This week, Alex and Jenn delve into one of those artists who has informed so much of the alternative musical landscape, Elliott Smith. He departed from this world far before his time, but he left behind a back catalog that will mostly set you into a tailspin if you listen to the lyrics, but can make you feel anything at all if you listen to the music itself. There is altogether too much laughing in this episode, but at least we learn that the girls can count (but not add or subtract).

 

Shout out to @switchedonpop for everything they do. Just ’cause.

You’ve probably heard of this album, and definitely some of the songs on it, but in this episode Jenn and Alex discuss some of the history behind the making of this iconic album and delve into some deep cuts that you probably don’t remember ever hearing before. The topic of the dreaded Concept Album also rears its head again, though there’s no way Pet Sounds could be one… could it?

Season 1 Episode 11: Matchbox 20

Cast your mind back more than 20 years along with Alex and Jenn as they revisit one of the most quintessential mid-90s “alternative” bands. If you remember the 90s even a little, you’ll remember at least one of their songs, even if it’s buried in the back of your mind somewhere. This episode also performs some amazing tricks of time travel, as it’s been in the bank so long we’re still talking about October 2017. That’s just what happens with bands that are on the oldies station.

Season 1 Episode 10: Patrick Wolf, “The Magic Position”

After a long break that is not even remotely discussed in the podcast, Alex and Jenn get back on the horse with Patrick Wolf, a British singer-songwriter who can be most kindly described as moody. Delving into some really great word-play, there is a lot of discussion of darkness, light, and what happens in between – shadows. Come for the metaphors, stay for the double entendres.

Season 1 Episode 9: The Vasco Era

In another edition of Obscure Australian Artists, Jenn and Alex delve into the world of little-known Apollo Bay band The Vasco Era. Best known for supporting Wolfmother at some show in London, our fearless podcast hosts got to know them the old fashioned way: stalking every gig they ever played in Sydney. Also discussed: The Concept Album. (Spoilers: This discussion will never be over.)

Season 1 Episode 8 : JJAMZ

Don’t worry, if you don’t know how to pronounce the name of this week’s band, there’s a whole YouTube video on people butchering it to teach you how. This week, Jenn tries to convince Alex of the merit of the Super Group JJAMZ, and there is much (drunken) discussion of karaoke. This is only in part due to the group’s genesis story.

 

Extra Credit: Watch “How To Say JJAMZ” on YouTube.

Season 1 Episode 7 : The Mountain Goats

After a brief break for the festive season, Jenn and Alex are back for 2018. This time, they delve into a band that 1) you might have heard of before and 2) you actually have a chance of seeing perform live – even if you don’t live in Sydney! Seriously, this never happens to us. There’s also the added symmetry of starting the year out with a bands whose most Googled song is called “This Year’.

 

Extra Credit: Find “I Only Listen to the Mountain Goats” at http://www.nightvalepresents.com/ionlylistentothemountaingoats/

Season 1 SPECIAL EPISODE: Christmas Music (That Doesn’t Suck)

At this very special time of the year, radio stations are playing the same five crappy Christmas songs on repeat. Alex and Jenn get together and drink their Christmas Gin (thanks, Four Pillars!) and discuss their favorite untraditional Christmas songs. And yes, they might mention the best selling single of all time, but don’t worry, there are some deep cuts in there for all you hipsters out there.

 

We would tell you where to get Christmas Gin but it’s sold out for the year. Check out Four Pillars and their amazing year-rounder “Bloody Shiraz” Gin at  http://www.fourpillarsgin.com.au (Available on Master of Malt for the rest of the world)

Season 1 Episode 6: Timothy James Bowen

We apologize for the continuation of our series of Obscure Australian Artists, but only a little. In Part 4 of OAA, Alex & Jenn introduce us to a songwriter with plenty of stories to tell – some will make you laugh, others will make you cry and, most importantly, a few will make you believe in love and humanity again (see we do have hearts after all.)

 

Find Timothy James Bowen at http://www.timothyjamesbowen.com/

Season 1 Episode 5: Bob Evans

In Part Two (of many) of Obscure Australian Artists, Alex and Jenn cover an artist that might sound to you like a comfort food restaurant but to Australians sounds like Adult Contemporary. They also discuss whether nor not “Adult Contemporary” is an insult.

 

Check out Good Evans, It’s a Bobcast! at http://www.bobevans.com.au/podcast