Sicksense September and Season 4 of 'My Classic Album' come to an end as Vicky Psarakis joins Mike to chat about Evanescence's debut album 'Fallen'. 'Fallen' saw Evanescence and singer Amy Lee become superstars overnight. Together Vicky and Mike explore their love of the album and its importance in their teenage years. Which Meat Loaf song brought founding members Amy Lee and Ben Moody together? Why did the band shy away from their popularity in the Christian rock scene? How did 12 Stones singer...
Sep 29, 2022•1 hr 55 min•Season 4Ep. 15
This month has been christened 'Sicksense September' here on 'My Classic Album' as members of this fantastic new band join Mike to discuss the classic albums that have inspired them! First up it's Robbie J. Fonts (also of Stuck Mojo) who has chosen the debut album from metal legends Slipknot! Emerging from the Iowa music scene, Slipknot turned metal on it's head upon signing to Roadrunner Records and releasing their first album in 1999. As parents freaked at the masked ninesome, the youth found ...
Aug 31, 2022•1 hr 50 min•Season 4Ep. 14
Deepfall vocalist Terry DeWit drops by My Classic Album to chat about Alice In Chains's uncompromising second studio album 'Dirt'. In the throes of a heroin addiction, AiC vocalist Layne Staley approaches 'Dirt' with unflinching honesty which still hits hard to this day. Together Mike and Terry discuss the state of the band and the world around them as they recorded the album that would make them one of the cornerstones of 90's rock. How did the 1992 Los Angeles Riots impact the recording of 'Di...
Jul 31, 2022•1 hr 37 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Leader of Down's Tim Atkinson joins Mike on this edition of 'My Classic Album' to celebrate the album that ushered in a new era for Motorhead... 1986's 'Orgasmatron'. From a member of the Motorhead fan club to forming a band with their legendary guitarist Wurzel, Tim has a truly enviable perspective of the Motorhead story with today's chosen album being Wurzel's first with the iconic band. Why did Lemmy not appreciate the production on 'Orgasmatron'? Which song on the album was nearly the title ...
Jul 14, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 11
The best selling debut album of the new Millennium gets the 'My Classic Album' treatment as Fame on Fire vocalist Bryan Kuznitz joins Mike to chat about Linkin Park's 'Hybrid Theory'. An important album in both Mike and Bryan's formative years, together they discuss the early days of one of the biggest bands of the 21st century and how 'Hybrid Theory' is still influencing music over 20 years on. How did Chester Bennington react to the record label's attempts to oust Mike Shinoda from the band? W...
Jun 30, 2022•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Arran Day from UK rockers These Wicked Rivers drops by 'My Classic Album' to chat with Mike about 'Deja Vu' from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! Already a force to be reckoned with as a trio, the addition of Stephen Stills's former Buffalo Springfield bandmate foreshadowed an album that would inspire many including Arran for decades to come. How much creative involvement did Neil Young have on the album? Which historic musical event hosted only the second performance of CSNY? What personal mem...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 44 min•Season 4Ep. 10
30 years after its initial release, Tori Amos's debut album is still inspiring musicians including Loz Campbell who joins Mike to chat all things 'Little Earthquakes'. On a crusade to make the piano more than a passive instrument, Tori created an album that kickstarted a critically acclaimed career. Which professional wresting legend has singled out 'Winter' as his favourite song? How did Tori react to her label rejecting her initial recordings for 'Little Earthquakes'? Who is involved in an upc...
May 14, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 9
50 years after its initial release, Wishbone Ash's third studio album is still influencing rock bands the world over. In a special anniversary episode of 'My Classic Album', Mike is joined by Firekind bass player Dan Morris to celebrate the album 'Argus'. From hearing it around the house in childhood to touring with founding Wishbone member Martin Turner, Dan's emotional connection to the album is evident making him just one of generations of musicians inspired by this iconic album. What albums ...
Apr 30, 2022•1 hr 53 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Mike is joined by Goodbye June guitarist Tyler Baker as they enter 'Bayou Country' with Creedence Clearwater Revival! The first of three studio albums released by CCR throughout 1969, Tyler and Mike discuss how the band took the world by storm with their swamp rock sound. Which popular TV show recreated the 'Born on the Bayou' riff for it's transitional scenes? Who does Tyler believe recorded the definitive version of 'Proud Mary'. CCR or Ike and Tina Turner? What does 'Keep On Chooglin'' mean? ...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 7
All aboard!!! Guitarist extraordinaire Sammy Boller stops by to chat with Mike about 'Blizzard of Ozz', the iconic debut solo album from the Prince of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne. Together Mike and Sammy celebrate the album that resurrected Ozzy after his dismissal from Black Sabbath and hail the ungodly talent of guitarist Randy Rhoads. How much of an influence has Randy's guitar playing been on Sammy? Why were the contributions of Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake removed from the 2002 remaster ...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 32 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Fred Hale and Andy 'Moose' Muse make up two fifths of UK Southern Rock band Sons of Liberty. Fred and Moose kindly took time out to chat with Mike about the southern rock album that started it all - the debut album from Lynyrd Skynyrd. After ten years on the live circuit, Skynyrd took full advantage of their big break. Together Fred, Moose and Mike explore why the songs on 'Pronounced' have endured so strongly for nearly 50 years. How did Ronnie Van Zant react when producer Al Kooper wanted 'Sim...
Mar 14, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Lzi Hayes, one quarter of rising UK rockers The Hot Damn joins Mike to geek out over one the majesty of Toto and their celebrated fourth studio album. A band with mixed fortunes in the early 80's, Toto were in danger of being dropped by their label while simultaneously contributing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Lzi and Mike explore why Toto IV brought the band back from the brink. How was 'Rosanna' influenced by John Bonham's performance on Led Zeppelin's 'Fool In The Rain'? Which track on th...
Feb 28, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Before Neil Young waged war on Spotify, he was already one of the most acclaimed singer songwriters of all time. Mike is joined by British blues rock guitarist and songwriter Jack J Hutchinson to celebrate Young's breakthrough album 'After The Gold Rush'. A regular on greatest album lists, 'After The Gold Rush' saw Neil build on his success with Crosby, Stills and Nash and record an album that still resonates with listeners over 50 years on. How was 'After The Gold Rush' inspired by a Dean Stock...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 42 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Ale, Dany and Pau make up a trio of sisters who also happen to be one of the fastest rising bands in rock today! The Warning take time out to join Mike and celebrate their chosen classic album: My Chemical Romance’s ‘The Black Parade’. An album influential on all three sisters, The Warning share the impact the story of The Patient’s journey to the afterlife has had. Together Mike and the band explore the album in full including how the influence of classic albums of the past is present for all t...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 42 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Mike returns with all new episodes of 'My Classic Album' as the podcast begins its 4th season! Season 4 kicks off with our most ambitious episode yet as Mike is joined by the King of Slide Guitar Troy Redfern to break down all three acts of Frank Zappa's rock opera 'Joe's Garage'. Released in two parts by Zappa in 1979, Troy and Mike explore 'Joe's Garage' as a whole; often ambitious, constantly surreal yet ultimately packing an emotional punch as the story reaches its conclusion. How does 'Joe'...
Feb 01, 2022•2 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 1
One of the most successful and critically acclaimed albums of all time; Nirvana's second album 'Nevermind' becomes only the 5th album to earn an anniversary special on 'My Classic Album'. Martha's Nathan Stephens-Griffin returns to the podcast to sit down with Mike and discuss an album that changed music forever, and played a huge role in their friendship as teenagers as well as their mutual love of music. Why do we have the Pixies to thank for a key hallmark of the Nirvana sound? How did a frus...
Sep 23, 2021•2 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Singer songwriter Riva Taylor joins Mike to share her love for 'Diva', the debut solo album from the iconic Annie Lennox. After ruling the 80's with Dave Stewart as part of Eurythmics, Annie kickstarted her solo career with an album full of career defining songs including 'Why', 'Little Bird' and 'Walking On Broken Glass'. Together Riva and Mike discuss how Annie was able to forge her own path throughout the 90's and beyond. Which song on the album does Dave Stewart believe Annie wrote about him...
Sep 07, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 3Ep. 22
One of the most accomplished guitarists on the planet Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal joins Mike to share his love of Yes and their 1977 album 'Going For The One'. From the moment Ron first heard the title track as a child growing up in Staten Island, he was transported into a world created by the sheer beauty he heard across the five tracks on 'Going For The One'. Together with Mike, Ron shares why his love for this album still runs deep and strong to this day. What led Rick Wakeman to return to Yes afte...
Aug 14, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Emlee Johansson, drummer of Swedish rockers Thundermother joins Mike to discuss Iron Maiden's iconic 5th album 'Powerslave'. Amongst an unparalleled run of albums from Maiden in the 1980s, for many (including Emlee), 'Powerslave' sits as the pinnacle of the legendary metal band's career. Emlee recalls hearing opening track 'Aces High' for the first time and how this directly impacted her own journey into music. Which song on 'Powerslave' harkens back to themes from 'The Number of The Beast'? How...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 3Ep. 20
The legendary David Bowie finally makes his 'My Classic Album' debut courtesy of Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen. Phil joins Mike on this episode to discuss Bowie's celebrated album 'Aladdin Sane'. With a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame career of his own, Phil reveals the impact David Bowie had on him in his formative years and how this album set him on his own musical journey... and of course with Mike being such a huge Def Leppard fan he couldn't resist some chat about 'Hysteria' and beyond! In...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Classically trained tenor and Britain's Got Talent finalist Jonathan Antoine joins Mike to discuss Jeff Buckley's critically acclaimed album 'Grace'. A modest success in Jeff's lifetime, 'Grace' has only grown in cultural relevance and esteem since the singer songwriter's untimely passing. Together Jonathan and Mike explore the emotional story of Jeff Buckley and how that informs the music on the sole studio album of his lifetime. In what way do the lyrics on 'Grace' take on a eerie resonance si...
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 18
The 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' is here and it's jam packed like no other! Ian Haugland, drummer of Swedish rock legends Europe joins Mike to discuss our 50th classic album, Rainbow's 'Rising'. A union including the likes of Ritchie Blackmore, Ronnie James Dio and Cozy Powell was too much for a young Ian Haugland to resist. Together Ian and Mike explore the impact 'Rising' had not only on themselves but the development of hard rock and heavy metal as a whole! What unique process did Rainb...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 34 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Continuing our celebrations for the 50th episode of 'My Classic Album' on June 15th, Mike is joined for this bonus episode of the show by presenter of fellow rock podcast Vintage Rock Pod Paul Stephenson. Together Paul and Mike explore the story of 'My Classic Album' and how the show came to be; all interspersed with a selection of Mike's favourite moments from the show. Enjoy clips from episodes including guests such as Jen Majura, Damon Johnson and Savannah Pope. Enjoy this bonus episode and g...
Jun 06, 2021•52 min
The Sharp Dressed Men of ZZ Top receive the 'My Classic Album' treatment as rock artist Justin Ross joins Mike to celebrate the iconic 'Eliminator' album. From the moment he first heard ZZ Top at a car rally, Justin knew this band would shape his musical identity for years to come and together he and Mike explore the impact 'Eliminator' had on the MTV generation with it's eclectic blend of blues rock and new wave influences. How did the likes of Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark...
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 16
The Holy Triumvirate known as Rush finally make their way into the pantheon of legendary bands covered on 'My Classic Album'. Mike is joined by guitarist Travis Larson to discuss the iconic 'Moving Pictures' From the moment Travis was given a mix tape from his school friend Jennifer including songs from 'Moving Pictures', the pair began an epic adventure of Rush fandom and ultimately a successful career in music together for over twenty years. Together Mike and Travis explore the impact 'Moving ...
May 15, 2021•2 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Lauded as 'the American Led Zeppelin', the tale of American rockers Cactus is the encapsulation of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. On this edition of 'My Classic Album', Boone Froggett from Kentucky rockers Otis introduces Mike to Cactus's second album 'One Way... Or Another' Wild shows with singer Rusty Day arrested before the encore and drug fuelled tours with the likes of Black Sabbath served as the backdrop for the album sessions with 'One Way... Or Another' playing a significant but underrate...
May 01, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 3Ep. 14
The album that cemented U2 as one of the biggest bands on the planet and established a legacy they would never get away from... even when they tried! Mike is joined by West of House's Erick Bieger to share their love for 'The Joshua Tree'. From the first time Erick listened to 'The Joshua Tree', the album resonated with him strongly. Not only did it inspire Erick's own journey as a musician but it also raised his own awareness of American foreign policy as explored by Bono and the band throughou...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 54 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Buckle in and enjoy one of the most fun episodes of 'My Classic Album' you'll have the pleasure of listening to as Mike is joined by Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura to chat about Steve Vai's third album 'Sex & Religion'. Conceived as a group project and released under the band name Vai, 'Sex & Religion' is an extraordinary album that not only introduced the world to Devin Townsend but also introduced a young Jen Majura to the majesty of Steve Vai and helped kickstart her own journey as ...
Mar 31, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 3Ep. 12
On this episode of 'My Classic Album', Mike takes a journey into the superunknown looking back at Soundgarden's most celebrated album with Canadian singer songwriter VILIVANT. Together Mike and VILIVANT explore how 'Superunknown' launched Soundgarden to mainstream notoriety as the grunge movement hit its apex while being unafraid to wear other genres and creativity firmly on their sleeves. Who was Artis the Spoonman; the street performer who inspired and also performed on the Grammy winning 'Spo...
Mar 15, 2021•1 hr 49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
The AC/DC lovefest continues on 'My Classic Album as friend of the show Damon Johnson returns to share his love for 'Highway To Hell'. Damon recalls the very moment 'Highway To Hell' came into his life and the impact it had from the first three notes. Together Mike and Damon explore the pressures AC/DC were under from Atlantic Records to adapt for mainstream success and how they did it without compromising who they were as a band. Which renowned producer almost produced 'Highway To Hell' before ...
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
