You, Me and An Album

Al Melchior

Music Music Commentary

Latest episode

Available Episodes

5 of 213

212. Wreckless Eric Discusses Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever
Send us a textOn this episode, English alternative rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and engineer Wreckless Eric talks to Al about Tom Petty’s 1989 multi-Platinum solo debut Full Moon Fever. Eric explains how he was belatedly introduced to the album, and what he loves and doesn’t love about it. He also makes the case for Full Moon Fever being the original Dad Rock album. Eric talks about his new solo album, England Screaming, which is a remaking of A Roomful of Monkeys, the lone album released by his mid-‘80s project Captains of Industry.You can find all things Wreckless Eric-related on his website, wrecklesseric.com. You can also follow Eric on Instagram at @thewrecklesseric. For Eric’s videos, check out his YouTube channel at @wrecklessericericgoulden6001.You can buy or stream England Screaming—and some of Eric’s other work—on Bandcamp at https://wrecklesseric.bandcamp.com/.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:25 Eric’s introduction2:11 Eric explains why he chose Full Moon Fever for this episode5:10 Eric talks about the homemade nature of the Full Moon Fever recording9:24 Eric was not listening to Petty around the time that Full Moon Fever came out12:47 Eric recalls what impressed him about the album when he first listened to it15:28 Eric talks about the unique way the drums were recorded20:40 Eric thinks Full Moon Fever could be the first Dad Rock album28:06 Does “Free Fallin’” fit the theme of the album?33:52 Eric explains how the bright acoustic guitar sound was created on “Free Fallin’”36:41 Eric recalls an encounter with producer Denny Cordell41:17 Eric has a theory for why Petty included a cover of “Feel a Whole Lot Better” on the album45:28 Eric talks about how Full Moon Fever was initially going to have fewer tracks47:28 Al didn’t realize Full Moon Fever preceded The Traveling Wilburys49:16 Eric explains why the album wasn’t called Songs from the Garage52:32 Eric discusses what makes Full Moon Fever a complicated listening experience for him1:04:17 Eric and Al talk about features of “Runnin’ Down a Dream” they like1:07:14 Eric recommends that the “haters” listen to the whole album1:08:13 Eric explains why he remade A Roomful of Monkeys as England Screaming1:14:33 Eric talks about recording England Screaming with drummer Sam Shepherd1:21:43 Eric extols the virtues of playing slow1:25:09 Eric explains why A Roomful of Monkeys didn’t turn out the way he envisioned1:28:09 Eric talks about his upcoming live events1:29:29 Eric discusses the importance of the artsOutro music is from “Land Of The Faint At Heart” by Wreckless Eric.Support the show
--------
1:38:31
--------
1:38:31
211. Emma Swift Discusses Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago (see notes re: TW)
Send us a textOn this episode, Nashville-based, Australian-born singer-songwriter Emma Swift introduces Al to Bon Iver’s 2007 album For Emma, Forever Ago. Emma talks about how she first learned about Bon Iver and this particular album as a DJ in Sydney. She explains what drew her to Justin Vernon’s music and what set him apart from other indie artists of the late 2000s. Emma also highlights some of her favorite aspects and moments from For Emma, Forever Ago. She and Al wind up by discussing her latest album, The Resurrection Game, how it came to have its full, cinematic sound, and what she has planned for the months ahead.TRIGGER WARNING: At 44:47, Emma makes a brief reference to suicidal ideation. Skip ahead to 45:14 to resume with the next topic.Correction: Al says that For Emma, Forever Ago was Justin Vernon’s solo debut. However, prior to that album, Vernon had made two albums under his own name and one as “JD Vernon.”There is no shortage of ways to keep up with Emma, so make sure you visit/follow her on the following platforms!Socials: @emmaswiftsings on Instagram, Facebook and YouTubeWebsite: https://www.emmaswift.com/Blog: https://emmaswiftsings.substack.com/Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:31 Emma’s introduction2:10 Emma and Al were not trying to be cute with this episode’s album selection3:00 Emma shares her reasons for picking For Emma, Forever Ago6:47 Emma admires the introspective creative process that Vernon employed for making this album11:40 Al explains why he had a difficult time getting into the album14:04 Should Al have chosen a different album from Emma’s short list?15:51 Emma talks about what distinguishes For Emma, Forever Ago from other late-Aughts folk20:36 Listening to Bon Iver is part of Al’s effort to catch up on music he missed in the 2000s and 2010s24:31 Emma names some artists that she has caught up on recently26:23 Vernon’s honesty about his struggles caught Emma’s attention28:44 Al talks about some of the features of Vernon’s production that he liked31:47 Emma focuses on two of the tracks she enjoys from the album37:09 Emma explains why she thinks this album is “uncoverable”41:03 Emma talks about why she opted for a cinematic approach with The Resurrection Game46:57 Emma notes the ascendancy of a new model of masculinity in indie music52:41 Emma talks about her upcoming touring and recording plans59:02 Emma tells us about the concerts she has recently attended1:00:58 Emma has another covers album coming out1:03:24 Emma talks about some of the music she’s been listening to1:07:27 Emma has a theory about Al’s musical tastes1:10:28 Emma recommends the Michael Shannon/Jason Narducy R.E.M. showsOutro music is from “No Happy Endings” by Emma Swift.Support the show
--------
1:16:48
--------
1:16:48
210. Andrea Walker Discusses Fleetwood Mac, Tango in the Night
Send us a textAndrea Walker, co-founder, primary songwriter and guitarist for the Portland-based indie rock band Glitterfox, visits YMAAA to talk about Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 album Tango in the Night. Andrea discusses how she got into Fleetwood Mac, and this album in particular, through learning and performing the songs, and how playing Fleetwood Mac covers was instrumental to the development of Glitterfox. She also talks about what she likes about the sound of Tango in the Night, and which songs are her favorites. She and Al break the album down by the clusters of songs written and sung by each of the band’s three primary songwriters—Lindsey Buckingham, the late Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks. They wrap up by discussing Glitterfox’s recently-released album Decoder and the band’s tour plans.You can follow Andrea on Instagram at @andreaplaysguitar.There are several ways to keep up with Glitterfox. On Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, they’re at @glitterfoxband. There’s also their website, https://glitterfoxband.myshopify.com/.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:42 Andrea’s introduction2:33 Andrea talks about Glitterfox’s history of covering Fleetwood Mac songs6:11 Andrean discusses her role as Glitterfox’s main songwriter8:01 Andrea explains why she chose Tango in the Night for this episode11:51 Al explains why he never bought or listened to Tango in the Night16:11 Andrea talks about the production technique that gives Tango in the Night its ethereal feel20:08 The different sound on Tango in the Night extends to the vocals23:02 Andrea pinpoints when she started getting into Tango in the Night25:18 Andrea explains why she didn’t focus much on soloing until recently28:02 Learning Fleetwood Mac covers was instrumental to Glitterfox’s growth as a band28:51 Andrea picks her favorite tracks from the album30:01 Al sees a common link among his favorite songs from Tango in the Night32:29 Al talks about the part of the album he might skip34:04 Andrea and Al discuss the Stevie songs42:30 Andrea and Al are “Team Christine,” but Andrea is also “Team Lindsey”47:20 Andrea is impressed by the struggles and determination needed to complete Tango in the Night48:40 Al is fascinated by the post-TITN era of Fleetwood Mac51:50 Andrea talks about some of the specific ways that Glitterfox and Fleetwood Mac are similar57:00 Andrea pinpoints what makes Glitterfox’s sound distinct1:01:04 Andrea talks about the videos Glitterfox made for Decoder1:03:50 Andrea lays out Glitterfox’s upcoming tour plansOutro music is from “Wildfires” by Glitterfox.Support the show
--------
1:09:17
--------
1:09:17
209. Leanne Butkovic and Angie Boylan of Freezing Cold Discuss No Doubt, Tragic Kingdom
Send us a textLeanne Butkovic and Angie Boylan, who comprise the rhythm section of the New York-based indie rock trio Freezing Cold, join Al to discuss No Doubt’s 1995 breakthrough album Tragic Kingdom. Leanne and Angie each talk about how the album was formative for them, why they still enjoy it and why being a fan of the band—and of Gwen Stefani in particular—is sometimes challenging. They also talk about Freezing Cold’s latest album, Treasure Pool, and their collaborative songwriting process.You can follow Angie on Instagram at @angie_boylan. Freezing Cold also has an account on Instagram: @freezingcoldband.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:38 Leanne and Angie join the show2:04 Al talks about his preconceptions about Tragic Kingdom3:43 Angie details how she became obsessed with Tragic Kingdom and No Doubt when she was 127:46 Leanne recalls her first concert and her early music listening experiences10:58 Leanne identifies the elements of No Doubt’s sound and image that she found so appealing14:14 Angie talks about Gwen Stefani as a fashion icon15:18 Leanne discusses the complicated nature of being a Gwen Stefani fan20:43 Angie talks about the more politically progressive side of No Doubt23:03 Leanne and Angie have felt betrayed by Stefani at times25:10 Al got over his preconceptions27:31 No Doubt demonstrate their versatility on Tragic Kingdom30:49 Leanne talks about Gwen Stefani as a lyricist32:00 Angie, Leanne and Al discuss how Adrian Young and Gwen Stefani thrived as relatively inexperienced musicians36:13 Angie and Leanne cite some of their favorite tracks from the album39:39 Angie notes the one track that she skips40:27 Leanne thinks No Doubt may have benefited from Interscope needing Tragic Kingdom to be a hit 41:48 Leanne shares her reactions to the album’s final two tracks45:34 Leanne and Angie enjoyed No Doubt’s 2024 reunion performance at Coachella47:08 Leanne explains how she joined Freezing Cold48:52 Leanne discusses how Freezing Cold typically write songs50:40 “The Day” is an outlier on Treasure Pool55:20 Angie talks about how she and Jeff Cunningham have simplified their songwriting for Freezing Cold57:03 Angie explains how she became the touring and studio drummer for Sleater-Kinney58:26 Leanne discusses some of Marissa Paternoster’s contributions to Freezing Cold1:00:12 Angie and Leanne talk about Freezing Cold's upcoming plansOutro music is from “Eclipse” by Freezing Cold.Support the show
--------
1:05:52
--------
1:05:52
208. Will Paquin Discusses Paulinho Nogueira, O Fino do Violão
Send us a textNashville-based guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Will Paquin joins Al to introduce him to Paulinho Nogueira’s 1965 album O Fino do Violão. Will talks about how he got into Brazilian guitar, why he didn’t tell anyone about the music he discovered and why he has a particular affinity for Nogueira’s music. Will also highlights some of his favorite parts of the album and notes some features that can best be appreciated through active listening. He and Al talk about Will’s recently released debut album Hahaha and his upcoming plans.To find Will’s music, tour schedule and more, visit his site at https://www.willpaquin.com/ or check out his Bandcamp page at https://willpaquin.bandcamp.com/.You can also find Will at @will.paquin on Instagram and TikTok.Be sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. The first four episodes of Bonus Tracks—YMAAA’s subscriber-only podcast series—are now available at patreon.com/youmealbum. More monthly episodes and other good stuff are soon to come. Please consider subscribing! Your support will make it possible for Al to keep this podcast going.To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:19 Will joins the show1:38 Will talks about how he got introduced to Brazilian music and how that influenced his guitar playing5:33 Will explains how Nogueira’s approach is different from other Brazilian guitarists, such as Baden Powell and Luiz Bonfá9:21 Will had second thoughts about discussing this album on this episode11:06 Will explains why Nogueira’s style suits him better than Powell’s14:54 Will and Al talk about the different moods on the album17:13 Will talks about some of the things one may notice when listening actively to O Fino do Violão24:04 Will has found the album comforting in many moments throughout his life31:56 Will explains why “Largo” sounds different from the other tracks on the album34:15 Will identifies his favorite moments on O Fino do Violão35:50 Will gravitates towards the more spontaneous-sounding tracks37:45 Will explains why he prefers to listen to O Fino do Violão rather than Noguiera’s other albums39:54 Will talks about how he and other artists have been influenced by Brazilian music43:17 Al cites some of the other influences that he noted on Hahaha45:30 Does Will want his albums to be cohesive?50:08 Will talks about the decade-long span involved in writing “I Work So Hard”53:19 Will discusses his upcoming tour dates and recording plansOutro music is from “We Really Done It This Time” by Will Paquin.Support the show
--------
58:24
--------
58:24