Dig Me Out - The 90's Rock Podcast

With a new Living Colour on the horizon, you figure now would be a good time to revisit a 90s Living Colour release. But we take a detour, and dig deep for the debut solo release by Living Colour frontman Corey Glover, and his 1998 album Hymns. Steeped in r&b and soul, this record finds Glover exploring Steve Wonder, Al Green and Sly Stone territory, while injecting it with some rock 'n roll swagger. Carving out original sounds while paying homage to those legendary artists, the record wobbles between original and familiar. Does it work as a whole? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Do You First Then Do Myself5:34 - History of the Band10:32 - Things Are Getting In The Way13:34 - Sermon18:55 - Silence24:16 - Lowball Express29:10 - Little GirlOutro - One Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Shellac have a new record out, so we're revisiting their debut release from 1994, At Action Park. Abrasive and metallic, Shellac are the post-punk grinding underbelly of the 90s alternative explosion thanks to producer/guitarist/singer Steve Albini. We dissect the record, and then chat about the recent U2 release through iTunes. Songs in this Episode: Intro - My Black Ass4:19 - History of the Band10:30 - My Black Ass19:31 - Song of the Minerals21:48 - A Minute24:00 - Dog and Pony Show27:21 - Pull the CupOutro - The Idea of North Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Ex-Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty has a new solo record out, so we decided to revisit his former band's first release, 1994's Ruby Vroom. One of us rated this a worthy album, and one of gave it a decent single, so it's fair to say we don't see eye to eye on this album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bus to Beelzebub4:22 - History of the Band15:20 - Casiotone Nation19:34 - True Dreams of Wichita23:42 - Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago/I Wish31:03 - City of MotorsOutro - Screenwriter's Blues Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new solo album about to be released, we decided to revisit where it all started for Ryan Adams with the 1995 debut release Faithless Street from his band Whiskeytown. Steeped in the alternative country that rose to prominence thanks to bands like Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks, there is plenty to like about a band forging its own path while still staying ground in traditional country rhythms and themes. Our discussion is occasionally derailed by Ryan Adams "the personality" as much as the singer and songwriter, and the end result is clashing viewpoints on this record. One of thought this was worthy album start to finish. Who didn't. Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Drank Like a River8:00 - History of the Band16:06 - Drank Like a River18:51 - Too Drunk to Dream21:06 - Matrimony29:12 - RevengeOutro - If He Can't Have You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We travel back to 1995 to revisit the debut album Subliminal Plastic Motives by Self. Chock full of production goodness, S.P.M. is a dense, inventive record with a power pop heart, which is both a plus and minus. Self aren't afraid to mix-up genres, sometimes within a single song, but is there too much of a good thing? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Borateen4:19 - Cannon5:19 - History of the Band16:17 - Marathon Shirt20:11 - Sophomore Jinx25:20 - Lucid AnneOutro - Stewardess Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

The Rentals have a new album out, so it's the perfect time to revisit their debut album from 1995, Return of The Rentals. The band scored a minor hit with Friend of P, and this debut is full of even more radio-friendly singles, but can the keep the vocal and musical hooks flowing throughout the record with the analog synth, fuzz bass and boy/girl vocal set-up? Tune in to find out, and to hear Jason go on a interface design rant you may or may not want to miss. Songs in this Episode: Intro - My Summer Girl 3:04 - Friends of P 5:51 - History of the Band 13:46 - Waiting 18:25 - Brilliant Boy 21:47 - Naive 26:32 - Please Let That Be You Outro - The Love I'm Searching For Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new album out soon and twenty years since their sophomore release Twice Removed, we thought now was a good time to head north of the border and investigate Sloan. We dive into the four-singer/songwriter band, try to figure out if this is the best Canadian album of all time, or even the best by the band, and end up trying to figure out the best decade for Canadian rock 'n roll. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Deeper Than Beauty3:41 - Money City Maniacs5:14 - History of the Band16:22 - Snowsuit Sound19:12 - People of the Sky21:21 - Coax Me/Go Your Own Way27:25 - Bells On30:28 - I Can Feel ItOutro - Worried Now Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Along with Guided By Voices, Sebadoh flew the lo-fi flag in the 90s with a similar gift for short, punchy rock songs. We revisit their 1994 release Bakesale, and dive into a discussion on the two-singer/songwriter band set-up. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Magnet's Coil 2:49 - Rebound 4:29 - History of the Band 14:57 - License to Confuse 17:22 - Skull 20:54 - Temptation Ride 23:26 - Not Too Amused 28:55 - Give Up Outro - Dreams Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we revisit the 1994 release Second Coming by The Stone Roses. Joining us to dissect this divisive sophomore release is old friend and music professor Neal Schmitt, who provides a deep knowledge of band and provides insight into the recording technology that went into an album that sounds before it's time while borrowing heavily from earlier influences. That leads us into an extended discussion of other 90s bands and artists who either surpassed expectations on their second albums, or sank like the proverbial stone. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Driving South4:07 - Love Spreads6:41 - History of the Band15:52 - Breaking Into Heaven22:06 - Driving South29:50 - Begging You35:09 - Love Is The Law (The Seahorses)Outro - Ten Storey Love Song Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to another Requested Review, for the second time in as many weeks, we're tackling another overlooked gem from an Australia This week, it's Bluebottle Kiss, and their 1999 album Patient. Combining a variety of tasty guitar tones, a tight and original rhythm section, and interesting melodies, Patient is truly a start to finish album. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Smoother It In Honey2:24 - History of the Band6:19 - Return to the City of Folded Arms11:24 - Six Wheels24:21 - Girl GeniusOutro - Give Up The Ghost Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're heading back to Australia for this week's Requested Review and checking out the 1994 album The Plastic Hassle by Ripe. Lots of shoegaze influenced bands spent less time on vocals and melody than dialing in the perfect tremolo and delay settings on their guitar pedals, but not Ripe, who manage to craft to genuinely catchy melodies and memorable lyrics. And like those same bands, Ripe aren't afraid to stretch the songs into a variety of territories, whether it's acoustic ballads or minor key dirges. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Mother Tongue3:49 - History of the Band9:23 - Something Fierce16:29 - Centre of the Universe27:34 - Get Your Shit TogetherOutro - Daylight Wants to Kill Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week Jason dug through his cd stacks picked an album having no recollection what it sounded like - I Mother Earth's 1993 debut release Dig. Sometime that leads to a welcome surprise, and other times reminds you why you stopped listening. I Mother Earth hits a lot of our sweet spots - big guitar and drums, crisp production, slight progressive elements - but also manages to work in some mutual annoyances - slap bass and long jams. So which side prevails? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Production6:49 - History of the Band23:10 - Not Quite Sonic31:15 - Rain Will Fall44:57 - The Universe in YouOutro - The Universe in You Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

To celebrate the release of a new album by one of our favorite bands, we decided to travel back twenty years in their catalog and tackle the most challenging album of their career - 1994's The Holy Bible by the Manic Street Preachers. To help us dissect this dense masterpiece, we've enlisted the help of fellow stateside Manic's aficionado and previous guest Andy Derer of The Andy Derer Show. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Revol19:07 - Yes34:10 - Of Walking Abortion50:47 - 4st 7lb1:09:44 - P.C.P.Outro - Faster Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we're joined by producer/musician Steve Fisk, best known as one-half of the duo known as Pigeonhed, but also behind the board for such bands as Unwound, the Screaming Trees, Soul Coughing, Soundgarden, the Geraldine Fibbers and Nirvana. Steve talks about his history with recording and electronic music, the challenges of producing in the modern era compared to the 80s and 90s, his collaboration with Shawn Smith, who comes knocking on your door when you work with a successful artist, and much more. Songs in this Episode Intro - Rollin' Through Oakland (Pigeonhed)9:00 - You Doo Right by (Geraldine Fibbers)23:11 - Ain't It So (Pigeonhed)35:14 - Battleflag (Pigeonhed remixed by Lo Fidelity Allstars)Outro - My Head Popped (Steve Fisk) Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's album, the 1995 debut Prize by Wanderlust, begs a lot of questions? Can the youth appreciate power pop? Can music be too good for radio? And how did Collective Soul manage to pump out six singles from their second album? We dig deep through the depths of Wanderlust, take a few detours, and arrive a sorely overlooked and appreciated gem. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Wanna Feel New2:37 - History of the Band9:20 - Flash and Shadow14:05 - Coffee in the Kitchen20:00 - PrizeOutro - Before We Fade Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our requested review for this week takes us back to the UK to check out the 1997 self-titled debut album from Silver Sun. Hooks, harmonies and loud guitars sum up Silver Sun's freshman release, and it's chock full of them. Song after song is a sugar sweet power pop attack, with nods to Cheap Trick, Jellyfish, The Beatles, Beach Boys and more. But is it too much of a good thing? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Service3:19 - History of the Band12:55 - Bad Haircut17:08 - Animals Feet22:03 - Dumb26:36 - LavaOutro - Julia Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our latest requested review requires us to ask a question - when is it showing your influences, and when is it ripping them off entirely? On their one and only release, the 1998 self-titled album by The Din Pedals walk the precarious line between the two, thanks to lead singer James Grundler's Thom York-like tenor, and a band that easily recreates the dramatic bombast and minor chord melancholy of Radiohead, U2 and Our Lady Peace. Songs in this Episode Intro - Downtown Sister3:41 - History of the Band9:52 - Naked is Foreign16:25 - Aliens22:52 - Waterfall26:15 - AshtrayOutro - Emotional Drugs Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

What's a good way for an otherwise musically incompatible band to find an audience in the 1990s? Enlist the most popular country artist, several popular alternative bands, a few respected metal bands, and for the hell of it, and Japanese artist, to cover your songs. That's exactly what KISS did for the 1994 tribute album Kiss My Ass - Classic KISS Regrooved. We dive into the songs, and reasoning behind this not-so-easy to digest compilation existing in the first place. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Plaster Caster 25:30 - Hard Luck Woman 37:37 - Rock and Roll All Nite 46:10 - Goin' Blind 58:18 - Detroit Rock City Outro - She Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we tackle one of those on the edge of Britpop bands we always kinda, sorta heard about and kinda, sorta remember, The Auteurs, and their 1994 sophomore album Now, I'm a Cowboy. The lead track and single, Lenny Valentino, gets rave reviews from both of us, but how does the rest of the not-so-similar album stack up? Tune int to find out, and chime in on our discussion on how music discovery and commitment to ill-advised purchases has changed thanks to the web. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Life Class/Life Model3:57 - History of the Band8:45 - Lenny Valentino14:16 - Underground Movies21:10 - The Upper Classes26:02 - New French GirlfriendOutro - Daughter of a Child Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Friend of the show Gavin provides another requested review from down under, this time it's the 1993 self-titled debut album by Front End Loader, who describe themselves as Australia's "least popular, relatively well-known band." FEL perfectly encapsulate the odd and uneasy transition of 80s metal and punk into 90s alternative, jumping from Metallica-influenced thrash to moodier grunge sounds. Does FEL succeed? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Fucking Great3:48 - History of the Band10:27 - My Side12:26 - I.G.18:37 - Me To Know26:10 - All Star JamOutro - 'fraid Not Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt