Dig Me Out - The 90's Rock Podcast

Scotland's Gun didn't make much of a dent stateside in the 80s or 90s, slightly out of tune with what was happening in mainstream. Their third album, Swagger, is aptly named, as the band is fully in control of their 80s AOR meets 90s hard rock approach. While 1994 was ground zero for grunge and alternative on US radio and MTV, Gun injected their sound with Bon Jovi big rock, Billy Idol energy, and even some Red Hot Chili Peppers funk on the questionable cover of "Word Up" by Cameo.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Don't Say It's Over 13:43 - Find My Way 21:59 - Something Worthwhile 31:52 - Word Up Outro - Vicious Heart   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Formed in 1994 out of punk rock roots, Pohgoh’s poppier sounds earned the Florida band comparisons to acts like Velocity Girl and Superchunk. A split single with Braid was released in 1996 and by the time Pohgoh was ready to record a full length, singer Kobi Finley had been replaced by Susie Richardson. What should have been the start of a great relationship with the newly created label Deep Elm Records wound up dissolving quickly after drummer Keith Ulrey unceremoniously quit the band after the full length, In Memory of Bab, had been recorded but shortly before a record deal was signed. Ulrey’s departure led the band to break up in 1997 though Ulrey and Richardson’s relationship developed and the former bandmates wound up getting married in 2000. In 2016, Pohgoh reunited and two years later released Secret Club on Ulrey’s New Granada Records. An opening slot on a Jawbreaker reunion tour happened in 2019 which led to the band recording another new album, Du Und Ich, which came out in October 2022.   Songs In

Although Chris Cornell had written solo tracks for soundtracks during the Soundgarden era, it wasn't until the band had broken up that he released his proper solo debut. 1999's Euphoria Morning is both expected and unexpected, as some songs aren't far off from "Blow Up The Outside World" or "Fell on Black Days," minus the band bombast, while others showcase his phenomenal vocal talent over folk, blues, and psychedelic turns.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Can't Change Me 17:15 - Moonchild 21:50 - Wave Goodbye 27:13 - Preaching The End Of The World 33:38 - Disappearing One Outro - When I'm Down   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Lead by brothers Jag (guitarist) and Chris (drummer) Tanna, I Mother Earth made layered Latin percussion, alternative rock bombast, and hints of progressive and psychedelic rock a part of the formula from the get go. But the band comes into their own on the 1996 sophomore release Scenery and Fish, opening with Afro-Cuban-influenced percussion that weaves throughout the record. Where some bands might trim out extended jams or unexpected divergences mid-song to attract a more commercial audience, the band plants the flag with full-throated bravado that no musical stone will be left unturned.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - One More Astronaut 12:50 - Songburst And Delirium 16:22 - Raspberry 24:41 - Pisser 29:37 - Another Sunday Outro - Hello Dave   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

On their third and final studio album, Bedhead, lead by brothers Matt and Bubba Kadane, craft an intimate record built on space and restraint. But 1998's Transaction de Novo isn't entirely a down-tempo affair, as the band pushes the sonic envelope on noisier tracks like "Extramundane" and "Psychosomatica" with mixed results. The sweet spot lies in the slowcore creep of opener "Exhume," which remains instrumental for most of its four plus minute running time, or expansive closer "The Present," which builds like an Explosions in the Sky song. The band finds new and interesting ways to stay true to their sound while tweaking it along the way.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Lepidoptera 10:25 - Exhume 13:48 - More Than Ever 21:54 - Extramundane 26:09 - The Present Outro - Half-Thought   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The past few decades have solidified Linda Perry as a pop songwriting machine for the likes of Pink, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and many more artists in the 2000s. But the talent was already there in 1992 when "What's Up!" struck a chord with listeners as the first track off of the one and only 4 Non Blondes album "Bigger, Better, Faster, More!" While the neo-folk of "What's Up!" slotted in nicely alongside fellow non-grunge acts like Blind Melon, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveler, Dave Matthews Band, and others, the rest of the record tackles a variety of genres, like the shuffling blues of "Pleasantly Blue" to the bass-popping funk of "Superfly" to mixed results.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - What's Up! 17:12 - Drifting 23:56 - Old Mr. Heffer 32:15 - Calling All The People Outro - Superfly   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Soulwax is best known for their remixes of such 2000s artists as LCD Soundsystem, Tame Impala, Gorillaz, Tiga, and more, but the band actually got their start as a catchy alternative rock band produced by the Chris Goss (of Masters of Reality) on their debut and Dave Sardy (Barkmarket) on their sophomore album, Much Against Everyone's Advice. Splitting their sound between chunky distorted guitars on tracks like "Too Many DJs" and "Conversation Intercom" and more a delicate approach on "Overweight Karate Kid" and "Flying Without Wings," it gives the album variety. But depending on which version you listen, the album can run long after an elongated lull in the middle that could be rectified with a reshuffling of the track list.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Much Against Everyone's Advice 14:27 - Too Many DJs 16:48 - Overweight Karate Kid 21:05 - Flying Without Wings 25:13 - My Cruel Joke Outro - When Logics Die   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPod

An established artist starting a new musical project is always a tricky proposition, and the 90s were no different. Whether releasing a solo album or starting a new band, quality doesn't always matter when it comes to fans accepting a new sound or direction. After the amicable split of Bikini Kill in 1998, Kathleen Hanna returned a year later with the retro-inspired Le Tigre, forgoing punk bombast for dancier sounds rooted in homemade drum loops, Farfisa organs, 60s girl groups, 80s new wave and electroclash. But that doesn't mean politics and social commentary take a back seat, as Hanna is as sharp lyrically as ever on the self-titled debut album while balancing pop melodies with a lo-fi approach.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Deceptacon 11:22 - Les and Ray 17:36 - What's Yr Take On Cassavetes 24:46 - Phanta 28:56 - Eau D'Bedroom Dancing Outro - My My Metrocard   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The line between influence and blatant copying is thin, but bands like Salmonblaster fall more towards the former on their 1996 self-titled and only officially released album. The howling vocals and chugging guitar riffs easily recall Nirvana but in a way that pays respect rather than simply aping the sound, and it's not the only trick the band has up their sleeves. Guitars are big and occasionally chaotic in a shoegaze way that makes the more restrained elements shine brighter, while the band shifts between sounds as easily as their lead vocalist jumps from cathartic screams to melodic harmonies.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Sugarrush 14:26 - Transistors & Turbines 20:36 - Freeway 26:46 - Brian Jones 31:49 - Visonblur Outro - The Perfect Fit   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Garage rock can be a catch-all term that rubs shoulders with punk, rockabilly, surf, and more. But thanks to a variety of known and lesser-known bands, there has always been a group of dedicated musicians writing and playing revved up and relatively simple rock that traces its lineage back to the primitive and raw sounds of 60s that popped up after the British Invasion with roots in American rhythm and blues. After a very underground 80s, the sound returned in fits and starts with bands like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and later The White Stripes, The Hives, The Strokes, and plenty of other bands starting with "The." We dig into the whole sound, the local scenes that helped foster the sound over decades, and much more.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Fell In Love With A Girl by The White Stripes 16:20 - Paint It Black by The Avengers 21:49 - Touch Me I'm Sick by Mudhoney 31:09 - (Gotta Get Some Action) Now! by The Hellacopters 40:11 - Heaven by The Hydromatics 1:07:31 - The Reproduction of Death by The (Inte

Shoegaze is a term tossed out whenever a band leans in on the wall-of-sound distortion and pairs it with obscured vocals and dreamy feedback. But few bands actually stuck to My Bloody Valentine's template, adding their own flavors like the 1993 debut album Against Perfection by Adorable. Here the vocals are less obscured, and even hooky at times, recalling everyone from Echo & the Bunnymen and The Smiths to The Verve and Spiritualized. But it's not just the vocals that give Adorable a unique twist, as the rhythm section, especially an occasional Pixies-like bassline, gets their times to shine as well.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Breathless 17:49 - Sister Chapel Ceiling 21:26 - Homeboy 28:07 - Sunshine Smile 34:45 - Still Life Outro - A To Fade In   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Chicago and the surrounding areas like Champaign-Urbana nurtured a big guitar rock sound found in the Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, Catherine, Veruca Salt, Fig Dish, and others. Originally called Mother for their debut, the band signed to a major label, changed their name to Menthol, and produced an album worthy of that group with 1995's self-titled release. But the band takes a different approach vocally, spitting big chunks of lyrics filled with a variety of references and twisted wordplay.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Dry Heaves (Of The Well-Adorned) 17:34 - Stress Is Best 20:35 - U.S.A. Capable 26:35 - Perfect Spirals 32:58 - Briefcase Full Of Cash Outro - Francis Scott Key   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Bands cultivating a look to match their sound in rock and roll is nothing new, but the 90s weren't the most receptive decade to a well thought out image. The Sharp, with their black and white color scheme, upright bass, and precise take on 80s new wave with twists of rockabilly and power-pop, make a case that The White Stripes would follow at the end of the decade with their 1993 debut This Is The Sharp. Sounding blender filled with albums by The Knack, Brian Setzer, sElf, Joe Jackson, Fountains of Wayne, Jellyfish, and more, the tight, clean sounds are at odds with the distorted grunge overtaking the music world in 1993. But their charm of being totally at odds with the times means the skill and craftsmanship of the songwriting really shines, even if it dips into familiar patterns at times.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Scratch My Back 17:28 - Talking Sly 24:12 - Love Kiss 33:04 - Kiss Me Again Outro - Don't Waste My Time   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive

College rock is a broad term, but one that can be applied to the post-Blake Babies band Antenna founded by John Strohm and Freda Love. On the second and final album by the band, 1993's Hideout, the influences of American indie and underground pop are infused with strands of shoegaze and dream-pop noise, with tasteful guitar effects, and unexpectedly crafty baselines and backing vocals. All of that makes it not entirely appealing to mainstream radio in 1993 looking for the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam, but ideal for the college radio crowd in search of something different.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Wallpaper 12:43 - Don't Be Late 21:09 - Easy Listening 31:21 - Stillife Outro - Shine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

The moniker "post-hardcore" was used to describe the wave of bands following the hardcore-punk sound but pushing the musical envelope. In the 80s it was Husker Du and Minute, the 90s Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Jawbox. None were exactly the same, each stretching and pushing the boundaries of what made up post-hardcore. New York City, home to Helmet, Quicksand, and Chavez, was fertile ground for the sound, which included Into Another. On their 1994 sophomore album, Ignaurus, the band take the edge and energy of post-hardcore, combine it with some progressive rock, and end up with a sound unlike just about anyone else was making at the time.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Running Into Walls 14:44 - Maritime Murder 30:24 - Anxious 45:02 - Poison Fingers Outro - Ungodly   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Jon Crosby, the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist at the helm of VAST, was a well-regarded guitarist as a teen who signed a record deal with Elektra at just seventeen years old. On the debut, Crosby takes 90s industrial rock in the vein of Nine Inch Nails or Stabbing Westward and layers unexpected sounds, like Benedictine monks and Bulgarian women's choirs, to create haunting soundscapes that compliment his wide vocal range that can belt it out or croon with equal effectiveness. Visual Audio Sensory Theater is a true album, with extended intros and subtle connective tissue running throughout the record that will divide listeners today just as it did in 1998.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - The Niles Edge 18:42 - I'm Dying 21:56 - Here 32:13 - Dirty Hole 40:24 - Touched Outro - Pretty When You Cry   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Known for his talents on various stringed instruments, Ben Harper solidified his backing band as The Innocent Criminals on his fourth record, 1999's Burn To Shine. With that band arrangement, Harper delves into a variety of sounds, channeling the blues and folk that made up his early solo releases but continuing the louder sounds from his previous outing, The Will To Live. Through the twists and turns, from 70s-influenced blues rock to minor-key Zeppelin riffing, Harper and his band play with volume and dynamics throughout to create a unique sonic pallet that works until it doesn't.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Burn To Shine 15:53 - Steal My Kisses 27:00 - In The Lord's Arms 38:04 - Two Hands of a Prayer 56:33 - Beloved One Outro - Forgiven   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Though Fu Manchu often comes up when discussing the stoner rock of Sleep, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet, and, the Orange County band has made the prime focus skate boarding, California vibes, and science fiction, all stuffed in a smoke-filled custom 70s van. As proponents of fuzzed-out guitar riffing, tight arrangements, catchy hooks, and finding the balance between bombast and restraint, Fu Manchu marks all our boxes. The fact they do such a good job not only writing great music, but creating an entire look and feel from album artwork to merchandise helps us look into what was once an aspirational idea of the West Coast to a pair of flat-land Ohio boys.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - No Dice 18:33 - Drive 27:15 - King of the Road 34:56 - Boogie Van 40:35 - Weird Beard Outro - Freedom of Choice   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Montreal's Doughboys, like so many bands who tipped their toes in the power-pop sound, were mostly ignored by US listeners. Unless led by a ballad like the Goo Goo Dolls or pushing a punkier sound, artists with layered harmonies and a keen sense of melodic hooks were often overlooked for pure pop. On their 1993 album Crush, the band never compromise on the guitars, combining hardrock riffs with catchy leads and an occasional ripping solo. Only when the band slows down and gets dirgy does the momentum falter on an overall underappreciated gem.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Tearin' Away 18:00 - Fix Me 27:03 - Everything 30:25 - Neighborhood Villain Outro - Shine   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.

Bruce Kulick, a member of KISS from 1984 to 1996, and John Corabi, a member of Motley Crue from 1992 to 1997, joined forces to form Union with capable players Jamie Hunting on bass and Brent Fitz on drums. The songwriting style Corabi brought to Crue is evident from the first track "Old Man Wise," which combines classic hard rock riffs with melodies and vocals that fit well into 90s alternative and grunge, such as Alice In Chains. What helps make this something more than just another album is the small touches - the harmony vocals from all members paired with clean and unfussy production that serve the songs well.   Songs In This Episode: Intro - Old Man Wise 13:56 - Around Again 20:20 - October Morning Wind 28:40 - Let It Flow 39:26 - Pain Behind Your Eyes Outro - Get Off My Cloud   Support the podcast, join the DMO UNION at Patreon. Listen to the episode archive at DigMeOutPodcast.com.