Bands Across America: Texas St. Vincent – St. Vincent (2014) & Ryan Bingham – Fear and Saturday Night (2015) Our summer road trip rumbles into Texas—the Lone Star State, where musical legends roam just as freely as longhorn cattle. From the genre-blurring art-pop genius of Dallas native Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) to the dust-worn Americana storytelling of Ryan Bingham, our two stops this week show just how wide the Texas soundscape can stretch. We get funky, fearless, and a little bit hea...
Aug 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 302
Bands Across America: Florida Miami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (1985) & Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes (1979) Our summer album road trip rolls into Florida—the land of sunshine, Latin pop crossovers, and resilient American rock. This week, we spin through two defining Florida albums and highlight what else we’ve been “diggin’.” What’s Inside Miami Sound Machine – Primitive Love (August 1985) Produced by Emilio Estefan Jr., this is the record that propelled Miami Sou...
Aug 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 301
Bands Across America: Northern California Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970) & Journey – Frontiers (1983) Our journey lands in Northern California—home of counterculture trailblazers, iconic inventions, and musical legends. We spotlight two classic albums from Bay Area giants and dig into what makes the region an endless well for music lovers and explorers alike. What’s Inside - Grateful Dead – Workingman’s Dead (1970): Palo Alto’s Grateful Dead hit a milestone with their fourth studio...
Jul 28, 2025•46 min•Ep. 300
Bands Across America: Southern California Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Déjà Vu (1970) & Stone Temple Pilots – Core (1992) Our summer musical road trip cruises into Southern California—a region defined by sunshine, reinvention, and boundless creativity. This episode shines a light on two era-defining albums from bands that helped shape the sound of SoCal, from the dream-like harmonies of the ‘70s to the gritty alt-rock thunder of the ‘90s. What’s Inside: - Crosby, Stills, Nash & You...
Jul 21, 2025•50 min•Ep. 299
Bands Across America: North Carolina Ben Folds Five – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner (1999) & James Taylor – JT (1977) Our summer musical road trip rolls into North Carolina, a state rich in musical heritage and home to artists who have shaped the sound of jazz, folk, hip-hop, and alt-rock. This week, we spotlight two albums from North Carolina natives who brought their unique voices to the world stage: Ben Folds Five and James Taylor. We dive into their creative ambition, em...
Jul 15, 2025•46 min•Ep. 298
Bands Across America: Indiana Michael Jackson – Bad (1987) & Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987) Our summer musical road trip hits Indiana, the Hoosier State, home to pop royalty and hard rock legends. This week, we spotlight two iconic albums from Indiana natives who changed the sound and shape of popular music: Michael Jackson and Guns N’ Roses. We dive into the creative ambition, cultural impact, and lasting legacy of these genre-defining records. What’s Inside - Michael Jacks...
Jul 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 297
Bands Across America: Arkansas Johnny Cash – With His Hot and Blue Guitar (1957) & Al Green – Call Me (1973) Our summer road trip rolls through Arkansas, the Natural State, where the roots of American music run deep. This week, we spotlight two legendary artists whose Arkansas origins helped shape the sound of country and soul: Johnny Cash and Al Green. We dig into Cash’s stark, game-changing debut and Green’s lush, emotionally rich soul masterpiece—two albums that capture the spirit and com...
Jun 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 296
Bands Across America: Ohio The Raspberries – Starting Over (1974) & Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral (1994) Our summer road trip rolls into Ohio, the Buckeye State and a cradle of American music innovation. This week, we spotlight two albums that showcase Ohio’s extraordinary range: the power-pop brilliance of The Raspberries’ swan song Starting Over , and the industrial angst of Nine Inch Nails’ genre-defining The Downward Spiral . Join us as we dig into the legacies, standout tracks, ...
Jun 17, 2025•45 min•Ep. 295
Bands Across America: Alabama Commodores – Commodores (1977) & Jimmy Buffett – Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977) We roll into Alabama for the first stop on our summer road trip! This week, we spotlight two classic albums from artists with deep Alabama roots: the genre-blending funk and soul of the Commodores’ self-titled LP, and Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back, introspective Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. Join us as we explore the musical heritage of the Yellowhammer S...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min•Ep. 294
## Record Rumble: Beatle Battle – John Lennon vs. Paul & Linda McCartney It’s the ultimate post-Beatles showdown! In the grand finale of our Record Rumbles series, we pit two landmark solo albums head-to-head: John Lennon’s raw, confessional Plastic Ono Band (1970) versus Paul & Linda McCartney’s whimsical, genre-bending Ram (1971). We break down standout tracks, production styles, and the personal and musical jabs traded between these legendary ex-bandmates. Which album delivers the kno...
Jun 02, 2025•42 min•Ep. 293
Record Rumble: Reba McEntire vs. Lainey Wilson It’s a battle of country queens! We pit Reba McEntire’s acoustic retrospective Not That Fancy (2023) against Lainey Wilson’s bold, personal Whirlwind (2024). We break down standout tracks, production, and debate which artist best represents country music today. Diggin’: • Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Carpe Diem, Moonman (2024) • Midland – On the Rocks (2017) • Caamp – Copper Changes Color (2024) • Dexter and The Moonrocks – Happy To Be Here (2024) Wh...
May 27, 2025•41 min•Ep. 292
Few experiences match the raw energy and communal thrill of a live performance. This week, we pit two titans of concert recordings against each other in a clash that celebrates musicianship and the power of a bands feeding off the roar of the crowd. These iconic releases have each become cultural touchstones, transforming their creators from rising stars into household names and forever changing the way fans experience music beyond the studio. We will figure out which live album best captures th...
May 19, 2025•45 min•Ep. 291
Prepare for a clash of post-grunge titans as two of the most polarizing, arena-filling albums from the heyday of radio-friendly “butt rock” go head-to-head in a battle of anthems, angst, and unapologetic power chords. Nickelback – Silver Side Up (2001) Creed – Human Clay (1999) Other Diggins The Band Feel – Into the Sun (EP) 2025 D’Angelo – Black Messiah (2014) Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia (2025) Billy Idol – Dream Into It (2025) What do you think of these records? Which record do...
May 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 290
We have a great show for you today – we will be kicking the tires on our Record Rumbles Series, where two classic albums enter the ring and go head to head and toe to toe. We will compare key tracks, discuss the albums, and decide which is the king of the ring! The Cure – Disintegration (1989) Metallica – Metallica (1991) Other Diggins Ghost – Skeletá Metallica – Garage Inc. Arcade Fire – Pink Elephant (May 9, 2025) Lord Huron – “Nothing I Need” What do you think of these records? Which record d...
May 05, 2025•43 min•Ep. 289
1988 was a year rich in cultural landmarks – from Die Hard to The Wonder Years and the start of Nike’s iconic ‘Just Do It’ campaign. Join us as we dig into some of our own personal favorite albums from the year. Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking (1988) Anita Baker – Giving You the Best That I Got (1988) Iron Maiden – Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) Other Diggins The Murder Capital – Blindness (2025) Nao – Jupiter (2025) Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe – Luminal (2025) & Lateral (2025) P...
Apr 29, 2025•47 min•Ep. 288
Side projects can be interesting venues for artists to showcase a different side of their creativity than we get to see in their main group. On today’s show we dive into records from groups that are off-shoots from some of our favorite bands. Hot Tuna – Burgers (1972) Arcadia – So Red the Rose (1985) Mad Season – Above (1995) Other Diggins FACS – Wish Defense (2025) Mandrake Handshake – Earth-Sized Worlds (2025) Pulp – More (June 6, 2025) Turnstile – Never Enough (June 6, 2025) The Darkness – Dr...
Apr 20, 2025•49 min•Ep. 287
On today’s show we’re shinning the Album Nerds spotlight on iconic record producer Roy Thomas Baker. Join us as we get down with RTB and some of his classic albums from the 70s and 80s. Robert Calvert – Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters (1974) T’Pau – Bridge of Spies (1987) Queen – Sheer Heart Attack (1974) Other Diggins James Brandon Lewis – Apple Cores (2025) Richard Dawson – End of the Middle (2025) Wet Leg – Moisturizer (July 11, 2025) ALO (Animal Liberation Organization) – Frames (2025)...
Apr 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 286
Record Store Day 2025 is upon us! Join us as we discuss some of the special releases that are part of the holiday. Don’t forget to support your local record shop on Saturday April 12th! Thelonious Monk – Mulligan Meets Monk (1957) Hindu Love Gods – Hindu Love Gods (1990) The Sword – Warp Riders (2010) Other Diggins Larry June – Life is Beautiful (2025) Heartworms – Glutton for Punishment (2025) The Alarm – Transformation (June 6, 2025) The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers (Spring 2025) Alien Wea...
Apr 08, 2025•50 min•Ep. 285
Singles?! What podcast is this? Don’t be fooled – it’s still your favorite album nerds, but this week we’re taking a break from albums to talk about influential singles. Join us as we dive deep into some of our favorite singles. The Penguins – Hey Senorita / Earth Angel (1954) The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane (1967) Pearl Jam – Jeremy (1992) Other Diggins Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Glib Tongued (2025) Deerhoof – Immigrant Songs (2025) Marianne Faithful – Burning Moo...
Mar 31, 2025•47 min•Ep. 284
On occasion, an album wows us with not only its greatness, but also with the new sounds it’s using. On today’s show we’re talking all about albums that introduced new instruments, created their own genres and inspired musicians for generations to come. Babatunde Olatunji – Drums of Passion (1960) Kraftwerk – Autobahn (1974) Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are you Experienced? (1967) Other Diggins Ebo Taylor – Ebo Taylor JID022 (2025) Dream Theater – Parasomnia (2025) Chappell Roan – The Giver (2025) M...
Mar 24, 2025•46 min•Ep. 283
The social change and cultural upheaval of the late 1960s produced some of the most creative, boundary-pushing music of any modern era. On today’s show we discuss albums from the pivotal year in music that was 1968. Jeff Beck – Truth (1968) Dionne Warwick – Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls (1968) Iron Butterfly – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968) Other Diggins Bonnie Prince Billy – The Purple Bird (2025) Matt Berry – Heard Noises (2025) Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars (May 2, 2025) David Johansen ...
Mar 17, 2025•49 min•Ep. 282
To get in the mood for St Patrick’s Day, on today’s show we’re focusing on some of Ireland’s top albums (according to the Irish Times). Pour yourself a pint of whatever you please and join us! The Pogues – Rum Sodomy & the Lash (1985) Enya – Watermark (1988) U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987) Other Diggins Benjamin Booker – Lower (2025) Ghais Guevara – Goyard Ibn Said (2025) Smokey Robinson – What the World Needs Now (April 25, 2025) The Men – Buyer Beware (2025) Eddie Chacon – Lay Low (2025) Fonta...
Mar 11, 2025•50 min•Ep. 281
Sometimes (more so in recent years) country albums are so beloved they find appeal not only with country music fans, but also with a larger pop audience. On today’s episode we discuss three albums that were able to make that leap. Glen Campbell – Rhinestone Cowboy (1975) The Chicks – Home (2002) Florida Georgia Line – Dig Your Roots (2016) Other Diggins Tunng – Love You All Over Again (2025) Anna B Savage – You and I are Earth (2025) The Vapors – Wasp In a Jar (2025) Basia Bulet – Basia’s Palace...
Mar 05, 2025•47 min•Ep. 280
Besides snow and cold, the winter months can also bring along a dose of malaise and depression. Luckily, music can help shake off those sad feelings and remind us that happier (and warmer) times aren’t that far off. Join us as we discuss 3 albums that we use as winter antidepressants. Mavis Staples – Livin’ on a High Note (2016) The Lightning Seeds – Cloudcuckooland (1990) Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986) Other Diggins FKA Twigs – EUSEXUA (2025) Rose City Band – Sol Y Sombra (2025) Michigande...
Feb 24, 2025•44 min•Ep. 279
With Valentines Day right around the corner, we thought it might be fun to listen to some favorites from our spouses’ music collections. Music is after all, a great way to get to know a person a deeper level. Join us as we discuss our luv-ahs favorite records and try to keep ourselves out of the doghouse. Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995) Night Ranger – Midnight Madness (1983) Elton John – Captain Fantastic and the The Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975) Other Diggins ...
Feb 10, 2025•49 min•Ep. 278
The “sophomore slump” is an all too common phenomena in the music industry. Following up a break-through record with one equally as successful requires talent and dedication. Join us as we discuss 3 successful sophomore albums. Led Zeppelin – II (1969) A Tribe Called Quest – Low end Theory (1991) The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (1993) Other Diggins Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature (2025) Franz Ferdinand – The Human Fear (2025) Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy (Mar 2025) Flipturn – Burnout Da...
Feb 03, 2025•48 min•Ep. 277
Certain albums serve as a crossroads in an artists career, opening a path towards a new sound or a new audience. Occasionally these records are so impactful, they shift entire genres. On today’s show we discuss 3 albums that reshaped an artists career and the musical landscape of the time. Beck – Odelay (1996) Dusty Springfield – Dusty in Memphis (1969) Tom Petty – Full Moon Fever (1989) Other Diggins Skinner – New Wave Vaudeville (2025) Moonchild Sanelly – Full Moon (2025) The Devil Makes Three...
Jan 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 276
Popular music often finds itself in the midst of social controversy. Something about it works well when it comes to challenging norms and pushing boundaries. On today’s show we discuss records that stirred-up plenty of controversy. Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar (1996) N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton (1988) W.A.S.P. – W.A.S.P (1984) Other Diggins Warpstormer – Warpstormer (2024) Caixa Cubo – Modo Aviao (2024) Paul Heaton – The Mighty Several (2024) Ethel Cain – Perverts (2025) Lambrini Gi...
Jan 20, 2025•49 min•Ep. 275
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 (1984) Other Diggins Ka – The Thief Next to Jesus (2024) Father John Misty – Mahashmashana (2024) Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink ...
Jan 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 274
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 Geordie Greep – The New Sound (2024) Laura Marling – Patterns in Repeat (2024) King Diamond – Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920 (2025) Chappell Roan – The Rise ...
Jan 06, 2025•47 min•Ep. 273
