Dig Me Out - The 90's Rock Podcast

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

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

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

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   Reques

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 L

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