Join Pete and Brian as we discuss 1994's debut eponymous album by alternative rock band Weezer, commonly known as the Blue Album. Arriving on the scene with a powerfully produced record that spawned hits "Undone (the Sweater Song)", "Buddy Holly", and "Say It Ain't So", Rivers Cuomo and his bandmates defied expectations almost from day 1. Embracing their geekiness while blasting power chords and tight harmonies, Weezer's debut was a critical and commercial success... but how does it hold up over 30 years later? Tune in as we uncover the album's secrets and give our honest, unmerciful review!
--------
1:05:35
--------
1:05:35
Ep. 47 - Boards of Canada: "Tomorrow's Harvest"
Pete and Brian share a listening experience that none should take lightly: Boards of Canada's fourth and last(?) studio album, "Tomorrow's Harvest" (2013). The mysterious Scottish duo is renowned as vanguards of "intelligent dance music", but craft soundscapes and sonic experiments that cross genres. "Tomorrow's Harvest" is a concept record in many ways, and we'll explore some of the lore and the emotions it conjures. Be warned - it's not easy listening, but the challenges Boards of Canada throw can lead to revelations!
--------
1:05:27
--------
1:05:27
Ep. 46 - Spoon: "Gimme Fiction"
Join Pete and Brian as they unravel the many sonic layers of Spoon's revered 2005 indie-rock album, "Gimme Fiction". We'll dig deep into the lyrics, themes, and music of this well-produced, oft-experimental record. Do the experiments work? Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful appraisal!
--------
1:29:16
--------
1:29:16
Ep. 45 - Green Day: "Insomniac"
Know what the world needs now more than ever? An honest, unmerciful review of Green Day's 1995 album "Insomniac"...by none other than Skinny D and Jet Carlo, Pete and Brian's special guests this episode. We'll dig into the punk-rock blast that is Green Day's fourth record, but also their important follow-up to their fame-making album "Dookie". Do they deliver the goods on "Insomniac"? Tune in to find out!
--------
42:55
--------
42:55
Ep. 44 - Electric Light Orchestra: "El Dorado"
Pete and Brian return with a journey through "El Dorado", the 1974 concept album by Electric Light Orchestra. Jeff Lynne and Co. craft a record that's sometimes a cinematic throwback with its orchestration, and sometimes a progressive-leaning rock LP. Does the "concept" hold up and is the variety a feature or a bug? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 2 February 2025.
Hey, look at you! You made it to the Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast. Your hosts Pete and Brian are musicians, music fans, and long-time collaborators ready for lively discussion and debate on an eclectic mix of albums and genres. We’ll chat about classics, personal favorites, records you may know well or may be new to you. We’ve got two words for you: ”honest” and ”unmerciful” - what works on these albums, what doesn’t, and viewed through the prism of time, how do they hold up today? Each record is ranked on our world-renowned scale of 5 warm, tasty burritos. Maybe you’ll agree with us, maybe not, but it’ll be a fascinating and fun journey...so put on your headphones and enjoy the show!
Australia