May 27, 2014
This week we tackle one of those on the edge of Britpop bands we always kinda, sorta heard about and kinda, sorta remember, The Auteurs, and their 1994 sophomore album Now, I'm a Cowboy. The lead track and single, Lenny Valentino, gets rave reviews from both of us, but how does the rest of the not-so-similar album stack up? Tune int to find out, and chime in on our discussion on how music discovery and commitment to ill-advised purchases has changed thanks to the web.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Life Class/Life Model
3:57 - History of the Band
8:45 - Lenny Valentino
14:16 - Underground Movies
21:10 - The Upper Classes
26:02 - New French Girlfriend
Outro - Daughter of a Child
May 20, 2014
Friend of the show Gavin provides another requested review from down under, this time it's the 1993 self-titled debut album by Front End Loader, who describe themselves as Australia's "least popular, relatively well-known band." FEL perfectly encapsulate the odd and uneasy transition of 80s metal and punk into 90s alternative, jumping from Metallica-influenced thrash to moodier grunge sounds. Does FEL succeed? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Fucking Great
3:48 - History of the Band
10:27 - My Side
12:26 - I.G.
18:37 - Me To Know
26:10 - All Star Jam
Outro - 'fraid Not
May 13, 2014
Thanks to our most recent Requested Review, we're tackling the sophomore release by Dallas, Texas power-pop quartet Bobgoblin, 1997's The 12 Point Master Plan. Big guitars and big hooks make the Bobgoblin sound, but they've got to some hidden tricks up their sleeves thanks to a nimble rhythm section and tastefully used synths. Is The 12 Point Master Plan the best album you haven't heard? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - Climb
3:02 - History of the Band
7:56 - One Down, One Across
10:50 - Standing Up (to the Voice of America)
17:36 - Close Your Eyes, Kid
Outro - Nine
May 6, 2014
Thanks to a listener, this week we're checking out the 1999 debut album Three Hundred by The Stereo. Big hooks and loud guitars dominate this pop-punk record, with an occasional piano detour to mix things up. It was the right sound released at the right time, so why isn't The Stereo mentioned along side early 2000's successes like Fall Out Boy and New Found Glory - was it merely the public overlooking a hidden gem, or is this worth passing up? Tune in to find out.
Songs in this Episode:
Intro - She Would Never
4:52 - History of the Band
14:48 - Ramona
21:20 - Devotion
Outro - Divine
