Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast

Ep. 19 - Radiohead: "Kid A"

Join Pete and Brian as they dig into Radiohead's lauded but challenging 2000 album, "Kid A". Coming off their acclaimed "OK Computer" record, anticipation for the next LP was high and the pressure was on to deliver. Radiohead responded with an album of sonic experiments and disparate influences that confounded many but also shaped their sound going forward. Is it a landmark masterpiece or a big mess? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 22 December 2021.

Ep. 18 - The Who: "Who's Next"

Join Pete and Brian as they revisit a true monolith of classic rock, The Who's 1971 album "Who's Next". We'll discuss how the album's tracks were born out of sessions for another ambitious concept LP/rock opera. A band of huge characters and musical talents, "Who's Next" collects some of their most famous and recognizable tunes, showcasing their style and stretching into new themes and techniques. Does "Who's Next" live up to its mythic status? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 25 November 2021.

Ep. 17 - Nada Surf: "Let Go"

Can a band escape the dreaded "one-hit wonder" label and craft a career of consistency and critical acclaim by musical maturation and perseverance? That was Nada Surf's challenge with 2002's "Let Go", taking the independent route to establish their true identity beyond 1996's buzz-bin hit "Popular". Did they succeed in their efforts? Tune in as Pete and Brian offer their perspectives on this transitional album by a beloved band. Episode originally released 27 September 2021.

Ep. 16 - Ben Folds Five: "Whatever and Ever Amen"

Join Pete and Brian for an honest, unmerciful analysis of 1997's "Whatever and Ever Amen" LP by Ben Folds Five.  This power trip (piano, bass and drums) rocked and walked the edge of 90's irony and sincerity with a lively mix of melody, melancholy and rage. Does that sound like a recipe for success or disaster? Tune in to find out!  Episode originally released 2 Sept 2021.

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.