On the special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam are joined by guest Jonathan Horst. Our former colleague at the office, Jonathan brought with him Jack J's second album, "Blue Desert", released in November 2024. A mix of musical sounds that are reminiscent of a number of genres popular between the mid 80s and the mid 90s, the album is skilful at sounded upbeat while having somewhat downbeat lyrics. This album also features some great saxophone, which is a podcast favourite. Come alo...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 25
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" . Released in 2015, it was his third studio album. Upon release, the album received rave reviews, with many critics lauding its production, the social relevance of the lyrics, and the use of many styles of music. At the 2016 Grammy Awards, it received 7 nominations, including Album of the Year, it won for Best Rap Album. But will the boys find this to be their best rap album?...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 3Ep. 24
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, Green Day's "Dookie". Released in 1994, it is way up there on the list of the best selling albums of all time. Their major label debut, it came out of the gate strong and was amplified by an absolutely unhinged appearance at Woodstock '94. Critics have said this album marks a turning point in the 90's, moving music away from the grunge sound from the early part, to a more pop-punk sound in the later half. We've a...
Feb 01, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 23
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Coldplay's "Parachutes" . Their debut album, it was released in the distant future of the year 2000. The runaway success of the album was propelled by two of the singles, Trouble and Yellow. The album won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album at the 2002 ceremony, and has gone on to sell upwards of 13 million copies. But is the album a brilliant first release from a band, or a boring one? What is a Coldplay?...
Jan 25, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 22
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam dive into the topic of greatest hits, best ofs and other compilations! Bell brings blink-182's "Greatest Hits", their first such compilation, released in 2005. A fun, often goofy release from the masters of pop-punk, it came out two years after their fifth album. Adam's pick, Engelbert Humperdinck's "20 Great Hits", released in 1977, raises two questions. Firstly, what constitutes a "great hit"? Second, what is a "middle of the road ...
Jan 18, 2025•2 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 21
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Bjork's "Homogenic". Released in 1997, it was subject to widespread critical acclaim. Many critics lauded the production, lyrics and general vibe of the album as being excellent. The album spawned five singles, two of which were nominated for Grammy Awards for their music videos. The album itself was nominated for Album of the Year, but lost to Radiohead's "Ok Computer". Rolling Stone calls "Homogenic" the #202 al...
Jan 12, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 20
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, Gary Numan's "The Pleasure Principle". Released in 1979, it was his first solo album following two albums with the group Tubeway Army. The album covers a number of genres that were in popularity at the time, including synthpop, new wave, electropop and electronica. Taking its title from a surrealist painting of the same name, the album has a largely sci-fi theme to it. What will the boys think of the album? Will ...
Jan 05, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 19
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Beck's "Guero" . Released in 2005, it was his ninth studio album. Propelled forward by the single E-Pro, the album was his best selling and highest charting, worldwide. Critically, the album was well received, with most reviewers noting it was a return to form for Beck. But what will the boys think? Will they say 'Hell Yes' to the album or will they run for the 'Emergency Exit'? Come along and find out!...
Dec 29, 2024•58 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Merry Christmas from Vinyl Verdict! This year the boys decided to try something new - gifting each other albums for Christmas. Adam gifts Jamie D'Angelo and the Vanguard's "Black Messiah", the long awaited followup to "Voodoo ". Jamie gifts Bell Pink Floyd's iconic album "Dark Side of the Moon" . Finally, Bell gifts Adam L'Orange's "The City Under the City". As always, the picks could not be more different! Come along and hear our takes on this year's Christmas episode!...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Season 3Ep. 17
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam’s picks from Bell and Jamie’s collections. From Bell’s collection, Adam picked Dump’s “ Superpowerless”. A collection of home recordings from James McNew, the bassist of Yo La Tengo, “ Superpowerless” is a look at the creative output of a very talented guy. From Jamie’s collection, Adam picked The Police’s “Synchronicity” , their fifth and final album. The album had a number of hit singles, and sold incredibly well. As always,...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 3Ep. 16
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, Charli XCX's "Brat". Released in 2024, it was her sixth studio album. Entering the Billboard 200 at #3, it represented her highest debut on the chart. Critically lauded upon release, the album went on to be nominated for 9 Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. But what will the boys think? Will the album be full of "Club Classics", or will it just "Talk Talk"? Come along and find out!
Dec 08, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 15
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, The Cars self titled debut album. Released in 1978, it was an immediate radio hit, later going 6x Platinum. Described variously as New Wave, Power Pop and Synth-Rock, the album incorporates elements of all three genres. Rolling Stone has most recently named this the #353/500 Greatest Albums of all Time. But will the boys say "Bye Bye Love" to it after repeat listenings, or will the "Good Times Roll"? Come along a...
Nov 30, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 14
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Mac DeMarco's "This Old Dog". Released in 2017, it was his third studio album. Some of the themes of the album are Mac's relationship with his father, aging, and relationships. On the album, Mac plays every instrument himself, while also handling production. Reviews for the album were overwhelmingly positive, with most critics praising the musicianship, tone and writing. But what will the boys think? Will they com...
Nov 24, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 13
On this special episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell and Jamie pick two albums from Adam's collection! Bell picks Death Grips' "The Money Store" , released in 2012. Jamie picks Black Sabbath's "Master of Reality", released in 1971. As always, the picks could not be more different, with one being a highly experimental rap album and the other being one of the first albums in the stoner metal genre. Which album will the boys like more? Come along and find out!
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 3Ep. 12
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Adam's next pick, The Rural Alberta Advantage's "Hometowns". Their debut album, it was released in 2008. The album exemplifies the indie rock sound of the time while exploring themes of the the lead singer's upbringing in - you guessed it - rural Alberta. The album was originally released independently in early 2008 and following the band being featured by eMusic as artist of the month in November, they were signed to Saddle Creek ...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 11
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Jamie's next pick, The Dave Brubeck Quartet's "Time Out" . Released in 1959, it was the thirteenth album released by the Quartet, and was their most successful album. After taking a trip with the US State Department on a trip of Eurasia, Dave Brubeck discovered the street music of Turkey and their use of time signatures that would be unusual in jazz. "Time Out" features 7 songs with odd time signatures, including Take Five, the bes...
Nov 03, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 10
On this episode of Vinyl Verdict, Bell, Jamie and Adam listen to Bell's next pick, Frank Ocean's "Blonde" . Released in 2016, it was his second studio album. The album was highly anticipated, having been delayed several times and came out to widespread critical acclaim. Some of the things critics raved about were the progressive sound and introspective lyrics in the songs, with a number of publications calling it one of the best albums of 2016. Pitchfork has called it the best album of the 2010s...
Oct 26, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 "Need More Input"? Come along and find out!...
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 labelling it the best pop al...
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 Festival in 1969. After being surpris...
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 festivals such as Osheaga ...
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 secretly a huge Supertramp fan? Come along an...
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, building it bigger? Will...
Jun 02, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 40
