This week we’re discussing the one and only album by Mike Patton’s Peeping Tom. We all know Patton from Faith No More and Mr. Bungle (and his million other side projects, honestly), but Peeping Tom was the one time he tried mainstream pop music. Or at least his version of it, which of course sounds like no one else and could barely be considered pop music. A litany of guests are on here, too (Dan the Automator, Kool Keith, Norah Jones, Massive Attack). A bit dated in spots, but a great album still worth revisiting.
Read MoreEpisode 187: Porno for Pyros
This week we’re discussing every album by Porno for Pyros. Formed by Perry Farrell and Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros is a completely distinct spin-off band. Where JA was more guitar-centric, these guys are more rhythmic and psychedelic. A completely different style, but dynamic and with plenty of musical depth. Also, the band did a ton of crack. They’ve since reunited with legendary bassist Mike Watt for a final tour.
Read MoreShe Reaches Out to She... by Chelsea Wolfe | Album Review
This week we’re discussing She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She, the latest album by Chelsea Wolfe. Aside from being a mouthful, this album has Wolfe once again taking a sharp detour from the style of her last album—this time into mind-bending, dark electronic. Wolfe rarely disappoints and this record is no different. Dig it.
Read MoreTANGK by IDLES | Album Review
This week we’re discussing TANGK, the latest album by IDLES. We’ve been huge fans of these guys for years, but now the rest of the world is finally getting around to them. TANGK is their biggest record yet, with production by Nigel Godrich and a guest appearance by LCD Soundsystem. But TANGK doesn’t just talk a big game—it’s their best album yet and one you simply must hear. We’re serious. Listen to it now.
Read MoreEpisode 186: 2Pac
This week, we’re discussing every album by Tupac Shakur. Or, more accurately, every album by 2Pac and one by Makaveli. It would take us a year to cover all his posthumous albums, so we’re sticking with just one. If you’ve heard of music, then you know 2Pac, plain and simple. But how do we feel about his actual full-length albums? Let’s just say this is probably not going to be a very popular episode.
Read MoreEpisode 185: Primus
This week we’re discussing every album by Primus. This band needs no introduction as core members Les Claypool, Larry LaLonde, and Tim Alexander have been gracing us with their insanity since the late 80s. Heavy, funky, kooky, technical, and above all else, memorable. Plus they did several South Park themes. If you’ve been putting this band off, that ends today.
Read MoreSatyasena | Debut Album Review
This week we’re discussing the debut album by Satyasena. Formed and led by Pej Mon (of Secret Chiefs 3 and Ghoul), Satyasena explores a side of metal that you probably haven’t heard before. Middle Eastern, industrial, and death metal, among many other styles—it’s an intense and extremely complex ride. Not for the faint of heart, but worth checking out for all extreme music fans.
Read MoreEpisode 184: At the Drive-In
This week we’re discussing every album by At the Drive-In. Before Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala went on to create proggy psychedelic greatness with The Mars Volta, they cut their teeth with Jim Ward in At the Drive-In. While they started out as straightforward punk/post-hardcore, by the end of their initial run, their evolution was profound. Dynamic, experimental, and highly influential, all while retaining an angsty edge.
Read MoreBronson Arm | Album Review
This week we’re discussing the debut album by Bronson Arm. From Kalamazoo, MI, Bronson Arm is made up of Blake Bickel on baritone guitar and Garrett Yates on drums. Their vicious style of noise rock is reminiscent of 90s AmRep bands, although they still have a character that’s all their own. Fun stuff that any fan of noise rock should give a chance. Don’t forget to check out our history guy Tom Osman’s full interview with the band.
Read MoreEpisode 183: Barkmarket
This week we’re discussing every album by Barkmarket. Led by Dave Sardy (or D. Sardy), who is now a Grammy-winning record producer, Barkmarket was a wholly unique noise rock band. Blending elements of alternative metal, industrial, and grunge, these guys were ferocious. They even worked with Rick Rubin on two albums before he moved onto more commercially viable bands. Awesome stuff, dig it.
Read MoreBest Albums of 2023
It’s the end of another year so we’re picking our favorite albums of 2023. It’s been an amazing year for music, so narrowing down our lists was an absolute nightmare. It’s also the first year we’re ranking our picks, just to make things even more difficult for us. All of these albums are just fantastic so check out as many as you can, please.
Read MoreDC Special by Scream | Album Review
This week we’re discussing DC Special, the reunion album by DC hardcore punk band Scream. In addition to releasing Dischord Records’ first full length LP (1983’s Still Screaming), Scream is also the band Dave Grohl drummed for before joining Nirvana. DC Special reunites the original lineup, along with a slew of guests like Ian Mackaye, Brian Baker, Dave Grohl, Joe Lally, and many others. This is a fun one and so much better than you’d expect.
Read MoreEpisode 182: Sex Pistols
This week we’re discussing the Sex Pistols and their legendary album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. This band needs no introduction, as Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Sid Vicious, and Glen Matlock (original bassist and main songwriter) are paramount in the creation of punk rock. We’ve all heard the hits, but you might not be familiar with some of the stories about these guys. It’s wild stuff.
Read MoreGirl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club by GASWAR | Album Review
This week, we’re discussing GASWAR’s debut album, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club. GASWAR is a supergroup made up of Kevin Rutmanis (Cows, Melvins, Hepa/Titus, Tomahawk), and Apollo Liftoff (aka Paul Erickson) and Jeff Mooridian, Jr. of Hammerhead and Vaz. Recorded over 20 years ago, Girl Vanishes on Way to Jive Club is one of the biggest surprises of the year. If you have even a passing interest in noise rock, you must hear it.
Read MoreEpisode 181: The Marked Men
This week we’re discussing every album by the Marked Men. Formed in the early 00s, the Marked Men are heavily inspired by first wave, late 70s punk (most notably the Ramones). While they are certainly much faster and more aggressive than those bands, their sound fits right in with that entire era. Fun and energetic, but don’t expect any surprises.
Read MoreFat Chance by mr. phylzzz
This week we’re discussing Fat Chance, the latest album by nose rock duo mr. phylzzz. Made up of Clinton Jacob on guitar/bass/vocals and Danny Sein on drums, mr. phylzzz won over the boys last year with their album Cancel Culture Club, which made Mike’s Best of 2022 list. This time around they’re split, as Fat Chance shows the band noticeably expanding their sound. Dig it.
Read MoreEpisode 180: Jonathan Fire*Eater
This week we’re discussing every album by Jonathan Fire Eater. Known for influencing the post-punk revival of the early 00s (which spawned bands like the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Jonathan Fire*Eater only had a brief existence before singer Stewart Lupton became addicted to heroin, spiraling the band into chaos.
Read MoreVOID by KEN mode Is Extreme Noise Perfection
This week we’re discussing VOID, the latest album by extreme noise rock band KEN mode. This is both Mike and Alex’s first time hearing KEN mode and they’ve since become instant fans. VOID is truly devastating, but with no shortage of great hooks and beautiful melodies. All fans of heavy music simply must hear this band.
Read MoreEpisode 179: Mayhem
This week we’re discussing every album by the infamous Mayhem. While they are known for pioneering modern black metal in Norway, most people know them because of their horrific, bloody, and disturbing history. Seriously, if you’re unfamiliar, grab some popcorn before you listen. Formed and led by Euronymous (Øystein Aarseth) until his murder by then bassist Varg Vikernes (of Burzum) in 1993, Mayhem continues to put out great albums with various lineups. However, they are held down by longtime drummer Hellhammer and bassist Necrobutcher. This band’s music is as intense as their reputation, so get ready.
Read MoreEpisode 178: Ween
This week we’re discussing every album by the one and only Ween. Made up of Gene and Dean Ween (real names Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo), Ween is one of the most impossible bands to pigeonhole. Garage rock, funk, folk, hard rock, tropical, pirate sea shanties, prog rock, psychedelic—this is only a taste of all the styles these guys frequently hop between. And they do so with complete sincerity and unmatched songwriting. A one of a kind band.
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