Dig Me Out: 90s & 00s Rock

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