Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Ep. 35 - Counting Crows: "Recovering the Satellites"

Join Pete and Brian as they rediscover Counting Crows' 1996 album "Recovering the Satellites". The band found huge fame and critical/public backlash after their multi-million-selling debut, so stakes were high for this sophomore release. Vocalist Adam Duritz's plaintive lyrical delivery and musical influences both current and vintage make for a distinctive listen.  But does it hold up to the test of time? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 12 July 2023. 

Ep. 34 - The Beatles: "Abbey Road" Side B!

Pete and Brian flip the record and revisit Side B of The Beatles' 1969 classic, "Abbey Road". Featuring gorgeous atmospheres, then transitioning to the 8 part Medley, this album side is absolutely stuffed with ideas, moods and movements. How does a collection of short tracks combine as a cohesive suite? How does Side B compare/contrast with Side A (see our episode 33)? And overall, how does "Abbey Road" rank on the warm, tasty burrito scale? Tune in to find that out and a LOT more!  Episode originally released 26 May 2023.

Ep. 33 - The Beatles: "Abbey Road" Side A!

We've finally arrived at The Beatles, taking on their 1969 album "Abbey Road".  The influential status of the band and the complexities of the record mean we'll tackle each side as its own episode. Side A's six tracks pace the way, but are they a cohesive, classic collection, or the leftovers of a band pulling in separate directions? Maybe both? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 11 May 2023.

Ep. 32 - Metric: "Fantasies"

Pete and Brian uncover Metric's "Fantasies" (2009). Featuring Emily Haines' gifted vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, this indie rock/synth band has carved out a huge following, largely doing it their own way, and becoming one of Canada's most successful independent bands. With hooks aplenty, "Fantasies" adds a well-produced gloss to Metric's sound. How do they measure (ha!) up on our scale of warm, tasty burritos? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 25 March 2023.

Ep. 31 - Special Two-Year Retrospective!

Join Pete and Brian as they look back at the Best (and Worst) of two years and thirty episodes of the Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast! Which albums got a perfect 5 out of 5 warm, tasty burritos on our trademarked scale? Which records were most hotly debated? Remember those wonderful and sometimes wacky guest hosts? Take a trip back with us as we remember our favorite moments, share some new music news, and ponder what we'd change and why we love doing this podcast for you, dear listeners!  Episode originally released 3 February 2023.

Ep. 30 - Billy Joel: "Glass Houses"

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit Billy Joel's hugely successful 1980 album "Glass Houses", which saw the Piano Man largely forgo the keys and ballads in favor of a cool rock sound. Does he nail it, or is this a rock record wrapped in cellophane? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 16 January 2023.

Ep. 29 - Modest Mouse: "Good News for People Who Love Bad News"

Join Pete and Brian as they mark the 2-year anniversary of the podcast with indie rock from Modest Mouse! With their 2004 record, "Good News for People Who Love Bad News", the band achieved mainstream success with hit single "Float On". The album is full of unorthodox musicianship and lyrics, rough-around-the-edges jam session vibes, but hints at sophistication and polish.  How does it all hold together? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 16 December 2022.

Ep. 28 - The White Stripes: "Elephant"

Join Pete and Brian as they search for clues to what made The White Stripes' 2003 album "Elephant" a massive hit despite a lo-fi recording mode. Forerunners of the garage/blues-rock revival with distinct sound and style, the two-piece band of Jack (guitars, vocals, etc) and Meg (drums) White turn out stompers alongside quirky deep cuts. Does that variety still make "Elephant" a cohesive listen? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 4 November 2022.

Ep. 27 - Pearl Jam: "Yield"

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit Pearl Jam's 1998 album, "Yield". After a trio of hugely successful records, internal and external stresses required Pearl Jam to shake things up in their songwriting approach. Does "Yield" represent a return to classic form, a new stylistic direction, or a herald the "end" of the golden period for the band?  Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 19 September 2022.

Ep. 26 - Kate Bush: "Hounds of Love"

Join Pete and Brian as they rediscover a monumental art-pop work from the prodigious talent and unique voice of Kate Bush, who is being rediscovered by a new generation. This episode features Bush's 1985 album "Hounds of Love" which included the single "Running up that Hill", returning to top the UK and US charts again in 2022 thanks to inclusion in the series "Stranger Things". The record is a striking introduction to Kate Bush, split between catchy, well-crafted singles and a side-long conceptual suite with lots of sonic experiments. How do we reassess this through the lens of time? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 22 August 2022.