The History of Alternative

Riot Mike stopped by Q101 to chat with Brian Phillips about this year's Riot Fest and shared cool stories about putting personal touch on booking bands, the big artist who became a fan of his mom's homemade brownies, Mike's experiences in the Buffalo punk scene and a cool full circle moment with a band, plus the (non-headliner) band you must see this year. Listen to the conversation here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Shinoda talks with Brian Phillips about the previously unreleased Linkin Park song "Lost", plans for the Meteora 20th anniversary boxset, the band's long term relationship with radio and reveals some of his upcoming side projects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 25, 2023, Fall Out Boy stopped by the Q101 Lounge to talk with Brian Phillips about their new album, "So Much (for) Stardust", friction in the emo scene as an up-and-coming band, what it was like touring with Green Day and more!  Brian Phillips hosts Q101 weekday afternoons from 3p-7p. You can also hear him every Sunday morning from 8a-Noon on Q101's History of Alternative, an encyclopedic and comprehensive guide to all things alternative.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new take on an older song, some cover songs took sonic and lyrical liberties, many connected varying generations of music fans. Not a definitive list here, but a review  of some of the more interesting and impressionable cover songs for Alternative. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year for pop-punk, emo and scene bands to be seen and heard (mostly on Myspace), two of the biggest albums of all time were released, as were a bunch of danceable imports, one-hit wonders, albums from iconic artists and songs featured on The O.C. This is a quick recap of 2004. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An underground vibe with diverse influences, college rock of the 1980s was an inclusive and eclectic genre. Relive some of the "left of the dial" bands and songs here.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undeniable influence and importance. Global rock stars who have delivered purposeful, anthemic songs. Great champions of social causes, yet when they "gave away" one of their albums, it was a different story. This is the story of four friends from Dublin the world knows as U2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artists allowing their music to be used to sell a product unrelated to the music once was an uncool thing. But things changed, economic realities forced new game plans. Explore some of Alternative's notable "hired" songs over the past few decades in this episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grunge, Britpop, Electronic, revivals of ska and swing, Lilith Fair, a few misses and quite a few one-hit wonders, This is the Story of 1997. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undeniable influence, unequivocal importance to rock AND rap, originally a foursome and their name is an unusual acronym, Ch-check out the Story Of The Beastie Boys. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we debate who would make the Mount Rushmore of Alternative Music. Surely we call all agree on these choices (sarcasm font).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a story about California. The story of a band who has been around since basically I was born and has somehow remained relevant for nearly that entire time. It's the story of the greatest high school band of all time, that would become statistically the greatest alternative band of all time. It's the story of drug addiction, death, rebirth, and socks on dongs. SOCKS ON DONGS! This is the story of Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem….i mean the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is the story of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They are one of the longest-lasting bands of all time. 40 plus years, over 100 million albums sold, they’ve played to worldwide audiences on both small stages and theaters, and for thousands in arenas, stadiums and outdoor festivals. This band is responsible for some of the highest grossing tours of all time and some of the biggest songs in the History Of Alternative. Punk sensible, synth pop sounding, these British guys got their band name from a French fashion magazine. This is the story of Depeche Mode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the early 90s were all about American rock and roll when it came to the Alternative format, the mid 90s belonged to our friends across the pond, thanks to a couple brothers, an incredible rivalry, and Nirvana. How did Nirvana become the catalyst for Britpop? I'll tell you. This is the story of Brit Pop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The challenge of the follow-up after an impressive debut, the fear of the “sophomore slump” after said impressive debut, the lasting impression this work left, met and exceeded expectations, the sense that perhaps this effort was just not as magical or buzz worthy as the previous one...are ALL thoughts and descriptions that fall under this category. This is the story of the seccond album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We saw this topic trending on Twitter earlier this week and decided to make a quick pod about what 10 bands you should listen to to get to know us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world was changing and so was Alternative. While some trends and sounds were fading away, new trends were ready to take their place. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From family feuds to dueling lead singers. From standing up against man, to well, beating the career out of someone. This is the History of Alternative, this is the story of band rivalries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know those undeniable tunes. The tunes that instantly put a smile on your face. You turn them up every-single-time you hear them. You know (almost) every lyric. Sometimes you don’t remember the actual song title or the artist or band’s name, but you know these songs! They’re part of your musical DNA and these types of songs have spanned every genre of popular music for as long as music has been created and consumed and enjoyed. This is the story of one hit wonders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week we talked about 1991, the beginning of grunge, and those early years were defined by aggressive fuzzy guitars, flannel, and angst. Today we are going to talk about a band that were basically none of those things, but still played a major role in the 90s, the 2000’s and remain relevant to this day. They’ve always been cool because they werent cool. This is the story of alternatives favorite nerds. This is the story of WeezerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1991 was the year that Alternative broke. 5 of the best albums of all time were all released in 1991. If you’re looking for any insight into the History Of Alternative, start with The Story of 1991. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a band of slobby, hard partying misfits with an undeniably charismatic lead singer and a dalmatian somehow records what would eventually become one of the biggest alternative albums of the 90’s? This is the story of Sublime’s 1996 6x platinum self titled album, which just turned 25 years old.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As this week marks the annivesary of Kurt Cobain's death, Jon Manley & James VanOsdol remember what may be Nirvana's finest moment: "MTV Unplugged in New York."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beastie Boys released their landmark "Licensed to Ill" album 35 years ago. We talk about why the album is as revered (sorry) as it is, and why it still holds up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urban legends have been part of alternative music history from the beginning. We run through some of the most well-traveled, and cover some of the more ridiculous ones in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Ramones to Machine Gun Kelly, James VanOsdol and Jon Manley dive into the history of pop punk. Joining in the chat, and adding first-hand knowledge (and credibility) is Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is old is new again. Vinyl sales continue a dramatic upward trajectory, leaving all other physical media in the dust. What brought vinyl back from the dead, and why does it matter? JVO and Jon Manley talk about vinyl history with a guy who helps make it: Andy Weber, co-owner of Smashed Plastic, the only record-pressing facility in the state of Illinois.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath joins hosts James VanOsdol and Jon Manley for the inaugural episode of the History of Alternative. They discuss politics in music: What are some good examples of mixing social issues and song? How has Rise Against grown as a political band? From our home base of Chicago, we're going long with one of Chicago's most beloved bands. The History of Alternative podcast is sponsored by Wintrust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zach Carothers of Portugal. The Man jumps on the show this week to talk about the music that inspired him as a kid (Rage, Primus, Beastie Boys), his first concert, activism, supporting Indigenous peoples and that little song that earned the band a Grammy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best decade ever for music? Maybe. It was definitely tough for Jon Manley and James VanOsdol to narrow down their 10 favorite albums from the 90s. They discuss and debate each other's picks in this unintentionally controversial episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant joins the History of Alternative podcast for an exclusive interview that covers the band's career, including the inspirations that led to the band's formation, the 'master class' live show and the emotions that went into the most recent/massively successful "Social Cues" album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the best music moments in film? The best alternative-centric soundtracks? We get into alternative music at the movies this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Korn through the present, we're talking about the history of Nu Metal on this week's show. Find out why Drowning Pool's “Bodies” is like “ordering Pantera's ‘Walk' off Wish.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees are in! Jon Manley and James VanOsdol talk about this year's class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fabled "Chicago scene" of the 90s is discussed in a special roundtable featuring Louise Post (Veruca Salt), Scott Lucas (Local H) and Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was MTV the last great music curator before the internet age? And how great was "120 Minutes?"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks the anniveraries of David Bowie's birth and death. Seemed like a good excuse to go deep into Bowie's widly prolific and influential career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adios, 2020. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out. Despite the fact that this year was a dumpster fire, there was plenty to celebrate musically. Jon and James look back at the most recent History of Alternative: The past 12 months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formed just under 10 years ago, Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher have taken Royal Blood's sound to a universal, arena-filling level. They jumped on a call to talk about their history, and what comes next, with Jon Manley & James VanOsdol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even in 2020, surely there are things to be thankful for. James VanOsdol and Jon Manley talk about what makes them grateful to be music fans in the Year of Our Eternal Dumpster Fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

311 is 30 years old this year! Nick Hexum and P-Nut sit down for a long chat about their beginnings, longevity and next steps on the History of Alternative podcast.Sponsored by WintrustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linkin Park's watershed debut 'Hybrid Theory' was released 20 years ago, and has been commemorated in a (truly) massive box set rerelease. To celebrate, we're going track-by-track through the album with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Phoenix. The History of Alternative podcast is sponsored by Wintrust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing our deep dive into Smashing Pumpkins history, we're joined this week by drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and guitarist James Iha. The History of Alternative podcast is sponsored by Wintrust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weeks before Smashing Pumpkins release their double album "CYR," Pumpkins mastermind Billy Corgan looks back on the band's history and legacy.Sponsored by WintrustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's one of our favorite times of year: HALLOWEEN! Hosts James VanOsdol and Jon Manley talk about Halloween artists, songs and essential horror movies.The History of Alternative is sponsored by WintrustSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.