Dig Me Out: 90s & 00s Rock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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