The Autocorrected Album Title That Perfectly Captures Modern Absurdity
David Byrne’s accidental genius leads September’s collection of career-defining moments, final statements, and unexpected resurrections
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You Spoke. We Listened. Europe Takes Flight! 🦅
This is exactly why we do these polls. You didn’t just pick an album—you chose a story that needs telling. While the world remembers “The Final Countdown,” you recognized something deeper. Something rawer. Something that captures a band right before they became superstars.
80s Metal Final Results:
Europe - Wings of Tomorrow: 40.0% 🏆
Skid Row - Skid Row: 30.0%
Vixen - Vixen: 23.3%
Black ’n Blue - Nasty Nasty: 6.7%
Wings of Tomorrow is Europe at their hungriest. John Norum’s guitar work cuts like a blade. Joey Tempest’s vocals soar without a synthesizer in sight. This is Swedish metal before it got polished for arena crowds. We’ll be breaking it all down in the next episode of Dig Me Out: 80s Metal.
Your Suggestions Become Our Next Episode
What’s sitting in your collection right now, waiting for its moment? That obscure gem from the used record store. That major-label misfire that time vindicated. That album that changed your life but never got the recognition it deserved. Send us your suggestions and keep this conversation alive. Tell us what forgotten treasure should be unearthed next—because at Dig Me Out, the best discoveries come from the community that lives and breathes this music. 🤘
New Releases
Suede - Antidepressants
Remember Suede? Of course you do. Brett Anderson’s theatrical sprawl and Richard Oakes’ jangling guitars helped define ‘90s Britpop alongside Blur and Oasis. But here’s what’s wild about Antidepressants – it’s their tenth studio album, and they’re calling it their “post-punk record” after 2022’s autobiographical Autofiction. This album was originally conceived as a ballet soundtrack before the band pivoted to something darker and more immediate.
Critics are split down the middle on this one. What works: The opening trilogy of “Disintegrate,” “Dancing With the Europeans,” and the title track showcase Suede at their most abrasive and urgent, with Anderson tackling modern disconnection head-on. What doesn’t work: Some reviewers find tracks like “Criminal Ways” and “Trance State” feel like “indie by numbers,” lacking the emotional depth that made classics like “Beautiful Ones” essential.
Rhys Fulber - Memory Impulse Autonomy
Rhys Fulber? The electronic mastermind behind Front Line Assembly, Delerium, and that massive club anthem “Silence” with Sarah McLachlan. After decades of industrial EBM and working with metal acts like Fear Factory, he’s returned to his roots with his first release on Artoffact Records. Here’s the novel fact that’ll blow your mind: the album’s collaborations span generations – from William Maybelline of Lebanon Hanover to Konstantin Unwohl, creating a bridge between ’80s experimentalism and modern dark electronic.
What works: The opening duo featuring Qual delivers “relentless, cold-beat techno” that channels the primitive power of early industrial music while maintaining contemporary edge. What doesn’t work: Some critics note the album can feel “too similar throughout,” lacking the dynamic shifts that could elevate it from solid to essential.
Ivy - Traces of You
Ivy was that atmospheric indie-pop trio whose dreamy soundscapes soundtracked countless ‘90s films and TV shows. Adam Schlesinger’s basslines, Andy Chase’s production, and Dominique Durand’s ethereal vocals created something uniquely beautiful. But here’s the heartbreaking twist: this is their first album in twelve years, built from unreleased tracks featuring Schlesinger, who died from COVID-19 in 2020. The album essentially resurrects a beloved voice from beyond.
What works: The lead single “Say You Will” demonstrates how Schlesinger’s seemingly simple basslines could blossom into gorgeous, complete songs when touched by his bandmates’ magic. What doesn’t work: While emotionally resonant, some tracks feel more like loving tributes than fully realized statements – understandable given the circumstances, but occasionally leaving listeners wanting more development.
David Byrne - Who Is The Sky?
David Byrne needs no introduction – Talking Heads frontman, American Utopia creator, perpetual musical explorer. At 73, he’s collaborating with Ghost Train Orchestra and guests like St. Vincent, Hayley Williams, and The Smile’s Tom Skinner. The most delightful revelation? The album title came from an autocorrected text message, perfectly embodying Byrne’s embrace of life’s absurdities.
What works: Critics praise Byrne’s “don’t give a shit about what people think” attitude, creating joyous celebrations of everyday absurdity like “My Apartment Is My Friend” and “Moisturizing Thing”. What doesn’t work: While universally praised for its exuberance, some find the whimsical approach occasionally sacrifices the deeper political insight of his earlier work.
Stan Bush - Born For Battle
Stan Bush is the king of motivational rock – “The Touch” and “Dare” from Transformers: The Movie remain ultimate pump-up anthems. At 15 studio albums deep, he’s still delivering the same inspirational energy that made him legendary. The incredible fact: this album took over four years to complete, with producer Holger Fath crafting each track to perfection.
What works: The lead single “Invincible” perfectly encapsulates why Bush earned the title “master of motivational rock” – soaring melodies paired with unshakeable optimism. What doesn’t work: Critics note that while his formula remains effective, the unwavering positivity can feel one-dimensional across eleven tracks without emotional contrast.
FM - Brotherhood
FM are British melodic rock royalty – Steve Overland’s voice has been a constant for nearly four decades of hook-laden AOR perfection. This is their 15th studio album with their beloved current lineup. The surprise element: guest vocalists Sonia Jones and Jade Morgan add fresh dimensions to tracks like “Do You Mean It” and “Just Walk Away”.
What works: Opening track “Do You Mean It” blends rock and blues with Overland’s signature vocal power, while “Just Walk Away” showcases their ballad mastery. What doesn’t work: Some reviewers note that while consistently excellent, FM’s formula rarely surprises – they’re masters of their craft but don’t often venture beyond their comfort zone.
Saint Etienne - International
Saint Etienne created the soundtrack to ’90s indie life with classics like “Nothing Can Stop Us” and “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.” Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, and Pete Wiggs are calling it quits after 35 years, making International their farewell album. The stunning fact: this swan song features collaborations with everyone from Vince Clarke to The Chemical Brothers to Confidence Man.
What works: Opening track “Glad” (co-written with Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands) perfectly distills their entire career into one euphoric dance groove, while “Brand New Me” with Confidence Man feels like passing the torch to the next generation. What doesn’t work: Some critics find certain tracks lean too heavily into nostalgia without pushing forward, though most agree this is exactly how a beloved band should bow out.
Grant-Lee Phillips - In the Hour of Dust
Grant-Lee Phillips fronted Grant Lee Buffalo through the ’90s alt-rock explosion and later appeared as the town troubadour on Gilmore Girls. This is his 12th solo album, recorded between Nashville and Los Angeles with lifetime rhythm section Jay Bellerose and Jennifer Condos. The personal touch: Phillips also painted the album cover, showcasing his visual artistry alongside his musical talents.
What works: Critics praise his ability to blend personal reflection with political commentary, particularly on opener “Little Men” about those “who want to rule like Caesar”. What doesn’t work: Some find the guitar-based arrangements less adventurous than his complex lyrical meditations on survival and love.
Glenn Hughes - Chosen
Glenn Hughes is the “Voice of Rock” – Deep Purple’s bass-playing frontman, Black Country Communion founder, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. After a nine-year solo hiatus, he’s back with what he hints might be his final rock album. The career context: at 73, Hughes admits he’s moving away from heavy music toward more vocal-focused work.
What works: Critics praise the album’s relentless energy and Hughes’ still-powerful voice, with tracks like “In The Golden” delivering “monumental hard rock grind”. What doesn’t work: The high-energy approach throughout leaves little room for the killer ballads that provided emotional contrast on previous albums.
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