The Curmudgeon Rock Report (The Curmudgeons)

In which the Curmudgeons discuss all things Pearl Jam...and do not do it alone. Author Ronen Givony joins us to talk about the band, his book Not For You: Pearl Jam and the Present Tense, fan communities, and more. (Interview starts at 23:57.)

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STP was pegged as a phony grunge band, and then it was minimized as its lead singer publicly battled drug addiction. The Curmudgeons think that was unfair, and on this episode, we make the case for what we think was one of the best bands of its era.

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Sturgill Simpson, "Juanita"

Calexico, "Quattro (World Drifts In)"

Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, "That Don't Bother Me"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Dead & Bloated"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Sex Type Thing"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Vasoline"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Big Bang Baby"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Art School Girl"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Sour Girl"

Velvet Underground, "Sister Ray"

The Beatles, "The Long and Winding Road"

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In which we consult with special guest Chan Hyeon Park, an actual Korean person, to analyze the international phenomenon known as K-Pop. Hint: It's not just about BTS.

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In which the Curmudgeons take turns speaking glowingly of eight albums, while the other takes a dump on all eight. Artists covered include David Bowie, Tori Amos, The Flaming Lips and Jay-Z.

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In which the Curmudgeons take down 10 artists whose iconography and undying devotion from fans and other critics is really, really hard to understand. All of these acts are great...but they're not that great. That's just our opinion, man. Listen for these grand takedowns and other rock 'n' roll musings.

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Some people think 1974 sucked, but the Curmudgeons think it was a wonderful year. Patti Smith, the Jacksons, Neil Young and more, plus we review new music by the Sleaford Mods and Ghetts.

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In which the Curmudgeons take 10 beloved, very old artists to the slaughterhouse to put us out of our misery. Has The Who become The Why? Does Bob Dylan have anything left after his Sinatra phase? Let us rant.

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Who was better? Prince? Or Michael Jackson? Is there a right answer? Each of the Curmudgeons sure thinks so. And boy do they differ. You'll never get enough of this... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/support

In which the Curmudgeons tear down beloved jewels from the Beastie Boys, Hole, Drake, Jeff Buckley, and others.

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In which the Curmudgeos continue their reverent revisitation of the careers of Michael Jackson and Prince. Thriller, Purple Rain, and the eccentricities that changed EVERYTHING. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/support

Who gets to induct acts into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame anyway? Whoever it is, they sure do whiff a lot. The Curmudgeons make the case for why Joy Division, Soundgarden, the Smiths and 10 others have been criminally ignored by these folks.

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Introducing the maiden voyage of The Curmudgeon Rock Report, wherein Christopher O'Connor and Arturo Andrade, longtime friends and unabashed rock 'n' roll nerds, introduce themselves and introduce the worldview that will govern this podcast. It's a love letter and break-up letter all at once.

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Bob Dylan might be 80 years old now, but his music stays forever young. Because the rock universe can't stop, won't stop covering his songs. The Curmudgeons present 10 interesting Dylan covers for discussion, with artists ranging from Eddie Vedder to Elvis Presley.

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Not all of rock's old cows are ready for those great big meadows in the sky. In this final installment of the Bovine Trilogy, the Curmudgeons marvel at the staying power of Dinosaur Jr., Drive-By Truckers, Wilco, Run the Jewels and...AC/DC?! Yes, miracles are real.

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In which the Curmudgeons survey the rotting bodies left on the rock 'n' roll battlefield after the rise of Nirvana in late 1991. No, we;re not just talking about Skid Row and Guns 'n' Roses here. Join us as we recount the demise of Genesis, Van Halen, Queensryche and others.

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In which the Curmudgeon reveal their list for the 20 best "forgotten" bands in modern music. Starring: Ty Segall, Kurt Vile, Metz--and many Australians.

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Money For Nothing. Zappa and John Denver scolding Congress. The First Farm Aid. Michael Jackson screwing over Paul McCartney. It all happened in the same month. The Curmudgeons take you way, way back. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/curmudgeonly/support

In which the Curmudgeons welcome Johns Hopkins COVID-19 beat writer Michael Eisenstein to contemplate how exactly live music might return to popular culture following the pandemic. How to do it safely? Will people actually come back? Will the touring artists and venues actually be okay? Will trust be restored? And where are we with the virus and the public health?

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You want the best, but the Curmudgeons give you our favorites instead. Life on pandemic lockdown has us wistful for the concert experience. Here, then, is a run through fascinating live albums, from an R.E.M. bootleg to, yes, Kiss's Alive!

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What does a megastar do after the whole megastardom thing peaks? It was a quality problem for Michael Jackson and Prince to have in the late 1980s. The Curmudgeons discuss and debate each legend's output during the era.

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In which the Curmudgeons count down our selections for the 50 best B-side songs in rock history. The B-side is something of a lost art as digital music dominates and physical media becomes less prevalent. But there was a time when the other side of the 45 or tracks 2 and 3 of the CD maxi-single mattered. There, you could find songs the artist intentionally withheld from an album to give them their own grand stage. In some instances, those songs were among the greatest ever recorded. Beatles, anyone? 

 

Listen to most of these songs on our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6l4pcDTnHhjpcVKl7S1bmn?si=a16b63d5e9f64f26

 

Here is a handy navigation companion for this episode:

 

(0:52 - 03:06) - Arturo sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(03:11 - 14:18) - The Parallel Universe, featuring revies of recent albums by Sufjan Stevens and Lil Yachty

 

(15:03 - 51:09) - We count the down the greatest B-sides from numbers 50 to 26. There's a Kinks song on here Chris particularly likes.

 

(52:20 - 01:37:14) - We count down the greatest B-sides from number 25 to the top spot at #1. You've probably heard our entire Top Ten more than a few times.   

 

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In which The Curmudgeons get on up, get into it and get very, very involved in talking about one of the most extraordinary stretches of music ever produced by anyone. When James Brown went all in on what he called "The One," emphasizing the first beat in a four-beat measure, he sparked a musical revolution that not only invented funk but also defined the early development of hip-hop. "The One" was a force and a statement. It was also a political movement of sorts, something we discuss during the episode.

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:

(0:54 - 4:17): Chris sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(5:36 - 18:09): The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Faizal Mostrixx and WITCH

 

(19:08 - 58:29): A rumble through a thrilling, ever-intensifying string of hits: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World," "Cold Sweat," "I Got The Feelin'," "Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud," Give It Up or Turnit Loose," "Mother Popcorn (You've Got to Have a MOther For Me)," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," "Super Bad," and "Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved. We also discuss the 1970 live album Sex Machine. 

 

(1:00:23 - 1:23:53): More rumbling through James Borwn's funk hits, which start to slow in tempo in 1970 but never lose intensity. We discuss "Soul Power," "Hot Pants," "Make It Funky," "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing," "Get on the Good Foot," "I Got Ants in My Pants (And I Want to Dance)," "The Payback," and "My Thang." 

 

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

 

 

In which The Curmudgeons espouse the virtues of Bston's glorious, pioneering arena rock masterpiece. Boston's self-titled debut was the product of the creative mind and engineering talents of a guy who worked by day as an engineer for Polaroid. His use of multiple tracks to layer lead guitar parts and vocals effectively created what became a cliche--to the detriment of this band's legacy. We discuss the Boston story and each song on the album in detail. 

 

Here is a handy navigation companion for this episode. 

 

(0:52 - 3:07) - Arturo sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(07:32 - 20:37) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Mitski and Jaimie Branch

 

(21:36 - 44:10) - Chris runs through the harsh criticism and faint praise for Boston among critics and listeners; Arturo tells Boston's fun, wild origin story

 

(45:20 - 01:23:34) - The Curmudgeons offer a song-by-song analysis of Boston's "Boston" and consider the Boston legacy

 

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

 

 

 

In which The Curmudgeons introduce you--again--to your new favorite band. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club spliced the neo-psychedelic swagger of bands like The Brian Jonestown Massacre with the rawkin' menace of the Stone Roses, Oasis and other British bands to offer a maximal yet poignant vision of what rock 'n' roll should be. Their five-album output during the first decade of the 21st century is one of the best streaks of releases in recent memory. We analyze each album as a means of explaining why B.R.M.C. was so powerful--and so ultimately meaningful. 

 

Enjoy the masterworks of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club using our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3POJDOxUGBOkKWVtpvSrQA?si=cd59a5b1d62046f3

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(0:52 - 03:40) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

 

(03:58 - 16:03) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Lime Garden and Little Simz

 

(16:48 - 37:55) - We cover BRMC's origin story and discuss the albums B.R.M.C. and Take Them On, On Your Own

 

(39:35 - 01:02:17) - WE cover the albums Howl, Baby 81 and Beat the Devil's Tattoo and contemplate BRMC's ultimate legacy 

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which the Curmudgeons continue their romp through rock's second golden age by revisiting perhaps the age's most underrated year. There were a ton of great albums released in 1970, as we discuss at least half-a-ton of those albums during this episode. It was a year when the rock 'n' roll generation started to mature and grow more varied in its tastes and its demands. The Beatles split up that year, and its core members all released solo albums in 1970. There also was the "soft-rock" movement, which made stars out of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and a guy named Neil Young. We soak it all up and pay tribute to that calendar trip around the sun 54 years ago.

 

Listen to our special Spotify playlist dedicated to the sounds of 1970:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53S1aHJv6oguRVLUtIszEe?si=22b0dfd685cd433f

 

Check out a great book about the music of 1970 we discuss - David Browne's "Fire & Rain":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fire-and-rain_david-browne/455158/?resultid=22bd0d08-9aae-467f-9e8b-345c1438860a#edition=6906336&idiq=7763326

 

Revisit our discussion of the Grateful Dead's early catalog of albums:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-dead-in-the-studio-a-legacy-part-1/id1551808911?i=1000577054207

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(0:52 - 03:48) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of the music of 1970

 

(03:49 - 30:42) - Our Current Universe, featuring discussion of new music by St. Vincent, Drake and Kendrick Lamar

 

(31:27 - 01:17:43) - We discuss the explosion of "soft-rock," the first solo albums by The Beatles, James Brown, Black Sabbath and The Stooges

 

(01:45:18 - 02:24:08) - We discuss 12 more great albums releases in 1970, including releases by The Grateful Dead, Santana, The Velvet Underground and Creedence Clearwater Revival

 

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

  

In which the Curmudgeons revisit the year when rock 'n' roll exploded into psychedelic glory. The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde and The Beatles' Revolver greatly expanded rock's vocabulary--with a little help from their friends. All three albums are considered timeless greats, and we discuss the myriad reasons why. We also parade through 1966 albums and singles that followed gloriously in those masterworks' wake. Plus, we give love to both Motown and Stax. 

 

Here is handy navigation companion for the episode.

 

(0:52 - 5:14) - Arturo sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(07:39 - 21:00) - The Parallel Universe, in which discuss new albums by Say She She and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

 

(21:59 - 56:34) - We analyze Pet Sounds, Blonde on Blonde and Revolver

 

(58:34 - 01:49:45) - We rumble through an assortment of other great 1966 albums and humungous psychedelic singles, plus we discuss the great runs that year of Motown and Stax/Volt. 

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons explore the six studio albums the Dead recorded and released between 1973 and 1980. By the time they dropped Wake of the Flood in 1973, the exploding cult following of their live output meant they didn't really need to make good albums to remain successful. And yet they did.

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Phosphorescent, "My Beautiful Boy"

RZA, "We Push"

A whole lot of Grateful Dead:

"Eyes of the World"

"Stella Blue"

"U.S. Blues"

"Scarlet Begonias" 

"Unbroken Chain"

"Help on the Way/Slipknot!"

"Franklin's Tower"

"Sage & Spirit"

"Estimated Prophet"

"Terrapin Pt. 1"

"Shakedown Street"

"All New Minglewood Blues"

"Fire on the Mountain"

"Alabama Getaway" 

"Althea" 

 

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MW

 

In which The Curmudgeons launch their latest "golden age" series, this time on the one that arguably matters the most: the second one. Between 1964 and 1972, everything changed, and then changed again. The whole cultural powderkeg exploded into something thrilling, something indescribable and something that ensured podcasts like ours will always exist. It's when rock 'n' roll became "rock music" to both the people and the powerful. And it all started in 1964, when Beatlemania and Bob Dylan's slow turn away from folk propelled the magic. 

 

We encourage you to purchase two terrific books we talk about during this episode.

"Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke," by Peter Guralnick:

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/dream-boogie-the-triumph-of-sam-cooke_peter-guralnick/304661/#edition=3594934&idiq=1718591

 

"Dreaming the Beatles," by Rob Sheffield: 

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/unti-rob-sheffield_robert-j-sheffield/11427174/?resultid=7b7d8745-86dc-4206-b972-e063b724f817#edition=19781918&idiq=28045161 

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(0:54 - 3:42) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our 1964 exploration

 

(6:54 - 18:10) - The Parallel Universe, in which we review albums by Goat and Killer Mike

 

(19:09 - 57:38) - We discuss Beatlemania, the British Invasion and the coming of Bob Dylan the rock star

 

(58:57 - 01:38:37) - We discuss Motown's dominance, the triumph and tragedy of Sam Cooke and the splendor and the innovation of the Beach Boys

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

In which the Curmudgeons wake up in the city that never sleeps once more and offer a countdown of what we think is the definitive list of the greatest 40 rock 'n' roll songs about the Big Apple. We touch on the city's love-hate dichotomies and make the argument that these songs paint the city as an experience more than as a residence. And Arturo recounts all the places he bought weed from once upon a time. 

 

Check out a great book we mention in the episode, Anthony DeCurtis's "Lou Reed: A Life." 

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/lou-reed-a-life_anthony-decurtis/13867017/item/24665062/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_high_vol_frontlist_under_%2410&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gclid=CjwKCAjwjOunBhB4EiwA94JWsKZAFctNX93053OjGFpbU6b-xBF1DD1oi3hsKTUJY5i82IsTFrLcIhoC-SwQAvD_BwE#idiq=24665062&edition=13509289

 

Here's a handy navigation guide for the episode.

 

(0:52 - 3:30) - Arturo sets the parameters for the discussion

 

(5:52 - 17:58) - The Parallel Universe: Reviews on new music by Goat and Osees

 

(18:58 - 59:37) - New York songs 40-21

 

(01:01:01 - 01:47:28) - New York songs 20-1

 

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons end their epic series of odes to the music of a nine-year period that transformed everything--and then some--in popular music. By 1972, the hangover from the revolutionary vibes of the 1960s had subsided, and that era's outgrowth of freedom and experimentation truly started to blossom. The Rolling Stones filtered American roots music through a dirty, sweaty prism to create a true rock masterpiece. David Bowie perfected glam rock and intergalactic theater to create a masterpiece of his own. And Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Curtis Mayfield set Black music on a wilder, more lush course. We explore all of that and much more during this episode.

 

Enjoy all the great music of 1972 on our special Spotify playlist:

 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22v1Gg8aZWlUaGrBHqaZ0B?si=446b89de0580497d

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 05:02) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1972

 

(05:16 - 17:32) - The Paralell Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Kelly Stoltz and King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

 

(18:17 - 55:50) - We celebrate the 1972 output of The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder

 

(57:22 - 01:20:30) - We revisit the 1972 music of Al Green, The Eagles, Steely Dan, Roxy Music, Neu! and Big Star

 

(01:21:29 - 1:45:51) - We pay loving tribute to albums from Can, Neil Young, Black Sabbath and others who help define 1972

 

Listen to all of this great music by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/159nl5UDgswraoThqqv07A?si=7b57198f803e4944

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 04:56) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(05:49 - 16:23) - The Parallel Universe, feauturing reviews of new albums from King Hannah and Wand

 

(17:08 - 45:11) - We discuss 13 great songs from blaxploitation films from artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Bobby Womack and Donny Hathaway

 

(46:29 - 1:09:08) - We discuss 13 additional songs from blaxploitation films from artists including Gladys Knight & the Pips, Don Julian, Willie Hutch, Isaac Hayes and The Staple Singers

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons follow James Brown into his disco-era slump and his triumphant return to the top of the charts with the shining monument that was "Living in America." We also cover Brown's troubling descent into drug addiction and criminal behavior, which in 1988 culminated with a 2-year-plus prison sentence. There also are sordid allegations of violence against women we must address. 

 

Read a remarkable investigative report on Brown, his third wife Adrienne Rodriguez, and one of his accusers we discuss in the episode here: https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/02/us/james-brown-death-questions/index.html  

 

Buy R.J. Smith's "The One: The Life and Music of James Brown" here: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-one-the-life-and-music-of-james-brown_rj-smith/385831/#edition=6518845&idiq=1367703

 

Here is a handy navigation companion for this episode

 

(0:54 - 3:15) - Arturo sets the parameters for the episode

 

(05:09 - 16:50) - The Parallel Universe: Reviews of new music from Flo Milli and Tinariwen

 

(17:49 - 36:10) - We discuss James Brown's disco daze and his appearances in "The Blues Brothers" and "Rocky IV" that triggered a late-stage comeback 

 

(37:42 - 01:04:00) - We discuss Brown's criminal entanglements and allegations of physical and sexual abuse of women in detail

 

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In which the Curmudgeons counter one of the laziest conventional wisdoms in all of rock 'n' roll: that Muse is a self-serious, ridiculous ripoff of Radiohead that appeals to dumb people with bad taste. No, actually they're one of the most fearless and inventive bands of the 21st century that gets a central rock tenet: ridiculousness is your friend. This band rocks without apology. We make the case...

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Sudan Archives, "OMG Britt"

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, "Ice V"

And lots and lots of Muse:

"Sunburn"

"Unintended"

"Micro Cuts"

"Citizen Erased"

"Time is Running Out"

"Hysteria"

"Stockholm Syndrome"

"Supermassive Black Hole"

"Map of the Problematique"

"Uprising"

"United States of Eurasia(+Collateral Damage)"

"Madness"

"Dead Inside"

"Psycho"

"Reapers"

"The Dark Side"

"Propaganda"

"Will of the People"

"Kill Or Be Killed"

 

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In which The Curmudgeons are joined by renowned author and R.E.M. biographer Tony Fletcher to fondly analyze the band's musical and cultural legacy, 40 years after the album Murmur changed rock expectations forever. We also discuss why one of the best bands in American history doesn't seem to get its due, despite its obvious influence on the sound and shape of today's rock. Tony supplies learned input and dry humor. He also infuses some surprising hope that younger listeners will indeed continue to discover and explore R.E.M. 

 

Check out what Tony Fletcher has cooking in his laboratory

tonyfletcher.net 

 

Also check out the latest episode of his podcast, One Step Beyond

shows.acast.com/onestepbeyond

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:

(0:54 - 5:51): Arturo sets the parameters for our episode

 

(5:54 - 10:51): Remembering Andy Roarke, and The Parallel Universe, in which we review new albums by Acid Arab and Wednesday. 

 

(19:49 - 43:00): Author Tony Fletcher joins us to discuss five aspects of R.E.M's legacy that merit lively discussion

 

(44:25 - 01:29:42): We continue our back and forth with Tony, contemplating why R.E.M. isn't nearly as celebrated as it should be among younger folks. Arturo also places R.E.M. at #6 on his list of the 10 Greatest American Bands. Stay tuned for the list and for Tony's eloquent response.   

 

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In which The Curmudgeons meditate on one of rock's most important years. The music of 1969 was as inspiring as the times it was released were tumultuous. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who all released celebrated masterworks. Southern rock was born, and the newfangled form of funk continued to evolve. And two gigantic festivals hit the United States--one glorious, the other notorious. There would be blood, serving as arguably a perfect prelude to the 1970s. 

 

Read a gripping book we discuss during the episode, Joel Selvin's "Altamont: The Rolling Stones, the Hells Angels, and the Inside Story of Rock's Darkest Day":  

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-darkness-got-to-give_joel-selvin/9920665/?resultid=fdbf7f90-5f20-4371-8ae3-f5f6616ace4f#edition=13196916&idiq=28301699

 

Listen to lots of wonderful music from 1969 by accessing our special Spotify playlist: 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fSB03xBvDiODLdA6S1d4V?si=0c6b037284a54d13

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode

(0:52 to 2:44) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1969

 

(03:06 to 15:21) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by The Black Crowes and Waxahatchee

 

(16:06 to 01:14:54) - Discussion of the 1969 output of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Stooges

 

(01:16:05 to 01:42:49) - Discussion of the 1969 output of Isaac Hayes, Sly & The Family Stone, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Band and The Allman Brothers

 

(01:43:48 to 02:30:06) - Discussion of a bunch of great albums from 1969, plus a contemplation of the divergent stories that were Woodstock and Altamont

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which the Curmudgeons focus their gaze on music that exploded into our cultural consciousness 58 years ago--and is still exploding now. For the second consecutive year, The Beatles and Bob Dylan changed and everything and then some. The Rolling Stones started writing songs and kicking ass. James Brown, The Byrds, The Who and The Beach Boys also startled with innovation. Was 1965 rock's greatest year? Listen and decide for yourself. 

 

Check out Johnny Rogan's two-volume biography of the Byrds, "Requiem for the Timeless," which we give love to during this episode: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/byrds-requiem-for-the-timeless---volume-1_johnny-rogan/13877111/?resultid=2de171fb-b3d1-406f-9a88-41c0eef7f2f0#isbn=0952954087&edition=13770321 

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for the episode

 

(0:53 - 6:37) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(08:10 - 17:05) - The Parallel Universe, featuring new albums by Pale Blue Eyes and Courtney Barnett

 

(18:04 - 50:02) - We discuss the 1965 genius of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan 

 

(51:24 - 01:36:45) - We serve up more 1965 genius from The Byrds, James Brown, The Who and The Beach Boys

 

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In which The Curmudgeons worship at the altar of the mighty, mighty Led Zeppelin. With scorching guitar licks, torpedo-heavy drumming and sex-god screamer vocals, this band epitomized the sensuality and the swagger of rock 'n' roll, and in presenting their take on the genre, they helped create what we now call heavy metal. During this episode, we counter some unfair myths this band has saddled with over the years and pour over its incredibly rich catalog of music with love and respect. 

 

Enjoy our special Spotify playlist featuring the stylings of Led Zeppelin:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ldFOLlEcY7HL4zueF7JJ3?si=990fa39641cc40d7

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 05:02) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Led Zeppelin

 

(08:30 - 22:29) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Arooj Aftab and Goat

 

(23:14 - 01:00:24) - We debunk five myths about Led Zeppelin and tell the remarkable story of the band's formation and ascension

 

(01:02:03 - 01:50:01) - We analyze the band's catalog of eight studio albums in detail--six classics and two decent affairs

 

01:51:00 - 02:12:55) - We tell the rest of the story that followed Led Zeppelin's break up, plus Chris O'Connor offers his list of the five best "phony" Zeppelin acts

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which the Curmudgeons are joined by South Korea-based radio DJ Daniel Springer to debunk myths and celebrate the music of Australia's coolest, sexiest--and best--band of the 1980s. INXS was far more than a band with one ubiquitous hit and a gorgeous, tortured lead singer. They took elements of funk, soul and jazz and melded them with New Wave sensibilities to create something truly special: rock n roll steeped in electronics that bubbled with an organic heart.

 

Daniel knows his stuff. He's an honorary Curmudgeon. Listen to his show The Drop on Gawngju, South Korea, station GFN: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-drop-with-danno

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:

 

(0:54 - 3:05) -- Artruro sets the parameters for the episode

 

(5:06 - 16:09) -- The Parallel Universe. We review new albums by Laurel Canyon and Mudhoney. 

 

(16:47 - 37:53) -- Daniel Springer and The Curmudgeons dispel five myths about INXS 

 

(39:32 -- 59:11) -- Arturo delivers the origin story of INX and we rediscover the albums INXS, Underneath the Colours, Shabooh Shoobah and The Swing

 

(01:00:36 - 01:54:45) - We discuss the albums Listen Like Thieves, Kick, X, Welcome to Wherever You Are, Full Moon, Dirty Hearts and Elegantly Wasted. We also lament the tragic personal downfall of Michael Hutchence and how social media has had a not-so-great influence on the preservation of taste.   

 

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In which the Curmudgeons revisit the history, catalog and influence of perhaps the greatest of the Grunge Gods. This band took elements from punk, metal, psychedelia and prog and melded them into an extraordinary template and body of work that continue to resonate. And no band of its era improved from beginning to end more than this one. Listen in to what we have to say. 

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Big Thief, "Time Escaping" 

Black Country, New Road, "Basketball Shoes"

Soundgarden, "Nothing to Say,"

Soundgarden, "Fopp"

Soundgarden, "Flower"

Soundgarden, "Hands All Over"

Soundgarden, "Jesus Christ Pose"

Soundgarden, "Drawing Flies"

Soundgarden, "Superunknown" 

Soundgarden, "Dusty"

Soundgarden, "Burden in My Hand"

Tad, "Potlatch"

L7, "Packin' a Rod" 

 

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Stay tuned for our epic upcoming series we proudly call "The 4th Golden Age of Rock." What's that? Find out on March 21st!

 

 

In which Curmudgeons celebrate a cult band from Vermont whose cult became massive by the end of the 1990s. The members of Phish were not noodling descendants of The Grateful Dead. They were virtuoso musicians whose songcraft and studio output--and even their live performances!--are sorely underrated. Well, not anymore. 

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

The Chats, "I've Been Drunk in Every Pub in Brisbane"

Built to Spill, "Spiderweb"

And from Phish:

"David Bowie"

"You Enjoy Myself"

"Wilson"

"Reba"

"Split Open and Melt"

"Chalkdust Torture"

"Stash"

"Fast Enough For You"

"Rift"

"The Great Divide"

"Down With Disease"

"Axilla (Pt. II)"

"Julius"

"Billy Breathes"

"Free"

"Prince Caspian" 

"Guyute"

"Bird of a Feather"

"Farmhouse"

"First Tube"

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In which The Curmudgeons celebrate this thing here called rock 'n' roll by going all the way back to the beginning. Actually, we go back to before the beginning and discuss the cultural movements and formative influences that gave our beloved musical form its shapes and colors. We also honor the four men we believe were the foremost pioneers of the genre: Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. 

  Songs discussed during this episode include:   Belief, "WOT"   Anxious, "You When You're Gone"   Big Joe Turner, "Roll 'Em Pete"   The Orioles, "It's Too Soon to Know"   Jackie Brentson & His Delta Cats, "Rocket 88"    Billy Ward & The Dominoes, "Sixty Minute Man"    Fats Domino, "The Fat Man"    Fats Domino, "I'm Walkin"   Bo Diddley, "Bo Diddley"   Bo Diddley, "I'm a Man"   Bo Diddley, "Who Do You Love"   Little Richard, "Tutti Frutti"   Little Richard, "Lucille"   Little Richard, "Long Tall Sally"   Chuck Berry, "Maybelline"   Chuck Berry, "Brown Eyed Handsome Man"   Chuck Berry, "Sweet Little Sixteen"    Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

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In which The Curmudgeons revisit an unbelievably fertile year for popular music during the 20th century. The Beatles dropped Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. James Bown dropped "Cold Sweat." And a staggering number of artists announced their arrival in stunning fashion--Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, the Velvet Underground and others. And, yes, there was a whole lot of flower power emanating from the streets of San Francisco. We pack mounds of '67 goodness into our discussion. 

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(00:52 - 03:10) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our 1967 discussion

 

(05:56 - 18:13) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Joanna Sternberg and Danny Brown

 

(19:11 - 01:16:59) - We discuss Sgt. Peppers, the Rolling Stones, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and The Velvet Underground

 

(01:18:38 - 02:22:35) - We discuss the sounds of San Francisco, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding and James Brown's "Cold Sweat." We also run through a slew of great Motown and Stax singles, and end with a roll call of other great albums from 1967.

 

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In which the Curmudgeons hammer one of the most perplexing "it" bands of the entire 21st Century. Arcade Fire stormed out of Montreal in 2004 with Funeral, a debut album that captured the imagination of throngs of unimaginative indie hipster d-bags. Whereas their fans and a whole bunch of fawning rock critics heard glorious art in all the band's maximal grandiosity, we just heard...noise. Lots of it. A pulverizing wave of annoyance after annoyance. And the annoyance has yet to stop. Let us tell you all the ways we think this band is a giant turd burger.  

 

Listen to the abomination and judge for yourself by accessing our Arcade Fire-focused Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1C30jnDsJQySuV4wEPzq5r?si=9bd7c9df43514814

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode. 

 

(0:52 - 04:50) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our Arcade Fire beatdown

 

(05:06 - 16:21) - The Paralell Universe, featuring reviews of albums by The baby Seals and Kurt Vile

 

(17:06 - 36:25) - We goof on maximal grandiosity and discuss Arcade Fire's albums Funeral and Neon Bible

 

(37:57 - 01:03:09) - We discuss Arcade Fire's albums The Suburbs, Reflektor, Everything Now and We

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

  

 

 

In which The Curmudgeons shake, shake, shake that booty and revisit one of popular music's most unfairly maligned genres. Disco was essentially funky orchestral music--grand, reverb-heavy, maximal, showy, dramatic. Yet it was also energetic and fun as hell. Here, we explore disco's birth as a movement of freedom and uninhibited expression in Black and Hispanic gay nightclubs and how, once a production house in Philadelphia put an official musical sheen on the proceedings, it erupted into the mainstream. We also lament disco's demise among burnout, derision and plain' ol macho racism, sexism and homophobia. 

 

Check out all the songs we lovingly discuss by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DbgCCxyfmfcITV2nxyZon?si=7786b0860b12450f

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(0:52 - 04:52) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of disco

 

(06:50 - 27:33) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviewes of new albums by Cindy Lee and Jamie xx

 

(28:18 - 01:09:06) - We tell the story of disco's beginnings and we offer the first of three playlists, this one covering the early disco years of 1974 and 1975

 

(01:10:58 - 02:11:45) - We speak of disco's dizzying ascent into the mainstream and offer the second of three playlists covering 1976 to 1978

 

(02:12:44 - 02:53:34) - We cover the downfall of disco and offer the last of our three playlists, which covers 1979 and 1980

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which the Curmudgeons each count down their picks for the 20 best albums of 2002. There is plenty of overlap, but there is also plenty of disagreement. Is Beyonce awesome or lazy? Is Soul Glo a piece of gold or a piece of garbage? Either way, these are all the titles to snack on as you catch up on all this music we loved--or at least admired. 

Chris's list begins at 11:31. 

Arturo's list begins at 1:14:40.

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In which The Curmudgeons blast through a year defined by the legends launched during its 12 months. Beck, Tool, Sleater-Kinney, Weezer, Stone Temple Pilots and Wilco all dropped era-defining albums. Plus, Phish and Oasis cemented their statuses as perhaps the best live bands in the world. Come on and feel our noise...

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Wilco, "Cruel Country"

Drive-By Truckers, "Welcome 2 Club XIII"

Beck, "Where It's At"

Tool, "Stinkfist"

Weezer, "Getchoo"

Wilco, "What's the World Got in Store?"

Sleater-Kinney, "I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone"

Phish, "Chalk Dust Torture"

Oasis, "Champagne Supernova"

Brian Jonestown Massacre, "Ballad of Jime Jones"

Stone Temple Pilots, "Lady Picture Show"

Stereolab, "Metronomic Underground"

Local H, "Bound For the Floor"

Nada Surf, "Popular"

Counting Crows, "A Long December"

 

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In which The Curmudgeons plumb the vast archival releases of one of our favorite artists, Neil Young. Chris, in fact, considers himself a Neil Young-ologist, and he takes the lead in touring ten of the most essential releases in what has seemed, since 2009, like a never-ending torrent of live recordings and unreleased studio material dating all the way back to the 1960s. Also, Arturo shows how much he doesn't know about Young's 1974 classic record On the Beach.  

 

Here's a nifty Wikipedia page to help you start exploring the Neil Young Archives yourself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Young_Archives

 

Also check out Neil Young's YouTube channel, in which nearly everything he has ever released is available for free: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gbK8uoqKhlACSeenUPkFQ 

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(0:54 - 3:44) - Arturo sets the parameters for the episode

 

(06:38 - 17:26) - The Parallel Universe, featuring new releases from Jamila Woods and Robert Finley

 

(18:25 - 59:44) - A run through five Neil Young Archival releases, including Live at Fillmore East 1970 and Odeon Budokan

 

(01:01:22 - 01:46:26) - A run through five more Neil Young archival releases, including Chrome Dreams and Way Down in the Rust Bucket

 

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In which the Curmudgeons continue their dissection of the movements that served as a prelude to what we call The 4th Golden Age of Rock. Also known as the 1990s, and more specifically 1991 to 1997. This is the first of nine episodes in this epic series. Listen, learn, and hop in the wayback machine--and maybe rock the vote while you're at it. 

 

Songs covered in this episode include: 

Yard Act, "Dead Horse"

Spoon, "Wild"

Melvins, "At a Crawl"

R.E.M, "Welcome to the Occupation"

Faith No More, "Epic"

Metallica, "One"

 

 

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

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In which the Curmudgeons share our definitive countdown of sublime and powerful covers of rock songs by an array of artists. Some cover artists we know you've heard of before (Led Zeppelin, The Who). Others? Maybe not (Charles Bradley, Urge Overkill). Doesn't matter. After you hear our take on these songs, you'll never need to consume another list like this one ever again. 

 

Find specific sections or our episode here:

 

Our Parameter Setter (0:52 - 6:00)

 

The Parallel Universe - Automatic, The Tubs (6:40 - 14:55)

 

Songs # 30 - 21 (16:34 - 45:39)

 

Songs #20 -11 (47:28 - 1:12:02)

 

Songs #10 - 1 (01:13:00 - 1:53:10)   

 

Some of the original artists who gifted these songs to the world include:

 

Son House

 

Ed's Redeeming Qualities 

 

The Arrows

 

The Clique

 

The Vaselines

 

The Crickets

 

Randy Weeks

 

Bonnie Dobson

 

And three artists you may have heard a time or two: Black Sabbath, The Beatles and Bob Dylan

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com 

 

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In which The Curmudgeons marvel at the pure rock 'n' roll glory of what we think is an underappreciated band, The Black Crowes. The band blended the influence of the Rolling Stones, Faces, Humble Pie and dollops of Southern Rock into a blast of audio dynamite that exploded in...1990, when MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Paula Abdul otherwise ruled the universe. It was a neat feat, one we explore intensively. The Black Crowes were a testament to a truism that drives our podcast: that awesome rock 'n' roll is unassailable. 

 

Check out a book we reference during the episode, drummer Steve Gorman's memoirs, "Hard to Handle": https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/hard-to-handle-the-inside-story-of-the-black-crowes_steve-gorman/20161323/#edition=27570170&idiq=38535580

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for our episode.

 

(0:54 - 5:34) - Arturo sets the episode's parameters

 

(7:18 - 17:41) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Lorelle Meets The Obsolete and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

 

(18:40 - 35:55) - We discuss the Black Crowes' origin story and their masterful first two albums, Shake Your Money Maker and The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion

 

(38:10 - 1:16:25) - We cover the rest of the Black Crowes' story, from 1994's Amorica to 2009's Before the Frost...Until the Freeze and beyond

 

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In which the Curmudgeons revisit the decade that perhaps changed everything and gave us gifts like funk, punk and widespread use of the word "groovy." Our list covers artists ranging from Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell to Al Green's last great record. Oh, and we love on Steely Dan in a way you might not expect.

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Topaz Jones, "D.I.A.L."

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, "Timeland"

The Guess Who, "Share the Land"

The Cars, "Candy-O"

The Talking Heads, "Drugs"

Led Zeppelin, "Since I've Been Loving You"

Funkadelic, "Free Your Mind...and Your Ass Will Follow"

Emmylou Harris, "To Daddy"

Queen, "Ogre Battle"

David Bowie, "DJ" 

Al Green, "Belle"

Lou Reed, "Coney Island Baby"

Steely Dan, "Bodhisattva"

Mark Fry, "The Witch"

The Isley Brothers, "Fight the Power"

 

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In which The Curmudgeons explore one of the most extraordinary years for rock music of all time. We won't call it the greatest, because we don't really believe in such a superlative. But, still, 1971 was pretty freakin' great. Patheon albums from Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and The Who; stone-cold masterpieces from Carole King and Joni Mitchell; and classics by Funkadelic, David Bowie, Santana and many others hit the shelves. We revisit it all with fondness and a romantic sense of history. 

 

Check out our super-long but super-awesome special Spotify playlist dedicated to the music of 1971:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3I7Y3rpv4Ub0hmuLjkM2ts?si=bfed69082851406a

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to the episode.

 

(0:52 - 03:47) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1971

 

(04:14 - 17:27) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Kamasi Washington and Vince Staples

 

(18:11 - 55:50) - Discussion of albums by Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye

 

(57:25 - 01:29:00) - Discussion of albums by Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone, Alice Cooper, T. Rex and David Bowie

 

(01:29:58 - 02:12:55) - A run-through of a dozen more 1971 albums, including ones from Can, Santana, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and The Doors

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which the Curmudgeons ponder the legacy of 1994, a year known for one of rock's great tragedies which also had its fair share of triumphs. Oasis, Green Day, and Nine Inch Nails became household names. Soundgarden rocked from the mountaintop while Pearl Jam plumbed the valleys of rock-star trappings. And Neil Young and Tom Petty proved that guys in their 40s could once win the hearts and minds of young people - while also pumping out some of their greatest work.   

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Calexico, "Cumbia del Polvo"

My Idea, "Breathe You"

Nirvana, "Something in the Way" 

Oasis, "Cigarettes & Alcohol"

Blur, "Girls & Boys"

Nine Inch Nails, "I Do Not Want This"

Built to Spill, "Car"

Guided By Voices, "I Am a Scientist"

Pavement, "Range Life"

Weezer, "Buddy Holly"

Beck, "Loser"

Soundgarden, "My Wave"

Pearl Jam, "Not For You"

Portishead, "Sour Times" 

Neil Young, "Piece of Crap"

Tom Petty, "A Higher Place"

Elliot Smith, "Condor Ave"

Palace Brothers, "You Will Mis Me When I Burn"

Beck, "Asshole"

Korn, "Blind"

Green Day, "Basket Case"

Rancid, "Salavation"

The Offspring, "Come Out and Play (Keep 'Em Seperated)"

 

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In which the Curmudgeons muse about the greatness of the rawest, realest Beatle here in the age of cancel culture. Lennon's very public journey from depressive edginess to middle-aged wisdom was inspiring and remains fascinating to study.

First, we analyze how the tension between Lennon and Paul McCartney defined The Beatles' legacy. Then we trace the maturation Lennon evidenced on tape throughout his 30s--how what began as "the dream is over" ended as "I really love to watch them roll."

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Goat, "Goathead"

Horse Lords, "May Brigade"

From The Beatles:

"In My Life"

"She Said She Said"

"The Ballad of John and Yoko" 

"I Want You (She's So Heavy)"

"Hey Jude"

"Revolution"

From John Lennon:

"God"

"Mother"

"Imagine"

"Oh Yoko"

"Gimme Sime Truth"

"Woman is the N***** of the World"

"The Luck of the Irish"

"Mind Games"

"Out the Blue"

"Whatever Gets You Thru the Night"

"#9 Dream"

"Stand By Me" 

"Just Like Starting Over"

"Watching the Wheels"

 

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In which the Curmudgeons recite and (sometimes furiously) shout an epilogue to the end of the 1990s. Napster, Woodstock '99, and the consolidation of radio ownership all happened during this period, and nothing has quite been the same since. But, hey, we did get a great Red Hot Chili Peppers record and the debuts of The White Stripes and System of a Down. So that's cool...    Songs discussed during this episode include:   Kelley Stoltz, "Plants"   Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, "The Way it Shatters"   Built to Spill, "You Were Right"   Neutral Milk Hotel, "Two-Headed Boy"   Nine Inch Nails, "La Mer"   Kid Rock, "Cowboy"   Limp Bizkit, "Break Stuff"   Korn, "Freak on a Leash"   System of a Down, "Sugar"   Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Parallel Universe"   Rage Against the Machine, "Guerilla Radio"   Beck, "Mixed Bizness"   Lucinda Williams, "Drunken Angel"   Bonnie "Prince" Billy, "I See a Darkness"   The White Stripes, "Jimmy the Exploder"       Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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In which The Curmudgeons know you wanted the best so we're giving it to you. Long live KISS, whose live act and meaty, ferocious riffs are both legendary. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss understood that rock 'n' roll, at the end of the day, is all about the show. And KISS, nearly 50 years ago, put on the greatest show on the rock 'n' roll earth--leather, makeup, fire, blood, explosions, lightning and seven-inch platform boots. It was a show that the world was so fond of it discovered it still longed for it 20 years later. Thus, KISS became an everlasting nostalgia act. We pay homage to the show on this episode--and to the nine albums the band released in the 1970s, which include two of the grandest live albums ever. 

 

Check out all of KISS's kick-ass '70s glam metal by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1BXk5u5qUOVjvuDINjJcLR?si=1cadf882cffc4a76

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.

 

(00:52 - 05:29) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of KISS

 

(08:25 - 20:08) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Kokoko! and MJ Lenderman

 

(20:53 - 01:08:25) - We analyze KISS's 1970s album output, including the self-titled debut, Alive!, Alive! II and Destroyer

 

(01:28:19 - 01:27:05) - We tell the rest of KISS's story: their downturn from glory, their decision to take off the makeup and embrace MTV excess and the inevitable return to '70s stage glory

 

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https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-curmudgeon-rock-report?refMarker=null 

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which one of Yours Truly Curmudgeons, Arturo Andrade, flies solo and empties out his vault to share the greatest "extended play" rock albums ever released. It's a list that has Chris O'Connor's endorsement and includes a few treasured classics as well as some obscurities and very bashed-out primitive recordings from beloved artists.

Artists discussed include:

R.E.M.

Melvins

Butthole Surfers

The Strokes

Sebadoh

Minor Threat

Alice in Chains 

... and the EP we select as #1. Discover the mastery starting at 50:40

 

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In which The Curmudgeons give the origins of hip-hop a serious treatment and contemplate the magical melding of time, place and resources that makes its early history so compelling. The pioneers of the genre stared down the destruction and impoverishment of the South Bronx with the swagger of kings, organically spinning celebration, and positivity, out of their circumstances. They also channeled the competitiveness of the streets into hip-hop's four "elements" -- DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti -- ensuring there was as much sport as there was funk. Hip-hop became the ultimate DIY creation as a result. 

 

Check out a book we reference during this episode, Jeff Chang's wonderful "Can;t Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/cant-stop-wont-stop-a-history-of-the-hip-hop-generation_jeff-chang_dj-kool-herc/257047/?resultid=d57d3cbc-a003-438a-8356-465f82400ec6#isbn=B00A2LU264

 

Here's a handy navigation for the episode.

 

(0:54 - 6:20) - Arturo sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(7:40 - 20:18) - The Parallel Universe, in which we review new music from PJ Harvey and Yard Act

 

(21:17 - 1:04:59) - Chris, with Arturo's considerable input, discusses four aspects of the hip-hop origin story that make it so unique; plus, we discuss hip-hop "elements" in detail

 

(1:06:24 - 1:45:48) - We discuss the influence four hip-hop pioneers -- Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz -- and marvel at the story of "Rapper's Delight," hip-hop's first hit single. 

 

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In which Arturo Andrade rips Dave Grohl's renaissance project turned to unfortunately real band to shreds and does so vigorously...and with plenty of Internet-bred validation from others who hate this band. Chris O'Connor, who counts Grohl as a personal hero, only lightly pushes back. Alas, a turd is a turd. Let us rumble through this (mostly) steaming heap stench by stench.

Usually, we endorse the songs we talk about here. That's not the case on this episode, but since this intro is supposed to carry some SEO value, here's some of the piss we cover:

"Hero"

"Learn To Fly" 

"Stacked Actors"

"All My Life"

"Times Like These"

"Best Of You"

"The Pretender"

"Rope"

"Walk" 

... and an increasingly rotten bunch of stuff from 2014 on...

 

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In which The Curmudgeons straight cold rock a party and revisit hip-hop's greatest, most electrifying, most unendingly thrilling period, which stretched from 1986 to 1991. We tear through 12 brilliant albums and dozens of awesome singles that taught all the MCs and producers that followed how it should it be done--and how it would be done from here on out. We cover Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, Schooly D, Ice Cube, 2 Live Crew, Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, The Beastie Boys, Queen Latifah and scores of other great and hugely influential artists. 

 

Listen to our special Spotify playlist dedicated to this episode:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4sf98fg4Qr5L4hJTg2uDQS?si=76c9e51cf474410f

 

Listen to an old episode of our podcast, in which we argue for A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory as the greatest hip-hop album ever made: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-greatest-hip-hop-album-ever-made/id1551808911?i=1000545909663

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this new episode.

 

(0:52 - 4:43) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of hip-hop's golden age

 

(5:02 - 18:25) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums from Bodega and Mdou Moctar

 

(19:10 - 01:16:54) - The Curmudgeons analyze 12 amazing albums that sprung from the golden age of hip-hop

 

(01:18:15 - 02:14:40) - We celebrate a whole ton of great, mad-fun hip-hop singles from the golden age of hip-hop

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which The Curmudgeons kick off its latest Golen Age series of episodes by revisiting the seminal year of 1976. It was a year that saw both The Ramones and The Sex Pistols break out. To say punk was the thing that year was an understatement. It was also was vital year for arena rock, as Boston and The Eagles both dropped classic albums. We also pay tribute to work from Bob Dylan, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder, among many others. 

 

Enjoy the awesome music of 1976 by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6k00d7GvYsD0USPv4p1h8p?si=a511fe8d51fe4845

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 03:52) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1976

 

(04:13 - 20:20) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by El Khat and Geordie Greep

 

(21:05 - 01:04:35) - We cover all things punk, from The Ramones to The Sex Pistols to singles by Blondie, The Runaways and others

 

(01:06:00 - 01:39:08) - We cover albums from Boston, The Eagles, David Bowie and Stevie Wonder 

 

(01:40:20 - 02:11:25) - We engage in a lightning round, presenting 10 1976 albums we consider to be great. Artists include Fleetwood Mac, Frank Zappa, Aerosmith and Patti Smith.

 

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https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5fea16f1-664e-40b7-932e-5fb748cffb1d/the-curmudgeon-rock-report?refMarker=null 

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons continue their dissection of the movements that served as a prelude to what we call The 4th Golden Age of Rock. Also known as the 1990s, and more specifically 1991 to 1997. This is the first of nine episodes in this epic series. Listen, learn, and hop in the wayback machine--and maybe rock the vote while you're at it. 

 

Songs covered in this episode include: 

The Stone Roses, "I Wanna Be Adored"

Depeche Mode, "Personal Jesus

Nine Inch Nails, "Head Like a Hole"

Jane's Addiction, "Three Days"

The Pixies, "Debaser"

The Lemonheads, "It's a Shame About Ray"

Sonic Youth, "Silver Rocket"

 

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In which the Curmudgeons express admiration for a band you may have heard a negative word or two about. No, Don Henley must not die! The Eagles were much, much more than the sum of a greatest hits record that sold a boatload of copies. We explain why. 

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Pink Mountaintops, "Lights of the City"

Black Midi, "Hellfire"

The Eagles. Lots and lots and lots of Eagles:

"Take it Easy"

"Nightingale"

"Doolin' Dalton"

"Desperado"

"Outlaw Man"

"On the Border"

"Already Gone"

"Best of My Love"

"Take It to the Limit"

"Journey of the Sorceror"

"Hotel California"

"Victim of Love"

"The Greeks Don't Want No Freaks"

"The Sad Cafe"

"KIng of Hollywood"

 

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In which the Curmudgeons agitate more than usual and sing badly a few times in celebration of the rock 'n' roll of 1995. Oasis vs. Blur. Pearl Jam vs. Ticketmaster. The ballad of Layne Staley. And lots of great, enduring songs on the radio. 

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Bob Vylan, "Health is Wealth"

Lucy Dacus, "I Don't Want to Be Funny Anymore"

Blur, "Country House"

Oasis, "Wonderwall"

PJ Harvey, "Meet Ze Monsta"

Radiohead, "Fake Plastic Trees"

Pulp, "Common People"

Elastica, "Connection"

Mad Season, "Wake Up"

Alice in Chains, "Again"

Alanis Morissette, "You Oughtta Know"

Folk Implosion, "Natural One"

Foo Fighters, "Alone + Easy Target"

Neil Young, "Downtown"

Toadies, "Possum Kingdom"

The Rentals, "Friends of P"

Everclear, "Santa Monica"

 

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MWI0YTBkYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ9sEGahcKEwjouM3i_tH3AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQUg

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons begin a two-episode analysis of how The Grateful Dead transitioned from legends of the late '60s psychedelic underground to makers of extraordinary and timeless albums by the beginning of the 1970s. We ride that train as the band journeys through its first five studio albums.       Songs discussed during this episode include:   Money, "Suicide Song"   Purple Mountains, "She's Making Friends, I'm Turning Stranger"   And from the Grateful Dead:   "Cold Rain and Snow"   "Morning Dew"   "Voila Lee Blues"   "That's It for the Other One (Parts I-IV)"   "Alligator"   "St. Stephen"   "China Cat Sunflower"   "Cosmic Charlie"   "Uncle John's Band"   "Casey Jones"   "Dire Wolf"   "Truckin'"   "Attics of My Life"   "Box of Rain"

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

Now hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MW

In which The Curmudgeons mix bewilderment with disdain in discussing the stench-filled star run of The Killers, the Vegas band by way of Utah who have aped a band or two -- or 50 -- you may know and love for nearly 20 years.

 

We hold our noses and analyze a seven-album catalog that finds so-earnest-it-hurts bandleader Brandon Flowers travel a road from revering Duran Duran to capturing the spirit (he thinks anyway) of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. We're here to shield you from the pain, man. 

 

Credit is due to Steven Hyden of Uproxx, whose August 12, 2021, interview with Brandon Flowers is referred to heavily for our amusement here. Great piece but also unintentionally hilarious. 

 

Here's a handy navigation reference for this episode:

 

(0:54 - 2:10) -- Our parameter setter

 

(4:07 - 17:52): The Parallel Universe -- reviews of new albums by Sleaford Mods and Death Valley Girls

 

(19:31 - 40:07): A brief Killers origin story plus stinky runs through the KIllers' Hot Fuss, Sam's Town and Day & Age)

 

(41:13 - 1:07:10): More stinky Killers album run-throughs: Battle Born, Wonderful Wonderful, Imploding the Mirage and Pressure Machine

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com 

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

In which The Curmudgeons embark on a tour of 1970s Germany to discuss and analyze the influence of the artists and bands who invented and innovated the rock genre derisively coined Krautrock by snotty British people. The German musicians and label heads themselves called it "cosmic music." Theirs was a movement designed to distinguish a not-so-admirable Old Germany from a bolder, more hopeful, outer space-adoring New Germany. And it certainly did make rock a whole lot more cosmic in the generations that followed. 

 

Here is a handy navigation reference for this episode and the bands we cover:

 

(0:52 - 4:30): Setting the parameters for our excursion

 

(6:50 - 15:23): The Parallel Universe (new albums by The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Nilufer Yanya)

 

(16:21 to 01:04:01): A brief origin story plus discussions of Amon Duul II, Tangerine Dream, Can, Popol Vuh, Cluster and Kraftwerk

 

(01:05:29 to The End): Disccusions of Asha Ra Tempel, Agitation Free, Neu!, Faust and Harmonia

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com 

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MW

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons get on the good foot and launch a three-part look at the career of a man who may just be rock 'n' roll's truest genius. From jail time in his rough-and-tumble youth to showtime at the Apollo and the chart heights of "I Got You (I Feel Good), we trace the ascension of James Brown as he croons and shuffles his way to superstardom. By 1965, he was ready to unleash a musical gift that changed everything. Let us guide you as Mr. Dynamite finds his inner funk.

 

Check out two great books that helped inform this episode:

 

R.J. Smith's "The One" - bit.ly/3CjdBLl

 

Douglas Wolk's "Live at the Apollo" - bit.ly/43tHNiN

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode:

(0:54 - 5:40) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for this episode

(07:39 - 18:40) - The Parallel Universe - Reviews of new albums by Lael Neale and Durand Jones

(19:39 - 33:46) - James Brown's origin story, which has to be heard to be believed

(35:05 - 01:06:45) - We analyze a slew of early James Brown triumphs -- "Please Please, Please," "Try Me," "(Do The) Mashed Potatoes," "Think," "Baby, You're Right," "Night Train," "Out of Sight," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "(I Got You) I Feel Good," and the amazing 192 live album Live at the Apollo

  

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Recorded using Zencastr! zencastr.com 

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

 

In which The Curmudgeons celebrate the music and indelible legacy of one of the 21st Century's smartest, most vital rock bands. When The Black Keys first hit in 2002, comparisons with The White Stripes were inevitable. After all, they were a duo that blasted forth with just a guitar and drums. But that's where the fair comparisons ended. The Black Keys offered up lean, mean, reverent blues rock with dashes of soul and psychedelia. After self-recording their first four albums--and mostly doing so in basements--the band graduated to the majors with the help of storied hip-hop producer Danger Mouse, instantly growing as an incredibly sensual musical force. We explore the band's entire catalog, including their brand-new record, Ohio Players. 

 

Enjoy heaping helpings of The Black Keys via our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xTGizMTwVDR2bKBWulliT?si=b908d0c0745345fe

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(0:52 - 5:20) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(05:21 - 27:41) - We share the origin story of The Black Keys and revisit their first three albums - The Big Come Up, Thickfreakness and Rubber Factory 

 

(28:26 - 52:19) - We discuss the albums Magic Potion, Attack & release, Brothers and El Camino

 

(53:47 - 01:14:30) - We discuss the album Turn Blue, "Let's Rock," Delta Kream, Dropout Boogie and Ohio Players

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which The Curmudgeons make the case for what we think is one of the most underrated bands of all time: The Doors. Wait. The Doors?! Yup. Once revered and now reviled, The Doors, we believe, are viewed by younger generations as a Baby Boomer fossil that is as pretentious as it is insufferable. But that misses the mark badly. Listen as we discuss the influences and artistic ambition that made Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek and bandmates so compelling, so engaging and so original. 

 

Enjoy each of The Door's six marvelous--or at least marvelously strange--records they made with Jim Morrison via our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6qyqDc06X5gPa2XIK2n4jR?si=01b736f7a6ab40fa

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode. 

 

(0:52 - 04:05) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of The Doors

 

(04:22 - 19:48) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Yard Act and Liquid Mike

 

(20:33 - 42:02) - We dispel five myths commonly associated with The Doors

 

(43:32 - 01:08:54) - We discuss the band's origin story. We also analyze the first three Doors albums: the self-titled debut, Strange Days and Waiting For The Sun.

 

(01:09:53 - 01:46:55) - We analyze the last three records The Doors made with Jim Morrison: The Soft Parade, Morrison Hotel and L.A. Woman. We also discuss the band's considerable influence and undeniable legacy. 

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

In which The Curmudgeons each reveal their favorite records of the year. Frankly, it was a mediocre past 12 months for popular music, and there aren't a whole lot of records people will remember a decade from now. Yet there were some gems, and during this moment in time, we're excited to share our picks. Call it a public service. 

 

Enjoy a sampler platter of our selections via our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1N5hCOovaIYE2uobAgvxVy?si=a80ada2729ab42c8

 

Here is a handy navigation companion for this episode:

 

(0:52 - 02:20) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for the episode

 

(02:20 - 10:17) - The Curmudgeons briefly discuss their pick for the worst album of 2023

 

(11:21 - 54:53) - Christopher O'Connor reveals his Top 10 albums of the year, including releases by Boygenius, Killer Mike and Zach Bryan

 

(56:26 - 01:29:02) - Arturo reveals his Top 10 albums of the year, including releases by Laurel Canyon, Mitski and Paul Simon. Yes, that Paul Simon...

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

In which The Curmudgeons explore the dichotomous year that followed 1967's Summer of Love trippiness. The previous year's highs represent a peak creative burst. Well, where to go next? That's where the era's most storied artists diverged. On the one hand, you had bands that went bigger and bolder--The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead fall into this category. On the other hand, you had a yearning to return to the simpler roots of rock 'n' roll, and a rush toward softer, warmer hues by The Byrds, The Band, The Kinks and others ensued. We explore both paths in depth and with panache. 

 

Enjoy the music we discuss in this episode using our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/62VxWb48fGleKLmFkRSPF0?si=bc901034b00144ef

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode.

 

(0:52 - 02:20) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of 1968

 

(04:55 - 20:18) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Sleater-Kinney and Amyl & The Sniffers

 

(21:03 - 54:15) - WE analyze The Beatles' White Album and The Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet

 

(55:28 - 01:19:24) - Christopher O'Connor analyzes 1968 albums by The Band, The Byrds and The Kinks

 

(01:20:22 - 02:05:22) - We cover a slew of albums, ranging from Van Morrison's Astral Weeks to The Pretty Things' S.F. Sorrow, with Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead and others sandwiched in between 

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which the Curmudgeons marvel at how quickly, and how well, hip-hop evolved after the Sugar Hill Gang's massive 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" changed the game completely for everyone. We tell the story of how entrepreneurs, hustlers and visionaries seized the moment to bridge gaps between the streets, the art galleries and the record-label boardrooms. We celebrate a string of amazing singles that grew in sophistication and in pure fun with each volley. And we mark the beginning of the album as a hip-hop artform by discussing two classics, Run-D.M.C.'s self-titled debut and LL Cool J's Radio. 

 

Listen to all of this great music by accessing our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0H0DTcK3EqlQvVXIF4UK7U?si=900ad05efec74d30

 

Check out these books, which we discuss during the episode:

 

Jeff Chang's "Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/cant-stop-wont-stop-a-history-of-the-hip-hop-generation_jeff-chang_dj-kool-herc/257047/?resultid=64846f2c-3a5f-46cd-80fc-c72a7f0af996#edition=4070729&idiq=4560452

 

Jonathan Abrams' "The Come Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-come-up-an-oral-history-of-the-rise-of-hip-hop_jonathan-abrams/35084204/?resultid=76479560-1d4a-4cb7-9ce1-4ba7ff020fe0#edition=64092613&idiq=55408108

 

Here is handy navigation companion to this episode.

 

(0:52 - 03:50) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(03:55 - 18:36) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Otoboke Beaver and Slift

 

(19:21 - 44:10) - WE discuss the success of "Rapper's Delight" and its explosive aftermath. We feature Kurits Blow, Fab 5 Freddy, the movie "Wild Style" and other accomplishers and accomplishments.

 

(45:03 - 01:37:00) - We cover a litany of fantastic singles, plus the albums Run-D.M.C. and Radio.

 

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Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade & Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

 

 

 

In which the Curmudgeons offer a study of albums from artists whose music and grand ambitions influenced the U.K.'s beloved band Muse. We'll be defending Muse during our next episode. The band's status as a mainstream stadium filler has made them a target for lazy disrespect. We're pushing back, and we're starting now with a journey through the past. 

 

Albums discussed during this episode include:

Queen, A Night at the Opera (1975)

Rush, A Farewell to Kings (1977)

U2, Zooropa (1993)

Radiohead, The Bends (1995)

Coldplay, A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002)

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

Now hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MW

  

In which the Curmudgeons pulverize one of this century's most revered rock bands. And also perhaps its stupidest.

 

Bandleader Gerard Way claims in interviews he formed My Chemical Romance after witnessing the Twin Towers fall from his native Northern New Jersey on 9/11. That's bad enough. Way and his mates then unleashed a torrent of disgustingly celebratory stories of vampires who enjoy suicide and cancer patients nearing their afterlives. All while screeching, squelching and stealing from Queen, KISS and...Coldplay?!

 

Yet Rolling Stone lists their 2006 album The Black Parade as the 361st best of all time. So hey, what do we know? 

 

Here's a handy navigation reference for this episode:

 

(0:54 - 4:07): Arturo sets the episode's parameters.

 

(5:31 - 15:23): The Parallel Universe--reviews of The Men's New York City and JPEG Mafia & Danny Brown's "Scaring the Hoes, Vol. 1."

 

(16:22 - 33:57): My Chemical Romance's origin story and deep, dark, smelly dumps on the albums I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002) and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004). 

 

(35:36 - 01:03:00): Deep, dark, smelly dumps on the albums The Black Parade (2006) and Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. Plus, a discussion of how social media has seemingly young people from appreciating the historical lineage of bands like this one. 

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Recorded using (the newly, greatly enhanced) Zencastr! zencastr.com 

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

   

In which The Curmudgeons stand up to the man and deliver the best of the best of a special era for both cinema and music, when African-Americans anti-heroes lit up the screens and imaginations of a generation of young Black people. And also young Black artists, who cranked out stunning funk, soul and disco anthems to accompany these films. Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and The Staple Singers were among the legends who contributed to this electrifying canon. We enter our wayback machine and revisit some of the best Black music of its time.   

 

Listen to all of this great music by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/159nl5UDgswraoThqqv07A?si=7b57198f803e4944

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 04:56) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(05:49 - 16:23) - The Parallel Universe, feauturing reviews of new albums from King Hannah and Wand

 

(17:08 - 45:11) - We discuss 13 great songs from blaxploitation films from artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Bobby Womack and Donny Hathaway

 

(46:29 - 1:09:08) - We discuss 13 additional songs from blaxploitation films from artists including Gladys Knight & the Pips, Don Julian, Willie Hutch, Isaac Hayes and The Staple Singers

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

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https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which the Curmudgeons perform a very thorough, and very personal, examination of 1991. It was a year where music fans and impressionable young listeners relearned how to find and demand meaning from the music they explored. We cover the stuff you'd expect (Nirvana, The Red Hot Chili Peppers) and the stuff you might not (Slint?!). Part 1 of 2.

Songs discussed in this episode include

The Misterines, "Reeling"

The New Pornographers, "Brill Bruisers"

Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Pearl Jam, "Black,"

U2, "Even Better Than the Real Thing"

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Breaking the Girl"

Nince Inch Nails, "Head Like a Hole"

 

Join Our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock 

 

Now hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com 

 

Subscribe to our show on the following platforms:

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=c7133791d98d4ae4

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80MWI0YTBkYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjl7NCKtYv3AhW7lWoFHY3-BKoQ9sEGegQIARAC  

 

In which The Curmudgeons revisit an era where the streets soared to the top of the charts...and then unleashed their danger on hip-hop's finest artists. The success of Dr. Dre's 1992 album The Chronic ushered in an era where cursing, threatening lyrical opponents with violence, drug use and other chicanery became acceptable fodder for the radio dial. And it gave artists who might not otherwise have enjoyed a broad-based platform an opportunity to shine--including a couple of guys named Tupac Shakur and Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G" Wallace. In this episode, we analyze the tremendous music this period produced and lament its unfortunate wrath. 

 

Enjoy all of this awesome hip-hop music from the 1990s on our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5z7oEmg62kJeiAPRIKhxhS?si=e506f329ec4b4a26

 

Here's a handy navigation companion to this episode. 

 

(00:52 - 04:50) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(05:06 - 15:52) - The Parallel Unvierse, featuring reviews of new albums from Oisin Leech and Eels

 

(16:37 - 01:11:11) - We celebrate the breakout of hardcore hip-hop from both coasts, with discussion of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas and Biggie Smalls

 

(01:12:37 - 02:10:15) - We rumble through a whole host of great '90s hip-hop singles, including entries from gang Starr, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Jay-Z, DMX, A Tribe Called Quest and Ol' Dirty Bastard

 

(02:11:14 - 02:55:04) - We meditate on the ballad of Tupac and Biggie and attempt to capture the legacy of 1990s hip-hop

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/groups/curmudgeonrock

 

Hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on these platforms:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-curmudgeon-rock-report/id1551808911

 

https://open.spotify.com/show/4q7bHKIROH98o0vJbXLamB?si=5ffbdc04d6d44ecb

 

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80M

 

Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

In which the Curmudgeons revisit perhaps the most special of all the years we cover in this series on rock 'n' roll in the 1990s. Sure, 1992 brought on the grunge, but it also introduced us to Rage Against the Machine, Tori Amos and Zoo TV. And all the people were automatic all the time...

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Aldous Harding, "Lawn"

Kurt Vile, "Like Exploding Stones"

R.E.M., "Drive"

Rage Against the Machine, "Freedom"

Pavement, "Conduit For Sale"

Paul Westerberg, "Dyslexic Heart"

Tori Amos, "Me and a Gun"

Alice in Chains, "Rain When I Die"

The Black Crowes, "Thorn in My Pride"

U2, "Even Better Than the Real Thing"

Kyuss, "Green Machine"

Faith No More, "Be Aggressive"

 

Join our Curmudgeonly Community on Facebook today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

Now hosted on Podbean! curmudgeonrock.podbean.com

 

Subscribe to our show on the following sites:

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In which the Curmudgeons remember and pay fond tribute to one of our favorite bands of all time, which now unfortunately is masquerading as an emblem for Las Vegas tourism. We give close attention to the hope, grace and sense of wonder that made the band's anthemic brand of rock 'n' roll so magnificent. We focus especially on the period between 1983 and 1993, when U2 ruled the world via six studio albums and some legendary tours.

 

Check out a book we reference during the episode, Neil McCormick's "U2 by U2": https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/u2-by-u2_u2_neil-mccormick/287778/?resultid=b31d846a-b396-4558-9fdd-27e446d6859c#edition=5780193&idiq=5601732

 

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(0:00 - 13:30) - Arturo sets the parameters for this episode with some deeply personal history 

 

(16:24 - 27:33) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Margo Cilker and Wilco. 

 

(28:13 - 58:14) - We cover U2's early history and the albums War, The Unforgettable Fire and the Joshua Tree

 

(59:13 - 01:19:06) - We cover U2's albums Rattle and Hum and Achtung Baby

 

(01:20:51 - 01:41:59) - We cover U2's albums Zooropa and Pop and briefly cover a rather forgettable 25 years since then

 

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In which the Curmudgeons perform a very thorough, and very personal, examination of 1991. It was a year where music fans and impressionable young listeners relearned how to find and demand meaning from the music they explored. We cover the stuff you'd expect (Nirvana, The Red Hot Chili Peppers) and the stuff you might not (Slint?!). Part 2 of 2.

Albums discussed in this episode include

Slint, "Spiderland"

My Bloody Valentine, "Loveless"

Teenage Fanclub, "Bandwagonesque"

R.E.M., "Out of Time"

Primal Scream, "Screamadelica"

Metallica, "Metallica" (The Black Album)

Guns N' Roses, "Use Your Illusion 1"

Guns N' Roses, "Use Your Illusion 2" 

 

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In which the Curmudgeons discuss, contemplate and analyze the work of one of rock's most gifted and criminally underappreciated acts. Richard Thompson is a singular genius. We explain why.

Songs discussed on this episode include,

Curtis Harding, "Hopeful"

Japanese Breakfast, "Kokomo, IN"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "The Great Valerio"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "Hokey Pokey"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "Beat the Retreat"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "Sweet Surrender"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "You're Going to Need Somebody"

Richard & Linda Thompson, "Walking on a Wire"

Trad Gras Och Stenar, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction"

Todd Rundgren, "Hello, It's Me"

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In which the Curmudgeons revisit 1993, the year we met and also an extraordinarily compelling time. Nirvana and Pearl Jam ruled the world, and hated it. PJ Harvey, Liz Phair and other female artists stunned the world with stone-cold classic albums. And jam bands like Blues Traveler and Phish jammed their way to ampitheater prominence.

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Wet Leg, "Wet Leg"

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, "The Evilest Man"

Nirvana, "Milk It"

Pearl Jam, "Indifference"

PJ Harvey, "50 Foot Queenie"

The Breeders, "Cannonball"

Smashing Pumpkins, "Cherub Rock"

Depeche Mode, "Condemnation"

Radiohead, "Creep"

Blur, "Turn it Up"

Archers of Loaf, "Web in Front"

Afghan Whigs, "Debonair"

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, "Backslider"

Royal Trux, "Teeth" 

Pantera, "This Love"

Tool, "Prison Sex"

Dinosaur Jr., "Start Choppin'"

The Lemonheads, "Into Your Arms"

 

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In which the Curmudgeons dare to attach a superlative to a specific hip-hop masterpiece that stands above all the others in the canon of essentials. Let's just say the magic is in the beats: funky, in effect, and on point. Listen as we reveal our choice. 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Pip Blom, "I Know I'm Not Easy to Like"

"Courtney Barnett," "Turning Green"

Notorious B.I.G., "Gimme the Loot"

N.W.A., "Straight Outta Compton"

A Tribe Called Quest, "Check the Rhime"

Kanye West, "Power"

Jimi Hendrix, "Little Miss Lover"

Ice Cube, "No Vaseline"

Cypress Hill, "How I Can Just Kill a Man" 

 

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In which the Curmudgeons offer a public service and guide you through the essentials within Osees' vast catalog of albums. This is a band that changes its name every couple of years, so maybe it's not a surprise they've released more than 20 studio albums since 2007, plus singles collections and the like. That's a lot...but, yo, we got you covered. 

 

Albums discussed during this episode include:

Floating Coffin (2013)

Mutilator Defeated at Last (2015)

A Weird Exits (2016)

Smote Reverser (2018)

Face Stabber (2019)

Protean Threat (2020)

A Foul Form (2022)

 

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In which The Curmudgeons discuss the awesome power and influence of one of the innovators of the Southern thing, as The Drive-By Truckers refer to it. Lynyrd Skynyrd remains one of the most underrated rock bands of all time, a condition that is partially its own fault, given how it has tied itself in its most recent form to the worst of old Southern stereotypes. But there's no denying that the band's patented three-guitar assault, soulful songwriting and penchant for being the thinking man's rednecks produced a sterling catalog of work during the 1970s. We revisit the five albums of the Ronnie Van Zant era during this episode and place the band in a well-deserved, warm, positive spotlight. 

 

Enjoy the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd bu accessing our special Spotify playlist:

 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3fLgdipOAMd34LCBpAcl3H?si=62407df7ae1c4435

 

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(00:52 - 03:48) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

 

(03:52 - 18:43) The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of awesome new albums by Osees and Jack White

 

(19:28 - 51:09) - We tell the origin story of Lynyrd Skynyrd and discuss the albums Pronounced 'Leh-'Nerd 'Skin-'Nerd, Second Helping, Nuthin' Fancy, Gimme Back My Bullets and Street Surviviors

 

(52:31 - 01:20:09) - We tell the rest of the Lynyrd Skynyrd story, from the tragic plane crash that killed three members to its reformation with Ronnie's little brother Johnny Van Zant and then its eventual descent into self-parody. 

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

  

In which the Curmudgeons extract a truly breathtaking, bruising heavy metal album from its time and place and away from the prejudices that swallowed it upon its release and give it the respect it deserves. 

 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Buffalo Nichols, "Another Man"

Jonny Greenwood, "Prelude"

Metallica, "Frantic"

Metallica, "Some Kind of Monster"

Metallica, "The Unnamed Feeling"

Metallica, "All Within My Hands"

Motorhead, "Built For Speed"

Motorhead, "Doctor Rock"

Mastodon, "Megalodon"

Mastodon, "Hearts Alive"

 

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In which The Curmudgeons celebrate an underrated classic album that was Chris's favorite for a stretch when he was 18 years old. Yes, the episode title is a direct assertion about Blind Melon's debut record Chris made once upon a time to Arturo. But was it a warranted statement from a tortured 18-year-old kid? Of course not, but don't we all have an album like that from our youth we adore? Regardless, the album actually is truly great and deserves serious, thoughtful treatment here 30 years later. 

 

Here's a handy navigation companion for this episode.

 

(0:52 - 4:55) - Atruo sets the parameters for our discussion of Blind Melon

 

(6:54 - 20:21) - The Parallel Universe, featuring albums by Squirrel Flower and Blondeshell

 

(21:20 - 37:18) - Arturo offers the origin story of Blind Melon. Chris discusses why the album came to mean so much to him all those years ago. 

 

(38:13 - 01:05:27) - The Curmudgeons offer a track-by-track analysis of the album Blind Melon

 

(1:05:28 - 01:16:35) - We tell the rest of the story: The disappointing follow-up 1995 album Soup, the death of singer Shannon Hoon and a;; the what-could-have-beens. 

 

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In which the Curmudgeons complete our epic five-part analysis of two remarkable artists with remarkably similar biographical arcs. The 2000s found Michael Jackson and Prince in very different places in their lives and careers. Yet both of their lives ended suddenly and tragically. Our sense of loss remains profound. 

Songs discussed during this episode include:

Idles, "The Wheel"

Little Simz, "Point and Kill"

Michael Jackson, "You Rock My World"

Michael Jackson, "Butterflies"

Prince, "Future Soul Song"

Prince, "Musicology"

Prince, "Welcome 2 America"

Thirteenth Floor Elevators, "Slip Inside This House"

Serge Gainsbourg, "Chatterton"

 

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In which The Curmudgeons marvel at the trainwreck that the career of a pretty fabulous rock 'n' roll singer became. Rod Stewart's gravelly, soulful voice was the engine for a series of great ramped-up yet mostly acoustic albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, all of which cemented a solid legacy for the singer. And then Stewart became beholden to a rock-star, sexy-man persona that craved relevance more than integrity. Starting in 1975, his career descended into a series of schlocky, cheesy singles that, while they proved to be his biggest hits, must be heard to truly appreciate their awfulness. We recount both the good ol' days and the bad ol' days of Rod Stewart during this episode. 

 

Listen to all things Rod Stewart - good, bad and ugly - by accessing our special Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0nXvqAv6Yby0h6pWeDSEG4?si=1ddcbbd651df4677

 

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(0:52 - 03:31) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion of Rod Stewart

 

(03:50 - 15:25) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of new albums by Sahra Halgan and Khruangbin

 

(16:09 - 37:33) - Good Rod - a discussion of Stewart's beginnings and analyses of his first five albums, including his masterpiece, 1971's Every Picture Tells a Story

 

(38:32 - 58:27) - Bad Rod - a discussion of Stewart's nosedive into mediocrity, following him from 1975 through the New Wave days of the early 1980s

 

(59:25 - 01:21:17) - More Bad Rod - a discussion of the nadir that was Rod Stewart's 1980s and then something of a brief comeback in the early 1990s. We end by contemplating the ultimate legacy of Rod Stewart. 

 

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade and Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons

  

 

In which the Curmudgeons step back a quarter of a century to analyze the tail end of a very special era for rock 'n' roll. Radiohead ascended. U2 and Oasis descended. Lillith Fair proved women could lead the festival charge. And The Verve got royally screwed in the most "Bitter Sweet" of ways.    Songs discussed during this episode include:   Angel Olson, "Big Time"   Built to Spill, "Fake Records of Rock & Roll"   Radiohead, "Paranoid Android"   Sleater-Kinney, "One More Hour"   Modest Mouse, "Trailer Trash"   Pavement, "Stereo"   Built to Spill, "Randy Described Eternity"   Yo La Tengo, "Moby Octopad"   The Prodigy, "Firestarter"   The Chemical Brothers, "Setting Sun"   Daft Punk, "Da Funk"   Oasis, "All Around the World"   Blur, "Song 2"   Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, "Green Eyes"   U2, "Mofo"   The Beta Band, "Drive the Rain"   The Verve, "Bittersweet Symphony"     Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

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In which the Curmudgeons continue their revisitation of rock 'n' roll's magical yet tense rise as the music and attitude of American youth. Last episode, we discussed the parochial influences that shaped the earliest rock and the Black pioneers who introduced it to the world. Now, we discuss what happened when Whites got a load of it. The teens loved it. Corporate America? Not so much.    Songs discussed during this episode include:   Goat, "Chukua Pesa"   Soul Glo, "We Wants Revenge"   Bill Haley & His Comets, "Rock Around the Clock"   Elvis Presley, "That's Alright"   Elvis Presley, "Don't Be Cruel"   Jerry Lee Lewis, "Great Balls of Fire"   Jerry Lee Lewis, "Whole Lot of Shaking Goin' On"   Buddy Holly, " Peggy Sue,"   Buddy Holly, "Oh Boy!"   Everly Brothers, "All I Have To Do Is Dream"   Everly Brothers, "Cathy's Clown"   Pat Boone, "Tutti Frutti"   Chubby Checker, "The Twist"   Connie Stevens, "Where The Boys Are" Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

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In which the Curmudgeons examine the career and the great music of rock 'n' roll's best "brother and sister" act. Okay, so they were really ex-husband and ex-wife, but hammy mythos was small part of what made The White Stripes so compelling. That, and their incredible ability to deconstruct and celebrate the blues, country and folk with explosive guitar and simple drums while also writing and recording some of the most innovative songs of their era. We discuss the music and their six albums in detail.   Songs discussed during this episode include:   Personal Trainer, "Big Love Blanket"   Jockstrap, "Greatest Hits"   A whole lotta White Stripes:   "Jimmy the Exploder"   "I Fought Pirahnas"   "The Big Three Killed My Baby"   "You're Pretty Good Looking (For a Girl)"   "Hello Operator"   "Apple Blossom"   "I'm Bound to Pack it Up"   "Dead Leaves On the Dirty Ground"   "Hotel Yorba"   "Fell In Love With a Girl"   "The Union Forever"   "Seven Nation Army"   "The Hardest Button to BUtton"   "Ball and Biscuit"   "I Want To Be the Boy Who Warms Your Mother's Heart"   "Blue Orchid"   "My Doorbell"   "Passive Manipulation"   "Icky Thump"   "Catch Hell Blues"   "Effect and Cause"   Join our Curmudgeonly Community today! facebook.com/curmudgeonrock

 

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In which the Curmudgeons celebrate the majesty of the concert film. Rock 'n' roll has built its legacy visually as much as audibly. Listen to our take on films featuring The White Stripes, Oasis, Talking Heads and others. Yes, we include The Last Waltz, too.

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Nirvana launched a revolution in 1991. By 1997, that revolution had become a trend. A very bad trend. The Curmudgeons hold their noses while examining Creed, Nickelback, Bush and other lousy bands of the post-grunge era.

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Entering the 1990s, Prince and Michael Jackson were made eccentric pop music men. As the decade unfolded, however, eccentricity devolved into just plain weirdness as the spotlights dimmed and both guys fought for control--and then relevancy.

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The Strokes and Guns 'n' Roses were the stuff, and then they weren't. What the hell happened? It's a question the Curmudegeons ponder as we revisit 10 earth-shaking debut albums from 10 great artists...who never came close to making the same impact ever again.

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