Dig Me Out - The 90's Rock Podcast

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

Thanks to our most recent Requested Review, we're tackling the sophomore release by Dallas, Texas power-pop quartet Bobgoblin, 1997's The 12 Point Master Plan. Big guitars and big hooks make the Bobgoblin sound, but they've got to some hidden tricks up their sleeves thanks to a nimble rhythm section and tastefully used synths. Is The 12 Point Master Plan the best album you haven't heard? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Climb3:02 - History of the Band7:56 - One Down, One Across10:50 - Standing Up (to the Voice of America)17:36 - Close Your Eyes, KidOutro - Nine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a listener, this week we're checking out the 1999 debut album Three Hundred by The Stereo. Big hooks and loud guitars dominate this pop-punk record, with an occasional piano detour to mix things up. It was the right sound released at the right time, so why isn't The Stereo mentioned along side early 2000's successes like Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory - was it merely the public overlooking a hidden gem, or is this worth passing up? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - She Would Never4:52 - History of the Band14:48 - Ramona21:20 - DevotionOutro - Divine Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's request review takes us to the unexplored world of Mars Accelerator, and their sophomore release from 1998, Frankfurt: Telephonics. Exploring the mathematical side of indie rock, Mars Accelerator aren't afraid to incorporate long sections of noise and dissonance paired with Built To Spill and Polvo-esque guitar riffage. Frankfurt: Telephonics is an interesting album, but is it for everyone? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Starlxt2:17 - History of the Band10:30 - Spites Are Looming14:13 - Zeroes And Ones17:08 - 1040 mOutro - Id Et Mien Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're back with another listener review, this week week exploring the quirky power-pop of The Sugarplastic on their sophomore 1996 release, Band The Earth Is Round. The Sugarplastic combine the twisted pop of XTC and the Pixies with clear Beatles influence, occasionally detouring into They Might Be Giants and Presidents of the United States goofy-pop territory. The album works in places, but does it make for a cohesive listen? Tune in to find out.Songs in this Episode: Intro - Another Myself 2:35 - History of the Band 11:37 - Another Myself 16:29 - Polly Brown 19:04 - Sheep Outro - Transworld Modal Operator Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Grab a beverage, find a comfortable seat, or hop in the car for a road trip, because this is a long one. We take in an in-depth look at the history of one our favorite bands, The Afghan Whigs, with special guest Lee Heidel, proprietor of SummerKiss.com, the longest running and most comprehensive Afghan Whigs, Twilight Singers, Gutter Twins and all-things Greg Dulli website on the planet. Then, we go off into uncharted territory and review a new album! Do To The Beast is the first Afghan Whigs album in sixteen years, but did the beast slay our expectations? The results may shock you, tune in to find out.  Songs in this Episode: Intro - Gentlemen 15:27 - Retarded 21:47 - Come See About Me 35:05 - Stage Banter/Never Take The Place of Your Man 42:33 - 66 1:06:23 - Matamoros 1:17:16 - Algiers 1:47:30 - Royal Cream 1:55:42 - These Sticks Outro - Miles Iz Dead Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

We're back again to Australian for this week's requested review - the 1998 album Play With Love by Crow. Dark and ominous, with comparison to Girls Against Boys and Nick Cave, Crow shift gears throughout the album, from an industrial grind one track to a samba swing on the next - a dangerous combination in the wrong hands. Does Crow have what it takes to pull it off? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - A Broken Machine4:49 - History of the Band13:03 - Hate Need16:55 - Swollen Venus21:27 - Bobby PinOutro - Press On Let Go Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Our run of Requested Reviews continues with the 1997 debut album Elsewhere for 8 Minutes by Australia's Something for Kate. On the surface this band sounds like a slightly edgier Bush, but dig deeper (as we always do) and a more complex and interesting band appears. But what made Bush successful, besides Gavin Rossdale's beautiful hair, were the radio-friendly vocal hooks. Does SFK produce the same results? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Prick2:41 - History of the Band11:54 - Captain (Million Miles An Hour)17:39 - Prick22:10 - Working Against MeOutro - Strategy Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week's Requested Review provides us with one of heaviest and loudest bands we've ever covered, Karp, and their third and final album, Self Titled LP. At only eight songs and barely thirty minutes, Self Titled LP is still a challenging album to get through thanks to plenty of abrasive mid-level frequency guitar, tempos that move from Melvins-eque sludge to frenetic punk, with a screaming vocal on top of it all. How can we not love this combination? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bacon Industry3:00 - History of the Band10:22 - Bacon Industry17:18 - Forget the Minions25:25 - D+D FantasyOutro - J is for Genius Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

A listener suggestion takes us into previously unexplored territory - namely the ambient trip-hop of Bowery Electric, and their 1996 album Beat. Simple is an understatement, as Bowery Electric takes minimalism to near Brian Eno levels, experimenting with two-note songs and lyric-less vocals. You might expect a hate-fest from two rock lovers, and you'd be wrong. Tune in to find out where the surprises lie on Beat. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Without Stopping4:57 - History of the Band8:35 - Beat23:20 - Fear of Flying29:18 - Inside OutOutro - Coming Down Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

This week we're tackling the one and only release by Seattle punk band 10 Minute Warning, their 1998 self-titled album. The story of 10MW is long and troubled, taking over 20 years to release their only album, but what really matters is the music. This slab o' grunge sounds more appropriate for 1988 than 1998, but thanks to the combination of musicians and producer, 10MW sounds much more like an originator than an imitator. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Buried,3:06 - History of the Band18:01 - Face First22:21 - Buried31:26 - ErtheOutro - Pictures Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

A listener suggestion brings us the sixth studio album by King's X, their 1996 release Ear Candy. Respected and admired by musicians and a legion of dedicated fans, King's X may be the quintessential overlooked and under-appreciated Dig Me Out band. Despite heavy riffs, immaculate production and layers of harmonies, Ear Candy never made an impact on commercial radio. We try to figure out why. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Sometime3:40 - History of the Band12:49 - The Train20:08 - American Cheese (Jerry's Pianto)29:53 - Mississippi MoonOutro - Picture Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Thanks to a listener suggestion, we're finally getting a chance to revisit Ministry, and their 1992 release Psalm 69. Much like the band, we cover a lot of ground with a lengthy discussion on this important and influential album, with special guest (and suggestor) Matthew Sleightholme joining us from the UK to tackle the sounds, politics and narcotic indulgences of Al Jourgenson and crew. Songs in this Episode: Intro - N.W.O.7:52 - History of the Band21:34 - Just One Fix46:11 - Jesus Built My HotrodOutro - Corrosion Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

#162: 30 Something by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine Our first Requested Review of the year gives us a chance to check out Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, and their 1991 sophomore album 30 Something. Carter USM run the proverbial gamut of music history, from orchestral waltzes to Pet Shop Boy-esque dance anthems to Ministry and Sex Pistol vitriol, but with a bevy of digital help. Does the 1991 keyboard and drum programming stand the test of time? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Bloodsport for All 2:42 - History of the Band 7:32 - A Prince in a Pauper's Grave 14:51 - Billy's Smart Circus 20:12 - Surfin' USM Outro - Anytime Anyplace Anywhere Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

With a new Cibo Matto album out this week, it's a perfect time to revisit the oddball band from the 90s and their sophomore album Stereo Type A from 1999. Expanding their band and sound allows the band to bring in a variety of elements and genres not heard on their debut release, but does that equal too much of a good thing? Tune into find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Spoon6:38 - History of the Band20:29 - Moonchild30:05 - Speechless43:42 - StoneOutro - Sci-Fi Wasabi Follow on Twitter / FacebookRequest A Review / Buy A T-Shirt

Although 90s Britpop is best known for Oasis and Blur, plenty of bands skirted the edges of stardom, among those are Ash. This week we revisit their 1998 sophomore album Nu-Clear Sounds. Dabbling equally in Britpop and American alternative, Nu-Clear Sounds bounces from delicate ballads to fuzzed-out rave-ups in an instant. Is it genius, or jarring? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Jesus Says 3:50 - History of the Band 8:54 - Projects 16:49 - Wild Surf 27:50 - Fortune Teller Outro - Folk Song Follow on Twitter / Facebook Request A Review / Buy A T-Shirt