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

This Is Modern Rock is a podcast about Alternative Rock Music of the 80's & 90's. Each episode takes a look at one month on the Billboard Modern Rock charts, beginning with September 1988. This Is Modern Rock is currently in Season 5 (1992). Hosted by Will Westercauw - thisismodernrock@gmail.com

82 - No Alternative (1993 Wrap-up)

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

05-26
50:11

81 - Liz Phair "F*** and Run" (Bubbling Under 1993)

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

03-27
40:39

80 - Smashing Pumpkins "Today" (Dec 1993)

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

02-26
39:17

79 - The Afghan Whigs "Debonair" (Nov 1993)

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

01-21
39:47

78 - The Breeders "Cannonball" (Oct 1993)

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

01-03
44:51

77 - Juliana Hatfield "My Sister" (Sept 1993)

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

12-17
38:39

76 - Björk "Human Behavior" (Aug 1993)

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

11-29
38:55

75 - The Posies "Dream All Day" (July 1993)

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

11-15
40:49

74 - Porno for Pyros "Pets" (June 1993)

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

11-02
39:47

72 - Lenny Kravitz "Are You Gonna Go My Way" (Apr 1993)

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

10-02
36:54

71 - Belly "Feed the Tree" (Mar 1993)

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

09-18
36:24

70 - Duran Duran "Ordinary World" (Feb 1993)

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

08-28
36:51

69 - Ned's Atomic Dustbin "Not Sleeping Around" (Jan 1993)

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 Around" 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

08-15
36:18

68 - Amelia Fletcher (Bonus Episode)

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!

08-01
48:28

67 - Big Dipper (Bonus Episode)

Will Westercauw is pleased 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/

02-01
01:02:00

66 - Pavement "Trigger Cut" (Bubbling Under 1992)

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

01-02
41:08

65 - Beastie Boys "So What'Cha Want" (1992 Wrap-up)

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

12-19
50:52

64 - Soul Asylum "Somebody to Shove" (Dec 1992)

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/

11-28
41:14

63 - 10,000 Maniacs "These Are Days" (Nov 1992)

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

10-24
35:31

62 - Suzanne Vega "Blood Makes Noise" (Oct 1992)

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

10-10
41:35

Jeremy Vaca

My wife and I were at the same Belle & Sebastian/ Jonathan Richman show on 9/11 at Roseland.

06-27 Reply

Billy Armstrong

I listened a bit of your podcasts and I am glad you do not involve the major artist. Instead, you make an underdogs of a music games not even more famous, but more recognisable in tight community. The one and only suggestion is to look for some Ukrainian artists to add to your podcasts. I`ve been to Odesa about two years ago. It is a sea-coast city with a big variety of genres inside the city. There is a hardcore, a stoner, an indie scene and so on. A lot of different experimental bands. They all need our support, especially in such a hard time for them..

08-03 Reply

Aaron Hartje

I'm surprised no one has yet left a comment. I find this pod kind of odd. The people on it generally don't seem to really know anything about the genre of music that they're spotlighting and some of the research as far as lyrics go has been proven to be completely incorrect as a matter of common knowledge. Normally that would quickly drive me away, but it's always interesting to see what other things were floating around at the time in the event that you discover a gem or two.

12-19 Reply

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