Explore every episode of the podcast Album Nerds

Few experiences match the raw energy and communal thrill of a live performance. This week, we pit two titans of concert recordings against each other in a clash that celebrates musicianship and the power of a bands feeding off the roar of the crowd. These iconic releases have each become cultural touchstones, transforming their creators from rising stars into household names and forever changing the way fans experience music beyond the studio. We will figure out which live album best captures the electricity, spontaneity, and magic that only a legendary night on stage can deliver.

• Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive (1976)
• Kiss – Alive (1975)

Other Diggins

• Mclusky – The World is Still Here and so are We (May 2025)
• Various – Kiss My Ass: Classic Kiss Regrooved
• The Head and the The Heart – Aperture (2025)
• Clover County – “Nothing At All”/”Good These Days” (2025)

What do you think of these records? Which record do you think comes out on top? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to all our episodes and suggest topics for upcoming shows on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Prepare for a clash of post-grunge titans as two of the most polarizing, arena-filling albums from the heyday of radio-friendly “butt rock” go head-to-head in a battle of anthems, angst, and unapologetic power chords.

Nickelback – Silver Side Up (2001)

Creed – Human Clay (1999)

Other Diggins

The Band Feel – Into the Sun (EP) 2025

D’Angelo – Black Messiah (2014)

Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia (2025)

Billy Idol – Dream Into It (2025)

What do you think of these records? Which record do you think comes out on top? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to all our episodes and suggest topics for upcoming shows on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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We have a great show for you today – we will be kicking the tires on our Record Rumbles Series, where two classic albums enter the ring and go head to head and toe to toe. We will compare key tracks, discuss the albums, and decide which is the king of the ring!

The Cure – Disintegration (1989)

Metallica – Metallica (1991)

Other Diggins

Ghost – Skeletá

Metallica – Garage Inc.

Arcade Fire – Pink Elephant (May 9, 2025)

Lord Huron – “Nothing I Need”

What do you think of these records? Which record do you think comes out on top? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to all our episodes and suggest topics for upcoming shows on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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1988 was a year rich in cultural landmarks – from Die Hard to The Wonder Years and the start of Nike’s iconic ‘Just Do It’ campaign. Join us as we dig into some of our own personal favorite albums from the year.

Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking (1988)

Anita Baker – Giving You the Best That I Got (1988)

Iron Maiden – Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)

Other Diggins

The Murder Capital – Blindness (2025)

Nao – Jupiter (2025)

Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe – Luminal (2025) & Lateral (2025)

Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXII (2025)

One Bad Son – OBS: The New Sh*t (2024)

Rival Sons – Pressure and Time (2011)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album from 1988? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Side projects can be interesting venues for artists to showcase a different side of their creativity than we get to see in their main group. On today’s show we dive into records from groups that are off-shoots from some of our favorite bands.

Hot Tuna – Burgers (1972)

Arcadia – So Red the Rose (1985)

Mad Season – Above (1995)

Other Diggins

FACS – Wish Defense (2025)

Mandrake Handshake – Earth-Sized Worlds (2025)

Pulp – More (June 6, 2025)

Turnstile – Never Enough (June 6, 2025)

The Darkness – Dreams on Toast (2025)

Alabama – Feels So Right (1981)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite side project album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to all our episodes and suggest topics for upcoming shows on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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On today’s show we’re shinning the Album Nerds spotlight on iconic record producer Roy Thomas Baker. Join us as we get down with RTB and some of his classic albums from the 70s and 80s.

• Robert Calvert – Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters (1974)
• T’Pau – Bridge of Spies (1987)
• Queen – Sheer Heart Attack (1974)

Other Diggins

• James Brandon Lewis – Apple Cores (2025)
• Richard Dawson – End of the Middle (2025)
• Wet Leg – Moisturizer (July 11, 2025)
• ALO (Animal Liberation Organization) – Frames (2025)
• Chained Saint – Blindside (2024)
• Rosehill Drive – Moon is the New Earth (2008)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite RTB produced album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Record Store Day 2025 is upon us! Join us as we discuss some of the special releases that are part of the holiday. Don’t forget to support your local record shop on Saturday April 12th!

• Thelonious Monk – Mulligan Meets Monk (1957)
• Hindu Love Gods – Hindu Love Gods (1990)
• The Sword – Warp Riders (2010)

Other Diggins

• Larry June – Life is Beautiful (2025)
• Heartworms – Glutton for Punishment (2025)
• The Alarm – Transformation (June 6, 2025)
• The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers (Spring 2025)
• Alien Weaponry – Te Rã (2025)
• Mad Season – Above (1995)

What do you think of these records? What are you looking forward to on RSD? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to all our episodes and suggest topics for upcoming shows on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Singles?! What podcast is this? Don’t be fooled – it’s still your favorite album nerds, but this week we’re taking a break from albums to talk about influential singles. Join us as we dive deep into some of our favorite singles.

The Penguins – Hey Senorita / Earth Angel (1954)

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane (1967)

Pearl Jam – Jeremy (1992)

Other Diggins

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – Glib Tongued (2025)

Deerhoof – Immigrant Songs (2025)

Marianne Faithful – Burning Moonlight (2025)

Noah Cyrus – Don’t Put It All On Me (feat. Fleet Foxes) (2025)

Mac Leaphart – Ode to the Thirsty Beaver (2025)

The Jins – You’re Going Far (2025)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite single? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for upcoming episodes on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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On occasion, an album wows us with not only its greatness, but also with the new sounds it’s using. On today’s show we’re talking all about albums that introduced new instruments, created their own genres and inspired musicians for generations to come.

Babatunde Olatunji – Drums of Passion (1960)

Kraftwerk – Autobahn (1974)

Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are you Experienced? (1967)

Other Diggins

Ebo Taylor – Ebo Taylor JID022 (2025)

Dream Theater – Parasomnia (2025)

Chappell Roan – The Giver (2025)

Matt Berninger – Get Sunk (May 30, 2025)

Black Foxxes -The Haar (2025)

John Fogerty – Centerfield (1985)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album that featured a new sound? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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The social change and cultural upheaval of the late 1960s produced some of the most creative, boundary-pushing music of any modern era. On today’s show we discuss albums from the pivotal year in music that was 1968.

• Jeff Beck – Truth (1968)
• Dionne Warwick – Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls (1968)
• Iron Butterfly – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968)

Other Diggins

• Bonnie Prince Billy – The Purple Bird (2025)
• Matt Berry – Heard Noises (2025)
• Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars (May 2, 2025)
• David Johansen – David Johansen (1978)
• Jason Isbell – Foxes in the Snow (2025)
• Diana Ross – Diana (1980)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album from 1968? 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. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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To get in the mood for St Patrick’s Day, on today’s show we’re focusing on some of Ireland’s top albums (according to the Irish Times). Pour yourself a pint of whatever you please and join us!

• The Pogues – Rum Sodomy & the Lash (1985)
• Enya – Watermark (1988)
• U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)

Other Diggins

• Benjamin Booker – Lower (2025)
• Ghais Guevara – Goyard Ibn Said (2025)
• Smokey Robinson – What the World Needs Now (April 25, 2025)
• The Men – Buyer Beware (2025)
• Eddie Chacon – Lay Low (2025)
• Fontaines D.C. – A Hero’s Death (2020)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite Irish 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. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Sometimes (more so in recent years) country albums are so beloved they find appeal not only with country music fans, but also with a larger pop audience. On today’s episode we discuss three albums that were able to make that leap.

• Glen Campbell – Rhinestone Cowboy (1975)
• The Chicks – Home (2002)
• Florida Georgia Line – Dig Your Roots (2016)

Other Diggins

• Tunng – Love You All Over Again (2025)
• Anna B Savage – You and I are Earth (2025)
• The Vapors – Wasp In a Jar (2025)
• Basia Bulet – Basia’s Palace (2025)
• Warlung – The poison Touch (2025)
• Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison (1968)

What do you think of these records? What country crossover albums do you enjoy? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Does Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the The Brown Dirt Cowboy belong in the Album Nerds Hall of Fame? Cast your vote on our website, albumnerds.com/#vote.

Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Besides snow and cold, the winter months can also bring along a dose of malaise and depression. Luckily, music can help shake off those sad feelings and remind us that happier (and warmer) times aren’t that far off. Join us as we discuss 3 albums that we use as winter antidepressants.

• Mavis Staples – Livin’ on a High Note (2016)
• The Lightning Seeds – Cloudcuckooland (1990)
• Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet (1986)

Other Diggins

• FKA Twigs – EUSEXUA (2025)
• Rose City Band – Sol Y Sombra (2025)
• Michigander – Michigander (Feb 7, 2025)
• Peter Murphy – Silver Shade (May 9, 2025)
• Bartees Strange – Horror (2025)
• Asia – Asia (1982)

What do you think of these records? What album do you put on to brighten your mood? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Does Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the The Brown Dirt Cowboy belong in the Album Nerds Hall of Fame? Cast your vote on our website, albumnerds.com/#vote.

Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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With Valentines Day right around the corner, we thought it might be fun to listen to some favorites from our spouses’ music collections. Music is after all, a great way to get to know a person a deeper level. Join us as we discuss our luv-ahs favorite records and try to keep ourselves out of the doghouse.

• Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version (1995)
• Night Ranger – Midnight Madness (1983)
• Elton John – Captain Fantastic and the The Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)

Other Diggins

• Krokofant – 6 (2025)
• Ela Minus – Dia (2025)
• Cymande – Renascence (2025)
• Lucy Dacus – Forever is a Feeling (Mar 2025)
• Wunderhorse – Midas (2024)
• Kaal Akuma – In the Mouth of Madness (2021)

What do you think of these records? What album does your luv-ah love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

Does Elton John’s Captain Fantastic and the The Brown Dirt Cowboy belong in the Album Nerds Hall of Fame? Cast your vote on our website, albumnerds.com/#vote.

Listen to more episodes and suggest topics for the Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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The “sophomore slump” is an all too common phenomena in the music industry. Following up a break-through record with one equally as successful requires talent and dedication. Join us as we discuss 3 successful sophomore albums.

• Led Zeppelin – II (1969)
• A Tribe Called Quest – Low end Theory (1991)
• The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (1993)

Other Diggins

• Lauren Mayberry – Vicious Creature (2025)
• Franz Ferdinand – The Human Fear (2025)
• Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy (Mar 2025)
• Flipturn – Burnout Days (2025)
• DITZ – Never Exhale (2025)
• Warren Zevon – Excitable Boy (1978)

What do you think of these records? What great sophomore albums 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 Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Certain albums serve as a crossroads in an artists career, opening a path towards a new sound or a new audience. Occasionally these records are so impactful, they shift entire genres. On today’s show we discuss 3 albums that reshaped an artists career and the musical landscape of the time.

• Beck – Odelay (1996)
• Dusty Springfield – Dusty in Memphis (1969)
• Tom Petty – Full Moon Fever (1989)

Other Diggins

• Skinner – New Wave Vaudeville (2025)
• Moonchild Sanelly – Full Moon (2025)
• The Devil Makes Three – Spirits (Feb 2025)
• Ringo Starr – Look Up (2025)
• Tremonti – The End Will Show Us How (2025)
• Mink DeVille – Coup De Grace (1981)

What do you think of these records? What great albums redefined the career of an artist 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 Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Popular music often finds itself in the midst of social controversy. Something about it works well when it comes to challenging norms and pushing boundaries. On today’s show we discuss records that stirred-up plenty of controversy.

• Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar (1996)
• N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton (1988)
• W.A.S.P. – W.A.S.P (1984)

Other Diggins

• Warpstormer – Warpstormer (2024)
• Caixa Cubo – Modo Aviao (2024)
• Paul Heaton – The Mighty Several (2024)
• Ethel Cain – Perverts (2025)
• Lambrini Girls – Who Let The Dogs Out (2025)
• VANT – Dumb Blood (2017)

What do you think of these records? What controversial albums 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 Wheel of Musical Discovery on albumnerds.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Time to laugh – or at least to give it a good try. On today’s episode we explore music albums focused on making you chuckle. As we quickly find out, combining music and comedy is easier said than done.

• Flight of the Conchords – Flight of the Conchords (2008)
• “Weird Al” Yankovic – “Weird Al” Yankovic in 3-D (1984)
• Spinal Tap – This is Spinal Tap (1984)

Other Diggins

• Ka – The Thief Next to Jesus (2024)
• Father John Misty – Mahashmashana (2024)
• Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (2023)
• Matt Pond PA & Alexa Rose – The Ball of the Natural Lines (Feb 27, 2025)
• Opeth – The Last Will and Testament (2024)
• The Black Crowes – Happiness Bastards (2024)

What do you think of these records? What albums do you turn to for a good laugh? 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. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Today’s psychedelic music might not be covered in peace signs and flower petals, but it does owe plenty to the sounds of the 60s. On today’s show we explore 3 new-ish psychedelic albums that are sure to get you in the right headspace.

• Tame Impala – Lonerism (2012)
• XTC – Skylarking (1986)
• The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989)

Other Diggins

• Geordie Greep – The New Sound (2024)
• Laura Marling – Patterns in Repeat (2024)
• King Diamond – Saint Lucifer’s Hospital 1920 (2025)
• Chappell Roan – The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (2023)
• Early Moods – A Sinner’s Past (2024)
• Jesse Ray And the Carolina Catfish – Live at Off The Record (2024)

What do you think of these records? What are psychedelic albums do you dig on? 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. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky.

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Well we made it to the end of 2024! Join us as we take a moment to look back on the year that was and our favorite records that came along with it.

• Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South
• The Cure – Songs of a Lost World
• Fontaines DC – Romance

Other Diggins

• Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace (2024)
• Soft Play – Heavy Jelly (2024)
• The The – Ensoulment (2024)
• Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – Woodland (2024)
• Lunar Effect – Sounds of Green and Blue (2024)
• Mac Leaphart – Motel Breakfast (2024)

What do you think of these records? What are you favorite albums of 2024? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Ho, ho, ho Nerds! Pour yourself some eggnog and join us for a nostalgic look back on a trio of records that we grew up listening to during the holiday season. Hope you’re having a fun, safe and warm holiday!

• Alvin and the Chipmunks – A Chipmunk Christmas (1981)
• Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song (1960)
• Richard and Karen Carpenter – A Christmas Portrait (1978)

Other Diggins

• Hamish Hawk – A Firmer Hand (2024)
• Nala Sinephro – Endlessness (2024)
• Clay Aiken – Christmas Bells are Ringing (2024)
• The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace With God (1988)
• Panzerballet – X-Mas Death Jazz (2017)
• Merle Haggard – Merle Haggard’s Christmas Present (1973)

What do you think of these records? What holiday albums do you remember from childhood? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Folk music does a great job of telling the stories of people of a particular time and place. That’s likely why it had a resurgence in the 1950s and 60s during times of social and political unrest. On today’s show we explore influential albums of the mid-century folk revival and of course sprinkle in plenty of bad folk puns and Dylan impressions.

• Joan Baez – Joan Baez (1960)
• The Kingston Trio – The Kingston Trio (1958)
• Bob Dylan – Bringing it All Back Home (1965)

Other Diggins

• The Red Clay Strays – Made By These Moments (2024)
• The Felice Brothers – Valley of Abandoned Songs (2024)
• Yacht Rock – A Dockumentary (2024)
• The Milk Carton Kids – Christmas in A Minor Key (2024)
• Uniform – American Standard (August, 2024)
• Living Colour- Vivid (1988)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite mid-century folk revival record? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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New Wave music funneled together a diverse range of sounds from 70s punk, pop and electronic music to form something original and distinctively 80s. Join us as we discuss albums from this classic era of popular music.

• Blondie – Parallel Lines (1978)
• The Psychedelic Furs – Forever Now (1982)
• Devo – Freedom of Choice (1980)

Other Diggins

• Civerous – Maze Envy (2024)
• Megan Thee Stallion – Megan (2024)
• Mk.gee – Two Star & The Dream Police (2024)
• Duo Pleyel – Yuletide Treats (2024)
• Amyl and the Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness (2024)
• The Cars – The Cars (1978)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite new wave record? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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From curated popular music selections to original works specifically created for a film, great soundtracks have the power to elevate scenes, guide audience emotions, and sometimes become enjoyable listening experiences on their own. Pull up a comfy chair, grab some popcorn and join us as we share some of our favorite movie soundtracks.

• Various Artists – Pulp Fiction Soundtrack (1994)
• Various Artists – Stand By Me Soundtrack (1986)
• Various Artists – The Crow Soundtrack (1994)

Other Diggins

• Mabe Fratti – Sentir Que No Sabes (2024)
• Rich Ruth – Water Still Flows (2024)
• Meat Puppets – Out My Way (1986)
• Mickey Thomas – A Classic Christmas (2024)
• Linkin Park – From Zero (2024)
• Various Artists – Footloose Soundtrack (1984)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite movie soundtrack? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Growing up ain’t easy, but we all gotta do it. Luckily we have great music to get us through the trials and tribulations of coming of age. Join us as we discuss three albums that deal with the journey of youth to adulthood.

• Kendrick Lamar – Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012)
• Arcade Fire – The Suburbs (2010)
• Tears for Fears – Songs from the Big Chair (1985)

Other Diggins

• Lupe Fiasco – Samurai (2024)
• Primal Scream – Come Ahead (2024)
• Mogwai – The Bad Fire (January 24, 2025)
• Ben Folds – Sleigher (2024)
• Tears for Fears – Songs for a Nervous Planet (2024)
• The Killers – Pressure Machine (2021)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album about growing up? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Feeling the need to break some stuff? Some classic punk rock might be just what you need. Raise a fist in the air and join us as we discuss 3 classic albums from punk rock’s beginnings.

• Buzzcocks – Another Music in a Different Kitchen (1978)
• Wire – Pink Flag (1977)
• Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material (1979)

Other Diggins

• Villagers – That Golden Time (2024)
• Peter Perrett – The Cleansing (2024)
• The Cure – Songs of a Lost World (2024)
• Jimmy Fallon – Holiday Seasoning (2024)
• New Skeletal Faces – Until the Night (2024)
• The Clash – London Calling (1979)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite classic punk rock 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Prince certainly has inspired his share of artists, but on this episode we dig into some of the artists and albums that inspired him. Besides the clear funk lineage, we also draw comparisons to folk and blues rock artists that Prince was a fan of. Join us as we pay homage to the forces that gave us the purple one.

• Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (1971)
• Joni Mitchell – Blue (1971)
• Santana – Santana (1971)

Other Diggins

• Better Lovers – Highly Irresponsible (2024)
• Goat – Goat (2024)
• Pixies – The Night the Zombies Came (2024)
• Kim Deal – Nobody Loves You More (November 22nd)
• Geese – Alive and in Person (2024)
• Zach Bryan – DeAnn (2019)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite Prince-inspired 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Few genres have influenced rock music as much as the blues. From it’s humble beginnings in the 19th century American South, incorporation with R&B and Soul music in the 60s, to its strong influence on 70s rock, its hard to separate the blues from modern day music. Join us as we discuss 3 of our favorites from some of the all-time top blues albums.

• Magic Sam – West Side Soul (1968)
• The Rolling Stones – The Rolling Stones (1964)
• Otis Rush – Right Place, Wrong Time (1976)

Other Diggins

• Richard Thompson – Ship To Shore (2024)
• Thou – Umbilical (2024)
• Riffindots – Lockjaw Mountain (2024)
• Little Big Town – The Christmas Record (2024)
• Jerry Cantrell – I Want Blood (2024)
• Phil Ochs – I Ain’t Marching Anymore (1965)

Here’s the full list of top blues records we reference from Rate Your Music.

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite blues 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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The leaves are changing and pumpkin spice has infiltrated everything, so it must be time to scare ourselves with some sinister album selections. Join us as we discuss 3 of our favorite spooky albums to help get you in the Halloween spirit. Mwahahaha!

The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us (1980)

Duran Duran – Danse Macabre (2023)

Type O Negative – Bloody Kisses (1993)

Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown (2024)

Charli XCX – Brat and Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat (2024)

The Chesterfield Kings – We’re Still All the Same (2024)

Dwight Yoakam – Brighter Days (November 15th)

Unto Others – Never, Neverland (2024)

Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1982)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite Halloween-ish 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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The 80s were a definitive decade for hip-hop music. New production techniques and expanded lyrical content helped to push the genre towards the mainstream. Join us as we explore 3 albums from hip-hop’s golden era.

Dana Dane – Dana Dane with Fame (1987)

Boogie Down Productions – By All Means Necessary (1988)

Beastie Boys – Paul’s Boutique (1989)

The Mavericks – Moon & Stars (2024)

Mildlife – Chorus (2024)

Joe Jonas – Music for People Who Believe in Love (October 18th)

Steve Howe – Guitarscape (2024)

Hataałii – Waiting for a Sign (2024)

The Splatcats – Feelin Bitchy (1988)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite 80s hip-hop album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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AHHHH! Every once in awhile you gotta get it out. Music is a great release for anything that might make you angry. On today’s show we explore three albums that deal with anger in different ways. Scream into a pillow and join us for a little music therapy.

Machine Head – Burn My Eyes (1994)

Pink Floyd – The Final Cut (1983)

Hole – Live Through This (1994)

Judith Hill – Letters from a Black Widow (2024)

Kasmasi Washington – Fearless Movement (2024)

The Cure – Songs of a Lost World (November 2024)

Creed Bratton – Tao Pop (2024)

Billy Strings – Highway Prayers (2024)

ZZ Top – Eliminator (1983)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite angry album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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1984 had tons of iconic cultural moments – Gremlins and Ghostbusters hit theaters, the summer Olympics were in Los Angeles, and the Cosby Show and Miami Vice debuted on TV. Join us as we revisit two of the top selling albums from this year.

Culture Club - Colour By Numbers (1984)

Van Halen - 1984 (1984)

Ours – New Age Heroine (2024)

The Crazy World of Arthur Brown – Self Titled (1968)

Midland – Barely Blue (2024) Keane – Hopes and Fears (2004)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite album from ’84? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Feel the power… of words! Great lyrics have a way of cutting to the heart of our emotions, beliefs, and cultural values. Join us as we discuss a pair of records that smacked us in the face with their powerful lyrical punch.

Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology (2024)

John Lennon – Imagine (1971)

Mac Leaphart – Motel Breakfast (2024)

Stone Temple Pilots – Purple (1994)

Nancy Grandits Sabatini – Song Therapeutics & Playlists to Empower Your Life (2022, book)

Haircut One Hundred – The Unloving Plum (2024, single)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite record that packs a lyrical punch? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Final albums are often last grasps at fame and money, but on occasion they serve as a fitting capstone to a band’s career. On today’s show we explore two final albums that we think send these legendary artists off on a good note.

Sam Cooke – Ain’t That Good News (1964)

The Police – Synchronicity (1983)

Crypt Sermon – The Stygian Rose (2024)

Meco – Music Inspired by Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk (1977)

Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police (2012)

Post Malone – F-1 Trillion (2024)

What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite final record? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Drums have been a part of music for thousands of years, which is probably why it’s so hard to imagine modern day music without them. On today’s show we discuss what it takes to be a legendary drummer and some of our favorite drummer-focused records.

Rush – Moving Pictures (1981)

Slipknot – Vol. 3 (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)

Fontaines D.C. – Romance (2024)

R.E.M. – Automatic for the People (1992)

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Wild God (2024)

Hundred Watt Heart – New Unknown (2022)

What do you think of these records? Who’s your favorite legendary drummer? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Many worthy records never receive the recognition they deserve. Promotion, timing and accessibility often get in the way of great art finding its way to the people that might appreciate it the most. On today’s show we talk over two album gems from bands that never broke through. Despite being truly outrageous.

Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden (Don)

Brad – Shame (Dude)

Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue (1977)

Kate Pierson – Radios and Rainbows (Sept 20)

Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind (2024)

Various – Electric Breakdance

What do you think of these records? What hidden gem albums do you love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Some albums are love at first listen, but other’s take a bit more time to reveal their true value. Whether it’s a bad first listen, miss-placed expectations or just being the wrong age – some albums take time to love. Join us as we discuss some of our favorites.

Death Grips – The Money Store (Andy)

The The – Mind Bomb (Don)

Green Day – Dookie (Dude)

The Smashing Pumpkins – Aghori Mhori Mei

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Flight b741

Duran Duran – Red Carpet Massacre (2007)

Heavy MakeUp – Here it Comes

Charley Crockett – Visions of Dallas

Kiss – Destroyer (1976)

What do you think of these records? What albums did you grow to love? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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What better way to put a bow on the Summer of Don then to talk about one of his favorite records – The Beach Boy’s landmark album Pet Sounds. Join us as we try to decipher Brian Wilson’s genius and discuss the record’s significance today.

The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

Jpegmafia – I Lay Down My Life For You

Meshell Ndegeocello – No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin

Action Bronson – Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – South of Here

The Heavy Heavy – One of a Kind (Sept 6)

Love – Forever Changes (1967)

Jack White – No Name

The Sheepdogs – Darlin’ Baby (Single)

Aerosmith – Permanent Vacation

What do you think of Pet Sounds? Do you think it’s an all-time classic album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Drop the needle on the Album Nerds podcast - and our sweet, sweet trailer!

The Who helped define the formula for the prototypical classic rock band. Their 1971 album Who’s Next is a large part of what earned them that status. Join us as the Summer of Don shines it’s rays down on this seminal classic rock album.

The Who – Who’s Next

Lava La Rue – Starface

Hakushi Hasegawa – Mah​ō​gakkō

Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland (Aug 23)

Empire of the Sun – Ask That God

Carl Perkins – Dance Album of Carl Perkins (1957)

American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still

Return To Dust – Return to Dust

Stray Cats – Built for Speed (1982)

What do you think of Who’s Next? Do you think it’s The Who’s best album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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With a title like Blood Sugar Sex Magik, you might expect the music to be graphic, loud and a little weird – and you wouldn’t be wrong. The Chili Peppers 1991 effort with producer Rick Rubin is stuffed with lots of big ideas, sounds and personalities. Join for a discussion on the landmark record as we rejoin our regularly scheduled Summer of Don, already in progress.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik

Madeleine Peyroux – Let’s Walk

Soft Play – Heavy Jelly

Akhlys – House of the Black Geminus

Cigarettes After Sex – X’s

Beachwood Sparks – Across the River of Stars

The Incredible String Band – The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onion (1967)

Mac Leaphart – Rock & Roll, Hey (single)

Incubus – Morning View XXIII

Eddie Rabbit – Horizon (1980)

What do you think of Blood Sugar Sex Magik? Do you think it’s the Chili Peppers best release? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Happy mid-new-year-ish! We’re taking a short break from the Summer of Don to look back on the first half of 2024. Join us as we highlight some of our favorite new releases.

Shabaka – Perceive It’s Beauty, Acknowledge It’s Grace

Les Amazones d’Afrique – Musow Danse

The Decemberists – As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again

The Brother Brothers – The January Album

Pearl Jam – Dark Matter

The Lunar Effect – Sounds of Green and Blue

Adrianne Lenker – Bright Future

Pet Shop Boys – Nonetheless

The Black Crowes – Happiness Bastards

Jesse Welles – Hells Welles

Ken Carson – A Great Chaos (Deluxe)

Mick Ronson – Slaughter on 10th Avenue

Phish – Evolve Common & Pete Rock – The Auditorium Vol. 1

David Bowie – Let’s Dance

What do you think of these news releases? What new releases are you most excited about? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Bowie’s final studio album left us all a bit speechless when it came out back in 2016, just a few days before his passing. Join us as we regroup and take a closer listen to the record and discuss its impact. There’s a blackstar shinning in the night sky, as the Summer of Don rolls on.

David Bowie – Blackstar

Nadine Shah – Filthy Underneath

Kneecap – Fine Art

James Blake, Lil Yachty – Bad Cameo

Urban Heat – The Tower

Robyn Hitchcock – 1967: HOW I GOT THERE AND WHY I NEVER LEFT (Book)

Truck Violence – Violence

Braxton Keith – Lonely as the Lone Star (Single)

Beach Boys – Pet Sounds

What do you think of Bowie’s Blackstar? Does it belong in the Album Nerds Hall of Fame? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Springsteen’s landmark 1984 album Born in the USA has become an iconic piece of American culture. The album art and long series of hits were hard to escape in the mid-80s and still play a part in modern day society. Join us as we discuss the album and some other things we’ve been digging on. Turn on the grill and break out the SPF – the Summer of Don shines on!

Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA

Been Stellar – Scream from New York, NY

Linda Thompson – Proxy Music

Rich Ruth – Water Still Flows

Vampire Weekend – Only God Was Above Us

Ride – Interplay

Transmissions: The Definitive Story of Joy Division & New Order (2020)

The Libertines – All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade

Fontaines DC – Romance (August 23, 2024)

T- Rex – Electric Warrior

What do you think of Born in the USA? Does it belong in the Album Nerds Hall of Fame? 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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Stevie Wonder had a pretty amazing stretch of albums during the early 1970s. One of our favorites from the period is 1973’s Innervisions. We talked about it a bit a few years ago, but the Summer of Don has given us a chance to talk about it a bit more.

Stevie Wonder – Innervisions

Caroline Shaw – Rectangles and Circumstances

Ulcerate – Cutting the Throat of God

John Cale – POPtical Illusion

The Cactus Blossoms – Everytime I Think About You

Elvis Presley – Sunrise Brats (documentary by Andrew McCarthy)

Luke Combs – Fathers and Sons

Paul McCartney and Wings – One Hand Clapping

Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual

What do you think of Innervisions? What’s your favorite Wonder record? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Pearl Jam’s debut record became an iconic part of the alternative rock (yes, grunge) movement of the early 1990s. Their anthemic hooks, flashy guitars and emotive vocals made them fan and media favorites. Join us as we look back on the album, the era and how it all holds up after three decades. The Summer of Don shines on!

Pearl Jam – Ten

Joey Valence & Brae – No Hands

Bat for Lashes – The Dream of Delphi

Goat Girl – Below the Waste

The Decemberists – As it Ever Was, So it Will Be Again

Pixies – You’re So Impatient

Bon Jovi – Forever

Josh Meloy – Where You Came From

Alice in Chains – Jar of Flies (EP)

What do you think of Pearl Jam’s Ten? What’s your favorite PJ album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Sade’s debut record Diamond Life stood out from the rest of the 1984 musical landscape in the US and UK. Join us for a discussion on the landmark album as well as some other records we’ve been enjoying. The Summer of Don rolls on.

Sade – Diamond Life

La Luz – News of the Universe

Aespa – Armageddon – The 1st Album

Nathy Peluso – Grasa

Big Head Todd and the Monsters – Her Way Out

Winter Aid – Pull the Sky Inside

The Wrecking Crew (2008 film)

Basterdane – Catatonic Symphony

The Props – Echoes/Get Off

Mastodon – Leviathan

What do you think of Diamond Life? What’s your favorite Sade album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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Chris Stapleton’s debut record back in 2015 was influential both on the podcast’s musical taste and on the future of country music. It helped expand our palettes and pushed the genre forward. Join us as we revisit the record and discuss our thoughts after all these years – the Summer of Don carries on!

Chris Stapleton – Traveller

Joywave – Permanent Pleasure

Childish Gambino – Altavista

Shellac – To All Trains

Everyone’s Getting Involved: A Tribute to Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense

The Beach Boys on Disney Plus

Lenny Kravitz – Blue Electric Light

Prince – Silver Tongue

StarCrawler – She Said

What do you think of Traveller? What’s your favorite Chris Stapleton album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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What better way to kick-off the Summer of Don then to talk over a record that has a bit of a special place on the show. The Doors final release, LA Woman, served as a bookend to their celebrated career and a goodbye to the city that shaped them. Join us as we discuss the record and some other things we’ve been digging on.

The Doors – LA Woman

The Lemon Twigs – A Dream Is All We Know Broadcast – Spell Blanket Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – Nell’ ora blu The The – Cognitive Dissident Randy Travis – Where That Came From Pallbearer – Mind Burns Alive Bee Gees – Bee Gees’ 1st

What do you think of LA Woman? What’s your favorite Doors album? Let us know on our website, albumnerds.com or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com.

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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 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. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook.

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