This week we dive into Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, the sprawling, soul-soaked masterpiece that does… well, everything. We talk about how Stevie manages to pack funk, jazz, gospel, R&B, social commentary, love songs, and pure joy into one monumental album. Riley picks out the lyrics that hit hardest, Todd gets lost in those legendary grooves, and together we explore why this record still feels alive, electric, and absolutely essential. From “Sir Duke” to “Isn’t She Lovely” to the deep cuts that deserve just as much shine, this episode is a celebration of Stevie firing on every creative cylinder.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:29 Least Favorite Songs
05:54 Favorite Songs
12:16 Why is this album on our list?
29:22 Best Beats and Bars
37:40 Our Ratings
42:27 Songs of the Week
44:44 Next album...
This week we dive into John Lennon’s Imagine, an album that mixes peace, piano, and a pinch of pure pettiness. We unpack the dreamy idealism of the title track, groove through the deeper cuts, and then swerve straight into the musical side-eye of “How Do You Sleep?” Lennon’s diss track aimed at Paul McCartney. We talk highlights, surprises, and of course our Songs of the Week. Sorry in advance, but come imagine with us… and enjoy a little friendly Beatles-era drama along the way.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:06 Least Favorite Songs
04:15 Favorite Songs
18:53 Why is this album on our list?
27:55 Best Beats and Bars
32:51 Our Ratings
39:07 Songs of the Week
47:03 Next album...
This week we check into one of rock’s most iconic destinations: Hotel California by the Eagles. With Joe Walsh joining the lineup for the first time, the band leans into a sharper, more electric sound, without losing their signature harmonies. We talk through the hits, the deep cuts, and of course the legendary title track that sparked decades of interpretations. Which songs soar, which ones stumble, and what keeps this album such a classic? Plus, our picks for best beat, best bar, and “Song of the Week.”
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:31 Least Favorite Songs
08:40 Favorite Songs
26:51 Why is this album on our list?
34:52 Best Beats and Bars
43:22 Our Ratings
47:44 Songs of the Week
52:58 Next album...
This week we wrap up our journey across Abbey Road! We pick up right where we left off, pondering the mystery of The Beatles’ surprisingly low Grammy count, and dive into the legendary medley that closes out their final recorded album. From hidden gems to unforgettable moments, we celebrate how the Fab Four stuck the landing. Plus, a couple of unexpected “Songs of the Week” make their debut because, well, we just couldn’t help ourselves.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:45 Cliffhanger Continuation from Part 1
12:00 Best Beats and Bars
18:52 Our Ratings
30:00 Songs of the Week
40:20 Next album...
This week we welcome our first guest as we start to cross Abbey Road with The Beatles! It's a wide road so it takes two weeks to cross it, so In part one, we share our most and least favorite tracks and talk about why this iconic album is still a must-listen decades later. Things get heated - not really - when we debate “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” - is it brilliantly quirky or just a bit too much? And don’t miss our cliffhanger question to leave you stuck in the middle of the Road for a week!
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
12:17 Least Favorite Songs
20:29 Favorite Songs
32:49 Why is this album on our list?
42:24 The Grammy's and a Cliffhanger...
This week we put on our best suits and step into the golden age of cool with Frank Sinatra’s Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! Backed by Nelson Riddle’s lush arrangements, Ol’ Blue Eyes delivers charm, swagger, and romance in every note. From playful flirtations to swoon-worthy ballads, this 1956 classic proves that nobody swings quite like Sinatra. We talk timeless tracks, smooth phrasing, and which tunes still make us snap our fingers, or does it still hold up for us? Plus, our picks for best beat, best bar, and “Song of the Week.”
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:08 Least Favorite Songs
12:29 Favorite Songs
19:44 Why is this album on our list?
30:42 Best Beats and Bars
33:08 Our Ratings
38:46 Songs of the Week
43:57 Next album...
This week we jump back into the ’80s for Doolittle by the Pixies, an iconic yet often overlooked album that reshaped alternative rock and the overall rock scene of the 90s. With its mix of surreal lyrics, explosive dynamics, and off-kilter energy, Doolittle became the blueprint for so many artists, even a few that we’ve already talked about. Join us as we dig in to our favorite tracks, and hand out our picks for best beat, best bar, and “Song of the Week.”
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:10 Least Favorite Songs
05:37 Favorite Songs
13:15 Why is this album on our list?
25:38 Best Beats and Bars
34:00 Our Ratings
38:56 Songs of the Week
46:40 Next album...
Now on YouTube, so visit us there for unedited (mostly) video, and to see Riley squirm around.
This week we step back to 1967 and into the hazy, hypnotic world of The Doors’ self-titled debut. With Jim Morrison’s haunting vocals, Ray Manzarek’s swirling keys, and the band’s mix of blues, rock, and psychedelia, this album announced The Doors as something entirely different on the scene. We dig into the mystery, the swagger, and the strangeness - from radio staples to epic deep cuts - while sharing our picks for favorite tracks, best beat, and best bar. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week.”
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
02:48 Least Favorite Songs
06:44 Favorite Songs
19:30 Why is this album on our list?
26:36 Best Beats and Bars
30:33 Our Ratings
34:11 Songs of the Week
40:46 Next album...
This week we head straight into the heart of the 1980s with Prince’s Purple Rain - an album that’s as iconic as the decade itself. Blending rock, pop, funk, and soul, Prince and The Revolution created a record that defined an era and still electrifies today. One of us remembers when it first hit the airwaves, while the other is hearing it with fresh ears. Which tracks reign supreme, and which fade into the purple haze? Plus, our picks for best beat, best bar, and “Song of the Week.”
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:36 Least Favorite Songs
08:34 Favorite Songs
25:30 Why is this album on our list?
35:52 Our Ratings
39:12 Best Beats and Bars
42:13 Songs of the Week
51:39 Next album...
This week we take on The Clash’s London Calling, a landmark double album that may be punk at its core but refuses to stay in one lane. From reggae to rockabilly, ska to straight-up rock, the band experiments wildly while still keeping their rebellious edge. We dig into the genre-bending sound and why this record still feels urgent decades later. Plus, don’t miss our picks for favorite tracks, best beat, and best bar - along with our “Song of the Week” selections.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
04:00 Least Favorite Songs
09:00 Favorite Songs
19:02 Why is this album on our list?
32:20 Our Ratings
36:17 Best Beats and Bars
38:45 Songs of the Week
44:38 Next album...
This week’s album is a special one - Riley’s pick, and the record that sparked her own personal love of music. Relient K’s Forget and Not Slow Down blends heartfelt lyrics, clever wordplay, and driving melodies into an album that marked a turning point in her musical journey. You might even call it the original seed of Barber Cuts! We dive into the songs that hit hardest, the themes that linger, and why this 2009 release still feels so meaningful to her! Plus, our “Song of the Week” picks return to keep your playlists growing.
From the show: Riley references the YouTube video about the making of 'Forget and Not Slow Down' so here's a link to go watch it -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GejgIfGCb0
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:10 Least Favorite Songs
04:16 Favorite Songs
17:04 Why is this album on our list?
33:15 Best Beats and Bars
38:29 Songs of the Week
42:02 Our Ratings
44:50 Next album...
This week we glitter, strut, and shred our way back to 1972 with David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. A cosmic concept album drenched in glam rock glory, it tells the tale of an androgynous alien rock star sent to save the dying world. We dive into the swagger, the riffs, and the theatrical genius that made Ziggy an icon. Which tracks sparkle brightest for us and which fizzle out in the stardust? Tune in for the glam, the drama, and of course, our “Song of the Week” picks.
From the show: Bowie ended the Ziggy shows with Rock n Roll Suicide, climaxing on July 3rd, 1973 when Bowie indeed killed Ziggy on stage as he announced he would never tour again to screams of disbelief (not least from Bolder and Woodmansey - bandmates of his - who were both clueless it was all about to end). Watch the [iconic final performance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD1nzOeS6U0), and towards the end you see a fan run up on stage.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
01:15 Least Favorite Songs
03:38 Favorite Songs
10:48 Why is this album on our list?
22:02 Our Ratings
24:57 Best Beats and Bars
28:47 Songs of the Week
35:10 Next album...
This week we jump forward 20 years from grunge to guitars, loops, and heartfelt lyrics with Ed Sheeran’s debut album +. Released in 2011, this record introduced the world to Sheeran’s blend of acoustic pop, rap-influenced delivery, and tender ballads. For Riley, this one carries a little bit of nostalgia so join us as we share favorites, skips, and talk about how this album set the stage for Sheeran’s rise. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks!
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:00 Least Favorite Songs
06:34 Favorite Songs
20:12 Why is this album on our list?
29:21 Our Ratings
36:51 Songs of the Week
45:54 Next album...
This week we’re back in 1991 with Nirvana’s Nevermind - the album that kicked down the door for grunge and changed rock forever. From the opening chords of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the quieter moments tucked between the loud ones, we explore why this record struck a chord with a generation. Does it still hold up over 30 years later? We share our favorites, debate the skips (or are there any for us?), and dig into how this album became a cultural earthquake. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks!
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
1:00 Least Favorite Songs
5:16 Favorite Songs
22:35 Why is this album on our list?
42:23 Our Ratings
44:52 Songs of the Week
48:00 Next album...
We’ve hit double digits! For our tenth episode, we take on one of the most revered albums in music history - Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Released in 1971, this soulful masterpiece blends smooth grooves with powerful social commentary on war, inequality, and the human condition. We dive into its timeless messages, lush production, and emotional weight - and share which tracks moved us most. Plus, our “Song of the Week” picks keep your playlist growing.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
00:00 Intro
01:08 Least Favorite Songs
04:20 Favorite Songs
13:17 Why is this album on our list?
31:04 Our Ratings
33:49 Songs of the Week
40:31 Next album!
This week we cross the pond again to explore Original Pirate Material by The Streets - Mike Skinner’s gritty, witty, and genre-bending debut. With conversational flows, everyday observations, and beats that blur the lines between garage, hip-hop, and electronica, this 2002 release paints a vivid picture of early 2000s UK life. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks!
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:31) Least Favorite Songs
(05:00) Favorite Songs
(12:18) Why is this album on our list?
(32:13) Our Ratings
(40:15) Songs of the Week
(41:22) Tangent about Telewaves and Morgan Smith
(47:53) Next album...
This week we dive into Ten by Pearl Jam - an album packed with raw emotion, iconic riffs, and early ‘90s angst. For one of us, this is more than just a debut album - it’s a time capsule from high school and college. For the other, it’s an encounter with grunge without the haze of nostalgia. Do the tracks still hold up? Are there disagreements? Is Riley wrong? Yes, Yes and Yes. Join us as we explore the album that helped define a decade. Plus, our “Song of the Week” picks return to keep your playlist fresh.
Recording of show Todd went to ->Pearl Jam in Charlotte, NC - October 4, 1996
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - Least Favorites
06:06 - Favorites
24:50 - Is Release a worthy last song?
27:34 - Why is this album on our list?
44:50 - Songs of the Week
48:59 - Next album...
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
This week we slip into the swirling, emotional depths of Disintegration by The Cure. Released in 1989, this album blends lush soundscapes with melancholy lyrics, capturing the beauty in sadness like few others can. We explore themes of heartbreak, isolation, and dreamy despair - and talk about why this album still resonates decades later. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks for what’s been on repeat in our ears.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
This week we plug in and crank up the fuzz as we dive into Elephant by The White Stripes. With its raw guitar riffs, pounding drums, and garage rock revival energy, this 2003 album put Jack and Meg White at the center of the early 2000s rock scene. From stadium anthems to stripped-down stompers, we break down what makes this album stomp and snarl. Plus—don’t miss the debut of our new “Song of the Week” segment, where we each share a track we’ve got on repeat.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Riley inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!
This week we take on one of the most legendary albums of all time - Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Released in 1973 and still orbiting playlists everywhere, this psychedelic rock masterpiece bends time, space, and sound. From clocks and cash registers to existential lyrics and studio wizardry, we explore what makes this album endure. Give it a listen to hear what tracks resonate most with us, which ones get a little spacey, and what surprised us along the way.
Playlist of our favorites - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RXBXfKew9A9vj6pEy4hGA?si=a406cf1b7d5a42ce
Episode art by Todd this time inspired by the album.
Leave a comment at Spotify or any of the socials below to tell us what you think about the albums and about your favorites and skips!