Transatlantic Rebels

  Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 40, we talk about something topical and controversial... Captain America. So Rochard (comic book expert) teaches Jesal (total novice) about what the hell is going on with some bloke called Nick Spencer and the creative decisions being taken by Marvel with regards to Captain America... So within the comic books, he's been unveile...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 39, we take a retrospective look at three pivotal albums by those pesky Oxford rockers, Radiohead. There are discussions on "The Bends" (1995); "OK Computer" (1997); and "Kid A" (2000). It's a controversial look at three oft-revered albums, and it may well ruffle a few feathers. "OK Computer" is one of Jesal's favourite albums eve...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 38, we have a very special guest called Rita Morar and we take a look at one of her favourite albums ever: "Late Registration" (2005) by Kanye West. In a lively discussion, we highlight our favourite songs from his second LP; debate about whether this may just be Yeezy's best album ever; and Rita opens up about the line that inspi...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 37, we take a look at the complete works of Lupe Fiasco (one of our favourite rappers). Lupe is an artist who inspires much debate, and this episode is no different. It's a lively look at all his albums thus far, and broader discussion about his role within the genre. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We like to t...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 36, we have a very special guest called Leslie Byron Pitt (who goes by AfroFilmViewer) and take a look at one of Jesal's favourite films of recent years: "Get Out." With gigantic SPOILERS (you have been warned), we discuss the film, performances and delve into multiple aspects of racism. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from A...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 35, we take a look at two pivotal albums by one of our favourite singers, Nelly Furtado. This week, we check out "Loose" (2006) and "The Spirit Indestructible" (2012). It's a great discussion and well-timed, considering her fifth album "The Ride" is scheduled to be released this week (March 2017). Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 34, we take a look at two pivotal albums by one of our favourite singers, Nelly Furtado. This week, we dive into her first two long plays: "Whoa, Nelly!" (2000) and "Folklore" (2003). It's a great discussion and well-timed, considering her new album "The Ride" is scheduled to be released at the end of March 2017. Next week, we wil...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In a special bonus feature, we talk about relationships in a free-form discussion. Jesal is drunk and Rochard pours his heart out - it's almost like you've hacked into our private phone-call. A bit of fun sponsored by copious amounts of wine. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We like to talk in depth about albums, films, TV...

  Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 33, we take a retrospective look at two pivotal albums by dance/punk outfit LCD Soundsystem. Jesal picked "Sound of Silver" (2007) - one of his favourite albums this century and an LP that is exactly 10 years old this week - and "This Is Happening" (2010). There are also discussions on New York; FIFA 2007; and cultural criticism...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 32, we take a look at two pivotal albums by one of Rochard's favourite singers, Bjork. This week, Rochard picked "Vespertine" (2001) and "Vulnicura" (2015). There are also discussions on "Dancer in the Dark"; why women never get any credit despite doing most of the work; and the compartmentalisation of emotions. Jesal is from the...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 31, we take a look at two pivotal albums by one of Rochard's favourite singers, Bjork. Jesal thought he was a relative newbie to Bjork... But it turns out Rochard picked  "Post" (1995) and "Homogenic" (1997) - and Jesal was actually familiar with both! Next week in Part II, we take a look at "Vespertine" (2001) and "Vulnicura" (20...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 30, we take a look at 3 pivotal albums by one of Rochard's favourite singers, Fiona Apple. Since Jesal is the relative newbie to Fiona, Rochard picked out "When the Pawn..." (1999), followed by "Extraordinary Machine" (2005), and finally "The Idler Wheel..." (2012). Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We like to tal...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 29, we take a look at one of our favourite films of 2016: "Arrival." With gigantic spoilers (you have been warned), we discuss the film, performances and rant about the Oscars. There is also a wider discussion about science fiction films, particularly ones from the past decade. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 28, we take a look at 2 wonderful albums by one of our favourite singers this decade, Janelle Monáe . With brief discussions on her previous works, the main focus is on "The ArchAndroid" (2010) and "The Electric Lady" (2013). There is also analysis on the underlying concept, and what lies next for the (now celebrated) actress. Wil...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 27, we take a look at 3 pivotal albums by one of Rochard's favourite singers, Joni Mitchell. Since Jesal is the relative newbie to Joni, Rochard picked out "Court and Spark" (1974), followed by "The Hissing of Summer Lawns" (1975), and finally "Hejira" (1976). (Apologies for the slightly muddled vocals from Jesal, last time that b...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 26, we conclude our two-part look at the works of Madonna. The second half of her career was (naturally) a tad quieter by her own standards, yet contained some of her best work and albums. With fewer attempts to dominate the silver screen, it's easier to focus on the "Music" (boom boom).  We also speculate on what lies next for He...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 25, we begin a two-part look at the works of Madonna. This part of her career was so expansive, with numerous albums, tours and ventures in Hollywood. It's easy to forget how often Madge was on the front page of every paper, with imagery second to none and the ability to provoke like no other. Next week, we cover 1998 ("Ray of Lig...

  Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 24, we discuss the potential ramifications of Donald Trump becoming President of the USA. It's really happening. He won, YOU LOSERS! Treat it as a time capsule for future generations/alien races to dig up and see what a couple of people thought, without filtering from the BIASED MEDIA YEAH BUZZFEED YOU FAILING PILE OF GARBAGE. I...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 23, we take our first look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jesal is your average Marvel viewer, and Rochard knows every nook and cranny of the Universe. The main focus is on four films (the three "Captain America" ones and "Age of Ultron"); discuss plenty of the other MCU releases since 2008 ; try to understand why they've been...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 22, we have a special guest returning to the show - Kage Sparks - for an in-depth book review. "Black & White: The Way I See It" by Richard Williams is one of the most amazing books either of us have ever read, and we take you through why it's so incredible. Richard Williams is the father of Venus and Serena Williams, but by the t...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 21, we take a look at Alanis Morissette and two of her biggest albums: "Jagged Little Pill" (1995) and "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" (1998). We talk about the time Rochard saw Alanis live in concert ; discuss our favourite five tracks from each LP ; clashing with Lauryn Hill; and we try to dissect her impact on countless ho...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In Episode 20, we take a look at Garbage and Rihanna albums: "Strange Little Birds" (2016) and "ANTI" (2016). Rochard's favourite album of the year was Garbage's surprising return to form, and we discuss why he connected to it, and what Jesal thought about it. Jesal's favourite album of 2016 was Rihanna'...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 19, we take a look at the life of a writer. Topics of discussion include world-building; the world of publishing; fussy eating; and how Rochard became a writer. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We like to talk in depth about albums, films, TV shows and books. Rochard has a background in TV, acting, writing and ma...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 18, we take a look at the life of a DJ. Topics of discussion include Steve Aoki; Zac Efron films; and how Jesal became a DJ. Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from America. We like to talk in depth about albums, films, TV shows and books. Rochard has a background in TV, acting, writing and many other areas of art creation. Jesa...

Meet Jesal and Rochard. We are the Transatlantic Rebels. In Episode 17, we take a look at Eminem's 2013 album "The Marshall Mathers LP 2". We do a track-by-track run through; talk about the original 2000 incarnation; discuss the time Jesal saw Eminem at Wembley Stadium; Moby Dick; and try to understand why Em isn't universally considered a "Rap God". Jesal is from the UK, and Rochard is from Ameri...