Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens Jacob Givens

If you were a teenager like me in the 90s you found yourself in the early 2000s dizzied by your increasing responsibilities, an entry-level work week, and trying to maintain your youthful connection to music. That's why the title of New Jersey post-hardcore band Thursday's album "Full Collapse" felt like a premonition about where I was headed when it fell in my lap and brought me a much-needed catharsis. That's why when the band announced their first new song in 13 years, I reached out to lead singer and songwriter, Geoff Rickly, to discuss their new song, his journey as a musician and author, and of course what he considers to be his personal Waterproof Record.

Can you still feel the butterflies...? I can. Even writing out this lyric takes me right back to my college years where I was first introduced to Jimmy Eat World and their third album. As we reached the end of the 90s, the chapter of my adolescence had come to an end, and the transition into adulthood was nebulous and uncertain. It was the perfect time to find some Clarity.

Don't ask why... 16 candles down the drain! In 1994, singer/songwriter Vinnie Dombroski sang that catchy refrain in the chorus of "Molly (16 Candles)" with his Detroit rock band Sponge and their debut album, Rotting Piñata. This week I am thrilled to welcome Vinnie to Waterproof Records to hear how he soaked up a lifetime of experiences with Sponge, and what was behind that candy corn! 

Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity? Well I am here to remind you about that Jagged Little Pill in 1995 that first introduced us all to Alanis Morissette. An unforgettable voice, incredible song hooks and a powerful presence for women in rock in the 90s, Alanis was everywhere all at once and it was almost too much for this 20-year-old Canadian songwriter to bear. Join me as we look back on this album loaded with successful singles with one hand in our pocket and the other one hitting play on this podcast.

After the death of Andrew Wood from Mother Love Bone, Chris Cornell used his gift of music and songwriting to channel his grief. What was initially meant to be a single song released as tribute, transformed into a full album bringing together a supergroup of talented artists to capture a moment in time that would create one of the most memorable collaborations of the 1990's.

When we think of this album, we can hear that iconic opening bass riff followed by Perry Farrell crying out "Comin' down the mountain!" Nothing's Shocking came out in 1988, and I wouldn't get my hands on a copy of the album until the very first Jane's Addiction LIVE album landed in my older brother's hands as a cassette, and I was introduced to this unbridled circus of sex, drugs and rock n roll. This week I decided to combine both the first and second albums together and talk about chasing the addiction of this swirling, sensual band.