Thurston Moore, The Tragically Hip, doubleDrive & Riot
Catch up on the week in new releases and Dig Me Out podcasts
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Latest Podcasts
Riot - The Privilege of Power | 80s Metal Revisited
In February 1990, the musical landscape was a mixed bag of pop hits and evolving rock sounds. While artists like Janet Jackson (Rhythm Nation 1814), Phil Collins (…But Seriously), and Paula Abdul (Forever Your Girl) ruled the Billboard charts, the rock and metal scenes were in a state of transition. Hair metal was still at its commercial peak, with band…
doubleDrive - 1000 Yard Stare | 90s Rock Revisited
By the time 1000 Yard Stare hit shelves in August 1999, rock was in a strange place. The post-grunge wave, riding high on the success of bands like Creed and Godsmack, was dominating the airwaves, but much of it felt formulaic. For a lot of listeners, rock was at a crossroads—between the emotional intensity of grunge and the emerging commercial sheen of…
New Releases
William & Jim Reid - Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Jesus and Mary Chain’s William and Jim Reid have unleashed their memoir Never Understood, a tell-all that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the chaotic rise of the alt-rock pioneers. Known for their noisy, feedback-heavy sound, the Reid brothers open up about their humble origins in East Kilbride, Scotland, the tumultuous dynamics of their relationship, and their experiences navigating the music industry. The memoir, written from the perspectives of both brothers, offers conflicting and often humorous accounts of events, giving readers a unique glimpse into their creative process and personal struggles. It’s as much a story about family as it is about rock stardom. But is it worth your time? Let’s dig in.
Kate Pierson - Radios & Rainbows
Kate Pierson, best known as the powerful voice of The B-52s, has released Radios & Rainbows, a new solo album filled with personal stories, eclectic sounds, and social commentary. Collaborating with artists like Sia and Chris Braide, Pierson explores a mix of genres ranging from electro-pop to anthemic rock. Fans of Pierson’s past work with The B-52s will recognize her signature quirky style, but this album also delves into deeper personal experiences, such as her relationship with her wife Monica, as explored in tracks like “The Beauty of It All”. The album’s title track highlights Pierson’s activism, delivering a strong antiwar message. But is it worth your time? Let’s dig into what the critics think.
Sweet - Full Circle
Known for their glam rock anthems in the ‘70s, Sweet has returned with Full Circle, a release that brings the band’s signature melodic rock sound into the modern age. The most interesting aspect of this album is its blend of new material with a nod to their classic sound, reminding fans of their iconic hits like “Ballroom Blitz,” but with a fresher production style that showcases the band’s evolution.
Nightwish - Yesterwynde
Nightwish, the Finnish symphonic metal giants, have consistently pushed boundaries with their fusion of classical music and heavy metal. Yesterwynde continues this trend, delivering grandiose compositions and operatic vocals. The album’s highlight is its concept of looking back at the world’s forgotten myths, a journey through history told in Nightwish’s trademark epic style.
Bright Eyes - Five Dice, All Threes
Indie rock stalwarts Bright Eyes return with Five Dice, All Threes, an album that combines intimate storytelling with lush, orchestral arrangements. This release marks a reflective moment in the band’s journey, with Conor Oberst’s lyrics exploring themes of fate, chance, and the randomness of life, captured in the album’s title.
The Waeve - City Lights
City Lights by The Waeve, the duo consisting of Blur’s Graham Coxon and singer-songwriter Rose Elinor Dougall, is a blend of new wave, art rock, and electronic influences. This release offers a mixture of melancholy and hope, using urban life as a backdrop for its introspective lyrics and experimental soundscapes.
Thurston Moore - Flow Critical Lucidity
Former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore brings his signature experimental style to Flow Critical Lucidity. This album is an introspective journey, with contributions from My Bloody Valentine’s Deb Googe and Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. With tracks inspired by lucid dreaming and nature, Moore creates a soundscape that merges post-punk and avant-garde elements .
The Tragically Hip - No Dress Rehearsal
*No Dress Rehearsal* is not an album but a four-part docuseries streaming on Prime Video, celebrating the legacy of The Tragically Hip. The series provides an in-depth look at the Canadian rock band’s career, highlighting their rise to fame, their impact on Canadian culture, and the final tour with their beloved frontman, Gord Downie. Through archival footage and interviews, the docuseries captures the emotional and musical journey of the band, culminating in their farewell tour after Downie’s cancer diagnosis. Fans and new viewers alike can explore the intimate story of one of Canada’s most iconic bands.
Brant Bjork Trio - Once Upon A Time In The Desert
Brant Bjork, a key figure in the desert rock scene, returns with the Brant Bjork Trio’s Once Upon A Time In The Desert. This album is a celebration of the laid-back, groove-heavy sound that the SoCal desert is known for, blending blues, rock, and psychedelia. With tracks like “Backin’ The Daze,” this release captures the essence of desert rock, both timeless and organic .
Terrorvision - We Are Not Robots
British rockers Terrorvision are back with We Are Not Robots, a punchy album that blends their signature humor with social commentary. Known for their catchy hooks and upbeat energy, this new release tackles the modern world’s increasing reliance on technology, all set to the band’s infectious rock sound.
Nöthin’ But A Good Time - The Uncensored History Of ’80s Hair Metal
This is a documentary-style compilation that dives into the wild world of ‘80s hair metal, featuring classic tracks from bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt. Nöthin’ But A Good Time offers fans an inside look at the decadent excess and larger-than-life personalities that defined the genre.
