Best Michael Azerrad Podcasts (2024)

1
Michael Azerrad, the Man Who (Literally) Wrote the Book on Nirvana 1:04:07

10d ago1:04:07

1:04:07

Michael Azerrad joins us to talk about his relationship with Kurt Cobain, reviving a 30-year-old biography, Nirvana's legacy, and some of the records on Kurt’s list. Michael wrote the 1993 biography "Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana," and he recently released an annotated version titled "The Amplified Come As You Are: The Story of Nirvana." Ne…

1
The Knack – Get the Knack (1979) 33:38

3d ago33:38

33:38

Roddy Nikpour dives into Get The Knack by The Knack. The album’s catchy lead single came out when Kurt was a preteen. Despite its questionable lyrics, “My Sharona” did for new wave what “Smells Like Teen Spirit” did for punk — brought a genre to the mainstream. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isa…

1
Jack Endino on the Northwest Sound and the 35th Anniversary of 'Bleach' 58:05

17d ago58:05

58:05

Seattle's own Jack Endino joins Dusty, Martin, and Albina for this month’s roundtable. June marks the 35th anniversary of Nirvana's debut studio album, Bleach, which Endino produced. They discuss the unmistakable imprint of the Northwest sound. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Special thanks: Jack Endino and Albina Cabrera, host of El Cancione…

1
Beat Happening – Jamboree (1988) 57:18

24d ago57:18

57:18

Martin Douglas dives into Jamboree by Beat Happening. Hailing from Olympia, Washington, the trio lived and breathed the punk rock ideology. Cofounder Calvin Johnson released the band’s albums on a label he founded, the iconic K Records, which practically turned indie music into a religion. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Mart…

1
Wipers – Is This Real? (1980), Youth of America (1981), and Over the Edge (1983) 42:01

1M ago42:01

42:01

Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas dive into the three albums by the Portland band Wipers, the band with the most entries on Kurt's list (unless you count "anything by Kleenex"). Greg Sage's melodic punk riffs not only inspired Nirvana, but also other Northwest bands before them, including The Melvins and Mudhoney. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas…

1
Mudhoney – Superfuzz Bigmuff (1988) 48:14

1M ago48:14

48:14

Dusty Henry dives into Superfuzz Bigmuff by Mudhoney, whose debut represents the culmination of ideas that we now categorize as “grunge.” Nirvana picked up the grunge baton from Mudhoney and carried it to the finish line. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial d…

1
Bonus: Hiro Yamamoto on Soundgarden, Forging New Paths, and the Circles of Power 39:12

1M ago39:12

39:12

In this special bonus episode, we break format away from Kurt Cobain and Nirvana and look at the legacy of Soundgarden from the lens of founding member and original bassist Hiro Yamamoto. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Soundgarden’s formation — starting with Yamamoto and Chris Cornell in Yamamoto’s basement. While Yamamoto was there from t…

1
Roundtable: Breaking Punk 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, Albina Cabrera, and Janice Headley discuss the idea of "punk" through the lens of four bands. Each of them provides a distinctive approach to punk both as a genre and as a mindset. Nirvana is named as one of the core bands of 1991, "the year punk broke." Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpou…

1
Black Flag – My War (1984) 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

Larry Mizell Jr. dives into My War by Black Flag. This proto-punk sophomore album upset the fast-paced expectations of hardcore by slowing it down, complete with all-out screams confessing deep-seated emotion. This sound set the precedent for Seattle's famous grunge sound. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Written by: Larry Mizell Jr. Audio pro…

1
Episode 95: Ben Johnson 44:06

2M ago44:06

44:06

Ben Johnson is a Canadian former sprinter. During the 1987–88 season he held the title of the world's fastest man, breaking both the 100m and the 60m indoor World Records. He won the 100 metres at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics; and at the 1988 Summer Olympics, but was disqualified for doping and stripped of the gold medal.…

1
The Shaggs – Philosophy of the World (1969) 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Martin Douglas dives into Philosophy of the World by The Shaggs. As prophesied by a palm reading, this band of sisters from a small town in New Hampshire would become famous. However, nobody could have predicted the band's "intriguing" sound — or whether they would actually have a fun time performing music. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Aud…

1
Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols (1977) 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

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 Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the p…

1
Shonen Knife – Burning Farm (1985 via K Records) 30:03

2M ago30:03

30:03

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 histor…

1
Bonus: Introducing KEXP's In Our Headphones 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

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. Yo…

1
Bonus: Introducing KEXP's A Deeper Listen 31:59

3M ago31:59

31:59

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 h…

1
Roundtable: Women in Punk 46:47

3M ago46:47

46:47

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 Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Miz…

1
30 Years After Kurt's Death 1:00:50

3M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

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, Marti…

1
Anything by Kleenex (1978-1983) 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

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 Douglas Audio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabe…

1
The Raincoats – The Raincoats (1979) 23:12

4M ago23:12

23:12

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 Douglas Audio Producer: Janice Headley M…

1
The Slits – Cut (1979) 35:56

4M ago35:56

35:56

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…

1
PJ Harvey – Dry (1992) 28:00

4M ago28:00

28:00

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 ban…

1
Episode 94: Michael Azerrad 1:47:00

4M ago1:47:00

1:47:00

Michael Azerrad is an American author, music journalist, editor, and musician. A graduate of Columbia University, he has written for publications such as Spin, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times. Azerrad's 1993 biography Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana was named by Q as one of the 50 greatest rock books ever written.…

1
Roundtable: The "Radical" Politics of Kurt Cobain 44:49

4M ago44:49

44:49

Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, Albina Cabrera, and Larry Mizell Jr. explore four albums on Kurt's list that challenged the politics of their time through the lenses of punk and hip-hop. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org…

1
Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) 28:51

5M ago28:51

28:51

Dusty Henry dives into It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy, the voice of what was really happening in America, particularly within Black communities. With their ferocious sound and in-your-face spirit, it's no wonder they resonated with Kurt. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour Podcast manag…

1
Episode 93: Andrew Hammel 1:53:42

5M ago1:53:42

1:53:42

Andrew Hammel holds law degrees from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School and was admitted to the bar of the State of Texas in 1996. He is a former death-row defense lawyer and law professor. He is the author of Ending the Death Penalty: The European Experience in Global Perspective (2010) and many scholarly articles. He is fluent in En…

1
MDC – Millions of Dead Cops (1981) 30:19

5M ago30:19

30:19

Dusty Henry dives into Millions of Dead Cops by MDC, a prime example of the powerful fusion between hardcore punk and politics. Their frontman Dave Dictor was the anti-John Wayne. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podc…

1
Bad Brains – Rock for Light (1983) 38:37

5M ago38:37

38:37

Martin Douglas dives into Rock for Light by Bad Brains. It's a story of how Black punks from one Washington (D.C.) influenced punk in the other Washington (state). Link to article mentioned in the final segment: https://afropunk.com/2019/02/bhm-the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-a-queer-bad-brains-fan/ Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: M…

1
The Clash – Combat Rock (1982) 36:21

5M ago36:21

36:21

On this International Clash Day, Dusty Henry dives into Combat Rock by The Clash. Their music reminds us not to tolerate the injustice that the world throws at us. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/co…

1
Roundtable: What Do The Stooges, Pixies, and The Vaselines Have in Common? 41:26

6M ago41:26

41:26

In the inaugural roundtable of our series, Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, and Albina Cabrera dive into Kurt Cobain's list. Although it features a lot of traditional punk music, the list traversed many genres in a time when music fans were more accustomed to "staying in their lane." Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producer: Roddy Nikpour P…

1
The Vaselines – Dying for It (1988) 18:29

6M ago18:29

18:29

Janice Headley dives into Dying for It by The Vaselines (listed as Pink EP). By the time Nirvana began covering their songs, The Vaselines had broken up. It was Kurt’s love for the Scottish indie-pop duo that reunited the pair and lifted them out of obscurity. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Written + Produced: Janice Headley Mixed + Mastered…

1
The Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988) 29:15

6M ago29:15

29:15

Dusty Henry dives into Surfer Rosa by The Pixies. It's arguably the most influential "alternative music" album of the 90s — not just for Nirvana, but artists worldwide. Surfer Rosa was Nevermind before Nevermind. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy Nikpour Podcast manager: Isabel Khalili Editorial director: …

1
The Stooges – Raw Power (1973) 24:07

6M ago24:07

24:07

Martin Douglas kicks off the series by diving into Raw Power by The Stooges. It's no surprise this is the first album on Kurt's list considering the muscular drumming, the dirty bass, and the way the guitar sounds like it’s on fire — all key elements for Nirvana's sound. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas Audio producers: Martin Douglas and Rodd…

1
The Cobain 50: Coming January 10 4:28

6M ago4:28

4:28

Each week, The Cobain 50 will dig into Kurt Cobain's famous list of his top 50 albums and how those artists influenced the sound of Nirvana. It’s also a chance to dig into the individual histories of the albums on the list, spotlighting both artists on the fringes and some of the biggest groups of all time. The list will take us through the legacie…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2022: "Pollo Rico" by billy woods 10:32

7M ago10:32

10:32

Martin Douglas concludes the series with a visit back to 2022 with the track “Pollo Rico” by billy woods. It’s a deeply intimate track, and the themes are almost as dense as the smoke that inspired him. Plus, host Larry Mizell Jr. sends us off with some parting thoughts. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed …

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1974: The Cedar Park Jams 8:44

7M ago8:44

8:44

Janice Headley revisits the Cedar Park Jams, which kicked off in the spring of 1974. At this point, DJ Kool Herc’s parties became so popular that they outgrew his apartment on Sedgwick Avenue. Written by Janice Headley Audio production by Janice Headley Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1978: Old School Tapes 22:24

7M ago22:24

22:24

Larry Mizell Jr. talks with DJ Supreme La Rock about the original way for compiling and sharing music in hip-hop's early days: "old school tapes." Thanks to global distribution via military deployment, they became foundational for hip-hop culture around the world. Interview by Larry Mizell Jr. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by I…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - Women in Modern Hip-Hop 19:23

7M ago19:23

19:23

This bonus episode takes you on a journey through the vibrant world of Latin American and diasporic female hip-hop artists. Albina Cabrera, host of KEXP's El Sonido podcast, delves into the rich tapestry of Latin culture's influence on the genre, showcasing how Latinx identity and activism are deeply embedded in the roots of rap in español. From ic…

1
Episode 92: Ric Burns 1:24:14

7M ago1:24:14

1:24:14

Ric Burns is an American documentary filmmaker and writer. He has written, directed and produced historical documentaries since the 1990s, beginning with his collaboration on the celebrated PBS series The Civil War (1990), which he produced with his older brother Ken Burns and wrote with Geoffrey Ward.…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2011: "Thuggin'" by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib 13:06

7M ago13:06

13:06

Martin Douglas revisits 2011 with the track “Thuggin’” by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib. The story behind this track involves a comeback from the streets, the power of collaboration, and on top of it all: pure luck. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1999: The Alchemist Masterclass 19:33

7M ago19:33

19:33

Martin Douglas revisits 1999 with an overview of The Alchemist's career, alongside a parallel story of Martin's reignited passion for making beats of his own. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Episode 91: Nick McDonell 1:40:53

8M ago1:40:53

1:40:53

Nick McDonell is an American writer who has worked as a journalist, screenwriter, producer, novelist and researcher.By Brin-Jonathan Butler

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1988: Nasty Nes on Seattle's Halcyon Days of Hip-Hop 17:38

8M ago17:38

17:38

Larry Mizell, Jr. revisits 1988 with Nasty Nes Rodriguez, a DJ formerly based in Seattle. Together, they explore the proliferation of hip-hop in the Pacific Northwest through the power of radio and the one-and-only Sir Mix-a-Lot. Interview by Larry Mizell, Jr. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1996: 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw 17:06

8M ago17:06

17:06

Dusty Henry revisits 1996 with the album 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw. The record was a culmination of a movement Screw started from his bedroom: his trademark “chopped and screwed” sound and a unifying moment for Houston’s then-emerging hip-hop scene. Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel K…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1990: Sample Culture 21:00

8M ago21:00

21:00

Roddy Nikpour talks with Chris Read, head of content at WhoSampled, about four iconic tracks from 1990: "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer, "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy, and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice. Each of them incorporates iconic samples, so we're unpacking the culture of sampling in hip-hop, as…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2007: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy 12:17

9M ago12:17

12:17

Dusty Henry revisits 2007 with the track "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy. This iconic hit and its accompanying dance ushered in a new era for hip-hop and defined “ringtone rap” and the concept of "going viral." Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hipho…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1998: "Ha" by Juvenile 10:49

9M ago10:49

10:49

Martin Douglas revisits 1998 with the track “Ha” by Juvenile. Where we come from is an inevitable part of the stories we tell and the art we make. Juvenile’s career is packed with the rich culture of the city that made him: New Orleans, Louisiana. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Suppo…

1
Explore KEXP Podcasts! 9:11

9M ago9:11

9:11

During KEXP’s fall fund drive, discover the variety of music podcasts we produce at KEXP and hear some of our favorite clips from each one. We’re thankful to the thousands of amplifiers who already donate to KEXP, building the foundation for our community of storytelling, and we want you to join them with a one-time donation or a recurring gift! 50…

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1992: "Tennessee" by Arrested Development 7:32

9M ago7:32

7:32

Janice Headley revisits 1992 with the track “Tennessee” by Arrested Development. It's a Grammy-Award-winning single inspired by grief on an immediate level — as well as an intergenerational level. Written and produced by Janice Headley. Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for priva…

1
Episode 90: Kim Cross 1:09:54

9M ago1:09:54

1:09:54

Kim Cross is a New York Times best-selling author and journalist known for meticulously reported narrative nonfiction. A full-time freelance writer, she has bylines in the New York Times, Nieman Storyboard, Outside, Bicycling, Garden & Gun, CNN.com, ESPN.com, and USA Today.By Brin-Jonathan Butler

1
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2014: "Sheplife" by Briggs 12:28

9M ago12:28

12:28

To celebrate Indigenous People's Day, Kevin Sur revisits 2014 with the album Sheplife by Briggs. Emily Fox talks with KEXP's Kevin Sur, host of Sounds of Survivance, to unpack the music and advocacy of this Aboriginal rapper. Produced by Emily Fox and Roddy Nikpour. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info…

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Michael Azerrad Podcasts

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