We complete our 2017 year end countdown of our favorite records of the year that was. In this episode we cover numbers 5-1. 5 Mastodon – Emperor of Sand (Dude) The seventh studio album from the Atlanta, GA progressive metal band that sees them returning to their concept record roots. Downtown Boys – Cost of Living (Andy) A raucous, post-punk rock record with lyrics focused on social and economic inequalities. 4 Pallbearer – Heartless (Dude) The third full-length album by the American doom metal ...
Jan 07, 2023•34 min•Ep. 60
We kick off our 2018 edition of the Essential Project where we dig deep into a particular genre, bringing you the important records and historical context you need to be a true Album Nerd. This year we’re focusing on NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) and Funk music. Our first NWOBHM record is from a ‘what-could-have-been’ band named Angel Witch and their 1980 album by the same name. They helped to pioneer the fast, metallic, proto-thrash style that would mature into the modern metal sound...
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 61
We look back on the year that was 1995. As we reared our heads out of the grunge movement, what was left? A new wave of rock bands emerged, trying to capitalize on the Seattle sound. Hip-hop continued to move into the mainstream. And of course, there’s always Weird Al to put his spin on it all. We combined our individual lists to arrive at this top 5: Honorable Mentions GZA – Liquid Swords Mobb Deep – The Infamous Mad Season – Mad Season Alice in Chains – Alice in Chains 5. Candlebox – Lucy The ...
Jan 07, 2023•28 min•Ep. 62
Alright, we’re settling back into our usual grove with to some new releases recommendations on this week’s show. We’ve scoured the new release charts and review columns from the last few months to bring you these 2 new records that we think simply rock. And as an added bonus they’re both uplifting, positive records which is always welcomed to help fight the post-holiday blues. The Dude’s pick comes from a singer/songwriter hailing from Pennsylvanian by the name of Longhorne Slim. He put out a ch...
Jan 07, 2023•20 min•Ep. 63
This week on the show we’re talking about blue – specifically 2 albums that use the word in their titles. The Dude’s pick is the 2009 comeback record from Alice in Chains. An amazingly relevant sounding record from a band that had been on hiatus for over a decade. Many of the songs deal with the loss of the bands longtime lead singer, Layne Staley who passed away in 2002. New vocalists and rhythm guitarist William DuVall fills the hole nicely as the band picks up right where they left off. Andy ...
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 64
Join us for our second installment in this years Essential project – where we dig deep into a genre and bring you the albums that matter most. This year we’re covering the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and Funk genres. Today on the show we talk about records from two very influential and well-known bands – Iron Maiden and Parliament. In 1980, Iron Maiden released their debut record to much critical and commercial success. Their combination of punk and progressive rock sound was perfec...
Jan 07, 2023•20 min•Ep. 65
1980 was a transitional year for music. Punk was slowly giving way to a new type of sound – you might even call it a new wave. Join us as we count down our top 5 favorite albums from that year. #5 U2 – Boy The debut record from a band that seemingly has always existed. They earn our this position for sounding amazingly well formed and polished at this early stage of their career. #4 The Feelies – Crazy Rhythms A lesser known NYC indie rock staple that would go on to influence some of the more po...
Jan 07, 2023•34 min•Ep. 66
On this edition of the Album Nerds Podcast, we recommend a new release from one of our favorite bands – southern rockers The Sheepdogs and their new record Changing Colours. The group was first brought to our attention when they won a Rolling Stone contest back in 2011. We discuss the publications relevance in today’s music scene as well as our personal history’s with the magazine. Then we dive head first in the new album, highlighting our favorite tracks, talking about the recording process and...
Jan 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 67
This week on the show we discuss two loosely connected albums – The Cult’s 1989 smash hit Sonic Temple and The Sonics 1965 debut full length, Here’s Are the Sonics!!! – both ‘sonic’ albums. Sonic Temple finds The Cult trying several different musical styles – from crunchy 70’s grooves to mellow ballads and commercial ’80s hard rock. The standout tracks like Fire Woman, American Horse, New York City, and CD-only track Medicine Train make the album worth returning to after all these years. Here ar...
Jan 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 68
Time for another entry in our New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Funk genres Essential Project! This week we dive into two classic albums from 80s rockers Def Leppard and funk master supreme Bootsy Collins and his backing group the Rubberband. In the early 80s Def Leppard was young and looking for a sound to set them apart of from their NWOBHM contemporaries. Their second full length record, High ‘N’ Dry finds them taking the early steps from heavy metal to the pop metal sound that would propel...
Jan 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 69
We were so excited about these 2 new records, that we had to break from our usual routine to talk about them ASAP. Longtime rockers, Judas Priest have emerged with a new energy and a great new record called Firepower. The Dude discusses what the band has been up to as of late and what makes this record so special. Andy brings up a more recent success story in the form of left-field hip hop group Young Fathers. They have a new full length titled Cocoa Sugar that has been receiving critical praise...
Jan 07, 2023•24 min•Ep. 70
In honor of the Easter holiday, we’re counting down our Fav 5 comeback albums. Join us as we talk over the albums that put these popular bands back on the map. It’s Nerd or Nothin!
Jan 07, 2023•32 min•Ep. 71
How is Pink Floyd connected to Mastodon? They’re both fans of great works of fiction. Join us as we breakdown 2 classic albums based on famous literature. Nerd it!
Jan 07, 2023•30 min•Ep. 72
Essential listening is what we do. This week on the show we have another installment of our essential New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Funk series. We discuss influential thrash metal group Diamond Head and their stellar debut record Lightning to the Nations. Also on the show we talk over George Clinton spin-off project Parlet and their 1979 album Invasion of the Booty Snatchers – a fun listen from the P-funk crew. Want a free album recommendation? Hit us up on albumnerds.com and tell us what...
Jan 07, 2023•31 min•Ep. 73
Spring is upon us and it’s brought with it some great new music. We’ve got 2 new album recommendations for ya this week- one from southern rockers Blackberry Smoke and the other from underground hip-hop duo Jean Grae and Quelle Chris.
Jan 07, 2023•29 min•Ep. 74
Whoa – we’re back. After a bit of an extended vacation, we’re back to discuss new releases from psychedelic rocker King Tuff and country artist Brent Cobb. Aaaaand we’re stoked to introduce a new member to the show – our longtime friend Scott! He’ll be helping keep us on track and adding in some flavor from his own music background. As always, thanks for listening.
Jan 07, 2023•20 min•Ep. 75
We’ve got two very different, but equally exciting new releases to share with you on the show today. The first is a relatively short collection of tracks from the hip-hop super group Kids See Ghosts. Kanye West and Kid Cuddi are back together and putting out some of their best material on this fresh and moody collection songs. We then shift over to the heavier side of the spectrum and discuss Salt Lake Cities very own Visigoth and their new power metal album Conqueror’s Oath. It features excelle...
Jan 07, 2023•26 min•Ep. 77
How are Led Zeppelin and Beck connected? Find out as we discuss their classic records III and Sea Change.
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 76
Today on the show we discuss the connection between two seemingly very different 70s rock albums. Lou Reed’s Berlin is a tragic rock opera that expands on the punk rock sound of Transformer. Music from The Elder is Kiss’s foray into progressive rock and music-based storytelling. Neither record was very well received critically at the time of their release, but that’s not all that ties them together. Tell us your thoughts and what you’d like us to review next – podcast@albumnerds.com Thanks for l...
Jan 07, 2023•26 min•Ep. 78
What it is, music nerds. Today on the show we have 2 new release recommendations for all you rock fans out there. First up we discuss the new Parquet Courts album Wide Awake. It’s a jangly, uptempo indie rock record that is sure to top many year end lists. We also talk over Irish rockers Maverick and there new album Cold Star Dancer. They’re an intriguing new group with an 80s rock sound. Hear their thoughts on trying to break into a scene largely controlled by 60 year old rock veterans. What’s ...
Jan 07, 2023•27 min•Ep. 79
Today on the podcast we’ve got 2 album recommendations for ya with an unlikely connection. Australian band Silverchair are most known for the contributions to the grudge sound of the 90s, however their sound continued to evolve well into the 2000s. For their final record, they released a beautifully produced pop-rock record entitled Young Modern. Join us as we talk over the records merits and its tie-in with a lesser-known American composer by the name of Van Dyke Parks.
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 80
LA Woman from The Doors and Nirvana’s In Utero both came right before the tragic deaths of their lead singers. The Doors were at a transitional phase, as Morrison became less and less interested in being a rock star. Los Angeles here seems to represent that part of their lives and this record is their goodbye to it. Nirvava’s new fame as a result of Nevermind really put Cobain into a dark place. In Utero explores the depths of depression and everything that comes with it. And yet somehow, buried...
Jan 07, 2023•28 min•Ep. 81
Today on the show we recommend two great records that draw inspiration from the cities they were created in. Alternative rock veterans Alice in Chains have quietly released three solid rock records over the last ten years. The latest coming this August titled Rainier Fog. The album features the sludgy sound Jerry Cantrell and crew developed in the 90s, but with a modern edge. The record title and lyrical content deal with topics of home, growing up, dealing with the past and moving on. While not...
Jan 07, 2023•27 min•Ep. 82
Yo! Your favorite nerds are back with 6 album recommendations for your spring music listening pleasure. As always, thanks for listening. Tell us what you’ve been listening to and what we should review next – podcast@albumnerds.com .
Jan 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 83
New release album recommendations from Alt-country group American Aquarium, Austrlian synth band Methyl Ethel, grudge rockers Joyous Wolf, and indie-rock legend Bob Mould. Also, nods back to classic records from Lemonheads and The Allman Brothers Band.
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 84
New album recommendations from show-favorite Quaker City Nighthawks, up and comer metal group Idle Hands, and NYC punk group Show Me the Body. Plus happy songs from James Blake, a duet from country legends Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, and a hip-hop DJ mix from DJ Krush. Here’s the album recommendation list from the show: Idle Hands – Mana (2019) James Blake – Assume Form (2019) Quaker City Nighthawks – QCNH (2019) Show Me the Body – Dog Whistle (2019) Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard- Django ...
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 85
New album recommendations from New Zealand power trio Alien Weaponry, Australian singer Julia Jacklin, and gifted American songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin. Plus a new take on Henryk Gorecki’s Symphony No 3, an extreme metal record from Dillinger Escape Plan, and a fun entry from VH1 darlings Flickerstick. Here’s the album recommendation list from the show: Charles Wesley Godwin – Seneca (2019) Henryk Gorecki – Symphony No 3 (2019) Alien Weaponry – TU (2019) Julia Jacklin – Crushing (2019) Flick...
Jan 07, 2023•24 min•Ep. 86
New album recommendations from guitar wizard Gary Clark Jr, R&B legend Mavis Staples, and heartfelt American songwriter Myles Kennedy. Plus a new punk rock record from Priests, a classic release from INXS, and an influential statement from Nightmares on Wax. Here’s the album recommendation list from the show: Myles Kennedy – Year of the Tiger (2018) Mavis Staples – We Get By (2019) Gary Clark Jr – This Land (2019) Priests – The Seduction of Kansas (2019) INXS – Welcome to Whenever You Are (1...
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 87
New album recommendations from British rapper Little Simz, Alt rockers Ours, and Mississippi blues rock musician Bishop Gunn. Plus a dancey release from Toro y Moi, a straight-to-the-point metal record from Haunt, not to mention a makeout record from Lovage. Here’s the album recommendation list from the show: Haunt – If Icarus Could Fly (2019) Little Simz – GREY Area (2019) Bishop Gunn – Natchez (2018) Toro y Moi – Outer Peace (2019) Ours – Distorted Lullabies (2001) Lovage – Music to Make Love ...
Jan 07, 2023•24 min•Ep. 88
New album recommendations from Seattle rocker Reignwolf, avantgarde legends Captain Beefheart, and Texas-based country group Flatland Cavalry. Plus a new history-steeped RnB record from Jamila Woods, a jazz album from saxophonist Cochemea, not to mention a classic release from Kiss. Here’s the album recommendation list from the show: Flatland Cavalry – Homeland Insecurity (2019) Jamila Woods – Legacy! Legacy! (2019) Reignwolf – Hear Me Out (2019) Cochemea – All My Relations (2019) Kiss – Creatur...
Jan 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 89
