Episodes
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Episode Sixty One: An Album Review of The Beach Boys Christmas Album
Its been a slow year for The Arms Wide Open crew but we couldn't miss out on our annual tradition, reviewing a rock n roll Christmas album. The Jo(h)n's finish off the year with a classic- The Beach Boys Christmas Album. They cover all their favorites, discuss the legacy of the album, and debate...
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Episode Sixty: An Album Review of Greta Van Fleet- The Battle At Garden's Gate
FROM THE VAULT. Originally recorded in 2021, the John's tackle the latest album from Led Zepplin adjacent, Greta Van Fleet. The Jo(h)n's talk the retro style of the band, their occasional departure from Zepplin's sound, and Shaggy's eternal struggle to enjoy new music. Don't forget to like…
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Episode Fifty Nine: A Special Tribute to Taylor Hawkins
The Jo(h)n's take a moment to remember Taylor Hawkins in a special tribute podcast.
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Episode Fifty Eight: A Christmans Album Review of Eric Clapton- Happy Xmas
It's that time of year again! The Jo(h)n's unwrap another rock themed Christmas album for the holiday season, this year digging into Eric Clapton's 2017 album "Happy Xmas." They break down all of the songs, dig into the inspiration around why Clapton made the album, and compare it to past years...
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Episode Fifty Seven: An Album Review of System of a Down- Self Titled
The podcast is back with a look at System of a Down and their 1998 debut self titled album. The Jo(h)n's take a look at nu metal and the bands place in that genre, their unique sound, and whether the music stands up today. They also discuss the HBO documentary on '99 Woodstock and how late 90's...
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Episode Fifty Six: An Album Review of Modest Mouse- Good News for People Who Love Bad News
The Jo(h)n's are back to dig into Modest Mouse and their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News. The hosts cover all the songs, talk about the detailed recording style, the bands missing drummer, and share stories of being at the same concert during the bands tour for this album. A fun...
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Episode Fifty Five: An Album Review of The Blue Stones- Hidden Gems
This week the Jo(h)n's shake it up and review a recently released album from an up and coming band- The Blue Stones and their 2021 album Hidden Gems. They dig into all the songs, look at how the band evolves the two member format, debate modern rock music, and a whole lot more. Check it out and...
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Episode Fifty Three: An Album Review of The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds
After a lengthy hiatus the Jo(h)n's are back in the saddle to discuss the iconic 1966 Beach Boys album "pet Sounds." We cover all the history, including the odd approach to recording, the drama around Brian Wilson and his relationship to drugs and the rest of the band, the cultural influences the...
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Episode Fifty Three: An Album Review of The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman
After a lengthy break, the boys are back to review The Kinks 1970 album "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygroround, Part One." They break down all the songs including the iconic single "Lola". discuss the bands style and its influence on current rock music. Always a good time, don't forget to...
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Episode Fifty Two: A Christmas Album Review of Cheap Trick- Christmas Christmas
Season's Greetings! Its that time again, where the Jo(h)n's review a special Christmas themed album for the holiday season. This year they take on Cheap Trick's 2017 Christmas Christmas. They discuss the covers, the originals, an interesting track order, all with a ton of holiday cheer. The best...
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Episode 51: An Album Review of Rage Against the Machine- Evil Empire
This week the Jo(h)n's review Rage Against the Machine's 1996 album Evil Empire. The boys talk about the band's influence on metal music, Tom Morello's guitar style, the band's dynamic, all the album's songs and how this album stacked up against the rest of the band's limited output. Don't forget...
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Episode Fifty: An Album Review of The Darkness- Easter is Cancelled
WE DID IT! The podcast turns fifty, and as a celebration the hosts circle back to one of their guilty pleasures, The Darkness, and review their 2019 album Easter is Cancelled. The Jo(h)n's cover all the songs, the trademark sound that mixes serious musicianship with tongue in cheek lyrics, and...
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Episode Forty Nine: An Album Review of Ween- Chocolate and Cheese
The podcast you knew was coming one day is finally here. The Jo(h)n's review one of Shaggy's all time favorite bands- Ween and their 1994 album Chocolate and Cheese. The boys go over the bands unique approach, their place on the joke vs serious band spectrum, Dean Ween guitar licks, and how the...
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Episode Forty Eight: An Album Review of Black Sabbath- Paranoia
Our hosts dig into one of the most famous early metal albums of all time, reviewing Black Sabbath's 1970' album Paranoid. The Jo(h)n's cover the band's history, how they sit in the pantheon of 70's rock, all the hit's, the influence on metal, and a lot more. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and...
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Episode Forty Seven: A Career Arch of Incubus- Make Yourself to 8
The Jo(h)ns kick off a new format called "Here and Now" where they compare two albums from a band and discuss the career arch in between. In this first episode, the boys look at Incubus and compare their breakthrough 1999 album Make Yourself with their lackluster 2017 album 8. They discuss the...
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Episode Forty Six: An Album Review of Living Colour- Times Up
The boys are back to discuss Living Color and their 1990 album, Times Up. The Jo(h)n's discuss the bands sound and how it tied to the rock scene's transition from 80's jam bands into 90's grunge, the album's tone, the bands slot in musical history, and the crazy guest spot list the album sports....
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Episode Forty Five: An Album Review of Pearl Jam- Self Titled
This week the Jo(h)n's cover another popular mid 90's rock band by looking at Pearl Jam and their self titled 2006 album. The boys discuss the bands sound progression, the rarity of bands producing good output this late in their careers, band dynamics and a lot more. Check it out and remember to...
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Episode Forty Four: An Album Review of The Black Keys- Let's Rock
The Jo(h)n's return to discuss The Black Key's 2019 album Let's Rock. They re-hash the dynamics of a two piece band and its inevitable pull to a full set, the bands return to guitar heavy music, the dangers of Danger Mouse producing your record, and two perspectives on the bands live act. Don't...
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Episode Forty Three: An Album Review of Silversun Pickups- Swoon
NOTE: This episode was recorded in late 2019 The Jo(h)n's discuss Silversun PIckup's 2009 album "Swoon." They cover the band's catchy sound, comparisons to Smashing Pumpkins, their live act and so much more. Always a good time, don't forget to comment, like and subscribe!
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Episode Fourty Two: An Album Review of Foo Fighters- There Is Nothing Left to Lose
We're BACK! (again). While maintaining a safe social distance, the Jo(h)n's finally get around to reviewing one of their favorite bands, Foo Fighters, and their 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose. They discuss how the band ended up recording as a three piece, how well the album hold up…
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Episode Forty One: An Album Review of Ramones- Self Titled
We've finally shook off our holiday hangover and are back! This week the Jo(h)n's review the Ramones and their 1976 debut self titled album. We discuss the band's pioneer sound, influences on punk rock and the New York indy scene, debate their long lasting cultural influence, and breakdown all…
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Episode Fourty: An Album Review of Bad Religion- Christmas Songs
It's a special holiday podcast! The Jo(h)n's discuss Bad Religion's 2013 Christmas album "Christmas Songs", then go off script to discuss xmas traditions, their favorite holiday movies, and finally give their thoughts to news that John Frusciante has returned to the Chili Peppers. The perfect...
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Episode Thirty Nine: An Album Review of My Morning Jacket- Evil Urges
Part Two (finally) drops of our latest edition of the Convince Me podcast. In this episode Shaggy attempts to talk John into My Morning Jacket using their 2008 album, Evil Urges. The boys talk about the bands musical style, how they influenced (or didn't) the indie music scene, singer Jim James'...
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Episode Thirty Eight: An Album Review of Bruce Springsteen- Born to Run
Its time for another Convince Me podcast! In Part One- John tries to win Shaggy over on The Boss by reviewing his iconic 1975 album Born to Run. The hosts debate Springsteen's vocals, discuss the bands use of Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, look at how the album's layout parallels a Broadway…
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Episode Thirty Seven: An Album Review of Queens of the Stone Age- ...Like Clockwork
We're BACK. After a long layoff your favorite hosts named Jo(h)n get back in the saddle discussing one of their favorite bands, Queen of the Stone Age and their 2013 album ...Like Clockwork. The guys discuss the bands unique blend of metal and hard rock, Josh Homme's creative approach, the bands...
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Episode Thirty Six: An Album Review of Alice In Chains- Unplugged
This week our hosts return and switch it up a little bit and review a live album- Alice in Chains 1996 "MTV Unplugged." They discuss the history of the Unplugged series, walk through the tragic history behind Layne Staley after this show, the bands performance, and John gushes over Jerry…
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Episode Thirty Five: An Album Review of Steely Dan- Can't But a Thrill
This week our hosts travel back to 1972 to review Steely Dan's debut album Can't Buy a Thrill. The Jo(h)n's discuss the albums unique fusion of rock and jazz, discuss the bands recording style and whether it adds or takes away from the music, debate favorite songs and more! If you like what you...
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Episode Thirty Four: An Album Review of Weezer- The "Blue Album"
This week the Jo(h)n's cover Weezer's 1994 debut self titled album also dubbed the "Blue Album." They dig into the bands catchy track list, the carefree style the band portrays and the lack of successors from that genre, and how the band's sound evolved after their debut. Always a good time…
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Episode Thirty Three: An Album Review of Alabama Shakes- Sound & Color
This week the boys break down Alabama Shakes 2015 smash hit, Sound & Color. They discuss the wide variety of musical influences present in the bands style, Brittany Howard's infectious presence as the lead vocalist, the bands awesome live act, and more- be sure to subscribe, rate and comment!
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Episode Thirty Two: An Album Review of Van Halen- Self Titled
The boys finally get around to Van Halen's 1978 debut self titled album. They review the bands "arena rock" sound, Eddie Van Halen's legendary guitars and how they influence the song structure, take pot shots at Van Hager, and talk about the album's influences on hair metal. If you're a first…
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Episode Thirty One: An Album Review of Sublime- Self Titled
This week its back to the mid 90's with Sublimes 1996 self titled album. The hosts cover all the hits, the lesser known songs, the album's odd structure and unique cross genre sound, how it influenced the bands that came after, and more! If you enjoy the pod, don't forget to subscribe, rate and...
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Episode Thirty: An Album Review of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers- Damn The Torpedoes
For the 30th episode, our hosts review an all time classic, Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker's 1979 hit "Damn The Torpedoes." The guys exchange Petty stories, talk about their favorite songs, discuss how the lesser known songs fit into the album, and mourn the legend's recent passing. Check it out...
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Episode Twenty Nine: An Album Review of The Black Angels- Death Song
It is Part 2 of the latest edition of Wife's Picks! This week we look at The Black Angels and their 2017 album Death Song. We discuss the bands modern take on psychedelic rock music, debate when does a lot of reverb become too much reverb, break down our favorite songs and more! Always a fun…
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Episode Twenty Eight: An Album Review of Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
It's the return of Wife Picks! Part One has the boys reviewing Phoenix and their 2009 hit Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. They discuss the bands ultra catchy sound, a unique middle to the album, the bands infectious live act and more! Don't forget to subscribe, like and comment!
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Episode Twenty Seven: An Album Review of Oasis- (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
The boys take another trip across the pond to review Oasis and their 1995 album (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? The hosts look at how well the album ages, the fascinating Gallagher brother dynamic during recording, the silly Blur feud, and more. If you like what you hear, don't forget to...
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Episode Twenty Six: An Album Review of Metallica- Master of Puppets
This week your hosts review one of the most famous metal albums of all time, Metallica's 1986 Master of Puppets. The Jo(h)n's discuss they're favorite songs, discuss the influences the various band members had on the album structure, debate how annoying Lars Ulrich really is, poor one out for…
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Episode Twenty Five: An Album Review of The Who- Tommy
Its the big one, episode 25! And what better way to celebrate a big episode than with a big album...a DOUBLE album. Our hosts break down the godfather of concept albums, 1969 release Tommy. The Jo(h)n's dig into their thoughts on the album, how successful they were on executing a "rock opera"…
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Episode Twenty Four: An Album Review of Radiohead- The Bends
Our guys tackle another 1995 album- Radiohead's artistic breakthrough The Bends. The Jo(h)ns discuss how the album paved the way for future success, John wrestles with how annoying fans can re-inturpret a band's sound, the albums obvious influence on bands like Foo Fighters and Muse, how this…
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Episode Twenty Three: An Album Review of Jimmy Eat World- Bleed American
This week our hosts dip their toes into the early 2000's and Jimmy Eat World's 2001 break through album Bleed American. The Jo(h)n's discuss the bands rise to fame, their very nineties sound, debate what constitutes "Emo Rock" and try and decide if the albums adolescent themes still hold up as...
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Episode Twenty Two: An Album Review of Live- Throwing Copper
Our hosts stay on the mid 90's nostalgia train for Live's 1994 smash hit Throwing Copper. The Jo(h)ns fawn over another underrated rhythm section, talk about the bands lyrics, discuss rumors of being a christian rock band, dive into "fake Live", and provide a bonus review of Mental Jewlery. Check...
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Episode Twenty One: An Album Review of Green Day- Dookie
This week our hosts tackle Green Day's 1994 smash hit Dookie. They exchange nostalgia stories, talk about the impact the band had on both punk and pop music, how well the album holds up, bad musician nicknames, SECRET SONGS, the underrated rhythm section, and more. Check it out, subscribe rate…
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Episode Twenty: An Album Review of Mike Doughty- Haughty Melodic
Part 2 of the latest "Convince Me" series has Shaggy try and convince John that Mike Doughty's breakthrough album "Haughty Melodic" is worth listening to. The hosts discuss the album's lyrics and their hip hop influences, whether or not the bands sound feels dated, John uses a song on the album…
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Episode Nineteen: An Album Review of Iglu & Hartly- & Then Boom
"Convince Me" podcast is BACK! For Part 1 of this go around, John goes out on a limb to convince Shaggy that Iglu & Hartly's lone studio release is worth listening too. The hosts banter about song lyrics, bad tattoos, whether or not the band is straight pop, and that one time they saw the band…
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Episode Eighteen: An Album Review of The Darkness- One Way Ticket to Hell... And Back
This week the boys talk about one of their personal favorite bands, The Darkness, and they're sneaky good second album, One Way Ticket to Hell and Back. The Jo(h)ns discuss the bands retro style and influences, the albums dark undertones, why the band never caught on in the states, and the goofy...
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Episode Seventeen: An Album Review of Royal Blood- Self Titled
The boys are back for Part 2 of "Wife's Picks" to review Royal Blood's 2014 debut self titled album. The Jo(h)n's talk about the band's unique use of a bass as a guitar, the pitfalls of a two piece band (and the advantages of it), and how this album could be a platform for future work. Always a...
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Episode Sixteen: An Album Review of Fleetwood Mac- Rumors
This week the Jo(h)ns tackle Fleetwood Mac's 1977 album Rumors. They dig into the wild state of the band during the albums recording, Lindsey Buckingham's underrated guitar, John woo's over three part harmonies (again), and they dig into the awkward new lineup the band has put together for its...
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Episode Fifteen: An Album Review of The Strokes- Is This It?
The inaugural "Are They Good?" episode takes a deep dive at The Strokes 2000 album Is This It? to answer a burning question: Are the Strokes actually good? They discuss the bands "uniform" sound, the showmanship of Julian Casablanca, the impact the band had on the New York music scene, and a lot...
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Episode Fourteen: An Album Review of Red Hot Chili Peppers- Californication
The boys are back, and this week they discuss RHCP's 1999 album Californication. They break down the albums pivot point to a new sound for the band, the return of guitarist John Frusciante, the weird lyrics that have been a staple for the band, and another deep dive into late 90's MUSIC VIDEOS!...
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Episode Thirteen: An Album Review of Paul Simon- Graceland
This week our hosts reach back to review Paul Simon's 1986 legendary album Graceland. The guys discuss the political backlash the album received, the one of a kind blend of musical styles, nostalgic singles off the album, and the GREATEST MUSIC VIDEO OF ALL TIME (no really). Check us out,...
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Episode Twelve: An Album Review of The War On Drugs- A Deeper Understanding
This week the Jo(h)ns discuss The War on Drug's 2017 album A Deeper Understanding. They talk about the bands blend of modern and retro sounds and the Bob Dylan influences, their interesting take on drummers for recording, and the atmospheric tone of the album as a whole. Always a fun time, don't...
About this show
Welcome to The Arms Wide Open Podcast! Every week we will have a wide ranging discussion around rock music centered on a single album and artist.
Hosted by
John McLaughlin and Jon Siebum
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