This week we're discussing Motherfucker, I Am Both: "Amen" and "Hallelujah"..., the debut album by experimental band Shearling. Let's not beat around the bush here; this album is absolutely insane. While the band is clearly influenced by post rock and noise rock, the result is something out of a nightmare and should approached with the utmost caution. Not only is this one of the most ambitious albums of the year, but also one of the most intense we've ever covered on the show.
Read MoreMore by Pulp | Loose Ends
This week we're tying up some loose ends by discussing More, the reunion album by Pulp. It's been over five years since Mike and Alex covered every single album by Pulp (back on episode 44) so they definitely weren't expecting an album full of brand new material. Mike came out of that episode a fan while Alex did not. However, this album just shook things up and now they're flipped on the matter.
Read MoreEpisode 225: Sonic Youth (Pt. 1)
This week we're discussing every album by Sonic Youth from 1982 - 1992. Made up of core members Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo, and Steve Shelley, Sonic Youth are easily one of the most influential, as well as one of the most eclectic rock bands of all time. This era of the band covers all of their early years, including the vast majority of their most beloved albums. Incidentally, they're also a band Alex and Mike can't agree on to save their lives.
Read MoreEpisode 224: This Heat
This week we're discussing every album by This Heat. This is a band we don't really have words for because they're unlike anything we've ever heard. To put a genre on them feels silly, especially considering some of their songs could hardly be considered music. But they are indeed one of the most original bands we've ever come across, with songs that could never be replicated or imitated. This Heat is the real deal.
Read MoreEpisode 223: The Stone Roses
This week we're discussing every album by The Stone Roses. This band put out one of the most beloved albums of the 80s and then proceeded to completely crumble under its success, churning out one massive disappointment of a followup five years later, only to immediately break up. A harrowing tale, but at least we have some fun tunes out of it.
Read MoreEpisode 222: TOOL
This week we're discussing every album by TOOL. This band needs no introduction, considering they're one of the most famous metal bands in existence. This is, however, Mike's first deep dive into the band. Some controversial takes here, some not so controversial. But even if you aren't the biggest TOOL fan in the world, there is simply no denying what they do well.
Read MoreEpisode 221: Creedle
This week we're discussing every album by Creedle. If you haven't heard of this band, don't worry, no one has. However, we urge you to change that today. Creedle is one of the most criminally underrated and underappreciated prog bands that exists. If you're a fan of Mr. Bungle, King Crimson, Secret Chiefs 3, or just crazy music in general, then they are an absolute must listen.
Read MoreLucro Sucio by The Mars Volta | Loose Ends
This week we're discussing Lucro Sucio, the latest album by The Mars Volta. It's been three years since the Volta surprised us with their self-titled reunion album in 2022, and now Lucro Sucio shows the band even less predictable than ever. This easily has some of their most deep and psychedelic production. However, we still have problems with the album as a whole.
Read MoreEpisode 220: King Crimson (Pt. 2)
This week we're discussing every remaining album by legendary prog rock band King Crimson. This episode tackles 1981 - 2003, where KC mainstays Adrian Belew and Tony Levin first join the group. Despite some moments that are a bit dated (specifically in the production), Robert Fripp and company continue to surprise us with their sheer audacity in their songwriting. Maybe these albums aren't perfect, but they sure are impressive.
Read MoreBirthing by Swans | Loose Ends
This week we're discussing Birthing, the latest album by Swans. Our history guy and interviewer Tom Osman is filling in for Alex this week to reflect on our recent interview with Michael Gira, as well as take a deep dive into the final massive Swans album we're likely ever going to get. Birthing is as intense as it gets for Swans, so fans will be in for a treat, despite its 2 hour runtime. Be sure to check out all our episodes chronicling Swans’ entire discography (episodes 150, 160, and 170), as well as our interview with Michael Gira. Birthing releases on May 30.
Read MoreInterview with Michael Gira of Swans
This week we're interviewing Michael Gira: leader, vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter for the legendary Swans. Swans' latest album, entitled Birthing, releases on May 30 and is reported by Gira to be the band's final large-sounding, expansive album. Michael was generous enough to have a phone conversation with Mike and Tom to talk all about it, as well as his creative process as a whole. Swans are a band like no other and if you haven't already, check out all of our episodes chronicling each of their studio albums.
Read MoreEpisode 219: Eyehategod
This week we're discussing every album by Eyehategod. From New Orleans, Eyehategod are one of the most quintessential sludge metal bands that exists. Led by vocalist Mike IX Williams and guitarist Jimmy Bower, this band has been through hell since their formation in 1988. But they're still going strong after being wrecked with drug abuse, incarceration, and death.
Read MoreLoose Ends | The World Is Still Here and So Are We by mclusky
This week we're tying up some loose ends by discussing the world is still here and so are we, the reunion album by mclusky. This is a reunion neither of us saw coming, but is shaping up to be one of the most memorable musical moments of the year. If you're a mclusky fan, chances are you won't be disappointed by this album. It's as fun, wild, and unpredictable as we've come to expect from these guys.
Read MoreEpisode 218: Green on Red
This week we're discussing every album by Green on Red. Let's not beat around the bush here. We hated this band and if we had any idea what they sounded like before this episode, we wouldn't have agreed to do it. It's our fault, honestly. But we listened to every album thoroughly regardless. They're a country rock band led by Dan Stuart and that's about all you need to know. Enter with caution.
Read MoreLonely People with Power by Deafheaven | Album Review
This week we're discussing Lonely People with Power, the latest album by Deafheaven. We've been massive fans of Deafheaven for years, but 2021's Infinite Granite had us split down the middle. Lonely People with Power shows the band returning to black metal in a massive way, shattering any assumptions people may have had that they are now a full-blown shoegaze band. Once again Deafheaven proves they are more than capable songwriters and continue to experiment in innovative ways. Crank this one.
Read MoreLoose Ends | Thunderball by Melvins 1983
This week we’re discussing Thunderball, the latest album by Melvins. Technically, this was released as Melvins 1983, which has the band’s very first drummer, Mike Dillard, on drums instead of Dale Crover. Thunderball also features experimental musicians Void Manes and Ni Maitres lending electronic contributions. If you’re a fan of the early 90s sludge era of Melvins, then this is the album for you.
Read MoreEpisode 217: Tragic Mulatto
This week we’re discussing every album by Tragic Mulatto. Truly one of the strangest and most unique punk bands who can’t even be described as punk music. Led by saxophonist, tubist, and vocalist Gail Coulson and bassist Alistair Shanks, Tragic Mulatto is dirty, silly, deranged, and shockingly talented. Any fan of the Butthole Surfers should seek them out ASAP.
Read MoreLower by Benjamin Booker | Album Review
This week we’re discussing Lower, the latest album by Benjamin Booker. After an 8 year hiatus, Booker is back with an album completely unlike his previous outings and one that’s incredibly hard to narrow down to a single genre. However, it offers an excitingly diverse, emotionally resonant, and brilliantly produced (thanks to the collaboration of Kenny Segal) set of songs.
Read MoreEpisode 216: Donnie & Joe Emerson
This week we’re discussing every album by Donnie and Joe Emerson. The Emersons recorded one album in the late 70s as teenagers in a hilariously expensive home studio built by their father. The result was a charmingly rough collection of songs obviously written by kids. They quickly faded into obscurity until they were discovered in the 2010s and miraculously gifted a second life. I hope you’re ready for a good time.
Read MoreEpisode 215: King Crimson (Pt. 1)
This week we’re discussing every album by King Crimson from 1969 to 1974. Led by the legendary (and partially insane) Robert Fripp, King Crimson is one of the pioneers of prog rock, as well as one of the wildest and most influential bands of all time. This era of the band chronicles some of the most memorable albums in all of prog rock. But be warned, this is not a band that welcomes everyone. The insanity is real.
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