EP 89. This is Not Taylor Swift's 1989

In this episode of The New Dad Rock, Steve and Keith turn back the clock to explore the rich and diverse musical landscape of 1989—a year that was anything but a blank space. While Taylor Swift might have reimagined "1989" in her own style, we're diving into the original sounds that defined the end of a decade.

The duo kicks off by introducing new music from Joey Valence & Brae, drawing parallels between the fresh sounds of today and the innovative tracks of '89, setting the stage for a deep dive into a pivotal year in music history.

Steve and Keith explore Nirvana's debut album "Bleach", discussing its raw energy and how it laid the groundwork for the grunge movement. They revisit Madonna's "Like a Prayer", examining its controversial themes and undeniable impact on pop culture.

The conversation heats up as they delve into the world of thrash metal with Testament's "Practice What You Preach", Exodus's "Fabulous Disaster", Laaz Rockit's aggressive riffs, and Overkill's "The Years of Decay". They don't miss a beat, touching on King Diamond's haunting "Conspiracy", and discussing the rise of Sepultura and Annihilator's "Alice in Hell".

Switching gears, they celebrate the timeless appeal of Tom Petty's "Full Moon Fever" and the unforgettable soundtrack of Prince's "Batman", which added a musical dimension to the iconic film. The duo reminisces about Chris Isaak's haunting "Wicked Game" and the sultry vibes it brought to the airwaves.

They groove to the alternative beats of Love and Rockets' "So Alive", The B-52s' infectious "Love Shack" and "Roam", and the psychedelic sounds of The Stone Roses. The punk ethos of Fugazi's "13 Songs" and the industrial edge of Nine Inch Nails' "Pretty Hate Machine" and Ministry's "The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste" also make the cut.

Steve and Keith delve into The Cure's melancholic masterpiece "Disintegration" and Depeche Mode's influential "Violator", discussing how these albums shaped the goth and synth-pop scenes. They share their admiration for Faith No More's "The Real Thing", Red Hot Chili Peppers' energetic "Mother's Milk", and Primus's quirky debut "Suck on This".

The episode wouldn't be complete without a nod to the rising stars of the era, including Sick of It All's hardcore anthem "Blood, Sweat, and No Tears", and the Beastie Boys' genre-blending genius on "Paul's Boutique". They also touch upon the phenomenon of Milli Vanilli's "Girl You Know It's True" and the controversy that followed.

Amid the rich musical tapestry, they reflect on The Ramones' "Brain Drain", signaling the endurance of punk rock. They discuss how bands like Metal Church with "Blessing in Disguise" and Skinny Puppy's "Rabies" pushed the boundaries of metal and industrial music.

Join Steve and Keith as they reminisce about 1989—a year of musical diversity and innovation that continues to influence artists today. This is not Taylor Swift's 1989; this is the original soundtrack of a generation.

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