On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Buddy Guy's "This is Buddy Guy" . Released in 1968, it was his first live album, released shortly after his first studio album. The album is a time capsule of an early part of his solo career, following years of being a musician in fellow blues musician Muddy Waters touring band, and playing as a session guitarist at Chess Records. Since its release, Buddy Guy has put out a staggering 32 studio albums and 14 m...
May 26, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 39
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Lucy Rose's "This Ain't the Way You Go Out" . Released on April 19, 2024, it had the misfortune of coming out on the same day as Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department". Critics praised the jazzy, upbeat sound of the album, and noted the lyrics were vibrant and full of life. But will the boys find the album to be beautiful and raw, or will they find it overcooked and bland? Come along and find out!...
May 18, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 38
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, the boys are joined by Sarah Farrell, our most vocal - and most local fan. Sarah brought us Beyonce's newest album, "Cowboy Carter" . Released at the end of March 2024, the album immediately entered the chart with 23 of its tracks in the Hot 100. The album subsequently went to #1 in over 30 countries. Her first foray into the Country genre, the album was both welcomed and spurned by people in the Country community. But will this album lasso the boys hear...
May 12, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 37
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Fatboy Slim's "Palookaville". Released in 2004, it is the last studio album from Fatboy Slim, a.k.a Norman Cook. Continuing his style of loops and beats, the album was released to mixed reviews, with many reviewers calling it a low-point in his career. Several reviewers also noted that the album could've used another pass to remove unnecessary songs. But what will the boys think? Will this album only appeal ...
May 04, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 36
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, The Offspring's "Smash" . Released in April 1994, the album has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Riding a wave of success for punk groups such as Green Day and Rancid in the mid-90s, the album was a huge breakout hit for the band. Four singles from the album charted, and the album has sold 11 million copies since its release. It holds the record for most sales for an album released on an independent recor...
Apr 27, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 35
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Kings of Convenience's "Peace or Love" . Their fourth album, it was released 12 years after their previous album. Many of the songs on this album had been performed live in the previous decade and some of them had even been recorded in a studio, but the duo was not convinced the versions were good enough. The album was released to positive reviews, with a number of reviewers noting that it was a welcome return ...
Apr 21, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 34
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of records they have bought, but never played. First up is Jamie's pick, Nirvana's "In Utero" , released in 1993. It was the last Nirvana album released in Kurt Cobain's lifetime and had two of their most successful singles on it. Second up is Plouffe's pick, Live's "Throwing Copper" , released in 1994. This album was a huge success for the band, having four big singles and was one of the most popular albums of...
Apr 14, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 2Ep. 33
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, The Bicycle Thief's "You Come and Go Like a Pop Song" . Released in 1999, it is the only album from the duo of Bob Forrest and Josh Klinghoffer, who are joined on this album by a myriad of other musicians. One of these musicians is John Frusciante, who in 1999, had returned to the Red Hot Chili Peppers as their guitarist, and who Josh Klinghoffer in turn replaced in 2009. The album comprises 13 tracks on bot...
Apr 07, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 32
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, REO Speedwagon's "Hi Infidelity" . Released in 1980, it was their breakout album, with two hits in the top five, both of which were played on the first day of broadcast for MTV. Since release, the album has sold over 11 million copies and hits such as Take it on the Run and Keep on Lovin' You have become staples of classic rock radio. But will the boys find this album a staple of this podcast? Come along and f...
Mar 31, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 31
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, the boys are joined by Arthur Rafael, the social media manager at Linus Media Group. Arthur brought Yeat's "Lyfe" , an album in the rage genre of hip-hop. Along the way, Arthur explains Yeat's origins, his path to success and how he represents part of the future of the genre. Are we in a new era of hip-hop? Will the boys resonate with this album? Come along and find out!
Mar 24, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 30
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Empire of the Sun's "Walking on a Dream". Released in 2008, it is the first album from the Australian duo of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore. The album was supported by five singles, which charted well in their native Australia and numerous other countries. The album is a mix of synthpop, electropop, dance rock, and a dizzying array of other genres. But will the boys be walking on a dream with this pick, or wil...
Mar 17, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 29
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, 3 Inches of Blood's "Advance and Vanquish" . Their second album, it was released in 2004 and featured cover art by Edward Repka, who had previously drawn covers for metal bands such as Megadeth. This album marks the second time we have covered a local artist, as 3 Inches of Blood originates from Victoria, BC. An album that pays homage to classic metal sounds and tropes, Advance and Vanquish covers subjects i...
Mar 09, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 28
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Tame Impala's "Currents" . The group's third studio album, it was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim, including a 9.3 from Pitchfork. On the 2022 refresh of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of all time, it was placed at #382. Normally just made up of one guy - Kevin Parker, Tame Impala grows to 6 people on tour. Will the boys love the layered sound of the album? Will this be a rare quorum on the podcast...
Mar 03, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 27
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Disclosure's "Alchemy". Released in 2023, it is their fourth studio album. Disclosure is a duo of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, who come from a family of musicians, with their mother, father and uncle having previously had musical careers with varying success. Reviews for the album were largely positive, with most reviewers noting the fun tone of the record, with some of them noting it may be seen as somewh...
Feb 25, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 26
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of their favourite album covers. Special reminder that this is a video episode on Spotify, so if you were interested in seeing the covers themselves, try that! Bell's pick is Electric Guest's "Kin" , Plouffe's pick is Chocolat's "Recontrer Looloo" and Jamie's pick is The Moody Blues' "In Search of the Lost Chord" . In a recurring theme, the records could not be more different! Come along and find out about thes...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 25
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Royal Blood's self titled debut album. Released in 2014, it comes on the heels of the duo's EP, which came out just months before the album. Royal Blood, like previously covered Death From Above 1979, is a band consisting of only a bassist and drummer, but that's where most of the similarities end. The album was a commercial success, although critics were somewhat mixed on it. Is the album derivative? What o...
Feb 11, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 24
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, The Jimi Hendrix Experience's "Live at Monterey". A 1:1 recording of the group's debut performance in the United States, it was for many years only available in part. Like our second episode covering The Who's "Live at Leeds" album, this concert is of some historical significance and captures the live performance of a legendary group. But is it something that you had to be there to experience? While the record...
Feb 04, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 23
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Blarf's "Cease and Desist". His only album to date, it is produced entirely of samples and noise. Clocking in at just under 28 minutes, the experience is over quickly. The existence of this album raises questions such as: "who or what is Blarf?", "why isn't it available on any major streaming service?" and "what did I just listen to?". To find out the answers to these questions, come along and find out!...
Jan 27, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 22
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of picture discs. Bell brings George Ezra's "Wanted on Voyage" , Plouffe brings Hail Mary Mallon's "Bestiary" and Jamie brings Tool's " Lateralus". Once again, the albums could not be more different -- Bell's pick is a folksy bluesy record, Plouffe's pick is a rap album and Jamie's pick is a very long progressive metal record. What is a picture disc? Why don't we own more of them? How do you know when someone l...
Jan 20, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Season 2Ep. 21
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Smash Mouth's "Fush Yu Mang". Their debut album, it went to number 19 on the Billboard 200 and spawned two hit singles. One of these singles - "Wallkin' on the Sun" went to #1 in the US and Canada, and propelled sales of the album. To date, "Fush Yu Mang" has sold over two million copies in the US alone. But will the catchy blend of pop-punk and ska win over ska-skeptical duo of Bell and Jamie? Will this Plo...
Jan 14, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 20
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, Ray Charles' "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music". Released in 1962, it was an immediate success, bridging the big band and jazz sound that Ray Charles had pioneered during the previous decade, with hits from country music. The album is made up of twelve covers of songs previously made famous by artists such as the Everly Brothers and Hank Williams. Three songs from the album were released as singles, ...
Jan 07, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 19
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, U2's "Songs of Innocence" . Released in 2014, it is their 13th album. It was released following the Apple Event to announce the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, with Apple making the album available to all iTunes users at no additional cost. Within a month, the album had been listened to by 81 million users and downloaded 26 million times. However, many artists were upset by the way the album was released, with some s...
Dec 30, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Merry Christmas from the Vinyl Verdict crew! On today's episode, we review the Christmas album our company put out -- way back in 2015. How did this certified Christmas banger get a vinyl release? A fan had two pressings made up and one was given to previous guest Dan Besser. We borrowed this from Dan, who is apparently hard at work remastering the album as well. How does this album stack up against such Christmas greats like we covered last year? Come along and find out! And then come back next...
Dec 23, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 17
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe get together to talk the artists they own the most albums by in their collections. Starting the episode off, Jamie brings the Beatles album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" . Their eighth album, released in 1967, the band began work on this album shortly after retiring from touring in 1966. Many publications have cited this album as being a masterpiece in the Beatles catalogue, and Rolling Stone has named it both the #1 (200...
Dec 17, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Season 2Ep. 16
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Streetlight Manifesto's "Everything Goes Numb" . Released in 2003, it was their debut album. A ska album, the songs have the speed and tone of the Punk genre, combined with the large horn sounds of Ska. Critics have called this album one of the most important albums from the Third Wave of Ska, and reviews for it were largely positive. Led by lead singer, guitarist and the producer for this album, Tomas Kalno...
Dec 10, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 15
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, The Kinks - "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One". Released in 1970, this was their eighth album. A scathing critique of the British music industry, music contracts and royalties, the eventual success of the album led to the Kinks being able to negotiate a better contract and continue recording for many years. Buoyed by the hit singles Lola and Apeman, the album sold well and was critically wel...
Dec 03, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 14
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Bell's next pick, Father John Misty's "I Love You, Honeybear" . Father John Misty is the stage name of the musician Josh Tillman, previously of the band Fleet Foxes. This is his second album as Father John Misty, and it was released in 2015 to critical acclaim. Publications praised the lyrics, his warm delivery, and the instrumentation of the album. The album went on to make several year-end lists of the best albums of 2015, com...
Nov 25, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe get together to talk about their latest acquisitions. Bell brings Joji's "BALLADS 1", Plouffe brings Casiopea's "Super Flight" and Jamie brings The Flaming Lips' "Transmissions from the Satellite Heart". Once again, the album could not be more different! Which host had to fudge their latest acquisition? Which host was a good boy? Was there a clear winner from the haul? Come along and find out!
Nov 19, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Hey it's your buddy Jamie here with a minor content warning: this album is somewhat violent and sweary in its lyrical content, be forewarned. On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Slipknot's " Slipknot". Their debut album, it was released in 1999 to critical and fan acclaim. In addition to positive reviews of the album, the single "Wait and Bleed" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Worldwide, it has sold over 3,0...
Nov 12, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 11
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Jamie's next pick, R.E.M.'s "Green". Released in November 1988, this was R.E.M.'s sixth studio album, and also their major label debut. Prior to signing with Warner Bros. Records, the band was signed to the relatively small label, I.R.S. While some ardent fans of the previous five albums thought the band was selling out by signing to a major label, it led to a period of great success, musically and financially for the band. "Gre...
Nov 07, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 10
