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Artwork for The Cobain 50

The Cobain 50

KEXP
Kurt Cobain
Hip Hop
Nirvana
The Vaselines
Hip-Hop
Pixies
KEXP
Hip Hop Music
The Stooges
The Alchemist
Billy Woods
The Clash
Bad Brains
Rock For Light
Millions Of Dead Cops
Surfer Rosa
1988
Seattle
Mobb Deep
Freddie Gibbs

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... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes100Founded3 years ago
Categories
Music CommentaryMusic HistoryMusic

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Artwork for The Cobain 50

Latest Episodes

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 ... more

YouTube

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, even... more

YouTube

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 Japan... more

YouTube

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 a... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Jad Fair
Founding member of Half Japanese and prolific musician
Half Japanese
Episode: Half Japanese – We Are They Who Ache with Amorous Love (1990)
Ray Farrell
Longtime music executive associated with major labels and influential bands
Episode: Bonus: Ray Farrell’s Journey Through Indie and Major Labels
Matt Cameron
Renowned drummer for Soundgarden and Pearl Jam
Soundgarden, Pearl Jam
Episode: Bonus: A Deeper Listen with Matt Cameron
Stuart Moxham
Guitarist of Young Marble Giants and featured interviewee
Young Marble Giants
Episode: Young Marble Giants – Colossal Youth (1980)
Jeff Travis
Music promoter and founder of Rough Trade Records
Rough Trade Records
Episode: Young Marble Giants – Colossal Youth (1980)
Mia Zapata
Vocalist of The Gits, remembered for her unique lyrical talent and tragedy of her murder.
The Gits
Episode: Bonus: The Gits on Sound & Vision Live
Chris Bailey
Vocalist-lyricist of The Saints. Passed away on April 9, 2022, at age 65.
The Saints
Episode: The Saints – Eternally Yours (1978)
Ed Kuepper
Guitarist-songwriter of The Saints and influential musician in Australian punk.
The Saints
Episode: The Saints – Eternally Yours (1978)
Mark Arm
Lead vocalist of Mudhoney, honors the legacy of The Saints.
Mudhoney
Episode: The Saints – Eternally Yours (1978)

Hosts

Dusty Henry
A host and producer known for his engaging storytelling and connection to the music scene.
Martin Douglas
Co-host with a strong journalism background and extensive knowledge of music history.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 232 ratings
  • Joy to listen to

    I have been a huge Nirvana fan since I was 11 back in 1992. Nothing I have listened to since has come close to having the impact Nirvana had. I have never really understood why although I guess the age I came discovered it has a big part to do with it.

    This series has given me a much broader understanding of where Nirvana came from, the community of musicians they were associated with and the sounds that inspired them. You have also introduced me to a bunch of bands I was unaware of (including ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Endil Swift
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Essential

    One of the best music podcasts, turning what could easily have been a clickbait for mindless classic rock worship into something much more exciting and thoughtful, bridging eras and genres and making a passionate stand for Cobain (and by extension, much of the punk and alternative music built on his example) as being on the right side of history in both taste and social cobscience more than we often remember (even if less often than would ideally have been the case). One important correction tho... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    melodie-c
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great concept, self-important execution

    The album selection is undeniable and speaks for itself. Some of the analysis is truly eye opening. Too often the hosts veer into their own world view to the point of obsession, projecting their own politics on Cobain without merit. Since, as is frequently mentioned in the podcast, Kurt was very open about his views there is little need for this except to stroke egos.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Cougar Microbes
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • No Cheap Trick?

    Hard to believe you can talk about all these influences or possible influences of Kurt Cobain and not reference Cheap Trick?! Some of these shows are way off! I’d expect more from a solid station such as KEXP.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    MissileChicago
    United Statesa year ago
  • A great review of music, wonderfully hosted

    Enjoyed this entire podcast during my first trimester expecting. I couldn’t watch or read anything due to nausea— but I made it entirely through this podcast. I learned so much! Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    brazil_2
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There is a strong interest in learning about lesser-known artists that influenced Cobain, with many noting they have discovered new music through the show.
Critics argue that discussions sometimes veer into personal opinion, which may detract from historical analysis.
Listeners appreciate the deep dive into music history and the thoughtful connections made between Cobain and various artists.
The podcast's production quality and engaging hosts receive consistent praise for making complex topics accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Bonus: Ray Farrell’s Journey Through Indie and Major Labels
Q: Could you talk to us about the impact of Nuggets and what we now call Garage Rock?
Ray mentions the Nuggets compilation as a significant influence that galvanized his love for garage rock.
The Faith and Void – The Faith/Void Split LP (1982)
Q: When was the first time you heard this album?
Both hosts mention they recently listened to the album while preparing for the episode.
Bonus: The Gits on Sound & Vision Live
Q: What does it mean now that Sub Pop is going to reissue and remaster your music?
They express gratitude for the opportunity to reissue their music and hope it inspires new listeners.
Bonus: The Gits on Sound & Vision Live
Q: What are some of the songs that you are most proud of from just like a musical or a lyrical standpoint?
Matt and Andy mention their pride in the song 'Seaweed' but express mixed feelings about the recorded version.
Tales of Terror – Tales of Terror (1984)
Q: How do you connect the influence of Tales of Terror to the grunge scene?
Their spirit and melodic leanings align well with grunge aesthetics, suggesting they would have fit right into the Seattle scene.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
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Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Cobain 50

What is The Cobain 50 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the impact of Kurt Cobain's musical influences, this podcast uncovers the stories behind his top 50 favorite albums. Each episode dives deep into an album's significance, cultural impact, and its relationship with Cobain and Nirvana. Episodes feature discussions on a diverse range of artists, from iconic names like Sonic Youth and Black Flag to more obscure contributors, revealing the breadth of Cobain's eclectic tastes and the evolution of alternative music. The format includes engaging anecdotes, critical reflections, and interviews with musicians, making it highly relevant for fans interested in the intricate interplay between Cobain's legacy and the music that inspired him.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Cobain 50?

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How many episodes of The Cobain 50 are there?

The Cobain 50 launched 3 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Cobain 50?

Recent guests on The Cobain 50 include:

1. Jad Fair
2. Ray Farrell
3. Matt Cameron
4. Stuart Moxham
5. Jeff Travis
6. Mia Zapata
7. Chris Bailey
8. Ed Kuepper

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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