Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast
by Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast
Hey, look at you! You made it to the Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast. Your hosts Pete and Brian are musicians, music fans, and long-time collaborators ready for lively discussion and debate on an eclectic mix of albums and genres. We’ll chat about classics, personal favorites, records you may know well or may be new to you. We’ve got two words for you: ”honest” and ”unmerciful” - what works on these albums, what doesn’t, and viewed through the prism of time, how do they hold up today? Each record is ranked on our world-renowned scale of 5 warm, tasty burritos. Maybe you’ll agree with us, maybe not, but it’ll be a fascinating and fun journey...so put on your headphones and enjoy the show!
Episodes
-
Ep. 51 - Pulp: "Different Class"
Pete and Brian are back, and this time they’re diving headfirst into Pulp’s gloriously chaotic 1995 masterpiece Different Class. They’re joined by Kevin Brown, who brings the kind of insider wisdom that only comes from living through the Britpop boom. Together they unpack the unlikely rise of...
-
Ep. 50 - Led Zeppelin: "Houses of the Holy"
It's our 50th episode and 5-year anniversary! Join us as we give our honest, unmerciful review of Led Zeppelin's adventurous 1973 album "Houses of the Holy". Chock full of classics, and some genre hops, does the record hold up? Tune in and find out!
-
Ep. 49 - Fiona Apple: "When the Pawn..."
Pete and Brian dive into Fiona Apple's unflinching, incisive, and emotionally charged second album, 1999's "When the Pawn...". Apple's acrobatic vocalizations, clever lyrics and piano skills are on display, backed by a percussive, expressive band. For the young singer, this album was a response…
more -
Ep. 48 - Weezer: "Weezer" (The Blue Album)
Join Pete and Brian as we discuss 1994's debut eponymous album by alternative rock band Weezer, commonly known as the Blue Album. Arriving on the scene with a powerfully produced record that spawned hits "Undone (the Sweater Song)", "Buddy Holly", and "Say It Ain't So", Rivers Cuomo and his...
-
Ep. 47 - Boards of Canada: "Tomorrow's Harvest"
Pete and Brian share a listening experience that none should take lightly: Boards of Canada's fourth and last(?) studio album, "Tomorrow's Harvest" (2013). The mysterious Scottish duo is renowned as vanguards of "intelligent dance music", but craft soundscapes and sonic experiments that cross...
-
Ep. 46 - Spoon: "Gimme Fiction"
Join Pete and Brian as they unravel the many sonic layers of Spoon's revered 2005 indie-rock album, "Gimme Fiction". We'll dig deep into the lyrics, themes, and music of this well-produced, oft-experimental record. Do the experiments work? Tune in to hear our Honest, Unmerciful appraisal!
-
Ep. 45 - Green Day: "Insomniac"
Know what the world needs now more than ever? An honest, unmerciful review of Green Day's 1995 album "Insomniac"...by none other than Skinny D and Jet Carlo, Pete and Brian's special guests this episode. We'll dig into the punk-rock blast that is Green Day's fourth record, but also their…
more -
Ep. 44 - Electric Light Orchestra: "El Dorado"
Pete and Brian return with a journey through "El Dorado", the 1974 concept album by Electric Light Orchestra. Jeff Lynne and Co. craft a record that's sometimes a cinematic throwback with its orchestration, and sometimes a progressive-leaning rock LP. Does the "concept" hold up and is the variety…
more -
Ep. 43 - Tears for Fears: "Songs From the Big Chair"
Pete and Brian travel back to 1985 when Tears for Fears ruled the world, or at least the pop charts on the strength of "Songs From the Big Chair", their multi-million-selling second album. Featuring massive hits "Shout", "Head over Heels" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", the creative…
more -
Ep. 42 - The Black Crowes: "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion"
Join Pete and Brian as they revisit The Black Crowes' 1992 album "The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion". The band topped the charts with their earnest revival of 70's-influenced rock, with aspects of blues and gospel, riding four hit singles in a time when hair metal was giving way to…
more -
Ep. 41 - King Crimson: "Discipline"
Join Pete and Brian as they discover the virtuosity of 1981's "Discipline" album by King Crimson. is it progressive rock, math rock, gamelan-inspired systems rock, new wave, or something altogether unique mixing all of that? Only bandleader and guitarist extraordinaire Robert Fripp knows for…
more -
Ep. 40 - Hall and Oates: "Private Eyes"
For our big 40th episode, Pete and Brian rediscover Hall and Oates' "Private Eyes" from 1981. These soulful crooners scored #1 singes with the title track and "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)", but the record also holds some adventurous surprises, too... tune in to find out! Episode originally...
-
Ep. 39 - Echo & The Bunnymen: "Ocean Rain"
Pete and Brian revisit Echo & The Bunnymen's "Ocean Rain", released in 1984 and hailed (by the band) as "the greatest album ever made". We'll analyze that claim. It it a high-water mark for the post-punk/new-wave band, incorporating orchestration, eastern music, and atmospheres aplenty, riding…
more -
Ep. 38 - John Cougar Mellencamp: "Scarecrow"
Join Pete and Brian as they revisit the Heartland rock of John Cougar Mellencamp's "Scarecrow" from 1985. Mellencamp presents us with a record full of earnest lyrics and no-frills rock and roll that will take you back in time and back to the small towns listening on AM radio! A chart-topper and…
more -
Ep. 37 - My Bloody Valentine: "Loveless"
Join Pete and Brian as they explore a monumental album of the shoegaze scene, My Bloody Valentine's "loveless" from 1991. Kevin Shields and company crafted an unmistakably, oft-imitated sonic identity and changed the way guitar could sound and songs could be structured, relying on distortion, odd...
-
Ep. 36 - Steely Dan: "Katy Lied"
Join Pete and returning guest host Jet Carlo (subbing in.out with Brian) as they debate the merits of Steely Dan and their 1975 album "Katy Lied". Known as perfectionists with a unique jazz/rock fusion sound, Steely Dan have polarized fans and critics throughout their career. We'll explore why…
more -
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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,...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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)...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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…
more -
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!...
-
Ep. 5 - Talking Heads: "Stop Making Sense"
Join Pete and Brian for an Honest and Unmerciful discussion of "Stop Making Sense" by Talking Heads. Widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert films, but how does the energy and creativity of this unique performance translate to the record? What does a live album represent or accomplish...
-
Ep. 4 - Death Cab for Cutie: "Transatlanticism"
Join Pete and Brian for an Honest and Unmerciful discussion of Death Cab for Cutie's 2003 conceptual, emotive breakthrough album, "Transatlanticism"! This record is all about the feels, introspective and clever lyrics, and explores themes of movement and distance, emotional and physical. But do...
-
Ep. 3 - The Police "Ghost in the Machine"
Join Pete and Brian on this "secret journey" into The Police's 1981 classic transitional album, "Ghost in the Machine". Get ready for virtuoso guitars, inventive drumming, sturdy basslines and...synths! And horns, too! Explore the sound of a band approaching their creative and commercial peak,...
-
Ep. 2 - The Black Keys: "Rubber Factory"
Pete and Brian offer up diverse perspectives (um, disagreements?) on The Black Keys' 2004 lo-fi blues-rock classic album, "Rubber Factory". Is this a consistent, solid album exploring a variety of tones, or is it stuck in a muddy groove? We'll give our honest and unmerciful summaries of a…
more
About this show
Hey, look at you! You made it to the Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast. Your hosts Pete and Brian are musicians, music fans, and long-time collaborators ready for lively discussion and debate on an eclectic mix of albums and genres. We’ll chat about classics, personal favorites, records you may know well or may be new to you. We’ve got two words for you: ”honest” and ”unmerciful” - what works on these albums, what doesn’t, and viewed through the prism of time, how do they hold up today? Each record is ranked on our world-renowned scale of 5 warm, tasty burritos. Maybe you’ll agree with us, maybe not, but it’ll be a fascinating and fun journey...so put on your headphones and enjoy the show!
Hosted by
Honest & Unmerciful Record Review Podcast
Categories