Digging for Something with Just Some Mustard
Overlooked, underrated, over-hated or regionally specific gems.
Digging for Something started as an idea for a video series of very quick interviews focused around single album recommendations (the more obscure, the better) and has turned into what you see here today (by virtue of it being easier for everyone involved.)
I’m the kind of person that likes digging around for albums I’ve never heard of instead of listening to the traditionally accepted best albums of all time. I’d much rather use Rate Your Music to find “Esoteric Power Pop Albums released between 1990 and 1995” than listen through to the top 100 chart.
That’s why I’m reaching out and asking writers, band members and music curators to tip us all off to their favourite underrated albums, overlooked or unfairly obscure gems… even the downright over-hated. Hopefully it’s another fun way for you to find some new-to-you music to love.
Joining me today, is the semi-sentient condiment Mustard, who writes the ever-popular Mustard off the Shelf Substack. If you’re not already subscribed—or following their Instagram—get on that, right now!
And now, here are 5 albums picked by Mustard for your listening pleasure.
So Sorry - Tolerate or Die (2015, Self-Released)
Genres: Indie Rock, Math Rock, Post-Hardcore
Mustard says:
It has been many years since Mustard has listened to this record. But in doing so while making these selections it brought them back to their time as an undergraduate condiment. So Sorry is a band that Mustard has a personal connection with. Their former bass player, Chris Otero, was a co-host on their radio show in college. This is an album they have had the pleasure of hearing live on many occasions. Mustard had multiple So Sorry stickers on their laptop. So Sorry, even though they are defunct, is deeply Willimantic. Willimantic Connecticut is a college town that is rich in culture and often overlooked by neighboring towns due to its population. Tolerate or Die is masterfully sequenced and produced. It features fantastic songwriting and musicianship that will rock your human socks off.
Dan says:
Totally and completely off my radar. The mix of genres here sounds great to me; noodly, mathy guitar work, alt-rock chunkiness and a smidge of post-hardcore energy.
Bronze Radio Return - Old Time Speaker (2009, Self-Released)
Genres: Indie Folk, Americana, Country Rock, Stomp and Holler, Alt-Country
Mustard says:
Bronze Radio Return is another band from Connecticut. Mustard is originally from there and greatly enjoyed its music scene. This series has allowed them to revisit some of their favorites during their growing years. Like So Sorry this is a band (and album) that Mustard has listened to many times. They can distinctly remember listening to this record as they commute from home to school and vice versa. Old Time Speaker is as smooth as butter. It is one of those records that you put on during a beautiful summer day and blast. While the band has had some commercial success, Mustard believes this is a record that needs more eyes. As a condiment that primarily listens to albums over playlists this is an album that never loses its momentum. It features some incredible harmonica work from Craig Struble that really elevates the album. Overall it is an album that should be considered by your human ears.
Ashlee Simpson - Autobiography (2004, Geffen Records)
Genres: Pop Rock, Teen Pop, Power Pop, Pop Punk
Mustard says:
Ashlee Simpson’s Autobiography is a pop-rock album that did not receive a ton of critical acclaim but it is one they enjoy immensely. In fact, Mustard will even go as far to say, you can find elements of Olivia Rodrigo sprinkled throughout this record. As a younger condiment who kept all their feelings inside their bottle this album helped them feel better. Mustard was unable to put together coherently what they were feeling and somehow this album helped put those thoughts into words. Mustard recommends throwing La La onto a playlist and moshing inside your living room. It will feel great.
Dan says:
When this album came out, I was likely still in my phase where I felt like I was “above” mainstream pop music, except for a few “hipster approved” ones.
I don’t think that you can deny this era of pop music has had immense influence on a crop of modern artists. You absolutely can draw a relatively straight line from Olivia Rodrigo back to Ashlee Simpson and others.
I think the idea that this kind of music was something to be hated is a little ridiculous and also more than a little rooted in misogyny. What is a song like “Better Off” if not just a power pop tune? Run it through a phone audio filter and claim it’s from a decade prior and people probably would like it.
B. Dolan - Fallen House, Sunken City (2010, Strange Famous Records)
Genres: Conscious Hip Hop, Hardcore Hip Hop, Abstract Hip Hop, Political Hip Hop, Boom Bap
Mustard says:
In their interview with Gabbie (of New Bands for Old Heads) they shared that they were a massive fan of Strange Famous Records. Each release from the label they listened to and were fully invested in. One of their favorite releases at the time was B. Dolan’s Fallen House, Sunken City. Mustard believes that B. Dolan is one of the most consistent rappers in hip hop. How they tell a story and put complex thoughts together is unlike anyone else. Besides maybe Aesop Rock who has been experimenting over these last few years. While Mustard (and their human assistant) find this incredibly annoying - this album is meant to be blast in an automobile. Modify your bass settings and just let this album do its thing. Track 9, Border Crossing, featuring “What Cheer” Brigade is a work of art. Many of the themes on this album remain relevant today.
Dan says:
Another one I am not familiar with, and a glance at Strange Famous Records, I don’t know a lot of their albums (aside from my experience with label owner Sage Francis.) This definitely sounds like something I need to check out!
Illbotz - Pudding is Delicious (2011, Self-Released)
Genres: Nerdcore Hip Hop
Mustard says:
Nerdcore hip hop is a genre that Mustard feels is overlooked. In the human world where a new Marvel movie comes out every 45 minutes they are surprised this genre is as niche as it is. Not to say that all Nerdcore hip hop relates to comic books - it does not. It is a genre that highlights the interests of its rappers. Illbotz “Pudding is Delicious” is one of those albums. Mustard remembers discovering Illbotz thanks to the YouTube algorithm. The video for their song “Illbotz Rock the Spot and Go Crazy” was recommended to them and the rest is history. This album perfectly captures Mustard’s love of food and sense of humor. It features fun skits such as “Stevie D’s iPod” which beautifully transfers to a dated but hilarious song “your iPod sucks.” Mustard still has this album in their personal CD collection.
That’s it, that’s all. Be excellent to one other.
Never think twice about sending nerdcore hiphop to me again! Cool feature, man.