Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Ep. 15 - Peter Gabriel: "So"

Pete and Brian share their honest, unmerciful insights on one of the defining albums of the 80's, Peter Gabriel's "So" from 1986. How does this record walk the line between Gabriel's unique artistic vision and major commercial success? How did he evolve in a way that led to huge pop hits while staying true to his experimental muse? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 7 August 2021.

Ep. 14 - Smashing Pumpkins: "Siamese Dream"

Join Pete and Brian as they dig into the monumental second Smashing Pumpkins record, 1993's "Siamese Dream". This record appeared as grunge was pushing into the mainstream, and the band was struggling internally and externally to make a different mark. Is it a colossal work of (Billy Corgan's) genius, or an overblown opus? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 1 July 2021.

Ep. 13 - Tom Petty: "Wildflowers"

Join Pete and Brian as they explore a legendary, critically acclaimed album by Tom Petty, 1994's "Wildflowers". This "solo" LP, with major assists from Heartbreakers bandmates, documents the professional and deeply personal changes Petty was feeling at the time. We'll discuss how such changes impact the record's sounds and themes. So get ready to find yourself sonically somewhere you'll feel free! Episode originally released 14 June 2021.

Ep. 12 - Franz Ferdinand: "Franz Ferdinand"

In this episode, Pete and Brian dive into the party that is Franz Ferdinand's eponymous debut album from 2004. Full of raw guitar swagger, disco beats, and ambiguous lyrics, we'll peel away the many layers of this electric, eclectic record. Come check it out with us! Episode originally released 28 May 2021.

Ep. 11 - The Sundays: "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic"

Join Pete and Brian as they discuss the debut album by The Sundays, 1990's "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic". This college rock/dream pop album launched a promising career, thanks to Harriet Wheeler's unmistakable vocals, David Gavurin's jangly guitar lines, and a set of literary, sometimes precious lyrics. But as sure as their star rose, The Sundays faded from view just a couple of records later. How does their debut hold up? Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful review!  Episode originally released 4 May 2021.

Ep. 10 - Elvis Costello: "This Year's Model"

Pete and Brian discuss a touchstone of New Wave, Elvis Costello & the Attractions' 1978 classic, "This Year's Model". What makes the record tick: a) a rock-solid rhythm section, b) catchy, omnipresent organ, c) clever wordplay, d) Costello's unmistakable voice, e) all of that, or f) that's too much! Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 12 April 2021.

Ep. 9 - Depeche Mode: "Songs of Faith and Devotion"

Join Pete and Brian for a deep dive into Depeche Mode's 1993 album, "Songs of Faith and Devotion", a record that saw the synth-focused band intentionally update their sound amid the early 90's musical landscape. With emphasis on rock elements, live guitar and drums, and layers of interesting samples, the band also experimented with new non-electro genres, while maintaining their emotionally/spiritually-charged themes. So did Depeche Mode survive the alt/grunge era and thrive with a new formula for success? Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 3 April 2021.

Ep. 8 - R.E.M.: "Fables of the Reconstruction"

Join Pete and Brian for an Honest & Unmerciful assessment of R.E.M.'s 1985 LP "Fables of the Reconstruction:. Does the record provide an important transition for the band, or is it part of their natural progression in developing their signature sound? And what's going on with those lyrics?! Tune in to find out! Episode originally released 16 Mar 2021.

Ep. 7 - Cat Stevens: "Tea for the Tillerman"

Pete and Brian explore Cat Stevens' 1970 album "Tea for the Tillerman" with its rich lyrics and fabled folk music stylings.  Is it "timeless" or "of a time" 50+ years ago?  Tune in to find out!  Originally released 22 Feb 2021.

Ep. 6 - Beastie Boys: "Ill Communication"

This episode, Pete and Brian pass the mics to Skinny D and Jet Carlo to discuss Beastie Boys' 1994 genre-busting LP "Ill Communication".  Where do the B-Boys step up, and are there missteps among the tag-team raps, forays into funk-jazz improvs, or returns to their punk roots? Tune in to find out! Originally released 8 Feb. 2021.