As this week marks the annivesary of Kurt Cobain's death, Jon Manley & James VanOsdol remember what may be Nirvana's finest moment: "MTV Unplugged in New York."101 WKQX

Beastie Boys released their landmark "Licensed to Ill" album 35 years ago. We talk about why the album is as revered (sorry) as it is, and why it still holds up.101 WKQX

Urban legends have been part of alternative music history from the beginning. We run through some of the most well-traveled, and cover some of the more ridiculous ones in this episode.101 WKQX

From Ramones to Machine Gun Kelly, James VanOsdol and Jon Manley dive into the history of pop punk. Joining in the chat, and adding first-hand knowledge (and credibility) is Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts.101 WKQX

What is old is new again. Vinyl sales continue a dramatic upward trajectory, leaving all other physical media in the dust. What brought vinyl back from the dead, and why does it matter? JVO and Jon Manley talk about vinyl history with a guy who helps make it: Andy Weber, co-owner of Smashed Plastic, the only record-pressing facility in the state of…

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath joins hosts James VanOsdol and Jon Manley for the inaugural episode of the History of Alternative. They discuss politics in music: What are some good examples of mixing social issues and song? How has Rise Against grown as a political band? From our home base of Chicago, we're going long with one of Chicago's most…

Zach Carothers of Portugal. The Man jumps on the show this week to talk about the music that inspired him as a kid (Rage, Primus, Beastie Boys), his first concert, activism, supporting Indigenous peoples and that little song that earned the band a Grammy.101 WKQX

Best decade ever for music? Maybe. It was definitely tough for Jon Manley and James VanOsdol to narrow down their 10 favorite albums from the 90s. They discuss and debate each other's picks in this unintentionally controversial episode.101 WKQX

Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant joins the History of Alternative podcast for an exclusive interview that covers the band's career, including the inspirations that led to the band's formation, the 'master class' live show and the emotions that went into the most recent/massively successful "Social Cues" album.…

What are the best music moments in film? The best alternative-centric soundtracks? We get into alternative music at the movies this week!101 WKQX

From Korn through the present, we’re talking about the history of Nu Metal on this week’s show. Find out why Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” is like “ordering Pantera’s ‘Walk’ off Wish.”101 WKQX

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees are in! Jon Manley and James VanOsdol talk about this year's class.101 WKQX

The fabled "Chicago scene" of the 90s is discussed in a special roundtable featuring Louise Post (Veruca Salt), Scott Lucas (Local H) and Josh Caterer (Smoking Popes)101 WKQX

Was MTV the last great music curator before the internet age? And how great was "120 Minutes?"101 WKQX

This week marks the anniveraries of David Bowie's birth and death. Seemed like a good excuse to go deep into Bowie's widly prolific and influential career.101 WKQX

Adios, 2020. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on your way out. Despite the fact that this year was a dumpster fire, there was plenty to celebrate musically. Jon and James look back at the most recent History of Alternative: The past 12 months.101 WKQX

Formed just under 10 years ago, Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher have taken Royal Blood’s sound to a universal, arena-filling level. They jumped on a call to talk about their history, and what comes next, with Jon Manley & James VanOsdol.101 WKQX

Even in 2020, surely there are things to be thankful for. James VanOsdol and Jon Manley talk about what makes them grateful to be music fans in the Year of Our Eternal Dumpster Fire.101 WKQX

311 is 30 years old this year! Nick Hexum and P-Nut sit down for a long chat about their beginnings, longevity and next steps on the History of Alternative podcast.Sponsored by Wintrust101 WKQX

Linkin Park's watershed debut 'Hybrid Theory' was released 20 years ago, and has been commemorated in a (truly) massive box set rerelease. To celebrate, we're going track-by-track through the album with Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and Phoenix. The History of Alternative podcast is sponsored by Wintrust.…

Continuing our deep dive into Smashing Pumpkins history, we're joined this week by drummer Jimmy Chamberlin and guitarist James Iha. The History of Alternative podcast is sponsored by Wintrust.101 WKQX

Weeks before Smashing Pumpkins release their double album "CYR," Pumpkins mastermind Billy Corgan looks back on the band's history and legacy.Sponsored by Wintrust101 WKQX

It's one of our favorite times of year: HALLOWEEN! Hosts James VanOsdol and Jon Manley talk about Halloween artists, songs and essential horror movies.The History of Alternative is sponsored by Wintrust101 WKQX