better part of the late 80s and early 90s in his own bands, Chris tells us about his decision to leave his home in New York and cross the country to Los Angeles in the mid-90s. Thanks to a relationship with mega-producer Bob Rock, Chris was able to play with a wide array of musicians, and was a part of the Tal Bachman band responsible for the Top 10 single “She’s So High.” From there, Chris went on to work with Scott Weiland, Nina Gordon of Veruca Salt, Mick Jagger, and eventually landed one the audition spots for Metallica, as seen in the documentary Some Kind of Monster. Chris takes us through it all, talks songwriting, equipment and the importance of music education in this wide-ranging interview. Songs in this Episode: Intro - The Right Thing by Owl3:56 - Things You Can’t See by Owl29:31 - She’s So High by Tal Bachman34:21 - War (The Process) by The Cult43:48 - Strangeways (Live) by Ace Frehley1:02:04 - Starship by Ace FrehleyOutro - Destroyer by Owl Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re revisiting the 1999 album 001 by Dovetail Joint. With radio-friendly singles and sharp songwriting, Dovetail Joint were a Chicago band that could have had Smashing Pumpkins or Veruca Salt level success a few years earlier in the decade, but the shifting radio and label landscape worked against them as guitar-centric rock bands took a back seat to third-generation grunge knock-offs, mall-punk and manufactured pop. We dissect the album track-by-track to figure out what makes (spolier alert) 001 a worthy album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Beautiful3:14 - History of the Band10:19 - Beautiful15:15 - Level on the Inside21:14 - Boy23:37 - Except When You’re Late33:00 - AfraidOutro - Oh My God Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our requested review this week is the third album by Acetone, 1997′s self-titled release. Like one-time label mates Low, Acetone delivers a slow and deliberate performance with sparse arrangements and mostly hushed vocals. Rarely do Tim and Jason find themselves in almost total agreement on a record, but in this case they do. Tune in to find out if that is a good or bad thing. We apologize for the brief interruption discussing the new season of True Detective, which we have dubbed Sad Detective. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Every Kiss3:19 - History of the Band10:33 - Shobud16:20 - Chew19:44 - All You KnowOutro - Dee Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a recent request, this week we are checking out the 1998 album Deserter’s Songs by Mercury Rev. Hailed at the time by critics in the US and UK, the orchestral arrangements combined with Flaming Lips style psychedelia helped make Deserter’s Songs a landmark album the helped usher in a decade of bands expanding on both. But age can make the adventurous seem tame, does Deserter’s Song stand the test of time, and is it still worthy of album of the year status? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro: The Funny Bird3:18 - History of the Band17:39 - Endlessly25:59 - Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp29:06 - Hudson LineOutro - Opus 40 Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week is a first - we’re revisiting an album by a band we’re already checked out. Back in season one, episode three, we reviewed the debut album by Paw. Over five years later, we’re checking out their sophomore album, Death to Traitors. To help us do so, we’re joined by singer Mark Hennessy, who takes us back to the beginning of the band in Lawrence, Kansas. We learn about the formation of the band to recording the demos that got them in a major label bidding. We talk about the differences in writing and recording their Debut Dragline and their sophomore album Death To Traitors, and the internal and external stresses that wore the band down. We talk about the reunions, mark new band Godzillilionaire, and the possibility of new material from Paw in the future. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hope I Die Tonight8:16- Sweet Sally Brown17:31 - Built Low32:39 - Swollen48:20 - Texas1:00:22 - Glue Mouth KidOutro - Death to Traitors Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re talking about concerts of the 1990s for our June round table discussion. We’re joined by frequent suggester/commenter David “Dirty Gert” Gorgos, Rocketfuel Podcast host and Punktastic writer Jeff Takacs, and the voice of Dig Me Out, Katie Minneci. We talk about our favorite shows and venues of the decade along with our least favorites as well. When did an opening band blow away the headliner? What bands make us want to jump in a time machine to check out? Why did the traveling festivals end? Were the Woodstocks nostalgic cash-grabs like we remember? Is there any worse place to go to the bathroom than a music venue? All of this, and more! (Live) Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sabotage by Beastie Boys12:33 - Blame, Etc. by Afghan Whigs47:28 - New Orleans Is Sinking by The Tragically Hip101:50 - I Am One by The Smashing Pumpkins1:18:13 - Thumb by Dinosaur Jr.Outro - You Love Us by Manic Street Preachers Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week Naoko Yamano of the legendary Japanese punk rock band Shonen Knife joins us.  Naoko talks about her thirty-plus years fronting Shonen Knife. We talk about how the band started in Osaka in 1981 and discuss the music scene of Osaka vs. Toyko. We dig into songwriting, guitars, touring and much more! We hope you enjoy, and be sure to check out Shonen Knife on their U.S. tour this June. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bad Luck Song16:14 - Pop Tune23:45 - Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones cover)30:36 - Osaka Rock CityOutro - Super Group Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is singer, guitarist and songwriter Stephen Brodsky of Cave In, Mutoid Man and many other projects. Stephen takes us back to the beginning: bootlegging Metallica onto cassettes to practice guitar licks, early grade school jams and trying to figure out how to get distortion. We explore his his high school years, discovering hardcore (and hating it at first) and what eventually led to the formation of Cave In. We discuss the evolution of the band, from the “metalcore” beginnings to the transition to Jupiter and the fan backlash that ensued from that album onto Antenna. We get into his newest project, Mutoid Man, and contemplate the current state of “metal” music. We cover reissues, guitar rigs and much, much more. Enjoy! Songs in this Episode: Intro - Big Riff30:48 - Terminal Deity by Cave In43:11 - Jupiter by Cave In1:00:31 - Reptilian Soul by Mutoid Man1:07: 26 - Magnified by Cave In (Failure cover)Outro - Requiem Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week’s Requested Review features Richard Butler’s post-Psychedelic Furs project Love Spit Love. We’re checking out the second (and final) album from the band, 1997′s Trysome Eatone. Butler is able to inject his unique melodic and vocal style with some new blood thanks to new players and a wide range of sounds. Sometimes the band evokes his previous band, other times the louder more aggressive rock of the 90s. Does it all work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Believe2:51 - History of the Band8:05 - More Than Money13:50 - Fall On Tears18:00 - Friends24:30 - 7 YearsOutro - 227 Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we’re chatting about one-hit wonders of the 90s. Joining us is returning champ Andy Derer and newbie Joy Royland. We try to figure out what exactly is a one-hit wonder. We talk about our favorite and least favorite one-hit wonders from the 90s. We cover the one-hit wonders of the 90s that we still enjoy and still annoy us. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Epic by Faith No More10:14 - Whoomp! (There It Is) by Tag Team17:22 - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger27:23 - Popular by Nada Surf35:35 - Good by Better Than Ezra43:22 - Bitch by Meredith Brooks56:13 - Counting Blue Cars by DishwallaOutro - Baby, I Love Your Way by Big Mountain Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our latest requested review might be our most challenging listen ever, 1995′s Sing to God by Cardiacs - our first double album (no, Use Your Illusion doesn’t count). With almost two decades under their belts, Cardiacs unleashed this behemoth not just in length, but density. The songs are packed with instrumentation, and many flying by at a breakneck pace, churning twisted pop with equal parts psychedelia, Britpop, bombast and manic energy. We haven’t heard much like this, and we’re guessing you haven’t either. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Eat It Up Worms Hero3:10 - History of the Band12:00 - Eat It Up Worms Hero13:41 - Eden On The Air19:11 - A Horses Tail23:40 - Dog-Like Sparky27:11 - Dirty Boy31:56 - ManhooOutro - Bell Clinks Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is Matthew Sweet for a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion. Matthew shares his insights on his latest album project, and what the fulfillment aspect of crowd-funded albums is really like. We talk about his earliest influences, from new wave and punk to 70s power pop like Big Star and The Raspberries, and discuss why power pop bands are almost always critically acclaimed but tend to gain appreciation in retrospect. Matthew explains how his various guitars impact his songwriting (which may involve recording on his iPhone), and his earliest years learning bass to Yes records and Carol Kaye instructional videos (who would later play on his album In Reverse), which got him into a college band while he was still eight grade. We dive into the discography, discuss the leaps between the first two Columbia albums and Girlfriend, to the harsher and dark sound of Altered Beast. There’s so much more, we can’t list it all! Sick of Myself! Drew Carey! 70 Challengers! Brendan O’Brien! Mad Men! Making In Reverse! Touring! Fred Armisen! Susanna Hoffs! The Telecommunications Act of 1996! Mike Myers! Pottery! It’s all in there, and we hope you enjoy. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Girlfriend38:22 - Dinosaur Act54:22 - Sick of Myself1:18:29 - Thunderstorm1:46:14 - Ivory Tower1:56:54 - Where You Get LoveOutro - Come to California Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is Matthew Sweet for a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion. Matthew shares his insights on his latest album project, and what the fulfillment aspect of crowd-funded albums is really like. We talk about his earliest influences, from new wave and punk to 70s power pop like Big Star and The Raspberries, and discuss why power pop bands are almost always critically acclaimed but tend to gain appreciation in retrospect. Matthew explains how his various guitars impact his songwriting (which may involve recording on his iPhone), and his earliest years learning bass to Yes records and Carol Kaye instructional videos (who would later play on his album In Reverse), which got him into a college band while he was still eight grade. We dive into the discography, discuss the leaps between the first two Columbia albums and Girlfriend, to the harsher and dark sound of Altered Beast. There’s so much more, we can’t list it all! Sick of Myself! Drew Carey! 70 Challengers! Brendan O’Brien! Mad Men! Making In Reverse! Touring! Fred Armisen! Susanna Hoffs! The Telecommunications Act of 1996! Mike Myers! Pottery! It’s all in there, and we hope you enjoy. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Girlfriend38:22 - Dinosaur Act54:22 - Sick of Myself1:18:29 - Thunderstorm1:46:14 - Ivory Tower1:56:54 - Where You Get LoveOutro - Come to California Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our second requested review of Australia month is the self-titled 1995 album by Kim Salmon & The Surrealists. By ‘95, Kim Salmon was already a legend in Australia, having fronted the influential 70s & 80s punk band The Scientists, then The Beasts of Bourbon along with The Surrealists amongst other projects. This album finds Kim and his rhythm section exploring some familiar sounds as well as new territory. We split our opinion on this record, but not how you might think. Songs in this Episode: Intro - What’s Inside Your Box?2:29 - History of the Band7:40 - I Wish Upon You10:51 - What’s Inside Your Box?17:14 - Holocaust24:39 - Frantic RomanticOutro - Draggin’ Out The Truth Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Before this month, we had reviewed thirteen albums from Australian bands in the 90s in the first four years of the podcast, but we still did’t have a good understanding of the overall history Australian music during that time. What were their influences? What were the scenes in the different cities like? What is Big Day Out? The Saints? The Scientists? To help us unlock the mysteries, we’re joined by frequent requester and friend of the show Gavid Reid, along with Dan Buhagiar, producer and writer at Double J radio. And check out Dan’s article on the 10 Australian Bands From the ‘90s Worth Revisiting. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drugs by Ammonia6:07 - (I’m) Stranded by The Saints13:20 - Tomorrow by Silverchair35:07 - Streets of Your Town by The Go-Betweens41:34 - Shazam! by Spiderbait52:18 - Don’t It Get You Down by DeadstarOutro - Railhead by Crow Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

To kick of our month-long visit to Australia, our first requested review for April is the 1993 album Together Alone by Crowded House. You probably know the band from their two big singles - Don’t Dream It’s Over and Something So Strong. But the band, and by the band we mean Neil Finn, have a number or strong full length albums in their history. Is it possible that Together Alone is tops them all? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Distant Sun3:47 - History of the Band10:01 - Walking on the Spot15:10 - Black and White Boy20:31 - Nails in My Feet24:48 - Private UniverseOutro - In My Command Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With March providing a bonus fifth Tuesday, we decided to take advantage and post a bonus episode. We were invited to speak at Capital University for the Music Tech Workshop this past weekend, and are sharing the presentation. Ever wanted to know about the nuts and bolts of putting together a podcast? The equipment, the software, getting it on iTunes, promoting and everything else - we talk about it all. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week by request we're checking out the 1996 album Excerpts from a Love Circus by Lisa Germano. Working in a space filled with stark and occasionally dissonant sounds, the relaxed vocals combine darkness and humor in a way that caught us both off guard. While you won’t want to put this on your workout mix, we had a lot of fun (? I guess) discovering the world Lisa Germano inhabits on Excerpts. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Lovesick3:36 - History of the Band12:41 - A Beautiful Schizophrenic /“Where's Miamo-Tutti” by Dorothy18:38 - Victoria's Secret/”Just a Bad Dream” by Miamo-Tutti21:59 - LovesickOutro - Bruises Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our requested review this week is unique - an album released exclusively with a comic book - we check out Absolute Zero by Null, packaged in December 1994 with the comic book Blank: The Encephalon Void #1. Since there is a good chance you haven’t heard this, we decided to go track-by-track through this album, which varied in styles and sounds from Ministry and Nine Inch Nails to Helmet and Queensryche, and lead us into a discussion about the current state and future of comic books in the digital format. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Severance3:27 - History of the Band8:29 - Terminal15:28 - Numb20:50 - Skarred24:51 - Driven31:27 - Critical MassOutro - Rain Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our March Round Table Discussion, we're joined by Chip Midnight of Kids Interview Bands, Tom Mullen of the Washed Up Emo, and Louise Post of Veruca Salt to talk about bands reuniting. Louis fills us on how how the band got back together, how the new songs for their Record Store Day seven inch came to be, and plans for a full length album in 2015. We also discuss the break-up of the band and how families and maturity change band dynamics. in addition, we go round the table and discuss whether or not it's necessary for new bands to even put out new material, or if shows are enough, and is it important to have original members back in the band. We also dig into bands if some bands appear to be more interested in the festival paycheck than reuniting for more artistic reasons, what bands reunited that none of us expected, which reunions exceeded expectations and which were let downs, and what bands do we really, really wish would reunite, but probably won't. It's a big show you don't want to miss. Songs in this Episode: Intro - It's Holy by Veruca Salt11:01 - The Museum of Broken Relationships by Veruca Salt18:36 - Son of Three by The Breeders21:07 - Matamoros by The Afghan Whigs42:52 - Almost Ready by Dinosaur Jr.Outro - Surface Envy by Sleater-Kinney Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's Requested Review is the fourth and final album by Cop Shoot Cop, 1994's Release. Neither of us knew what to expect, and our preconceived notions based on the album cover were quickly dashed as this hard-to-categorize two-bass, drum, minimalist guitar, vocal and occasional piano, horns and harmonica band took us on a interesting ride through post-punk, industrial and straight-up rock conventions. Songs in the Episode: Intro - Interference2:21 - History of the Band8:20 - It Only Hurts When I Breathe12:03 - Any Day Now14:34 - Suckerpunch21:43 - LullabyOutro - Turning Inside Out Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is John Davis of Superdrag and The Lees of Memory. We discuss how The Lees of Memory formed, writing and recording the debut Sisyphus Says released last year, and plans for touring and the second album due out later in 2015. John tells us about his musical up bringing, getting his first guitar, playing in a variety of real and imagined bands, before hooking up with the guys who would form Superdrag. From there, we discuss the pros and cons of working with a major label in the 1990s, how age can alter the perception of lyrics written over a decade ago,  the importance of publishing in keeping a band together, and we get an impromptu drum solo from a young member of the Davis clan. John also explains his decision to (temporarily) put the Superdrag name to rest and record as a solo artist, then front Epic Ditch before taking Superdrag for one last spin. Songs in this Episode: Intro - We Are Siamese by The Lees of Memory4:36 - Deliquesce by The Lees of Memory28:26 - Pine Away by Superdrag43:51 - Bankrupt Vibration by Superdrag1:06:19 - Drag Me Closer To You by Superdrag1:16:58 - I Hear Your Voice by John Davis1:28:52 - Singular Form by Epic DitchOutro - Little Fallen Star Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a Requested Review, we're able to continue our Britpop month with Mansun and their debut released from 1997, Attack of the Grey Lantern. We (re)discover the perils of trying to review a record released with different versions for the US and UK on various streaming platforms, and not communicating about it before the review. Still, we managed to form some coherent thoughts about a band that draws as much from their nearby Britpop influences as American bands from decades earlier. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Take It Easy, Chicken5:07 - History of the Band10:32 - Stripper Vicar16:05 - Wide Open Space22:46 - The Chad Who Loved Me / Millennium (Robbie Williams)Outro - Taxloss Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our Britpop round table, we're joined by returning guests Neal Schmitt and Andy Derer, as well as newbie Jim Kopeny. We talk about how we discovered Britpop and our favorite bands and albums of the era, discuss the effect of "Noelrock" and Wonderwall on the second wave of Britpop bands, and legacy Britpop left behind. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Connection by Elastica3:54 - When & Where We Discovered Britpop11:02 - Albums That Have Stood The Test of Time and Haven't11:51 - King of the Kerb by Echobelly16:36 - Are The Verve Britpop/What Makes the Britpop Sound?24:14 - A Design For Life by Manic Street Preachers30:36 - "Noelrock" and the Wonderwall Effect35:57 - One-Hit Wonders36:59 - Hey Dude by Kula Shaker43:01 - Discussion on Pulp52:49 - Legacy of Britpop/Post-BritpopOutro - Pick A Part That's New by Stereophonics Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's Requested Review kicks off our Britpop month with one of the Godfather's of the sound, Morrissey, and his 1992 album Your Arsenal. While Morrissey's partnership with Johnny Marr in The Smiths produced legendary results, his output as a solo artists hasn't been nearly as consistent or compelling. With a new band for this album, do they match the lyrical aspirations of Morrissey? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Glamorous Glue3:44 - History of the Band11:47 - You're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side15:16 - We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful17:57 - Certain People I Know20:18 - Glamorous Glue26:42 - The National Front DiscoOutro - We'll Let You Know Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is Kellii Scott of the recently reunited Failure, who will release their first new (and fourth overall) album this Spring (most likely May). Kellii takes us through his drumming history, starting out listening to AC/DC and Rush records while staring at KISS Alive artwork, through his move to Los Angeles and starting out with Liquid Jesus before joining Failure. He shares the story of how he joined Failure (and almost blew it), through the making of Fantastic Planet to the demise of the band, as well as his post Failure gigs playing with Blinker the Star and Veruca Salt, as well as a drumming for Linda Perry, up to the writing and recording of the as-yet-untitled album (we tried to get it out of him!) in progress. How are Failure songs written? Is Fantastic Planet a concept album? What was the catalyst for the band reuniting? Can a band with "mystique" survive in the social media world? We answer all these questions and many more. Note: the sound quality is a little bumpy for the first six or so minutes thanks to a choppy phone connection, but clears up after that. Songs in this Episode: Intro - The Focus by Failure9:52 - The Colourful Ones by Liquid Jesus25:46 - Let It Drip (Demo) by Failure37:03 - Heliotropic by Failure56:49 - Enjoy The Silent (Depeche Mode cover) by Failure1:09:44 - Lift Me Up by Christina Aguilera1:15:17 - So Weird by Veruca SaltOutro - Come Crashing by Failure Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our Requested Review for this week is Blues for the Red Sun by Kyuss from 1992. Desert rock, stoner rock, metal - whatever you call it, it's heavy, and their sound has influenced bands like Mastodon, Baroness and many more for over twenty years. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Green Machine6:54 - History of the Band20:32 - Molten Universe26:30 - Freedom Run29:13 - Writhe35:20 - Thong SongOutro - Allen's Wrench Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week, we tread new water with our first round table discussion. Joining us are Aaron Perrino of The Sheila Divine and Chip Midnight of Kids Interview Bands to revisit the albums of 1995. First we dive into our favorites from 1995 that still stand the test of time before heading in the other direction, albums that we used to love, but not so much anymore.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Fig Dish - Bury Me3:33 - The Abbreviated History of 1990s Music6:45 - Favorite Albums from 199529:16 - Foo Fighters discussion31:07 - Not So Favorite Albums from 199543:10 - Neil Young discussion49:59 - White Zombie discussionOutro - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Aeroplane Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our first review of 2015 is a request to check out the 1993 album Hi-Fi Sci-Fi by Dramarama. Best known for their mid-eighties single "Anything, Anything," Hi-Fi Sci-Fi was the last recording from the band for over a decade. The sound is more refined from their earlier recordings, and incorporates a wide range of influences into their brand of rock that borders on pop punk one minute and Stones-y ballads the next. The album didn't make much of a dent commercially in '93, does it deserve a second listen? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Shadowless Heart4:08 - Anything, Anything5:47 - History of the Band12:46 - Work for Food15:05 - Senseless Fun22:05 - Prayer29:35 - Bad SeedOutro - Right On Baby, Baby Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week, we wrap up 2014 and our fourth season of Dig Me Out out with a list of our five favorite new tunes we discovered, as well as our favorite album of the year. We've got big news about our bigger and better 2015 season, and at the end, we give away our second Requested Review thank you prize. Thanks to everyone who made our fourth year great - our listeners, our guests, our donators - here's to an even better 2015! Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We wrap up our reviews for 2014 with a Requested Review of the Longpigs, and their 1996 debut album The Sun Is Often Out. Smack dab in the middle of Britpop hysteria, Longpigs deliver an album that finds itself somewhere between the very British Suede and Pulp, while also nodding to bigger idea bands like Radiohead and Blur, while still maintaining a unique approach thanks to the guitar work of Richard Hawley. But is that enough? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - She Said3:13 - On And On5:23 - History of the Band15:34 - Elvis19:38 - Lost Myself25:19 - Over Our Bodies29:02 - Jesus ChristOutro - Dozen Wicked Words Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're back with another Requested Review, and this week we're checking out the 1997 album Gone by Sydney, Australia's Beasts of Bourbon. With a career spanning over thirty years, BOB's output has been relatively small at only six full-length albums, but their influence, as well as the bands connected to BOB, has been felt world wide.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Saturated3:23 - History of the Band10:32 - Makem Cry14:18 - Saturated16:09 - I Suppose20:11 - Get OnOutro - So Long Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we take on Columbus, Ohio punk rock legends the New Bomb Turks. While Green Day, The Offspring and Rancid were tacking punk rock to the mainstream, bands like the Turks forged a louder, more aggressive path along side Rock From The Crypt, influencing the sounds of The Hives and Hellacopters with their Chuck Berry and Rolling Stones riffage on overdrive. Their 1996 album Scared Straight finds the band in new territory, going beyond the vocal, guitar, bass and drum set-up. Does it work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hammerless Nail4:24 - History of the Band9:15 - Hammerless Nail14:31 - Professional Againster15:49 - Wrest Your Hands23:16 - Bachelor's HighOutro - Jukebox Lean Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we revisit the 1992 sophomore album The Lizard by Saigon Kick. With sounds the recall a diverse group of bands such as Alice in Chains, Ozzy Osbourne, King's X and even the Beatles, The Lizard is a confusing journey the produces some very high highs and some very low lows. Is it an album worth checking out? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hostile Youth2:58 - Love Is On The Way5:28 - History of the Band11:51 - God of 42nd Street13:26 - All I Want19:27 - Peppermint Tribe21:47 - All AlrightOutro - Freedom Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Joining us this week is Clay Tarver, guitarist of Chavez, to talk about the history of the band and their two releases for Matador Records, 1995's Gone Glimmering and 1996's Ride The Fader. We go deep into the past, present and future of the band, dig into their connection to Ohio via Guided By Voices and the New Bomb Turks, explore the development of the Chavez sound, how Zwan uncovered an unknown Chavez fanbase, discuss the possibility of a new Chavez album, and much, much more. And that's not the half of it, as we revisit his time pre-Chavez in Bullet LaVolta, how college roommate Donal Logue lead him to J.J. Abrams and a career in screenwriting, and working with Mike Judge on the HBO show Silicon Valley. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Break Up You Band6:54 - Cold Joys24:25 - Repeat The Ending36:58 - You Faded40:10 - Peeled Out Too Late43:53 - Break Up Your Band52:33 - The Ghost By The Sea56:48 - Flight '961:33:57 - Wakeman's AirOutro - Top Pocket Man Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom joins us for an in-depth discuss about their 1993 album Big Red Letter Day. We cover a wide range of topics that include: writing, recording and touring the album, what happens when special visitors like Gene Simmons and David Lynch stop by your recording sessions with the legendary Robb Brothers, incorporating influences from bands like The Who and Rolling Stones, making videos, guitar rig set-ups, the band history, how My So-Called Life changed fan demographics, and much much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Tree House29:29 - Tree House34:19 - Suppose45:52 - I'm Allowed1:06:35 - Would Not Be Denied1:12:05 - Late At NightOutro - Sodajerk Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Big numbers call for big celebrations, and with Dig Me Out hitting episode #200, we thought it was time to tackle a big record. Nevermind? Ten? Badmotorfinger? Siamese Dream? To predicable! Like Guns n' Roses, we decided to go the biggest of the big and tackle the ambitious double album of the decade Billy Corgan wasn't a part of, the one-two punch of 1991's Use Your Illusion 1 & 2. To help us tackle this behemoth, Chip Midnight stops by to help us breakdown these 30(!) songs. Songs in this Episode: Intro - You Could Be Mine19:06 - Live and Let Die29:45 - Perfect Crime39:49 - Dust N' Bones1:02:14 - Civil WarOutro - Don't Cry Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

#199: American Grafishy by Flipper This week we take on the only 90s release by the legendary band Flipper, their 1993 album American Grafishy. The anti-punk punk band, who traded high speed riffing for Sabbath-induced sludge, show why they encountered as much adoration as scorn with their five plus minute long dirges. Was it worth the nine year wait between albums? Tune in to find out.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Telephone3:57 - History of the Band12:34 - Flipper Twist18:34 - We're Not Crazy25:07 - SomedayOutro - Exist of Else Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we revisit the 1992 debut album Shot Forth Self Living by Medicine. Combining waves of distortion and breathy vocals, Medicine has been called the American My Bloody Valentine. Are they worthy of comparison to such a legendary band? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Miss Drugstore3:19 - History of the Band10:33 - Defective15:25 - A Short Happy Life20:36 - Sweet ExplosionOutro - Aruca Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we're revisiting the 1995 debut solo release Psychic Hearts by former Sonic Youth frontman/guitarist Thurston Moore. With a new solo album just released, it's the perfect time to check out Moore's first solo outing, with the inevitable comparisons to his (then) full-time gig in Sonic Youth. Shorter, stripped down and condensed songs dominate the album, but is the lack of experimentation a blessing or a curse? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Psychic Hearts5:22 - History of the Band15:37 - Patti Smith Math Scratch19:17 - Ono Soul21:40 - Tranquilizers25:53 - Queen Bee and Her Pals29:48 - Staring Statues32:01 - Cindy (Rotten Tanx)49:45 - Pretty Bad Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

The Melvins have a new album out, so it's the perfect time to revisit their 1994 release Stoner Witch. With their combination of metal, psyche and punk, Melvins have carved out a loyal fan base of their brand of "sludge metal." Stoner Witch is the second of their three albums on a major label, but the that doesn't make them any less metal, psyche or punk, as the band turns in some of the most exciting music in their history. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Queen6:59 - History of the Band9:25 - Sweet Willy Rollbar15:55 - Roadbull20:30 - Revolve24:06 - Goose Freight TrainOutro - At The Stake Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new solo album released by Johnny Marr, we decided to check out his post-Smiths band Electronic along with Bernard Sumner of New Order and their third album from 1999, Twisted Tenderness. Steeped in the dance electronic music of the 1990s, Sumner and Marr each bring their respective sounds to the band. While this frees Sumner to explore more pop melodies, Marr can occasionally get lost in the layers of loops and synths. Is Electronic a successful collaboration? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Make It Happen 8:06 - History of the Band 14:14 - Like No Other 16:33 - Twisted Tenderness 22:24 - Can't Find My Way Home 26:23 - Haze 28:49 - Vivid Outro - Prodigal Son Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new Living Colour on the horizon, you figure now would be a good time to revisit a 90s Living Colour release. But we take a detour, and dig deep for the debut solo release by Living Colour frontman Corey Glover, and his 1998 album Hymns. Steeped in r&b and soul, this record finds Glover exploring Steve Wonder, Al Green and Sly Stone territory, while injecting it with some rock 'n roll swagger. Carving out original sounds while paying homage to those legendary artists, the record wobbles between original and familiar. Does it work as a whole? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Do You First Then Do Myself5:34 - History of the Band10:32 - Things Are Getting In The Way13:34 - Sermon18:55 - Silence24:16 - Lowball Express29:10 - Little GirlOutro - One Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Shellac have a new record out, so we're revisiting their debut release from 1994, At Action Park. Abrasive and metallic, Shellac are the post-punk grinding underbelly of the 90s alternative explosion thanks to producer/guitarist/singer Steve Albini. We dissect the record, and then chat about the recent U2 release through iTunes. Songs in this Episode: Intro - My Black Ass4:19 - History of the Band10:30 - My Black Ass19:31 - Song of the Minerals21:48 - A Minute24:00 - Dog and Pony Show27:21 - Pull the CupOutro - The Idea of North Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Ex-Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty has a new solo record out, so we decided to revisit his former band's first release, 1994's Ruby Vroom. One of us rated this a worthy album, and one of gave it a decent single, so it's fair to say we don't see eye to eye on this album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bus to Beelzebub4:22 - History of the Band15:20 - Casiotone Nation19:34 - True Dreams of Wichita23:42 - Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago/I Wish31:03 - City of MotorsOutro - Screenwriter's Blues Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new solo album about to be released, we decided to revisit where it all started for Ryan Adams with the 1995 debut release Faithless Street from his band Whiskeytown. Steeped in the alternative country that rose to prominence thanks to bands like Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks, there is plenty to like about a band forging its own path while still staying ground in traditional country rhythms and themes. Our discussion is occasionally derailed by Ryan Adams "the personality" as much as the singer and songwriter, and the end result is clashing viewpoints on this record. One of thought this was worthy album start to finish. Who didn't. Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drank Like a River8:00 - History of the Band16:06 - Drank Like a River18:51 - Too Drunk to Dream21:06 - Matrimony29:12 - RevengeOutro - If He Can't Have You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We travel back to 1995 to revisit the debut album Subliminal Plastic Motives by Self. Chock full of production goodness, S.P.M. is a dense, inventive record with a power pop heart, which is both a plus and minus. Self aren't afraid to mix-up genres, sometimes within a single song, but is there too much of a good thing? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Borateen4:19 - Cannon5:19 - History of the Band16:17 - Marathon Shirt20:11 - Sophomore Jinx25:20 - Lucid AnneOutro - Stewardess Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

The Rentals have a new album out, so it's the perfect time to revisit their debut album from 1995, Return of The Rentals. The band scored a minor hit with Friend of P, and this debut is full of even more radio-friendly singles, but can the keep the vocal and musical hooks flowing throughout the record with the analog synth, fuzz bass and boy/girl vocal set-up? Tune in to find out, and to hear Jason go on a interface design rant you may or may not want to miss. Songs in this Episode: Intro - My Summer Girl 3:04 - Friends of P 5:51 - History of the Band 13:46 - Waiting 18:25 - Brilliant Boy 21:47 - Naive 26:32 - Please Let That Be You Outro - The Love I'm Searching For Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new album out soon and twenty years since their sophomore release Twice Removed, we thought now was a good time to head north of the border and investigate Sloan. We dive into the four-singer/songwriter band, try to figure out if this is the best Canadian album of all time, or even the best by the band, and end up trying to figure out the best decade for Canadian rock 'n roll. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Deeper Than Beauty3:41 - Money City Maniacs5:14 - History of the Band16:22 - Snowsuit Sound19:12 - People of the Sky21:21 - Coax Me/Go Your Own Way27:25 - Bells On30:28 - I Can Feel ItOutro - Worried Now Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Along with Guided By Voices, Sebadoh flew the lo-fi flag in the 90s with a similar gift for short, punchy rock songs. We revisit their 1994 release Bakesale, and dive into a discussion on the two-singer/songwriter band set-up. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Magnet's Coil 2:49 - Rebound 4:29 - History of the Band 14:57 - License to Confuse 17:22 - Skull 20:54 - Temptation Ride 23:26 - Not Too Amused 28:55 - Give Up Outro - Dreams Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we revisit the 1994 release Second Coming by The Stone Roses. Joining us to dissect this divisive sophomore release is old friend and music professor Neal Schmitt, who provides a deep knowledge of band and provides insight into the recording technology that went into an album that sounds before it's time while borrowing heavily from earlier influences. That leads us into an extended discussion of other 90s bands and artists who either surpassed expectations on their second albums, or sank like the proverbial stone. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Driving South4:07 - Love Spreads6:41 - History of the Band15:52 - Breaking Into Heaven22:06 - Driving South29:50 - Begging You35:09 - Love Is The Law (The Seahorses)Outro - Ten Storey Love Song Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to another Requested Review, for the second time in as many weeks, we're tackling another overlooked gem from an Australia This week, it's Bluebottle Kiss, and their 1999 album Patient. Combining a variety of tasty guitar tones, a tight and original rhythm section, and interesting melodies, Patient is truly a start to finish album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Smoother It In Honey2:24 - History of the Band6:19 - Return to the City of Folded Arms11:24 - Six Wheels24:21 - Girl GeniusOutro - Give Up The Ghost Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're heading back to Australia for this week's Requested Review and checking out the 1994 album The Plastic Hassle by Ripe. Lots of shoegaze influenced bands spent less time on vocals and melody than dialing in the perfect tremolo and delay settings on their guitar pedals, but not Ripe, who manage to craft to genuinely catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. And like those same bands, Ripe aren't afraid to stretch the songs into a variety of territories, whether it's acoustic ballads or minor key dirges. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Mother Tongue3:49 - History of the Band9:23 - Something Fierce16:29 - Centre of the Universe27:34 - Get Your Shit TogetherOutro - Daylight Wants to Kill Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week Jason dug through his cd stacks picked an album having no recollection what it sounded like - I Mother Earth's 1993 debut release Dig. Sometime that leads to a welcome surprise, and other times reminds you why you stopped listening. I Mother Earth hits a lot of our sweet spots - big guitar and drums, crisp production, slight progressive elements - but also manages to work in some mutual annoyances - slap bass and long jams. So which side prevails? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Production6:49 - History of the Band23:10 - Not Quite Sonic31:15 - Rain Will Fall44:57 - The Universe in YouOutro - The Universe in You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

To celebrate the release of a new album by one of our favorite bands, we decided to travel back twenty years in their catalog and tackle the most challenging album of their career - 1994's The Holy Bible by the Manic Street Preachers. To help us dissect this dense masterpiece, we've enlisted the help of fellow stateside Manic's aficionado and previous guest Andy Derer of The Andy Derer Show. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Revol19:07 - Yes34:10 - Of Walking Abortion50:47 - 4st 7lb1:09:44 - P.C.P.Outro - Faster Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we're joined by producer/musician Steve Fisk, best known as one-half of the duo known as Pigeonhed, but also behind the board for such bands as Unwound, the Screaming Trees, Soul Coughing, Soundgarden, the Geraldine Fibbers and Nirvana. Steve talks about his history with recording and electronic music, the challenges of producing in the modern era compared to the 80s and 90s, his collaboration with Shawn Smith, who comes knocking on your door when you work with a successful artist, and much more. Songs in this Episode Intro - Rollin' Through Oakland (Pigeonhed)9:00 - You Doo Right by (Geraldine Fibbers)23:11 - Ain't It So (Pigeonhed)35:14 - Battleflag (Pigeonhed remixed by Lo Fidelity Allstars)Outro - My Head Popped (Steve Fisk) Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's album, the 1995 debut Prize by Wanderlust, begs a lot of questions? Can the youth appreciate power pop? Can music be too good for radio? And how did Collective Soul manage to pump out six singles from their second album? We dig deep through the depths of Wanderlust, take a few detours, and arrive a sorely overlooked and appreciated gem. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wanna Feel New2:37 - History of the Band9:20 - Flash and Shadow14:05 - Coffee in the Kitchen20:00 - PrizeOutro - Before We Fade Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our requested review for this week takes us back to the UK to check out the 1997 self-titled debut album from Silver Sun. Hooks, harmonies and loud guitars sum up Silver Sun's freshman release, and it's chock full of them. Song after song is a sugar sweet power pop attack, with nods to Cheap Trick, Jellyfish, The Beatles, Beach Boys and more. But is it too much of a good thing? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Service3:19 - History of the Band12:55 - Bad Haircut17:08 - Animals Feet22:03 - Dumb26:36 - LavaOutro - Julia Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our latest requested review requires us to ask a question - when is it showing your influences, and when is it ripping them off entirely? On their one and only release, the 1998 self-titled album by The Din Pedals walk the precarious line between the two, thanks to lead singer James Grundler's Thom York-like tenor, and a band that easily recreates the dramatic bombast and minor chord melancholy of Radiohead, U2 and Our Lady Peace. Songs in this Episode Intro - Downtown Sister3:41 - History of the Band9:52 - Naked is Foreign16:25 - Aliens22:52 - Waterfall26:15 - AshtrayOutro - Emotional Drugs Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

What's a good way for an otherwise musically incompatible band to find an audience in the 1990s? Enlist the most popular country artist, several popular alternative bands, a few respected metal bands, and for the hell of it, and Japanese artist, to cover your songs. That's exactly what KISS did for the 1994 tribute album Kiss My Ass - Classic KISS Regrooved. We dive into the songs, and reasoning behind this not-so-easy to digest compilation existing in the first place. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Plaster Caster 25:30 - Hard Luck Woman 37:37 - Rock and Roll All Nite 46:10 - Goin' Blind 58:18 - Detroit Rock City Outro - She Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we tackle one of those on the edge of Britpop bands we always kinda, sorta heard about and kinda, sorta remember, The Auteurs, and their 1994 sophomore album Now, I'm a Cowboy. The lead track and single, Lenny Valentino, gets rave reviews from both of us, but how does the rest of the not-so-similar album stack up? Tune int to find out, and chime in on our discussion on how music discovery and commitment to ill-advised purchases has changed thanks to the web. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Life Class/Life Model3:57 - History of the Band8:45 - Lenny Valentino14:16 - Underground Movies21:10 - The Upper Classes26:02 - New French GirlfriendOutro - Daughter of a Child Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Friend of the show Gavin provides another requested review from down under, this time it's the 1993 self-titled debut album by Front End Loader, who describe themselves as Australia's "least popular, relatively well-known band." FEL perfectly encapsulate the odd and uneasy transition of 80s metal and punk into 90s alternative, jumping from Metallica-influenced thrash to moodier grunge sounds. Does FEL succeed? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Fucking Great3:48 - History of the Band10:27 - My Side12:26 - I.G.18:37 - Me To Know26:10 - All Star JamOutro - 'fraid Not Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to our most recent Requested Review, we're tackling the sophomore release by Dallas, Texas power-pop quartet Bobgoblin, 1997's The 12 Point Master Plan. Big guitars and big hooks make the Bobgoblin sound, but they've got to some hidden tricks up their sleeves thanks to a nimble rhythm section and tastefully used synths. Is The 12 Point Master Plan the best album you haven't heard? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Climb3:02 - History of the Band7:56 - One Down, One Across10:50 - Standing Up (to the Voice of America)17:36 - Close Your Eyes, KidOutro - Nine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a listener, this week we're checking out the 1999 debut album Three Hundred by The Stereo. Big hooks and loud guitars dominate this pop-punk record, with an occasional piano detour to mix things up. It was the right sound released at the right time, so why isn't The Stereo mentioned along side early 2000's successes like Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory - was it merely the public overlooking a hidden gem, or is this worth passing up? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - She Would Never4:52 - History of the Band14:48 - Ramona21:20 - DevotionOutro - Divine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's request review takes us to the unexplored world of Mars Accelerator, and their sophomore release from 1998, Frankfurt: Telephonics. Exploring the mathematical side of indie rock, Mars Accelerator aren't afraid to incorporate long sections of noise and dissonance paired with Built To Spill and Polvo-esque guitar riffage. Frankfurt: Telephonics is an interesting album, but is it for everyone? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Starlxt2:17 - History of the Band10:30 - Spites Are Looming14:13 - Zeroes And Ones17:08 - 1040 mOutro - Id Et Mien Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're back with another listener review, this week week exploring the quirky power-pop of The Sugarplastic on their sophomore 1996 release, Band The Earth Is Round. The Sugarplastic combine the twisted pop of XTC and the Pixies with clear Beatles influence, occasionally detouring into They Might Be Giants and Presidents of the United States goofy-pop territory. The album works in places, but does it make for a cohesive listen? Tune in to find out.Songs in this Episode: Intro - Another Myself 2:35 - History of the Band 11:37 - Another Myself 16:29 - Polly Brown 19:04 - Sheep Outro - Transworld Modal Operator Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Grab a beverage, find a comfortable seat, or hop in the car for a road trip, because this is a long one. We take in an in-depth look at the history of one our favorite bands, The Afghan Whigs, with special guest Lee Heidel, proprietor of SummerKiss.com, the longest running and most comprehensive Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers, Gutter Twins and all-things Greg Dulli website on the planet. Then, we go off into uncharted territory and review a new album! Do To The Beast is the first Afghan Whigs album in sixteen years, but did the beast slay our expectations? The results may shock you, tune in to find out.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Gentlemen 15:27 - Retarded 21:47 - Come See About Me 35:05 - Stage Banter/Never Take The Place of Your Man 42:33 - 66 1:06:23 - Matamoros 1:17:16 - Algiers 1:47:30 - Royal Cream 1:55:42 - These Sticks Outro - Miles Iz Dead Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're back again to Australian for this week's requested review - the 1998 album Play With Love by Crow. Dark and ominous, with comparison to Girls Against Boys and Nick Cave, Crow shift gears throughout the album, from an industrial grind one track to a samba swing on the next - a dangerous combination in the wrong hands. Does Crow have what it takes to pull it off? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - A Broken Machine4:49 - History of the Band13:03 - Hate Need16:55 - Swollen Venus21:27 - Bobby PinOutro - Press On Let Go Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our run of Requested Reviews continues with the 1997 debut album Elsewhere for 8 Minutes by Australia's Something for Kate. On the surface this band sounds like a slightly edgier Bush, but dig deeper (as we always do) and a more complex and interesting band appears. But what made Bush successful, besides Gavin Rossdale's beautiful hair, were the radio-friendly vocal hooks. Does SFK produce the same results? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Prick2:41 - History of the Band11:54 - Captain (Million Miles An Hour)17:39 - Prick22:10 - Working Against MeOutro - Strategy Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's Requested Review provides us with one of heaviest and loudest bands we've ever covered, Karp, and their third and final album, Self Titled LP. At only eight songs and barely thirty minutes, Self Titled LP is still a challenging album to get through thanks to plenty of abrasive mid-level frequency guitar, tempos that move from Melvins-eque sludge to frenetic punk, with a screaming vocal on top of it all. How can we not love this combination? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bacon Industry3:00 - History of the Band10:22 - Bacon Industry17:18 - Forget the Minions25:25 - D+D FantasyOutro - J is for Genius Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

A listener suggestion takes us into previously unexplored territory - namely the ambient trip-hop of Bowery Electric, and their 1996 album Beat. Simple is an understatement, as Bowery Electric takes minimalism to near Brian Eno levels, experimenting with two-note songs and lyric-less vocals. You might expect a hate-fest from two rock lovers, and you'd be wrong. Tune in to find out where the surprises lie on Beat. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Without Stopping4:57 - History of the Band8:35 - Beat23:20 - Fear of Flying29:18 - Inside OutOutro - Coming Down Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we're tackling the one and only release by Seattle punk band 10 Minute Warning, their 1998 self-titled album. The story of 10MW is long and troubled, taking over 20 years to release their only album, but what really matters is the music. This slab o' grunge sounds more appropriate for 1988 than 1998, but thanks to the combination of musicians and producer, 10MW sounds much more like an originator than an imitator. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Buried,3:06 - History of the Band18:01 - Face First22:21 - Buried31:26 - ErtheOutro - Pictures Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

A listener suggestion brings us the sixth studio album by King's X, their 1996 release Ear Candy. Respected and admired by musicians and a legion of dedicated fans, King's X may be the quintessential overlooked and under-appreciated Dig Me Out band. Despite heavy riffs, immaculate production and layers of harmonies, Ear Candy never made an impact on commercial radio. We try to figure out why. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sometime3:40 - History of the Band12:49 - The Train20:08 - American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto)29:53 - Mississippi MoonOutro - Picture Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a listener suggestion, we're finally getting a chance to revisit Ministry, and their 1992 release Psalm 69. Much like the band, we cover a lot of ground with a lengthy discussion on this important and influential album, with special guest (and suggestor) Matthew Sleightholme joining us from the UK to tackle the sounds, politics and narcotic indulgences of Al Jourgenson and crew. Songs in this Episode: Intro - N.W.O.7:52 - History of the Band21:34 - Just One Fix46:11 - Jesus Built My HotrodOutro - Corrosion Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

#162: 30 Something by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine Our first Requested Review of the year gives us a chance to check out Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, and their 1991 sophomore album 30 Something. Carter USM run the proverbial gamut of music history, from orchestral waltzes to Pet Shop Boy-esque dance anthems to Ministry and Sex Pistol vitriol, but with a bevy of digital help. Does the 1991 keyboard and drum programming stand the test of time? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bloodsport for All 2:42 - History of the Band 7:32 - A Prince in a Pauper's Grave 14:51 - Billy's Smart Circus 20:12 - Surfin' USM Outro - Anytime Anyplace Anywhere Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new Cibo Matto album out this week, it's a perfect time to revisit the oddball band from the 90s and their sophomore album Stereo Type A from 1999. Expanding their band and sound allows the band to bring in a variety of elements and genres not heard on their debut release, but does that equal too much of a good thing? Tune into find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Spoon6:38 - History of the Band20:29 - Moonchild30:05 - Speechless43:42 - StoneOutro - Sci-Fi Wasabi Follow on Twitter / FacebookRequest A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Although 90s Britpop is best known for Oasis and Blur, plenty of bands skirted the edges of stardom, among those are Ash. This week we revisit their 1998 sophomore album Nu-Clear Sounds. Dabbling equally in Britpop and American alternative, Nu-Clear Sounds bounces from delicate ballads to fuzzed-out rave-ups in an instant. Is it genius, or jarring? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Jesus Says 3:50 - History of the Band 8:54 - Projects 16:49 - Wild Surf 27:50 - Fortune Teller Outro - Folk Song Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

It’s time to bring the rock, Grand Rock that is, in the form of Sweden’s The Hellacopters, and their 1999 album. Borrowing equally from the Motown garage rock of the MCS, Stooges and Sonic Rendezvous Band, as well as stadium rockers like KISS and The Who, The Hellacopters combine it all into one big, bombastic record. While the stripped down garage rock of The White Stripes and Strokes would kick-off the '00s, The Hellacopters among a slew of other Swedish acts would put their own high-octane spin on it. We explore their game-changing third album, and discuss why Grande Rock wasn't a Grande Hit. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Move Right Out of Here4:12 - History of the Band17:42 - Welcome to Hell22:57 - Paul Stanley32:51 - LonelyOutro - The Devil Stole the Beat from the Lord Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We've talked about Catherine Wheel many times throughout the years, finally we're getting around to reviewing an album - their 1995 release Happy Days. Although their sophomore album Chrome hinted at a heavier sound from the band, their earlier shoegaze influences were still evident. Not so on Happy Days, which amps up the volume and dips into the New Wave of British Heavy Metal the same way Billy Corgan would on the Smashing Pumpkins 'Gish' and 'Siamese Dream.' Many fans were caught off guard while the band attracted a whole new audience thanks to a pair of semi-successful singles. Does Catherine Wheel's embrace of metal riffage stand the test time? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Judy Staring at the Sun6:34 - History of the Band12:12 - God Inside My Head24:37 - Heal32:15 - My ExhibitionOutro - Receive Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our second review of 2014 takes us to Knoxville, Tennessee to revisit the major label debut album Regretfully Yours by Superdrag. Released in 1996, the same year Alanis Morissette topped the charts while bands like The Verve Pipe, Dave Matthews and Rage Against the Machine followed closely behind, the retro power-pop of Superdrag seems radically out of place. Though they managed to breakthrough with Sucked Out, a minor hit, the band never crossed over into mainstream consciousness. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sucked Out4:03 - History of the Band8:52 - Slot Machine12:49 - Phaser22:41 - Destination Ursa Major31:02 - N.A. KickerOutro - Rocket Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

For our first review of Season 4, we're revisiting the 1998 sophomore album Villa Elaine by Remy Zero. Comparisons at the time to Radiohead were common, but time reveals other influences creeping in from track to track, making what some would call a diverse, other inconsistent, listen. Is it a worthy album, or does the variety sink Villa Elaine? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Prophecy3:22 - History of the Band10:14 - Hermes Bird21:54 - Problem26:24 - Gramarye33:20 - FairOutro - Goodbye Little World Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our third season is a wrap, so it's time to recap. We've found our favorite tunes of the past season, and picked our album discovery of the year. Surprises? Maybe. Disagreement? Possible. Tune in to find out, to hear who received our Request a Review Thank You drawing, and for news about the upcoming 2014 season. Songs in this Episode - you have to listen to find out! Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Our final review of the year brings us the 1995 album Superfriends by Sweet Water. Although released right smack in the middle of the 90s, this album feels out of place thanks to big guitar riffs more reminiscent of the 1980s and a lack of anything "alternative." The single "Superstar" failed to connect with a big audience, but there is no doubting it's a damn good song. So how does the rest of the album compare? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Cake and Strychnine4:42 - History of the Band13:28 - Happy18:07 - Superstar20:44 - No Syrup for Your PancakesOutro - Adeline Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

We haven't visited our home state of Ohio in awhile, so this week we're making a trip to Cincinnati to check out Throneberry, and their 1998 album Squinting Before the Dazzle. In the 90s they drew comparisons to fellow 'nati residents The Afghan Whigs, but time has provided more perspective on their third and final record. Are they truly a lesser imitation, or does Throneberry step out of shadow and into their light. Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Summer School3:43 - History of the Band8:53 - Squint Before The Dazzle12:35 - Guerrilla Skies17:53 - Shut UpOutro - Isn't It A Pity Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Jason wanted to bring the heavy back, so he made this week's pick, the 1993 album Inhaler by Tad. One of the bands often mentioned along with Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam as early members of the Seattle grunge movement, but never achieving the same level of recognition or success, Tad tread in heavier and harder sounds. Some consider this a lost classic, but do we? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Grease Box5:55 - History of the Band19:58 - Grease Box23:39 - Lycanthrope26:53 - Just Bought The FarmOutro - Rotor Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Thanks to a recent Facebook poll, this week we're tackling a 1990s benefit album, specifically the 1993 compilation Sweet Relief - A Benefit for Victoria Williams. As with any tribute record, some artists will stay true to the original version, while others will make the songs their own, which can lead to mixed results. Tune in to find out where Pearl Jam, Lou Reed, Shudder to Think and more come out as we go track-by-track through the album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Summer of Drugs7:48 - Summer of Drugs16:22 - Weeds23:23 - This MomentOutro - Crazy Mary  Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

This week's Requested Review comes from a group that started as a busking Irish folk band. But Jump, Little Children, and their 1998 album Magazine, are far from their origins, combining high-energy pop rock with more introspective mid and slower tempo tunes. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Not Today1:49 - History of the Band10:13 - Violet Dreams15:42 - Cathedrals18:12 - Body PartsOutro - My Guitar Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Our latest listener request takes us back down under to revisit the 1999 album Grand Slam by Spiderbait, an odd mix of power pop, metal, trip-hop, brit pop and just about every other genre from the 90s. In fact, Grand Slam feels like a 90s mix that tries to cover a variety of sounds from the decade (minus ska and nu-metal, thankfully). It's weird, it's long, and we kinda dig it. Tune in to find out why. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Shazam!2:21 - History of the Band7:49 - Shazam!10:13 - Bessy's Last Journey13:17 - King of the NorthernOutro - Glokenpop Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Having just explored the lone album from the Holy Barbarians, we decided to investigate further the guitar/drum combo of Patrick Sugg and Scott Garrett on their 1991 self-titled album by Neverland. On the edge of 80s glam metal and 90s alternative, Neverland isn't as easy to pin down as you might think, but do they do any of it particularly well? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drinking Again4:11 - History of the Band14:41 - Mama Said19:02 - For The Love27:52 - Cry All NightOutro - Talking To You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Almost 12 years to the day, Teenage Fanclub released their third, and some would say best, album Bandwagonesque. To help us dissect the album Spin choose as Album of the Year in 1991 (over titles like Nevermind, Badmotorfinger and Ten) is Andy Derer of The Andy Derer show. Power pop bands like Teenage Fanclub never reached the heights of success that grunge bands achieved, but that didn't stop a legion of Big Star followers from trying.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - December5:44 - History of the Band11:53 - What You Do To Me34:20 - AlcoholidayOutro - The Concept Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

To help us discuss the one and only (and legendary) album Do You Know Who You Are? by Texas Is The Reason, we're joined by Eric Grubbs, fan of the show and author of Post: A Look at the Influence of Post-Hardcore 1985-2007. We dive into the unique story of Texas Is The Reason, as well as their influences and influence on emo and post-hardcore bands that followed. And of course, we dissect one damn fine record. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Johnny On The Spot9:56 - Johnny On The Spot17:21 - A Jack With One EyeOutro - Every Little Girl's Dream Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Jason has a pick for our latest episode, and it's an oddball among oddballs. Ian Astbury and The Cult towed the line between goth, hard rock and alternative, and after their break-up, he continued down the road less taken and formed Holy Barbarians. Their lone album, 1996's Cream, stands out with it's nods to '60s psychedelia combined with modern keyboard-centric twists. Our review of the self-titled 1994 Cult album ended with gushing praise, so how does the unofficial follow-up fare? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode:Intro - Space Junkie2:48 - History of the Band9:55 - You Are There12:32 - Dolly Bird20:27 - Brother FightsOutro - Bodhisattva Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

To wrap up our Fall of New Releases by 90s Bands schedule, we revisit the 1999 album Emergency & I by Dismemberment Plan, who recently reunited to release the new album Uncanney Valley out this week. Emergency & I combines a whole bunch of alternative rock royalty, like the Pixies, Pavement, Talking Heads and Gang of Four just to name a few, and produces a wholly individual sound. One of us is on board the D-Plan's ride, the other wants to get off after just a few stops. Yes, it's disagreement time! Songs in this Episode: Intro - Gyroscope2:30 - History of the Band11:50 - What Do You Want Me To Say?15:59 - A Life of Possibilities20:40 - I Love A MagicianOutro - Back and Forth Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Monster Magnet has a new record out, so you know what that means - we ignore it and review an album from their 1990s output. Before their breakout single 'Space Lord," MM scored a minor hit with 'Negasonic Teenage Warhead' off their 1995 album Dopes to Infinity. Does the whole album live up to the promise of the single, or this a case where stoner rock experimentation turns into a big mess? And what really is stoner rock, anyway? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I Control, I Fly3:20 - History of the Band12:26 - King of Mars15:42 - Ego, The Living Planet20:45 - Blow 'Em OffOutro - Negasonic Teenage Warhead Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

With their first new release in eleven years, it about time we got around to one of the most unique bands of the 90s, Girls Against Boys, and their sophomore release from 1993, Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby. With a pair of bass slingers and a vocalist buried in the mix that sounds like he's gargling rocks (that's a compliment), GVSB explores the dark and dirty side of alternative, combining elements of post-punk and industrial into a murky but often tasty stew. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rockets Are Red3:41 - History of the Band11:00 - Satin Down16:58 - Get Down19:34 - Bullet Proof CupidOutro - Learned It Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

With a new record out, we added Mazzy Star to our list of 90s bands with new releases that we needed to check out, so this week we're revisiting their 1990 debut album She Hangs Brightly. Know for the single "Fade Into You" from their sophomore release, She Hangs Brightly showcases the band in their familiar slow-to-midtempo dreamy, shoegaze, blues-influenced sound, albeit with the occasional jazzy or noisy detour. All the elements that made "Fade Into You" a hit are there, but do they come together? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Ride It On4:29 - History of the Band9:53 - Halah13:10 - Be My AngelOutro - Give You My Lovin' Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Toad the Wet Sprocket just wrapped up their new album Kickstarter campaign, and with that new record out next month, founding members Glen Phillips and Dean Dinning stopped by to revisit their 1994 album Dulcinea, talk songwriting, maintaining independence in a major label world, the importance of maintaining the mailing list and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Fall Down4:59 - Fly from Heaven33:04 - Fly from Heaven37:55 - Something's Always Wrong50:04 - Nanci55:41 - Fall Down1:04:05 - Begin1:14:17 - WoodburningOutro - Stupid Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

With a new Placebo album out this month, we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit the breakthrough album from this confusing and confrontational UK act. Their sophomore release, Without You I'm Nothing, moves between wholly unique sounds like Pure Morning and Allergic, to songs that conjure memories of New Order and the Smashing Pumpkins, although with the very unique vocal style of lead singer Brian Molko. Is Placebo for everyone? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Pure Morning3:33 - History of the Band8:53 - You Don't Care About Us18:09 - Allergic (To Thoughts of Mother Earth)Outro - Every You Every Me Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For his latest suggestion, friend-of-the-show Dirty Gert drops some shoegaze on us in the form of 1993's Blonder Tongue Audio Baton by Swirlies. Calling it "the greatest American shoegaze record" puts some high expectations on this album, but also raises a number of question, like actually defining "shoegaze." Songs in this Episode: Intro - His Love Just Washed Away2:39 - History of the Band9:48 - Bell #211:49 - Pancake23:21 - Tree Chopped DownOutro - Wrong Tube Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For our latest interview, Jeff Robbins from Orbit stops by to revisit their 1997 album Libido Speedway, which featured the heavily-rotated single Medicine as well as dig into the history and formation of Orbit, various approaches to songwriting, the legendary 90s music scene in Boston, the important role of the shaker, and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bicycle Song3:02 - Bicycle Song51:26 - Why You Won't57:40 - Medicine1:30:13 - MotoramaOutro - Wake Up Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For our latest episode, Tim makes a pick from his favorites-of-the-past archive: 1997's Good Feeling, the debut album by Travis. Combining the brit-pop guitar bombast of Oasis with the melodies and hooks of The Beatles and Kinks, topped off with stellar production thanks to Steve Lillywhite, Good Feeling failed to connect with audiences, something their sophomore release The Man Who did thanks to multiple hit singles. Hopefully Travis fans discovered Good Feeling on their own, if not, that's why we're here - to sing the praises of an overlooked gem. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Good Feeling4:48 - History of the Band13:04 - U16 Girls17:42 - More Than Us22:12 - Tied to the 90s25:17 - The Line Is FineOutro - All I Wanna Do Is Rock Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Thanks to our latest Facebook poll, we're tackling our first tribute album - For The Masses, featuring sixteen covers of Depeche Mode songs. Both Tim and Jason were familiar with this release back in the 90s, but haven't revisited it in quite awhile. Does it stand the test of time? Are any of the covers better than the originals? And can any explain the temporary fascination with Rammstein? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Enjoy The Silence9:06 - Somebody14:37 - Master and Servant16:45 - I Feel YouOutro - Never Let Me Down Again Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

This week Jason picks one of his favorites from North of the border, Vancouver's Moist and their 1994 debut album Silver. On the surface, the five-piece are a slightly alternative and mainstream radio-friendly band. But dig deeper, into the use of keys and organs, and a moodier and darker sound emerges. But does it go far enough to make is truly unique? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Silver5:59 - History of the Band11:42 - This Shrieking Love14:22 - Kill for You27:17 - Machine Punch Through31:47 - Believe MeOutro - Push Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Tom Mullen of the Washed Up Emo Podcast stops by to help us dissect one of the key albums of the 90s emo scene: 1999's Clarity by Jimmy Eat World. Although it didn't sell as well as later Jimmy Eat World albums, it's impact on a generation of musicians and music fans would be heard for years to come. Combining gritty, angular guitars and rhythms with introspective lyrics, layered with a varied instrumentation, Clarity represents musical highpoint for not only emo, but rock music at the end of the 20th Century. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Lucky Denver Mint13:06 - History of the Band18:32 - A Sunday22:12 - 12.23.9551:20 - Goodbye Sky Harbour54:34 - ClarityOutro - Crush Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Australian listener and friend of the show Gavin decided to use his free pick for 2013 to bust out the legendary (?) 1993 soundtrack to the movie Judgement Night. Featuring a roster packed with rock bands and hip-hop artists collaborating in a way that only the 1990s could produce. Some are hits, some are misses, and we talk about them all, as well as the legacy of a record possibly responsible for the late 90s nu-metal / rap metal / rap rock movement. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Just Another Victim9:55 - Real Thing11:57 - Me, Myself and My Microphone15:35 - Another Body Murdered19:01 - Missing Link23:43 - Fallin'Outro - Judgement Night Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

In our latest episode, Tim brings an oddball to the table - The Rolling Stones and Small Faces inspired fourth album from Primal Scream, 1994's Give Out But Don't Give Up. As fans of Vanishing Point, XTRMNTR and Screamadelica can tell you, Give Out... is a hard one to figure out, where honky tonk piano, blues guitar riffs and soul singers abound. Does Primal Scream make take successful detour, or get lost in the weeds? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Rocks2:53 - History of the Band10:11 - Jailbird17:16 - Give Out But Don't Give Up21:29 - Big Jet Plane24:18 - FreeOutro - (I'm Gonna) Cry Myself Blind Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For Jason's latest pick, we're back in metal mode, this time revisiting the 1995 Subhuman Race by Skid Row. Many of the hair/glam rock and metal bands of the 1980s made failed attempts to update their sound in the 90s, how does Subhuman Race fare? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - My Enemy3:33 - History of the Band10:31 - Subhuman Race12:55 - Eileen21:46 - Frozen26:45 - Breakin' DownOutro - Remains To Be Seen Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

One of our frequent suggestors, Dirty Gert, gave us three challenging records to review this year, so we thanked him for his generosity by giving a bonus review of his choosing. With that, he picked the 1993 album Love Tara by Eric's Trip. His first three picks confused and confounded us, with this follow suit, or do we finally connect witha a Dirty Gert selection? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Follow12:12 - Anytime You Want15:37 - Allergic To Love19:11 - Sunlight24:18 - StoveOutro - Spring Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

To help us revisit the suggested review of Lotion's 1996 sophomore album Nobody's Cool, we invited the whole band to join us, and they took us up on the offer. Brothers Bill and Jim Ferguson, Rob Youngberg and Tony Zajkowski all stop by to talk about history of Lotion, how their band name cost them ten grand, and we learn what happens when six Skype users can't maintain a consistent wi-fi signal. We kept the technical difficulties in this one for your amusement. Oh, and EARMUFFs for the kids, things get a little blue. Songs in the Episode: Intro - The New Timmy 21:25 - Blind for Now 28:08 - Dear Sir 43:09 - The New Timmy 56:08 - Sandra Outro - Dalmacia Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

We're back with another pick by Jason, and we've got some good old fashioned disagreement! Unique and original, or familiar and predictable? Where does the the 1996 album Year of the Rat by NY Loose fall? Tune in to find out. Songs in the Episode: Intro - Rip Me Up 2:33 - History of the Band 7:10 - Detonator 8:53 - Sunday Morning 12:23 - Broken 17:37 - Rip Me Up Outro - Trash the Given Chance Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

#125: I Love You by I Love You We're back with another requested review, and this one has left us a bit confused. I Love You is a band with little history or output, but what they did leave us is a self-titled debut album that shifts between Jane's Addiction-like alternative funk and Guns N' Roses riffing. See what we mean by confused? Songs in the Episode: Intro - Open You 1:58 - History of the Band 4:01 - Fuzz the Whirl 8:25 - Hang Straight Up 11:27 - 2 23:47 - She's The One/I.N.S.E.T. Outro - She's The One/I.N.S.E.T. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For Jason's latest pick we return to 1994 and tackle the debut album Naveed by Our Lady Peace. Following this record, the band found greater success with the second release Clumsy, but is Naveed actually the better album? We dig into Naveed, discuss the merits of the second wave of alternative in the 1990s, and ponder the origins of the nasally Canadian singer. Songs in the Episode: Intro - Supersatellite 3:33 - History of the Band 14:41 - Supersatellite 21:37 - Dirty Walls 24:14 - Neon Crossing 27:15 - Starseed Outro - Naveed Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

On episode #123 our frequent suggestor Dirty Gert throws his third requested review of the year into the ring with the Swedish duo Sportsguitar and their 1996 album Fade/Cliche. Like Radial Spangle and Space Needle, Sportsguitar is a challenge upon first listen. Hidden beneath layers of guitar noise are pop melodies, some deeper than others. Are they too deep, or just right? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Down 10:20 - Terror 13:49 - Reality 18:40 - Down 21:34 - Serious Outro - Tits Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For episode #122, we turned over selection to our Facebook followers to decide what would be our first soundtrack review. The response was overwhelming - it's the soundtrack to the 1992 Cameron Crowe film Singles. Logically, a movie about Seattle in the early 90s features bands like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, but curveballs like Paul Westerberg and The Lovemongers add some unexpected highlights. Is Singles the best compilation of early 90s alternative rock? Tune in to find out. Intro - Dyslexic Heart by Paul Westerberg 6:57 - Would? by Alice in Chains 15:02 - Overblown by Mudhoney 18:23 - Birth Ritual by Soundgarden 27:15 - Drown by Smashing Pumpkins Outro - Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns by Mother Love Bone Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For episode #121, Tim Steward of Screamfeeder joins us to fulfill a listener request to review their 1996 album Kitten Licks. The lead singer/guitarist of the Australian three-piece shares his experiences in the 90s alternative music scene on the other side of the planet, what it's like to have multiple songwriters in a band, and much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dart 11:04 - Static 31:14 - Bruises 33:14 - Dart 35:39 - Ant Outro - Summertime Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

Joining us for episode #120 is Happy Chichester, formerly of Howlin Maggie, who has just released his second solo album, Torchwood Loop. After spending almost a decade in legendary funk-rock band Royal Crescent Mob, Happy formed Howlin Maggie, who released their debut album Honeysuckle Strange in 1996. After a line-up change and follow-up release in 2001, Happy struck out on his own, releasing studio and live releases, while playing sideman in the Shawn Smith/Stone Gossard band Brad. We cover all this, plus Happy's take on the current state of the music industry, analog vs. digital recording and plenty more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - $3.99 3:39 - Miss Universe 12:41 - How The West Was Won 28:48 - Easy To Be Stupid 34:52 - I'm A Slut 43:07 - Long Live Doug (Standing) 1:09:34 - Alcohol Outro - Rubbing The Industry Raw Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For episode #119, we're tackle a listener suggestion: The Moray Eels Eat The Space Needle by Space Needle from 1997. Only this time, we've brought in our listener to tell us why he decided to suggest this album, that bounces between ten-plus-minute space rock experiments to concise and bittersweet harmonized morose pop. Songs in this Episode: Intro - One Kind of Lullaby 4:21 - History of the Band 12:41 - Where the fucks my wallet? 14:32 - Never Lonely Alone 18:32 - Old Spice 21:17 - Hot for Krishna Outro - Love Left Us Strangers Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For episode #118, Aaron Perrino of The Sheila Divine joins us to revisit their debut 1999 album, New Parade. Our wide ranging discussion covers a variety topics, including the whether Cleveland or Buffalo are the sadder city, the workout habits of Greg Dulli, eyeglass endorsements and contracting SARS in China. Oh, and we also talk music, songwriting, recording, touring and all that good stuff, as well as an impromptu a cappella version of Joe Esposito's "You're The Best." Songs in this Episode: Intro - Automatic Buffalo 17:42 - Hum 20:17 - Automatic Buffalo 33:10 - The Modern Log 1:04:20 - The Amendment Outro - Awful Age Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review

For our latest listener suggestion, we finally get around to a beloved album that flew under our collective radar for too long - 1994's Pony Express Record by Shudder To Think. The twists and turns are plenty on STT's major label debut, but hidden inside these dissonant and jagged tunes are melodic hooks that would make Matthew Sweet swoon. And that's not the only oddball reference we'll make, as Alice Cooper, Jesus Christ Superstar and more get tossed into the reference potluck in an attempt to figure out Pony Express Record. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Gang of $ 3:30 - History of the Band 16:15 - No RM. 9, Kentucky 19:01 - Kissi Penny 22:02 - Earthquakes Come Home 29:00 - X-French Tee Shirt 33:06 - So Into You (Atlanta Rhythm Section) 34:36 - So Into You (Shudder To Think) Outro - Trackstar Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Episode #116 brings us another listener suggestion, this time we check out the 1995 album Murk Time Cruiser by aMiniature (the first "a" is silent, if you didn't know). Combining disjointed rhythms and razor sharp guitar riffs, aMiniature are in the same stratosphere as the recently reviewed Knapsack, evening sharing the same producer for their third and final album, just like Knapsack. But is that where the similarities end? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - He, The Bad Feeler 1:50 - History of the Band 12:27 - He, The Bad Feeler 14:00 - Peddler's Talk 17:21 - Long Live Soul Miner 24:39 - Bored Spy Outro - Signer's Strut Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

The day has finally come - Dig Me Out is intercontinental! For episode #115, we're joined on Skype by Australian filmmaker Shaun Katz to talk about his upcoming music documentary, Underground, Inc., as well as review his pick, the 1996 album Endless Bummer by My Head. Help back Underground, Inc. by backing the Kickstarter campaign. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Killer Hair 6:09 - History of the Band 14:22 - Teenage Foxes 18:20 - Carnasaur 23:38 - Fall 25:49 - Humbucker 32:34 - Don't Waste My Time Outro - Log Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

The lone release by Seattle-supergroup Mad Season, 1995's Above, is being re-released in 2013 as a box set with new material and a live concert, so now is the time to revisit. Often, musical supergroups fail to live up to the sum of their parts (re: The Thorns or Velvet Revolver), does Mad Season? Is this just another "grunge" record, or does Above rise...um, above? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I'm Above 3:20 - History of the Band 10:52 - Wake Up 19:27 - I'm Above 23:25 - November Hotel 36:19 - Artificial Red Outro - I Don't Know Anything Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For listener request episode #113, we're heading down the road less, or never travelled: Radial Spangle, and their second (and last) album, 1994's Syrup Macrame. Indie and alternative aren't specific enough to describe Radial Spangle's music: neo-experimental-space-psychedelic-lo-fi-rock? We're not quiet sure what to make of much of the album, but moments shine through - are their enough? Tune in to fine out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Special Love 2:38 - History of the Band 6:31 - Caf, 'Fine 9:33 - Busy Hole 14:58 - Knees 18:06 - Patio Furniture 27:17 - Sunflower Graveyard Outro - New Dress Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For episode #112, we're tackling the third and final album from Knapsack, 1998's This Conversation Is Ending Starting Right Now. Jason brings a favorite of his to review, and Tim's never heard it. Will Tim share Jason's appreciation for an album that got plenty of Facebook love, or is disagreement on the horizon? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Arrows to the Action 2:46 - History of the Band 10:42 - Cold Enough To Break 15:56 - Shape of the Fear 25:06 - Change Is All The Rage 28:38 - Cinema Stare Outro - Hummingbirds Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

We're back with another listener suggestion for episode #111 as we return to the world of 90s one-hit wonders and the 1996 album Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy by The Refreshments. Combining bar-band like guitar crunch with clever lyrics, FFBB shows of the Arizona band's musical range, adding elements unique to the Southwest like Mariachi rhythms and horns, and plenty of references to Mexico. There's no doubting "Banditos" worthiness as a 90s hit, but does the rest of the album measure up? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Down Together 3:17 - History of the Band 14:32 - Down Together 18:46 - Banditos 24:12 - Mexico Outro - European Swallow Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

We're back with another pick from Jason - the 1997 album Sound Of Lies by The Jayhawks. Written and recorded after the departure of co-founding lead singer and songwriter Mark Olsen, Sound of Lies rests on the shoulders of Gary Louris, who expands the Midwestern Americana sound to include psychedelic and Beatles-esque pop. Reviews were mixed at the time, but some claim this is a buried treasure. Are they right? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Think About It 3:06 - History of the Band 12:41 - Sixteen Down 20:26 - Trouble 23:22 - Dying On The Vine 29:18 - It's Up To You Outro - The Man Who Loved Life Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Episode 109 brings us another listener suggestion, this time the swan song of the Screaming Trees, their 1996 album Dust. The band recruited legendary producer George Drakoulias and legendary keyboardist Benmont Tench to create their most polished and radio-friendly album of their career, but did it turn out legendary? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Make My Mind 5:15 - History of the Band 18:56 - All I Know 22:04 - Halo of Ashes 24:14 - Sworn and Broken Outro - Dime Western Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

It's Tim's turn to make a pick, and this one brings the first big disagreement of the 2013 season as we tackle the sophomore album from Big Ass Truck, 1996's Kent. The gentlemen from Memphis combine Southern rock, funk and a little Ska with touches of Dust Brothers production ala the Beastie Boys and Beck. It's definitely an acquired taste, and one host did not acquire it. Can you guess who? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Theem From 2:28 - History of the Band 11:33 - Lil Tico 16:06 - Thermopolis 18:36 - Quart St Parakeet 21:15 - Dog Chases An Iguana Up A Tree & Barks At It All Night (pts I & II) Outro - Sweetness Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

This week it's our third requested review of season - the lone self-titled release by Handsome. The 90s had it's fair share of supergroups, from Temple of the Dog to Golden Smog, but Handsome flew under the radar, featuring members of legendary bands like Quicksand, Helmet, Cro-Mags and Murphy's Law. Terms like hardcore and alternative are easy to associate to Handsome, but what about shoegaze and industrial? Like G.I. Joe, there's more than meets the eye (or ear) with Handsome, but does it all work? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Going to Panic 5:32 - History of the Band 16:20 - Going to Panic 18:16 - Ride Down 21:10 - Lead Bellied 29:08 - Dim The Lights Outro - Eden's Complex Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

This week we review a band that has sold over two million albums over a seventeen-year, ten-album career - and most people outside Sweden have never heard of them. It's Kent, and their 1998 album Isola. Well, 1998 is the release of the English-language version, the Swedish-language version came out a year earlier, but that's not the point. We're hear to talk about the music, which in it's finest moments recalls Pablo Honey and The Bends-era Radiohead. But are there enough fine moments to call this a worthy album? Tune in to find out. Note: Tim is now aware he pronounced "Isola" incorrect during the entire episode thanks to his better half. Songs in this Episode: Intro - If You Were Here 3:11 - History of the Band 10:07 - If You Were Here 14:40 - OWC 21:58 - Lifesavers Outro - 747 Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Episode 105 brings us our second Requested Review of the 2013 season: 1997's Rock Collection by Pond, the third and final album from the Portland, Oregon trio. Combing angular guitar riffs with tricky drumming and challenging melodies, Pond brings to mind better known 90s rock darlings like Built To Spill and Pavement. Do they have what it takes for consideration in the indie-rock pantheon along side those bands? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Twins 3:32 - History of the Band 6:40 - Scoliosis 11:36 - Spokes 15:16 - You're Not A Seed 18:54 - Twins Outro - Filterless Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For episode #104, Tim sifted through his college radio archive to dig out the lone album by Pusherman, 1996's Floored. Combining the long-form jams of The Verve with the attitude and pop-sensiblity of Oasis, the band pushes the envelope on song and album length, usually bad signs when we get our hands on a record from the 90s. Through in a harmonica and some dance beats, and it sounds like a recipe for a disaster, but is it, despite the term "timeless" being used to describe it? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sold 5:36 - History of the Band 10:15 - Chase It 17:30 - The Aim Indeed 21:44 - Whole 23:46 - Never Coming Back Outro - First Time Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For our first episode of Season Three, we've got a requested review: the 1997 album One Day At A Time by Symposium. Once the "it" band for NME and Melody Maker, the band fell as fast as it rose, while it's brand of energetic pop punk seemed more in step with American bands like Green Day and Blink-182 than it's brit-pop contemporaries Oasis and Blur. The young band knows how to write a melodic hook, but do they know how to seamlessly integrate ska? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drink the Sunshine 2:30 - History of the Band 8:44 - Farewell to Twilight 10:24 - Puddles 15:54 - One Day At A Time 20:07 - Smiling Outro - Fear of Flying Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Season Two of Dig Me Out is in the books! For the last episode of 2012, we're taking a look back at our sophomore year and picking our top five favorite songs as well as our new album discovery. We've got plenty of thanks to dispense to those who made Season Two a huge success: all of our great guests and folks who suggested albums, and of course our listeners. Lastly, towards the end of the show there is a special announcement regarding something brand new in 2013 (hint: it's music related). Note: Tim imbibed too much celebratory champagne and thought this podcast went up New Year's Day instead of Christmas Day. Tim promises to lay off the champagne in future episodes. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For our last review of 2012, of course it's a listener suggestion. To wrap it up, we're checking out Chicago's Eleventh Dream Day and their 1993 album El Moodio. EDD provides a unique sound with their male/female vocal combination and wild swings from concise jangle pop to sprawling jam ballads. Does it all work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Makin' Like a Rug 2:40 - History of the Band 9:57 - After This Time Is Gone 14:26 - Makin' Like a Rug 18:18 - Bend Bridge Outro - Rubberband Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Episode #100 marks the second of two listener suggestion episodes that ignore the alternative and indie rock explosion of the 1990s in favor of some straight-up rock and roll that draws influences from metal, glam and hard rock of the previous decade. This week, it's Circus of Power and their 1993 album Magic & Madness. A number of bands pinned to the hair/glam rock era of the 1980s tried to transition their sound in the 90s, some successful and some not. COP worked with Jerry Cantrell of Alice and Chains and toured with Gruntruck, making an attempt to move in a more straightforward hard rock direction. Is it magic or madness? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Heaven & Hell 2:29 - History of the Band 7:05 - Swamp Devil 10:37 - Mama Tequila 17:49 - Black Roses 24:50 - Otta My Head Outro - Shine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

Thanks to a listener suggestion we're starting a two week exploration of the metal, glam and hard rock end of the 1990s with Life, Sex & Death, and their 1992 album The Silent Majority. Jason says LSD are the best live band he's ever seen, and has plenty to share about this one-album-and-done band that featured Van Halen-style riffs with Tom Waits-esque vocals, a weird combination that shouldn't work but somehow does. MAJOR EARMUFFS WARNING Songs in this Episode: Intro - Telephone Call 3:40 - History of the Band 10:48 - Blue Velvet Morning 20:59 - Schools for Fools 24:14 - Fuckin Shit Ass 29:52 - Jawohl Asshole 33:26 - Rise Above Outro - Tank Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

For episode #98, we're using a listener suggestion as an opportunity to check out an obscure band neither of us knew about to that later became another obscure band that we actually did know about. Got it? Scottish rockers Baby Chaos are the band, and they also provide us with the longest album title to date with 1995's Safe Sex Designer Drugs & The Death of Rock & Roll. In the late 90s they changed their name to Deckard, a band we both listened back in the early 2000s. We liked Deckard, so how does Baby Chaos stack up? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Saliva 1:50 - History of the Band 11:17 - Sperm 13:47 - A Bullet for the End 25:38 - Go To Hell Outro - Hello Victim Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

In our quest to knock out our backlog of listener suggestions, for episode #97 we're checking out the 1997 album Under the Western Freeway by Grandaddy. Some describe Grandaddy's sound as lo-fi space-rock, drawing comparisons to The Flaming Lips, Brian Wilson and Pavement, but we also heard some more straight-forward pop in the vein of Weezer and Guided By Voices. Question is, does is work, and what could Grandaddy learn from Journey? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - A.M. 180 2:13 - History of the Band 6:08 - A.M. 180 9:39 - Summer Here Kids 13:50 - Poised at Hartsy Thai Food Outro - Why Took Your Advice Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

We're back with another listener suggestion, this week tackling the 1994 debut album Comforter by Irish band Compulsion. Deemed "The New Wave of New Wave" by NME back in the early 1990s, Compulsion straddles the line between the American alternative rock of Nirvana and the Pixies, and the harder-edged guitar rock of Therapy? with a unique lyrical bent. Does it all work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Mall Monarchy 2:32 - History of the Band 9:36 - Rapejacket 14:06 - Domestique 15:33 - Oh My Fool Life Outro - Jean Could Be Wrong Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Merchandise

We've got a very special episode this week as we're joined by Ken Stringfellow of The Posies to talk about his new solo album, Danzig The Moonight. In addition, we revisit the 1993 Posies album Frosting On The Beater. Now living in Paris, Ken talks about the varied influences behind his new album, working with a variety of musicians, songwriting, gives us the real story on The Posies relationship with DGC while making Frosting On The Beater, their contrasting experiences in the studio with John Leckie and Don Fleming, how he joined the R.E.M. fold, and so much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Dream All Day (from Frosting On The Beater) 2:05 - History of the Band 9:07 - Jesus Was An Only Child (from Danzig In The Moonlight) 27:43 - Drop Your Pride (from Danzig In The Moonlight) 40:47 - Flavor of the Month (from Frosting On The Beater) 58:21 - Doesn't It Remind You of Something (from Danzig In The Moonlight) Outro - Shittalkers (from Danzig In the Moonlight Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

Hey all, we've posted a short announcement in our feed this week that you can download or stream. Feel free to visit our new Request A Review page for all the information regarding our new process for album suggestions starting in 2013.

Another listener suggestion! This is one is a band both Tim and J are surprised they never got around to on their own. On episode #94 we're checking out the 1996 album Mic City Sons, the last by Heatmiser, after which co-leader Elliott Smith went on to carve out a well-respected if too short solo career. Mic City Sons shows off a different side to Smith, as well as shines the spotlight on his bandmate Neil Gust. We discuss that, why serial killers wouldn't enjoy Elliott Smith, and much more. Make sure to listen to the beginning of the episode regarding a special announcement coming very soon. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Eagle Eye 4:25 - History of the Band 10:23 - Get Lucky 15:43 - Plainclothes Man 20:44 - Pop In G Outro - See You Later Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

It's another listener suggestion on episode #93, and this week we're checking out the 1997 album Luxury Plane Crash by Scarfo. Fronted by now half of the duo known as the The Kills, this short-lived Jamie Hince led trio pound out some big noise and catchy melodies. Their sound is hard to pin down, combing English elements of The Jam and Buzzcocks with American indie artists like Jawbox and the Pixies. So how does it all work together? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - ELO 1:58 - History of the Band 9:02 - Jet Smashed Flat 11:59 - Alkaline 14:08 - Prison Architect 20:02 - Pajo Gear Outro - Lifeline Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're back with another listener suggestion - this week we head down to Texas to check out Tripping Daisy and their 1995 album I Am an Elastic Firecracker. There are obvious comparisons to be made to bands like Jane's Addiction and The Flaming Lips. Tripping Daisy even managed to score their own version of an oddball hit single a la "She Don't Use Jelly" with the tune "I Got A Girl," but is there more to this band than one-hit wonder status? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Raindrop 2:23 - History of the Band 10:02 - Raindrop 12:15 - Rocketpop 16:11 - I Got A Girl 22:50 - Motivation Outro - Prick Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #91 we're tackling one of the most influential albums of the 1990s - Sunny Day Real Estate debut release from 1994, Diary. Credited as a primary instigator of what would later be known as emo, Sunny Day Real Estate never like to stay in one moment too long; switching tempo, time signatures and volume at the drop of a hat. Somehow, the band manages to seamlessly combine elements of post-punk, progressive rock and grunge into one cohesive sound. It's been eighteen years since it's initial release, and three years since the remastered re-release with bonus tracks, so the only question is - does Diary stand the test of time? And is the Batman Forever soundtrack a perfect time capsule for the mid-1990s?Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Seven 4:10 - History of the Band 15:56 - Seven 17:36 - In Circles 24:35 - Shadows 27:32 - 47 Outro - The Blankets Were the Stairs Note: We apologize for the slightly garbled audio on Jason's end, the internet did not want to cooperate on this particular day. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're back with another listener suggestion, this week tackling the 1998 release Dope Box from Jack Drag. Of all the albums we've reviewed so far, Dope Box might be the most diverse (or schizophrenic), bouncing from Prodigy-esque big beats on one song, to mid-tempo Velvet Crush-like power pop on the next. There's a lot to like about this album, and a lot of befuddlement as well. Which side did we come down on? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Kung Fu Dub 2:59 - History of the Band 12:12 - Debutante 14:25 - Tall Buildings 16:32 - Seem So Tired 19:12 - Best Friend 21:57 - Surfin' the Charles Outro - Where We Are Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

Dinosaur Jr. just released a new album, so we felt episode #89 was a perfect time to revisit the 1997 album Hand It Over. Legendary guitarist/singer/songwriter J. Mascis once described the album as his favorite of the major label years, so how does it stand up fifteen years later? There are plenty of curveballs on this album, with trumpets, flutes, banjo's making front and center appearances, not what you'd expect from a Dinosaur Jr. album. Does it work? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Can't We Move This 4:06 - History of the Band 12:57 - I'm Insane 14:38 - I'm Insane 17:04 - Never Bought It 22:27 - Alone 27:40 - Nothin's Goin On 35:57 - Can't We Move This Outro - Mick Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

Mark another one off the listener suggestion pile - this week we tackle the debut solo album by founding Kyuss member and former Fu Manchu drummer Brant Bjork, the 1999 album Jalamanta. Brant's take on "desert rock" is more stripped down with less bombast, incorporating Latin and jazz influences. It's an interesting combination, but does it work? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Too Many Chiefs... Not Enough Indians 5:17 - History of the Band 13:05 - Let's Get Chinese Eyes 14:44 - Too Many Chiefs... Not Enough Indians 19:25 - Automatic Fantastic Outro - Defender of the Oleander Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're doing our best to keep our promise of catching up on our backlog of listener suggestions, and on episode #86 we're back with another. This week, we give a listen to Send No Flowers from the UK, and their lone full-length release from 1996, Juice. Like our recent review Headswim, the gentlemen of Send No Flowers are giving us their take on early '90s American alternative rock. We both found Headswim had a hard time finding their own sound, stuck repeating instead of reinventing bands like Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains. Does Send No Flowers fair any better? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Porcelain 6:26 - History of the Band 11:06 - Cold 14:39 - Porcelain 18:21 - Monotony 21:37 - Bitter Taste Outro - Animal Feeder Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're taking a break from our run of listener suggestions to check out one of the classic albums of the '90s alternative music - 1992's Copper Blue by Sugar. Bob Mould has a new solo album out, so we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit his short-lived run with with this post-Husker Du power trio, especially since it's recently been re-released and remastered with bonus material thanks to Merge Records. Joining us to talk about Copper Blue is Andy Derer from the The Andy Derer Show, who's hosted a wide array of interesting guests on his podcast that include Cris Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, Craig Wedren of Shudder to Think and Bob Nastanovich of Pavement, just to name a few. Be sure to check out the start of the new season of The Andy Derer Show starting on September 8th, and follow Andy on Twitter and Facebook. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Helpless 7:45 - History of the Band 17:49 - A Good Idea 20:23 - Changes 23:04 - If I Can't Change You Mind 27:33 - The Act We Act 37:36 - Hoover Dam 41:18 - Man On The Moon Outro - The Slim Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #85, thanks to a listener suggestion we're tackling Lucy's Fur Coat, and their 1994 album, Jaundice. Although Jason admitted to purchasing the album years ago, he never got around to actually listening to it, so it's fresh and new for both. We've often discussed the importance of a frontman who can do more than just sing in key, that personality can elevate a mediocre band. So what does Lucy's Fur Coat bring to the table? And what is on the Mars Rover iTunes playlist? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Falling Out 4:16 - History of the Band 11:17 - Easy 14:18 - Super 17:18 - Not My Fault 18:44 - Same 21:15 - Southern Cookin' Outro - Treasure Hands Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #84, we're joined by fellow podcaster Kim Ware to check out her suggestion, Superchunk's 1993 album No Pocky for Kitty. Kim spent time drumming and booking shows in Wilmington, North Carolina in the 1990s, where the legendary and lesser known Chapel Hill bands regularly gigged around town. Tim and J were both more familiar with the later Superchunk releases than the early Matador years, so how does No Pocky For Kitty stack up? Does the energetic and sometimes frantic mix of punk, power-pop and indie rock come together? And why is Majesty Shredding so hard to pronounce after one beer? Tune in to find out. Check out Kim's podcast - This Is The Sound Songs In this Episode: Intro - Punch Me Harder 11:38 - History of the Band 25:12 - Tower 34:24 - Skip Steps 1 + 3 41:46 - Sidewalk 44:40 - Punch Me Harder Outro - Throwing Things Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #83 we return to our long list of listener suggestions and check out the 1994 album Flood by Headswim. A first blush the sound is reminiscent of Seattle's biggest and brightest - Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. But when you dig a little deeper, the band is definitely stretching out to find their own sound, only question is - does is work? Tune in to find out. Song In This Episode: Intro - Apple of My Eye 2:42 - History of the Band 8:08 - Gone To Pot 9:45 - Soup 11:41 - Stinkhorn 15:52 - Try Disappointed 23:16 - Down Outro - Safe Harvest Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #82 of Dig Me Out, we've got another listener suggestion. This week we tackle one of the more prolific and perplexing bands of the last twenty years - Therapy? No, it's not a question, the name is Therapy?, and we're checking out their 1994 album Troublegum. The band has confounded many with their quick-witted lyrics and musical mash-up of metal, punk, rock, industrial and more. So what did we make of this equally exciting and jarring album? Tune in to find out. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Nowhere 3:47 - History of the Band 12:29 - Screamager 17:34 - Femtex 20:46 - Turn 22:46 - Isolation 28:04 - Hellybelly Outro - Trigger Inside Note: For the faint of heart, Tim apologizes for the accidental f-bomb, enthusiasm got the best of him. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #81 we're joined by mastering engineer, record label owner and Jellyfish aficionado Steve Turnidge to revisit the band's debut release, 1990's Bellybutton. Steve is half of the team that put together the Jellyfish tribute album Sensory Lullabies and brings a deep knowledge and passion for the band to this episode. Grab a drink, find a comfortable chair and sit back, because you are about to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the most under-appreciated band of the 90s. Other Links: Steve's Book: Desktop Mastering: Fundamental Tools and Techniques for Mastering in the Box Jellyfish: Live at Bogart's 1991 Relevant Previous Episodes: #35: Phaseshifter by Redd Kross #36: Get In Get Out by Mink #46: Ro Sham Bo by The Grays Songs In This Episode: Intro - The King Is Half-Undressed 7:15 - History of the Band 30:58 - All I Want Is Everything 32:19 - All I Want Is Everything (Millicent Friendly cover) 36:27 - That Is Why 38:52 - Baby's Coming Back 49:50 - She Still Loves Him 59:15 - Bedspring Kiss 1:02:32 - Bedspring Kiss (Nigel Frayling-Kelly cover) Outro - I Wanna Stay Home Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #80 we're back with another listener suggestion, this week checking out the previously unfamiliar Walt Mink and their 1992 album Miss Happiness. Combining elements of Cheap Trick power pop and Jane's Addiction-esque guitar rock, Walt Mink can defy description at times. But is that a good thing, or is it the sound of inconsistency? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Love You Better 1:52 - History of the Band 10:31 - Smoothing The Ride 14:22 - Chowder Town 19:26 - Pink Moon Outro - Croton-Harmon (Local) Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #79, we push Skype to the max and welcome three special guests: drummer Aaron Preston, bassist Clint McBay and guitarist Mark Metzger, all of the Chainsaw Kittens, to revisit the 1992 album Flipped Out in Singapore. We go deep into the history of the band, covering the arrivals, departures, working with Butch Vig and Spike Jonze, Aaron and Clint joining For Love Not Lisa, taunting O.J. Simpson, and why touring with KMFDM was as bad as it sounds. Links: TeenageWastelandOnline TysonMeade.com High In Highschool Video directed by Spike Jonze Connie, I've Found the Door video directed by Phil Harder Songs In This Episode: Intro - High In High School 3:34 - History of the Band 25:43 - 2nd Theme/Flipped Out In Singapore 30:29 - Hold 45:47 - High In High School Outro - When You Shoot Bad Language Warning: This one definitely requires some earmuffs for the kids. Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #78 of Dig Me Out, Jason brings a pick to the show - the 1999 album Through the Darkness by D Generation. Some might know lead singer Jesse Malin from his successful solo career, but with the recently reunited D Generation getting ready to release a new album soon, it's the perfect time to tackle the third album from this New York City punk rock outfit. D Generation combine the snotty punk of the New York Dolls with power pop of Cheap Trick and '80s Sunset Strip bands. On some songs, it works like magic, on others... well, tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hatred 5:25 - History of the Band 10:12 - Good Ship Down 13:34 - Helpless 17:35 - Lonely 23:08 - So Messed Up vs. Wild Night 26:36 - Only A Ghost Outro - Sick On The Radio Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #77 we're back with Watershed bassist/vocalist Joe Oestreich, author of the new book "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll." In part two, we revisit their 1996 album Star Vehicle and about how touring different regions of the country impacts songwriting, their place in the history of Columbus music and the wisdom of the Karate Kid. Songs in this Episode: Intro - She Picks The Songs 8:30 - Superstressed 14:36 - Can't Be Myself 18:27 - She Picks The Songs 28:05 - If That's How You Want It 35:19 - Something Wrong 47:59 - American Muscle Outro - Obvious Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #76 we're joined by Watershed bassist/vocalist Joe Oestreich, author of the new book "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll." Joe has spent almost three decades traversing the country bringing his band's version of Midwestern power-pop to the masses, and has plenty of stories to tell in part one of a two part interview, discussing songwriting, recording, balancing two singer/songwriters, Billy Squire, the dirty secret about "live" albums and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I'd Be A Liar 14:18 - History of the Band 27:45 - How Do You Feel 37:17 - Star Vehicle 42:08 - Black Concert T-Shirt (Star Vehicle '98 version) 43:03 - Black Concert T-Shirt (The More It Hurts, The More It Works version) 51:21 - Consolation Prize Outro - Give A Little Bit Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

With the release of Glen Hansard's first solo record, we thought it was about time to revisit his pre-Swell Season, pre-Once band, The Frames, and their sophomore album from 1996, Fitzcarraldo. Many people know Hansard from the movie (and now Tony Award winning broadway musical) Once and his other band The Swell Season, but Hansard actually cut his teeth with his Dublin, Ireland outfit The Frames starting the early 1990s. For Tim and Jason, this album goes back to the college radio days, and they've been singing it's praises ever since. Find out why this album is "criminally overlooked," and how that led to an end-of-show tangent about a new music-based reality show called Rock Cops coming to a channel near you very soon (or not). Songs in this Episode: Intro - Monument 5:21 - History of the Band 12:47 - Revelate 17:00 - Monument 21:53 - Revelate 24:49 - Angel At My Table 27:31 - In This Boat Together 30:16 - Giving It All Away Outro - Evergreen Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

With Guided By Voices reunited and releasing their second of three (!) albums in 2012, we decided to spend episode #74 reviewing the 1999 album Do the Collapse. When Robert Pollard abandoned his trademark lo-fi sound to release a major label album, produced by the legendary Cars leader Ric Ocasek, it's safe to the say the reviews were mixed. And when we say mixed, we mean numerous die-hard fans hated it with a passion. But is their vitriol justified, or is this an under-appreciated gem in the GBV catalog? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Surgical Focus 3:11 - History of the Band 15:49 - Teenage FBI 19:37 - Surgical Focus 22:20 - Wormhole 24:29 - Hold On Hope 27:16 - Liquid Indian 29:19 - An Unmarketed Product Outro - Zoo Pie Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #73 we head back down under thanks to a suggestion by our Australian friend-of-the-show, Gavin and take a listen to the 1997 album Not Meant for This World by Asteroid B-612. The early punk of The Stooges and MC5 is prevalent in the sound of Asteroid B-612: raw energy, loud guitars and a big chorus. But does the band pull it off as well as the revered Hellacopters or ? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Emotional Tattoo 3:47 - History of the Band 11:52 - Thanks for Nuthin' 15:16 - Destination Blues 18:02 - Believe It's True 28:09 - Farewell to the Cosmic Commander Outro - True Romance And as we mentioned in the show, head over to ScottMorganMusic.com to help out Scott out with his medical bills. Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #72 of Dig Me Out we're joined by Blinker The Star's Jordon Zadorozny to revisit the 1999 album August Everywhere. Besides a track-by-track dissection of this under-appreciated gem, Jordon talks to us about his musical roots in Canada, making the move to Los Angeles in the mid-90s, his contributions to Courtney Love and Mandy Moore records, a songwriting bootcamp in a French castle, the influences of Duran Duran and Steely Dan, and much much more. It's a long one, so settle in, then leave us a comment on this episode. Songs in this Episode Intro - Crazy Eyes 3:33 - History of the Band 22:20 - September Already 27:16 - Behind The Sliding Doors 34:38 - Crazy Eyes 43:47 - All Dreamed Out 46:17 - Pretty Pictures 50:57 - Pretty Pictures Guitar Solo 52:46 - On This Earth 57:54 - I Am A Fraction 1:10:14 - There's No Where You Can Hide 1:15:22 - Right Kind of Girl 1:27:36 - Star Behind The Star Outro - Strange As They Say Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #71, we tackle The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombation In 12 Bursts by Refused. Since it's original release in 1998, TSoPtC has been graced with accolades and fawning retrospectives - but is it deserved? Due the techno, beat poetry and jazz interludes sound fresh and exciting or gimmicky and contrived? Tune in to find out! (Warning: earmuffs for the little ones, Refused liked their f-bombs) Songs in this Episode: Intro - Summertime Holidays vs. Punkroutine 10:30 - The Deadly Rhythm 16:54 - Liberation Frequency 25:04 - New Noise 27:32 - Tannhauser Derive 32:04 - Worms Of The Senses/Faculties Of The Skull 34:51 - Protest Song '68 Outro - The Shape of Punk to Come Comment on this Episode | More Info Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #70, we revisit the 1996 album Fever In Fever Out by Luscious Jackson with a little help from lead singer/bassist Jill Cuniff. As Luscious Jackson prepare to release a new album, we look back at a band that helped define the sound of the '90s and was a leading light in the rise of the female artist during the decade. We talk to Jill about recording with legendary producer Daniel Lanois, the influences of soul, R&B and French pop, songwriting, and the decision to release their new album independently with the help of Pledgemusic.com. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Electric 6:47 - History of the Band 14:14 - Naked Eye 17:42 - Interview Segment #1 24:35 - Why Do I Lie? 28:01 - Mood Swing 40:34 - Interview Segment #2 45:51 - Don't Look Back 50:06 - Faith 53:45 - Interview Segment #3 1:00:38 - Under Your Skin Outro - Soothe Yourself Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #69, we make a second trip to our adopted hometown of Columbus, Ohio to revisit an under-appreciated classic, Pretty Mighty Mighty's 1999 album Famous Past Lives. Lead singer/guitarist Jon Chinn joins us for this trip down memory lane back to when the band formed in college through their line-up changes, building (several) recording studios, surviving a house fire, scoring an unexpected radio hit and the dealing with the labels that came calling, along with an in-depth discussion on songwriting and recording. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Ski Instructor 31:35 - My Own Type 35:57 - Media King 42:58 - Ski Instructor 50:59 - Scratch 101:41 - St. Louis 105:35 - Deafening 1:11:20 - Heart Attack 1:21:08 - Tidal Wave Outro - Best of the Worst Comment on this Episode | More Info Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

As promised, here are some bonus clips with For Love Not Lisa guitarist Miles. Big thanks to Chip Midnight!

On episode #68, Chip Midnight returns with an album suggestion and interview to go along with it. We check out the 1993 album Merge by For Love Not Lisa, and Chip talks to guitarist Miles. Merge offers plenty of diversity, but is it too much of a good thing? We cover everything on this episode - how the wrong tours can frustrate a band, our first discussion of "Christian Rock" and it's development in the '90s, and a legendary guitarist showing up on a b-side track. As a bonus, we'll be posting clips from Chips interview that didn't make the episode this Thursday. Consider it an early Cinco de Mayo present. Chips links: Atomic Ned | Lipstick 'n Leather Songs in this Episode: Intro - Daring To Pick Up 11:30 - Softhand 15:14 - Mother's Faith 19:19 - Travis Hoffman 23:16 - Interview Segment #1 26:18 - More Than A Girl 29:08 - Interview Segment #2 34:05 - Rocket Ride 38:58 - Interview Segment #3 41:46 - Slip Slide Melting 46:53 - Interview Segment #4 Outro - Simple Line of Decline Comment on this Episode | More Info Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

With The Dandy Warhols releasing a new album, we spend episode #67 revisiting their 1997 album The Dandy Warhols Come Down. The Dandys bounce between '60s psychedelia, Velvet Underground drone, Neil Young guitar spasms, electronic rhythms and even some bouncy Britpop, but does it all work? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Minnesoter 13:51 - Cool as Kim Deal 18:17 - Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth 20:21 - Everyday Should Be A Holiday 23:32 - Good Morning Outro - Boys Better Comment on this Episode | More Info Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #66, we're joined by author Frank Anthony Polito to review The Sundays 1992 album Blind. Frank's just released his third novel, Lost in the '90s, which is set in, you guessed it, the 1990s, making it perfect for our show. Frank suggested we revisit the critically-acclaimed but lesser known sophomore release from The Sundays, so we dive in and there is plenty to discuss - from Johnny Marr-influenced guitar lines to the deceptively dark lyrics wrapped in pop melodies. Frank's Links - Facebook (Frank) | Facebook (Lost in the 90s) | Twitter Songs in this Episode: Intro - Love 20:28 - On Earth 23:10 - I Feel 26:39 - God Made Me 29:57 - What Do You Think 32:23 - Love Outro - Love Comment on this Episode | More Info More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #64, we're back with another listener suggestion. Actually, it's a multiple listener suggestion episode - lots of folks have told us to revisit Hum's 1995 album You'd Prefer An Astronaut, and we aim to please. Tim knew he was going to struggle to be objective since Hum is one of his favorite bands of all time, so in order to avoid a blubbering gush-fest, we invited a special guest to help us review the album - director Shawn Foster. Check out Shawn's website for videos of his work with the Deftones, Drive-by Truckers, The Sun and more. There's plenty to talk about the unique Hum - their combination of metal, progressive rock and shoegaze with an space and science lyrical bent makes comparisons difficult, but we give it a shot. Shawn shares some directing experiences, including the infamous Zane's Sex Chronicles, his opportunity to fulfill all our wishes and punch Fred Durst, and somehow we end up tying it all up with The Muppets. Alcohol may have been consumed during this episode. WARNING: Plenty of salty language in this one. Earmuffs for the kids. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I'd Like Your Hair Long 23:02 - I'd Like Your Hair Long 25:59 - Little Dipper 35:11 - Suicide Machine 39:52 - Stars 49:42 - Stars Outro - The Pod Comment on this Episode | More Info More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #63 it's listener suggestion time. We review Tuscadero's 1996 release The Pink Album, and we're not quite sure what to make of it. Are they punk, post-punk, pop, alternative? And why did we gravitate towards the lyrics? Questions abound, but do we find answers? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Leather Idol 17:33 - Just My Size 19:14 - Hollywood Handsome 24:37 - Nancy Drew Outro - Latex Dominatrix More Info | Comment on this Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #62 we're back with another listener review. This week it's the 1995 album Mephisto by Capsize 7. From Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the same scene that produced Archers of Loaf, Polvo and Superchunk, Capsize 7 has a lot to live up to when it comes to arguably the indie rock capital of the U.S. Can the lesser-known Capsize 7 hold their own? Tune in to find out. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Blasting Radios Off 10:52 - Column Shifter 13:39 - Armstrong 14:46 - The Safe 18:45 - Blasting Radios Off 21:46 - Connecticut Outro - Western Friese Comment on this Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #61, we're exiting the '90s with a special guest - Mark Yarm, author of "Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History of Grunge." Mark helps us dive into the legendary 1986 release Deep Six, a compilation of six seminal Seattle bands that shaped the sound known as grunge: Soundgarden, Melvins, Malfunkshun, Green River, Skin Yard and The U-Men. You're going to want to stick around 'til the end on this one as we'll be giving away a sealed vinyl copy of the original C/Z Records release of the Deep Six compilation. Mark's links - tumblr page, Facebook and Twitter. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Green River "10,000 Things" 11:56 - Soundgarden "All Your Lies" 17:38 - Melvins "Scared" 23:09 - Green River "Your Own Best Friend" 38:09 - Malfunkshun "With Yo Heart (Not Yo Hands)" 46:02 - Skin Yard "The Birds" 51:01 - The U-Men "They" Outro - Soundgarden "Heretic" Comment on this Episode | More Info CONTEST RULES No purchase or contribution necessary. Listen to the trivia question in this episode and, as instructed, answer on appropriate Facebook thread when posted. Contest ends as of Tuesday, March 19th, 2012 at midnight, 12:00am EST. WINNER SELECTION/NOTIFICATION Winner will be selected randomly from all the correct answers. Winners will be announced on the website and Facebook page. Winners should email [email protected] to claim prize. PRIZE DESCRIPTION Winner will receive a vinyl pressing of the 1986 C/Z Deep Six compilation. ELIGIBILITY All Dig Me Out listeners in the United States are eligible to win.Void where prohibited by law. MISCELLANEOUS By participating in this contest or accepting the prize, the entrant agrees that Dig Me Out has the sole right to determine the contest winner. The determination will be final and binding. Dig Me Out may use the winner's name for publicity purposes without further compensation.

Welcome to the bonus episode of Plexi's Cheer Up - an extra forty minutes of material that we couldn't cram into the regular show. Check out Michael Barragan's new band Drag News and Evil Spirit Engineering, and be sure to visit Sub Pop Records to purchase the album and check out the infamous bio. Comment On This Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On a super-sized episode #60, we're we're joined by guitarist Michael Barragan and (briefly) vocalist/bass player Michael Angelos of the Los Angeles band Plexi to revisit their lone full-length release, 1996's Cheer Up. The dark, atmospheric sound recalls bands as diverse as My Bloody Valentine and New Order, but with punk energy and pop sensibility that recalls the Ramones and David Bowie. Michael A. and Michael B. lay out the complete history of the band before we dive into a track-by-track dissection of Cheer Up. Be forewarned, this one gets raw and raunchy - ear muffs for the kids. Check out Michael Barragan's new band Drag News and Evil Spirit Engineering, and be sure to visit Sub Pop Records to purchase the album and check out the infamous bio. And if this super-sized episode wasn't enough, we'll have a bonus episode this Thursday with an extra forty minutes of material you definitely won't want to miss. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Forest Ranger 36:04 - Forest Ranger 45:53 - Roller Rock Cam 55:16 - Peel 1:03:43 - Dayglo 1:11:22 - Ordinary Things 1:29:18 - 56 Outro - Change Comment On This Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #59, we continue our interview with singer/guitarist/producer Alain Johannes of Eleven for Part 2 of a track by track review of the 1993 self-titled album. Be sure to stick around to the end for some extra special bonus material you won't want to miss! Marke sure to check out Part 1 for a discussion about the history of the band and Alain's 30+ years in the music industry. Not familiar with Alain's resume? Besides Eleven, here's a few of the artists and bands he's recorded, produced, mixed, engineered, toured, written and recorded with: Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Chris Cornell, Mark Lanegan, Arctic Monkeys, No Doubt, Silverchair, Spinnerette, Eagles of Death Metal, The Gutter Twins, Millionaire, Puscifer, Wires on Fire, Mondo Generator, Sugarcult, Jason Falkner, UNKLE, Live, Melissa Ferrick, PJ Harvey, Troy Van Leeuwen, Jack Irons, John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl, Masters of Reality, Hilary Duff, Brody Dalle, Josh Homme and Matt Cameron. Just to name a few. For more information, visit AlainJohannes.com and ElevenWorld.com. Follow Alain on Twitter and Facebook. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Eleven "Reach Out" 9:27 - Eleven "Crash Today" 11:10 - Eleven "Reach Out" 22:20 - Eleven "Towers" 29:50 - Eleven "Let Down (Left Out, Laughed At)" 36:27 - Eleven "Yes, Alright" 48:46 - Eleven "Ava Tar" 51:20 - Eleven "Slinky" Outro - Eleven "Heavy" Comment On This Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #58, we're joined by singer/guitarist/producer Alain Johannes of Eleven for Part 1 of a discussion about the history of the band and his 30+ years in the music industry. Next week, Part 2 dives into a track by track review of the 1993 self-titled album. Not familiar with Alain's resume? Besides Eleven, here's a few of the artists and bands he's recorded, produced, mixed, engineered, toured, written and recorded with: Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Chris Cornell, Mark Lanegan, Arctic Monkeys, No Doubt, Silverchair, Spinnerette, Eagles of Death Metal, The Gutter Twins, Millionaire, Puscifer, Wires on Fire, Mondo Generator, Sugarcult, Jason Falkner, UNKLE, Live, Melissa Ferrick, PJ Harvey, Troy Van Leeuwen, Jack Irons, John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl, Masters of Reality, Hilary Duff, Brody Dalle, Josh Homme and Matt Cameron. Just to name a few. For more information, visit AlainJohannes.com and ElevenWorld.com. Follow Alain on Twitter and Facebook. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Eleven "Reach Out" 8:45 - What Is This "I Am A House" 15:36 - Walk The Moon "Daddy's Coming Home" 20:52 - Eleven "Seasick of You" 27:00 - Chris Cornell "Flutter Girl" 31:16 - The Desert Sessions "Hanging Tree" 41:26 - Alain Johannes "Spider" Outro - Eleven "Heavy" Comment On This Episode More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #57 it's listener review time once again. This week we finally get to a suggestion by 'Chel over at the awesome I Hate The 90s blog and review the 1991 album Gobbledygook by The Wendys. Along with the Happy Mondays and Primal Scream, The Wendys were a part of the early 90s Madchester scene, but do The Wendys stack up to those legendary bands? Tune in to find out, then leave a comment at digmeoutpodcast.com or on our Facebook page. Segments: 0:00-5:44 - Intro, 5:44-7:15 - History of the Band, 7:15-31:52 - Review, 31:52-32:43- Outro Songs in this Episode: Something's Wrong Somewhere - Intro, Half Pie - 12:30, I Want You And I Want Your Friend - 13:51, Pulling My Fingers Off - 21:14, Soon Is Fine - Outro Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #56, we dip into the category of "so good yet criminally overlooked," exploring the world of Satchel and their 1994 album EDC. Satchel seamlessly explore Alice In Chains riffing on one song and twisted Prince grooves on the very next. Joining us for the extensive track-by-track review is Satchel frontman Shawn Smith, who gives us insight on songwriting, dealing with a major label in the '90s, and how those Reservoir Dogs samples ended up on the album. Tune in,  then leave a comment on digmeoutpodcast.com or on our Facebook page. Segments: 0:00-3:13 - Intro, 3:13-15:26 - History of the Band, 15:26-1:27:25 - Interview and Review, 1:27:25-1:29:22- Outro Songs in this Episode: Built 4 It - Intro, 19:51 - Mr. Brown, 25:13 - Equilibrium, 30:04 - Taste It, Trouble Come Down - 33:23, More Ways Than 3 - 37:37, 48:36 - O, 52:25 - Mr. Pink, Willow - 1:00:42, The Roof Almighty - 1:02:26, Suffering - 1:06:39, Willow - Outro (Warning: there are a few bad words in this episode - earmuffs for the kids) Buy On Amazon Shawn Smith links: website / twitter / Brad / Satchel More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Facebook / Twitter Support the Podcast: Donate / Buy Merchandise

For episode #55, we're back with another pick by Jason. This time it's Hoarse, and their 1997 album Happens Twice. Featuring former members of Sponge, Hoarse takes a decidedly different approach, drawing on punk, power pop and even a little pop metal. Does Hoarse deserve to be slotted with fellow '90s rockers like Superdrag and Watershed, or are they dog food (yes, that was a stretch for an analogy that doesn't entirely make sense). Tune in and find out, then drop us a comment at digmeoutpodcast.com or on our Facebook page. Segments: 0:00-2:56 - Intro, 2:56-4:32 - History of the Band, 4:32-38:06 - Review, 38:06-39:00 Outro Songs in this Episode: Crown - Intro, Diamond - 6:25, Issue - 9:10, Paint The Town Red - 10:40, On Deck - 14:15, Tuesday Morning - 19:19, Long Gone - Outro Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter Donate

On episode #54 we review the 1999 album Mission: Control! from Burning Airlines. J Robbins may be better known for his years in Jawbox, but is it possible Mission: Control! is his best work? Blasphemy some might say (like those who prefer Jawbox), but we'll lay out the case. Give a listen, then leave a comment if you agree or disagree either on our website or on our Facebook page. Segments - 0:00-6:08 - Intro, 6:08-9:09 - History of the Band, 9:09- - Review, 39:18-40:22 - Outro Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wheaton Calling, 14:35 - Pacific 231, 19:19 - Flood of Foreign Capital, 21:52 - 3 Sisters, 23:30 - Dear Hillary, 26:06 - Meccano, Outro - Scissoring Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

On episode #53 we go back down under thanks to our Australian correspondent Gavin and review the 1993 album Sound As Ever by You Am I. The award-winning three-piece is still going strong today, but we travel back in time to review their debut release. Does the freshman effort show promise? Is it an out of the gate masterpiece? Or an underachieving letdown? Tune in to find out, and then leave us a comment on our website or on our Facebook page. Segments - :00-3:47 - Intro, 3:47-8:45 - History of the Band, 8:45-43:08 - Review, 43:08-44:02 - Outro Songs in this Episode: Intro - Forever and Easy, 12:12 - Coprolalia, 13:57 - Berlin Chair, 17:08 - Adam's Ribs, Jaimme's Got A Gal - 18:46, Ordinary - 24:59, Hidden Bonus Track - 27:39, Trainspottin' - 31:10, You Scare Me - Outro Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

On episode #52 of Dig Me Out, we review the 1997 album Lula Divinia by Shiner. Lots tags are applied to Shiner - progressive, emo, alternative, angular, math rock, space rock - but all that really matters is the songs. So does Shiner deliver the goods? They've definitely got the musical chops, but is it at the expense of the vocals? Tune in and find out, then leave a comment on the website or chime in on our Facebook page. Segments - 0:00-2:54 - Intro, 2:54-7:50 - History of the Band, 7:50-36:40 - Review, 36:40-37:36 - Outro Songs in this Episode: Intro - Two Black Eyes, 16:46 - Sideways, 18:44 - Jim's Lament, 25:48 - Cake, Outro - Third Gear Scratch Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

Dig Me Out is back for Season Two, and we return with a good, old-fashioned disagreement. In episode #51 we review the one and only album from Fossil, their 1995 eponymous release. J contends there are too many lame attempts at bad funk, Tim still thinks 'Moon' is one of the best college radio singles of the decade and it somehow devolves into a discussion on the disappointment of Live's post-Throwing Copper releases. Tune in, then leave a comment on our website, or visit our Facebook page to chime in. Segments - :00-5:18 - Intro, 5:18-6:26 - History of the Band, 6:26-42:03 - Review, 42:03-43:03 - Outro Songs in this Episode: Intro - Martyr's Wife, 10:05 - Josephine Baker, 12:20 - Ocean, 17:12 - Tim, 20:43 - Fall, 24:44 - Tethered, 35:58 - Moon, Outro - Thundershower Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

Season One of Dig Me Out is in the books! For the last episode of 2011, we're taking a look back at our freshman year and picking our top five favorite songs as well as our new album discovery. We've also got plenty of thank you's to dispense to those who made Season One better than we ever expected: Chip Midnight, Neal Schmitt, Keith Jenkins, Gavin R., Chel at I Hate the 90s, Orcen, Norman F., Shawn F., Bill L., Jon S., Scott C., Sondra J. and Gary H., Ruthie Morris of Magnapop and Ben London of Alcohol Funnycar. And lastly, thank you to you, the listener, who made spending a few hours each week recording and editing this podcast worthwhile. With all of the exciting, interesting and unknown albums already booked for the coming year, we can't wait to get started on Season Two in 2012. (Assuming the Mayans weren't right, then we cannot guarantee the quality of the podcast as the world crumbles before our eyes, as depicted in the 2012.) Have a safe and happy New Year! More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

On the penultimate episode of the first season of Dig Me Out, we tackle the 1996 album Secaucus by The Wrens. A sprawling 19-track album presents many challenges - can the band maintain quality from start to finish, while providing enough diversity to avoid getting repetitive? Neither of us were familiar with Secaucus, so how does it fair, and what does it mean when bands like Cursive, The Who, Guided By Voices, Spoon, The Living End, Men At Work and the Pixies all get referenced during the discussion of one album? Tune in to find out, then head over to Facebook to give us your thoughts on this episode. Segments - :00-04:136 - Intro, 04:36-09:33 - History of the Band, 09:33-39:37 - Review, 43:26-44:26 - Outro Songs In This Episode: Intro - Rest Your Head, 11:37 - Yellow Number Three, 13:05 - Rest Your Head, 16:25 - Indie 500, 19:25 - I've Made Enough Friends, 24:46 - Destruction/Dawn, 32:44 - Built In Girls, 35:49 - Dance The Midwest, Outro - Still Complaining Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

Beware episode #48, we're getting heavy. Jason wanted to tackle some metal, so we're reviewing the 1991 album Blind from Corrosion of Conformity. Like some sort of robotic transforming thing, there's more than meets the eye, or ear, when it comes to C.O.C. Sometimes the band sounds like the perfect touring companion for Metallica, sometimes for Soundgarden, and sometimes for Suicidal Tendencies. But does it all gel together? Listen and find out, then visit Facebook to leave a comment. Segments - :00-03:42 - Intro, 03:42-07:22 - History of the Band, 07:22-43:08 - Review, 43:08-44:14 - Outro Songs In This Episode: Intro - Great Purification, 08:23 - Buried, 11:50 - Dance of the Dead, 21:54 - Vote with a Bullet, 30:26 - Break the Circle, Outro - Echoes in the Well Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

On episode #47 we review the 1998 album In/Casino/Out by At The Drive-In. Combine a frantic rhythm section with complex guitars lines and vocal gymnastics, and you've scratched the surface of what makes ATDI special. We spend time on the post-ATDI bands, and debate who wins the Sparta vs. Mars Volta showdown, consider the influences of bands like Rage Against The Machine and Superchunk, and ponder Vince Vaughn's Christmas movie choices. Head on over to Facebook and join the conversation. Segments - :00-02:17 - Intro, 02:17-09:06 - History of the Band, 09:06-39:37 - Review, 39:37-40:10 - Outro Songs In This Episode: Intro - Chanbara, 09:59 - Alpha Centauri, 13:41 - Shaking Hand Incision, 19:14 - Napoleon Solo, 21:32 - For Now... We Toast, 24:10 - Shaking Hand Incision, 25:20 - Hourglass, 28:20 - A Devil Among The Tailors Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

On episode #46 we review the lone release from The Grays, the 1994 album Ro Sham Bo. When you combine the talents of Jason Falkner and Jon Brion into one band, you'd expect something special. Does Ro Sham Bo deliver? Tune in to find out, and then join the discussion on Facebook. Segments - :00-02:50 - Intro, 02:50-05:33 - History of the Band, 05:33-40:09 - Album Review, 40:09-41:02 - Outro Songs In This Episode: Intro - Not Long For This World, 09:54 - Very Best Years, 13:30 - Both Belong, 18:38 - Friend of Mine, 23:06 - Is It Now Yet Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

As promised, here's the full interview with Alcohol Funnycar singer/guitarist Ben London. Big thanks to Chip Midnight!

On episode #45, it's back to listener suggestions. This week we tackle the 1995 album Weasels by Alcohol Funnycar. Joining us for this episode is Chip Midnight, and he's got an interview with Alcohol Funnycar's Ben London. In our discussion, we try to determine if AFC's Weasels is the sound of '90s - a little punk, a little grunge, some melody and edginess, but pretty much just rock. Leave us a comment at digmeoutpodcast.com, or stop by our Facebook page to chime in. And with Thanksgiving upon us, we decided to take part in the holiday tradition of overeating by not only giving you an extra large episode, we're giving you a bonus podcast - the unedited interview with Ben available tomorrow. Gobble gobble! Segments - :00-03:53 - Intro, 03:53-08:33 - History of the Band, 08:33-58:25 - Album Review and Interview, 58:25-1:01:27 - Outro Songs In This Episode: Intro - Shoot You Down, 20:30 - Weasels, 26:23 - Kindling, 33:17 - Napoleon, 37:42 - Sunspots, 40:02 - Objects Buy On Amazon More info on digmeoutpodcast.com Discuss on Facebook Follow on Twitter

One episode #44 we were supposed to be joined by label owner Bill Litfin of the now defunct Glazed Records to review the 1992 Rocket from the Crypt album Circa:Now! Bill couldn't make it, so we're left to our own devices to review what Jason calls the album that defines the sound of RFTC. With bombastic guitars and the distinctive vocals of John Reis, it's hard to pinpoint the influences and origins of RFTC. Voice your opinion on our Facebook page  or Twitter feed.

On episode #43 we review the Matthew Sweet co-produced 1994 album Teenage Symphonies to God by Velvet Crush. Neither of us were familiar with the band before hearing the album, but now we're firmly on board the Velvet Crush train. If you're a fan of '60s pop like The Byrds and Beatles, the '70s power pop of Cheap Trick, Big Star and the Raspberries and '90s alt rockers like Sweet and Teenage Fanclub, you'll want to check out this episode. To comment, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

One episode #42 we're back with another listener suggestion - the 1993 album Songs from the Second Storey by The God Machine. This band took a long journey from SoCal to NYC to the UK, and it sounds like it. Hints of Kyuss-like stoner rock meld with British shoegaze and Jane's Addiction psychedelia. But is there too much of a good thing on the longest album we've ever reviewed? Tune in and find out. To comment, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #41 we review The Mayfield Four's 1998 album Fallout. There's no doubt that lead singer Myles Kennedy, like Matthew Bellamy of Muse or Jimmy Gnecco of Ours, owes a lot to Jeff Buckley. But does he meld the alt.rock sound of The Mayfield Four with Buckley's ethereal tenor? And what's with that Marvin Gaye cover? To comment on this episode, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #40, Tim and J venture into the nebulous world known as Jawbreaker. Are they punk? Are the emo? Are they pre-emo? Are they post-punk? Who knows, but we try to figure that out and give a listen to their 1994 album 24 Hour Revenge Therapy. Visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

For episode #39, we're joined again by guest Neal Schmitt to review a listener suggestion: Barkmarket's 1993 album Gimmick. It's noisy, loud, abrasive, aggressive, unrelenting and pretty damn good. If you're a fan of later Nine In Nails, the Jesus Lizard, Fugazi, Jawbox or the Deftones, we heard a little of each band in Gimmick. Give a listen and tell us if you agree. Visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #38 we're again joined by guest Neal Schmitt to review one of Tim's favorite all-time albums, 1991's Still Feel Gone from alt-country pioneers Uncle Tupelo. There plenty to discuss on our first hour-long episode - the varied songwriting, lyrical and musical styles of co-lead singers/songwriters Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar, and the drumming of Mike Heidorn are rich for review. The discussion leads to this question: has there been another band since Uncle Tupelo that produced a pair of talented singer/songwriters? To comment, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #37 we tackle the 1993 self-titled Porno for Pyros album. J and Tim find a mixed bag with the first album from ex-Jane's Addiction members Perry Farrell and Stephen Perkins. While the songs got shorter than your typical Jane's tune, the unique combination of funk, metal, world music and grunge collide to uneven results. To comment, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #36, it's another Ohio band. We've already tackled Sons of Elvis from Cleveland and Gaunt from Columbus. This time it's Dayton's Mink, and their 1998 album Get In Get Out, an album Tim and J both discovered back in 2000, but are happy to revisit and spread the word about Mink. To comment, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

On episode #35 we review the 1993 album Phaseshifter by Redd Kross. J bought it new when it came out back in the day, but Tim had never listened to any Redd Kross before reviewing this. We're in total agreement on this one - Phaseshifter is a criminally overlooked album ripe for rediscovery for people who dig the power pop of Cheap Trick and Big Star. To comment on this episode, visit digmeoutpodcast.com for links to our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Artist: The Juliana Hatfield Three Album: Become What You Are Release Year: 1993 To comment: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Twitter @digmeoutpodcast https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

On episode #33 of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1997 album On The Turn by Kerbdog If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

On episode #32 of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1995 album Reloaded by Green Apple Quick Step If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

On episode #31 of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1999 album Dead Letter Chorus by Llama Farmers If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the thirtieth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1990 album Auntie Ramos' Pool Hall by The Sidewinders If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-ninth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1994 self-titled debut album from Angelfish. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-eight episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1990 debut album Strap It On by Helmet If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-seventh episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1998 debut album Sumo by The Superjesus If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-sixth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1994 self-titled album by The Cult If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

n the twenty-fifth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1996 album Hot Saki and Bedtime Stories by Catherine If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-fourth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1995 album Example by For Squirrels If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-third episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1995 album Manic Compression by Quicksand If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-second episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1994 album Hot Boxing by Magnapop If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twenty-first episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1991 album The Supersonic Storybook by Urge Overkill If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the twentieth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1993 album Four by Seaweed If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the nineteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1994 album Be A Girl by The Wannadies If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the eighteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1991 album The Word and the Flesh by Band of Susans If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the seventeenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1993 album Mezcal Head by Swervedriver If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the sixteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1991 album Illuminated by the 360s. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the thirteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1996 album This World and Body by Marion. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the fourteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1998 album Eleventh Avenue by Ammonia. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DigMeOutPodcast

In the thirteenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1998 album Bricks and Blackouts by Gaunt. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

On episode twelve of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1996 album Fantastic Planet by Failure. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In the eleventh episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1991 album Starcaster by Head Candy. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In the tenth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the debut Big Wreck album In Loving Memory Of. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In the ninth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the debut Gruntruck album Inside Yours. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In the eighth episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review Sons of Elvis debut album Glodean. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In seventh episode of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review Smile's 1995 debut album Maquee. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In episode six of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1995 debut album Look What The Rookie Did by Zumpano. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In episode five of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason are joined by Chip Midnight to review the 1996 album Broadcaster by Triple Fast Action. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In episode four of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1994 album Ling from Seed. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In episode three of the Dig Me Out Podcast, Tim and Jason review the 1993 debut album Dragline from Paw. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In episode number two of Dig Me Out, Tim and Jason review the self-titled 1996 album by Lustre. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."

In the first episode of Dig Me Out, Tim and Jason review the 1994 album Box Set, by Wool. If you want to suggest a forgotten 90s album for us to review, or just want to say hello, visit us at: http://digmeoutpodcast.blogspot.com/ Follow us on Twitter @digmeoutpodcast And visit our Facebook page, just go to Facebook and search for "Dig Me Out."