Episodes

July 7, 2020

[Short Cuts] A Tribute to Black Rock Artists

This is the closing to the Rock Matters episode Black Rock Matters. Each band mentioned is or has been composed, all or in part, of black artists. The list is hardly exhaustive, but it's our way of acknowledging and recognizing just a few of the contributions rockers of color have made to our world. You can dive into each of the artists mentioned a bit more through our Black Rock Matters playlist. Rock Matters is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and most other places. Or ...
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July 5, 2020

E10 Black Rock Matters: The Musical Contribution of Rockers of Color

In this episode, The Itch explores some basic history on the contributions of Black rockers to the music industry, as well as to our own journeys as music lovers, and to The Itch radio show. Plus, in a bit of perfect timing, the show gets a new theme song from our official favorite band! Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, or at itchrocks@gmail.com. And don't forget to check out this episode's Black Rock Matters playlist on Spotify after you finish the episode! You can subscribe to Rock Matt...
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June 28, 2020

E9 Red, White, and Foo: Dave Grohl and Songs that (Almost) Fly the Flag

This week, The Itch discusses the greatest red, white, and blue music in rock, and recognize the importance of Foo Fighters on their 25th anniversary. The conversation touches on the tension of being American, how Snoop Dogg is forever chill, Rooooooxanne, and some revisionist history for Nirvana. Plus, the guys ponder the age-old question: Where in the World IS Carmen Sandiego? Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, or at itchrocks@gmail.com. And check out this episode's playlist! Rock Matters...
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June 21, 2020

E8 The Itch and Pony Show: Deftones and Evolving Beyond Nu Metal

This week, the guys celebrate the 20th anniversary of Deftones’ seminal album White Pony! Along the way they touch on: How an awful thought can become a great song How to use music to end an unwanted relationship The benefits of bands sticking together How to not be just nu metal Haunted houses Limp Bizkit? Bands that do quality covers (and Dan's surprising choice for who does it best) Plus, the guys name drop AIM and Napster, and Aaron (possibly) resists the urge to be totally annoying! ...
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June 15, 2020

E7 Father of All: Green Day, Fatherhood, and Art vs the Artist

In the Father's Day episode, the guys discuss: How our fathers influenced our musical taste One of the Itch’s fondest memories Dan’s experience with the BMG Music Service Green Day's Father of All... Barfing rainbow unicorns A loose definition of punk Why some music sounds better live than in the studio How to approach art when the artist does awful things The International Justice Mission and RAINN Mutha’uckas Plus, Aaron calls out Mike Herrera of MxPx! Connect with us on Twitter, Fac...
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June 7, 2020

E6 Declaration Against the Machine: Red and Artists Against Injustice

This week, a Rock Matters episode gets its very own permanent Spotify playlist! In this episode, the guys discuss: The value of a good group text grandson, Tony Baker and how to use a platform to speak against injustice Tom Morello’s resume George Michael Bluth Red’s new album Declaration and Dan’s beef with their release schedule What defines a Christian rock band CS Lewis?! The need for artists to have identities Workhorse bands Plus, Weird Al gets his second mention on the show! Con...
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June 1, 2020

E5 Primus Time(us): Tales from the Punchbowl and Good Live Gimmicks

In this episode, the guys write a love letter to Primus on the 25th anniversary of Tales from the Punchbowl, a foundational piece of The Itch's history. Topics include: How to mine a live album debut for a decade When funk metal makes you reconsider your career path How to use Metallica and Deftones to put children to bed The omnipresence of Taco Bell Concerts that involve candy bars and jumping elephants Why you should take a chance on random CDs from flea markets, libraries, and college ...
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May 25, 2020

E4 AWOLstation: Aaron Bruno and How to Stylize a Band Name

In this episode, KCLC remains closed, but Dan gets a new mic! Also, the guys discuss: Nothingmore and the art of good merchandising Gratitude to supporters and a bit more on our vision for Rock Matters Concerning developments from the 2020 NHL All-Star game A breakdown of AWOLNATION's new album Angel Miners and the Lightning Riders Why KC probably wouldn't like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros When band names in ALL CAPS are and aren't annoying The Itch’s favorite band Plus, Dan goes AW...
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May 18, 2020

E3 Mother of All: In This Moment, Censorship, and Owning a Cover Song

In this episode, The Itch does a deep dive review of In This Moment’s new album Mother, and discusses a profound question about Pearl Jam, Mother’s Day, potty-mouth children, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the difference a lineup change can make. Also, The Itch sells out and tries half-heartedly to keep the show PG-13! [Note: If the sound quality of these early episodes bothers you, stick around. It gets better!] Check out this episode's playlist and then connect with us! Twitter: https://twitte...
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May 9, 2020

E2 A Gigaton to Talk About: Pearl Jam and Connecting in Quarantine

In this episode, The Itch reviews Pearl Jam's Gigaton, discusses the joy of experiencing an album from start to finish, explores how artists are connecting with audiences virtually, and shares in the world's love for Prince and Weird Al! [Note: If the sound quality of these early episodes bothers you, stick around. It gets better!] Check out this episode's playlist and then connect with us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/itchrocks Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/itchrocks Email: itchrocks@gma...
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May 9, 2020

E1 Rock Matters: An Introduction to The Itch's New Podcast

In the introductory episode, the guys discuss who we are, what The Itch is, when this show came to be, where it's from, and why it’s called Rock Matters ... also how. [Note: If the sound quality of these early episodes bothers you, stick around. It gets better!] Connect with us! Twitter: https://twitter.com/itchrocks Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/itchrocks Email: itchrocks@gmail.com Website: https://www.itchrocks.com If you have a positive review, leaving it on Apple with a good rating h...