This week we’re discussing every album by Sparklehorse. Composed solely of singer/multi-instrumentalist Mark Linkous, Sparklehorse specialized in the most gentle, heartbreaking indie you’ve ever heard. Eventually Linkous was joined by guest appearances by Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Iggy Pop, and Danger Mouse—whom he collaborated with on two albums—as well as others. Linkous later committed suicide in 2010.
Read MoreEpisode 121: Rapeman
This week we’re discussing every album by Rapeman. These guys were a noise rock supergroup made up of Steve Albini on guitar/vocals (Big Black, Shellac), David Wm. Sims on bass (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard), and Rey Washam on drums (Big Boys, Scratch Acid, Ministry). Rapeman took the buzz saw noisiness of Big Black and coupled it with one of the most incredible rhythm sections in all of rock. A power trio that sounded ten times bigger than they actually were. While they are the most obscure out of all of Steve Albini’s projects, their brutal lyrics and provocative band name landed them in trouble just as much as you’d expect.
Read MoreEpisode 120: Melvins Pt. 3
This week we’re discussing the last remaining albums by the Melvins. This is the most current era of the band, spanning from 2012 to 2021. Easily the least predictable batch of albums compared to the rest, due to the revolving door lineup changes. Countless guest appearances, the introduction of Steve McDonald, as well as a bona fide Butthole Surfers supergroup. As usual, Buzz and Dale continue to not disappoint.
Read MoreEpisode 119: The Pogues
This week we’re discussing every album by The Pogues. Led by the world’s most infamous set of teeth, Shane MacGowan, The Pogues pioneered Celtic punk. If you’re not sure what that sounds like, just imagine the most Irish music you can, speed it up to 100bpm, and you’ve nailed it. Which is a bit ironic since they’re from London and not Ireland. This definitely isn’t a band for everyone, but they’re fun, snarly, and talented as all hell. Grab a pint and sit back, this is a fun one.
Read MoreEpisode 118: Mother Love Bone
This week we’re discussing every album by Mother Love Bone. Credited (along with Green River—check out our episode on them) with pioneering grunge, Mother Love Bone’s promising career was cut short after the sudden death of frontman Andrew Wood. As a result, members Jeff Ament and Stone Gossard went on to form Temple of the Dog (as a tribute to Wood) and eventually Pearl Jam. While Mother Love Bone’s music sounds more alternative metal than grunge, they were still paramount to the scene in Seattle. Good stuff.
Read MoreLoose Ends: From Out of Nowhere by ELO
There's no excuse for this one. This album came out two years ago and we had no idea. So we're barely covering it now. On the bright side, Jeff Lynne is still kicking! In addition to the album, we also talk about our adventures at Taco Bell. Don't forget to check out our original episode on ELO if you haven't already. Links below!
Read MoreBest Albums of 2021
This week we’re discussing our picks for the best albums of 2021. This was a good year for music, folks. So many of our favorite bands released records this year, as well as some huge surprises. This is our longest episode, but trust us when we say these are some of the best albums released in a long time.
Read MoreEpisode 117: ABBA
This week we’re discussing every album by ABBA. They need no introduction, but we will say that they are more than just a disco band—ABBA is an all-around pop juggernaut. With hits like “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” it’s obvious why they were so huge. But they have a thousand great songs you haven’t heard. Grab your platform shoes and get ready.
Read MoreEpisode 116: The La's
This week we’re discussing The La’s only album. Led by Lee Mavers, the La’s put out one of the world’s most famous singles, “There She Goes.” But don’t let that influence you—the rest of the album totally rips. Without question a wonderful album and band, yet Mike and Alex disagree on it entirely. Whose side do you take?
Read MoreEpisode 115: Porcupine Tree
This week we're discussing every album by Porcupine Tree. Led by mastermind Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree has tackled a ton of styles over their prolific career. Psychedelia, prog rock, metal, alternative, pop. Technically, we should love this band. But we don't. We hate them and we talk about it for two hours. Settle in and leave your angry comments, this is a hot one, folks!
Read MoreEpisode 114: mclusky
This week we’re discussing every album by mclusky. Led by Andy “Falco” Falkous, mclusky were an absolute monster of a noise rock band. Wacky, spastic, and as unhinged as it gets. Their second album, mclusky Do Dallas, went on to become a classic in the genre. They’re also way funnier than you’d expect. A must for fans of insanity.
Read MoreEpisode 113: Bauhaus
This week we’re discussing every album by Bauhaus. Credited with pioneering goth, Bauhaus took elements from punk, post-punk, reggae, and horror to create a completely unique and influential style. Don’t let the makeup and black clothing distract you—these guys were awesome songwriters.
Read MoreEpisode 112: Audioslave
This week we’re discussing every album by Audioslave. If for some reason you haven’t heard of these guys, it’s Rage Against the Machine but with Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell on vocals instead of Zack de la Rocha. Audioslave was a juggernaut of a supergroup and were one of the biggest rock bands in the early 00s. Musically, not the most innovative or original, but solid and fun. Plus, Tom Morello doing his wacky pedal stuff.
Read MoreEpisode 111: Rites of Spring
This week we’re discussing the short discography of Rites of Spring. Credited (along with Embrace) with helping to create emo-core, Rites of Spring went wild during their brief existence. They played only a few shows—destroying all their equipment in the process—but their influence remains today. Singer Guy Picciotto and drummer Brendan Canty went on to form Fugazi with Ian Mackaye and Joe Lally shortly after.
Read MoreEpisode 110: Melvins (Pt. 2)
This week we’re discussing every album by the Melvins from 1999 to 2010. This era of the band has two legendary lineups. The first is with Kevin Rutmanis on bass (Cows, Tomahawk, Hepa-Titus). The second is with Big Business’s Jared Warren on bass and Coady Willis on second drums. This era shows the Melvins evolving more than they ever have before. It’s wild.
Read MoreEpisode 109: Danzig
This week we’re discussing every album by Danzig. Our buddy Matt Berlinsky from the Stone and Steel podcast joins us once again to dissect all 12 of Glenn Danzig’s solo albums—oh yes, even the Elvis one. If you haven’t heard Danzig’s first 4 records, you need to stop what you’re doing immediately and get on it. The dude was a songwriting powerhouse for almost two straight decades.
Read MoreLoose Ends: Peace by Vista Chino (Kyuss)
It's been a while, but we're back with another Loose Ends. This time, we're covering John Garcia's Vista Chino. Made up of John Garcia, Brant Bjork, Nick Oliveri, and bona fide Josh Homme copycat Bruno Fevery, Vista Chino is essentially a Kyuss reunion. Although they were forced to change their name due to a lawsuit by Josh Homme and Scott Reeder. Let's not act like we're surprised by that.
Read MoreEpisode 108: Talk Talk
This week we’re discussing every album by Talk Talk. Led by the late Mark Hollis, Talk Talk became an 80s new wave juggernaut with their hit “It’s My Life” (famously covered by No Doubt years later). However, over the course of their 5 albums, they transformed in ways you wouldn’t believe. By the end of their career, Talk Talk essentially invented post rock as we know it today. This isn’t a band you want to miss.
Read MoreEpisode 107: Temple of the Dog
This week we’re discussing the only album by grunge supergroup Temple of the Dog. As a tribute to Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood, Chris Cornell recruited Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, as well as almost every member of Pearl Jam (Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, and Mike McCready). This is a somber and beautiful record that most grunge fans simply must hear. Every grunge fan except Alex, who hates it for some reason.
Read MoreEpisode 106: The Cramps
This week we’re discussing every album by the Cramps. Led by husband and wife Lux Interior (vocals) and Poison Ivy (guitar), the Cramps had a style and aesthetic people still emulate to this day. Their songs, however, are about as predictable as a Harlem Globetrotters game. This is for fans of rockabilly, surf, and blues. If this isn’t you, run far away.
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