The Cobain 50

Dusty Henry dives into Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols by the Sex Pistols. They set the stage for mainstream views of punk in terms of style, substance, and attitude.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kicking off KEXP's month-long Pushing Boundaries celebration, Martin Douglas and Janice Headley dive into Shonen Knife’s Burning Farm, which was released in America by Olympia, Washington’s own K Records. Founding members Naoko and Atsuko Yamano share stories of touring with Nirvana in 1991. Plus, we celebrate this Osaka-based trio’s 40-year history of songs about food, animals, and toys.  Special thanks to Yuko Headley for translation assistance.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasProducers: Martin Douglas and Janice HeadleyMixing and mastering: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cobain 50 returns May 1 with Shonen Knife's Burning Farm (K Records version) from 1985.  This week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: In Our Headphones, the evolution of our longstanding Song of the Day podcast. Hosted by Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili, this weekly interview series features KEXP DJs sharing their new favorite music. You'll hear the backstory about each artist and song, as well as each DJ’s personal connection to the music.   Support KEXP podcasts at kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cobain 50 returns May 1 with Shonen Knife's Burning Farm (K Records version) from 1985.  This week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: A Deeper Listen, where Emily Fox and other storytellers at KEXP talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.  Support KEXP podcasts at kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, Albina Cabrera, Janice Headley, and Roddy Nikpour explore some of the women-led bands on Kurt's list, Kurt's feminism, and the very notion of grouping bands together based on gender identity.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain 00:00: IntroTK:TK: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, marking 30 years since Kurt's death, we recorded a roundtable "love letter" at the Kurt Cobain Memorial Bench in Viretta Park in Seattle, where Kurt is said to have written some of his lyrics. We'll also hear from contemporary bands and music industry workers about the impact that Kurt had on them.  Hosts: Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, and Albina CabreraAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourAudio production support: Isabel KhaliliPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain 00:00: Intro02:23: About the bench07:15: Our earliest memories of Nirvana10:58: Testimonials from Nicolle Swims (Black Ends), AJ Suede, Donita Sparks (L7), Aramis Johnson (Enumclaw)17:31: Our relationships with Nirvana over time21:43: Kurt's short and fast life23:33: Our favorite Nirvana songs28:14: Testimonials from Rachel Ratner (Wimps), Dave Ramm (Wimps), Alicia Bognanno (Bully), Shaina Shepherd35:08: Nirvana moments that bring us joy41:36: Testimonials from DJ Riz Rollins (KEXP), Annina Rodriguez (X 102.1), Emi Pop, Ana Espinosa (Vondré), Diego Ramirez (Joudy), Fran Straube (Rubio)48:18: Nirvana's impact on the Pacific Northwest and beyond54:41: Final thoughts on Kurt's legacy59:40: CreditsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Douglas dives into the legacy of the Swiss band Kleenex, later known as LiLiPUT. Kurt's list doesn't specify a particular album from Kleenex. Their entire discography is just that good, marrying the worlds of Dada art and punk rock.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice Headley dives into the legacy of The Raincoats, whose self-titled 1979 debut album inspired both Nirvana and the ‘90s riot grrrl scene. We also hear from Gina Birch, cofounder of The Raincoats, as well as Jenn Pelly, author of a book on the band as part of the 33⅓ series.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio Producer: Janice HeadleyMixed & Mastered: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Douglas dives into Cut by The Slits (written in Kurt's list as "Typical Girls," the lead single from the album). They were one of the very first punk bands made up mostly of women, and their style incorporated elements from reggae and dub. Despite their innovation, the members of the Slits had to withstand a brutally misogynistic culture for it to actually mean something in the long term.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasWritten + Produced: Martin DouglasMixed + Mastered: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roddy Nikpour dives into Dry by PJ Harvey. She’s a grunge pioneer carrying on Kurt’s spirit through her own ongoing legacy. She was one of his close peers — so much so that Dave Grohl has invited her to fill in for Kurt to perform Nirvana songs.  As part of Women's History Month, our next three episodes will cover some of the other women-fronted bands on Kurt's list, including The Slits, The Raincoats, and Kleenex.  Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.  As a programming note: Thank you to the 4,201 people who donated to KEXP during our spring fund drive last week! You're supporting independent, community-driven music and storytelling on the airwaves and online, including this podcast. You can always join the KEXP donor community by leaving a one-time gift or become an amplifier with a monthly donation at kexp.org/cobain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.