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Album Nerds

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Album picks on a range of topics selected by the all knowing Wheel of Musical Destiny. Two friends and music nerds discuss classic albums across a variety of genres including rock, metal, country, hip-hop, r&b and pop. Nostalgia, nonsense and general nerdery ensue. New episodes every week.

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Episodes

Our Favorite Albums of 2020

Well 2020 has certainly been a year full of things. Thankfully one of those things is some great music. Join us on this extended episode as we count down our top albums of the year and look back on the year that just kept on giving. Can’t wait to hear our picks? Here’s our individual lists. The Dude Honorable Mentions American Aquarium – Lamentations Charley Crocket – Welcome to Hard Times Brent Cobb – Keep Em on they Toes Top 10 10. Sepultura – Quadra 9. The Strokes – The New Abnormal 8. The Wh...

Dec 19, 202247 minEp. 117

Moor Jewelry, Andy Shauf, The Roots, and Pantera

New release selections from Philly underground duo Moor Jewelry and Canadian singer songwriter Andy Shauf. Our Old Dog picks feature a hip-hop concept record from The Roots that tells the story of a mid-level drug dealer. Plus a genre defining record from groove metal group Pantera that is sure to help you blow off some steam. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Moor Jewelry – True Opera Andy Shauf – Neon Skyline The Roots – Undun (2011) Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power...

Dec 19, 202237 minEp. 118

John Baumann, Viagra Boys, Jet, and Fugazi

New release selections from Red Dirt country singer John Baumann and Swedish post-punk group Welfare Jazz. Our Old Dog picks feature a slice of pop culture from Australian rockers Jet. Plus an influential debut record from DC punk legends Fugazi. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: John Baumann – Country Shade (2020) Viagra Boys – Welfare Jazz (2021) Jet – Get Born (2003) Fugazi – 13 Songs (1989) What do you think of these records? What great albums are we missing out on...

Dec 19, 202237 minEp. 119

Celeste, Foo Fighters, Fela Kuti, and David Bowie

New release recommendations from UK singer Celeste and Seattle rock veterans Foo Fighters. Our Old Dog picks feature an energetic release from Afro-beat pioneer Fela Kuti. Plus a look back at David Bowie’s best selling album. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Celeste – Not Your Muse Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight Fela Kuti – Expensive Shit (1975) David Bowie – Let’s Dance (1983) What do you think of these records? What great albums are we missing out on? Email us,...

Dec 18, 202240 minEp. 120

Paul McCartney, Che Noir, Mother Tongue, and Soul Coughing

New release recommendations from English songwriter Sir Paul McCartney and Buffalo NY rapper Che Noir. Our Old Dog picks feature a forgotten alternative rock album from California group Mother Tongue. Plus the third and final release from the M. Doughty led group Soul Coughing. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Paul McCartney – McCartney III Che Noir – As God Intended Mother Tongue – Mother Tongue (1994) Soul Coughing – El Oso (1998) What do you think of these records?...

Dec 18, 202237 minEp. 121

Black Dresses, Mac Leaphart, A$AP Rocky, and Red Hot Chili Peppers

New release recommendations from industrial metal duo Black Dresses and independent country artist Mac Leaphart. Our Old Dog picks feature a mix tape debut from NYC rapper A$AP Rocky that features some of the prominent producers of the time. And the record that put Red Hot Chili Peppers on the map. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Black Dresses – Forever in Your Heart Mac Leaphart – Music City Joke A$AP Rocky – Live. Love. A$AP (2011) Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sug...

Dec 18, 202236 minEp. 122

Austin Meade, Genesis Owusu, Metallica, and Melvins

New release recommendations from Texas-based singer/songwriter Austin Meade as well as Australian hip-hop newcomer Genesis Owusu. Our Old Dog picks feature two heavy, hard-hitting records – the worlds introduction to thrash metal on Metallica’s debut from 1983. As well as a ruckus record from sludge metal vets Melvins. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Austin Meade – Black Sheep Genesis Owusu – Smiling with No Teeth Metallica – Kill Em All (1983) Melvins – The Maggot (...

Dec 18, 202240 minEp. 123

Tomahawk, Shame, Bob Dylan, and Mastodon

New release recommendations from Mike Paton led super-group Tomahawk and a sophomore release from London post-punk band Shame. Our Old Dog picks feature a classic storyteller record from Bob Zimmerman Dylan and progressive rock concept album from Georgia’s own Mastodon. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Tomahawk – Tonic Immobility Shame – Drunk Tank Pink Bob Dylan – Desire (1976) Mastodon – Blood Mountain (2006) What do you think of these records? What great albums are...

Dec 18, 202242 minEp. 125

Black Country, New Road, Greta Van Fleet, Nick Cave, and The Beatles

New release recommendations from UK 7-piece post punk group Black Country, New Road. As well as from Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet. Our Old Dog picks feature two examples of great songwriting – Nick Cave’s intimate and emotional Boatman’s call from 1997. As well as a classic record from late-era Beatles – their 1970 album Let It Be. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Black Country, New Road – For the First Time Greta Van Fleet – The Battle at Garden’s Gate Nick Cav...

Dec 18, 202241 minEp. 124

Jeff Rosenstock, Travis Tritt, Spacemen 3, and Prince

New release recommendations from Jeff Rosenstock and his ska re-thinking of his 2020 album No Dream. And the first new material in 10 years from country veteran Travis Tritt. Our Old Dog picks feature an influential release from psychedelic rock group Spacemen 3. Plus a funky classic from Prince at the height of his powers. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Jeff Rosenstock – Ska Dream Travis Tritt – Set in Stone Spacemen 3 – The Perfect Prescription (1987) Prince – Sig...

Dec 18, 202247 minEp. 126

Dillon Carmichael, Ad Nauseam, U2, and The White Stripes

New release recommendations from country artist Dillon Carmichael and his latest EP. And a challenging release from Italian death metal group Ad Nauseam. Our Old Dog picks revisit a classic records from Irish rock band U2 and garage rockers The White Stripes. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Dillon Carmichael – Hot Beer Ad Nauseam – Imperative Imperceptible Impulse U2 – Joshua Tree (1987) The White Stripes – Elephant (2003) What do you think of these records? What gre...

Dec 18, 202241 minEp. 127

Czarface, Red Fang, MF DOOM, and Guns N’ Roses

New release recommendations from East coast rap outfit Czarface packed with their trademark comic book references. And a sludge rock release from Portland OR band Red Fang that expands on their sound. Our Old Dog picks revisit an influential hip-hop concept record from MF DOOM as well as Guns N’ Roses debut record that would reshape rock in the 80s. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Czarface – Super What? Red Fang – Arrows MF DOOM – Mm.. Food (2004) Guns N’ Roses – App...

Dec 18, 202239 minEp. 128

URNE, The Black Keys, Huey Lewis and the News, and John Lee Hooker

New release recommendations from London metal group URNE who have an excellent debut album. Plus a blues tribute record from rock veterans The Black Keys that showcases their hill country blues roots. Our Old Dog picks revisit a popular release by bar band turned stars, Huey Lewis and the News. As well as classic delta blues record from John Lee Hooker that includes jazz instrumentation. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: URNE – Serpent & Spirit The Black Keys – Del...

Dec 18, 202236 minEp. 129

Dawn Richard, Vincent Neil Emerson, George Lewis, and Pearl Jam

New release recommendations from New Orleans dance and RnB artist Dawn Richard. And a poetic country album from Texan Vincent Neil Emerson. Our Old Dog picks feature a taste of New Orleans jazz from clarinetist George Lewis. Plus the influential debut record from Seattle rock group Pearl Jam. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Dawn Richard – Second Line Vincent Neil Emerson – Vincent Neil Emerson George Lewis – Jazz Funeral in New Orleans (1953) Pearl Jam – Ten (1991) W...

Dec 18, 202237 minEp. 130

Ayron Jones, Cloud Nothings, Joy Division, Beastie Boys, and The Jesus Lizard

New release recommendations from Seattle-based blues rock guitarist Ayron Jones. And Cleveland Ohio punk rock group Cloud Nothings deliver one of their most consistent albums to date. Plus a new segment featuring listener picks we’re calling Stray Cats. Today’s show features a record selection from listener Don – Joy Divisions’ 1979 album Unknown Pleasures. Our old dog selections feature an iconic release from the Beastie Boys as well a filthy punk rock record from The Jesus Lizard. Here’s the f...

Dec 18, 202242 minEp. 131

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, The Killers, Underworld, and Bruce Springsteen

New release recommendations from show favorite King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. And a beautifully crafted storyteller record from The Killers. Our old dog selections feature an influential dance record from Underworld and an iconic album from The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Butterfly 3000 The Killers – Pressure Machine Underworld – Dubnobasswithmyheadman (1994) Bruce Springsteen – Born in ...

Dec 18, 202247 minEp. 132

Royce Wood Junior and The Black Crowes

Our new release recommendation is from UK RnB, electro funk artist Royce Wood Junior. Our old dog selection is from southern rockers The Black Crowes and their debut record from February of 1990. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Royce Wood Junior – No Two Blue Ticks The Black Crowes – Shake Your Money Maker (1990) What do you think of these records? What great albums are we missing out on? Email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Or leave a voicemail at (585) 210-2454‬. Hop...

Dec 18, 202227 minEp. 134

Iron Maiden and Fugi

A new release recommendation from metal veterans Iron Maiden that finds them expanding on their sound in an epic way. Our old dog selection is from Fugi, a 60s funk and soul artist that never really broke through at the time. His one proper release from 1968 is on par with many of the greats of the time. Here’s the full list of album recommendations from the show: Iron Maiden – Senjutsu Fugi – Mary, Don’t Take Me On No Bad Trip (1968) What do you think of these records? What great albums are we ...

Dec 18, 202228 minEp. 133

Alien Weaponry and Nechochwen (Indigenous Metal)

This week we explore two modern metal groups that use their art to tell the story of their ancestors. The Dude brings the new Alien Weaponry record to the table. On it, the band continues to explore their Māori roots – telling many mythical and historical stories of their people. Andy’s Old Dog pick is from West Virginia metal duo Nechochwen and their 2015 record that explores the history of the First Nations people living in the American Northeast. Here’s the album recommendations from the show...

Dec 18, 202227 minEp. 135

Emma-Jean Thackray and Stevie Wonder (Multi-instrumentalists)

Andy’s new release recommendation is the debut record from singer, trumpeter and DJ Emma-Jean Thackray and her record Yellow. Her house infused take on a classic jazz sound is grand and propulsive. Dude’s Old Dog selection comes from the legendary Stevie Wonder and his classic 1973 record Innervisions. The record showcases Wonder’s mastery of numerous instruments and genres as he tells stories of societal and spiritual struggles. We felt so strongly about the overall quality of Innervisions – we...

Dec 18, 202225 minEp. 138

Unto Others and The Cure (Gothic Rock)

Get out your eyeliner – this week we’re talking about two gothic rock records The band formally known as Idle Hands are back with the follow up to their acclaimed 2019 record Mana. This time around their sound is a little less metal and a little more goth rock, pulling heavily from the 80s. For a bit of perspective we dive into one of those influential records, The Cure’s 1982 landmark record Pornography. It’s a record that sees an already gloomy band sink to it’s darkest depths. Special thanks ...

Dec 18, 202232 minEp. 137

Mastodon and Pink Floyd (Dealing With Loss)

The Dude’s new release recommendation is the new Mastodon release Hushed and Grim. It’s an ambitious record that largely focuses on the death of band manager Nick John. Andy’s old dog selection comes from UK rock greats Pink Floyd and their follow up to Dark Side of the Moon. The record is a reaction to their new fame as well as a reflection on former band mate Syd Barrett. Here’s the album recommendations from the show: Mastodon – Hushed and Grim Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975) What do y...

Dec 18, 202234 minEp. 139

Marisa Anderson, William Tyler and The Rolling Stones (What Could Have Been)

This week we discuss two records the deal with what could have been. Marisa Anderson and William Tyler’s first collaborative record was created in the midst of riots, a pandemic and wildfires. They use this backdrop, along with their excellent guitar instrumentals and interesting use of electronics to paint a sonic picture of an alternate reality that never materialized. The Rolling Stones 1969 record Let it Bleed put a cap on the decade and in many ways was a response to the 60s counter-culture...

Dec 18, 202231 minEp. 136

John Denver and Dr. Seuss (A Christmas Quickie)

Ho, ho, ho, yo! For this year’s Christmas Quickie, we’re highlighting two classic holiday records that were featured on TV specials. The Dude’s selection is a far-out collection of holiday standards and originals from folk artist John Denver. The album’s calm, soothing sound and focus on the majestic Rocky Mountains will transport you to a magical place with butterflies, bears and shaggy 70s haircuts. Andy’s recommendation comes straight from a doctor – Dr. Seuss and his classic story of the Gri...

Dec 18, 202222 minEp. 140

Bad Waitress and Patti Smith (Artsy Punk Rock)

Andy’s new release recommendation comes from Canadian punk rock group Bad Waitress. Their debut blends punk and 90s alternative rock in an exciting and dare I say, artsy way. The Dude’s old dog selection features a very artsy album from punk rock influencer Patty Smith. The record deals with heady issues like rebellion and isolation in a poetic and impactful way. Here’s the album recommendations from the show: Bad Waitress – No Taste Patti Smith – Horses (1975) What do you think of these records...

Dec 18, 202226 minEp. 141

Our Favorite Albums of 2021

Here’s a sneak peak at the top half of our lists: Dude 10. Vincent Neil Emerson – Vincent Neil Emerson 9. Ayron Jones – Child of the State 8. Urne – Serpent and Spirit 7. Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight 6. Unto Others – Strength 5. … Andy 10. Marisa Anderson, William Tyler – Lost Futures 9. Black Country, New Road – For the First Time 8. Injury Reserve – By The Time I Get to Phoenix 7. Ad Nauseum – Imperative Imperceptible Impulse 6. Unto Others – Strength 5. … Give a listen for our top pick...

Dec 18, 202254 minEp. 142

Prince

Hey there Nerds! We’ve got a new format and new podcast host in store for you. Join us as we start a new chapter of the show with an old show staple – Prince! Andy kicks things off with 1995’s The Gold Experience, a album mired in record company disputes and speculations, the record marks the first time Prince officially released music as [Love Symbol] (not to be confused with the 1992 record of the same name, of course). Don’s selection – Around the World in a Day – has been labeled the psyched...

Dec 18, 202236 minEp. 143

New Releases

What’s new Nerds? We’ve got a few new releases to share with you fine folks. Andy’s pick comes from indie rock veteran Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters. The record finds Costello channeling his early straight-ahead rock sound – and doing it well. Don’s selection is a folk rock record from Minneapolis-based duo The Cactus Blossoms. It features vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Everly Brothers while sampling the best of 70s country and soft rock. The Dude’s pick comes from the land down ...

Dec 18, 202234 minEp. 144

Live Aid Artists

Live Aid was an epic concert event that took place back in July of 1985. It gathered together the top musicians of the time to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. All the big names were there – from Queen and The Rolling Stones, to Madonna and David Bowie. Join us as we discuss albums from 3 equally influential artists who also played the event. Run-DMC – Run DMC (Andy) Duran Duran – Rio (Don) Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance (Dude) What do you think of these records? What was your ...

Dec 18, 202234 minEp. 145

Debuts

On occasion, an artist will burst onto the scene with a debut album so powerful, it completely shifts your perspective on music. On today’s show we discuss three such albums and how they shaped our musical tastes. Bjork – Debut (Andy) Velvet Underground & Nico – Velvet Underground & Nico (Don) Jeff Buckley – Grace (Dude) What do you think of these records? What debut album changed your taste? Join other music-minded nerds on our Discord, albumnerds.com/discord . Email us, podcast@albumne...

Dec 18, 202237 minEp. 146
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