This Is Modern Rock: Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's

Will Westercauw chats with Johnny (guitarist from the band Dig) about scandalous rumors, working at Tower Records, Clear Channel censorship, and the modern rock hits of March 1994. Songs under discussion include: Crash Test Dummies - "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" Tori Amos - "God" Alice In Chains - "No Excuses" Dig - "Believe" Season 7 (1994) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19V29Sq8PhdbMVyODJyUz6

Will Westercauw is joined by indie comic writer/artist & music podcaster Jason Martin to talk about the modern rock songs of February 1994. Songs under discussion include: Beck - "Loser" Counting Crows - "Mr. Jones" Bjork - "Big Time Sensuality" Cracker - "Get Off This" Season 7 (1994) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19V29Sq8PhdbMVyODJyUz6

Will Westercauw and Orly are back for the 1994 Season premiere of This Is Modern Rock. Songs under discussion include: Pearl Jam - "Daughter" Gin Blossoms - "Found Out About You" Nirvana - "All Apologies" Nick Heyward - "Kite" Season 7 (1994) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/19V29Sq8PhdbMVyODJyUz6?si=_xvnAdEzQVaJE0EchWUThA

Will and Orly wrap up the 1993 season with a discussion of modern rock statistics and trends, a game of "Name that Cover Song", and a look at a few cool songs that we missed earlier in the season. Songs under discussion include: Matthew Sweet - "Superdeformed" R.E.M. (ft. Natalie Merchant) - "Photograph" Ultra Vivid Scene - "Blood and Thunder" X - "Country at War" Season 6 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=688a284acba5472b

Will Westercauw's good friend Jeremy T. returns to talk about 6 artists/bands that didn't chart on the Modern Rock Charts in 1993, but maybe should have... Songs under discussion include: Pulp - "Razzmatazz" Buzzcocks - "Innocent" Palace Brothers - "Ohio River Boat Song" Swervedriver - "Duel" Liz Phair - "Fuck and Run" Archers of Loaf - "Web in Front" & more... Season 4 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=a27496763c144062

Will Westercauw is joined by his friend Dusty Hoesly to talk about identical twins, glossolalia, Danger Man, and the modern rock hits of December 1993. Songs under discussion include: James - "Laid" The Smashing Pumpkins - "Today" Dead Can Dance - "The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove" Blur - "Chemical World" Season 6 (1993) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=b3c96fa3c5044a15

Will Westercauw and Orly discuss kerosene hats, the merits of being Evan Dando, why it pays to be friends with Mark Pellington, whether or not being with you, girl, is actually like being "stone", and the modern rock hits of November 1993, including: The Lemonheads - "Into Your Arms" Cracker - "Low" The Connells - "Slackjawed" The Afghan Whigs - "Debonair" Season 6 (1993) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=8a7c9febb3de4ce1

Sice (The Boo Radleys) joins Will Westercauw to talk about mental health for touring musicians, career changes, key changes, the perfect level of fame, and the modern rock hits of October 1993, including: Nirvana - "Heart-Shaped Box" The Breeders - "Cannonball" U2 - "Lemon" The Boo Radleys - "Lazarus" Music Industry Therapist Collective: https://musicindustrytherapists.com/ The Boo Radleys on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6UYwzZChuolxsylHcZcBBP?si=7srYfyN8TuKA3ZgsYLNeTw Season 6 (1993) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=9aaeb88fc35743c1

Will and Orly talk about medieval torture devices, bands who play barefoot, Dr. Who, and the modern rock hits of September 1993. Songs under discussion include: Juliana Hatfield Three - "My Sister" Blind Melon - "No Rain" The Catherine Wheel - "Crank" Pet Shop Boys - "Can You Forgive Her?" Season 6 (1993) Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=be027c1c7c6641f6

Will talks to Kevin Macbeth (Fabulon) about sharing a practice space with Deee-Lite, becoming a casualty of the grunge explosion, and (of course) the modern rock songs of August 1993. Songs under discussion include: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul to Squeeze Björk - Human Behavior Urge Overkill - Sister Havana Fabulon - In A Mood Season 6 Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=f4953919bd844912

Will talks to Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) about the origins of The Posies, his stints with R.E.M. and Big Star, touring with The Cranberries, and (of course) the modern rock songs of July 1993. Songs under discussion include: Tears for Fears -Break it Down Again The Posies - Dream All Day Trashcan Sinatras - Hayfever The Cranberries - Dreams Follow Ken Stringfellow on Instagram: @kenstringfellow Season 6 Music Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=43b5af0035b34e00

Pete Fij (Adorable, Polak) joins Will Westercauw to talk about the modern rock songs of June 1993. Songs under discussion include: Porno for Pyros - Pets Radiohead - Creep Suede - Metal Mickey Adorable - Sunshine Smile This Is Modern Rock - Season 6 Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=96c37f443ddf4a89

Fred Schreck (Crush, the Ancients) joins Will Westercauw to talk about DJ'ing at The Mission, Joey Ramone, Star Search, and some of the big modern rock hits of May 1993. Songs under discussion include: New Order - Regret Depeche Mode - Walking in My Shoes Midnight Oil - Truganini Crush - The Rain The Ancients on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4e2Smvg9gYeQ40mwlGFaU0?si=FTfuUjl-R_io2BHHOhKH9g This Is Modern Rock - Season 6 Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=4a3f7fb6b1254075

Will and Orly talk about Bill Nye, wet bus seats, True Lies, and the songs of April 1993. Songs under discussion include: Lenny Kravitz - "Are You Gonna Go My Way" Living Colour - Leave It Alone Frank Black - Los Angeles Tasmin Archer - Sleeping Satellite This Is Modern Rock - Season 6 Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=087249d149be447a

Steve Bryant (Chance the Gardener, Toadmortons) joins Will to talk about the modern rock songs of March 1993. Songs under discussion include: Belly - "Feed the Tree" Depeche Mode - "I Feel You" Jellyfish - "The Ghost at Number One" Ween - "Push th' Little Daisies" If you'd like to hear more from Steve Bryant, check out: Toadmortons - Susschord (new album!) https://open.spotify.com/album/5PIUYkdBr8ddZJb7T9jncj?si=h1uCFtknSKSJFX9kg1njRQ Chance the Gardener - The Day the Dogs Took Over https://open.spotify.com/album/5I5Or24NljOHHllWGZxrF1?si=d6mkj5xbSpS2UHMk6z0tfA This Is Modern Rock - Season 6 Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=5129db601da345aa

Orly is back to help Will discuss some of the big modern rock hits of February 1993. Songs under discussion include: Duran Duran - "Ordinary World" The The - "Dogs of Lust" INXS - "Beautiful Girl" Pearl Jam - "Black" Season 6 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=0922300917b349fd

Will Westercauw and Larry Kirwan (Black 47) talk about Broadway musicals, Irish birth control, and the music of January 1993. Songs under discussion include: Ned's Atomic Dustbin - "Not Sleeping Aroundt" Guided By Voices - "Exit Flagger" Jesus Jones - "The Devil You Know" Neneh Cherry (feat. Michael Stipe) - "Trout" Black 47 - "Funky Ceili (Bridie's Song)" More info about Larry Kirwan and Black 47: https://www.black47.com/ Season 6 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3RV2gzADXh93VuQieGrbVX?si=a771b95d3ea04427

One more Bonus Episode! This time around, Will Westercauw is talking with another of his favorite musicians: Amelia Fletcher! For those listeners who aren't in the know, Amelia Fletcher is the singer and principal songwriter of a big list of indie pop bands, including Talulah Gosh, Heavenly, Marine Research, and Tender Trap. She's also been a supporting member and/or collaborator to many other bands to list here. If you're a fan of super-adorable indie pop, feminist punk rock, 60's girl groups, or just plain good songwriting, then you are in for a treat. Will and Amelia listen to too many songs to list all of them here, but you can listen to (most of) them in their entirety by checking out the Amelia Fletcher playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2CRyXj2Ih2vlyWw8eniTn1?si=756bf26351124bb2 If you want even more by Amelia Fletcher, check out Amelia's own 36-song playlist, covering highlights from her career: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3KVVGegzHK5XMv1rbaT4CO?si=f783fd86ff1749b7 And finally, head on over to Skep Wax (https://www.skepwax.com/) and get yourself some new music!

Will Westercauw is please to present this very special episode all about one of his favorite bands - Big Dipper! Will is joined by Big Dipper guitarist/vocalist Gary Waleik to talk about the band's entire history. This episode covers the band's humble beginnings, their rise to indie-rock semi-stardom, their tragic fall, and their eventual (and underappreciated) return. Will and Gary listen to too many Big Dipper songs to list all of them here, but you can listen to them in their entirety by checking out the Big Dipper playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3E51CGarZP91ki3bFk03Iy?si=b1276cc48ca744aa Curious listeners should also check out Gary Waleik's current podcast endeavors - Lamplighters (stories of Chabad emissaries): https://www.lubavitch.com/podcast/ Saturday to Shabbos (stories of returnees to the Jewish faith): https://tachlismedia.com/series/saturdaytoshabbos/

Will Westercauw's good friend Jeremy T. returns to talk about 6 artists/bands that should have charted on the Modern Rock Charts in 1992. Songs under discussion include: Pavement - "Trigger Cut" Guided By Voices - "Exit Flagger" Bettie Serveert - "Palomine" Jonathan Richman - "That Summer Feeling" Spent Poets - "Walt Whitman's Beard" Arrested Development - "Tennessee" Season 4 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=c4d3a04042d8451a

As usual, Will and Orly wrap up the 1992 season with a discussion of modern rock statistics and trends, a game of "Name that Cover Song", and a look at a few cool songs that we missed earlier in the season, and few other suprises. Songs under discussion include: The Tom Tom Club - "Sunshine and Ecstasy" Beastie Boys - "So What'Cha Want" Carter USM - "The Only Living Boy in New Cross" Kitchens of Distinction - "4 Men" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=d40a9f4e8d8143df

Will Westercauw talks to Joie Calio (dada, 7Horse) about life in the Geffen mailroom, what happens when your record label goes bankrupt while you're on tour, and some of the songs that charted on the Modern Rock Charts in December 1992. Songs under discussion include: Soul Asylum - "Somebody to Shove" Peter Gabriel - "Steam" dada - "Dizz Knee Land" Supreme Love Gods - "Souled Out" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=c232ce345a2548ad 7Horse Band: www.7horsemusic.com/

Will Westercauw is joined by Steve Michener (Big Dipper, Volcano Suns, Dump Truck) to talk about some of the songs that charted on the Modern Rock Charts in November 1992. Songs under discussion include: 10,000 Maniacs - "These Are Days" Paul Weller - "Uh Huh Oh Yeh" Darling Buds - "Please Yourself" Smashing Pumpkins - "Drown" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=15662de309234031 Big Dipper on FB: https://www.facebook.com/BigDipperBand

Will Westercauw is joined by Tim Quirk (Too Much Joy) to talk about some of the songs that charted on the Modern Rock Charts in October 1992. Stick around to the end to hear a clip from the latest Too Much Joy single - "Normal Never Was"! *Warning - This episode contains some salty language.* Songs under discussion include: Suzanne Vega - "Blood Makes Noise" R.E.M. - "Drive" Sugar - "Helpless" The Ramones - "Poison Heart" Too Much Joy - "Donna Everywhere" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=cecfadf6df7445c6 Too Much Joy - "Normal Never Was" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/55isBcZU651Wo9ekKPaYpt?si=bTc8yQQYTF6BPX8dniOQEQ

Will Westercauw is joined by Sarah Dougher to discuss some of the women of modern rock, circa 1992. Songs under discussion include: Indigo Girls - Galileo Tori Amos - "Crucify" Annie Lennox - "Walking on Broken Glass" Shakespeares Sister - "Stay" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=dfe88625db7e440b

Will Westercauw and Orly discuss the modern rock songs of September 1992. Songs under discussion include: Peter Gabriel - "Digging in the Dirt" Pearl Jam - "Jeremy" The Utah Saints - "Something Good" PJ Harvey - "Sheela Na Gig" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=313afbf513fb4126

It's our first crossover episode! Will Westercauw joins the lads of Deep Dives and Deep Cuts to examine some of the important bands that debuted in 1987-88. Part two of two. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/6U9OnTJ…a2a57f2367564aaf Email me at thisismodernrock@gmail.com

It's our first crossover episode! Will Westercauw joins the lads of Deep Dives and Deep Cuts to examine some of the important bands that debuted in 1987-88. Part one of two. Listen to the full playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6U9OnTJHjlFTjgGeyro6vz?si=a2a57f2367564aaf Email me at thisismodernrock@gmail.com

Will Westercauw is joined by Michael Allen (The Wolfgang Press)to talk about his musical journey and the songs of August 1992. Songs under discussion include: Faith No More - "Midlife Crisis" Morrissey - "Tomorrow" The Wolfgang Press - "A Girl Like You" Sonic Youth - "100%" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=4a4c1a224419483b

Will Westercauw is joined by Matt Spix to talk about the modern rock songs of July 1992. Songs under discussion include: The B-52s - "Good Stuff" The Lemonheads - "It's a Shame About Ray" L7 - "Pretend We're Dead" Peter Murphy - "You're So Close" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=ab89d8f83d084e9a

Meryn Cadell joins will to talk about the modern rock songs of June 1992, David Letterman performances, Tim Curry, Sinead O'Connor, changing cultural attitudes, and so much more. This interview was recorded February 12, 2022. Songs under discussion include: The Cure - "Friday I'm In Love" The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Far Gone and Out" Chris Mars - "Popular Creeps" Meryn Cadell - "The Sweater" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=669e81ab41844a12

Will and Orly pay tribute to four musicians who died during the COVID pandemic: Adam Schlesinger, Dave Greenfield, Matthew Seligman and Mark Lanegan. Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=e6beba5ebb4c48e5

Will sits down to an epic double-length interview with musician Ron Nine (Love Battery, Purple Strange) to talk about the music of Seattle, 1992. Bands under discussion include Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Mudhoney, Mother Love Bone, and (of course) Love Battery. Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=072a59a21a6f40b2 Purple Strange bandcamp Page: https://purplestrange.bandcamp.com/album/purple-strange

Will and Orly listen to the big songs of May 1992, and share some thoughts on BTS, cracker varieties and Edie Brickell. Songs under discussion include: Cracker - "Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)" Charlatans UK - "Weirdo" XTC - "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Under the Bridge" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=9b69590c5c29423c

Will is joined by Rob Elba, host of That Record Got Me High podcast, to talk about the modern rock hits of April 1992. Songs under discussion include: U2 - "One" The Cure - "High" Ride - "Leave Them All Behind" Miracle Legion - "Snacks & Candy" That Record Got Me High podcast: https://www.thatrecordgotmehigh.com/ Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=9b69590c5c29423c

Welcome to a very special (and very unusual) episode of This Is Modern Rock! In this episode, Will and his 7 year-old daughter Violet discuss one of her favorite songs of all time: "Fingertips" by They Might Be Giants. Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=5569f28d39e04b18

Alison Dennis (Dr. Something) joins Will to talk about the importance of mass transit, sexy ghosts, and of course, the Modern Rock songs of March 1992. Lightning Seeds - "Life of Reilly" Concrete Blonde - "Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man" Teenage Fanclub - "The Concept" They Might Be Giants - "The Statue Got Me High" Dr. Something: https://drsomething.com/ Season 5 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh…34f44538eb104126

Dusty Reske and Ellen Osborn (Rocketship) join Will to talk about even more songs of February 1992. Brace yourself - Strong opinions are shared ;) Matthew Sweet - "Girlfriend" The KLF - "Justified and Ancient" The Wonder Stuff - "Welcome to the Cheap Seats" My Bloody Valentine - "Only Shallow" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh…34f44538eb104126

Will and Orly discuss four songs that charted on the Modern Rock charts in February 1992. Talking Heads - "Sax & Violins" Lou Reed - "What's Good" Sugarcubes - "Hit" Social Distortion - "Bad Luck" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh…34f44538eb104126

Will Westercauw and his guest host John Easedale (Dramarama) discuss four songs that charted on the Modern Rock charts in January 1992. Ocean Blue - "Ballerina Out of Control" Enya - "Caribbean Blue" Dramarama - "Haven't Got A Clue" Lloyd Cole - "Tell Your Sister" Season 5 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qoJndh54yyb7fm9sLzL0A?si=34f44538eb104126

Will Westercauw and his guest host Julia Fernandez (Pleasure Holiday, The Fall Colors) discuss four songs that didn't chart on the Modern Rock charts in 1991, but maybe should have?.. American Music Club - "Rise" Mercury Rev - "Car Wash Hair" Bikini Kill - "Feels Blind" The Wedding Present - "Dalliance" Season 4 Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7LvPshxrtKRhT7gce34vQM?si=34fde14c5db34564

In this extra long bonus episode, Will and Orly discuss statistics and trends in modern rock, as they wrap up the 1991 season. Songs under discussion include "Native Son" by The JudyBats, "That Ain't Bad" by Ratcat, "There's No Other Way" by Blur, "Crush Story" by Too Much Joy, as well as a bunch of modern rock cover songs.

Will Westercauw and guest host Brooke Twist (Mieux Mieux) discuss four modern rock songs that charted in December 1991, including "Move Any Mountain" by The Shamen, "Tell Me When Did Things Go So Wrong" by The Smithereens, "Coast Is Clear" by Curve, and "It Won't Be Long" by Alison Moyet. Season 4 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/7LvPshxrtKRhT7gce34vQM Mieux Mieux Bandcamp: https://mieuxmieux.bandcamp.com/releases

Will Westercauw and guest host Matt Sebastian (SlicingUpEyeballs.com) discuss the big modern rock songs of November 1991, including both "The Fly" and "Mysterious Ways" by U2, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana, and "Movin' On Up" by Primal Scream. Season 4 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/7LvPshxrtKRhT7gce34vQM

Will Westercauw and Orly discuss the modern rock songs of October 1991, including "Give It Away" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Sexuality" by Billy Bragg, "One Shot" by Tin Machine, and "Come Inside" by The Thompson Twins. Season 4 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/7LvPshxrtKRhT7gce34vQM

Will Westercauw and Sam Coomes (Quasi, Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers) discuss the modern rock songs of September 1991, including "Until She Comes" by the Psychedelic Furs, "So You Think You're In Love" by Robyn Hitchcock the Egyptians, "Sam" by Meat Puppets, and "Julie's Blanket" by Mary's Danish. Season 4 Spotify Playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/7LvPshxrtKRhT7gce34vQM

Will Westercauw and Jeni Wren Stottrup (Gritty Birds podcast) discuss the modern rock songs of August 1991, including "Rush" by Big Audio Dynamite II, "Satisfied" by Squeeze, "Walking Down Madison" by Kirsty MacColl, and "Marble" by House of Love.

Will Westercauw and Erik Menteer (Blitzen Trapper) discuss the final chart appearances (July 1991) of four elder statesmen of Modern Rock. Songs under discussion include "I Wanna Be A Boss" by Stan Ridgway, "I Feel So Good" by Richard Thompson, "Better Back Off" by Marshall Crenshaw, and "Oh Well" by Joe Jackson.

Will and Orly discuss songs that appeared on the Modern Rock charts in July 1991. Songs under discussion include "Kiss them for Me" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, "Chocolate Cake" by Crowded House, "Submarine Song" by The Candyskins, and "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver" by Primus.

Will Westercauw and Andre Middleton(Executive Director at Friends of Noise) discuss Black Musicians/Bands that appeared on the Modern Rock charts in 1991. Songs under discussion include "Crazy" by Seal, "Flowers in the Rain" by Stress, "Sunless Saturday" by Fishbone, and "My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style" by Dream Warriors.

Will Westercauw and Orly (Fun Yeti) discuss four songs that peaked on the Modern Rock charts in June 1991. Songs under discussion include "Get the Message" by Electronic, "Texarkana" by R.E.M., "Don't Fix What Ain't Broke" by Gang of Four, and "Vote Elvis" by The Popinjays.