Mellowing middle-aged men, peeping toms, and tripping billies: your hosts reflect earnestly on whether Dave Matthews "works" for three guys who have always valued efficiency and discipline in their rock music.

The boys address the craft of an underrated rock band and the marketing and demographic obstacles that made it feel like it was “not for us” as teenagers. Also: infinity gauntlets and the great Derek v. Cuckoo Cuckoo debate of 2026.

Sometimes they come back ("they" being the hosts of the podcast). Please toggle your pickups for a hiatus episode on the only good rap rock band, Rage Against The Machine.

Let's jump right back into our 1998 special with our top 3 albums of 1998, plus an announcement of what may be our final hiatus episodes.

0:00-50:10 Reflections on the 1998 Iraq disarmament crisis. 50:11-1:00:59 Discussion of the year in alternative rock.

In this episode, we dive into the song "Never There" by the band Cake, exploring its catchy blend of alternative rock, dry wit, and introspective lyrics. We discuss the song’s themes of emotional distance and disillusionment, along with its unique mix of trumpet, guitar, and minimalist production. We also reflect on how "Never There" became a standout track in Cake's discography, capturing the band's signature sound while resonating with listeners on a personal level. Tune in for a deep dive into the song's meaning and its place in the broader context of 90s alternative music.

Somehow we go 90 minutes - one minute for every song on Lenny Kravitz’ interminable 5th album 5.  We do a deep dive on the Kravitz discography, Quillen does a dramatic lyric reading, and then it's scarves, Lars Ulrich, and a review of a certain Stall that may or may not be relevant to this week's song.

The Flood Rats return to talk Dizzy Up The Girl, Robby v. Jonny, and how the nostalgia cycle is catching up with the late 90s.  Chart talk includes Lauryn Hill, Oasis, and Soul Coughing.

It's not an episode about James L. Brooks, but this is just about As Good As It Gets for alternative rock in 1998. The boys talk about the hits and misses of Hole's third album, and then they move on to the misses and misses of the modern rock chart.

Suffer suffer, it don't get no rougher; we're talking Steven Rock, Ed Rap, and Steve Tyler today. Note: In this episode, we incorrectly refer to the Barenaked Ladies live album as Rock Spectacular. It is in fact called Rock Spectacle.