The Beaten Track

This week we're doing it properly, discussing the genre of Dream Pop and Cocteau Twins' Heaven or Las Vegas. We talk all things Dream Pop, including bands such as Mazzy Star, Slowdive, and My bloody Valentine. Elsewhere, Joe's religious knowledge is put to the test.

This week we took a trip back to the 80s and Echo & the Bunnymen's second record Heaven Up Here. As per usual we talk about the sound of the era, some of our favourite tracks from the album, and try out some ridiculous quizzes.

The attack of the BUZZ... This week we reviewed the new Viagra Boys album, Welfare Jazz and discuss the recent rise of post-punk bands in the UK scene. Although, the real star of this episode was Joe's buzzy microphone which was determined to have its say on the topic, and for this, we apologise.

It's another one of our ranking lists, and this time it's our top five favourite Nick Cave albums. Perhaps one of the most unique and intense artists in music, this one was always going to be an interesting one with some varied opinions.

It seems that after the events in the US last week, the Clash's first musical statement is as relevant as ever. Joe and Louis discuss this punk classic, its influence upon music to come, and some of the famous scuffles of the punk era.

What better way to start 2021 than with Kate Bush and her most experimental album, The Dreaming. Joe and Louis wax lyrical about some of the brilliant weirdness and unique songwriting on show. And to round off, Joe's knowledge of Basil Brush is put to the test.

It's time for Joe and Louis to wrap up this year's best albums in a neat little top ten list. Will Bob Dylan make it? Will Fiona claim the top spot? And did Louis actually listen to the Run the Jewels album? All these questions will be answered in this final episode of 2020.

Christmas is under threat this year but, Joe and Louis have come to rescue it. We discuss our favourite Christmas Songs from the Ramones, the Pretenders, and of course, the Pogues. There's also a mention for our favourite Christmas films, a Weezer Christmas quiz, and an introduction to Joe Pesci's Christmas band.

Well, we kicked her under the table all we could but she just wouldn't shut up. Fiona Apple's fifth album is being called the best album of 2020 by many and it only felt right that we discussed it before the end of the year. Also, the 'Price it Up' quiz returns triumphantly with Joe guessing the price of a hot air balloon.

An absolutely superb choice of album from Joe this week. The Pogues' Rum Sodomy & The Lash, is full of tales of drunkenness, vomit, love, and canals. This provides Joe and Louis with plenty to talk about and it is all rounded off with a pretty rubbish quiz.

This week was all about Pulp's Different Class, and the Britpop scene surrounding it. Joe and Louis discuss some of the classic tracks on the album, some musical beef, and Joe's mooning habit.

It was Joe's pick this week and it was a good one. We talk all things Indie-Folk and even a little bit of Alt-Country, as well as reviewing Magnolia Electric Co. from Jason Molina's Songs: Ohia. As per usual, Louis and Joe talk for too long about the wealth of great tracks on the album and it is all wrapped up with a Route 66 quiz.

Nadine Shah's latest album Kitchen Sink was our focus this week. We discuss her unique voice and style, as well as her scathing social commentary. And, as always we end with some pretty pointless quizzing.

In our 10th episode we decided to do something a bit different, Louis and Joe discuss their rankings of Radiohead's acclaimed discography including classic albums such as OK Computer, Kid A, and The Bends. 

With Halloween just gone, Louis and Joe discuss their favourite spooky sounds and films. We review Dario Argento's Italian horror classic Suspiria and Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre.

In our episode this week we delve into Queen's of the Stone Age's classic alternative rock album Songs For The Deaf. We discuss many of our favourite tracks from the album and Joe tries to piece together a supergroup with some historical Queens.

In this week's episode we talk about sample culture, review Madlib's Shades of Blue, and Joe struggles to guess the alter ego's of famous musicians.

In this week's episode, we discuss the abrasive sounds of noise rock and review Big Black's Atomizer. Louis and Joe review iconic tracks such as 'Kerosene' and 'Jordan, Minnesota', as well as talking about Big Black's influence upon noise music and grunge. As always, we conclude the episode with trivia and a 'Price It Up' quiz.

It's Monk Time! In this episode, we focus solely on one of the most enigmatic bands of all time The Monks, and their only studio album Black Monk Time. Joe and Louis take you through the delights of this highly experimental, garage rock album and discuss its legacy and influence over punk rock music for decades to follow. We also have some exciting monastic trivia and Joe builds a 'supergroup' out...

In this week's instalment of The Beaten Track, Louis and Joe delve into some live albums and review Talking Head's classic concert film Stop Making Sense. We discuss some of our favourite live pieces such including greats such as Johnny Cash, James Brown, Swans and some chaotic recordings of The Stooges. To round off, Louis' trivia knowledge lets him down again and Joe guesses the price of a bongo...

In our first episode we get to grips with the world of debut albums and review the memorable debut from 90s alternative rock outfit The Breeders. Our discussion includes debuts such as Joy Division, The Velvet Underground and The Strokes, as well as some stand-out debut films and a brief mention of Zinedine Zidane.

In this brief episode we introduce ourselves and the sorts of things we will be talking about in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to listen to the first episode after checking this out!