Polyphonic Press: Classic Album Reviews

• Behaviour by Pet Shop Boys - Ep. 98

  Released in October 1990, Behaviour is the fourth studio album by British synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. Often regarded as their most introspective and mature work, the album marked a shift from the high-energy dance-pop of their earlier records to a more subdued, melodic, and reflective sound.Produced in collaboration with Harold Faltermeyer, Behaviour is characterized by warm analog synthesizers and lush orchestration, which complement the melancholic and thoughtful lyrical themes. Tracks like “Being Boring,” a nostalgic meditation on youth and loss, and “This Must Be the Place I Waited Years to Leave,” a tale of regret and disillusionment, exemplify the album's emotional depth. Despite its more restrained tone, the record still features infectious moments of pop brilliance, such as “So Hard” and “Jealousy.”Critically acclaimed for its sophisticated songwriting and emotional resonance, Behaviour has grown in stature over the years and is often cited by fans and critics alike as one of Pet Shop Boys’ finest and most enduring works.What did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

  --------  

  36:42
• Wild is the Wind by Nina Simone - Ep. 97

  Released in 1966 by Philips Records, Wild Is the Wind is one of Nina Simone’s most emotionally potent and artistically rich albums. A collection of outtakes from previous sessions, the album transcends its piecemeal origins to form a hauntingly cohesive statement on love, longing, and personal turmoil. Simone’s vocal delivery is raw and deeply expressive, gliding effortlessly from tender vulnerability to defiant strength.The title track, “Wild Is the Wind,” is a masterclass in interpretation—Simone stretches the song into a slow-burning, sensual lament, transforming it into one of her signature performances. Other highlights include “Four Women,” a powerful narrative exploring the intersecting identities of Black womanhood, and “Lilac Wine,” a delicate, dreamlike ballad.Blending elements of jazz, classical, folk, and blues, Wild Is the Wind showcases Simone’s genre-defying artistry and her unmatched ability to convey complex emotional landscapes. It remains one of her most acclaimed and enduring works, celebrated for both its political consciousness and its poetic beauty.What did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

  --------  

  31:12
• Talking Book by Stevie Wonder - Ep. 96

  Talking Book is the fifteenth studio album by Stevie Wonder, released on October 27, 1972, by Tamla Records, a Motown subsidiary. Widely regarded as a landmark in soul and R&B music, the album marks a turning point in Wonder's career as he gained full creative control over his music. Blending elements of soul, funk, rock, and synthesizer-driven pop, Talking Book showcases Wonder’s innovative production, socially conscious lyrics, and emotional depth.The album features some of his most iconic songs, including the infectious, funk-infused "Superstition" and the tender ballad "You Are the Sunshine of My Life"—both of which became number-one hits. With contributions from legendary musicians like Jeff Beck and Ray Parker Jr., the album is celebrated for its rich textures, pioneering use of the synthesizer, and deeply personal songwriting.Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, Talking Book helped define the sound of 1970s soul and solidified Stevie Wonder’s reputation as a visionary artist.What did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

  --------  

  28:54
• Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? by Megadeth - Ep. 95

  "Peace Sells... but Who's Buying?" is the second studio album by American thrash metal band Megadeth, released on September 19, 1986, through Capitol Records. Widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in thrash metal, it solidified Megadeth's position as one of the genre’s “Big Four” alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax.The album showcases the band’s growing technical prowess, especially the intricate guitar work of Dave Mustaine and Chris Poland, and the tight rhythm section of David Ellefson on bass and Gar Samuelson on drums. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of political corruption, war, and social commentary—reflected in its iconic title track, "Peace Sells", which became a signature song for the band and a defining statement of 1980s metal's more rebellious and critical voice.Produced by Dave Mustaine and Randy Burns, Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? was a major step up in production from their debut, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good!, and became a benchmark for thrash metal's musical and thematic potential.Would you like a track-by-track breakdown or a summary of its critical reception and legacy?Listen to the album on Apple MusicListen to the album on SpotifyWhat did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

  --------  

  34:54
• Close to You by The Carpenters - Ep. 94

  Close to You is the breakthrough album by the American pop duo The Carpenters, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Marking their second studio release, the album propelled them into the spotlight with its soft pop sound, lush orchestration, and Karen Carpenter’s signature warm, melancholic vocals.The album features the iconic title track "(They Long to Be) Close to You," written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, which became a number-one hit and earned the duo two Grammy Awards. Another standout single, "We've Only Just Begun," also became a wedding standard and a top-charting success.With a blend of pop, soft rock, and easy listening, Close to You captures the early '70s zeitgeist of romantic optimism and gentle melodies. The album’s polished production, melodic arrangements by Richard Carpenter, and Karen’s emotionally resonant voice established The Carpenters as leading figures in the adult contemporary genre.Listen to the album on Apple MusicListen to the album on SpotifyWhat did you think of this album? Send us a text! Support the showPatreonWebsitePolyphonic Press Discord ServerFollow us on InstagramContact: [email protected]: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.

  --------  

  29:54

More Music podcasts

Trending Music podcasts

About Polyphonic Press: Classic Album Reviews