Album Nerds

This week we explore two modern metal groups that use their art to tell the story of their ancestors. The Dude brings the new Alien Weaponry record to the table. On it, the band continues to explore their Māori roots – telling many mythical and historical stories of their people. Andy’s Old Dog pick is from West Virginia metal duo Nechochwen and their 2015 record that explores the history of the F...

Andy’s new release recommendation is the debut record from singer, trumpeter and DJ Emma-Jean Thackray and her record Yellow. Her house infused take on a classic jazz sound is grand and propulsive. Dude’s Old Dog selection comes from the legendary Stevie Wonder and his classic 1973 record Innervisions. The record showcases Wonder’s mastery of numerous instruments and genres as he tells stories of...

Get out your eyeliner – this week we’re talking about two gothic rock records The band formally known as Idle Hands are back with the follow up to their acclaimed 2019 record Mana. This time around their sound is a little less metal and a little more goth rock, pulling heavily from the 80s. For a bit of perspective we dive into one of those influential records, The Cure’s 1982 landmark record Porn...

The Dude’s new release recommendation is the new Mastodon release Hushed and Grim. It’s an ambitious record that largely focuses on the death of band manager Nick John. Andy’s old dog selection comes from UK rock greats Pink Floyd and their follow up to Dark Side of the Moon. The record is a reaction to their new fame as well as a reflection on former band mate Syd Barrett. Here’s the album recomm...

This week we discuss two records the deal with what could have been. Marisa Anderson and William Tyler’s first collaborative record was created in the midst of riots, a pandemic and wildfires. They use this backdrop, along with their excellent guitar instrumentals and interesting use of electronics to paint a sonic picture of an alternate reality that never materialized. The Rolling Stones 1969 re...

Ho, ho, ho, yo! For this year’s Christmas Quickie, we’re highlighting two classic holiday records that were featured on TV specials. The Dude’s selection is a far-out collection of holiday standards and originals from folk artist John Denver. The album’s calm, soothing sound and focus on the majestic Rocky Mountains will transport you to a magical place with butterflies, bears and shaggy 70s hairc...

Andy’s new release recommendation comes from Canadian punk rock group Bad Waitress. Their debut blends punk and 90s alternative rock in an exciting and dare I say, artsy way. The Dude’s old dog selection features a very artsy album from punk rock influencer Patty Smith. The record deals with heady issues like rebellion and isolation in a poetic and impactful way. Here’s the album recommendations f...

Here’s a sneak peak at the top half of our lists: Dude 10. Vincent Neil Emerson – Vincent Neil Emerson 9. Ayron Jones – Child of the State 8. Urne – Serpent and Spirit 7. Foo Fighters – Medicine at Midnight 6. Unto Others – Strength 5. … Andy 10. Marisa Anderson, William Tyler – Lost Futures 9. Black Country, New Road – For the First Time 8. Injury Reserve – By The Time I Get to Phoenix 7. Ad Naus...

Hey there Nerds! We’ve got a new format and new podcast host in store for you. Join us as we start a new chapter of the show with an old show staple – Prince! Andy kicks things off with 1995’s The Gold Experience, a album mired in record company disputes and speculations, the record marks the first time Prince officially released music as [Love Symbol] (not to be confused with the 1992 record of t...

What’s new Nerds? We’ve got a few new releases to share with you fine folks. Andy’s pick comes from indie rock veteran Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters. The record finds Costello channeling his early straight-ahead rock sound – and doing it well. Don’s selection is a folk rock record from Minneapolis-based duo The Cactus Blossoms. It features vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Everly Brot...

Live Aid was an epic concert event that took place back in July of 1985. It gathered together the top musicians of the time to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. All the big names were there – from Queen and The Rolling Stones, to Madonna and David Bowie. Join us as we discuss albums from 3 equally influential artists who also played the event. Run-DMC – Run DMC (Andy) Duran Duran – Rio (D...

On occasion, an artist will burst onto the scene with a debut album so powerful, it completely shifts your perspective on music. On today’s show we discuss three such albums and how they shaped our musical tastes. Bjork – Debut (Andy) Velvet Underground & Nico – Velvet Underground & Nico (Don) Jeff Buckley – Grace (Dude) What do you think of these records? What debut album changed your tas...

Ah the saxophone, a surprisingly versatile, though often under utilized instrument in modern music. This week we discuss albums that embraced the woodwind to its full potential. Let’s get saxy… Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (Andy) Roxy Music – Roxy Music (Don) Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Born to Run (Dude) Want to win a free copy of Roxy Music’s debut album on vinyl?! Listen up...

We all come from somewhere, even us nerds. On today’s show we dive into our folks record cabinets to explore where our tastes originated. Not surprisingly we came up with 3 quite different, though clearly influential albums from the late 60s. Aretha Franklin – Aretha Now (Andy) Elvis Presley – How Great Thou Art (Don) Ten Years After – Ssssh (Dude) What do you think of these records? What did your...

For a few years in the late 80s and year 90s, new jack swing dominated the charts and pop culture. This fusion of RnB, pop and hip-hop was not only commercially successful, but it also produced some of the most iconic records of the time. Today on the show, we discuss three of those albums. Bobby Brown – Don’t Be Cruel (Andy) Tony! Toni! Toné! – The Revival (Don) Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation (Dud...

As the 90s came to a close, the youth of America gathered in central New York to celebrate crappy music, overpriced water and poor sanitation. Woodstock ’99 served as a who’s-who of the shifting music scene at the time. Join us as we discuss 3 classic albums from artists who played the festival. Metallica – Master of Puppets (Andy) Bruce Hornsby and the Range – The Way it Is (Don) The Tragically H...

Good things rarely last, especially when it comes to the bands featured on this week’s episode. All of these groups burned brightly for a single album and then poof they were gone. Join us as we discuss some of our favorite one and done albums: Operation Ivy – Energy (Andy) The La’s – The La’s (Don) Temple of the Dog – Temple of the Dog (Dude) What do you think of these records? What one and done...

U2 is one of those bands that has been around so long that we’ve been able to watch them progress their sound through many phases of their career. Today on the show, we discuss 3 U2 albums that finds the band reinventing themselves, their sound, and in large part, the pop sound of the time. U2 – War (Andy) U2 – Songs of Experience (Don) U2 – Achtung Baby (Dude) What do you think of these records?...

Wu-Tang Clan burst onto the NYC rap scene in the mid-90s with a unique sound and large cast of colorful personalities. Their influence on the rap genre and American culture have been rippling outwards ever since. Today on the show, we explore 3 records from the collective and the many offshoot projects that it produced. GZA – Liquid Swords (Andy) Wu-Tang Clan – Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (Don...

Every once in a while, we like to take a moment to reflect on some truly classic albums that deserve some extra praise. For that we have the Album Nerds Hall of Fame (aka ANHoF). Our nominees are: Radiohead – OK Computer (Andy) Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (Don) Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger (Dude) What do you think of these records? What album would you nominate for the Hall of Fame?...

Everyone loves a good story. Combine that with some good music and you have the potential for magic. Today on the show we look at 3 albums that both sound great and tell a compelling story. Mike Watt – Contemplating the Engine Room (Andy) Roger Waters – Radio K.A.O.S. (Don) David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust (Dude) What do you think of these records? What rock opera moves you to sing along? Tell us on t...

Yeeeaaaaaaaaaaaah! The 80s hair metal scene left its mark not only with glass shattering vocal performances, but also plenty of glam, partying and general craziness. Today on the show we explore 3 hair metal albums that helped define The Decade of Decadence. Saigon Kick – The Lizard (Andy) Whitesnake – Whitesnake (Don) Mötley Crüe – Shout at the Devil (Dude) What do you think of these records? Wha...

In the early 90s, the idea of a female only music festival didn’t seem plausible. Sarah McLachlan and friends helped to make it a reality with the Lilith Fair tour. Running for three years in the late 90s, plus a revival in 2010, the festival helped to bring women-led music to a larger audience. Today on the show we discuss 3 albums from influential Lilith Fair artists. Lucinda Williams – Car Whee...

The 1960s saw a lot of change for the jazz genre. Big-name artists released influential records and the sound started to creep into other genres. Today on the show, we discuss records from the beginning, middle and end of the decade to see just how things progressed. John Coltrane – Giant Steps (Andy) Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage (Don) The Tony Williams Lifetime – Emergency! (Dude) What do you t...

The Motown record label has produced some of the most iconic American music from the last 50 years. Under the direction of producer Berry Gordy, artists like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson brought RnB music to a mainstream pop audience. Today on the show we discuss 3 Motown records that have plenty of pop-appeal. Jr. Walker and the All Stars – Shotgun (Andy) Diana Ross and the...