Once Every Two Weeks

Mark and Thom unpack the Mighty Joe Plum story, revealing how a band few remember left a huge imprint on ’90s alt-rock. With insider guests and backstage tales, they chart the rise from scrappy Tampa gigs to radio rotation and major-label deals, exploring how the bonds of friendship—and a few terrible haircuts—helped shape the music’s lasting legacy.----------------------Welcome back to Once Every Two Weeks! This bi-weekly nostalgia trip hits a new high as Mark finally gets to geek out over the lost legends of ’90s alt-rock: Mighty Joe Plum and their underground classic, “The Happiest Dogs.”Tune in for random stories, awkward teenage memories, and one heartfelt tribute. Dive in, share your own Mighty Joe Plum stories, or disagree with Mark (he’s used to it)—because on Once Every Two Weeks, the music is only half the fun.It’s a celebration of the little band that made a big impact—plus the enduring power of music to connect friends, fans, and total strangers. Whether you grew up hearing “Live Through This” on the radio or are just discovering the album for the first time, you’ll get the full story: how the songs took off, why Mark swears everyone should love them, and what it felt like to watch a band go from garage demos to the big stage.Tune in for random stories, awkward teenage memories, and one heartfelt tribute. Dive in, share your own Mighty Joe Plum stories, or disagree with Mark (he’s used to it)—because on Once Every Two Weeks, the music is only half the fun.

Welcome back to Once, Every Two Weeks, the podcast where long-time friends Mark and Thom subject themselves (and anyone still listening) to even more 90s nostalgia, deep cuts, and questionable life choices. This time, they dust off Placebo’s “Without You I’m Nothing”—the album that taught awkward teens it’s okay to be a little messy and a lot loud. Join us as we unpack Placebo’s sound, their accidental run-ins with David Bowie, and why this record deserves more than one spin on the Discman. From Panda Express mishaps to bitter rants about American radio, we’ll hit every high, low, and crunchy snare in-between. And, as always, we’ll argue about which tracks still slap and which ones are just...well, very Placebo.Show Notes00:00:50 – Thom’s Panda Express story; Mark meets Nada Surf (again, without Thom)00:05:42 – Placebo's name origin, awkward Europe-to-London backstories, and the “right place, right time” magic00:12:30 – Why Placebo’s androgynous image confused and delighted absolutely everyone00:16:15 – The parade of Svens, Stephens, and Steves; producer Steve Osborne and that weird Real World studio00:21:40 – Did the band even like their own album? Mark recaps cryptic interviews and British press drama00:26:20 – Pitchfork bashing and why American critics “just didn’t get it”00:29:10 – The Placebo sound: unpretentious, moody, always one snare away from a tantrum00:32:30 – “Pure Morning” (how Placebo made insomnia sound cool)00:36:00 – “Brick Shithouse” (and why production tricks can sometimes just be...really annoying)00:39:40 – “You Don’t Care About Us” and the many faces of Mark’s 1998 alt-rock playlist00:43:00 – “Ask for Answers” and the art of mopey Radiohead vibes00:45:30 – Title track “Without You I’m Nothing”, David Bowie’s surprise phone call, and why the Bowie version divides the pod00:48:40 – “Allergic to Thoughts of Mother Earth”: a rock song that’s secretly a hippie manifesto00:51:20 – “The Crawl”: why Placebo slow songs aren’t just filler (they’re...something else)00:53:00 – “Every You, Every Me”—the twisted joy of hearing their most infectious song in Cruel Intentions00:57:00 – A short sidebar on why American radio, Clear Channel, and Britney Spears ruined our collective Placebo education01:02:00 – Mark and Thom’s top picks from “Without You I’m Nothing”01:05:00 – Wrapping up: proselytizing for Placebo and final thoughts on their “never quite mainstream” legacy

Join Thom and Mark for a fresh episode of Once Every Two Weeks, where they revisit the pivotal 90s rock album, So Much For The Afterglow by Everclear. The hosts kick things off with their trademark banter—from birthday parties and new album recommendations to the joys of peculiar nicknames—before diving into a nostalgic exploration of Everclear’s musical legacy.This episode unpacks the band’s history, the turbulent yet surprisingly generous leadership of frontman Art Alexakis, and a candid look at the group’s pivotal moments (including their brush with the infamous OJ Simpson chase). Along the way, Thom and Mark reflect on their personal connections to Everclear and discuss the band’s place in the evolving soundscape of 90s alternative rock. Tune in as they debate whether Everclear was really Foo Fighters before Foo Fighters, share stories about “big black boots,” and dissect how the band went from Portland outsiders to radio mainstays. It’s a fun, in-depth journey perfect for any fan of 90s music nostalgiaListen & SubscribeReady for a throwback packed with laughs, music history, and a serious case of 90s nostalgia? Hit play and join Thom and Mark for another bi-weekly deep dive you won’t want to miss!

In this season finale, Mark and Thom regroup after a whirlwind of job chaos, cross-country travels (16 states in two weeks?!), and questionable life choices to dive into Stabbing Westward’s blistering 1996 industrial-rock opus, Wither Blister Burn + Peel. But first, they swap sories of Mark’s newfound “adulting” and Thom’s quest to stay afloat. Plus: updates from Burro Borracho Records, a nod to The Cure’s latest, and a hot take on Counting Crows’ new release.

Mark and Thom go for a bit of a deeper 90's cut for this episode of Once, Every Two Weeks as they revisit Nada Surf's 1996 release, High/Low.Welcome back to Once Every Two Weeks, a podcast where long-time friends, Mark and Thom, take a nostalgic trip back to their high school years to discuss the albums that impacted them and, for better or worse (though mostly for the worse), shaped who they are today.Before diving into the music, Mark and Thom discuss the trailer for the new The Crow movie, its casting choices, and their expectations. Thom shares his experience of taking his daughter to her first concert to see Jimmy Eat World, while Mark brings updates from Burro Borracho Records for Columbia Jones and Regan Ashton. They also talk about how Taylor Swift is monopolizing the vinyl market, to the detriment of literally every other artist in the world.Then they delve into the evolution of Nada Surf, covering Matthew Caws' childhood, his first band Because, Because, Because, their disintegration, and what led to the formation of Nada Surf. Listen to how a fortuitous meeting with Rick Ocasek, frontman of the band The Cars, fast-tracked their journey. Mark and Thom talk about the band's early days, including how Ocasek helped them produce their first album, which was recorded at Electric Lady Studios. Mark and Thom spend some time discussing their biggest single "Popular" and how a song that resonated with diverse audiences for different reasons had a distinct resonance with the 90's music scene but also eclipsed some of the genius of the rest of their album.And, always, they'll do a play-by-play breakdown of all songs from high/low and give you their top 3 songs from the album.

Welcome back to another episode of Once Every Two Weeks, your favorite bi-weekly podcast where Thom and Mark go back to relive their high school years through music, discussing the albums that have shaped their lives.Today, Mark and Thom are looking into one of the most iconic pop-punk bands ever - "Dude Ranch" by Blink-182.Join your co-hosts as thye delve into the band's journey, from their formation and early influences, the breakthrough into the music industry, and their unique blend of humor and heartache that has kept them relevant for over two decades. They'll explore Blink182's deep connection with fans, their provocative song titles and lyrical content, and how their authentic and unapologetic approach to music has solidified their place in the pantheon of pop punk legends.Settle in with Mark and Thom who not only explore the music of Blink 182, but also the story and meaning behind the songs and the band's journey. Looking at Tom DeLonge's transition from aspiring firefighter to celebrated guitarist, to the band's bold thematic explorations and sophisticated musical arrangements, Thom and Mark look at how Blink 182 has pushed boundaries, matured as artists, and left an indelible impact on the music industry.So tune in, get ready to rock, and let's journey through Blink-182 and their album, Dude Ranch!

Mark and Thom are back for another episode of Once, Every Two Weeks covering Pearl Jam's 1998 classic Yield.They go back to their days at Cy-Fair High School again to discuss Pearl Jam's Yield, which was released while they were fine, upstanding Sophomores. They kick things off with a nod to International Clash Day, discussing their songs from the punk legends, and sharing a laugh over internet nostalgia and password predicaments. They segue into Pearl Jam, exploring the band's evolution from Green River to the grunge icon they would become. They talk through Eddie Vedder's name, the impact of childhood trauma on his music, and the resonating life lessons that they relate to in the songs of Pearl Jam.Thom and Mark look at Yield's cover artwork, it's commercial performance, and critical reception, while talking through their growth as a band.Donning their flannel shirts and combat boots they discuss Pearl Jam's discography, with "Yield" taking center stage. Share in our reflections on how this album stacks up against classics like "Ten" and the experimental "Vitalogy." As they wrap up, Thom and Mark talk their top 3 "Yield" tracks that have etched themselves into our musical memories. So tune in, rock out, and share your thoughts with us as we celebrate the ever-evolving journey of Pearl Jam.

Tune in as Mark and Thom take you on a sonic journey back to the angst and electricity of their high school days, as they unpack Rage Against the Machine's powerful second album, 'Evil Empire.' This trip down memory lane isn't just about the music; it's about the experiences and stories surrounding Rage Against the Machine that helped to shape these two into the fine gentlemen they are today. Mark shares tales from his marching band days, discusses the unifying force of music, and the ways in which Rage Against the Machine's played into their youthful rebellions. Take a deeper look into Zach de la Rocha's political fury and Tom Morello's genre-bending guitar riffs as they explore their formative years and the revolutionary blend of rap, rock, and activism that defined Rage Against the Machine. Thom and Mark muse over the enigmatic impact Zach's upbringing had on his music and politics, chuckle at Morello's unexpected exotic dancing stint, and get real about the persistent relevance of their messages in today's society. Even as they laugh about the odd intersection of Paul Ryan's music taste and his politics, the depth of Rage Against the Machine's work continues to resonate deeply with us.Whether you're a long-time fan or just curious about the band's impact, you'll find something to connect with as they reveal their personal top picks from the album and reflect on the live performances that left us awestruck. Enjoy this episode - it's part analysis, part homage, and all passion for a band whose rage still echoes in the halls of music and protest.Show notes00:01:22 - Thom & Mark catch up, talk puppies, unexpected $700 Door Dash charges, and Mark announces Regan Ashton officially signing with Burro Buracho Records.00:04:39 - Teasing Evil Empire, Rage Against the Machine's stance on the military and policing in America, Zack de la Rocha's amazing hair, and Tom Morello's guitar skills.00:05:21 - Mark and Thom's intro to Rage Against the Machine.00:07:50 - Political disclaimer and some Paul Ryan bashing.00:19:41 - Zack's early life00:12:42 - Introing Tom Morello00:16:07 - Zack meets Tom00:17:48 - Self-titled release and the three-year wait for Evil Empire00:18:55 - Production notes for Evil Empire00:14:50 - Evil Empire cover art and critical reception00:32:47 - People of the Sun00:35:52 - Bulls on Parade00:38:46 - Vietnow00:40:08 - Revolver00:42:10 - Snake Charmer00:45:14 - Tire Me00:46:54 - Down Rodeo00:49:02 - Without a Face00:50:19 - Wind Below00:51:22 - Roll right00:52:09 - Year of tha Boomerang00:58:52 - Thom's top 300:59:01 - Mark's top 3