Album Nerds

This just in – it’s new release time! Every few months we like to take a moment to see what’s shaking in the world of new releases. We picked out a choice few to share with you: Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows (Andy) Wilco – Cousin (Don) Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite recent new release? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com...

One of the most iconic aspects of the metal genre are the epic guitar riffs and solos. Known for being loud, fast and intricate, metal guitarists are amazing to behold – somehow pulling off complex passages while headbanging in a cloud of hair. Join us as we discuss three records that feature guitar shredding capable of melting any face. Death – Human (Andy) Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (Don) A...

The top of the Billboard charts in the mid-80s is packed with a surprisingly diverse collection of stars like Whitney Houston, ZZ Top and Phil Collins. If you love squeaky clean production (and who doesn’t), get on your legwarmers and settle-in as we revisit some of the top albums from 1986. Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms (Andy) Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston (Don) Janet Jackson – Control (Dud...

Protest songs are a pivotal part of social and political change. Issues ranging from human rights to war and prohibition have benefited from music written about their causes. On today’s show we dive into 3 albums that focus on creating change. Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine (Andy) Phil Ochs – I Ain’t Marching Anymore (Don) Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet (Dude) What do y...

Prince's classic album Purple Rain is often lauded not only as a high point in his career, but also in popular music. The album acts as a soundtrack of sorts for the film of the same name, but ultimately its an intimate record about Prince himself. Join us as we dive deep into Purple Rain. Prince - Purple Rain (1984) What do you think of Purple Rain? What's your favorite Prince record? Tell us on...

Funk largely grew out of 60s rock and RnB, but its influence can be heard in many of the surrounding genres. On today’s show we explore funk-infused records. Here’s our album picks: Jaco Pastorius – Jaco Pastorius (Andy) Chic – Risqué (Don) Living Colour – Vivid (Dude) What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite funk fusion record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/di...

This one goes out to all the late night FM radio dial explorers. The Quiet Storm radio format originated back in the 1970s and gave rise to a new RnB sub-genre. On today’s show we discuss albums from the genres creation through modern day. Smokey Robinson – A Quiet Storm (Andy)Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly (Don)D’Angelo – Voodoo (Dude)What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite Qu...

Few of the sub-genres we cover on the show are as nerdy as prog rock. From the intricate, long compositions to the sci-fi infused lyrics – 70s prog rock pushed the boundaries of rock music and helped bring nerds into the limelight. On today’s show we discuss 3 iconic prog rock albums from the era. Rush – 2112 (Andy) Yes – Close to the Edge (Don) Klaatu – 3:47 EST (Dude) What do you think of these...

1990 was a transitional year in music. The synth heavy sound of the 80s was transforming, hip-hop and new jack swing were becoming part of mainstream culture and a new ‘dirty’ type of rock was taking shape out west. Join us as we recount some memories of the era and discuss some of our favorite albums of 1990. Sonic Youth – Goo (Andy) Pet Shop Boys – Behaviour (Don) Alice in Chains – Facelift (Dud...

One of the few things George Gershwin and DJ Jazzy Jeff have in common is writing songs called “Summertime.” They sound a little different, but they both work well with the season. On today’s show we talk about albums we associate with summa summa summertime. Weezer – Blue Album (Andy)Roxy Music – Avalon (Don)John Mellencamp – Uh-Huh (Dude)What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite r...

The cover of Rolling Stone magazine has been the face of music and pop culture in the US for over 50 years. On today’s show we discuss albums from artists who’ve been featured. Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (Andy) Sly and the Family Stone – There’s a Riot Goin’ On (Don) Michael Jackson – Thriller (Dude) What do you think of these records? Which Rolling Stone issue i...

The late 80s and early 90s can arguably be called the golden age of hip-hop. The genres popularity was rising, but hadn’t been overly commercialized yet. On today’s show we talk about 3 classic albums from the era. Nas – Illmatic (Andy)Organized Konfusion – Stress: The Extinction Agenda (Don)Guru – Jazzmatazz Volume 1 (Dude)What do you think of these records? What 90s hip-hop do you love? Tell us...

Well, its a little more than halfway through 2023, so its about time to check-in on and what’s good in the world of new releases. Join us as we discuss 3 new albums from some new and established artists. Home Is Where – The Whaler (Andy) Boygenius – The Record (Don) Foo Fighters – But Here We Are (Dude)What do you think of these records? What new releases do you love? Tell us on the Album Nerds Di...

Being a one-hit wonder can mean a lot of things. Some went on to have long, successful careers, others were only together briefly. One things for sure though, they had a hit that left a lasting impact on our culture. On today’s show we discuss 3 albums known for their big single. Gnarles Barkley – St. Elsewhere (Andy)Gary Numan – The Pleasure Principle (Don)Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak (Dude)What do you...

For a country that is perpetually frozen and overrun by moose (😉), Canada has made a significant contribution to popular music. So many great artists (Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion) and bands (The Band, Rush, Tragically Hip) are from our neighbors to the north. On today’s show we discuss three albums from some of our favorite Canadian musicians. Broken Social Scene – You Forgot It In...

Marvin Gaye’s landmark album What’s Going On has left a lasting impact on not just RnB, but our entire culture. Few records so beautifully pair a message of social concern with an inspired, genre bending sound. On today’s show we revisit the classic 1971 album and discuss how our experience with the record has changed over time. Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On (1971)What do you think of What’s Going...

Country music, perhaps better than any other genre, does a great job of looking back to the past. On today’s show we explore albums from recent country albums and discuss the things that make us a little bit country. Billy Strings – Me / And / Dad (2022)Ashley McBryde – Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville (2022)Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country (2022)What do you think of these records? What’s yo...

Bang your head! No show better captured the excitement of the 80s and 90s metal scene than MTV’s Headbangers Ball. Join us as we discuss albums from artists featured on the show and recount our headbanging glories. Faith No More – The Real Thing (1989) King’s X – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989) Megadeth – Rust in Peace (1990)What do you think of these records? What’s your favorite artist featured...

Cue the screaming teenage girls – it’s our boy bands episode. Join us as we explore the sounds of boy bands new and old. SHINee – 1 of 1 – The 5th AlbumJonas Brothers – The AlbumThe Monkees – The Birds, the Bees & the MonkeesWhat do you think of these records? What your fav boy band album? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discord or email us, podcast@albumnerds.com .Listen to...

There’s nothing better than a rainy afternoon and a good record to get all up in your feelings. What makes a great rainy day record though? On today’s episode we discuss a batch of records that get us drenched. The National – Boxer (2007) Philip Glass – Glassworks (1982) Ours – Precious (2002)What do you think of these records? What your fav rainy day record? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, al...

Hey, guess what – its our 200th episode! To celebrate the landmark achievement, we’ve decided to take a look at a landmark list – Rolling Stones top 200 albums. As a fun little twist, we only picked records from artists we’ve never featured on the show. Here’s our selections:Otis Redding – Otis Blue (1965)T. Rex – Electric Warrior (1971)Paul Simon – Graceland (1986)What do you think of these recor...

Ahoy there album lovers. On this episode, the SS Album Nerd is headed for all things yacht rock as we try to answer the eternal question – is it yacht or (k)not? Grab some boat shoes and tie your sweater around your waist, here’s the yacht rock albums on deck. Chaka Khan – I Feel For You (1984) Steely Dan – Aja (1977) Christopher Cross – Christopher Cross (1979)What do you think of these records?...

Time to rectify some past wrongs. When we last spoke about De La Soul’s landmark 1989 album 3 Feet High and Rising, we failed to nominate it for the prestigious Album Nerds Hall of Fame. On today’s show we revisit our thoughts on the record and (spoiler) solidify its place in history. What do you think of this record? What other outstanding albums are missing from the AHNOFs? Tell us on the Album...

Some singers have voices so incredible, they border on holy. On today’s show we discuss albums by vocalists who we think cross the divide between heaven and earth. Michael Jackson – Off the Wall (1979) Judy Collins – Wildflowers (1967) Led Zeppelin – IV (1971)What do you think of these records? What singer do you think has an angelic voice? Tell us on the Album Nerds Discord, albumnerds.com/discor...

Changing lead singers is usually a make-or-break moment for a band. Occasionally it goes smoothly, but often it results in a shift in sound and perhaps fan base. On today’s show we discuss albums from lead singer switches that we think went well. Kvelertak – Splid (Andy) Echo & the Bunnymen – Reverberation (Don) Van Halen – 5150 (Dude)What do you think of these records? What lead singer switch...