Barber Cuts: Beats and Bars

This week we glitter, strut, and shred our way back to 1972 with David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. A cosmic concept album drenched in glam rock glory, it tells the tale of an androgynous alien rock star sent to save the dying world. We dive into the swagger, the riffs, and the theatrical genius that made Ziggy an icon. Which tracks sparkle brightest for u...

This week we jump forward 20 years from grunge to guitars, loops, and heartfelt lyrics with Ed Sheeran’s debut album +. Released in 2011, this record introduced the world to Sheeran’s blend of acoustic pop, rap-influenced delivery, and tender ballads. For Riley, this one carries a little bit of nostalgia so join us as we share favorites, skips, and talk about how this album set the stage for Sheer...

This week we’re back in 1991 with Nirvana’s Nevermind - the album that kicked down the door for grunge and changed rock forever. From the opening chords of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the quieter moments tucked between the loud ones, we explore why this record struck a chord with a generation. Does it still hold up over 30 years later? We share our favorites, debate the skips (or are there any fo...

We’ve hit double digits! For our tenth episode, we take on one of the most revered albums in music history - Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Released in 1971, this soulful masterpiece blends smooth grooves with powerful social commentary on war, inequality, and the human condition. We dive into its timeless messages, lush production, and emotional weight - and share which tracks moved us most. Plus...

This week we cross the pond again to explore Original Pirate Material by The Streets - Mike Skinner’s gritty, witty, and genre-bending debut. With conversational flows, everyday observations, and beats that blur the lines between garage, hip-hop, and electronica, this 2002 release paints a vivid picture of early 2000s UK life. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks! Playlist of our favorite...

This week we dive into Ten by Pearl Jam - an album packed with raw emotion, iconic riffs, and early ‘90s angst. For one of us, this is more than just a debut album - it’s a time capsule from high school and college. For the other, it’s an encounter with grunge without the haze of nostalgia. Do the tracks still hold up? Are there disagreements? Is Riley wrong? Yes, Yes and Yes. Join us as we explor...

This week we slip into the swirling, emotional depths of Disintegration by The Cure. Released in 1989, this album blends lush soundscapes with melancholy lyrics, capturing the beauty in sadness like few others can. We explore themes of heartbreak, isolation, and dreamy despair - and talk about why this album still resonates decades later. Plus, don’t miss our “Song of the Week” picks for what’s be...

This week we plug in and crank up the fuzz as we dive into Elephant by The White Stripes. With its raw guitar riffs, pounding drums, and garage rock revival energy, this 2003 album put Jack and Meg White at the center of the early 2000s rock scene. From stadium anthems to stripped-down stompers, we break down what makes this album stomp and snarl. Plus - don’t miss the debut of our new “Song of th...

This week we take on one of the most legendary albums of all time - Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. Released in 1973 and still orbiting playlists everywhere, this psychedelic rock masterpiece bends time, space, and sound. From clocks and cash registers to existential lyrics and studio wizardry, we explore what makes this album endure. Give it a listen to hear what tracks resonate most with...

In this episode we finally travel into the current millennium as we talk about Arcade Fire's debut studio album Funeral. (Dad joke in 3...2...1) The album was anything but a funeral for Arcade Fire and launched the band towards stardom. The album has haunting lyrics, sweeping arrangements, and a raw emotional core that hits harder with every listen. See what themes hit home for us - and which...

On our third episode we are discussing Primal Scream's album Screamadelica with back to back weeks in the UK. When asked for influences for the 1991 album Bobby Gillespie listed 10 different genres, including free jazz, funk, soul, country, blues, electronic music, post-punk, ambient, house and psychedelic music. Wow! Give it a listen to see what our favorites are as well as any that we might...

On our second episode we are discussing Sex Pistols's album Never Mind the Bollocks. Join us for a trip back to 1977 and the UK punk scene. Give it a listen to see what our favorites are as well as any that we might skip. And see what album is up next and join us while we listen!

First episode of Barber Cuts, where we do all the podcasting things wrong. We are discussing Massive Attack's album Blue Lines during this episode. Give it a listen to see what our favorites are as well as any that we might skip.