Darius Rucker, Prong, & Blur
The Week In New Music & Dig Me Out Podcast
New Releases
Dogstar - Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees
Keanu Reeves, renowned for his iconic roles in blockbuster films, is also the bassist of Dogstar, an LA-based independent rock band that has just unveiled their first album in two decades, "Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees." The band, also consisting of guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose and drummer Rob Mailhouse, is rooted in a deep friendship and a shared passion for music. Their return is marked not just by the new album, but by a sold-out, electrifying performance at the iconic Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip. The album, releasing under their own label, Dillon Street Records, and distributed through ADA, is a testament to Dogstar’s musical autonomy. The first single, "Everything Turns Around," is a harmonious blend of catchy pop and indie rock, heralding the band’s evolved sound. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to a 25-plus city headline tour, kicking off in Phoenix, an odyssey that underscores Dogstar’s re-emergence and the unfolding chapter of their musical journey.
Prong - State of Emergency
Prong's latest album "State of Emergency" breaks a six-year silence for fans, prolonged by both the global pandemic and personal developments in the life of frontman Tommy Victor. Emerging in the mid-1980s, Prong carved out its own space in the metal genre, influencing and shaping its evolution with its eclectic and dynamic style. Victor characterizes the new album as authentically “Prong,” a project that sidesteps current trends to embrace a rich tapestry of musical influences. It’s a guitar-heavy mix of punk, metal, post-punk noise, doom, blues, and thrash, delivered with unambiguous vocals and an assertive East Coast edge. "State of Emergency" heralds a celebrated return for this iconic band.
Darius Rucker - Carolyn's Boy
Darius Rucker's new album, "Carolyn's Boy," is a heartfelt tribute to his greatest inspiration, his late mother. The album, infused with personal and emotional narratives, showcases Rucker's journey from the frontman of Hootie & the Blowfish to a distinguished solo artist. Each song is a testament to his mother's enduring influence, weaving a tapestry of memories, lessons, and love that has shaped Rucker's life and music. The album is not just a collection of tracks but a narrative, a journey into the intimate corridors of Rucker's life where the echoes of his mother's voice resonate with warmth and wisdom. Every note, every lyric, is imbued with a profound sense of respect and adoration for the woman who started it all.
Vast Robot Armies - The What Gallery
Vast Robot Armies (VRA) has been active for over a decade, evolving from a solo project to a band known for its collaborative approach. Their fourth album, "The What Gallery," features Paul Malinowski on bass and Jason Gerken on drums, with production by Jason Thomson, Paul Malinowski, and Jordon Zadorozny. An interesting fact about the album is its bridge/outro, inspired by an '80s metal song, showcasing VRA's ability to creatively adapt and reinvent musical elements. The band recently celebrated a decade in music, crediting their fans for their continued support. The recording sessions, captured on film by producer Jeffrey P. Nesker, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Like A Bug," one of the album’s singles.
Daryl Easlea - Whatever Happened to Slade?: When The Whole World Went Crazee!
Daryl Easlea's "Whatever Happened to Slade?: When The Whole World Went Crazee!" offers an unprecedented insight into the iconic band Slade, beyond their renowned status in the 1970s glam rock era. Published on 12th October 2023, this is the first in-depth biography since 1984, unraveling the intricate tales of Noddy Holder, Dave Hill, Jim Lea, and Don Powell. Easlea, enriched by new interviews, meticulously traces Slade’s evolution from the 1960s beat boom, their glam rock pinnacle, attempts to conquer America, to their transformation into hard rocking icons. The narrative, adorned with a foreword by Bob Geldof and an afterword by Jim Moir, also delves into the band’s dissolution and the members' post-Slade journeys. Despite the original quartet ceasing operations in 1992, the enduring affection for their music and legacy persists. Early birds who pre-ordered from Omnibus Press’s website received an exclusive postcard featuring original Slade cross-stitch art by 8bitnorthxstitch, marking the book’s release as a significant event for both long-time fans and newcomers to the world of Slade.
1 Minute Reviews
The 90s Podcast
Blur - Blur
After helping define the Britpop sound, Blur turned to American indie rock to find inspiration for their challenging 1997 self-titled album
Having blazed a trail with some of the most successful Britpop albums of the 1990s, Blurwas heading for implosion following their tabloid battle with Oasis in 1995 and inter-band turmoil. To reorient themselves, they turned to the country that used to be a target of scorn - America. Specifically, American indie rock like Pavement. You can hear the influence throughout the album as the band takes the noise, the jagged guitar lines, and the lo-fi aesthetics, and puts their unique spin on it. That unique spin, of course, would end up creating one of the most memorable songs of the 90s, "Song 2," which still gets played in stadiums at sporting events around the world and is a staple on 90s classic radio. But "Song 2" is just the tip of a very weird, very singular sound that would find the band taking chances that mostly paid off. Special Guest: Jim Kopeny - Music Writer, DMO Union
Coming Soon
October Album Review Tournament - Group 2 of 2
We want to know which album you want to see on Dig Me Out. We present nine suggested albums weekly, and you vote for your favorites. The top two from each group compete in a final poll. Your vote counts, so choose the album you want to be featured and make your voice heard!
Red Red Meat - Jimmywine Majestic
Starflyer 59 - The Fashion Focus
Worthy Reads
In 1998, Polyvinyl released an EP of three songs that clocked in under twelve minutes but changed the course of emo forever.
revisits the American Football EP on it’s 25th anniversary.