Rock Of Ages

The gang has some mixed feelings about this blockbuster 80s album that instead of standing the test of time has become stuck in it. But it's still got some banger tracks that any theater kid could enjoy. It's The Bangles' Different Light! Originally recorded February 8, 2025.

In part two of Romi's birthday episodes of 2025, we take a look at one of the most influential albums to come out of the plunderphonics/sampledelia movement-- as well as Australia in general. We're talking about Since I Left You by the Avalanches! Originally recorded February 1, 2025.

It's the first part of Romi's birthday episode, and our first musical of 2025. And she chose a StarKid musical, a theater troupe we haven't covered in a hot minute. This musical she picked definitely brings the laughs! And maybe too many farts... It's the Trail to Oregon! Originally recorded January 25, 2025.

One of the best and most successful prog albums of all time, it even scored the rare feat of getting a positive review from Robert Christgau, well known prog basher. Of course it's more well known for a different reason today. And will that reason be enough for the theater kids to like it, or will they see beyond the connections and love it as a single work? It's Yes' Fragile! Original...

Though regarded as one of the best pop/new wave albums ever at its release, this album emitted quite a negative reaction from the band's usually loyal fans from the CBGB scene. But does it hold up today? And more specifically to theater kids? Find out as they listen to Blondie, Parallel Lines! Originally recorded January 12, 2025.

Reuploaded with a shorter ending due to a copyright claim. The title most certainly doesn't lie. Oft considered one of the greatest and most influential hard rock albums to come out of the 1970s, the lyrics may not make a lot of sense but it's the instruments that steal the show and pave the road. It's Deep Purple In Rock! Originally recorded August 17, 2024.

First Rock of Ages episode of 2025! 17th rock of ages episode to be edited in 2025. But we digress. And to celebrate this milestone, here is us talking about one of the greatest indie rock albums ever released! That's right, it's Pixies' "Doolittle"! Originally recorded January 4, 2025.

200 episodes. And I finally finished editing all the episodes from 2024 woohoo! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're continuing the trend of looking at a special Beatles solo album by looking at Ringo's pop debut! I say pop debut because he had a lounge album and country album before this that didn't do much success. But this one did! Is it successful with the theater kids? yea....

A Christmas episode in July?? Only Rock of Ages and its poor scheduling can give you that. And we spent the holidays of 2024 talking about the first and only Christmas album released by a Beatle. And maybe for good reason. But has history treated it too unfairly? Find out with Ringo Starr's "I Wanna Be Santa Claus"! Originally recorded December 21, 2024.

A rock musical with a capital R! One of the most famous and acclaimed musicals of all time, you wouldn't even be able to tell it was one with how powerful the music is, performed by Husker Du's Bob Mould among others, and written by genius Little Fockers composer Stephen Trask. We're talking Hedwig & The Angry Inch! Originally recorded December 14, 2024.

David Bowie's immensely successful follow-up to Ziggy Stardust - if you only judge it by how famous the album cover is - is a bizarre story about a Ziggy disciple touring America and musing about what he sees. Maybe. Do the theater kids agree? Well find out as they talk about what might be one of Bowie's most theatrical albums, Aladdin Sane! Originally recorded December 8, 2024.

Jangle pop and college rock were never the same without this, another one of influential debuts we covered in 2024! But do the theater kids think it's that influential! Find out their thoughts on REM's, Murmur! Originally recorded November 30, 2024

*I MUST STRESS THAT THIS IS NOT THE ACTUAL ALBUM, IT IS A PODCAST EPISODE WHERE WE DISCUSS THE ALBUM. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HEARING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE ALBUM AND MAYBE OTHER ALBUMS, GIVE THIS EPISODE AND MAYBE THE PODCAST AS A WHOLE A CHANCE. IF NOT THEN I APOLOGIZE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.* Originally recorded November 23, 2024. Rock of Ages takes another foray into the world of hip-hop...

Rock of Ages tackles The Stooges 2: The Iggy Stooges Back Originally recorded November 17, 2024.

Originally recorded November 9, 2024. Rock of Ages does its first foray into Britpop with Paul's second birthday episode! It might be the most English album we've covered, next to The Kinks' VGPS, and boy is it good. Let's dive into Blur, Parklife!

Originally recorded November 2, 2024. In 1981, The Cure released their third studio album, and after two starter albums finally showed the world who they are. It's dark, gloomy, and it sounds awesome and beautiful at once. So what do the theater kids think of Robert Smith? Well, I have Faith that they'll like him. ... I'll show myself out.

Originally recorded October 26, 2024. This musical inspired by RL Stevenson's 1886 novel has gone through many phases and versions. And for this podcast I chose the "Complete" version. It was a bit more adult contempo than any of us were expecting. Let's talk Jekyll & Hyde!

Originally recorded October 18, 2024. Pardon any sound problems this episode may have. Idk if it was anything wrong with my mic or my setup, but the point is the sound might be a little wonky. Anyway, Neil Cicierega time, baybeeeee! He may not have a radio hit to his name, but on the internet he's well known through almost all walks of life! And he also makes music. Let's talk "Spirit Phone"!

Originally recorded October 12, 2024. Devo is a band we think about sporadically, but it's always been there throughout our lives even when we didn't know it. Especially Mark Mothersbaugh. And will the theater kids recognize him as well? Not to spoil but yes, they do. This debut rocks, go listen to it!

Originally recorded October 5, 2024. Not to be confused with the Doors' song of the same name on a different album for some reason. What will the theater kids think of Waiting for the Sun in a time of Megalopolis and Grunkle Stunkle winning the Funkle Bunkle ? Let's find out!

Originally recorded September 30, 2024. Good morning, Baltimore! I say this as I upload it in the morning and in Baltimore! For the past couple decades, the movie, musical, and movie-musical Hairspray has been growing as a part of Maryland culture. And what better way to celebrate it than to do an episode on the movie musical's soundtrack! Let's dive in!

Originally recorded September 21, 2024. If released today, this album may not be so freaky. But back in 1966, it absolutely deserved the freaky moniker. Frank Zappa was undoubtedly a genius, but is genius, and his wit, enough to save this album in the minds of the theater kids? Let's find out with The Mothers of Invention's "Freak Out!"

Originally recorded September 14, 2024. What else is there to say? The Beatles, Rubber Soul! One of the best records of all time, certainly one of the best transitional albums ever, and the theater kids are all over it!

Originally recorded September 8, 2024. After four long years of stalling, Rock of Ages is finally covering Radiohead. And what better place to start than the beginning! Oft considered their worst album, the theater kids still think their debut has got its merits. So lets check out Pablo Honey!

Originally recorded September 1, 2024. It's possible that without the immense success of Frozen, this musical would've likely flown below the radar. But alas, this Adele Dazeem led opus composed by the Next To Normal crew remains popular to this day, with its soaring numbers and interesting if not a little muddied plot. Does it still deserve accolades? Well 'If' it does 'Then' we'll let you know.