Dig Me Out: 90s & 00s Rock

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

On this Fourth of July, we could think of nothing better than to revisit the human firecracker himself - David Lee Roth. With help from our friend Gavin in Australia, we’re checking out the 1991 album A Little Ain’t Enough, the third solo release after Dave departed Van Halen. For this outing, there were lineup changes, producer changes and a changing musical landscape. Songs in this Episode: Intro - A Little Ain’t Enough 7:47 - Sensible Shoes 17:43 - Last Call / Walk This Way by Aerosmith 22:33 - Tell The Truth / Black Velvet by Alannah Myles Outro - It’s Showtime! 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