Episode 24 - The Year 2003

This episode covers 2003, the start of the New York rock scene making its way into the mainstream and the avalanche of bands that would follow, both in North America and abroad. No longer were terms like “alternative rock”, “grunge” and “new metal” relevant. Instead, they were replaced with labels like “indie”, “garage”, “lo-fi”, “electroclash”, “dance punk”, and "post punk”. The millennial generation was coming of age, and starting to overtake Generation X in terms of cultural influence. The playlist tonight contains key bands from the New York scene like the Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Rapture. But also The Dears and The Stills from Montreal, and some veteran bands like Radiohead, Muse and A Perfect Circle. And of course the rise and very quick fall of Zwan, the supergroup started by Billy Corgan after he dissolved the Smashing Pumpkins. If I had to pick a point in time where the tide shifted into the “NEW new rock”, this was the year. If you’re interested in learning more about this period of music, with a particular focus on the New York Scene, you can read all about it in Lizzie Goodman’s book “Meet me in the Bathroom”, which covers the new York scene (and adjacent bands) from 2001 to 2011. 

Original Airdate: January 4, 2025

1. Zwan - Honestly
2. The Dears - Lost in the Plot
3. A Perfect Circle - Weak And Powerless
4. The Stills - Love and Death
5. The Strokes - Reptilia
6. Kings of Leon - Molly's Chambers
7. The White Stripes - The Hardest Button to Button
8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Date With The Night
9. The Rapture - House Of Jealous Lovers
10. The Kills - Pull A U
11. The Exploding Hearts - Sleeping Aides and Razor Blades
12. Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration
13. Radiohead - 2 + 2 = 5
14. Muse - Hysteria
15. Calla - Televised