Like all popular genres, R&B and Soul music has morphed over time to fit modern sounds under it’s wing. In the 90s, the inclusion of hip-hop into popular music had started to ripple out into the surrounding genres; like soul music. Join us as we talk over some of our favorite soul records from the 1990s. Macy Gray – On How Life Is (Andy) Simply Red – Stars (Don) Rahsaan Patterson – Rahsaan Patterson (Dude) What do you think of these albums? What’s your favorite soul album from the 90s? Let u...
May 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 243
Double albums – the topic so nice, we had to cover it twice. Join us as we discuss another round of some of our favorite double LPs. The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main Street (Andy) Donna Summer – Bad Girls (Don) Metallica – …And Justice for All (Dude) What do you think of these double albums? What’s your favorite double album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumner...
May 13, 2024•49 min•Ep. 242
Time to get comfy and put on some double albums. On today’s show we discuss some of our favorite (dare I say classic) double albums. Miles Davis – Bitches Brew (Andy) The Cure – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Don) The Beatles – The Beatles (Dude) What do you think of these double albums? What’s your favorite double album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com . F...
Apr 29, 2024•50 min•Ep. 241
Happy Record Store Day, Nerds! On today’s show we celebrate independent record stores by exploring some of the holiday’s special releases. Here’s our picks: Freddie Gibbs – Pinata (Andy) Mavis Staples – Have a Little Faith (Don) Dio – The Last in Line (Dude) What do you think of these records? What RSD albums are you excited for this year? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery...
Apr 15, 2024•48 min•Ep. 240
From the The Carter Family to the Jackson 5 and the Jonas Brothers – families have found success in the music industry for decades. On today’s show we highlight some of our favorite family-made albums. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar (Andy) The Isley Brothers – Go For Your Guns (Don) Oasis – (What’s The Story) Morning Glory (Dude) What do you think of these records? What albums from family members do you love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Liste...
Apr 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 239
Turns out 2012 wasn’t the end of the world, but it may have seemed like it at the time. With hurricanes, mass shootings and the music of Drake and Luke Bryan dominating the pop charts, I think we all felt the end was nigh ;). Join us as we discuss our favorite best selling albums from that year. The Black Keys – El Camino (Andy) Rihanna – Talk That Talk (Don) Adele – 21 (Dude) What do you think of these records? What albums from 2012 do you love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or ema...
Apr 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 238
During the late 80s and early 90s, Yo! MTV Raps helped to bring the quickly evolving genre of hip-hop into the living room. On today’s show we talk over the TV program and a handful of records from artists featured on the initial run of episodes. Ultramagnetic MC’s – Critical Beatdown (Andy) Eric B. & Rakim – Follow the Leader (Don) Gang Starr – Step into the Arena (Dude) What do you think of these records? What artists were you introduced to by Yo! MTV Raps? Let us know on our website, albu...
Mar 25, 2024•47 min•Ep. 237
Plugin the synths and polish up that disco ball, we’re going electronic on today’s show. (Well, as electronic as we three rock fans can get). Join us as we explore albums that blend electronic components with familiar sounds. LCD Soundsystem – Sound of Silver (Andy) Editors – In this Light and on This Evening (Don) MGMT – Oracular Spectacular (Dude) What do you think of these records? What electronic albums do you love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.c...
Mar 18, 2024•48 min•Ep. 236
Ireland’s rich cultural heritage has produced lots of great art, with music being no exception. On today’s show we highlight a handful of Irish artists that we’ve come to love. Happy St Paddy’s Day! Nealo – November Medicine (Andy) Van Morrison – Astral Weeks (Don) Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia (Dude) What do you think of these records? What Irish artists do you love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the...
Mar 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 235
Great popular music is often a result of creative partnerships. From Gilbert and Sullivan to Lennon and McCartney, men have joined forces and inspired each other to amazing heights. Join us as we discuss records from some of our favorite bromances. Jan & Dean – Little Old Lady From Pasadena (Andy) Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Architecture & Morality (Don) Queens of the Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf (Dude) What do you think of these records? What Bromance-inspired albums do you lo...
Feb 26, 2024•43 min•Ep. 234
As unique as each relationship is, all relationships go through stages. From infatuation to heartbreak and everything in between, music does a great job of expressing the emotions of love. On today’s show we discuss three albums that closely deal with the different phases of a relationship. Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear (Andy) Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (Don) Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill (Dude) What do you think of these records? What albums remind you of a stage of a rela...
Feb 19, 2024•48 min•Ep. 233
Sometimes the spark of making music together can kindle a romance. Bands like Fleetwood Mac, Abba, and Wings all had their romantic pairings – and oftentimes splits. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite records forged in the fires of romance. Tom Waits – Alice (Andy) Jefferson Airplane – Surrealistic Pillow (Don) The White Stripes – White Blood Cells (Dude) What do you think of these records? What band romances affected your favorite music? Comment on our website, albumnerds.com or email u...
Feb 12, 2024•46 min•Ep. 232
What makes music sound sensual? A deep groove? Hazy production? Romantic lyrics? Of course its going to vary by listener, but on today’s show we try to find some common ground. Join us as we discuss three albums we think have sex appeal. Air – Moon Safari (Andy) Cigarettes After Sex – Cigarettes After Sex (Don) Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get it On (Dude) What do you think of these records? What sensual albums do you most often put on? Comment on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumner...
Feb 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 231
Besides the fabulously be-dazzled Solid Gold Dancers, the TV show of the same name featured a wide variety of popular artists of the early to mid 1980s. Even though the performances were lip-synced, the program exposed audiences to all sorts of new music. On today’s show we discuss three albums from artists that appeared on the show, plus other 1980s TV memories. Rick James – Street Songs (Andy) Madonna – Like a Virgin (Don) Twisted Sister – Stay Hungry (Dude) What do you think of these records?...
Jan 29, 2024•45 min•Ep. 230
Over the last few decades, the VMA’s have been a plentiful source of meme-worthy moments from the day's most popular musicians. On today’s show we discuss records from three Video of the Year winners and talk over some of our favorite music videos. Taylor Swift – Midnights (Andy) R.E.M. – Out of Time (Don) The Cars – Heartbeat City (Dude) What do you think of these records? What VMA winner do you listen to most? Comment on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Listen ...
Jan 22, 2024•42 min•Ep. 229
Country music is particularly great at telling a story. Whether it’s gunslingers in the old west, or troubled relationships in a modern day setting, country music is great at shining a light on the lives of everyday people doing everyday things. On today’s show we discuss 3 albums that have plenty of good stories to tell. Marty Robbins – Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs (Andy) Brandy Clark – 12 Stories (Don) Sturgill Simpson – The Ballad of Dood and Juanita (Dude) What do you think of these re...
Jan 16, 2024•43 min•Ep. 228
Cover albums are essentially love letters from a band to their influences. Some pull from a variety of artists, others focus on one. Some even go as far as doing a track-by-track rendition of the entire record. On today’s show we explore one of each type of cover album. Angelique Kidjo – Remain in Light (Andy) The The – Hanky Panky (Don) Metallica – Garage Inc (Dude) What do you think of these records? What cover albums do you enjoy? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or ...
Jan 08, 2024•42 min•Ep. 227
As 2023 comes to a close, we look back and highlight the new releases that stood-out to us. Join us as we discuss honorable mentions and pick our fav albums of the year. Happy New Year! PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year Dying (Andy) Peter Gabriel – I/O (Don) Charles Wesley Godwin – Family Ties (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite record of 2023? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Cast your vote for on-going ...
Dec 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 226
Join us for our annual holiday extravaganza as we review some of the best selling Christmas albums of all time. Plus we get plenty of holiday album picks from friends and listeners. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy a warm cup of your favorite nerds. Happy Holidays! Susan Boyle – The Gift (Andy) Kenny G – Miracles: The Holiday Album (Don) Mannheim Steamroller – Christmas (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite holiday album? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/...
Dec 12, 2023•48 min•Ep. 225
Besides being known for rain and coffee, Seattle has a rich musical history. From as far back as Jimi Hendrix, through the grunge movement of the 90s, to the Sub Pop label that’s still relevant today – something about the city seems to inspire good music. On today’s show we discuss some of our favorite albums from Seattle artists. 7 Year Bitch – Viva Zapata! (Andy) Death Cab of Cutie – Plans (Don) Soundgarden – Superunknown (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite record f...
Dec 04, 2023•45 min•Ep. 224
We often end up focusing on albums from early in the careers of our favorite artists, when they’re at the supposed peak of their creative powers. On today’s show we take a listen to the latest releases from some of our favorite legendary artists. Nas – Magic 3 (Andy) Sting – The Bridge (Don) Metallica – 72 Seasons (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite latest album from a legend? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.c...
Nov 20, 2023•43 min•Ep. 223
The 2010s saw country music continue to thrive as it increasingly merged with other popular genres. On today’s show, we talk over 3 records from Billboard’s staff list of the top country albums of the decade. Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour (Andy) Keith Urban – Ripcord (Don) Luke Combs – This One’s for You (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite country record from the 2010s? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Ca...
Nov 13, 2023•40 min•Ep. 222
Sometimes songs are as important to a film as the images. Iconic scenes are often paired with a classic song. On today’s show we talk about albums that feature a song that’s forever etched into our memories by a movie. Stealers Wheel – Stealers Wheel (Andy) The Replacements – Pleased to Meet Me (Don) Queen – A Night at the Opera (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite song featured in a movie? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast...
Nov 06, 2023•41 min•Ep. 221
This just in – it’s new release time! Every few months we like to take a moment to see what’s shaking in the world of new releases. We picked out a choice few to share with you: Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows (Andy) Wilco – Cousin (Don) Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite recent new release? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Cast your vote for on-going Album Nerds Hall of Fame ...
Oct 30, 2023•41 min•Ep. 220
One of the most iconic aspects of the metal genre are the epic guitar riffs and solos. Known for being loud, fast and intricate, metal guitarists are amazing to behold – somehow pulling off complex passages while headbanging in a cloud of hair. Join us as we discuss three records that feature guitar shredding capable of melting any face. Death – Human (Andy) Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (Don) Anthrax – Among the Living (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite metal guit...
Oct 23, 2023•42 min•Ep. 219
The top of the Billboard charts in the mid-80s is packed with a surprisingly diverse collection of stars like Whitney Houston, ZZ Top and Phil Collins. If you love squeaky clean production (and who doesn’t), get on your legwarmers and settle-in as we revisit some of the top albums from 1986. Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms (Andy) Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (Don) Janet Jackson – Control (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album from 1986? Tell us on the Album Ne...
Oct 16, 2023•42 min•Ep. 218
Protest songs are a pivotal part of social and political change. Issues ranging from human rights to war and prohibition have benefited from music written about their causes. On today’s show we dive into 3 albums that focus on creating change. Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine (Andy) Phil Ochs – I Ain’t Marching Anymore (Don) Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite protest record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, ...
Oct 09, 2023•44 min•Ep. 217
Prince's classic album Purple Rain is often lauded not only as a high point in his career, but also in popular music. The album acts as a soundtrack of sorts for the film of the same name, but ultimately its an intimate record about Prince himself. Join us as we dive deep into Purple Rain. Prince - Purple Rain (1984) What do you think of Purple Rain? What's your favorite Prince record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . Cast your vote...
Oct 03, 2023•33 min•Ep. 216
Funk largely grew out of 60s rock and RnB, but its influence can be heard in many of the surrounding genres. On today’s show we explore funk-infused records. Here’s our album picks: Jaco Pastorius – Jaco Pastorius (Andy) Chic – Risqué (Don) Living Colour – Vivid (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite funk fusion record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com . There’s 1 week left to vote for Sly and the Family Stone...
Sep 25, 2023•41 min•Ep. 215
This one goes out to all the late night FM radio dial explorers. The Quiet Storm radio format originated back in the 1970s and gave rise to a new RnB sub-genre. On today’s show we discuss albums from the genres creation through modern day.Smokey Robinson – A Quiet Storm (Andy)Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly (Don)D’Angelo – Voodoo (Dude)What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite Quiet Storm record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@alb...
Sep 18, 2023•46 min•Ep. 214
