The Cobain 50
Kurt Cobain’s influence went beyond just the music he created with Nirvana. He also put the masses on to some of his own favorite artists. One particular document from his journals has been instructive to many fans – his top 50 albums. Each week, The Cobain 50 podcast digs into albums from this famous list and how they may have influenced Cobain and Nirvana. While learning the individual histories of the different albums on the list, we gain new insights into artists on the fringes as well as some of the biggest groups of all time. The podcast takes us through the legacies of acts like Sonic Youth, Pixies, The Breeders, Public Enemy, PJ Harvey, Black Flag, Mazzy Star, The Shaggs, Shonen Knife, and more.
Episodes
Come As You Are: A Live Finale Episode
This episode marks the end of The Cobain 50 and El Cancionero de Kurt. After going through all 50 albums from Kurt’s list, we celebrated with an event in KEXP’s Gathering Space with a packed house of fans of Nirvana and the podcast to reflect on the series, what it’s meant to us, and what we’ve learned going through all of this music. Below find translations of the Spanish
Daniel Johnston – Yip/Jump Music (1983)
On our penultimate episode—and the final album on Kurt Cobain’s list—Martin Douglas dives into Yip/Jump Music by Daniel Johnston. Johnston rose from obscurity by self-recording (and self-dubbing) his own tapes and handing them out at McDonald’s, eventually finding a massive audience after Cobain was repeatedly spotted wearing a t-shirt featuring the cover of
Half Japanese – We Are They Who Ache with Amorous Love (1990)
Janice Headley chats with frontman and co-founder Jad Fair for this in-depth look at the Half Japanese album We Are They Who Ache with Amorous Love. Plus, KEXP presents the world premiere of “Lemonade Sunset,” the first single off the next Half Japanese album coming out this July via Fire Records. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasWritten & Produced: Janice HeadleyMix
Butthole Surfers – Pee Pee the Sailor (1983) and Locust Abortion Technician (1987)
On this week’s episode of The Cobain 50, Dusty Henry digs deep into the two Butthole Surfers albums from Kurt’s list – Pee Pee The Sailor (also known as their self-titled debut EP) and Locust Abortion Technician. In one of the more expletive ridden artists on the list, we hear about the band’s story from underground legends to surprising mainstream success. Butthole Surfers
Swans – Young God (1984)
In this week’s episode, Dusty Henry digs into one of the more caustic bands on Kurt’s list – Swan’s and their 1984 EP, Young God. The band has one of the more abrasive sounds and stories on the list, making for a release that’s not for the faint of heart but vastly influential on industrial music. Disclaimer: This episode deals with topics including abuse, domest
Bonus: Ray Farrell’s Journey Through Indie and Major Labels
This week on The Cobain 50, we share one last bonus episode before we hit the final stretch of albums on Kurt Cobain’s top albums list. Ray Farrell may not be a familiar name to most, but he’s worked with many of the artists and labels we’ve talked about on the list: from SST and Rough Trade to Geffen Records, Sonic Youth to Wipers, Farrell has been through it all. He shares with
Bonus: A Deeper Listen with Matt Cameron
This week on The Cobain 50, we’re taking a quick break from our regularly scheduled programming to share an interview with another Seattle music icon – Matt Cameron. Cameron is the drummer for legendary groups Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Before then he played in the influential Seattle bands Bam Bam, Skin Yard, and Temple of the Dog. In this interview with Emily Fox, which originally ai
The Frogs - It's Only Right and Natural (1989)
Roddy Nikpour speaks with Josh Modell about It’s Only Right and Natural by The Frogs. By modern standards, The Frogs created cancel-able album after cancel-able album. Somehow, though, their punk innovation outshined controversy, catching attention from Eddie Vetter of Pearl Jam, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, and so many others. The Frogs inspired weirdo art everywhere — including
What Records? - What Is It. (Compilation) (1982)
What Records? might not be a household name, but the small Los Angeles-based punk label had a cascading effect on punk-yet-to-come. Dusty Henry digs into this somewhat obscure compilation from Kurt Cobain’s albums list which features deep cuts from L.A.’s punk scene, including bands like The Controllers, KAOS, and The Germs (which featured future Nirvana bandmate Pat Smear). We also he
Young Marble Giants – Colossal Youth (1980)
Janice Headley talks with Stuart Moxham of Young Marble Giants about Colossal Youth. This album from the Welsh post-punk trio may seem like a surprising entry on Kurt's list given its minimalist instrumentation, but these bands shared a similar disdain for the spotlight. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasWritten & Produced: Janice HeadleyMixed & Mastered: Matt Martin and Roddy Nik
The Faith and Void – The Faith/Void Split LP (1982)
Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas dive into The Faith/Void Split by The Faith and Void. In our last entry from the D.C. punk scene, we relive the youthful spirit that drove these bands to make their mark. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry, Matt Martin, and Roddy NikpourSpecial thanks to Isabel Khalili and Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobai
Flipper – Album – Generic Flipper (1982)
Martin Douglas dives into Album – Generic Flipper by Flipper. Despite the name, their debut album is anything but generic. Krist Novoselic (who briefly joined the band in the 2000s) described this Bay Area band as “proto-grunge.” Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourSpecial thanks to Isabel Khalili and Larry Mizell Jr. Suppor
Bonus: The Gits on Sound & Vision Live
Following KEXP's recent event celebrating The Gits and Martin Douglas's recent Throwaway Style newsletter, we want to tell you more about these contemporaries of Kurt Cobain. The Gits were an early '90s Seattle band. Sub Pop Records recently launched a campaign to rerelease remastered versions of The Gits’ catalogue. So much of the band’s story has been wrapped around the 19
The Saints – Eternally Yours (1978)
Janice Headley dives into Eternally Yours by The Saints. (In his list, Kurt wrote the name of a single from the album, “Know Your Product.”) This is the story of how The Saints brought punk from “down under,” featuring exclusive insights from founding guitarist Ed Kuepper and Mudhoney’s Mark Arm, who has been filling in for the late Saints frontman Chris Bailey in rec
Scratch Acid – Scratch Acid (1984)
Dusty Henry dives into the self-titled debut from Scratch Acid. This vein of — ahem — “alternative music” helped Nirvana in their own quest to balance abrasiveness with structure. (In the outro, Dusty works in a reference to Charli XCX, effectively dubbing this podcast "brat." We also have some special shoutouts.) Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers:
Public Image Ltd. – The Flowers of Romance (1981)
Martin Douglas dives into The Flowers of Romance by Public Image Ltd. After he left the Sex Pistols in 1978, John Lydon created Public Image Ltd. under the influence of dub, resulting in experimental music that was just about as accessible to mainstream audiences as Kurt Cobain’s Montage of Heck recordings (which is to say, not very accessible at all). Hosts: Dusty Henry and Marti
Rites of Spring – Rites of Spring (1985)
We're back! This week, Dusty Henry dives into the self-titled debut from Rites of Spring. They represent the earliest iteration of “emo” music, proving that it would never be just a phase. "Emo" still exists in waves that ripple to this day. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry
It's Christmas in Seattle: We'll Be Back in 2025!
The Cobain 50 returns with new episodes January 8, 2025. We’re taking the month to rest with our families and listen to good music. We hope you’ll do the same! In the meantime, let KEXP keep you company through the holidays with our other active podcast series, including: El Cancionero de Kurt, the Spanish-language companion podcast to The Cobain 50 (English subtitles available on YouTube) A
Fang – Landshark! (1983)
Disclaimer: This episode deals with topics including domestic abuse, drug use, and murder. Dusty Henry dives into Landshark! by Fang. Vocalist Sam “Sammytown” McBride murdered his girlfriend Dixie Lee Carney in 1989. Since his release from prison in 1995, Fang has continued as a band, raising questions about the complicated ethics of which artists we choose to listen to. Hosts: Dusty Henry and M
Saccharine Trust – Paganicons (1981)
Martin Douglas dives into Paganicons by Saccharine Trust. Written in Kurt’s list as “1st EP,” Saccharine Trust’s debut is one of the most original releases from the SST catalog, which also includes punk classics like Black Flag, Minutemen, Meat Puppets, and many others. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial d
Fear – The Record (1982)
Roddy Nikpour dives into The Record by Fear. Known for an infamous Saturday Night Live performance littered with slam dancers, Fear sings from a grotesque vantage point to call out injustice through “punk irony.” Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.
Tales of Terror – Tales of Terror (1984)
Dusty Henry dives into Tales of Terror by Tales of Terror. Their run was short and marked with tragedy, but their influence has kept their music alive for generations — from the local Sacramento scene to other bands like Mudhoney and Nirvana. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Supp
Nirvana's MTV Unplugged Turns 30
Friday, November 1, 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Nirvana’s live album, MTV Unplugged in New York. This week, Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas set the stage and bring us some of their favorite moments from this iconic stripped-back performance. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. S
Bonus: A Deeper Listen with Pedro the Lion
The Cobain 50 returns October 30 celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nirvana's MTV Unplugged in New York. This week, we're sharing a conversation featured on another KEXP podcast, A Deeper Listen. Dusty Henry spoke with David Bazan about Pedro the Lion's latest album, the third in a five-part series of albums based on places that formed his identity. One of his formative memories includes moving
Sonic Youth – Daydream Nation (1988)
Martin Douglas dives into Daydream Nation by Sonic Youth. When it comes to art punk, indie rock, or alternative rock, there are few bands more widely influential than Sonic Youth, who were also directly involved with Nirvana’s emergence into the mainstream. The bands were signed to both the same record label and the same management company. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Ma
Mazzy Star – She Hangs Brightly (1990)
Janice Headley dives into She Hangs Brightly by Mazzy Star. Born from California's Paisley Underground scene, the group is distinguished by the languid vocal style of Hope Sandoval, a Mexican-American songwriter who came into the spotlight in the 1990s. This episode is part of KEXP's monthlong Aquí y Ahora programming for Latinx Heritage Month, officially celebrated from September 15 to October 15
Black Flag – Damaged (1981)
Dusty Henry dives into Damaged by Black Flag. While we covered their sophomore album My War earlier in this series, Black Flag’s debut album introduces us to one of its most prominent singers: Henry Rollins, who ushered in one of the band’s boldest eras. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mize
Revisiting Nevermind and In Utero
During KEXP's fall fund drive, we're celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Nirvana's Nevermind and the 31st anniversary of In Utero. Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, and Albina Cabrera share a tale of two albums — one polished, one gritty — including the music's impact on them personally and across the world. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasSpecial thanks: Albina Cabrera, host of El Cancionero de
Gang of Four – Entertainment! (1979)
Roddy Nikpour dives into the album Entertainment! by Gang of Four. They are the antiheroes of pop music, writing poignant lyrics that denounce the ideals of capitalism, accompanied by guitar riffs that are as choppy as they are danceable. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp
The Breeders – Pod (1990)
Janice Headley dives into Pod by The Breeders. Their debut album really lets Kim Deal shine outside of her role in The Pixies. The Breeders influenced generations of artists, including Kurt Cobain, who invited the band to open for Nirvana twice during their touring career. Hosts: Dusty Henry & Martin DouglasWritten + Produced: Janice HeadleyMixed + Mastered: Roddy NikpourPodcast Manager: Isab
Roundtable: Respect the Classics
Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, Albina Cabrera, and Roddy Nikpour dig into Kurt Cobain's relationship with the "classic rock canon" and how he — now getting played on classic rock radio himself — interpreted it through Nirvana. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasSpecial thanks: Albina Cabrera, host of El Cancionero de KurtAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial direct
Lead Belly – Last Sessions, Volume One (1953)
Martin Douglas dives into Lead Belly's Last Sessions. The blues aren’t limited to a specific era or place — if you’ve got the blues and a strong enough voice, you can sing the blues. Kurt Cobain just happened to filter the blues through a muddy strain of punk rock. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial direct
Aerosmith – Rocks (1976)
Dusty Henry dives into Rocks by Aerosmith. This album might not feature Aerosmith’s most recognized songs, but it demonstrated the power of hard rock to mainstream audiences, solidifying the band’s legacy. This album also represents a cautionary tale: For every high, there's always a comedown. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isab
Remembering Charles R. Cross, a Legend in Northwest Music Journalism
In this bonus episode, we remember Seattle music journalist Charles R. Cross, who died on August 9, 2024 at age 67. Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas reflect on Cross’ legacy, we listen back to Cross speaking with former KEXP DJ Marco Collins, and KEXP listeners share personal memories of him. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasSpecial thanks: Emily Fox, Owen Murphy, Meerah Powell, Marco CollinsAu
David Bowie – The Man Who Sold the World (1970)
Roddy Nikpour dives into The Man Who Sold the World by David Bowie. The album's title track marks a turning point in Bowie’s career toward stardom, which perfectly explains why Nirvana covered it in one of their most iconic final performances. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast:
The Beatles – Meet the Beatles! (1964)
Martin Douglas dives into Meet the Beatles! by The Beatles. In this episode, we pay tribute to the ever-connected thread of musicians across time and space. In essence, the “British Invasion” meant taking American music (largely from Black artists) and selling it back to American audiences. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isab
Roundtable: Kurt <3s Melody
Dusty Henry, Martin Douglas, Albina Cabrera, Janice Headley, and Roddy Nikpour explore three of the more melodic entries on Kurt’s list. It’s important to remember that, despite their onstage aggression, Nirvana had some pop sensibilities. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasSpecial thanks: Albina Cabrera, host of El Cancionero de Kurt; and Janice Headley, co-host of In Our HeadphonesAudio produ
Marine Girls – Beach Party (1981)
Janice Headley dives into Beach Party by Marine Girls. Their lo-fi instrumentation and girlish vulnerability helped set the standard for twee pop. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Janice Headley and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
R.E.M. – Green (1988)
Dusty Henry dives into Green by R.E.M., a band that set the stage for indie rock as this larger idea of staying authentic despite commercial success. The band left a particularly noteworthy impact on Kurt, both professionally and personally. Hosts: Dusty Henry and Martin DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Suppo
The Knack – Get the Knack (1979)
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Su
Michael Azerrad, the Man Who (Literally) Wrote the Book on Nirvana
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." Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled
Jack Endino on the Northwest Sound and the 35th Anniversary of 'Bleach'
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 DouglasSpecial thanks: Jack Endino and Albina Cabrera, host of El Cancionero de KurtAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast mana
Beat Happening – Jamboree (1988)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel
Wipers – Is This Real? (1980), Youth of America (1981), and Over the Edge (1983)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPod
Mudhoney – Superfuzz Bigmuff (1988)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp
Bonus: Hiro Yamamoto on Soundgarden, Forging New Paths, and the Circles of Power
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 the beginning, he left the band of his own accord j
Roundtable: Breaking Punk
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director
Black Flag – My War (1984)
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 DouglasWritten by: Larry Mizell Jr. Audio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel Khalil
The Shaggs – Philosophy of the World (1969)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodc
Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols (1977)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener
Shonen Knife – Burning Farm (1985 via K Records)
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 history of songs about food, animals, and toys. Special
Bonus: Introducing KEXP's In Our Headphones
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. You'll hear the backstory about each artist and son
Bonus: Introducing KEXP's A Deeper Listen
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 humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it
Roundtable: Women in Punk
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omn
30 Years After Kurt's Death
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, Martin Douglas, and Albina CabreraAudio producers: Dus
Anything by Kleenex (1978-1983)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Supp
The Raincoats – The Raincoats (1979)
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 DouglasAudio Producer: Janice HeadleyMixed & Mastered: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager:
The Slits – Cut (1979)
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 it to actually mean something in the long term.
PJ Harvey – Dry (1992)
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 bands on Kurt's list, including The Slits, The Rainc
Roundtable: The "Radical" Politics of Kurt Cobain
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobain 00:00: Intro01:24: The impact of 1980s poli
Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell
MDC – Millions of Dead Cops (1981)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for
Bad Brains – Rock for Light (1983)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: I
The Clash – Combat Rock (1982)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/cobainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
Roundtable: What Do The Stooges, Pixies, and The Vaselines Have in Common?
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 DouglasAudio producer: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: L
The Vaselines – Dying for It (1988)
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 DouglasWritten + Produced: Janice Headley Mixed + Mastered: Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEdit
The Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Dusty Henry and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Support the podcast: kexp.org/coba
The Stooges – Raw Power (1973)
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 DouglasAudio producers: Martin Douglas and Roddy NikpourPodcast manager: Isabel KhaliliEditorial
The Cobain 50: Coming January 10
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 legacies of acts like Sonic Youth, Pixies, The Breeders,
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2022: "Pollo Rico" by billy woods
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 by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1974: The Cedar Park Jams
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 HeadleyAudio production by Janice Headley Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour Podcast managed by Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1978: Old School Tapes
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 Isabel Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/5
50 Years of Hip-Hop - Women in Modern Hip-Hop
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 iconic figures like Ana Tijoux and Mala Rodriguez to
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2011: "Thuggin'" by Freddie Gibbs and Madlib
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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1999: The Alchemist Masterclass
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.
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1988: Nasty Nes on Seattle's Halcyon Days of Hip-Hop
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: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listene
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1996: 3 'n the Mornin' (Part Two) by DJ Screw
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 Khalili. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1990: Sample Culture
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 well as misconceptions behind the craft. Written
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 2007: "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" by Soulja Boy
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/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info
50 Years of Hip-Hop - 1998: "Ha" by Juvenile
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. Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.
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