DJ BK's Classic Alternative Podcasts: Recent Episodes
DJ BK
I specialize in Classic Alternative. From the late 1970's through to this very day. Playing classic New Wave, Synth Pop, New Romantic, Post Punk, Industrial, Punk, Ska, Reggae, Brit-Pop, Grunge, Trip Hop, Alternative, Electronic and much more! Tune in for DJ BK's Modern Rock #1's which is uploaded every week. On this series I chronicle every single song that has ever hit the #1 spot on Billboard's Modern Rock chart. The chart started in 1988 with Siouxsie and the Banshees taking the top spot on the open week. Each week come back and check out as I detail and breakdown each and every song that hit #1 in chronological order. We'll connect the dots and find out how bands and artists are related. We'll play something old and catch up with something recent that classic alternative artists have released. The "Alternative Facts" series takes a look at the history of the alternative music genre. How did certain scenes and sounds come about? What is the history behind certain hit songs? Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about Classic Alternative. From the origins in the early 1970's all the way through what shaped the sounds of today. Follow DJ BK on Twitter @djbkretro for daily updates and news and keep coming back here for more podcasts.
This massive hit from Blind Melon spent a total of 3 weeks a top the Modern Rock chart. It went to the top spot for a single week on September 18th, 1993 and then returned to the top spot on October 2nd, 1993 for 2 more weeks. The song was actually originally written well before the band even formed.
Going to #1 for the week of September 11th, 1993 for a single week was The Juliana Hatfield Three with the song My Sister. This was Juliana Hatfield's most successful single release of her career and it has an interesting story behind it as Hatfield doesn't even have a real life sister. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 on Modern Rock for 4 consecutive weeks on August 14th, 1993 was the Red Hot Chilli Peppers with Soul to Squeeze. It would actually take 2 weeks off from the top spot and return for an additional week at #1 on September 25th, 1993. This song featured incredibly dark subject matter yet it was featured on the soundtrack for the comedy film Coneheads.
Going to #1 for 3 weeks on Modern Rock on July 24th, 1993 was Tears for Fears with the song Break It Down Again. This was Tears for Fears minus Curt Smith who had departed the group in 1991. That fracture would make up much of the lyrical content from Roland Orzabal on this album "Elemental."
Going to #1 on Modern Rock for the week of June 19th, 1993 for 5 consecutive weeks was the Perry Farrell fronted Porno for Pyros with the single Pets. This was actually the second single from the bands self titled debut album released in 1992. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to number 1 on the week of May 15th, 1993 was Depeche Mode with the single Walking In My Shoes. This would be the bands 4th and final number 1 single in chart history and their second in a row from Songs of Faith and Devotion. The group has a soft spot for this track in their overall library, tune in for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for the week of May 1st, 1993 on Modern Rock was New Order with the single Regret. This was the only time the band would hit the top spot in chart history with what many consider their last big hit. David Hasselhoff is involved, tune in and find out how.
The legends themselves Depeche Mode went to #1 for 5 consecutive weeks starting on March 27th, 1993 with the single I Feel You. The lead off single from Songs of Faith and Devotion would be the bands 3rd number 1 on the chart. The band incorporated more rock on this album to great success. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for the 3 consecutive weeks on the week of March 6, 1993 was Belly with Feed the Tree. Formed in Rhode Island in the early 90's this group is most known for this "one hit wonder." However, they had multiple songs chart on modern rock. Join me for the breakdown.
Going number 1 on Modern Rock for the week of January 23rd, 1993 for a lengthy 6 consecutive weeks was Jesus Jones with the single The Devil You Know. Basically it's the exact opposite of their massive feel good hit Right Here, Right Now as the band took a dark turn musically and lyrically. They used some groundbreaking recording techniques on this one. Tune in for my breakdown if this #1.
Going to #1 on Modern Rock for the week of January 16th, 1993 was Ned's Atomic Dustbin with the song Not Sleeping Around. This band was prominent in the Grebo sound that popped up mostly around the Birmingham area in the UK. Tune in to learn more about what exactly the Grebo sub genre of Alternative Rock is.
Going to #1 on Modern Rock for 5 consecutive weeks on December 12th, 1992 is Peter Gabriel with the single Steam. This was the second single from his album US and it featured a music video that won a lot of awards and praise. Let's get steamy.
Going to #1 for a single week the week of December 5th, 1992 on Modern Rock was Soul Asylum with Somebody to Shove. This was from the bands 5th studio album Grave Dancers Union. The album was so successful it earned the band a trip to the White House.
Going to #1 for the week of November 21st,1992 for 2 consecutive weeks was 10,000 Maniacs with These Are the Days. While recording this album Natalie had told the group she was planning on leaving, but she still completed the album and toured with the band. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 on Modern Rock for the week of October 17th, 1992 was REM with Drive. This was the lead single from their album Automatic For The People and as per usual it found Michael Stipe in political territory with his lyrics. He also wrote these lyrics on computer, tune in and find out why he doesn't write songs with a pen.
Going to #1 for just a single week on the week of October 10th, 1992 was American Folk Inspired Singer-Songwriter Suzanne Vega with Blood Makes Noise. This song is very industrial sounding despite the fact Vega said upon writing the song she had never heard Industrial music in her life. Join me for the breakdown of why the song sounds the way it does.
Peter Gabriel went to #1 for 2 consecutive weeks the week of September 26th, 1992. This track was the lead single from Us which was Gabriel's first full length album since 1986's So. This track has some pretty dark subject matter. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for the week of August 15th, 1992 for 6 consecutive weeks was Morrissey with Tomorrow. This was initially a US only single and it actually became Moz's first #1 ever on the Billboard Modern Rock chart after a string of top 10 hits from 1989 through 1992. Join me for the breakdown.
This track from Faith No More went to #1 for 1 week on August 8th, 1992. The lead single from the album Angel Dust may have been inspired by Madonna. There are also a few unique music samples sprinkled about the track. Join me for the break down.
The B-52's hit #1 for the 3rd and final time on the Modern Rock Chart on July 11th, 1992. The song Good Stuff went to the top spot for 4 consecutive weeks. This was the only B-52's album that Cindy Wilson did not appear on as she took a hiatus from the group. Join me as I break it down.
Going to #1 on the week of June 13th, 1992 was The Cure with Friday I'm In Love. Robert Smith intentionally wrote and composed a song that was the complete opposite of what one would expect from his band The Cure. He didn't like being entirely lumped in with the gloom and goth crowd. So, we get a peppy love song. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for 2 consecutive weeks on the week of May 30th, 1992 was XTC with The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead. What would happen if someone was a bit too perfect? Andy Partridge thinks he has the answer to that. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for one week on May 23rd 1992 was The Charlatans with Weirdo. This hammond organ heavy, brit pop track was the bands most successful US single release. They went by the name The Charlatans UK in North America as to not confuse them with an earlier psychedelic rock band. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 on the week of May 9, 1992 for 2 consecutive weeks was the Bakersfield, California rockers Cracker with their debut single Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now). These guys truly did capture the feel of the time and the emerging Gen X sound. Join me for the breakdown.
Going to #1 for 4 consecutive weeks on April 11, 1992 was The Cure with their single "High." The Cure really write two styles of songs, it's either existential despair or love songs. This one falls into the latter category. Join me for the break down.
Finally, a song with lots to talk about. I find it hard to believe that this track only went to #1 on Modern Rock for a single week. It has remained etched into the public music consciousness to this day and many consider it one of the greatest tracks of all time. But this song did not come easy for the group. In fact, it almost resulted in their break up. Join me for the break down.
The final album from the Icelandic alternative rock group The Sugarcubes featured Hit as the lead singer. A song about the confusion of love with the usual distinctive vocals from Bjork. This track went to #1 on February 29, 1992 for an amazing 5 consecutive weeks.
Another some what forgotten song that went on a multi week #1 run. This time it's from the iconic Lou Reed on February 8th, 1992 with his single What's Good going #1 for 3 weeks. A soundtrack song initially, that made it on to his 1991 album Magic and Loss. Join me for a deeper breakdown of what this track is all about.
The final new release single from the legacy alternative band The Talking Heads. This song went to #1 for 1 week on February 1, 1992. Originally composed for a film released in 1991 that was set in the year 2000. Singer David Byrne tried to envision what the music of the near future might sound like. Join me for the breakdown and find out what he discovered.
The second single from Achtung Baby was Mysterious Ways and it went to #1 on Nov 30th, 1991 for 9 consecutive weeks. That is quite the run. The song was actually born out of a studio improv session when the guys couldn't get over how groovy Adam Clayton's bassline was. Join me for the breakdown.
Can you believe this track only went to #1 for 1 week? Nirvana topped the modern rock chart on November 23rd, 1991 with their lead single from Nevermind. Despite only being #1 for 1 week it would go on to change the landscape of alternative music forever.
U2 was back with their lead single from their seventh studio album, Achtung Baby. It went number 1 for 2 consecutive weeks on Nov 9, 1991. The band introduced a crunchier more experimental sound with this release and Bono got highly conceptual. Join me for the breakdown.
The very first #1 for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. A band that has gone on to have 13 different number one chart toppers on Modern Rock, which is the most of any group in chart history. This one topped the chart for 2 consecutive weeks starting the week of October 26, 1991. Join me for the breakdown.
This track actually went to #1 for 5 consecutive weeks on September 21st, 1991. That's quite a run for a song that likely get's no airplay anymore. This English singer-songwriter has had a lengthy career. Join me for the breakdown.
The next some to go #1 on Modern Rock was from The Psychedelic Furs with Until She Comes. It would go to #1 for 2 consecutive weeks on September 7, 1991 and would be the groups 3rd song to go #1 in the short history of the chart to this point.
In 1991 Mick Jones' Big Audio Dynamite became Big Audio Dynamite II. The lead single from the album The Globe was Rush and it went to #1 for 4 consecutive weeks on August 10th, 1991. It borrowed heavily from many different songs.
The first band that ever went #1 on Modern Rock the first week the chart was formed in 1988 was Siouxsie and the Banshees. They are back on July 6, 1991 with their second #1 song with Kiss Them For Me. This was the bands most successful single in the United States.
Electronic was a supergroup of sorts featuring Bernard Sumner from New Order and Johnny Marr who may be best know as The Smiths lead guitarist. The group often featured prominent guest vocal appearances from other heavyweight peer artists. This song went to #1 on the week of June 22nd, 1991 for 2 consecutive weeks.
Elvis Costello goes all Beach Boys pastiche with a good time, California feel to the music, contrasted with dark lyrical content. This track went to number one of the week of May 25th, 1991 for 4 consecutive weeks.
Going to number 1 for two consecutive weeks on the week of May 11th, 1991 was Simple Minds with See The Lights. This relatively hook-less song probably wouldn't make it far on Modern Rock radio these days, and it certainly shows how much the chart has changed since 1991.
Toronto spawned many great New Wave bands in the late 1970's and early 1980's. One of the most prominent in Canadian New Wave music history was the group Blue Peter. Fronted by Paul Humphrey, these guys formed in 1978 and had much success in Canada in the early to mid 1980's. Humphrey recently passed away this April. So let's take a look at the Canadian New Wave group, Blue Peter.
Clip 1 - Blue Peter - Don't Walk Past
Clip 2 - Blue Peter - Factory Living
Clip 3 - Blue Peter - Same Old Place
Clip 4 - Blue Peter - Video Verite
Clip 5 - Blue Peter - Radio Silence
Clip 6 - Blue Peter - Chinese Grafiti
Clip 6 - Blue Peter - Don't Walk Past
Clip 7 - Blue Peter - Water Off The Moon
Going to #1 for 8 weeks on March 16th, 1991. This song catapulted REM from underground group into mainstream stardom with a very unlikely hit. Tune in to find out what this track is really about and how it all came together.
Clip
1 - Michael Stipe on Losing My Religion
The alternative rock/dance group Jesus Jones went to number 1 on February 9th, 1991 for 5 consecutive weeks with this hopeful song. Inspired by the collapse of the Berlin wall, and used by countless politicians in political campaigns. Join me for the break down of what was the most played song on College Rock Radio in 1991.
There is a rather strong connection between Sarah McLachlan and Industrial music. Her vocals have ended up on a few prominent 80's industrial tracks from Vancouver, BC. Thanks to Nettwerk records her career launched. Tune in to find out the connection between Sarah McLachlan and Industrial music.
Audio in the episode
1 - Moev - Alibis
2 - Much Music Nettwerk Records 10 year anniversary special. Interview with Terry McBride.
3 - Skinny Puppy - Assimilate
4 - Sarah McLachlan - Possession
5 - The Grapes of Wrath - I Am Here
6 - Moev - Head Down
7 - Manufacturer - The End Draws Near
8 - Sarah McLachlan - Vox
9 - Delerium - Silence (Sanctuary Mix)
On this episode we take a brief look at the debut album Please from The Pet Shop Boys. Why did the group call the record Please? Why has the album seen a sudden surge in popularity in 2021? What's with the cover design? Tune in an find out.
Clips
1) The Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities
2) The Pet Shop Boys - Two Divided By Zero
3) The Pet Shop Boys - Tonight Is Forever
4) The Pet Shop Boys - I Want A Lover
5) The Pet Shop Boys - Violence
6) The Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
7) The Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities
8) The Pet Shop Boys - Suburbia
9) The Pet Shop Boys - Love Comes Quickly
10) The Pet Shop Boys - Why Don't We Live Together?
The first single from Stings The Soul Cages album. It was written out of the grief of dealing with the death of his father and is layered with imagery from Stings childhood as well as challenging rituals and cultural tradition. It went to number one on January 26th, 1991 for two consecutive weeks.
One of the first punk rock bands to come out of Toronto. The Diodes were really the tale of the band that almost struck it big, but just never quite made it.
Episode Clips (In Order)
The Diodes - Tired of Waking Up Tired
The Diodes - Terminal Rock
The Diodes - Dead on Arrival
The Diodes - Burn Down Your Daddy's House
The Diodes - Photographs From Mars
The Diodes - Behind Those Eyes
The Diodes - Child Star
The Diodes - Teenage Nation
Ralph Alfonso talks about Crash N Burn from Punk Rock 1976-1979 The Toronto Scene.
The Diodes - Jenny's In A Sleep World
The Diodes - Red Rubber Ball
The Diodes - Tired of Waking Up Tired
The Diodes - Catwalker
The Diodes - No Right To Make Me Bleed
The Diodes - Weekend
It was March 19th, 1990 and Depeche Mode took the world by storm with their 7th studio album. They had been around for over a decade but they finally broke into the mainstream thanks to massive singles like Personal Jesus and Enjoy the Silence. In fact, Depeche Mode were so popular that they inadvertently incited a riot. Join me at this look at Depeche Mode's classic album Violator.
On this day we had a couple of massive releases in 1977 from legacy artists Iggy Pop and The Clash. There's some events from The Sex Pistols and The Ramones, and a few birthdays to recognize.
This track by The Happy Monday's was the first song to go number one on Modern Rock in the year 1991. It borrowed heavily from an old Labelle song as well as being great influence by another song from the group Hot Chocolate. The Monday's were all about the groove when putting together this track. Join me for the break down.
What happened on March 11th in Classic Alternative history? Tune in and find out what went down and who was born as DJ BK breaks it down for you.
Legendary goth band The Sisters of Mercy went to #1 for the week of December 15th, 1990 with More. Did you know Meat Loaf covered this song? Join me for the breakdown.
Remember to check out all things DJ BK on Twitter @djbkretro
Another song to hit number one for 4 non consecutive weeks. This iconic track is pretty much about what the title suggests. Perry Farrell had a tendency for kleptomania throughout his life. He started when he was 5.
The Replacements hit the top spot again with their lead single from their 1990 release All Shook Down. The track is Merry Go Round and saw the band take a tamer and more radio friendly approach. It went to #1 on October 13, 1990 for the first of 4 non consecutive weeks.
This song went to #1 for 2 weeks on September 29, 1990 and then back to #1 for another week on October 20, 1990. It marked a shift for the band back into guitar based music after dabbling with synthesizers for years prior.
The lead single from INXS's 1990 album X. This song was actually inspired by a dye job of pop singer Kylie Minogue's hair. Join me for the break down of this classic track that surprisingly only went to #1 for 1 week on September 22, 1990.
The first band to embrace the new wave sound in Canada formed in 1977 in Toronto as part of the art and punk scenes on Queen Street West. Fronted by visual artist Michaele Jordana, The Poles saw much success around the city of Toronto with their single "CN Tower."
Clips:
1 - The Poles - Prime Time
2 - Punk Rock in Toronto 76 to 79 interview with Johnny Macleod of Johnny and the G-Rays
3 - Michaele Jordana and the Poles CityTV 1981
4 - Syrinx - Tillicum
5 - The Poles - XRay Robot
6 - Michaele Jordana and the Poles CityTV 1981
7 - Michaele Jordana and the Poles CityTV 1981
8 - Patti Smith - Gloria
9 - The Poles - CN Tower
10 - The Poles - Prime Time
11 - Michaele Jordana and the Poles CityTV 1981
Indie rock group The Railway Children were active in the UK from the mid 1980's. A charting pop hit had always alluded them through a few albums but in 1990 they finally charted in the UK with this song. It also went to #1 on Modern Rock for the week of September 8th, 1990. Join me for the breakdown.
Just around the time The Stooges and MC5 were making a name for themselves across the midwestern United States, Simply Saucer from Hamilton were treading similar ground sonically. This genre became known as "Rust Belt Punk." Join me for the breakdown of one of Canada's first alternative bands.
Stop! from Janes Addiction was written back in 1986 but not officially released until 1990. It went to #1 for the week of September 1st, 1990 for 2 non consecutive weeks. Join me for the break down of this classic track.
David J has had a lengthy career playing in several heavy hitters in the classic alternative world. He went number 1 with this track on August 18th, 1990. Join me to find out more about who this guy is!
This was the most successful single for the UK rock band Gene Loves Jezebel in the United States. Going #1 on Modern Rock for the week of August 11th, 1990 and then regaining the #1 spot for another week on August 25th.
This classic song from Concrete Blonde went #1 for 4 straight weeks on Modern Rock starting on July 14th 1990. Tune in as I break it down and tell you who the song is really about
This track from the group World Party went to #1 on Modern Rock for 5 straight weeks (what a run!) on June 9th, 1990. Join me for the breakdown and some info on just who the heck World Party are?
Everyone knows about London and New York. But did you know that Toronto had quite the interesting and diverse punk rock scene in the 1970's? Join me for a multi part look at Toronto Punk Rock.
Did you know this is Depeche Mode's only song to chart better in the US than in the UK? Check out my breakdown of Policy of Truth which went to number one for 1 week on June 1st, 1990.
The Sunday's were a jangle pop band from the UK. Tune in to find out what exactly Jangle Pop is and information on their single Here's Where the Story Ends which went to #1 on modern rock on May 26, 1990.
In 1983, German Synth-pop artist Peter Schilling released a song about a character very similar to the one in David Bowie's Space Oddity. Both called Major Tom. Is Schilling's song a continuation of the same story started by Bowie? The jury is still out.
Midnight Oil is back with their second number 1 of 1990 from the Blue Sky Mining album. This time we are talking about the song The Forgotten Years which went to number 1 for one week on May 19th, 1990.
Sinead O'Connor's follow up single to Nothing Compares to You was this rocky little song in which she took aim at the world around her, as Sinead often does.
Don't You Forget About Me was a massive pop hit for the band Simple Minds. But initially they didn't want to record the song at all. In fact, a number of high profile names passed on the track. Join DJ BK for the breakdown.
This was Depeche Mode's most successful US single. It was originally envisioned to be a very different song. Join DJ BK for the breakdown of Enjoy the Silence which went to #1 on April 21st, 1990.
DJ BK - Did You Know? -Episode 1- Gobbing. Possibly the most disgusting trait to ever spawn from Punk rock. What was gobbing? Did You know with DJ BK is a short burst of information for your ear.
For the second week in a row the Modern Rock Chart is topped by a song from an Australian group. This time The Church went to #1 on April 14th, 1990 with Metropolis. Join me for the breakdown.
The DEBUT EPISODE of Alternative Facts with DJ BK. This episode takes a look at Ministry and how their debut album is straight up synth pop dance. A far cry from industrial metal.
Always good for political or social justice cause is Australia's Midnight Oil. This track was able to go to number one on Modern Rock on April 7th, 1990.
This song was written by Prince but he never recorded or performed it until after this massive Sinead O'Connor hit. Find out the whole story, including details on their bizarre encounter one night in California.
It is often said that this song from Peter Murphy is considered the most successful pre Nevermind single in the Modern Rock Chart history. It sat atop the chart for 7 weeks. Join me from the breakdown of this classic tune.
The first track to go #1 in the decade the 1990's was from The Psychedelic Furs and their single "House." This was the second single from the 1989 release Book of Days. Join me for the breakdown.
Noise Pop group The Jesus and Mary Chain went to #1 for 3 weeks starting on December 30th, 1989. Making them the final #1 of the 1980's.
Kate Bush's lead single from The Sensual World was Love and Anger. It was her only chart topping song in the United States of her entire career so far and it went to #1 on Modern Rock on December 9th, 1989. Join me for the breakdown.
Echo & the Bunnymen lead singer Ian McCulloch branched out and released a solo album in 1989. The lead single Proud to Fall was able to sit atop the Modern Rock chart for 4 weeks beginning on November 11th, 1989. Join me for the breakdown.
Topping the Modern Rock chart for 3 weeks starting on October 21st, 1989 was Camper Van Beethoven with a cover song from a 60's rock band. Join me for the breakdown.
One of the most successful singles from Tears For Fears sat atop the Modern Rock Chart for just 1 week. Join me for the breakdown as we head back to October 14th, 1989.
Before the release of this massive hit single, the B-52's were mostly viewed as an obscure college rock band. This song catapulted them into the mainstream of pop success.
The Australian group Hoodoo Guru's had their most North American chart success with Come Anytime. We break it down and head down under on this episode.
The B-52's found massive success with their 1989 album Cosmic Thing. The lead single is kind of a forgotten track but it did go to the top of the Modern Rock chart for 3 weeks. In this episode I break down the song Channel Z.
John Lydon's Public Image LTD was the next group to take the #1 spot on July 29th, 1989. Disappointed sat atop the chart for only 1 week. I bet it doesn't get too many radio spins these days?
After the fall of Bauhaus, the 3 backing members went on to form Love and Rockets. So Alive was by far their most successful single.
One of the most regarded albums from The Cure is their 1989 record Disintegration. The lead single in North America was Fascination Street and it went to number 1 on Modern Rock.
XTC were a New Wave group that came to prominence throughout the 1980's. They had many radio hits and this was the first song to top the still young Modern Rock chart.
Elvis Costello has only 1 chart success on Modern Rock and this song is it. Hitting the number one spot on March 18th, 1989 for 2 weeks.
The only time this Minnesota based College Rock group was able to make it to the number 1 spot on the chart. March 11th, 1989.
You would never hear a song like this on the radio today. It also certainly wouldn't make it to number 1 for 4 straight weeks!
R.E.M became the first band to go #1 for a second time on the modern rock chart with their second single from the album Green, entitled Stand.
This was the only char success Julian Cope has had in his career in the United States. The first song to hit number 1 in 1989.
The fifth song to hit number one the Billboard Modern Rock chart was R.E.M - Orange Crush. Join DJ BK as he recounts the story of that song and every other song to hit number one on the Modern Rock chart.
The fourth song to hit number one the Billboard Modern Rock chart was U2 - Desire. Join DJ BK as he recounts the story of that song and every other song to hit number one on the Modern Rock chart.
The third song to hit number one the Billboard Modern Rock chart was The Psychedelic Furs - All That Money Wants. Join DJ BK as he recounts the story of that song and every other song to hit number one on the Modern Rock chart.