Throwing Muses, Steven Wilson, Def Leppard & Billy Squier
Catch up on the week in new music & Dig Me Out podcasts
Latest Podcasts
Def Leppard - High ‘N’ Dry | 80s Metal Revisited
Before they dominated MTV, Def Leppard was raw, hungry, and loud. In this episode of Dig Me Out, we revisit High 'n' Dry, the album that might just be their most pivotal. Released in 1981, it marked a transition from their gritty roots to a more polished sound, setting the stage for their later mainstream success. The discussion delves into how tracks like "Let It Go" and "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" showcased their evolving style and the impact of producer Mutt Lange in refining their approach. We get into the band's journey during this transformative period and how High 'n' Dry played a crucial role in shaping their career.
Billy Squier | Surviving the 90s
Remember when Billy Squier's anthems like "The Stroke" dominated the airwaves in the early '80s? Fast forward to the '90s, and the musical landscape had shifted dramatically. In this episode of Dig Me Out, we dissect Squier's journey through that tumultuous decade. From his 1991 release Creatures of Habit, which struggled to find its place amidst the grunge explosion, to 1993's Tell the Truth, an album praised by his label yet left unsupported, leading to its commercial failure. We also explore 1998's Happy Blue, a stripped-down acoustic endeavor that marked Squier's departure from mainstream rock, reflecting his resilience and adaptability in an industry that had moved on. Join us as we analyze his '90s trajectory, discussing whether his choices were acts of artistic integrity or missed opportunities.
If we don't dig out these albums, who will? Get 30% off a today and help us uncover the records that history forgot.
New Releases
Bob Mould - Here We Go Crazy
Bob Mould doesn’t need to prove anything. From Hüsker Dü’s groundbreaking punk to Sugar’s power-pop anthems and a solo career spanning decades, he’s already left his mark. But with Here We Go Crazy, critics are weighing in on whether Mould is still pushing forward or revisiting familiar ground.
Some reviews praise the album’s immediacy and melodic sharpness, calling it a natural evolution of his sound. Others question whether Mould is relying too much on his signature formula. So where does that leave longtime fans?
🤔 What do you think? Does Here We Go Crazy stand up to Mould’s best work, or is it playing it too safe?
The Cruel Sea – Straight Into the Sun
It’s been 24 years. That’s how long The Cruel Sea has been away. So, the real question—does Straight Into the Sun sound like a band picking up where they left off, or does it chart a new course?
Critics are weighing in. Some say it’s a natural continuation of their laconic, surf-meets-blues swagger. Others hear something different—an older, more reflective band, smoothing out the rough edges while keeping the heart of their sound intact. Does that make it a more mature album, or does it lose some of the restless energy that defined their early work?
🎧 What’s your take? Does Straight Into the Sun prove The Cruel Sea still has the magic, or does the long gap make it feel like a different band?
Coheed and Cambria – Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe
Another chapter in The Amory Wars saga? You knew it was coming. Coheed and Cambria’s Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe pushes deeper into their sci-fi world, blending their signature progressive rock with anthemic choruses. But what’s different this time? Frontman Claudio Sanchez is layering the narrative with reflections on time, identity, and legacy—both musically and through expanded storytelling in comics and novels. If you thought you knew where this story was going, think again.
Throwing Muses – Moonlight Concessions
Kristin Hersh doesn’t do nostalgia. So, when Throwing Muses return, it’s never just a rehash. Moonlight Concessions strips things down, leaning into acoustic tension, haunting cellos, and raw storytelling. Instead of their usual off-kilter rhythms, this album feels sparse, almost skeletal, pulling you closer with its eerie, hypnotic pull. If you thought you had them figured out, this one will surprise you.
Steven Wilson – The Overview
Steven Wilson is restless. One album he’s making proggy epics, the next he’s diving into electronic textures. The Overview lands somewhere in the liminal space between the two. The production is pristine, the melodies are immediate, but the depth? That’s where Wilson thrives. If you’re expecting a repeat of The Future Bites, think bigger—this is Wilson crafting soundscapes with the precision of an architect.
Nels Cline – Consentrik Quartet
Nels Cline is a shape-shifter. One minute he’s spinning wild, distorted leads for Wilco, the next he’s diving into avant-garde jazz experiments. Consentrik Quartet is a masterclass in controlled chaos, where improvisation meets structure in the most unexpected ways. How far does it push the boundaries? Just enough to challenge you, but never enough to lose you.
Edwyn Collins – Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation
Edwyn Collins doesn’t chase trends. He doesn’t need to—his influence is already woven into indie pop’s DNA. What makes Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation stand out is its unmistakable warmth, that jangly guitar tone, that sense of melody that feels effortless but hits deep. If you’ve followed his journey, you know every album is a reflection of where he’s at. This one is a statement of resilience, crafted with wisdom and wit.
The Waeve – Eternal EP
A Blur guitarist and an indie-pop singer-songwriter walk into a studio. You might expect something retro, something comfortable. But The Waeve—Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall’s project—thrives in the unexpected. Eternal EP swirls folk, electronic, and cinematic rock into something that refuses to sit still. Is it haunting? Absolutely. Does it sound like anything either of them has done before? Not quite. And that’s the point.
Heathen – Bleed The World: Live
Live thrash metal is a different beast. The energy, the precision, the chaos—Heathen capture all of it on Bleed The World: Live and it holds up without the sweat and the crowd. Every riff is razor-sharp, every solo burns, and every shout from David White lands with full force. If you’ve never seen them live, this might be the next best thing.
Red Fang – Deep Cuts
You know Red Fang for their fuzz-drenched anthems and beer-soaked music videos. But what about the tracks that never made the spotlight? Deep Cuts digs into the archives, unearthing B-sides and rarities that prove just how consistent their riff-driven attack has been. Could some of these songs have been fan favorites if they’d been on the main albums? Absolutely. And now, they finally get their moment.
You Decide: Which Forgotten ‘70s Rock Album Deserves the Spotlight?
You know the classics. But what about the albums that flew under the radar, only to gain legendary status years later? That’s exactly what we’re digging into for our ‘70s Rock Tournament, where you decide which album we cover next.
This month’s lineup? Four records that pushed boundaries—whether through stripped-down folk, proto-metal firepower, raw punk energy, or expansive prog-rock experimentation. None of these albums topped the charts, but they all left a lasting impact. The question is: which one deserves the spotlight? Right now, The Saints and T2 are leading the pack—but the race isn’t over yet.
Nick Drake – Pink Moon: A haunting, minimalist folk masterpiece.
The Saints – I’m Stranded: A punk-rock sledgehammer before punk fully took off.
Sir Lord Baltimore – Kingdom Come: Proto-metal thunder that laid the groundwork for heavy rock.
T2 – It’ll All Work Out in Boomland: A prog-psych epic with soaring guitar work.
🗳️ Cast your vote before it’s too late
If we don't dig out these albums, who will? Get 30% off a today and help us uncover the records that history forgot.