Pixies, 311, & Jesus Jones
Catch up in the week in new releases and Dig Me Out podcast
Latest Podcast
Jesus Jones - Perverse | 90s Rock Revisited
It’s January 1993. Bill Clinton’s first term as U.S. president has just begun, and Nirvana’s In Utero is mere months away from cementing grunge’s dominance. Yet, not every band was riding the Seattle sound wave. Over in the UK, Jesus Jones, who had made a name with the single “Right Here, Right Now,” were embarking on an entirely different musical path …
New Releases
311 - Full Bloom
311’s Full Bloom marks the band’s first full-length album in five years, following Voyager (2019). As one of the longest-running bands with their original lineup, 311 has consistently blended rock, reggae, funk, and rap into their signature sound since the early ’90s. This release is described as a reflection on the importance of positivity and unity, themes that have been central to their music. With tracks like “You’re Gonna Get It” charting higher than any of their recent singles,
MC5 - Heavy Lifting
MC5’s latest release, Heavy Lifting, marks their first album of new material in over 50 years, and it arrives under bittersweet circumstances. Founding member Wayne Kramer passed away shortly after completing the record, adding a sense of finality to this project, which also features contributions from original drummer Dennis Thompson and a host of guest musicians like Tom Morello and Slash. Known for pioneering the proto-punk sound, MC5 influenced countless rock acts over the decades, and
D-A-D - Speed of Darkness
D-A-D’s latest album, Speed of Darkness, marks their 13th studio release and celebrates over four decades of the band’s hard rock journey. Known for blending elements of cowpunk, hard rock, and a touch of glam, D-A-D continues to evolve, delivering an album that blends nostalgia with maturity. The Danish band, originally named Disneyland After Dark, has kept much of its lineup intact, allowing them to stay true to their signature sound.
Pixies - The Night The Zombies Came
This is Pixies’ tenth album, and it’s both a continuation and a reinvention of their classic sound. It’s the first album to feature bassist Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls), and the band leans into a more cinematic and mature sound. Tracks like “Jane (The Night The Zombies Came)” are full of layered instrumentation and moody atmospheres, while songs like “You’re So Impatient” show that they can still deliver fast, punchy rock. The album blends nostalgia with forward-thinking ideas, making it a solid entry in their post-reunion catalog.
Chuck Ragan - Love and Lore
Known for his gravelly voice and introspective lyrics, Chuck Ragan steps into deeply personal territory with Love and Lore. This album sees him exploring themes of love, storytelling, and the human condition, all delivered with his signature blend of folk, punk, and Americana. Fans of Hot Water Music will recognize the raw emotion, but there’s a maturity here that feels more contemplative and heartfelt.
Greg Jacobs - Hell on Wheels—Tour Stories: Remembered, Remixed, Remastered
Greg Jacobs compiles some of the wildest, most unbelievable stories from the punk rock touring world in this updated version of his 1994 classic. Featuring tales from bands like Bad Religion, Dead Kennedys, and Rocket From the Crypt, Hell on Wheels gives readers an insider’s view of life on the road, full of chaos, humor, and occasional brushes with disaster. It’s an entertaining and often hilarious ride that’s as much about the characters involved as it is about the music.
dUg Pinnick - Thingamajigger
King’s X frontman dUg Pinnick delivers a solo effort full of experimental sounds, blending rock, funk, and soul into something uniquely his own. Thingamajigger showcases his ability to push boundaries while still delivering the heavy, groove-driven bass lines and powerful vocals that fans have come to expect. This is a record where Pinnick lets loose creatively, giving listeners a raw and personal experience.
Ben Folds - Sleigher
Ben Folds brings his quirky, piano-driven style to the holiday genre with Sleigher, but this isn’t your typical Christmas album. With a mix of original songs and offbeat interpretations of holiday classics, Folds injects humor and wit into the festive season, offering something refreshingly different for his fans. Expect clever lyrics, unexpected arrangements, and plenty of heart.
Underworld - Strawberry Hotel
The electronic duo Underworld returns with Strawberry Hotel, a dreamy, atmospheric album that blends ambient soundscapes with driving beats. Known for their work on soundtracks and experimental electronic music, this album takes listeners through a sonic landscape that’s both expansive and introspective, making it perfect for fans who enjoy losing themselves in immersive sound.
The Effigies - Burned
Punk legends The Effigies return with Burned, an album that stays true to their post-punk roots while addressing contemporary issues. The album has a raw, aggressive energy, with politically charged lyrics that have been a hallmark of the band’s career. It’s a powerful comeback for a band that has always had something important to say.
Chuck Prophet - Wake The Dead
Chuck Prophet’s Wake The Dead is a gritty, blues-infused rock album that feels timely and timeless. Known for his storytelling abilities, Prophet tackles themes of mortality, societal unrest, and hope, all delivered with his signature mix of sharp wit and soulful guitar work. Fans of his earlier albums will find plenty to love here.
Alex Van Halen - Brothers
In his memoir Brothers, Alex Van Halen offers a heartfelt tribute to his late brother, Eddie Van Halen. The book focuses more on their relationship and shared history than the technical aspects of Eddie’s guitar work, making it a deeply personal reflection on family, love, and loss. Fans hoping for an in-depth account of Van Halen’s band drama might be disappointed, but those looking for a more intimate portrait of the brothers will find it a touching read.
