Doves, Andy Bell, Robin McAuley & Guided By Voices
Your vote shapes the next 80s Metal deep dive! Plus: Robin McAuley’s career-defying return, Heather Nova’s stripped-down evolution & the 90s indie album that still sparks debate.
Latest Podcasts
Robin McAuley Talks MSG, Soulbound, and His Resurgence
Guided By Voices - Alien Lanes | 90s Rock Revisited
New Releases
Killswitch Engage’s This Consequence: A Timeless Return or Just More of the Same?
Breath and Air: Heather Nova Trades Drama for Restraint
Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate – Punk Rock Fiesta!
If you were watching Headbangers Ball out in the early ‘90s, you probably remember Blackout in the Red Room, the sleazy hard rock debut from Love/Hate that somehow felt both Sunset Strip and back-alley punk. Now, frontman Jizzy Pearl is back with Punk Rock Fiesta!, and it’s a full-throttle, punk-fueled detour that dials up the raw energy.
Doves – Constellations For The Lonely
If The Last Broadcast was your go-to, how’s this one stacking up for you? It’s been nearly two decades since Doves last released an album, and let’s be real—it’s hard to find a band that blends cinematic indie rock and heartfelt introspection quite like they do. Constellations For The Lonely marks their long-awaited return, and It’s their most emotionally direct album yet, leaning into themes of isolation and hope with their signature lush soundscapes.
Yo La Tengo – Old Joy (Soundtrack)
What’s your favorite Yo La Tengo instrumental moment? They’ve scored several indie films over the years, but Old Joy (originally part of They Shoot, We Score) stands out for its quiet beauty. The film’s director, Kelly Reichardt, gave them almost no direction—she just trusted their ability to feel the film’s emotions.
The Residents – Doctor Dark
If you’ve ever tried to explain this band to a friend, how’d that go? The Residents have spent five decades making sure you never know what to expect. Doctor Dark is a tribute to Captain Beefheart, a major influence on their avant-garde madness. They’re not just covering his songs; they’re deconstructing them, warping them into something uniquely Residents.
Andy Bell – Pinball Wanderer
Andy Bell’s career arc is wild. First, he helped shape shoegaze with Ride. Then, he played bass in Oasis. Now? He’s carving out a fascinating solo career, and Pinball Wanderer takes his dreamy psych-pop experiments even further. The unexpected twist? This one leans into motorik krautrock rhythms, making it feel like a spaced-out road trip soundtrack. If you’ve been following his solo work, how does this one compare?
The Vapors – Wasp in A Jar
The Vapors are way more than just Turning Japanese—and if you’re still sleeping on them, now’s the time to fix that. Their comeback album Together (2020) proved they still had bite, and Wasp in A Jar keeps the momentum going with sharp hooks and surprisingly dark lyrics. It’s got that same jittery energy that made their debut New Clear Days such a cult classic. If you were making a best-of-playlist, what’s making the cut?
Hirax – Faster Than Death
Speed metal doesn’t age—it just gets faster. Katon W. De Pena and Hirax have been tearing up the underground since the mid-’80s, and Faster Than Death is proof they haven’t slowed down. Katon’s voice is still as vicious as it was in ‘85, and the production feels like a lost thrash classic from the glory days.
Robin McAuley – Soulbound
If you know Robin McAuley, it’s probably from the McAuley Schenker Group or his stint in Survivor. But here’s what’s crazy—he’s 72 years old and his voice hasn’t aged a day. Soulbound is one of those late-career albums that feels like it was made by someone with something to prove, full of massive choruses and soaring vocals. He was never really a household name, but he’s quietly one of the most consistent rock vocalists of the past 40 years. What’s your favorite MSG album?
Leaf Hound – Once Bitten
This one’s for the deep-cut classic rock fans. Leaf Hound’s Growers of Mushroom (1971) is a holy grail of underground hard rock, influencing everyone from Kyuss to Wolfmother. Now, over 50 years later, they’re back with Once Bitten, and it’s as raw and bluesy as their original work. The wildest part? This isn’t a nostalgia cash-in—frontman Peter French still has it. If you’re into proto-metal, what’s another lost gem that deserves more love?
What’s in Your Rotation?
Are you cranking up Hirax’s Faster Than Death or getting lost in Doves’ Constellations For The Lonely? Is Andy Bell’s Pinball Wanderer hitting the right psychedelic notes, or are you diving into The Residents’ latest experiment? What’s standing out to you from this batch of new releases? Let’s talk—what’s in your rotation right now?
80s Metal Showdown: Which Album Deserves the DMO Deep Dive?
DMO Union, it’s decision time! We’ve got four 80s metal albums handpicked by listeners, and the votes are rolling in. One of these records is getting the Dig Me Out deep dive—but which one? That’s up to you.
📀 Michael Schenker Group – Assault Attack (31%)
📀 D.A.D. – No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims (31%)
📀 Dirty Looks – Cool from the Wire (23%)
📀 Sammy Hagar – Standing Hampton (15%)
Right now, MSG and D.A.D. are neck and neck, but with six days left, this is still anyone’s game. Now’s your chance to rally the troops—vote, make your case, and bring in reinforcements! What makes your pick the one we need to cover?