The Cardigans, Ho-Hum & Triumph
Catch up on the week in new music and Dig Me Out podcasts
Latest Podcasts
Ho-Hum - Local | 90s Rock Revisited
In the mid-90s, few rock bands called Arkansas home, and even fewer were looking back to the straightforward radio pop of the 1970s and 80s for inspiration. Yet Ho-Hum, hailing from Bradley, Arkansas, did exactly that on their 1996 debut Local. Rather than embracing the angsty grunge sounds dominating the alternative scene, Ho-Hum tuned their guitars to…
Triumph - Sport of Kings | 80s Metal Revisited
By the time Triumph released Sport of Kings in August 1986, the landscape of rock music was in full transformation. The mid-80s were defined by larger-than-life guitar heroes, neon lights, and an endless quest for the next big arena anthem. Bands like Journey, Foreigner, and Night Ranger had solidified a sound that bridged rock’s raw energy with melodic…
New Releases
American Standard: Cheap Trick from the Bars to the Budokan and Beyond
Ross Warner’s American Standard: Cheap Trick from the Bars to the Budokan and Beyond gives readers a close look at one of rock’s most enduring bands. With a history spanning from their origins in Rockford, Illinois, to international stardom with the live album
Mercury Rev - Born Horses
Mercury Rev’s Born Horses marks their first album of original material in nearly a decade, and it’s already drawing plenty of attention from fans and critics alike. Known for their genre-blending sound, Born Horses takes Mercury Rev further into the realms of dreamy psychedelia and avant-garde folk. With Jonathan Donahue’s iconic, often spoken-word vocals and cinematic soundscapes, the band explores a vast sonic universe that draws on influences like Chet Baker and Miles Davis’
The Dead Daisies – Light ’Em Up 🛒
The Dead Daisies, a hard rock supergroup with a rotating cast of talented rockers, return with Light ’Em Up, their seventh studio album. Known for their blend of 70s hard rock and blues influences, the band has toured with legends like Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith. This album showcases their signature gritty sound, led by the raspy vocals of John Corabi, and delivers a high-energy experience right from the title track. Notably, tracks like “I Wanna Be Your Bitch” and “Times Are Changing” evoke a raw, vintage rock feel, while others like “Take My Soul” bring a more bluesy, introspective vibe.
Fig Dish – Feels Like The Very First Two Times 🛒
Fig Dish, a 90s alternative rock band out of Chicago, returns with Feels Like The Very First Two Times, a re-release that compiles remastered tracks from their first two records. Known for blending grunge with melodic pop-punk, the band’s signature sound is a nostalgic callback to the era of big guitars and angst-filled lyrics. This collection allows fans to revisit their earliest material with a sharper, more polished sound while introducing a new generation to their underrated catalog.
David Gilmour – Luck and Strange 🛒
David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, continues to carve out his solo legacy with Luck and Strange. The album blends his iconic atmospheric guitar work with more intimate, personal songwriting. Gilmour taps into themes of change and uncertainty, drawing on a mix of blues, folk, and psychedelic influences that harken back to his work with Pink Floyd but with a stripped-down, reflective feel.
The The, an English post-punk band known for their eclectic and politically charged music, offers Ensoulment, their latest release. This album marks a return to the deeply philosophical themes that defined their earlier work, blending haunting vocals with minimalist, electronic-tinged production. Matt Johnson’s introspective lyrics explore the human condition with his trademark intensity, making it a thoughtful and compelling listen.
The Cardigans – The Rest of the Best: Vol. 1 🛒
The Cardigans, best known for their 90s hits like “Lovefool,” deliver a compilation with The Rest of the Best: Vol. 1. This collection pulls together deeper cuts and fan favorites from across their discography, showcasing the band’s evolution from sugary pop to darker, more experimental sounds. It’s a great way for new listeners to explore their lesser-known work, as well as for long-time fans to revisit some of the band’s more overlooked gems.
J. Robbins – Bloodless EP
J. Robbins, known for his work with post-hardcore bands like Jawbox, offers a more personal and intimate experience with his Bloodless EP. The release focuses on stripped-down, acoustic arrangements while still maintaining the raw intensity Robbins is known for. The EP features thoughtful, politically charged lyrics, with standout tracks like “Citizen” exploring themes of disillusionment and hope in a fractured world.
Jordan Rudess – Permission to Fly 🛒
Jordan Rudess, the virtuoso keyboardist from Dream Theater, continues to push boundaries with Permission to Fly. This solo release blends progressive rock with classical and jazz influences, showcasing Rudess’ technical prowess and creative vision. The album’s dynamic shifts between complex, high-energy compositions and more serene, melodic moments make it a must-listen for fans of progressive music.
Riot Reigns Supreme in the September 80s Metal Album Poll
The votes are in, and it’s official—Riot’s Privilege of Power has claimed victory in this month’s 80s Metal Album Tournament! With 37% of the total votes, Riot’s adventurous mix of power metal and brass (and yes, even Miss Piggy makes an appearance) captured the hearts of fans. Hot on its heels were Circus of Power and Twisted Sister, each securing 26%, with Holland’s Little Monsters rounding out the list at 11%.
Thanks to the DMO Union members who voted! Stay tuned as we dive into Privilege of Power on the next episode. Keep those album suggestions coming!
Great to hear The The is back!
Thanks for the shout! Also really into the new The The. It's a very satisfying return to form.