Time to laugh – or at least to give it a good try. On today’s episode we explore music albums focused on making you chuckle. As we quickly find out, combining music and comedy is easier said than done. Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords (2008) “Weird Al” Yankovic – “Weird Al” Yankovic in 3-D (1984) Spinal Tap – This is Spinal Tap (19…

Today’s psychedelic music might not be covered in peace signs and flower petals, but it does owe plenty to the sounds of the 60s. On today’s show we explore 3 new-ish psychedelic albums that are sure to get you in the right headspace. Tame Impala – Lonerism (2012) XTC – Skylarking (1986) The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989) Other Diggins Geordi…

Well we made it to the end of 2024! Join us as we take a moment to look back on the year that was and our favorite records that came along with it. Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South The Cure – Songs of a Lost World Fontaines DC – Romance Other Diggins Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace (2024) Soft Play – Heavy Jelly (…

Ho, ho, ho Nerds! Pour yourself some eggnog and join us for a nostalgic look back on a trio of records that we grew up listening to during the holiday season. Hope you’re having a fun, safe and warm holiday! Alvin and the Chipmunks – A Chipmunk Christmas (1981) Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song (1960) Richard and Karen Carpenter – A Christmas Port…

Folk music does a great job of telling the stories of people of a particular time and place. That’s likely why it had a resurgence in the 1950s and 60s during times of social and political unrest. On today’s show we explore influential albums of the mid-century folk revival and of course sprinkle in plenty of bad folk puns and Dylan impressions. Jo…

New Wave music funneled together a diverse range of sounds from 70s punk, pop and electronic music to form something original and distinctively 80s. Join us as we discuss albums from this classic era of popular music. Blondie – Parallel Lines (1978) The Psychedelic Furs – Forever Now (1982) Devo – Freedom of Choice (1980) Other Diggins Civerous – M…

From curated popular music selections to original works specifically created for a film, great soundtracks have the power to elevate scenes, guide audience emotions, and sometimes become enjoyable listening experiences on their own. Pull up a comfy chair, grab some popcorn and join us as we share some of our favorite movie soundtracks. Various Arti…

Growing up ain’t easy, but we all gotta do it. Luckily we have great music to get us through the trials and tribulations of coming of age. Join us as we discuss three albums that deal with the journey of youth to adulthood. Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012) Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (2010) Tears for Fears – Songs from the Big Chair (19…

Feeling the need to break some stuff? Some classic punk rock might be just what you need. Raise a fist in the air and join us as we discuss 3 classic albums from punk rock’s beginnings. Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen (1978) Wire – Pink Flag (1977) Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material (1979) Other Diggins Villagers – That Go…

Prince certainly has inspired his share of artists, but on this episode we dig into some of the artists and albums that inspired him. Besides the clear funk lineage, we also draw comparisons to folk and blues rock artists that Prince was a fan of. Join us as we pay homage to the forces that gave us the purple one. Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (1971) J…

Few genres have influenced rock music as much as the blues. From it’s humble beginnings in the 19th century American South, incorporation with R&B and Soul music in the 60s, to its strong influence on 70s rock, its hard to separate the blues from modern day music. Join us as we discuss 3 of our […]על ידי Album Nerds

The leaves are changing and pumpkin spice has infiltrated everything, so it must be time to scare ourselves with some sinister album selections. Join us as we discuss 3 of our favorite spooky albums to help get you in the Halloween spirit. Mwahahaha! The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us (1980)Duran Duran – Danse […]…

The 80s were a definitive decade for hip-hop music. New production techniques and expanded lyrical content helped to push the genre towards the mainstream. Join us as we explore 3 albums from hip-hop’s golden era. Dana Dane – Dana Dane with Fame (1987)Boogie Down Productions – By All Means Necessary (1988)Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique […]…

AHHHH! Every once in awhile you gotta get it out. Music is a great release for anything that might make you angry. On today’s show we explore three albums that deal with anger in different ways. Scream into a pillow and join us for a little music therapy. Machine Head – Burn My Eyes (1994)Pink […]על ידי Album Nerds

1984 had tons of iconic cultural moments – Gremlins and Ghostbusters hit theaters, the summer Olympics were in Los Angeles, and the Cosby Show and Miami Vice debuted on TV. Join us as we revisit two of the top selling albums from this year. Culture Club – Colour By Numbers (1984)Van Halen – 1984 (1984) […]…

Feel the power… of words! Great lyrics have a way of cutting to the heart of our emotions, beliefs, and cultural values. Join us as we discuss a pair of records that smacked us in the face with their powerful lyrical punch. Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (2024)John Lennon – Imagine […]…

Final albums are often last grasps at fame and money, but on occasion they serve as a fitting capstone to a band’s career. On today’s show we explore two final albums that we think send these legendary artists off on a good note. Sam Cooke – Ain’t That Good News (1964)The Police – Synchronicity (1983) […]…

Drums have been a part of music for thousands of years, which is probably why it’s so hard to imagine modern day music without them. On today’s show we discuss what it takes to be a legendary drummer and some of our favorite drummer-focused records. Rush – Moving Pictures (1981)Slipknot – Vol. 3 (The Subliminal […]…

Many worthy records never receive the recognition they deserve. Promotion, timing and accessibility often get in the way of great art finding its way to the people that might appreciate it the most. On today’s show we talk over two album gems from bands that never broke through. Despite being truly outrageous. Talk Talk – […]…

Some albums are love at first listen, but other’s take a bit more time to reveal their true value. Whether it’s a bad first listen, miss-placed expectations or just being the wrong age – some albums take time to love. Join us as we discuss some of our favorites. Death Grips – The Money Store […]על ידי Album Nerds

What better way to put a bow on the Summer of Don then to talk about one of his favorite records – The Beach Boy’s landmark album Pet Sounds. Join us as we try to decipher Brian Wilson’s genius and discuss the record’s significance today. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds Jpegmafia – I Lay […]על ידי Album Nerds

The Who helped define the formula for the prototypical classic rock band. Their 1971 album Who’s Next is a large part of what earned them that status. Join us as the Summer of Don shines it’s rays down on this seminal classic rock album. The Who – Who’s Next Lava La Rue – StarfaceHakushi Hasegawa […]…

With a title like Blood Sugar Sex Magik, you might expect the music to be graphic, loud and a little weird – and you wouldn’t be wrong. The Chili Peppers 1991 effort with producer Rick Rubin is stuffed with lots of big ideas, sounds and personalities. Join for a discussion on the landmark record as […]…

Happy mid-new-year-ish! We’re taking a short break from the Summer of Don to look back on the first half of 2024. Join us as we highlight some of our favorite new releases. Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s GraceLes Amazones d’Afrique – Musow DanseThe Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be […]…

Bowie’s final studio album left us all a bit speechless when it came out back in 2016, just a few days before his passing. Join us as we regroup and take a closer listen to the record and discuss its impact. There’s a blackstar shinning in the night sky, as the Summer of Don David […]על ידי Album Nerds

Springsteen’s landmark 1984 album Born in the USA has become an iconic piece of American culture. The album art and long series of hits were hard to escape in the mid-80s and still play a part in modern day society. Join us as we discuss the album and some other things we’ve been digging on. […]על ידי Album Nerds

Stevie Wonder had a pretty amazing stretch of albums during the early 1970s. One of our favorites from the period is 1973’s Innervisions. We talked about it a bit a few years ago, but the Summer of Don has given us a chance to talk about it a bit more. Stevie Wonder – Innervisions Caroline […]על ידי Album Nerds

Pearl Jam’s debut record became an iconic part of the alternative rock (yes, grunge) movement of the early 1990s. Their anthemic hooks, flashy guitars and emotive vocals made them fan and media favorites. Join us as we look back on the album, the era and how it all holds up after three decades. The Summer […]…

Sade’s debut record Diamond Life stood out from the rest of the 1984 musical landscape in the US and UK. Join us for a discussion on the landmark album as well as some other records we’ve been enjoying. The Summer of Don rolls on. Sade – Diamond Life La Luz – News of the UniverseAespa […]על ידי Album Nerds

Chris Stapleton’s debut record back in 2015 was influential both on the podcast’s musical taste and on the future of country music. It helped expand our palettes and pushed the genre forward. Join us as we revisit the record and discuss our thoughts after all these years – the Summer of Don carries on! Chris […]…

What better way to kick-off the Summer of Don then to talk over a record that has a bit of a special place on the show. The Doors final release, LA Woman, served as a bookend to their celebrated career and a goodbye to the city that shaped them. Join us as we discuss the […]על ידי Album Nerds

Like all popular genres, R&B and Soul music has morphed over time to fit modern sounds under it’s wing. In the 90s, the inclusion of hip-hop into popular music had started to ripple out into the surrounding genres; like soul music. Join us as we talk over some of our favorite soul records from the […]…

Double albums – the topic so nice, we had to cover it twice. Join us as we discuss another round of some of our favorite double LPs. The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street (Andy)Donna Summer – Bad Girls (Don)Metallica – …And Justice for All (Dude) What do you think of these double albums? […]על ידי Album Nerds

Time to get comfy and put on some double albums. On today’s show we discuss some of our favorite (dare I say classic) double albums. Miles Davis – Bitches Brew (Andy)The Cure – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Don)The Beatles – The Beatles (Dude) What do you think of these double albums? What’s your […]על ידי Album Nerds

Happy Record Store Day, Nerds! On today’s show we celebrate independent record stores by exploring some of the holiday’s special releases. Here’s our picks: Freddie Gibbs – Pinata (Andy)Mavis Staples – Have a Little Faith (Don)Dio – The Last in Line (Dude) What do you think of these records? What RSD albums are you excited […]…

From the The Carter Family to the Jackson 5 and the Jonas Brothers – families have found success in the music industry for decades. On today’s show we highlight some of our favorite family-made albums. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar (Andy)The Isley Brothers – Go For Your Guns (Don)Oasis – (What’s The Story) […]…

Turns out 2012 wasn’t the end of the world, but it may have seemed like it at the time. With hurricanes, mass shootings and the music of Drake and Luke Bryan dominating the pop charts, I think we all felt the end was nigh ;). Join us as we discuss our favorite best selling albums […]על ידי Album Nerds

During the late 80s and early 90s, Yo! MTV Raps helped to bring the quickly evolving genre of hip-hop into the living room. On today’s show we talk over the TV program and a handful of records from artists featured on the initial run of episodes. Ultramagnetic MC’s – Critical Beatdown (Andy)Eric B. & Rakim […]…

Plugin the synths and polish up that disco ball, we’re going electronic on today’s show. (Well, as electronic as we three rock fans can get). Join us as we explore albums that blend electronic components with familiar sounds. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver (Andy)Editors – In this Light and on This Evening (Don)MGMT – […]…

Ireland’s rich cultural heritage has produced lots of great art, with music being no exception. On today’s show we highlight a handful of Irish artists that we’ve come to love. Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Nealo – November Medicine (Andy)Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (Don)Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia (Dude) What do you think of these […]…

Great popular music is often a result of creative partnerships. From Gilbert and Sullivan to Lennon and McCartney, men have joined forces and inspired each other to amazing heights. Join us as we discuss records from some of our favorite bromances. Jan & Dean – Little Old Lady From Pasadena (Andy)Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark […]…

As unique as each relationship is, all relationships go through stages. From infatuation to heartbreak and everything in between, music does a great job of expressing the emotions of love. On today’s show we discuss three albums that closely deal with the different phases of a relationship. Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear […]…

Sometimes the spark of making music together can kindle a romance. Bands like Fleetwood Mac, Abba, and Wings all had their romantic pairings – and oftentimes splits. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite records forged in the fires of romance. Tom Waits – Alice (Andy)Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow (Don)The White Stripes […]…

What makes music sound sensual? A deep groove? Hazy production? Romantic lyrics? Of course its going to vary by listener, but on today’s show we try to find some common ground. Join us as we discuss three albums we think have sex appeal. Air – Moon Safari (Andy)Cigarettes After Sex – Cigarettes After Sex (Don)Marvin […]…

Besides the fabulously be-dazzled Solid Gold Dancers, the TV show of the same name featured a wide variety of popular artists of the early to mid 1980s. Even though the performances were lip-synced, the program exposed audiences to all sorts of new music. On today’s show we discuss three albums from artists that appeared on […]…

Over the last few decades, the VMA’s have been a plentiful source of meme-worthy moments from the day’s most popular musicians. On today’s show we discuss records from three Video of the Year winners and talk over some of our favorite music videos. Taylor Swift – Midnights (Andy)R.E.M. – Out of Time (Don)The Cars – […]…

Country music is particularly great at telling a story. Whether it’s gunslingers in the old west, or troubled relationships in a modern day setting, country music is great at shining a light on the lives of everyday people doing everyday things. On today’s show we discuss 3 albums that have plenty of good stories to […]…

Cover albums are essentially love letters from a band to their influences. Some pull from a variety of artists, others focus on one. Some even go as far as doing a track-by-track rendition of the entire record. On today’s show we explore one of each type of cover album. Angelique Kidjo – Remain in Light […]…

As 2023 comes to a close, we look back and highlight the new releases that stood-out. Join us as we discuss honorable mentions and pick our fav albums of the year. Happy New Year! PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year Dying (Andy)Peter Gabriel – I/O (Don)Charles Wesley Godwin – Family Ties (Dude) What […]…

Join us for our annual holiday extravaganza as we review some of the best selling Christmas albums of all time. Plus we get plenty of holiday album picks from friends and listeners. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy a warm cup of your favorite nerds. Happy Holidays! Susan Boyle – The Gift (Andy)Kenny G […]…