26 Comments

As far as current "rock" groups, et al: just give KEXP (radio station in Seattle, WA) a listen. They've got an app and they have an AMAZING variety to their shows; from folk to rock to alt-rock to rap and hip-hop and a lot of things in-between. I *love* discovering new artists through them.

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For example, this was their playlist whilst I worked on my lawn today: https://kexp.org/playlist/?month=May&day=30&year=2023&hour=11%3A00&ampm=AM&offset=0

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I think most 90s/00s “alt rock” is basically considered “rock” now. Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters immediately come to mind.

For more recent acts, I would say Jack White, Silversun Pickups, Dawes, and Paramore.

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Does Paul sometimes stay after shows to sign things? I'm going to be in town for the July show and I'd love a iPFT! in my copy of the CBB book

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I think you’re asking if there is a “meet and greet” after the July VARIETOPIA, and I don’t see that there is one scheduled at this time.

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Me too!

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When you both were trying to figure out modern rock bands today the first band I thought of was Ghost! Huge following globally and in the last year here in the US too. They’re a Swedish satirically satanic hard rock band but also anthem rock but also pop metal?? Like Kiss-Black Sabbath-Abba-vaudeville? A lot of fun, incredible live. The mastermind behind the band is Tobias Forge and he loves to riff on 80s arena rock and make it sound modern in a way. Soooo much fun!

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I’m not even finished listening yet, but wanted to give a chef’s kiss to my new favorite expression: “bone quiet.” Give them civil peaceful hell on the picket lines!

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Oh man y’all. When my lovely wife went to play video games tonight, First I watched the M3gan watchalong and then I played Mario kart and listened to this month’s homekins. Thanks for a lovely night!

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Carl in Toronto, checking in as requested on the pod. Also, as a broad answer to your rock question: All the good rock bands are led by young women now, so just look for those. They're not always on the "modern rock" charts (which is still mostly crap like Imagine Dragons), but there are loads - Boygenius is the current big name (with Phoebe Bridgers/Lucy Dacus/Julien Baker), but especially for you two, there are some that have some country in 'em, like Waxahatchee from Philly, for example (she might have moved away from there by now), or Wednesday from North Carolina.

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Oh, and solidarity to the WGA!

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Loving the stories of connection on the picket line. I hope many new friendships are forged during this difficult time.

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I'm getting the sense Janie makes friends *wherever she goes.

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I'd like to nominate Courtney Barnett as great modern rock. Her album Live at Electric Lady Studios absolutely kills.

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I’m not super up on “new” rock acts, but Wet Leg made a big splash last year. Fontaines DC is also decent and fairly new. On the more experimental side of rock I’m a big fan of Black Country, New Road and Black Midi. And of course a lot of older rock bands are still rocking out.

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Good list! I spent way too much time thinking about this so apologies in advance. There are a few popular rock acts out there. The National and Imagine Dragons come to mind. The most popular song last year, according to Billboard, was "Heat Waves" by the British indie rock band Glass Animals. Also, I think much of modern pop has many rock/indie rock qualities, including Phoebe Bridgers, Olivia Rodrigo, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, SZA, and Janelle Monae. Maybe they aren't 100% rock but I won't be surprised if most of them end up in the Rock Hall. Love the show

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Now I can only envision Janie wearing Tony Stark glasses

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Also, amazingly I’m the same age as you Janie (‘35’) and let me tell you, we are too young for these hot flashes, night sweats and other bullshit! No one told me how bad peri was going to be. Still waiting for your book on perimenopause!

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SINCE you asked: Taylor Momsen (former Gossip Girl brat and Cindy Lou Who) has been releasing quality rock music over the past decade. Recently released "And so it went" with Tom Morello.

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PS I start filming on Tuesday. If the WGA shows up this Teamster Shop Steward ain’t crossing no f*cking picket line.

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I’m in Philly right now - picked up my daughter from Smith College and we drove to Philadelphia for the Taylor Swift concert. She’s going with her friends. (I got my tickets for the last show in LA.) Anyway, gonna listen to this while I roam the city.

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1) Arcade Fire’s 2022 album WE is their best and has been on heavy rotation for me since day 1 of release.

2) I’ve said it before: I am first in line to subscribe to a solo Janie podcast. It could be a short thing released as the spirit (of podcasting) moves. First in line!! Don’t anyone dare try to take cuts!!!!

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