DERRINGER DISCOVERIES
a music adventure podcast
DERRINGER DISCOVERIES
EP23: Toad the Wet Sprocket: Not Just Another 90s Band & Why
Almost 35 years ago, four high school friends bonded over their love for making music – and not just any music. They came right out of the gate making top-notch alternative pop-rock songs but, desperate for a band name prior to their first gig, they jokingly adopted a silly moniker from a Monty Python skit: Toad the Wet Sprocket. It was a joke that went on too long – and it stuck.
In this episode, the Derringer Brothers (Paul and Alton) explore Toad the Wet Sprocket’s (TTWS) pre-breakup hits from 1989’s Bread and Circus through 1997’s Coil – followed by the band’s 16-year hiatus from recording.
During the “break up years,” the band members stayed in touch, matured, occasionally played music together, and finally put aside their differences to reform sometime during 2010. In 2013, the band released the crowd-funded album, New Constellation, proving that the band’s fans were still around and longing for new TTWS music. The band’s 2016 EP, Architect of the Ruin, followed.
The Derringer Brothers recap seeing TTWS on tour over the last few years and explore their top three favorite songs from Toad’s latest album, Starting Now. How does the album compare to classic Toad? Discover why the Derringer brothers believe Toad the Wet Sprocket’s music has transcended the years and is as excellent today as it was throughout the 90s.
Join Paul and Alton as they explain how TTWS survived the 90s, how the band differs from typical 90s bands, and what the future looks like since losing their long-time drummer.
The post-episode playout features a band from Baltimore and Florida known as We’re About 9 (WA9). Hear the story of the band’s genesis and how they are earning royalties from major airlines. In addition, Paul will relay his Top 3 WA9 songs and Brian Gundersdorf of WA9 will provide interesting insight into each of Paul's picks.
Enjoy the music heard on this episode by listening to the Toad the Wet Sprocket: Not Just Another 90s Band & Why playlist.
Be sure to check out the Spotify playlist from the Derringer Discoveries-affiliated group: Turnip Music Radio (TMR). The TMR Top 25 includes our most recent twenty-five favorite songs by recording artists worldwide in an array of genres with a focus on fresh folk, adult rock, power pop, alternative rock and rock & roll (of course). Be sure to click “like” (the heart icon) to follow this playlist that changes monthly.
Be sure to follow Derringer Discoveries on your favorite digital platform. By doing so, you will let the providers know that you enjoy their content and, best of all, you will receive a notification when new material is available. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com.
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister’s Room by Ho Jo Fro and is available on most streaming platforms.
