Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

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.

Ep. 25 - David Bowie: "Hunky Dory"

Join Pete, Brian, and special guest reviewer Kevin Brown ("The Tom Petty Project") as they track the many stylistic changes on David Bowie's fourth LP, 1971's "Hunky Dory". Bowie at once honors his inspirations and looks toward his own future on an album that features a variety of styles. But with any break from the past and harbinger of what's to come in an artist's career, does the album hold up? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 27 June 2022.

Ep. 24 - U2: "Achtung Baby"

Join Pete and Brian as they explore U2's "Achtung Baby" (1991), a transformative, influential record with a surprising origin story. This album finds the band redefining their sound and taking huge steps from self-serious 80's rockers to changing the musical landscape of the 90's. Experimenting with new production approaches and attitudes, while still unmistakably U2, "Achtung Baby" garnered even greater commercial success. How does this record hold up 30 years later? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 6 June 2022.

Ep. 23 - The Cure: "Disintegration"

Join Pete and Brian as they delve into the many layers of The Cure's landmark 1989 album, "Disintegration". Striving to create a work of lasting importance and sustaining a heavy mood, Robert Smith and co. recorded an album that reverberates with melancholia and melodies both grand and sparse.  An all-time classic or an emotionally-draining experience? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 10 May 2022.

Ep. 22 - XTC: "Black Sea"

Join Pete and Brian as they dive deep into the churning sonic waters of XTC's 1980 album, "Black Sea". This record is brimming over with experimental sounds and lyrics, with XTC wearing the "New Wave" badge as well as referencing mid-60's British psychedelia, while sounding totally distinct and modern. Is the record a work of genius, challenging conventions of the time, or the album equivalent of "everything and the kitchen sink"? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 29 March 2022.

Ep. 21 - Genesis: "A Trick of the Tail"

Join Pete and Brian as they explore 1976's "A Trick of the Tail" album by Genesis, the band's first without Peter Gabriel on lead vocals, swapping in young drummer Phil Collins. While the loss of a distinct voice and visual identity could have ended the fledgling band, Genesis delivered a classic album full of progressive music, adventurous lyrics and a voice that began a new era of critical and popular acclaim. Does this record point the band in the direction of pop hitmakers, or represent the logical next step from their art-rock past? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 9 February 2022.

Ep. 20 - AC/DC: "Back in Black"

Join Pete and Brian as they tackle AC'DC's 1980 classic LP "Back in Black". One of the all-time best-selling albums, "Back in Black" found the hard-rocking Aussie band paying tribute to their departed vocalist, Bon Scott, and breaking in the pipes of new lead singer, Brian Johnson. Never backing away from hedonistic themes and heavy guitar licks, the album delivers huge singles mixed with some controversial lyrics.  Episode originally released 14 January 2022.