Category: Music
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Fuzz Pedals and Stock Options: The Battle for Grunge’s Soul (1985–Present)
Before flannel hit the runway and distorted guitars took over MTV, grunge was an insular DIY movement born from Pacific Northwest isolation. Trace the volatile journey of ’90s alternative rock—from basement fuzz pedals and Sub Pop 7-inches to stadium burnout, the crisis of selling out, and the rise of post-grunge.
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The Polished Edge: How Rock Reinvented, Adapted, and Survived the Mid-’90s
When early grunge settled in the mid-1990s, rock music learned to package its revolution. From Stone Temple Pilots’ sonic evolution and corporate radio shifts to bold reinventions by veteran acts like Def Leppard, discover how guitar music adapted, expanded, and survived.
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Surviving the Flannel Storm: How ’80s Hard Rock Handled the 1990s Disruption
When grunge disrupted the music industry in 1991, ’80s arena rock was declared dead overnight. Discover how veteran bands navigated the shift through sonic reinvention, unwavering commitment to craft, and global touring—proving that resilience outlasts any trend cycle.
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5 Times ’80s Heavy Metal Bands Fell Short of Expectations
Multi-platinum sales weren’t always enough to secure an untouchable rock legacy. Discover how lineup turbulence, missed opportunities, sonic stagnation, and market shifts kept five monumental 1980s heavy metal acts—including Ratt, Warrant, and Guns N’ Roses—from sustaining peak momentum.
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5 Times ’80s Rock Bands Overcame Impossible Odds
Behind the arena sellouts and soaring guitar solos, the 1980s required intense resilience. Discover how Def Leppard, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Heart, and Mötley Crüe overcame career-threatening injuries, tragedy, addiction, and industry shifts to record their most iconic, defining music.
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Prose & Power Chords Podcast: Lessons In Pop Culture And Life
This episode covers three territories: what deep craft and long-game thinking mean for creators, a week at sea where the real moments sneak up on you, and some pop culture reflections on the artists and stories that shaped a writer’s sensibility.
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What Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’ Teaches Us About the Lost Art of Deep Polish
In today’s fast-paced culture, the mantra of “move fast” often leads to the creation of disposable products. Def Leppard’s journey with their album “Hysteria” exemplifies a contrasting philosophy focused on persistence and quality. Despite setbacks, including a life-altering accident and financial burdens, they scrapped their initial recordings to strive for excellence. Their meticulous attention to…
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Bob Mould at Rose Bowl Tavern: From Hüsker Dü Classics to Raw Solo Intensity
Legendary alternative rocker Bob Mould bounded onto the Rose Bowl Tavern stage on September 21, 2024, to start his PYGMALION show with what looked like excitement but was perhaps nervous energy, and he and his electric guitar rarely let up for nearly an hour and a half — except to rant about politics and share…
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The Wallflowers Deliver a Masterclass in Roots-Rock Nostalgia at Virginia Theatre
Jakob Dylan and his bandmates, including guitarist Chris Masterson, played at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign on July 19, 2024. Check out a review of the show.
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The Guitar Is His Life: Matthew Curry’s Return to His Illinois Roots
Discover Matthew Curry, a talented singer and musician from Bloomington, Illinois, who is making a name for himself through constant touring and great songs.