Album Nerds

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 Ta...

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 (2...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 – Midnig...

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) F...

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 Dig...

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...

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 (20...

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 – Pat...

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 an...

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 H...

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...

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)...

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 Artis...

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) Pri...

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 (20...

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...

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...

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...

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 – Ch...

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 (2...

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 – Ba...

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...