Episode 66: "...And the Rest (1991)"
Released: May 24, 2025
Host: Lori & Scott Free
Podcast: Accelerated Culture

Introduction: A New Format for Wrapping Up 1991

In Episode 66 of Accelerated Culture, hosts Lori and Scott Free introduce a fresh approach to concluding their deep dive into the music of 1991. Instead of dedicating entire episodes to individual albums or artists, they present a curated selection of notable tracks that, for various reasons, didn't receive their own spotlight. This segment, aptly named "...And the Rest," allows each host to highlight five tracks that they believe deserve recognition.

Lori [08:17]: "If you're listening to this show, you generally likely of the Generation X or your parents were, and you've started listening to their music, you are no doubt then familiar with one 1960s sitcom called Gilligan's Island…"

Scott’s Selection: "My Definition of a Bombastic Jazz Style" by Dream Warriors [10:55]

Scott kicks off the segment with Dream Warriors' standout track, emphasizing its unique position in the hip-hop landscape of 1991.

Scott Free [12:50]: "This is alternative hip hop. And also, it's just so good."

He delves into the origins of the Dream Warriors, highlighting their Canadian roots and Caribbean influences. Scott praises the track's infectious groove, jazzy samples, and King Lou's conversational flow.

Scott Free [16:30]: "The track itself…an incredible groove and it's danceable."

Lori’s Selection: "Groovy Train" by The Farm [25:05]

Lori presents "Groovy Train" by The Farm, connecting it to their shared interest in the band Madness through producer Suggs.

Lori [25:05]: "This has a connection to Suggs and Madness…released March 4th of 1991."

She explores the band's history, their rise within the UK charts, and the song's place within the Madchester scene. Lori appreciates the track's dance-rock vibe and its ability to blend psychedelic elements with mainstream appeal.

Lori [27:57]: "It's rock made for dance floors…"

Scott’s Selection: "Welcome to the Cheap Seats" by The Wonder Stuff [31:09]

Scott introduces The Wonder Stuff’s "Welcome to the Cheap Seats," sharing his personal connection to the band and detailing their evolution.

Scott Free [32:07]: "This was the first song that I ever heard by the Wonder Stuff. Oh yes. And I fell in love with it immediately."

He discusses their transition from hard-edged indie pop to a more lush and organic sound, highlighting the song's energetic composition and guest vocals by Kirsty MacColl.

Scott Free [39:43]: "The production…a string section breakdown in the middle. It's weird, but it's fun."

Lori’s Selection: "Kiss Them for Me" by Susie and the Banshees [43:39]

Lori selects "Kiss Them for Me" from Susie and the Banshees’ 1991 album Superstition, noting its departure from their darker, goth-oriented sound.

Lori [47:13]: "It's sweet and vibrant…songs about Jayne Mansfield."

She praises the song's accessibility and its reflection of the band’s willingness to evolve, mentioning its success on dance floors and its significance as their highest-charting hit in the U.S.

Lori [48:45]: "It's a beautiful song. I've always loved it."

Scott’s Selection: "From a Million Miles" by Single Gun Theory [49:45]

Scott brings attention to Single Gun Theory’s "From a Million Miles," an Australian gem that blends dream pop with electronic dance elements.

Scott Free [52:31]: "It's a song…so beautiful."

He elaborates on the band’s innovative use of world music samples, recorded during their travels, and the song’s feature in the TV series Due South.

Scott Free [54:14]: "They were actually field recordings that the band themselves recorded while on a trip."

Additional Selections by Scott

"Breaking the Girl" by Red Hot Chili Peppers [57:18]

Scott highlights a lesser-known track from the iconic band's album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, focusing on its melodic depth and lyrical introspection.

Scott Free [60:30]: "Breaking the Girl…it's a beautiful track."

He discusses the production nuances, the introduction of John Frusciante, and Anthony Kiedis's evolution as a vocalist.

Scott Free [62:28]: "The lyrics…he feared he was following in his father's footsteps."

"Puke and Cry" by Dinosaur Jr. [66:16]

"Dinosaur Jr.’s "Puke and Cry" serves as Scott's final pick, representing raw indie rock energy and Jay Maskus's distinctive vocal style.

Scott Free [73:27]: "It's the rawness of the music and the rawness of his voice really work together…"

He acknowledges the band's influence on the alternative scene despite personal reservations about the track.

Scott Free [73:35]: "There's something very endearing about how…"

"Alec Eiffel" by Pixies [75:18]

Scott introduces Pixies' "Alec Eiffel" from their album Trompe le Monde, discussing its quirky lyrics and the tensions within the band during its creation.

Scott Free [77:53]: "It's a fun uptempo song…"

He reflects on the band's dynamics, Black Francis's dominance, and the album’s place in Pixies' discography.

Scott Free [79:34]: "It's Frank Black solo…"

"Brutal Equation" by Consolidated [85:20]

Lori presents Consolidated’s "Brutal Equation," an industrial hip-hop track that critiques the music industry and broader societal issues.

Lori [85:59]: "This is a scathing indictment of the music industry…"

She delves into the band’s activism, innovative live performances, and the track's aggressive production reminiscent of Public Enemy's Bomb Squad.

Lori [90:32]: "It's a thick collage of samples, deep texture, but like, it's aggressive…"

Conclusion: Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

As Episode 66 draws to a close, Lori and Scott emphasize the creation of a Spotify playlist featuring the ten selected tracks, providing listeners with easy access to explore these hidden gems.

Lori [95:18]: "I'm going to be putting together a Spotify playlist of the 10 songs…"

They tease the upcoming final episode of the 1991 series, focusing on Ocean Blue's Cerulean, and hint at future explorations into 1992's vibrant music scene.

Scott Free [95:53]: "We're going to conclude 1991 in two weeks with Cerulean by the Ocean Blue."

Notable Quotes

• Scott Free [16:30]: "The track itself…an incredible groove and it's danceable."

• Lori [25:05]: "It's rock made for dance floors…"

• Scott Free [39:43]: "The production…a string section breakdown in the middle. It's weird, but it's fun."

• Lori [47:13]: "It's sweet and vibrant…songs about Jayne Mansfield."

• Scott Free [62:28]: "The lyrics…he feared he was following in his father's footsteps."

• Lori [85:59]: "This is a scathing indictment of the music industry…"

Recommendations

Listeners interested in the rich tapestry of early '90s alternative music will find Episode 66 of Accelerated Culture particularly insightful. The hosts' passionate discussions and deep dives into each selected track offer both nostalgia and fresh perspectives on overlooked gems from 1991.

To further immerse yourself, check out the Spotify playlist curated by Lori and Scott, compiling all ten tracks discussed in this episode.

Accelerated Culture continues to celebrate and explore the vibrant and often underappreciated facets of music history, ensuring that the sounds of the past resonate with today's audiences.