April 26, 2016
With there eleventh album about to be released, we decided it was a perfect time to revisit the Goo Goo Dolls first release of the 1990s. For their third album Hold Me Up from 1990, the band began it’s transition from Robby Takac-led pop/punk band to alternative rock hit-makers of the 2nd half of the decade. This album shows the pieces falling into place, with guitarist John Rzeznik taking the lead vocals on five of the fourteen tracks, up from two on the previous two albums. From track to track, you can hear the past and future of the band colliding, but does that make for a worthwhile overall listening experience? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Never Take The Place of Your Man
18:48 - There You Are
20:48 - Two Days In February
34:59 - Kevin’s Song
Outro - Million Miles Away
April 19, 2016
We’re kicking off a new roundtable series revisiting the dreaded sophomore slumps of successful bands from the 1990s. The first album we’re checking out is the 1996 album Wax Ecstatic by Sponge with special guests Chip Midnight of KidsInterviewBands.com and Jeff Takacs of Rocketfuel Podcast. With two hit singles and a gold record on their debut Rotting Pinata, their second album took a number of unexpected twists that may have thrown critics and listeners for a loop, but the lack of an killer chorus or hook like on the first record may have doomed them as well. We try to figure out whether or not this sophomore slump is worth redeeming.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Wax Ecstatic (to sell Angelina) from Wax Ecstatic
14:42 - Molly (16 Candles) from Rotting Pinata
23:28 - I Am Anastacia from Wax Ecstatic
Outro - My Baby Said from Wax Ecstatic
April 12, 2016
Our latest requested review takes us back to Australia, this time checking out the 1992 sophomore album Tear of Thought by The Screaming Jets. On first listen, you might pigeonhole the band as nothing more than AC/DC influenced pub rock, but further investigation reveals a wide array of classic and hard rock influences from the twin guitar attack of Thin Lizzy to the southern rock boogie of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Sound interesting? How about some horns and jazz guitar? Does that work? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Alright
4:45 - History of the Band
12:50 - Dream On
15:00 - Meet Anybody
20:02 - Alright
21:34 - Hard Drugs
Outro - Helping Hand
April 5, 2016
For this week’s requested review we’re taking a ride on the wild side, revisiting Mötley Crüe’s self-titled 1994 album, the only one featuring John Corabi on lead vocals. Mega producer Bob Rock returned after helming the successful Dr. Feelgood album, but the sheen of the Sunset Strip was cast aside for a heavier twin guitar attack. With a new singer and new sound, the album divided fans and critics at the time, and the album failed to meet commercial expectations in the prime alternative and grunge years. Is this a classic hard rock album awaiting rediscovery? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Hooligan’s Holiday
23:39 - Uncle Jack
30:17 - Poison Apples
33:44 - Misunderstood
41:41 - Welcome to the Numb
Outro - Hammered
