Dig Me Out - The 90's Rock Podcast

We're back with another listener suggestion - this week we head down to Texas to check out Tripping Daisy and their 1995 album I Am an Elastic Firecracker. There are obvious comparisons to be made to bands like Jane's Addiction and The Flaming Lips. Tripping Daisy even managed to score their own version of an oddball hit single a la "She Don't Use Jelly" with the tune "I Got A Girl," but is there more to this band than one-hit wonder status? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Raindrop 2:23 - History of the Band 10:02 - Raindrop 12:15 - Rocketpop 16:11 - I Got A Girl 22:50 - Motivation Outro - Prick Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #91 we're tackling one of the most influential albums of the 1990s - Sunny Day Real Estate debut release from 1994, Diary. Credited as a primary instigator of what would later be known as emo, Sunny Day Real Estate never like to stay in one moment too long; switching tempo, time signatures and volume at the drop of a hat. Somehow, the band manages to seamlessly combine elements of post-punk, progressive rock and grunge into one cohesive sound. It's been eighteen years since it's initial release, and three years since the remastered re-release with bonus tracks, so the only question is - does Diary stand the test of time? And is the Batman Forever soundtrack a perfect time capsule for the mid-1990s?Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Seven 4:10 - History of the Band 15:56 - Seven 17:36 - In Circles 24:35 - Shadows 27:32 - 47 Outro - The Blankets Were the Stairs Note: We apologize for the slightly garbled audio on Jason's end, the internet did not want to cooperate on this

We're back with another listener suggestion, this week tackling the 1998 release Dope Box from Jack Drag. Of all the albums we've reviewed so far, Dope Box might be the most diverse (or schizophrenic), bouncing from Prodigy-esque big beats on one song, to mid-tempo Velvet Crush-like power pop on the next. There's a lot to like about this album, and a lot of befuddlement as well. Which side did we come down on? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Kung Fu Dub 2:59 - History of the Band 12:12 - Debutante 14:25 - Tall Buildings 16:32 - Seem So Tired 19:12 - Best Friend 21:57 - Surfin' the Charles Outro - Where We Are Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

Dinosaur Jr. just released a new album, so we felt episode #89 was a perfect time to revisit the 1997 album Hand It Over. Legendary guitarist/singer/songwriter J. Mascis once described the album as his favorite of the major label years, so how does it stand up fifteen years later? There are plenty of curveballs on this album, with trumpets, flutes, banjo's making front and center appearances, not what you'd expect from a Dinosaur Jr. album. Does it work? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Can't We Move This 4:06 - History of the Band 12:57 - I'm Insane 14:38 - I'm Insane 17:04 - Never Bought It 22:27 - Alone 27:40 - Nothin's Goin On 35:57 - Can't We Move This Outro - Mick Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

Mark another one off the listener suggestion pile - this week we tackle the debut solo album by founding Kyuss member and former Fu Manchu drummer Brant Bjork, the 1999 album Jalamanta. Brant's take on "desert rock" is more stripped down with less bombast, incorporating Latin and jazz influences. It's an interesting combination, but does it work? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Too Many Chiefs... Not Enough Indians 5:17 - History of the Band 13:05 - Let's Get Chinese Eyes 14:44 - Too Many Chiefs... Not Enough Indians 19:25 - Automatic Fantastic Outro - Defender of the Oleander Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're doing our best to keep our promise of catching up on our backlog of listener suggestions, and on episode #86 we're back with another. This week, we give a listen to Send No Flowers from the UK, and their lone full-length release from 1996, Juice. Like our recent review Headswim, the gentlemen of Send No Flowers are giving us their take on early '90s American alternative rock. We both found Headswim had a hard time finding their own sound, stuck repeating instead of reinventing bands like Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains. Does Send No Flowers fair any better? Tune in and find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Porcelain 6:26 - History of the Band 11:06 - Cold 14:39 - Porcelain 18:21 - Monotony 21:37 - Bitter Taste Outro - Animal Feeder Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

We're taking a break from our run of listener suggestions to check out one of the classic albums of the '90s alternative music - 1992's Copper Blue by Sugar. Bob Mould has a new solo album out, so we thought it would be the perfect time to revisit his short-lived run with with this post-Husker Du power trio, especially since it's recently been re-released and remastered with bonus material thanks to Merge Records. Joining us to talk about Copper Blue is Andy Derer from the The Andy Derer Show, who's hosted a wide array of interesting guests on his podcast that include Cris Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, Craig Wedren of Shudder to Think and Bob Nastanovich of Pavement, just to name a few. Be sure to check out the start of the new season of The Andy Derer Show starting on September 8th, and follow Andy on Twitter and Facebook. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Helpless 7:45 - History of the Band 17:49 - A Good Idea 20:23 - Changes 23:04 - If I Can't Change You Mind 27:33 - The Act We Act 37:36 - Hoover Da

For episode #85, thanks to a listener suggestion we're tackling Lucy's Fur Coat, and their 1994 album, Jaundice. Although Jason admitted to purchasing the album years ago, he never got around to actually listening to it, so it's fresh and new for both. We've often discussed the importance of a frontman who can do more than just sing in key, that personality can elevate a mediocre band. So what does Lucy's Fur Coat bring to the table? And what is on the Mars Rover iTunes playlist? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Falling Out 4:16 - History of the Band 11:17 - Easy 14:18 - Super 17:18 - Not My Fault 18:44 - Same 21:15 - Southern Cookin' Outro - Treasure Hands Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #84, we're joined by fellow podcaster Kim Ware to check out her suggestion, Superchunk's 1993 album No Pocky for Kitty. Kim spent time drumming and booking shows in Wilmington, North Carolina in the 1990s, where the legendary and lesser known Chapel Hill bands regularly gigged around town. Tim and J were both more familiar with the later Superchunk releases than the early Matador years, so how does No Pocky For Kitty stack up? Does the energetic and sometimes frantic mix of punk, power-pop and indie rock come together? And why is Majesty Shredding so hard to pronounce after one beer? Tune in to find out. Check out Kim's podcast - This Is The Sound Songs In this Episode: Intro - Punch Me Harder 11:38 - History of the Band 25:12 - Tower 34:24 - Skip Steps 1 + 3 41:46 - Sidewalk 44:40 - Punch Me Harder Outro - Throwing Things Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #83 we return to our long list of listener suggestions and check out the 1994 album Flood by Headswim. A first blush the sound is reminiscent of Seattle's biggest and brightest - Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. But when you dig a little deeper, the band is definitely stretching out to find their own sound, only question is - does is work? Tune in to find out. Song In This Episode: Intro - Apple of My Eye 2:42 - History of the Band 8:08 - Gone To Pot 9:45 - Soup 11:41 - Stinkhorn 15:52 - Try Disappointed 23:16 - Down Outro - Safe Harvest Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #82 of Dig Me Out, we've got another listener suggestion. This week we tackle one of the more prolific and perplexing bands of the last twenty years - Therapy? No, it's not a question, the name is Therapy?, and we're checking out their 1994 album Troublegum. The band has confounded many with their quick-witted lyrics and musical mash-up of metal, punk, rock, industrial and more. So what did we make of this equally exciting and jarring album? Tune in to find out. Songs In This Episode: Intro - Nowhere 3:47 - History of the Band 12:29 - Screamager 17:34 - Femtex 20:46 - Turn 22:46 - Isolation 28:04 - Hellybelly Outro - Trigger Inside Note: For the faint of heart, Tim apologizes for the accidental f-bomb, enthusiasm got the best of him. Follow on Twitter / Facebook Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #81 we're joined by mastering engineer, record label owner and Jellyfish aficionado Steve Turnidge to revisit the band's debut release, 1990's Bellybutton. Steve is half of the team that put together the Jellyfish tribute album Sensory Lullabies and brings a deep knowledge and passion for the band to this episode. Grab a drink, find a comfortable chair and sit back, because you are about to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the most under-appreciated band of the 90s. Other Links: Steve's Book: Desktop Mastering: Fundamental Tools and Techniques for Mastering in the Box Jellyfish: Live at Bogart's 1991 Relevant Previous Episodes: #35: Phaseshifter by Redd Kross #36: Get In Get Out by Mink #46: Ro Sham Bo by The Grays Songs In This Episode: Intro - The King Is Half-Undressed 7:15 - History of the Band 30:58 - All I Want Is Everything 32:19 - All I Want Is Everything (Millicent Friendly cover) 36:27 - That Is Why 38:52 - Baby's Coming Back 49:50 - She Still Loves Him 59:15

On episode #80 we're back with another listener suggestion, this week checking out the previously unfamiliar Walt Mink and their 1992 album Miss Happiness. Combining elements of Cheap Trick power pop and Jane's Addiction-esque guitar rock, Walt Mink can defy description at times. But is that a good thing, or is it the sound of inconsistency? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Love You Better 1:52 - History of the Band 10:31 - Smoothing The Ride 14:22 - Chowder Town 19:26 - Pink Moon Outro - Croton-Harmon (Local) Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

For episode #79, we push Skype to the max and welcome three special guests: drummer Aaron Preston, bassist Clint McBay and guitarist Mark Metzger, all of the Chainsaw Kittens, to revisit the 1992 album Flipped Out in Singapore. We go deep into the history of the band, covering the arrivals, departures, working with Butch Vig and Spike Jonze, Aaron and Clint joining For Love Not Lisa, taunting O.J. Simpson, and why touring with KMFDM was as bad as it sounds. Links: TeenageWastelandOnline TysonMeade.com High In Highschool Video directed by Spike Jonze Connie, I've Found the Door video directed by Phil Harder Songs In This Episode: Intro - High In High School 3:34 - History of the Band 25:43 - 2nd Theme/Flipped Out In Singapore 30:29 - Hold 45:47 - High In High School Outro - When You Shoot Bad Language Warning: This one definitely requires some earmuffs for the kids. Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #78 of Dig Me Out, Jason brings a pick to the show - the 1999 album Through the Darkness by D Generation. Some might know lead singer Jesse Malin from his successful solo career, but with the recently reunited D Generation getting ready to release a new album soon, it's the perfect time to tackle the third album from this New York City punk rock outfit. D Generation combine the snotty punk of the New York Dolls with power pop of Cheap Trick and '80s Sunset Strip bands. On some songs, it works like magic, on others... well, tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Hatred 5:25 - History of the Band 10:12 - Good Ship Down 13:34 - Helpless 17:35 - Lonely 23:08 - So Messed Up vs. Wild Night 26:36 - Only A Ghost Outro - Sick On The Radio Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #77 we're back with Watershed bassist/vocalist Joe Oestreich, author of the new book "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll." In part two, we revisit their 1996 album Star Vehicle and about how touring different regions of the country impacts songwriting, their place in the history of Columbus music and the wisdom of the Karate Kid. Songs in this Episode: Intro - She Picks The Songs 8:30 - Superstressed 14:36 - Can't Be Myself 18:27 - She Picks The Songs 28:05 - If That's How You Want It 35:19 - Something Wrong 47:59 - American Muscle Outro - Obvious Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #76 we're joined by Watershed bassist/vocalist Joe Oestreich, author of the new book "Hitless Wonder: A Life in Minor League Rock and Roll." Joe has spent almost three decades traversing the country bringing his band's version of Midwestern power-pop to the masses, and has plenty of stories to tell in part one of a two part interview, discussing songwriting, recording, balancing two singer/songwriters, Billy Squire, the dirty secret about "live" albums and much, much more. Songs in this Episode: Intro - I'd Be A Liar 14:18 - History of the Band 27:45 - How Do You Feel 37:17 - Star Vehicle 42:08 - Black Concert T-Shirt (Star Vehicle '98 version) 43:03 - Black Concert T-Shirt (The More It Hurts, The More It Works version) 51:21 - Consolation Prize Outro - Give A Little Bit Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

With the release of Glen Hansard's first solo record, we thought it was about time to revisit his pre-Swell Season, pre-Once band, The Frames, and their sophomore album from 1996, Fitzcarraldo. Many people know Hansard from the movie (and now Tony Award winning broadway musical) Once and his other band The Swell Season, but Hansard actually cut his teeth with his Dublin, Ireland outfit The Frames starting the early 1990s. For Tim and Jason, this album goes back to the college radio days, and they've been singing it's praises ever since. Find out why this album is "criminally overlooked," and how that led to an end-of-show tangent about a new music-based reality show called Rock Cops coming to a channel near you very soon (or not). Songs in this Episode: Intro - Monument 5:21 - History of the Band 12:47 - Revelate 17:00 - Monument 21:53 - Revelate 24:49 - Angel At My Table 27:31 - In This Boat Together 30:16 - Giving It All Away Outro - Evergreen Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Me

With Guided By Voices reunited and releasing their second of three (!) albums in 2012, we decided to spend episode #74 reviewing the 1999 album Do the Collapse. When Robert Pollard abandoned his trademark lo-fi sound to release a major label album, produced by the legendary Cars leader Ric Ocasek, it's safe to the say the reviews were mixed. And when we say mixed, we mean numerous die-hard fans hated it with a passion. But is their vitriol justified, or is this an under-appreciated gem in the GBV catalog? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Surgical Focus 3:11 - History of the Band 15:49 - Teenage FBI 19:37 - Surgical Focus 22:20 - Wormhole 24:29 - Hold On Hope 27:16 - Liquid Indian 29:19 - An Unmarketed Product Outro - Zoo Pie Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise

On episode #73 we head back down under thanks to a suggestion by our Australian friend-of-the-show, Gavin and take a listen to the 1997 album Not Meant for This World by Asteroid B-612. The early punk of The Stooges and MC5 is prevalent in the sound of Asteroid B-612: raw energy, loud guitars and a big chorus. But does the band pull it off as well as the revered Hellacopters or ? Tune in to find out. Songs in this Episode: Intro - Emotional Tattoo 3:47 - History of the Band 11:52 - Thanks for Nuthin' 15:16 - Destination Blues 18:02 - Believe It's True 28:09 - Farewell to the Cosmic Commander Outro - True Romance And as we mentioned in the show, head over to ScottMorganMusic.com to help out Scott out with his medical bills. Follow on Twitter Support the Podcast : Donate / Merchandise