Album Nerds

Bands Across America: Alabama Commodores – Commodores (1977) & Jimmy Buffett – Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977) We roll into Alabama for the first stop on our summer road trip! This week, we spotlight two classic albums from artists with deep Alabama roots: the genre-blending funk and soul of the Commodores’ self-titled LP, and Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back, introspective Changes...

## Record Rumble: Beatle Battle – John Lennon vs. Paul & Linda McCartney It’s the ultimate post-Beatles showdown! In the grand finale of our Record Rumbles series, we pit two landmark solo albums head-to-head: John Lennon’s raw, confessional Plastic Ono Band (1970) versus Paul & Linda McCartney’s whimsical, genre-bending Ram (1971). We break down standout tracks, production styles, and the...

Record Rumble: Reba McEntire vs. Lainey Wilson It’s a battle of country queens! We pit Reba McEntire’s acoustic retrospective Not That Fancy (2023) against Lainey Wilson’s bold, personal Whirlwind (2024). We break down standout tracks, production, and debate which artist best represents country music today. Diggin’: • Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – Carpe Diem, Moonman (2024) • Midland – On the Rocks...

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 t...

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 –...

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 Ele...

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 – Blindn...

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-Size...

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 Midd...

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) Th...

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 Pi...

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...