Pearl Jam, Badlands, INXS, & Motor Ace
Catch Up on the Week in New Music & Dig Me Out Podcast
New Release Reviews
Pearl Jam's - Dark Matter
Thirty-three years after their explosive debut, Pearl Jam returns with "Dark Matter," an album that skillfully marries their '90s grunge roots with seasoned musical explorations. This release marks their 12th studio effort, once again proving their undying relevance in the rock scene. Andrew Watt steps in as producer, infusing the album with a sound that nods to the band's heyday while catering to contemporary tastes. But is it worth your time? Let's dig into what the
Melvins - Tarantula Heart
From the onset, Melvins' latest endeavor, "Tarantula Heart," feels like a daring assertion of their signature defiance against mainstream music trends. For a band renowned for their pioneering role in the grunge and sludge metal scenes, this album reaffirms their ethos of audacious experimentation and sonic exploration. Buzz Osborne and his bandmates have pushed boundaries with a lineup that includes double drum tracks and a penchant for sprawling, psychedelic journeys within their compositions. But is it worth your time? Let's dig into what the critics think.
Sponge - Planet Girls (The Lost 1999 Album)
Planet Girls is an album that Sponge planned to release in 1999 but it got shelved because of a mess of label troubles and industry changes. This lost album has kind of turned into a legend among fans and collectors, especially since it's rumored to have taken a sharp turn from the band's usual grunge style to something more experimental. Until now, bits and pieces have trickled out over the years through bootlegs and rare track lists.
NOFX - Half Album
This collection of tracks was recorded during the same sessions as their double album, but it’s more than just leftover songs. Instead, it serves as an essential part of the whole project, intended to tie everything together. The release comes in various formats including CD, LP, and digital, and for the vinyl enthusiasts, there’s a special colored vinyl version designed to fit right into the double album's slipcase.
A Certain Ratio - It All Comes Down To This
A Certain Ratio is back with a new album titled "It All Comes Down To This," produced by Dan Carey of Speedy Wunderground. This album follows their previous release "1982" and takes a bold step by shedding their usual safety nets. Jez Kerr describes the album as a significant departure from their past work, emphasizing a willingness to embrace change in every aspect of their production. Donald Johnson explains their approach as stripping back to basics, focusing on the core trio without the clutter of excessive overdubs, aiming for a sound that's raw and captured in the moment. The lead single, "All Comes Down To This," offers a taste of this no-frills, live-in-the-moment energy.
Paraorchestra - Death Songbook
Brett Anderson, Charles Hazlewood, and Paraorchestra have teamed up with vocalists Nadine Shah and Gwenno for a strikingly poignant project titled "Death Songbook." Set for release on BMG's World Circuit label, this anthology features reimagined versions of songs by iconic artists like Echo and the Bunnymen, Skeeter Davis, Japan, David Bowie, Jacques Brel, Depeche Mode, and Suede. Composed by Charlotte Harding, these new arrangements breathe a delicate, orchestral life into themes of death, loss, and the death of love, exploring the profound ways music connects and comforts us in our darkest moments. The album, available in 2LP, CD, and digital formats, is a celebration of music's power to uplift and transcend. Additionally, the release will be supported by live performances, with Gwenno appearing as a special guest, creating a unique opportunity to experience these transformative songs live.
80s Metal Podcast
Badlands - Badlands | 80s Metal Album Review
In the twilight of the 1980s, a year that marked the end of an era and the dawn of another, a band emerged that would encapsulate the raw energy and spirit of rock's golden years. This band was Badlands, a powerhouse ensemble formed by none other than Jake E. Lee, known for his explosive guitar solos with Ozzy Osbourne. As Lee parted ways with the Princ…
90s Rock Podcast
INXS - Full Moon, Dirty Hearts | 90s Rock Album Review
Let’s take a stroll back to 1993 and chat about a pretty intriguing album from INXS called 'Full Moon, Dirty Hearts'. Released smack in the middle of the grunge era, this album brought something different to the table, mixing the familiar shine of INXS with a rougher, more experimental edge.
00s Rock Podcast
Motor Ace - Five Star Laundry | 00s Rock Album Review
At the turn of the millennium, rock music was full of energy and new beginnings. While bands like The Strokes and Coldplay were redefining the boundaries of indie and alternative rock halfway across the world, Motor Ace was carving out its niche within Melbourne, Australia's vibrant music landscape—their sound mixed power pop hooks and robust rock rhyth…
