Dig Me Out: 90s & 00s Rock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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