Mogwai’s 1999 album Come On Die Young trades some of the explosive catharsis of their debut for a slower, more deliberate exploration of mood and texture. Opening with Iggy Pop’s laconic musings on punk ethos, the record unfolds in hushed tones, with fragile guitar lines and patient rhythms evoking a late-night, half-lit world. Songs like “Cody” favor aching melancholy over the band’s trademark crescendos, making the few bursts of volume feel seismic. The production by Dave Fridmann is spacious and shadowy - it broods like an atmospheric statement that rewards deep, uninterrupted listening.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Helps Both Ways

12:31 - Chocky

20:26 - Cody

25:20 - Christmas Steps

39:22 - Oh! How the Dogs Stack Up

Outro - Kappa

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In a Priest Driven Ambulance marks a pivotal moment for The Flaming Lips with the addition of Jonathan Donahue as a member of the band (and later Mercury Rev), along with Dave Fridmann behind the board for the first time. The blend of lo-fi psychedelic rock retains the melodic chaos while exploring new experimental territory. Wayne Coyne finds his voice, and tracks like “Shine on Sweet Jesus” showcase his spiritual fixation, filtered through fuzz pedals and existential yearning. It’s an ambitious, unpolished gem that foreshadows the band’s later sonic evolutions.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Sweet Jesus (Jesus Song No. 1)

23:20 - Raining Babies

32:42 - Take Meta Mars

37:30 - Five Stop Mother Superior Rain

Outro - Unconsciously Screaming

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The 1993 debut album No Biting by Los Angeles-based band Greta blends post-grunge aggression with quirky, off-kilter alternative rock. Led by Paul Plagens’ distinctive vocals and lyrics, the album features tracks like “Revolver” and “School On Fire” showcase a mix of heaviness and melody. The willingness to veer into funk, noise, and pseudo-progressive territory adds a level of chaotic charm to the record that fans of Faith No More or Jane's Addiction might enjoy.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - School on Fire

14:28 - Is It What You Wanted

20:33 - Revolver

23:08 - Love Is Dead

30:44 - Insomnia

Outro - Sleepyhead

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Legendary guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson's 1999 album Mock Tudor explores the dark corners of suburban England with sharp wit and rich storytelling. Produced by Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf, the album steers away from Thompson's signature folk-rock sound towards a leaner, more contemporary approach. While still rooted in traditional genres with touches of rockabilly and reggae, the album feels urgent and modern, capturing a sense of unease beneath its melodic surface.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Sibella

9:42 - Hard On Me

11:44 - Bathsheba Smiles

22:24 - Dry My Tears and Move On

33:39 - Cooksferry Queen

Outro - Sights And Sounds of London Town

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For our latest Diamond Episode, we're checking out Jewel’s 1995 debut Pieces of You. A blend of minimalist folk ballads with polished pop, Pieces of You is a showcase for Jewel's rich and varied soprano voice. Hits like “Who Will Save Your Soul” and “You Were Meant for Me" are the rarity featuring multi-tracked instrumentation. Much of the record was recorded live at a San Diego coffeehouse, which gives an intimate feel to its confessional lyrics, but also lacks the dynamic and filled-out sound of the singles.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Who Will Save Your Soul

32:20 - Foolish Games

38:32 - Near You Always

42:37 - I'm Sensitive

Outro - You Were Meant For Me

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Released in 1995, the waning years of grunge and riding the big wave of the alternative rock explosion, That’s What Love Songs Often Do by Fig Dish was a punchy major label debut from Chicago quartet Fig Dish. Lyrically, Fig Dish steers away from overwrought introspection in favor of sly, observational jabs at love and life, delivered with rasp and grit. Raw yet clear production allows the interplay between all the instruments shine, with just enough hooks and attitude to keep you interested.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Weak and Mean

25:17 - Bury Me

29:29 - Seeds

35:29 - Going Gone

Outro - Chew Toy

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For Him and the Girls, the debut album by Canadian singer-songwriter Hawksley Workman, is an eclectic blend of glam rock, cabaret, and indie pop. Recorded largely in his home studio, the album revels in his uniquely quirky and theatrical style. Songs like “Tarantulove” and “Safe and Sound” feature lush arrangements, dramatic tempo shifts, and playful yet poignant lyrics that shift between earnest and odd. Lo-fi production adds raw intimacy, complementing the unconventional approach.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Bullets

17:05 - Maniacs

20:37 - Don't Be Crushed

23:07 - No Sissies

27:33 - Tarantulove

39:34 - Baby This Night

Outro - Bullets

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One Simple Word, the fourth studio album by The Connells, showcases the band’s melodic southern jangle pop sound with a more polished and introspective tone. While not a commercial blockbuster, the album scored with critics and college radio listeners thanks to catchy but not overly sugary melodies that sound like attempts at a mainstream radio hit. Lush guitar interplay and heartfelt lyrics highlight their knack for emotionally resonant songwriting without leaning into melancholy.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Stone Cold Yesterday

20:27 - Speak To Me

25:04 - Get A Gun

31:32 - Too Gone

36.21 - What Do You Want?

Outro - Take A Bow

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Blending progressive house, techno, and ambient, the 1996 album Second Toughest in the Infants is Underworld’s ambitious follow-up to their breakout album Dubnobasswithmyheadman. Crafted with expansive, hypnotic soundscapes, tracks like “Pearl’s Girl” and the multipart suite “Juanita/Kiteless/To Dream of Love” highlight their exploration of rhythm and texture, while Karl Hyde’s cryptic, stream-of-consciousness lyrics add a surreal and poetic layer to the music.

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Confusion the Waitress

16:28 - Stagger

19:26 - Juanita : Kiteless : To Dream of Love

23:34 -Banstyle/Sappy's Curry

27:06 - Rowla

Outro - Pearls Girl

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In our third installment of Surviving the 90s, we’re revisiting one of the arena rock powerhouses of the late '70s and early '80s — Foreigner. Known for a string of massive hits like "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," and the chart-topping ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is," Foreigner dominated radio and MTV in their prime. Albums like Double Vision, Head Games, and 4 went multi-Platinum, cementing their legacy. But as the musical landscape shifted in the 90s, the band faced lineup changes and a changing industry. Though new material was scarce, they continued touring and remained a fixture on classic rock airwaves. We revisit their biggest hits, their activity in the 90s, and try to determine: did Foreigner thrive, adapt, or fade during the decade?

Songs In This Episode

Intro - Feels Like The First Time

30:29 - Headknocker

34:03 - Blue Morning, Blue Day

47:29 - Double Vision

50:52 - Moment of Truth

56:34 - Lowdown and Dirty

1:10:54 - Big Dog

1:19:35 - White Lie

Outro - Juke Box Hero

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