Episode 72: Evan Dando – The Lemonheads

The Lemonheads. Credit: Gareth Jones

Listen to the Trusty Chords podcast via your preferred platform of choice here.

If you're a fan of music from the '90s, or just the indie-rock genre in general, then the chances are probably pretty much perfect that you're aware of The Lemonheads.

First formed in Boston back in 1986, the group has been fronted by Evan Dando since its earliest days, with Dando being the driving force (and only original remember) since 1989.

The Lemonheads rose to widespread prominence in the early '90s thanks to records like It's A Shame About Ray and Come On Feel The Lemonheads, with the former being largely written in Australia when Dando became good friends with Smudge's Tom Morgan.

Though The Lemonheads would split back in 1997, they've been an active presence again since 2005, with a self-titled record arriving in 2006. Since then, there's been a few archival releases and reissues, while the brilliant Varshons cover albums arrived in 2009 and 2019.

However, earlier this year, it was announced that The Lemonheads would finally be releasing their first new record of original material since 2006. Titled Love Chant, it's a brilliant record that any self-respecting music fan needs to listen to immediately.

News of the record also brought with it a return to Australia for The Lemonheads, who played their first local shows in the country since 2019 back in May. A massive return for a group who are effectively honorary Australians these days, I was lucky enough to get the chance to catch up with Dando while he was in the country, visiting him in his hotel room for his first local interview, just hours after he landed in the country.

If you know me, then you'd likely know how stoked I was to have this opportunity to chat to a figure in the musical world whose legacy has been immensely impactful. But as expected, it was a bit of a wildcard experience, with Dando also giving this podcast its first live performance of… well, anything to date. We also had a couple of technical issues but it works out fairly well, I feel.

Anyway, have a listen to The Lemonheads' Love Chant, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Evan Dando’s Trusty Chords

Evan’s One Influential Artist

1. Hank Williams

Evan’s Three Impactful Albums

1. Big Star – Radio City (1974)

2. The Beatles – Beatles VI (1965)

3. Black Sabbath – Vol. 4 (1972)

Evan’s Five Trusty Songs

1. Stevie Wonder – 'Maybe Your Baby' (1972)

2. The Velvet Underground – 'Sister Ray' (1968)

3. Hüsker Dü – 'Green Eyes' (1985)

4. Big Star – 'Holocaust' (1978)

5. Jimi Hendrix – 'Crosstown Traffic' (1968)