Rock Of Ages

The Police's third release and one of their most lauded. But does it still hold up after 45 years? Especially with that "monumental pile of shit"? Let's find out as the theater kids discuss Zenyatta Mondatta! Originally recorded: July 5, 2025 (yeah I know, I have to catch up)

The South Korean musical that won multiple Tonys in 2025, including Best Musical, was an unexpected treat for all of us listening. Here's our thoughts and my occasional rantings about their sad attempts to make "Gil Brentley" a real person. And also why HwaBoon is the MVP. Originally recorded June 28, 2025.

We dedicate this episode to the memory of America's premier pop musician/composer, Brian Wilson. He made us all smile. We spend most of the episode fawning over the album, but...at the same time, why wouldn't you? Originally recorded June 22, 2025.

The great Southern Rock debut album by the great Southern Rock band. On paper it doesn't really sound like the type of album a theater kid would vibe with, but you'd be surprised. Let's dive into Lynyrd Skynyrd for the first, and possibly final, time on this podcast! Originally recorded June 14, 2025.

Jangle Pop Month concludes for real this time. And of course we couldn't say goodbye without covering one of the great jangle pop bands' eponymous debut album. This also means though we have to cover Morrissey both as a singer and as a person for the first time on the podcast, something none of us were mentally prepared for but we tried our to best to separate art/artist when needed. Let&#...

This episode is instantly dated because we made jokes about how it's not on Spotify. Literally the day, the very DAY, after we recorded this, May 31, the band's catalog returned to Spotify. Funny how life turns out sometimes. Obscure Jangle Pop Month finally concludes! Or does it? In this installment, we check out the debut album by a band that's not obscure by most standards, especial...

A new season means new Rock of Ages episodes. And in this episode we talk of things ranging from anime to a harsh critique of the Danny Boyle picture 'Yesterday'. But you might also hear us continue Obscure Jangle Pop Month with our thoughts on our first Japanese band on the podcast, Advantage Lucy, and their grossly overlooked masterpiece 1999 album, Fanfare! Originally recorded May 24, 2...

Originally released April 25, 2021. Taken down in January 2024, but now cleared for reuploading.

A throwback to one of our earliest episodes! From June 2021, specifically. Mainly because it was taken down and Spotify didn't give me notice that it has some claims that needed to be appealed. But anyway, one of the worst albums ever released and we thoroughly enjoyed ripping it a new one and the same way we did not enjoy listening to it. It's the Sgt Pepper's Movie Soundtrack! Be ver...

Our next stop in Obscure Jangle Pop Month takes us to Australia, where in 1988 the band The Church found their biggest success with the psychedelic, hazy, and very cool record, Starfish! The music is great and the lyrics make little sense- and the interpretations found on SongMeanings didn't help matters. But we had still had fun with this one! Originally recorded May 19, 2025.

After some technical difficulties, we have a 10,000 Maniacs episode to upload! Our second stop in Obscure Jangle Pop Month takes place in 80s Upstate NY, where the Natalie Merchant-led janglers try and re-evoke the spirit and sound of classic 60s beat music for a college rock audience. Does it hold up? Let's talk In My Tribe!

Obscure Jangle Pop Month begins with a Canadian band, a pretty darn good band with a pretty darn good album. And because it's pretty darn good, alt rock stations will never ever play it. Because why play something pretty darn good when Nickelback is right there? But I digress. Let's talk Alvvays, Antisocialites! Originally recorded May 4, 2025.

Well it took a year, but the 2024 Christmas special is out! Here we discuss two random Christmas albums along with several other tangents. One is by a universally beloved showman who's dramatic musings on camera and on wax have delighted all who have seen him. And the other is by John C. Reilly. Originally recorded December 23, 2024.

No introduction is required for this album. It's just one of the greatest ones ever released by anyone. Fiona Apple, When the Pawn everybody! Originally recorded April 26, 2025.

One of the single-most successful and popular musicals of all time. What isn't to love? Does it still hold up though? Let's talk Asparagus of-- I mean Man of La Mancha! Originally recorded April 19, 2025.

DISCLAIMER: This episode is NOT a condonement or endorsement of generative AI, nor is the thumbnail made by AI. All of us at Rock of Ages are anti-AI because it lacks any sort of creativity; it can only steal what it sees/knows, and it's destructive to the environment. The episode only exists to mock AI "content", putting it in its place as laughable and unserious efforts. So, in the...

Critically panned at release, this synth heavy effort by Jeff Lynne and his Beatles tribute band has since been looked back as a very progressive, influential, and flat-out amazing record. And the theater kids agree. It's time for ELO's "Time"! Originally recorded April 13, 2025.

Rod Stewart was once long avoided on this podcast because of his voice, one that host Andrew believed would be unappealing to the theater kids. And himself. But now, the podcast conquers its fear and checks out his critically acclaimed smash hit, Every Picture Tells a Story! Does it surpass the panelists average expectations of Sir Rod? Let's find out! Originally recorded April 5, 2025.

At last. We're finally covering a real album. Originally recorded March 30, 2025.

Diving back into our good friend Bruce Springsteen on this episode, looking at the album he did right before he released the big one. Perhaps not as good, but he's still coming into his own and that's what matters. It's wild, it's innocent, and it's the E-Street Shuffle! Originally recorded March 29, 2025.

It was St Patrick's time for the podcast, which meant we get to cover an Irish artist! And we decided this year to look at the debut by one of the island's greatest and most powerful singer-songwriters. One who was unfortunately shunned and dismissed for most of her career until it was too late. It's Sinead O'Connor, "The Lion and the Cobra"! Originally recorded March 16,...

Panelist Kay chooses the album this episode with the "debut" album by Canadian American post-punk revival royalty, Metric! It did only release after they had two albums out, but better late than never. We're talking 'Grow Up and Blow Away'! Originally recorded March 8, 2025.

Before I start anything, one must marvel at my ability to take any famous or sad album cover and completely ruin it with the same stock image of Ringo and pngs of pop culture characters we mention in the episode. I will never stop doing this, it is the funniest shit in the world lmao. Anywayyy this is one of the 80s finest debuts from one the greatest synthpop acts to grace the synth. Theater kids...

In 1970, former Impressions member Curtis Mayfield released his solo debut. And 55 years onward it's still one of the best sounding albums ever recorded from one of the best artists sadly taken away from us in the most tragic unforeseen circumstance. Are the theater kids in awe of the Gentle Genius? Trick question, who isn't? Originally recorded February 22, 2025.

Pop punk existed before Green Day's Dookie, and it was likely to exist after Green Day's Dookie, but it could never exist in the way it does today without Green Day's Dookie. Do the theater kids agree? Listen for yourself. Originally recorded February 15, 2025.