She Said, He Said: The 1900s vs. 1990s Issue #40

By Sheila Burt
Published: June 1st, 2009 | 12:00pm

It’s the battle of the decades! We checked in with Jeanine O’Toole of The 1900s, a Chicago-based band that defies easy categorization. While chatting it up with O’Toole about the best year for music and what the world will be like in 2099, we also caught up with the men in the Glasgow-based indie-rock band 1990s — Jackie McKeown, Dino Bardot, and Michael McGaughrin — who are supporting the release of their second full-length album, Kicks (Rough Trade).

We asked O’Toole and the lads to sound off on the best inventions over the years, some of the most memorable moments of their lives, and the future of music. Hint: You won’t need that iPod where we’re going.

What’s the story behind your band name?
1990s: If only there was a story — then perhaps we’d have a less stupid name. We’re lucky not to be called 1960s. It almost happened.
O'Toole of the 1900s: Our other option was 1990s, which was already taken by some Scottish nerds.

What year would you rather live in: 1900 or 1990?
1990s: Having already lived in 1990, probably 1900. We could play at the opening of the Paris World Exhibition or go to entertain the troops fighting the War of the Golden Stool.
O'Toole of the 1900s: 1900. I’d be a well-respected witch and/or carpenter.

Year of your first concert? First album?
1990s: Jackie: Big Audio Dynamite in 1986 and Queen’s Greatest Hits in 1981. Dino: Rush in 1988 and Ultravox The Collection in 1984. Michael isn’t about to answer, we’re afraid.
O'Toole of the 1900s: 1987. The Beach Boys. John Stamos was playing drums, and the Buckinghams opened. I was 9 and wore black, because it made me look tough. For my 5th birthday, I got Cyndi Lauper’s She’s So Unusual and the self-titled Madonna record. Both are still excellent.

What are your thoughts on 2009 so far?
1990s: Kinda like 2008 but a little more so.
O'Toole of the 1900s: People are freaking out in 2009. They are overwhelmed with responsibility and coping with wine and drugs. 2010 will be the year of the vacation. We’ll move to Hawaii (mentally).

What year was most influential for music and why?
1990s: Hard to say. Not 1976 or 1955. You could go searching backwards forever. When did the first caveman twang his bowstring for aural pleasure? When was the first birdsong?
O'Toole of the 1900s: 1975. Everyone had beards. And Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Queen were all relevant at the same time. Music was very pompous in a good way. And [there was] Electric Light Orchestra.

In 2099, which will rule: vinyl or the MP3?
1990s: Music will beam directly into our brains when we think of it. Or we’ll all be dead.
O'Toole of the 1900s: MP3s won’t exist. There will be some kind of music chip implanted under the skin by then. Vinyl will still be cooler, but none of this will matter if everyone is melting.

What’s the best invention of the century?
1990s: It probably hasn’t arrived yet. Cold fusion? Planetary escape pods? Personally, we’re great believers in reinventing the wheel.
O'Toole of the 1900s: Public transportation, indoor plumbing, tampons, children...