Show Notes
The 1990s was a particularly exciting time in Australian rock music. The musical movements that started in the US and the UK in the 90s have been well documented (particularly in reference to certain bands), but not so much has been written about the purple patch of creativity that took place in Australia over that decade. Over the last few years, my guest for this episode has taken it upon himself to rectify that, showing particular dedication to his favourite band....that just happens to be of that decade.
Welcome to episode 185 of Love That Album.
I'll make a confession here.....my 90s musical choices were probably different to many of the artists that were part of that purple patch, but it is undeniable how new and innovative bands were becoming – partly influenced by what happened in Seattle, but so much was independent of what was happening overseas. The Whitlams, Regurgitator, The Cruel Sea, The Fauves, Something For Kate and some kids from Newcastle were amongst many that were a huge part of the landscape.
One band in particular, though, had the knack of combining 90s with the 60s and the 70s. You Am I fronted by the extremely charismatic Tim Rogers started out grunge. In short order, though, they moved away from that to write and perform songs that combined rock aggression with melodicism, and could also write a “tear in your beer” ballad. (Big Star mixed with Hellacopters and The Replacements.....my opinion and I'm sticking with it). You Am I released 3 albums in a row that went to number 1 on the charts.....no other Australian band had ever done that. Yet, in the US and Europe, they remained a cult act.
Danny Yau is the host of Just Ace, a podcast dedicated to documenting the 90s Australian alternative music scene – whatever the hell that means (IYKYK). He's also You Am I's number 1 fan, and accidental archivist. I invited Danny to join me to discuss You Am I's 6th album (and their second one after the 90s) Deliverance. The band always made the music they wanted, but with no support from their major label forthcoming, they decided to make an album with no consideration to label requirements. It would have been easy to chat about the albums they're most associated with HiFi Way and Hourly Daily (both 10 out of 10 records), but we do things differently on this little show.
Danny and I discuss a myriad of things includingthe Melbourne–Sydney rivalry, the difference between how Australians and Americans define “rooting”, songs of sadness and joy, and what the 90s meant in terms of Australian music.....and we do a hell of a lot of You Am I talk.....some of it in relation to our focus album, Deliverance. We ran out of time towards the end, but I had a ton of fun chatting with Danny, and we've even agreed on a future episode of See Hear Podcast he's going to join Tim, Kerry and myself on – discussing a film about a fictional 90s band....of course.
Tune into the excellent Just Ace podcast wherever you get your shows or at https://www.justace90s.com/
You can find Danny's own music at https://dannyyau.bandcamp.com/ or at https://thereservations.bandcamp.com/
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