On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam are joined by special guest Sven! Sven brought Lana Del Rey's "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd", her ninth studio album, released in 2023. A beautiful, full sounding album, the title recalls the actual tunnel under Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach, California. Some of the genres the album takes influence from are Americana, folk, trap, soul, and alt-pop. But will the boys want to know more about the tunnel under Ocea...
Oct 20, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 3Ep. 8
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Danny Brown's "Atrocity Exhibition". Released in 2016, it was his fourth studio album. Filled with haunting samples, sometimes grim themes and vocal style that critics described as ranging from 'agitated squawking' and 'dainty', the album has been described as "progressive rap". Critically lauded, including by Pitchfork - a publication that hates music - the album was named as one of the best of 2016. But will the...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 7
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, Stone Temple Pilots' "Core" . Released in 1992, it was their debut studio album. Initially ignored by critics, the album received heavy radio play and the singles were staples of MTV. The album went on to win a Grammy award for Best Hard Rock Performance for the single Plush . But what will the boys think of the album? Will they find the album Dead and Bloated, or will they be left with No Memory of it? Come alon...
Oct 06, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 6
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Our Lady Peace's "Spiritual Machines". Released in 2000, it is their fourth studio album. A staple of Canadian rock radio since their first album released in 1994, this album also received heavy radio play. Much of the radio support for this album was carried by the singles "In Repair" and "Life" . The album is loosely inspired by futurist Ray Kurzweil's book "The Age of Spiritual Machines " and features him on se...
Sep 29, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 5
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam dive into the topic of albums that we loved when we were in college (or university). Jamie brings Weezer's "Weezer (aka The Blue Album) ". Adam brings Thank You Scientist's " Stranger Heads Prevail" . Finally, Bell brings Tyler, the Creator's "Wolf". Once again, the choices could not be more different! Will the boys be saying "Say it ain't so!" or will these three picks "Ne...
Sep 22, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's first pick for season 3, Carly Rae Jepsen's "E•MO•TION". Released in 2015, the album received warm critical reviews and spawned three hit singles. One such single, "Run Away With Me" , was named one of the best songs of 2015 by publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Vulture. The album itself was named to several end-of-decade best of lists by a number of publications, with many critics ...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 3
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's first pick for season 3, Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen". Released in 1970, it was the accompanying album to the film of the same name, chronicling his brisk tour of the U.S. Hailing from Sheffield, England, Joe Cocker had just two years prior made a name for himself with his cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" and his subsequent appearance at the Woodstock Festi...
Sep 08, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 2
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and for the first time as host -- Adam listen to Bell's first pick for season 3! Bell brings to the podcast local Vancouver band Peach Pit's debut album "Being so Normal". Prior to this album, the band members had day jobs such as being a carpenter and Amazon delivery driver, but the success of this album meant they could pursue music full time. In support of the album, the band went on a world tour and appeared at multiple festival...
Sep 07, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Vinyl Verdict will be back weekly starting Saturday September 7th! Thanks for listening, and come along with us for Season 3.
Sep 06, 2024•1 min
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe discuss the season that was and celebrate our 100th episode! As Season 2 of the podcast draws to a close, we look back at the hits, misses and debate whether we were too harsh or too fair on the albums. Where do Plouffe and Jamie's picks fall on the Bell Curve? What are the plans for Season 3 for Vinyl Verdict? Come along and find out!
Jun 23, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 44
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe dive into the topic of albums by artists we've already covered in previous episodes. Jamie brings Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" , their 1979 album. Bell brings George Clanton's "Ooh Rap I Ya", his 2023 album. Plouffe brings MF Doom's "MM..FOOD", his 2004 album. The albums once again could not be more different -- but will the boys have the same reactions this time around? Is Bell...
Jun 16, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 43
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Plouffe and Jamie sit down to talk about EPs in their collections. Bell brings Ginger Root's "City Slicker", Plouffe brings Yellow Days' "Harmless Melodies" and Jamie brings Devo's "Dev-o Live". In a recurring theme for our topics, the choices could not be more different! Come along as the boys discuss things such as tomato sauce and Energy Domes!
Jun 09, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 41
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Plouffe listen to Plouffe's next pick, Cake's "Comfort Eagle" . Their fourth album, it was released in 2001. Upon its release, critics noted that the sound was reminiscent of their previous albums and that the riffs were often very infectious. The album charted well, ending up at #13 on the Billboard 200. It has sold over one million copies in the U.S. But will it sell copies to the boys? Will they be building a religion, buildi...
Jun 02, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 40
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 stud...
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 b...
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...
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 t...
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...
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...
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 a...
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 comprise...
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 pod...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 de...
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 t...
Feb 04, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 23
