The podcast explores the movie 'High Fidelity' and its relatability, focusing on power-pop songs by Matthew Sweet, the Knack, and Material Issue. The hosts discuss the emotional impact of 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls and share personal experiences of creating mixtapes for crushes. They also delve into the concept of dad rock, compare soundtracks of 'City of Angels' and 'The Crow: City of Angels,' and express their love for 90s music.
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Quick takeaways
Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls serves as a powerful anthem for individuals who yearn for acceptance and recognition in their journey of self-discovery.
The Goo Goo Dolls' music, particularly Iris, resonates deeply with listeners due to its emotional depth and relatability, solidifying the band's place in the annals of 90s rock.
The podcast explores the evolution of the Goo Goo Dolls' sound, from their punk rock roots to their polished and hook-driven hits in the 90s, highlighting the band's influence and place in the music industry.
Deep dives
The Emotional Power of Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls
Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls is a song that holds immense emotional power. It has the ability to evoke a strong sense of sadness and longing in listeners. The song's intense and overwrought nature makes it a perfect choice for moments of deep emotion. Whether heard in a grocery store or any other mundane setting, Iris has a way of grounding the listener in the reality of their emotions. The lyrics, with their desperate plea for someone to truly see and understand the singer, resonate deeply with many. The song serves as a litmus test for empathy and a soundtrack for moments of introspection and reflection. With its raw and powerful sound, Iris has become iconic and unforgettable.
Iris as a Trans Song and Personal Identity
Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls takes on a special meaning for some people, particularly those who identify as transgender. The song's theme of wanting to be known and seen for who one truly is deeply resonates with the experiences of many trans individuals. The lyrics reflect the desire for someone to truly see and understand the singer's identity. The song taps into the feeling of being an outsider, of yearning for acceptance and recognition. For some, Iris becomes a powerful anthem that validates their own journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Iris and the Legacy of the Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls, known for their string of 90s hits, hold a special place in the hearts of many music fans. While they may not receive as much recognition as some of their contemporaries, the band's music continues to resonate with listeners. Songs like Iris have achieved a level of enduring popularity, thanks to their emotional depth and relatability. Iris stands out as the quintessential Goo Goo Dolls song, connecting with audiences on an intense, emotional level. The band's ability to create music that taps into universal feelings of longing and yearning has solidified their place in the annals of 90s rock and made them a band that many listeners hold dear.
The Evolution of the Goo Goo Dolls' Sound
The podcast discusses the evolution of the Goo Goo Dolls' sound, from their early punk rock roots to their radio-friendly hits in the 90s. The hosts touch upon how the band's songwriting and style changed over time, becoming more polished and hook-driven. They highlight the influence of bands like the Ramones and the Replacements, noting how the Goo Goo Dolls embraced their own brand of power pop. The podcast also mentions the band's biggest hits, such as 'Name' and 'Iris', and how they solidified the Goo Goo Dolls' place in the music industry.
The Corny and Beautiful Aspects of Dad Rock
The podcast explores the concept of 'dad rock' and how it applies to artists like Paul Westerberg and the Goo Goo Dolls. The hosts discuss the earnestness and corniness of the music, noting that it often reflects on personal experiences and imparts wisdom without telling listeners what to do. They draw comparisons between the Goo Goo Dolls and Paul Westerberg's approach to songwriting, highlighting their appeal to a mature audience. The podcast also touches on the emotional impact of songs like 'Iris' and how they became soundtracks to personal moments, such as making mixtapes for crushes.
Rob looks back at the movie ‘High Fidelity’ and observes the similarities between himself and one of the characters, who is also named Rob. Somewhere along the way, our Rob focuses in on Matthew Sweet, the Knack, Material Issue, and other artists singing power-pop songs about women they usually don’t get in the end. Finally, Rob gives attention to the Goo Goo Dolls and “Iris.” Later, Rob is joined by Niko Stratis to discuss the unavoidable nature of “Iris” while working retail jobs in the ’90s and much more.